On tours put on by India-based Planet Abled, people with various disabilities and those without disabilities travel side by side.

When Neha Arora launched the inclusive tour operator Planet Abled almost five years ago, she was possibly the world’s least-traveled owner of a travel company. Besides a few weekend getaways in her native India, she had never ventured far from home.

As a child, Arora, now 37, watched as her classmates in Agra went on family vacations and came home with stories of their escapades. Her outings were limited to school picnics or trips to see her grandparents in New Delhi. Family getaways never seemed like a real option. Arora’s father is blind and her mother uses a wheelchair: the logistical challenges of travel always felt insurmountable.

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From frustration to inspiration

When Arora’s first passport expired, it was still blank. After finishing her engineering degree, Arora moved to New Delhi and began working at a telecommunications company. Eventually she saved enough money for her family to take a 10-day trip through South India in 2009. Money, she hoped, might overcome the travel barriers her parents faced. She was wrong. "You travel 2000 miles only to realize that the place is not accessible or does not give you the kind of experience you would look forward to,” Arora said.

After a particularly difficult incident on that South India trip, when an argument over accessibility escalated into a dangerous situation, her parents gave up on travel and Arora started searching for solutions. There were travel companies that catered to people with disabilities, but most of them focused on a single disability. Arora couldn’t find anything that would allow her to travel comfortably and safely with both of her parents.

“I started talking to more and more people, and either they were not traveling at all or they were facing similar challenges,” she said. “I had to start a travel company to travel.”

Accessibility as inclusivity

Over one billion people – about 15% of the world’s population – live with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organization, from mobility and cognitive issues to being visually or hearing impaired. In addition, more than 2 billion people, including spouses, children and caregivers, are directly affected by disability.

Despite this, accessible tourism, wherein everyone can take full advantage of travel facilities and services regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities, or age, isn’t the norm. Travel remains difficult for many people with disabilities, be it from a lack of information on accessible services, discrimination, or trouble finding accommodation that meets their needs. One recent study found that even in countries with the highest level of adaptation –generally countries with the highest per capita income –wheelchair accessibility is provided in only 30% of the hotels analyzed and accommodations such as Braille, tactile posters or audio guides are offered in 5% or less of cases.

Although Arora saw this gap early on, it wasn’t until 2016 that she felt ready to leave her job to start Planet Abled, with the goal of making travel more accessible for people of all disabilities. Initially, Planet Abled provided day trips in New Delhi, but it has since expanded to offer accessible group tours and customized trips in over 40 destinations across Europe and Asia. What makes Planet Abled unique is that their experiences are inclusive. “We mix people with various disabilities and nondisabled people to travel together,” Arora said. “So disability is just a human feature – it's not something that decides how you travel or where you travel.”

It can be tricky to consider adaptations for different disabilities, but Arora says Planet Abled’s approach leads to some unexpected surprises. On one trip, a blind man created software to communicate with a deaf woman instead of relying on a third person. On another tour, a nondisabled tourist told Arora that though they’d been to that place four times before, they now saw it in a whole new light. This isn’t uncommon, Arora says. Taking a longer route because of wheelchair access or focusing on the tactile experience because of a blind traveler in the group, for instance, can help travelers zero in on details they might otherwise miss.

Making accessibility mainstream

People in Planet Abled’s groups have also stayed friends after the trips. “You realize, ‘Oh, this person is just like me and they just happen to have a disability,’” Arora said, adding that sometimes nondisabled travelers will approach the company after their trips with questions about how to make their workplaces more accessible or how to hire a person with a disability.

Anica Zeyen, a senior lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London, discovered Planet Abled in 2019 when planning a fieldwork trip to India. Since it was her first time in the country, she reached out to the group about joining a day trip.

“I did not want to use just any travel company. I am blind and therefore the usual way of sightseeing doesn’t really work,” said Zeyen, who travels frequently for work and leisure. “I need people to describe things to me, be allowed to touch things and helped to navigate unfamiliar places.”

