With 1200 scattered islands, islets and sandbars, Maldives has desert islands to spare, with about 130 of these specks of sea-circled sand occupied by some of the most gorgeous beach resorts on earth.

The best news? Travelers of all nationalities can get a tourist visa upon arrival in the country – meaning few obstacles between you and that island in the sun.

While visitors to this tropical archipelago won't have to give much thought to visas and red tape, they should think about just what kind of Maldive experience floats their boat. Do you crave a villa over the water in a resort so opulent it would make a sultan blush? Or are you looking for a more local-style stay, in a laid-back village guesthouse on one of the inhabited islands?

Some islands offer pristine beaches, some diving and surfing, some fine dining and spas, and some just pure relaxation. Whichever you pick, here’s what you need to know about getting a visa for Maldives.

How to get a tourist visa for Maldives

The Maldives immigration authorities don’t put many hurdles in the way of tourists arriving in the country. Single-entry tourist visas valid for 30 days are granted to visitors from every country in the world upon arrival. There is no visa fee for Maldives immigration; you'll only need to meet a few not-too-onerous conditions.

You’ll need a machine-readable passport valid for at least one month beyond the date of arrival, and proof of booked accommodation, plus tickets for onward air travel and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your trip (US$100 plus US$50 per day of your stay should suffice). In practice, proof of funds is rarely checked for those with a resort booking. But be prepared for immigration officers to ask to see cash or a bank statement.

You’ll also need to fill in a Traveler Health Declaration form no more than 24 hours before departing for Maldives. The form can be submitted, along with proof of a negative PCR Covid test, via the government’s Imuga portal.

Note that citizens of India and a few other nations that have bilateral agreements with the Maldives have been permitted stays of up to 90 days in the past. While this policy is currently suspended, it may resume as tourism picks up. Your local Maldivian embassy or high commission can provide more information.

Tourist visas are strictly for tourism. If you’re found to be working in Maldives, or overstay the 30-day limit without prior permission, you can be fined and deported.

Visa extensions

Most visitors to Maldives are on pre-booked resort trips, and few people end up needing to extend their stay. It is possible, however, to extend a 30-day on-arrival visa for a further 60 days by applying directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

The authorities will want to know your reasons for staying, and you’ll need to provide proof of funds to cover the extended trip. You’ll also need support from a local sponsor, who might be the owner of your guesthouse or management at your resort. Contact the immigration department before the expiration of your old visa at their headquarters on the first floor of the Velaanaage building on Ameer Ahmed Magu in Malé.

Other entry requirements

There are a few other entry regulations to be aware of. As well as a ban on narcotics and firearms, visitors to Maldives are strictly prohibited from importing alcohol, pork products, dogs and spear guns.

Other banned imports include pornography (this is interpreted loosely, and can include books and magazines with any kind of nudity on the cover) as well as "idols of worship" and non-Muslim religious literature, including Bibles. The Maldives Customs Service has full details.

Work & business visas

It isn’t possible to travel to Maldives and find work after you arrive, but since many resorts employ international staff job opportunities do exist. To secure a work visa, you’ll need a passport valid for at least one year and a work permit issued by the Ministry of Economic Development, plus a recognized medical certificate and proof of health insurance.

To obtain a work permit, you’ll need sponsorship from an employer, so the first step is always to secure a job offer from a company in Maldives. Resort chains advertise for staff through international agencies, and some also post job adverts at Job Maldives.

Business visas are available for business travelers, but the process is complex. Visas are good for multiple entries, but you’ll need health insurance, a passport valid for at least six months, and a local sponsor. Additionally, a 750 Maldivian rufiyaa (US$48.50) fee applies for every three months that the visa is valid. Applications must be filed through the government’s Business Portal.

Covid considerations

The immigration authorities in Maldives have taken a number of steps to balance the needs of travelers with the health concerns of local people. To enter the country, tourists currently need to provide a negative PCR Covid test, taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

Travelers staying in guesthouses in inhabited islands must also show proof of a full course of vaccination, completed at least 14 days before arrival. Travelers who have had one dose may be permitted to stay on inhabited islands providing the local population is sufficiently vaccinated. See the Visit Maldives website for the latest information.

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Everyone knows that water is what makes Venice unique. It’s all part of its mythos and charm – the Serenessima floats in the middle of the Lagoon, with only a strip of land connecting it to the mainland.

Its streets are canals. Its cars are vaporettos and gondolas. And that, mixed with the stunning buildings left behind by more than a millennium of history, might make it hard to think of Venice as a city with green spaces to enjoy.

And yet, Venice has no shortage of city parks where you can stop your walking tour and relax surrounded by trees. Here are some of the best.

Giardini Papadopoli

These gardens located not too far away from Piazzale Roma and from Venice’s main train station, Santa Lucia, can boast their fair share of history since they were ordered by the Papadopoli earls in 1834. Their shape has definitely changed with the World War Two bombings and the expansion of the city, but they can still offer a huge variety of trees for anyone who wants to take a break from palaces and bridges and enjoy some unrushed quiet – or some climbing and swinging around, since it also features a play area for kids.

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Giardini Reali

Every Italian city that has ever been the seat of a dukedom or princedom or kingdom has Royal Gardens, and Venice is no exception. The Serenissima’s Giardini Reali are located right in its most popular area, just by Saint Mark’s Square. Napoleon was the one who ordered them into being, but after his exile, it was the Austrians who picked up the project and brought it to completion – making the gardens a delightful area for the court to enjoy. After some years of renovations, the gardens have returned to their chic and polished splendor, ready to be enjoyed – just like the coffee house originally planned by Napoleon, where you can stop for a quick espresso (and maybe a couple of Instagram photos).

Parco Savorgnan

Pretty close to the Santa Lucia train station, Parco Savorgnan is beautifully encapsulated in the historic buildings of the Cannaregio neighborhood. Think New York's Central Park, but make it way tinier and older, since the first plans for the park were laid down around the 17th century. It was a very common type of green space when it was first created, and it has only gotten richer through the centuries – with statues, fountains and careful Romantic landscaping. It could be a great stop on your way to and from the city center from the railway station, a chance to rest your feet as you sit down among trees that have seen the history of the Serenissima unfold.

Giardini della Biennale

Napoleon’s name pops up in the history of these gardens as well, since their construction was ordered at the same time as that of the Giardini Reali. At the end of the 19th century, though, the area was given to the foundation that organized the Biennale exhibition – and the international art exhibition became inextricably tied to the gardens, and vice versa. As you stroll around the gardens today you can see thirty pavilions owned by different countries around the world – when the Biennale is on, that’s where the works of art are displayed. But even when it’s not a Biennale year you can still see the pavilions and explore their sometimes centuries-old history – like that of the Belgium pavilion, which was the first one to be built in the gardens at the beginning of the 20th century.