On a 12-hour tour through Delhi with Planet Abled, Zeyen says her guide was well-trained in describing what Zeyen couldn’t see without being patronizing, something she says is unfortunately rare. He let her choose if she wanted to be sight guided (led by the arm) or walk next to him with her cane. She could also touch some of the monuments and Planet Abled printed 3-D models for some of the objects she couldn’t touch to give a sense of their proportion and shape.

“At one point near the spice market in Old Delhi, we climbed up this narrow staircase to stand on one of the roofs to absorb the atmosphere,” Zeyen said. “I like that Planet Abled sees me as just another traveler who wants to explore the world, but who might just have to do things slightly differently.”

Arora now has multiple stamps in her passport, the first from 2018 when she visited Vienna, Austria, to accept an award from the United Nations for Planet Abled’s work. She has also expanded Planet Abled’s scope, consulting with governments, tourism boards, hotels, NGOs, and others, to provide advice on how to make travel more inclusive and accessible.

Just the beginning

Arora says the industry has changed for the better since Planet Abled began. Back then, she says, when she approached hotels about accessibility issues they often blew her off, claiming that people with disabilities don’t travel. Now when she talks to hotel chains, they listen. “At least now there is reception to the message that this is the right thing to do.”

A 2020 study found that the disability travel market is growing. In 2018-19, more than 27 million travelers with disabilities took 81 million trips, spending $58.7 billion on travel (up from $34.6 billion in 2015). The economic impact is likely even bigger, since people with disabilities often travel with others.

Planet Abled is building a platform to make its information about accessibility more widely available so people can plan their own trips and don’t need to rely on travel operators, which can be expensive. In the end, Arora says the aim is to have every travel company and destination be accessible, paradoxically making Planet Abled’s work irrelevant.

“Ultimately – this might sound ironic – you don't need a separate travel company for disabled people,” Arora said. “You want the whole industry to become inclusive and that’s what the goal of Planet Abled is: to make the planet able and inclusive for everyone to travel.”

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"I had to start a travel company to travel." How one agency is making tourism more inclusive and accessible.

Bora Bora is most often associated with luxury and, therefore, a pretty hefty price tag. After all, those overwater bungalows don’t come cheap. But all those high-end resorts don't mean you need to pay a fortune for everything on the island.

So, how can you experience Bora Bora without breaking the bank? Well, some months are cheaper to visit Bora Bora than others but you can also take advantage of a few free (and a couple nearly free) activities as well. From adventurous exploring to beach days and even learning a bit more about the local culture, here are 10 free (or nearly free!) things to do in Bora Bora.

Spend a day at Matira Beach

One of the biggest tourist draws in Bora Bora is Matira Beach, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Bora Bora, surpassing even those of the resorts on the private motus. Matira Beach is a public beach and it stretches 1.6km (1 mile), making it easy to walk and spacious enough to find a spot in the sand to yourself.

Speaking of sand, Matria Beach is a soft, white sand beach and perfect for swimming. If you have some snorkel gear, bring it with you. If you're facing the water, the part of Matira Beach to the right is a pretty decent snorkel spot.

Take a hike to some scenic viewpoints

If you prefer hiking to beach-lounging, then you are in luck because Bora Bora has some pretty incredible viewpoints for those brave enough to venture into the jungle.

While Bora Bora has several trails and climbs, it’s best to avoid venturing out alone. Hire a guide for navigation and safety purposes. Many of the trails are unmarked or can be quite tricky to find so always speak to the staff at your accommodation about hiking trails suitable to explore on your own.

One area that’s appropriate for hiking on your own is Mount Popoti. This trail is a little over 4km (2.5 miles) and can be done in about 90 minutes. It’s not too steep and offers beautiful views over the lagoon. The land this trail is on is owned by a local family who runs a 4x4 tour company, but you are welcome to hike on their property.

Window shop for pearls in Vaitape

Tahiti and its islands are famous for Tahitian pearls. As you explore the Society Islands, you’ll see dozens of pearl shops. Set up a day trip to visit a couple of pearl farms to see first-hand how pearl farming works and perhaps buy some jewelry.

Bora Bora doesn’t have the same pearl farms as some of the Society Islands, but there are plenty of pearl shops in the main town, Vaitape. So, if you’re curious about Tahitian pearls visit the stores in Vaitape to see what they have on display.