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Parco delle Rimembranze

Also known as Pineta di Sant’Elena, the pinewood of Sant’Elena, this huge park is located on the island of the same name and just a bridge away from the Biennale area. Facing the waterfront, the Pineta is the perfect spot to reach when one wants to spend some downtime under the pine trees, staring out at the sea and at some breathtaking landscapes of the city. Like the Giardini Papadopoli, the Pineta di Sant’Elena is also equipped with a playground for children.

Parco San Giuliano

It’s true that what most people think of when they imagine Venice is only the part of the city that’s floating on the Lagoon, but the mainland is only a bridge away and very much a part of the greater Venice area. So if you’re intrigued by a location outside of the usual city centre routes, you could take the day off and head to Parco San Giuliano in Mestre, the last city on the mainland before the bridge to Venice. A huge 74-hectare (183-acre) green space meant first and foremost as a flora and fauna preservation area, the Parco San Giuliano is also well-equipped for outdoor activities like skating, biking and football. If you want to organise a day out with family and friends, then this is definitely a place you should keep in mind.

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When it comes to music, sports and culture, Jamaica has long been punching above its weight compared to other destinations around the world.

Set between the Caribbean Sea and the craggy ridges of the Blue Mountain range, Jamaica’s attractions range from hidden waterfalls, music festivals and white-sand beaches, to historical architecture, great food and unique ecosystems.

Here’s our list of the top things to do in Jamaica.

Splash about at Reach Falls

On Jamaica’s remote east coast, these falls are arguably the most spectacular on the island and receive a fraction of the visitors who flock to its more accessible brethren like Dunn’s River Falls.

Local guides will help you as you walk up the river, keeping your belongings safe and dry while pointing out the best places to snap photos as you splash in jade-colored pools shaded by jungle vegetation, climb up limestone crags and get pummelled by jets of water in the “washing machine."  There’s the option of climbing up to the Bat Cave for the more adventurous.

Vibe with locals at Winnifred Beach

East of Port Antonio on Jamaica’s north coast, a steep road leads down to the public beach open to locals which is, as yet, mercifully undeveloped.

Winnifred Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand, popular with Jamaicans, particularly on weekends, when the bass booms from competing sound systems. Elsewhere, food and drink stands supply nourishment in the form of curry goat, brown stew fish and jerk chicken.

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Enjoy mellow vibes at Treasure Beach

The antithesis to the brash beach resorts of Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s south coast is a timeless, offbeat village spread out across four coves – Billy’s Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Calabash Bay and Great Bay – a community of fishermen, artists and other bohemians.

A mellow vibe prevails; there are no hustlers here, and largely deserted beaches greet you. Locally owned guesthouses are the norm.

For activities, the area is your oyster...er jerk lobster. Take a boat ride out to sea to the Pelican Bar, a drinking establishment housed in a thatched hut on a sandbar 1km (.62 miles) from shore. Dine on I-tal food (natural foods) at Rasta-owned cookshops. Go to nearby Alligator Pond for some of Jamaica’s best seafood. Take a walking tour with local historian Lilleth Lynch or partake in the biannual Calabash Festival, celebrating some of the brightest literary talents in Jamaica and beyond.

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Fill your belly with jerk pork

One of Jamaica’s iconic dishes, jerk pork, is cooked in oil drum grills by street vendors in Kingston and elsewhere, smoked in roadside cookshops and even served at high-end restaurants. Every Jamaican has their own opinion regarding the best recipe and best place to sample it.

Jerk pork harkens back to the traditional Maroon way of preserving the meat: it’s marinated with Scotch bonnet chillies, allspice, garlic, thyme and spring onion and smoked slowly over pimento (allspice) wood fire for that unique taste.

It’s quite dry and smoky, with a spice and sweetness to it. The slabs of dark meat are precision-chopped by the cook and typically served with homemade hot sauce drizzled on top. Roadside grills in Boston Cay on the east coast serve up some of the best, most authentic jerk pork on the island.

Attend a reggae festival

Reggae Sumfest  – a week-long music festival –  is Jamaica’s music event of the year, and typically featuring some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall. A beach party on Walter Fletcher Beach in Montego Bay kicks off the festival, with days of nonstop revelry at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre.

Imagine rocking out with the likes of Beenie Man, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, The Mighty Diamonds, Capleton and Alicia Keys at night, then catching a nap on the sand at sunrise.

If you’re looking for pure, old-school roots reggae by the likes of Burning Spear and Toots and the Maytals, then don’t miss the two-day Rebel Salute festival, which takes place in mid-January near St Ann’s Bay, at Plantation Cove. Much of the action takes place at night, with the whole atmosphere wreathed in the fragrant smoke of “di herb.”

The best time to visit Jamaica

Tour the Bob Marley Museum

For Marley aficionados, no trip to Jamaica is complete without paying homage to Bob at his former home on Hope Rd in Uptown Kingston.

The spacious, creaky wooden house is largely as it was when Marley lived there from 1975 until his death in 1981.

You can see the gold and platinum records lining the walls, clippings from his last tour, his rather austere bedroom and his favorite stage shirt, as well as the bullet holes in the back wall from an assassination attempt in 1976.

Don’t miss the former recording studio turned into an exhibition hall, where a short video is played at the end of the visit. Fair warning, this is a big-time tourist spot so expect crowds and tourist prices.

Celebrate the Accompong Maroon Festival

Witness a unique slice of Jamaican history by celebrating the unofficial Maroon New Year in Accompong.

This village on the edge of the Cockpits – Jamaica’s no-man’s-land of sinkholes, limestone cliffs and impenetrable jungle – is populated by the proud descendants of runaway enslaved people who successfully waged a guerrilla war against the British.

January 6 marks the signing of the 1739 Peace Treaty in which the British committed to leaving the Maroons alone. The day is celebrated with a procession up the main street, chanting in Coromantee (a West African language), the beating of traditional goombeh drums and the blowing of abeng cow horns (like those once blown by runaway enslaved people as a call to arms).

Following the procession come the 21st-century festivities – sound systems blast out dancehall music till dawn and young people show off their best moves as the fragrant smoke from the jerk chicken and pork stalls entice hungry revelers.

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Hit the dance floor in Kingston

As befitting any capital worth its salt, Kingston never sleeps, and its nightlife is second to none. You can try out the latest moves on the dance floor alongside local guys and girls dressed in their best jeans and “batty riders” (short shorts) at uptown nightclubs such as Taboo, Fiction and Kingston Dub Club.

Look out for posters advertising all-night reggae music fests, taking place near Half Way Tree, featuring a dozen or so big-name performers who sometimes hang out with the audience after their set.

Climb Dunn’s River Falls

A nearly 3km (two-mile) taxi ride west of Ocho Rios takes you to one of Jamaica’s most famous attractions. Popular with Jamaicans, cruise ship crowds and everyone in between, Dunn’s RIver Falls (originally called Xayamaca - land of rivers and springs - by the Arawak) is a truly stunning sight.

Start at the bottom of the falls, flanked by the jungle on both sides, and work your way up numerous tiers of limestone, splashing in clear blue pools and clambering up slippery, rocky outcrops amidst pounding spray. The currents are quite strong in places, so it’s best to go with friends.

Avoid the falls on cruise ship days when day trippers clog the trails.

Marvel at the beauty of Negril

Love it or hate it, the west coast beach town of Negril is hard to ignore. It’s by no means the fishing village it was in the 1970s, yet it still manages to retain pockets of serenity in its southern half – West End – where boutique hotels sit atop precipitous limestone cliffs that plunge into the sea and local-run guesthouses nestle in the jungle.

The northern half of Negril – beach resorts and restaurants – is spread out along the misnamed, white-sand Seven Mile Beach (just over four miles long) and home to beach parties several nights a week.

Despite the commotion, there’s no denying the beauty of the setting. And whether you’re looking to jump off cliffs at Rick’s Café in the West End, try a plethora of water sports or watch the sunset while digging your toes in the sand at a beachside cookshop, Negril is all things to all people.

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Admire the art at the National Gallery of Jamaica

This superb art gallery in Downtown Kingston is the definitive, unmissable collection of Jamaican art through the ages. Works run the gamut from centuries-old stone carvings by the Taino people – Jamaica’s earliest inhabitants – to bucolic Caribbean landscapes by 18th-century British artists and the abstract and surrealist art movements of the 20th century. Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions showcasing the best of contemporary Jamaican art.

Climbing Blue Mountain Peak

A rite of passage for outdoorsy Kingstonians and a must for any hiker is the ascent of Blue Mountain Peak (7401ft/2256m), Jamaica’s highest mountain.

First you'll overnight at Whitfield Hall, a hamlet in the foothills of the Blue Mountain range, where you're fed a home-cooked dinner of curry goat, oxtail and beans. That night, attempt to grab a few hours’ sleep before being woken up by the hiking guide at around 2am to reach the peak in time for sunrise.

As you climb higher, jungle vegetation gives way to pine trees, “old man’s beard” lichen, ferns and evergreens, and you’ll see sparks flying all around you – fireflies, locally known as “kittyboo” or “peenie-wallies.”

The ascent takes around four hours. There’s something otherworldly about watching the sun rise above the mist-shrouded Blue Mountains.

On a particularly clear day, you can see the faint outline of Cuba in the distance. Returning to Whitfield Hall means you’ve earned the breakfast of champions: Jamaican staples such as ackee and saltfish, or mackerel rundown accompanied by Blue Mountain coffee (of course).

Get a history lesson at Port Royal

The buccaneer capital of the Caribbean was the “wickedest city on earth” for much of the 17th century, with brothels, free-flowing rum and frequent pirate raids on merchant ships and Spanish territories, until the great earthquake of 1692 wrecked the place.

Today, it’s a small village with a tremendous history, easily reachable from Kingston by bus.

You can tour historic buildings like Fort Charles, the Old Naval Hospital and the Old Gaol or get a local fisherman to give you a boat ride to the nearby bucolic white-sand sliver of Lime Cay, or come for Sunday lunch at Gloria’s – a seafood establishment much loved by Kingstonians.

Rafting Martha Brae and Rio Grande

Floating downriver at a sedate pace on rafts made of bamboo was made popular by actor Errol Flynn in the 1950s and is still one of most popular experiences on Jamaica’s north coast – both on the Rio Grande and the Martha Brae.

The rafts accommodate two passengers and a “captain” who propels the raft through green tunnels of verdant vegetation using a long pole. Along the way, floaters stop at popular swimming spots, or slip off the raft to float alongside it.

The water is refreshingly cold and whether the experience is romantic or boisterous rather depends on how crowded the river is at any given time.

Crocodile-spotting on the Black River Great Morass

Small boats departing from the former 19th-century port of Black River on the south coast take you deep into the salt marsh and mangrove maze of the Great Morass, home to several hundred American crocodiles.

Crocs aside, this unique ecosystem is home to over 100 bird species, from herons to whistling ducks. Tours depart from the bridge and last an hour or longer, with the boat guides pointing out the best swimming holes where you can splash without being eaten by crocs. You might even see locals tending to their bamboo crayfish traps, the way they’ve done for centuries.

Sample rum at the Hampden Great House Estate

The sweet smell of molasses greets you as you set foot on the palm-fringed, landscaped grounds of the centuries-old Hampden Great House estate, complete with wandering peacocks.

Reachable via back roads from Falmouth towards the village of Wakefield, the estate introduces visitors to the world of rum distillation. Guides take you inside the rum factory and fermentation house and explain the distillation process. Tours include Jamaican standards for lunch and rum tastings.

Explore the history of Falmouth

It’s hard to believe that between 1769 and the 1840s, this north coast town was Jamaica’s busiest port. The Tropical-Georgian architecture lining the grid of quiet streets was paid for with wealth amassed from the labor of enslaved people through the sugar plantation.

A rather soporific town today, somewhat marred by the massive, brash cruise ship pier, Falmouth nevertheless makes for essential visiting for visitors with an interest in history and architecture.

Run by a local historian, Falmouth Heritage Walks run engaging walking tours of the town, telling you about various historic landmarks, such as the church where the abolitionist William Knibb used to preach or the wharf where enslaved Africans were brought to the Americas. There's also an early-19th-century British fort and a Jewish cemetery, where some of Jamaica’s earliest Jewish inhabitants are buried.

Cool off at Mayfield Falls

Popular with locals as well as visitors and tricky to reach (via potholed minor road either from Savannah-la-Mar or Lucea Harbour) Mayfield Falls is a wonderful water playground.

Thickets of bamboo frame the cool, clear river, and as your guide leads you upstream, you plunge from outcrops into natural pools, traverse an underwater tunnel (if you’re feeling brave), and splash around in the foam churned up by a natural “jacuzzi.”

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From the Blue Mountains to jerk pork, these are Jamaica's essential experiences

Making waves with its very direct approach to onboarding the next generation of cruisers, Virgin Voyages has finally launched its first of four ships in the US earlier this month.

As someone squarely in their target demo, a novice cruiser under the age of 25, I accepted Virgin Voyages' invitation to be among the first to check out the new Scarlet Lady. The cruise was one of their new standard routes, four nights from Miami to Nassau and Bimini Beach in the Bahamas; markedly different from the standard 7-10 night Caribbean trips you'll find on other cruise lines.

What I found onboard was surprising and gave me definitive answers to the questions many travelers are pondering: Can Virgin Voyages actually bridge the generation gap and be considered cool?

Who is sailing on Virgin Voyages?