Shops throughout French Polynesia are rarely pushy and happy to share their knowledge so this is a great opportunity to learn more about Tahitian pearls without feeling the pressure to buy.

Check out the local art scene

While Tahitian pearl shops make up a large majority of the shops and boutiques in Vaitape, they aren’t the only places to enjoy. Vaitape also has art galleries ( Bora Art Upstairs is a visitor favorite) and an artisan market that makes for a fun day of browsing. From photography to painted canvases, hand-painted sarongs and handmade jewelry using shells, there’s plenty of local Polynesia art to see and discover.

Snorkel off the shoreline

There are numerous snorkel tours in Bora Bora that will take you to the more popular sites for coral reefs as well as black-tip reef sharks and stingrays, however, these tours can get pretty pricey. Also, some people are turned off by the fact that a few tours feed the animals. If you’re more interested in doing your own thing,  pack a mask and snorkel and just explore on your own.

Keep an eye out for mantas and eagle rays in the lagoon

Bora Bora’s lagoon is home to both manta and eagle rays. You’ll need to book a tour to visit specific dive and snorkel spots to see them. But there are some times when these beautiful creatures are spotted close to shore.

A couple of places they tend to frequent include Matira Beach ( by the Intercontinental Hotel) and the Bora Bora Yacht Club. The best times to see manta rays are in the morning from May to December.

Walk or cycle around the island

Bora Bora is a pretty small island, only about 10km (6 miles) long and 4km (2.5 miles) wide. So, if you fancy an active day, that is small enough to walk around. While there are plenty of ATV and 4x4 tours, as well as car rental agencies, all you really need to get around Bora Bora are your own two feet (don’t worry, it’s also pretty flat!).

That being said, walking will take a few hours so you may prefer a bike to help cut down on your time in the strong South Pacific sunshine. If you’re lucky, your accommodation will include beach bikes to borrow. If not, you can rent a bike for about $20 USD per day from the same places that offer car rentals.

Exploring Bora Bora by foot or bicycle is great. There aren’t many places to pull over to take in the views or snap photos with a rental car, but you’ll have plenty of freedom while walking or biking. Just make sure to wear sun protection and bring plenty of drinking water.

Watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world

Bora Bora’s spectacular sunsets are not to be missed. Plenty of resorts and even some bars and restaurants claim to offer the best sunset views, the truth is you can get really stunning views from multiple places on the island without having to pay $25USD for a cocktail.

Head to Matira Beach in the evening to catch a Bora Bora sunset. All you need is a towel to sit on, and maybe a camera to capture the moment.

Try the local beer

I hate to tell you, but I wasn’t joking about paying $25 for a cocktail. Again, Bora Bora is expensive and so are the drinks. However, if you want to try some local flavors without the hefty price tag then head to the local grocery store and pick up a can or bottle of Hinano.

Sure, it’s not served in a fancy glass with a fruit stick but Hinano beer has won international awards and will only cost you a couple of dollars at the store – seems almost free when compared to that cocktail.

Enjoy the inclusions at your resort

For those who opt for the luxury resort; take time to familiarize yourself with everything your resort has to offer so you can really make the most of your stay.

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers complimentary yoga classes and has SUPs for visitors to borrow. They also have their own lagoon sanctuary which is perfect for snorkeling – you don’t even have to leave the resort grounds. Fingers crossed you’ll be lucky enough to see some of the local spotted eagle rays.

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On December 2, the Biden administration announced that all inbound travelers to the United States must test negative for COVID-19 within one calendar day before their flight ⁠—a tactic to try and slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

This change⁠—which takes effect on Monday, December 6⁠—shortens the current testing window for vaccinated people, which previously required they test negative within three days of departure. Only vaccinated international travelers can enter the US, however, unvaccinated US citizens are able to return. The testing window for unvaccinated Americans was previously one day and will remain so. The new rule applies to everyone two years of age and older.