18+ and fully vaccinated? Welcome aboard! Virgin Voyages adults-only scene changes up the attitude and energy of everyone onboard, giving the whole experience an exclusive, club vibe. The ship doesn't lack for anything you'd find on your standard cruise, with plenty of uniquely themed bars (a dozen to be exact), two pools, plenty of hot tubs and a nightclub as cool as any I've seen on more solid ground. The guests on my sailing were from all walks of life and notably younger.

Will I have to wear a mask on board?

It's really up to you regarding masks on board as masks are recommended but not required. Walking around the ship, you'd see about one in every 50 people onboard wore masks and all the staff is masked at all times. Though with a sweeping vaccine mandate for all passengers and crew as well as thorough testing prior to boarding from every port, Virgin is hoping to significantly reduce the risk of onboard outbreaks. At this point, a full vaccine mandate is not possible on cruises that include children, which makes Virgin Voyages among the safest travel experiences you can have now.

The new, affordable spring break destination

As soon as the Scarlet Lady departs US waters the drinking age becomes 18 and the ship is ready to party. The pricing for this cruise line is done a bit differently, charging for cabins that have the capacity for up to 3 passengers (or 'sailors' as the line refers to its passengers). With rates that hover around $1,300 per cabin for 4-5 night trips, Viring is poised to become the perfect upscale yet affordable vacation for a friends group looking to experience some new destinations.

What are the cabins like? Will I feel comfortable?

For my stay, I was booked in the Sea Terrace cabin, which is their standard balcony cabin.  Although the bathroom was a little small, I appreciated the extra space in the stylish room. The cabin is high-tech and low-touch with a tablet that centralizes all the controls in the room including the lights, AC, the TV and the window shades. The mood of the cabin changes with a quick swipe as lighting presets add a playful touch with one designed for social media photoshoots and another for hangovers, maybe the most useful feature I found on this party ship.

My favorite cabin feature? The red hammock on the terrace, perfect for lounging, watching the sea roll by.

Will I be able to post easily on Instagram while onboard?

Given that the ship was basically built for social media, Virgin was smart to make WiFi available and free to all guests. Premium and higher-speed WiFi packages are also available for a fee. The highest speed available is $40 for the whole voyage if purchased on the first day. While your social media channels will load perfectly with the free package, and posting is a breeze, working may be a challenge. Most video call services are either blocked by the cruise line or use up too much bandwidth to work as they would on land. Hopefully, you’re not working on vacation, but if you need to make that one important client video call, you may be in trouble.

What's the food like?

Virgin really excels at atmosphere and the dining experiences at the all-inclusive onboard restaurants are distinct, unique and sexy. Favorites included the fresh Mexican fare at Pink Agave, and Gunbae, a Korean BBQ experience where you’re able to cook some of your own food. Each restaurant also features “Treat Yourself” options for an additional charge, think lobster, steak and oysters. The included food options, however, never left me wanting more.

Will I have to bring my wallet around the ship to tip?

There’s no need to tip when you go out to dinner or drinks onboard or at their private beach club (more on that later). This means even when you purchase an alcoholic beverage, you won’t need to add an extra tip and it won’t be automatically added to your account, as it would be on other cruise lines. I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to give my bartender a cash tip one night and they declined to take it. Use your discretion here.

The Beach Club at Bimini: the line's private island oasis

Expect classy, Vegas pool party vibes at Virgin Voyages' exclusive The Beach Club at Bimini, a destination on most of its voyages. The emphasis here is on fun, not necessarily relaxing. The music is loud, drinks are prominent and the free WiFi around the pool ensures easy access to social media. The music is great and goes beyond standard Top 40 hits and Caribbean beats. Plan to stay later into the night for the sunset bonfire, the perfect way to toast a day in paradise.

Yes, you really can get a tattoo on the ship

That's right, they have a tattoo parlor onboard, Squid Ink, and it's real. Be sure to book ahead as the first and only chance to get your ink at sea fills up fast.

The shows are actually fun

Every live performance I saw was fun and fully immersive. With at least one live performance nightly in the ship’s theater, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to catch them all.

The highlight for me was the ship's “Untitled Dance Party”. The one-of-a-kind variety show makes the audience the spectacle as the space transforms into a dance club. The young crowd went wild for it and so did I; it may be one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen.

What's the overall vibe on the ship?

Entertainment and performance is the star of the show aboard the Scarlet Lady.  Live entertainment seemingly pops up around every corner of the ship.

Because of this atmosphere, there is no cruise director, instead, there is a “Happenings” cast made up of several personalities including “the Artist," “the Dancer,” “the Gamer” and more. They pop up throughout your journey and lead to fun and highly interactive experiences.

The Bottom Line

Virgin Voyages is offering a lot to differentiate them from some of the players in the industry, but at the end of the day, it is still a cruise. A very cool cruise though, worth the trip.

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Road-tripping around Austria is all about the freedom of the open road and landscapes that will leave you breathless. The view through the windshield will be of alpine peaks, wind-buffed meadows, silent lakes and historic mountain towns - definitely worth getting into the car for!

A bonus in Austria is the easy proximity of nature. Across the country, you can park up and take to the mountains – on foot, by bike, or on skis – or plunge into Austria's gorgeous lakes. Numerous town and city stops along the way will keep passengers entertained and kids can enjoy everything from theme parks to adventurous activities like tree canopy walks and tobogganing.

There's more good news: Austria is one of the easiest places in the world to drive. Roads are always in excellent condition, petrol stations and charge points are easy to find, and facilities such as rest stops, roadside restaurants and toilets are everywhere. If you’re feeling flush, why not rent a sporty Porsche for your journey? There's a reason Porsche has its design studio close to the winding mountain roads at Zell Am See.

Whether you drive a sports car, a camper van or a Tesla, here are the seven best road trips in Austria.

Gerlos Pass

Best for bird's eye views

Königsleiten to Wald im Pinzgau – 18km (11 miles)

One of Austria’s most scenic high mountain roads, the Gerlos Pass climbs through epic alpine valley scenery on the Salzburg and Tyrol border. At the high point of the route, there’s a spectacular switchback bend where the road travels under itself in a tunnel and emerges right on top of the mountain, to be greeted by views of vast landscapes and birds of prey circling in azure skies

Drivers need to buy a €10 (US$11.50) ticket to drive the road, starting from either Königsleiten or Wald im Pinzgau, but the views from the top across the Zillertal valley are a just reward. There’s another lookout over the Krimmler Wasserfälle, one of Austria's most dramatic cascades. Note that the road is only open when there’s no snow and is unusable by trucks – even campervans may struggle.

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Goldeck Panoramic Road

Best for alpine meadow scenery

Schwaig to Goldeck – 14km (9 miles)

This winding mountain road is called panoramic for a reason; climbing to a lofty height of 1895m (6217ft), it cuts between some unforgettable alpine peaks. Hairpin turns reveal meadows of wildflowers, cutesy old-fashioned farmhouses, mountain springs gushing with crystal-clear water and huge hardwood trees clinging to sheer mountain slopes.

Plan to drive the Goldeck Panorama Road on a spring or summer morning, so you have the whole day to make stops for photos along the route. One must-snap photo is the view down to Lake Millstatt; its shimmery surface entices many to go down for a dip but swimmers beware – the water temperature never rises much above 15ºC (59°F) and it gets even cooler in winter.

A quick spin around Vienna

Best for city sophistication

Karlsplatz to Liesing – 16km (10 miles)

For downtown drivers, a road trip through the Austrian capital will reveal the imperial splendor of Vienna, with time for stops at some of the city's architectural highlights. Start at the Secession Gallery, just off Karlsplatz, an art nouveau humdinger in bright white, topped by a golden globe. Pass by the Albertina art museum, the former royal palaces and the Spanish Riding School before cruising past MuseumsQuartier, Vienna's famous ensemble of art, design and history museums.

Head southwest across the famous Ringstrasse – traversed by Vienna’s famed red trams – and continue through the suburbs and out towards the edge of the city, where you can find many vineyards edging into the city limits. On the mountainside at Liesing you can detour to the weird and wonderful brutalist chapel created by sculptor Fritz Wotruba from striking brushed concrete, looking like a load of Jenga bricks against the forested edge of Vienna.

Villach Alpine Road

Best for lunch with a view

Villach-Möltschach to Rosstratte – 16.5km (10 miles)

With 10% gradients at some points and plenty of hairpin bends snaking up the mountainsides, this is a classic road route across the roof of Europe. Cut through the mountains in 1965, this ambitious stretch of tarmac rewards drivers with expansive views towards the Julian Alps and Slovenia as you climb to a height of 1200m (4000ft).

The restaurant at the summit – the Rostratte – is an exercise in making alpine dreams a reality. The pine interiors exude the scent of resin and sap and filling local dishes such as cheese noodles will set you up nicely for a long walk or skiing session. Non-drivers can sip big glasses of beer and kids can burn off energy in gardens with views all the way down into the valleys.

From the capital to the classical

Best for high-speed vistas

Vienna to Salzburg – 300km (190 miles)

You'll get to tear along some of Austria's most famous high-speed autobahns on this trip, which runs from the heart of Vienna to the soul of Salzburg. Begin on the banks of the Danube at the Gänsehäufel Lido, one of the largest outdoor swimming complexes in Austria, set on an island along the old course of the river, now an oxbow lake with very clean water.

From here, you can get straight onto the A22 autobahn, then the B227 and B221 to the A1 which will whisk you past amazing scenery and through dramatic tunnels, whizzing over rivers all the way into downtown Salzburg. En route, you'll pass trucks loaded with timber from the country’s managed forests, picturesque churches, castles and tiny villages, and country farms filled with lowing alpine cows.

On arrival in Vienna, sample some of the city's famous deserts in a downtown cafe or head to a beer garden, then spend your afternoon exploring the ramparts of Festung Hohensalzburg, a 900-year-old clifftop castle, and wandering the streets where Mozart once walked, studied and composed.

Nockalm Road

Best for motorcyclists

Innerkrems to Ebene Reichenau – 34km (21 miles)

With wide vistas and steep climbs, this splendidly scenic mountain road ticks all the boxes for a great road trip on two wheels. Motorcyclists are big fans of this route as it demands much of the rider and is a real thrill to ride, winding in and out of partly forested valleys that are the postcard image of Austria.

The route passes the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, famed for its wild spike lavender; nature lovers often stop off here for hikes that start right from roadside car parks. Don’t miss the Karlbad Spa, with its rustic hot springs bathhouse and mineral-rich waters – a great place to stop to recharge after the ride. Another recommended stop is the Tangernerhütte dairy hut, serving tasty local cheeses and strong schnapps.

Grossglockner Road

Best for mountain vistas

Bruck to Heiligenblut – 48km (30 miles)

Chances are if you go road-tripping in Austria, you’ll be asked if you’ve driven the legendary Grossglockner Road, one of the most legendary high pass trips in the Alps. With a bumper 36 turns and numerous steep inclines, this is a drive that will test your skills and the handling abilities of your car – make sure you have a good one, and plenty of tread on your tires.

You’ll want to stop along the way to marvel at the views, especially the ones towards the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain at 3798m (12,461ft). This snow-capped beast looks majestic at any time of year, as do the verdant valleys which sit below it. Many of the stopping points along the route make great stops for picnics with elemental views of mountains, forests and sky.

Hacked through the mountains in 1935, the road winds its way from Heilingenblut in Carinthia to Bruck near Salzburg. The cost for vehicles is €36.50 (US$42) for cars and €26.50 (US$30.50) for motorcycles. Start out early in the day to beat the rush – it can get pretty crowded up here in summer. Check the snow reports as fresh falls can often close the road to traffic.

Family fun at Fieberbrunn

Best for families

Salzburg to Fieberbrunn – 75km (47 miles)

One of the best Austrian road trips with kids on tow is the drive from Salzburg up to the low-key winter skiing and summer hiking resort of Fieberbrunn, where kids (and big kids) can blow their tops at Timok’s Wild World. This summer-only theme park sprawls up a mountainside and features a lake with a watery assault course, petting encounters with reindeer and other forest animals, a rope climbing adventure course and a hilltop inflatable which will make the kids squeal as they bounce above the landscape.

The coup de grace is the alpine coaster course – like a track-mounted luge – which zips back down to the valley floor at giddying speed. To make a family adventure of it, spend a night in the Fieberbrunn ski area before heading back to Salzburg. At 76km (47 miles) each way, the journey is short enough to avoid too many arguments in the back seat!

Tips for driving in Austria

Many Austrian autobahn rest stops have picturesque picnic areas with seating and toilets. Stop off here, rather than eating in overpriced highway restaurants. Mountain rest stops on high-altitude routes are also great stops for picnics.
Pick up picnic goodies for your road trip at branches of Billa Corso, an excellent upmarket spinoff of one of the country’s leading supermarket chains, famed for its fresh food and deli provisions.
Respect road conditions – winding mountain roads can be dangerous after rain and are often closed by snow (or only passable with snow tires) in winter. When winter driving, carry food, water and blankets in the car for emergencies.

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Queensland is preparing to open its borders to interstate travelers without requiring them to quarantine by December 17, when 80% of the population is expected to be fully vaccinated. In the reopening plan outlined today, officials said the rules for international travel will also change on the same day.

Interstate travel has been restricted throughout Australia as a Delta-driven surge swept through the country this year. But after months of uncertainty and a ramped up vaccination drive that has seen cases plunge, some states, including New South Wales and Queensland, are making moves to reopen borders before Christmas.

Queensland's premier Annastacia Palaszczuk outlined a phased reopening on Monday that will happen when Queensland reaches certain vaccination targets. In the first phase, once 70% of the eligible population (those aged 16 and over) are vaccinated, Queensland will drop its ban on travelers coming from states deemed COVID-19 hotspots, provided visitors are fully vaccinated, test negative for COVID-19 and quarantine for 14 days.

BREAKING: Today we’re releasing a plan for Queensland borders.

Travel restrictions will ease when 70% and 80% of eligible Queenslanders are fully vaccinated. #covid19 pic.twitter.com/4PANA1CBjF
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 18, 2021

When 80% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated by December 17, Queensland will drop quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated interstate travelers who test negative for COVID-19. It will also allow fully vaccinated international arrivals to visit Queensland and complete their 14-day isolation period at home or in their accommodation, rather than at a government-designated hotel.

Then when 90% of the population is fully vaccinated, Queensland will drop border restrictions and self-isolation requirements for fully vaccinated international arrivals. No date has been set in stone for that milestone yet, but it's likely to happen in early 2022 in line with the rest of Australia.

Meanwhile, restrictions were eased in New South Wales today as the state reached its 80% vaccination milestone. The Opera House lit up in celebration as restaurants, bars, theaters, cultural attractions and entertainment venues opened to people who are fully vaccinated after months of shutdowns.

And a further easing of restrictions is expected next month. On Friday, the New South Wales government said it will ditch quarantine requirements at its borders in November when Australia permits residents and citizens to travel abroad, meaning people will be permitted to visit Australia without quarantine provided they are vaccinated, present a negative test and stay within the state.

However, it doesn't mean that New South Wales is open to all overseas travelers. The Australian government stepped in on Friday after the announcement was made to clarify that it would be limiting the visas it issues at that time. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it will prioritise the return of Australians to New South Wales who have been stuck overseas, according to ABC News, before the federal government opens up Australia to the rest of the world early next year. "We are not opening up to everyone coming back to Australia at the moment," he said. "It is for the commonwealth and federal government to decide when the border opens and shuts at an international level and we will do that."

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Home to some of the world’s most innovative green spaces, hippest bars, superb museums and next-level hawker food, today’s Singapore is anything but dull.

A futuristic skyline looms over a famously clean, increasingly green city-state rich in history and culture that oozes from Singapore’s busting food courts, incense-scented temples, and heritage shophouse-lined streets. And thanks to Singapore’s slick public transport system, getting around is a breeze. Here are the best things to do during your visit.

Hit Singapore’s hawker centers

Hungry? You’ll want to be when you arrive in this Southeast Asian culinary hub. While there are many fine restaurants to be found across Singapore, its hawker centers are legendary. So central to Singapore life are these bustling food courts that hawker culture was inscribed on the 2020 Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And there’s no better way to tap into Singapore’s psyche than to tuck into a serving of spicy laksa, flaky murtabak (stuffed savory pancake), nutty satay, or barbecue stingray – to name just a few of the mouthwatering dishes on offer at the 100-odd hawker centers dotted around the island nation. Not only is hawker food the cheapest way to eat in Singapore, it’s also the most fun.

Go museum-hopping

Singapore now rivals the world’s top museum cities with its ever-expanding array of cutting-edge cultural institutions. Blockbusters include the Asian Civilisations Museum, an engrossing ode to Asia’s cross-cultural connections; the National Museum Singapore, which traces Singapore’s history; and the National Gallery Singapore, the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.

There are many more smaller and quirkier museums to discover, from the Peranakan Museum that celebrates the rich culture of the unique ethnic group that arose from the meeting of Chinese and Malay peoples; to the recently revamped Changi Museum & Chapel that highlights the stories of the POW’s and civilians interned in Changi Prison during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.

Tour Singapore’s iconic gardens

Singapore is home to two of the world’s most iconic gardens, and you’ll want to add both to your itinerary. Established in 1860, the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens is a Unesco-listed tropical wonderland brimming with lush themed gardens including a ginger garden showcasing more than 550 species. Don’t miss the incredible National Orchid Garden within the complex, and the new Gallop Extension opened in 2021 that includes an excellent botanical art gallery.

Across town in Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay is an even larger fantasy land of misty biodomes, high-tech Supertrees and whimsical sculptures. The Supertrees burst into light for the Garden Rhapsody show twice each evening, and in late 2019 an observatory was opened at the top of the tallest Supertree.

Soak up Singapore’s other green spaces

Singapore’s green spaces don’t end at its iconic gardens. There are more than 350 parks and gardens dotted across the verdant city-state, five of which are connected by a spectacular 10km trail known as the Southern Ridges, featuring Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. You can also take a tree-top walk at MacRitchie Reservoir, step back into history at Fort Canning Park and hike to Singapore’s highest peak in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – and that’s just the beginning.

Explore Singapore’s historic 'hoods

Singapore’s historic neighborhoods offer a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the island nation. Start in atmospheric Little India, where colorful shophouse stores spill over with aromatic spices and colorful saris. Serene temples sit side-by-side with hip bars and restaurants in buzzy Chinatown, while the Colonial District is packed with grand buildings constructed during the British administration.

Home to the wealthy elite in the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries, the recently revamped east coast village of Katong is home to some of the city’s prettiest shophouses, while tucked behind Chinatown, the 1920s housing estate of Tiong Bahru is now a hipster haven of boutiques and cafes. And there are plenty of other interesting neighborhoods to discover beyond.

Seek out Singapore’s quirky side

Singapore has a reputation for being somewhat straight-laced, but scratch the surface, and you’ll discover that it’s full of quirks. On the west coast, the Chinese mythology theme park known as Haw Par Villa might be the weirdest amusement park you’ve ever been to. There’s an entire museum dedicated to vintage cameras to explore in Kampong Glam, Singapore’s vibrant Muslim Quarter, and plenty of colorful street art to seek out across the city.

Dive into Singapore’s nightlife

From sultry rooftop bars to moody hidden speakeasies, pulsing nightclubs to relaxed craft beer bars, Singapore’s ever-expanding collection of nightspots – combined with its balmy year-round weather – make it a great city to hit the town. Singapore’s best watering holes are dotted all over the city, but with a sizable contingent found in Chinatown, this is a great place to kick off your evening. And have you even been to Singapore if you haven’t sampled a Singapore Sling at Raffles’ historic Long Bar? The national drink recently received an update to bring it in line with contemporary tastes, which most will agree is a step up from the ultra-sweet original.

Escape to Pulau Ubin

Nestled between mainland Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, this rustic island getaway offers a glimpse of the kampong (village) life of Singapore’s olden days. Hop aboard a bumboat (motorised sampan) in Changi for the 15-minute ride to Pulau Ubin, where you can hire a bike to explore the sleepy island. Cycle past old-growth mangrove swamps, lotus-covered lakes, tin-roof shacks, and ramshackle shrines, topped off by a simple seafood meal by the sea. There’s also a mountain-bike trail to tackle along the way.

Enjoy a day out on Sentosa Island

Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Sentosa Island is an all-ages playground – a sprawl of theme parks, luxe resorts, beach bars and even a subterranean casino. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family, with friends or rolling solo, there really is something for everyone here, from rides and shows at Universal Studios, to giant tanks full of marine life at SEA Aquarium and WWII history at Fort Siloso. Palm-fringed bars flank Singapore’s best beaches while top restaurants look out over glitzy yachts.

Splurge on a luxury stay

From grand historic sleeps to modern marvels like the Marina Bay Sands hotel, which is topped with the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, Singapore is home to some of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels. So if you’re looking to splurge, this is a memorable place to do it.

Reopened in 2019 following a major refurbishment, Raffles Singapore fuses the glamor of 19th-century Singapore with 21st-century amenities. The Warehouse Hotel has reimagined a historic riverside warehouse for the experiential modern traveler, while the Parkroyal on Pickering blends nature and luxury with cutting-edge sustainability initiatives.

Budget travelers can also enjoy a slice of Singapore–style luxe at Adler Hostel. Furnished with Chinese antiques and feather-down duvets, this Chinatown sleep takes hostelling to new heights.

Visit Singapore’s famed wildlife attractions

While nothing beats observing wildlife in the wild, Singapore Zoo ’s lush, open-air enclosures come a close second. It’s one of the few places outside of Borneo or Sumatra where you can stand under the trees with orangutans swinging above your head, and the zoo is well known for its conservation efforts.

In the island’s central north, Singapore Zoo is one of three wildlife attractions that now form part of the newly created Mandai nature precinct along with River Wonders (formerly River Safari) showcasing more than 7,500 aquatic and terrestrial animals, and the nocturnal wildlife-based Night Safari. There’s also a new bird park and a rainforest-themed wildlife park on the way for the precinct, which will also include a Banyan Tree resort with treehouse-style rooms.

Shop up a storm on Orchard Road

A 2.5km strip of magnificent malls, department stores and specialty stores, Orchard Road is Singapore’s own retail wonderland. You’ll find every brand imaginable within its blissfully air-conditioned warren of stores, from emerging local designers to global high-street heavyweights and European couture. But there’s more to do on Orchard Road than simply shop, with some of the city’s best restaurants also found along the strip including Michelin-starred contemporary European favorites Iggy’s and Buona Terra.

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Comprising a blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American influences, Santa Fe is one of the country’s most culturally and historically significant destinations. Walk its adobe-lined streets or dive into one of its cutting-edge restaurants to explore what truly makes this “the City Different.” Here are the top things to do in Santa Fe.

Visit the Railyard

The Santa Fe Railyard is a newly revitalized district on over 13 acres of open space where you can shop at a year-round farmers market and an artisan market every Sunday inside the pavilion. Farmers, makers, and artists from all over gather to sell everything from goat's cheese to hand-blown glass, making it a great place for one-of-a-kind gift shopping. There is also a movie theater, shopping and dining, and a park with an outdoor stage that hosts live music throughout the summer.

Walk the Plaza

As a National Registry of Historic Places site, the Plaza District is the literal and figurative heart of Santa Fe. At over 400 years old, Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the United States, with pre-colonial roots stretching back thousands of years. Door-to-door galleries, shops, restaurants, museums and historical sites line every street along and adjacent to the Plaza. The richness of cultural identity in Santa Fe is evident in its preserved adobe architecture, fabulous public art, and unique foods.

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Meet artists near the Palace of the Governors

Along the south side of the Palace of the Governors, under a covered walkway known as the Portal, Native American artists representing forty-one tribes, Pueblos, chapters and villages in New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and parts of Arizona sell handmade jewelry and art almost every day of the year.

Before the creation of formal markets in the 20th century, the Palace of the Governors portal was used as a market for produce, game, pottery and basketry. Today, there are different artists daily, regulated by the Portal Committee, who inform rules to emphasize authenticity and traditional materials.

Gallery hop along Canyon Road

Santa Fe is considered one of the great art centers of the world, and its community of artists spans generations. Gallery hopping along Canyon Road is a fun, free way to see all the types of art Santa Fe has to offer, from classic Western scenes to cutting-edge contemporary work. With over 100 galleries located along this deeply historic, world-famous road, you can easily spend a day just wandering.

Try some chile

From vegan and fusion food to tapas and tamales, the Santa Fe food and beverage scene is the best in the Southwest. Chow down at colorful La Choza, known for being worth the wait (arrive early). Or dig into unpretentious Cafe Pasqual’s whose huevos motuleños, made with feta cheese and sauteed bananas is... chef’s kiss. Almost anywhere you go, red and green chile will find a way to be involved.

Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar

La Fonda hotel ’s rooftop bar is arguably the best place in the city to watch a legendary Santa Fe Sunset. On almost any evening the sky comes alive with electric oranges, reds and ribbons of gold that fade into neon pinks, blush and purple before filling with twinkling stars.

Go tequila tasting

A Santa Fe tradition since 1950, Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen has over 150 different margaritas, over 170 tequilas, and an excellent menu of traditional New Mexican food to pair them with. If you can’t decide which one to try, the House Margarita, made with authentic agave tequila, triple sec and freshly squeezed lemons, is their best-seller.

Explore Museum Hill

Art history is as important to the landscape of Santa Fe as is the cutting-edge contemporary work that the city proudly displays. A quick drive from the Plaza is Museum Hill, the site of world-class museums where it is easy to spend an entire day taking in the priceless collections within the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. Special exhibits and shows are always on display and worth planning for.

Visit MoCNA

For a twist on the norm, check out the Museum of Contemporary Native Art on the Plaza – the only museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary Native art in the US. Owned by the Institute of American Indian Arts, MoCNA houses 9000 contemporary Indigenous artworks from 1962 until the present.

Be drawn to the art festivals

Santa Fe hosts art markets year-round, drawing in thousands of visitors. Celebrating its centenary in August 2022, the annual Santa Fe Indian Market draws over 150,000 people to the historic Santa Fe Plaza and surrounding neighborhood for an extended weekend of artist booths, a juried art show, gala, auction, fashion show and more. It is the largest Indigenous art show in the world and represents work from at least 1200 artists.

December sees a more scaled-down event in the Winter Indian Market. Other annual events include the International Folk Art Market, Traditional Spanish Market, and Fiesta Fine Arts and Crafts Market during the Fiestas de Santa Fe.

Picnic at the open-air opera

Founded in 1956 by a formerly New York-based conductor by the name of John Cosby, the Santa Fe Opera is an open-air venue 7 miles north of Santa Fe, surrounded by high desert piñon and sweeping vistas. Local lore has it that Cosby and his acoustician friends fired off rifle shots until they found the ideal location on their newly acquired 199-acre guest ranch.

In full Paris meets Wild West meets Haight Ashbury, Santa Fe-style, Opera goers arrive at the dirt parking lot early with champagne, wine and elaborate picnics for an evening of good old-fashioned white table cloth tailgating.

Dance like nobody's watching

If there’s one thing Santa Feans love to do it’s dance like they're alone in their bedroom, and as a visitor, it can be one of the most fun, liberating experiences you’ll have. Catch a free summer concert at the Plaza Bandstand, Latin music at El Farol, live rock’n’roll at Evangelo's, or grab dinner and a dance at Cowgirl BBQ.

Go down the rabbit hole at Meow Wolf

I bet you thought we forgot about Meow Wolf. As if. Book early and carve out a day for the wildest ride in the Fe. When this writer was a whippersnapper, Meow Wolf was an art collective in a run-down building. If you’d told those dreamy kids, trying to make rent and cling to their ideals, that in a few years Meow Wolf would become an immersive art experience inhabiting an abandoned bowling alley, launching second and third locations in Denver and on the Vegas strip, and getting the focus of national attention, they’d have said you were tripping.

The centerpiece of the Meow Wolf Art Complex is The House of Eternal Return, a permanent installation where you can easily imagine what Alice felt like when she chased that rabbit – totally lost, but in the most magical way. With 20,000 sq ft for visitors of any age to explore, touch, climb and take pictures in, the scope of the journey is really up to the individual.

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Aruba is an adventure traveler’s paradise thanks to a collision of climate and culture that keeps this Caribbean nation feeling fresh — even for seasoned travelers.

The capital of Oranjestad has a bustling nightlife scene and the country offers a bounty of beaches tailoring to water sports that give visitors ample opportunities to add excitement to relaxing beach days. Meanwhile, the rugged, volcanic landscape of the island’s signature national park serves up inland adventures in a backdrop pulled from the silver screen.

Whether you’re looking for waves, trails or wonder, these are the top things to do in Aruba.

Take an off-road tour of Arikok National Park

Blaze through dusty trails in a Jeep or all-terrain vehicle at Arikok National Park. This sprawling park encompasses about 20% of Aruba, offering visitors access to a labyrinth of winding roads and trails that course through an arid, desert landscape dotted with towering cacti and beneath a blanket of blue water on the Caribbean horizon.

Jeep adventure tours cost about US$100, while taking the reins of your own UTV can run you a bit more.

Plunge into a natural pool

Arikok National Park also plays host to a breathtaking natural pool where visitors can swim and cliff jump amidst crashing waves. Conchi Natural Pool is located on Aruba’s rugged and rocky northeastern coast. From the park entrance, hikers can follow a 3.5-mile trail to the pool or opt for an off-road adventure.

The lone road leading to the pool snakes around Sero Arikok Volcano (the second-highest point in the country) before leading to a high-clearance area that you really need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate.

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Dive World War II shipwrecks

In February of 1942, a German U-boat torpedoed the British tanker SS Pedernales off the Aruban coast. Today, part of the ship remains, serving as an artificial reef that’s teeming with marine life. Located in just 20ft of water, the wreck is readily accessible to divers of all experience levels and a frequent stop for dive shops operating on the island.

Elsewhere around the island, the wreck of the hulking cargo ship SS Antilla measuring 400ft in length, sits in a relatively shallow 55-ft of water. The German ship was scuttled by its captain at the onset of World War II, and eight decades later, is one of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean.

Kayak through a mangrove forest

Get up-close with vibrant coral, fish and other marine life like sea turtles through the lens of a glass bottom kayak. Clear Kayak Aruba offers glass bottom tours of the island’s largest mangrove forest, where travelers can get a first-hand look at a lush, marine ecosystem.

The tour includes pick up and drop-off at your accommodations and offers a chance to snorkel in the tranquil waters of the mangroves.

Skydive to the beach

Plummet to the Earth at 120 miles per hour while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the island with Skydive Aruba. Here, adrenaline enthusiasts can soar above the entire island—from Oranjestad to Arikok—before descending to a drop zone next to the beach. Jumps take about two hours to complete and make a perfect introduction or farewell to your trip.

Ride the wind at Hadicurari Beach

Wind and kite surfers will feel right at home on Hadicurari Beach. Once known for its iconic fishing huts, the powdery, pebble-strewn stretch of coast between Malmok Beach and Palm Beach now plays host to some of the largest windsurfing competitions on the planet each year.

Beginners can book a lesson with Windsurfing Aruba, while experienced surfers can take a break in the area’s lapping, shallow waters.

Lounge under divi divi and fofoti trees

Grab the quintessential snapshot of Aruba’s beaches beneath the arms of Divi Divi and Fofoti trees. These windswept trees grow right from the island’s sand and famously point southwest due to prevailing trade winds.

Eagle Beach — widely regarded as one of the top white sand beaches in the Caribbean — is home to the most photographed Fofoti trees on the island, though examples of each can be found clawing their way skyward from the sands throughout Aruba.

Explore Guadirikiri and Fontein Caves

Delve into the pre-Columbian history of Aruba at Guadirikiri and Fontein caves. This series of damp, limestone caverns at Arikok National Park is home to petroglyphs likely dating back more than a millennia. The intricate, vermillion paintings were left by Arawak people and offer a unique glimpse at ancient life in the Caribbean.

Dive beneath the waves in a submarine

Gaze in wonder at both natural and artificial reefs bustling with coral, colorful fish and marine life through the azure portal of a submarine. Aruba is home to two submarine tours—the semi-submersible Sea World Explorer and the adventure-bound Atlantis. Both offer visitors a submerged view of the world beneath the waves, though Atlantis plunges to depths of 130-ft during its tour.

Catch a party bus in Oranjestad

Cruising down the street to a cacophony of maracas and music, Oranjestad’s vibrantly colorful Kukoo Kunuku party bus is either famous or infamous depending on who you ask. For lovers of night life; however, it’s the latter.

This exhilarating tour is the perfect alternative for travelers who want to kickstart an exciting night on the town after a day spent lounging by the surf. Tour options include casual outdoor dinners to a pub crawl of the best bars on the island.

Want to dial it up even more? Try the Karaoke Party Bus’s Bar Jam Tour, which features a free shot at every bar along with live karaoke throughout the ride.

Explore the countryside on horseback

Aruba’s arid, desert climate is a perfect backdrop for equestrians, who’d be forgiven at times for feeling like the American west has been transported to the sea. The island’s rocky features and bountiful cacti are a jarring contrast to the aquamarine waters off of its coast, and there may be no better way to soak in the scenery than on horseback.

Outfitters like Rancho Notorious are experts at catering to tourists, and typically offer multiple price points, schedule and experience in the saddle.

Catch sunset at California Lighthouse

Aruba’s northwestern tip is home to a historic, stone lighthouse. The California Lighthouse looms 180-ft above the island, its alabaster exterior reflecting brilliantly against Caribbean sunsets. Tours are available from 9am to 7pm and include access to a topside viewing deck with expansive views of the island. Visitors who want to go the extra mile can even book a private dinner up top.

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