Read more: These countries have imposed travel restrictions due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant

The testing regulation might seem like an impossible task⁠—particularly for those who booked a trip without knowing the new law—but it doesn't have to be. While the next few days may be complicated for some travelers trying to meet the new rules, if you’re planning to travel in the future, mapping out a plan and getting tested within one day of your flight can be an easily-navigable part of your travel itinerary. "The whole thing is not a big deal," says Michael Holtz, founder and CEO of the luxury travel agency SmartFlyer. When the US enacted the three-day testing rule roughly one year ago, Holtz notes that testing options were harder to find. Today, they're ubiquitous. "Even if a client is hiking the Himalayas, they can get their test done in 24 hours," he says.

Here's everything you need to know about navigating the new testing requirement.

What kind of test do I need?

All travelers entering the United States must take a SARS-CoV-2 viral test⁠, which includes antigen and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). The most common NAAT is a PCR test, the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. If you're uncertain whether or not the US will accept your test, check the CDC's website for confirmation.

Different tests yield different wait times, ranging from fifteen minutes to several days. With a tight one-day turnaround, it's necessary to take a test that delivers results within the appropriate window.

For travelers taking a rapid at-home test, remember to follow the CDC's guidelines: a telehealth professional must be able to confirm your identity, observe the test, and authenticate the result. Abbot BinaxNOW and Ellume are two of the rapid at-home tests approved by the Federal Drug Administration. Visit their websites to purchase kits and set up a telehealth appointment.

Regardless of what test you use, all travelers must obtain documentation of their results before boarding their flight. This documentation may come as a QR code, text, email, or piece of paper. If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you can also show your positive COVID-19 test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before departure and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider clearing you for travel.

Consider that these are only the requirements for travelers to the mainland US. Hawaii, for example, only accepts PCR tests from a specified list of trusted providers, and neighboring Canada does not accept antigen tests. Stay up-to-date on local laws by checking the health department website for the state or territory you're visiting.

How do I get a COVID-19 test while traveling outside the US?

There are four locations to consider when getting tested abroad.

Some hotels provide COVID-19 tests

The first is at the hotel or resort where you're staying. "A lot of hotels are set up to handle testing," says Holtz. Call ahead or check the hotel's website to see if there's on-site testing. Next, ensure the test meets US requirements. If the hotel doesn't provide testing, the concierge or front desk staff should be able to direct you to the nearest testing facility.

Visit a local pharmacy

For those who aren't staying at a hotel, head to a local pharmacy. Although not all pharmacies provide on-site testing, the employees should also be able to point you toward an accessible medical clinic or testing site.

Check if your airport provides testing

You'll also find coronavirus testing at many international airports. Check the Business Traveller website for a comprehensive list of airports and their testing locations, operating hours, test costs, and the length of time to receive results. On a recent trip through Florence, Holtz used a testing facility in the airport parking lot and received his results within twenty minutes.

Take an at-home test

Lastly, traveling with an at-home test kit is the best way to offer anxious travelers peace of mind. Getting tested at your vacation rental⁠—at a time you choose and in your preferred language⁠—can be a soothing antidote to long lines at foreign pharmacies or airports. However, this only works if you have a strong WiFi connection or cell service to support a telehealth video conference.

Other tips for finding a test

Cut down search time for a testing location by consulting the internet. Test for Travel, an international COVID-19 testing database with an easy-to-use interface, offers information on global requirements, testing locations, available test types, and processing time. "We have about 10,000 locations listed in over 95 countries right now," says Test for Travel's founder and CEO, Julien de Bats. The website only shows locations that process tests in 72 hours or less and indicates if the site offers same-day, next-day, or 15-minute test results. Julien says that rapid PCR tests aren't as widely available internationally as in the US, making antigen tests the easiest way to fulfill the new 24-hour testing requirement.

When should I book my test?

Booking a COVID-19 test is as vital to the trip-planning process as booking a hotel room. "It's an addition to your travel checklist," says de Bats. Finding a clinic that meets the one-day rule can be complicated, and getting tested on weekends or holidays might leave you few options. Testing prices can range from tens to hundreds of dollars, too, and if you weigh the possibilities, you'll likely save money.

The bottom line? Make a plan now and worry less later. Don't wait until the last moment and assume everything will work out.

Once you've identified how and where you're going to get tested, figure out the logistics. For in-person testing, map out how you'll get to the site. For at-home testing with a telehealth professional, ensure you have access to reliable cell service or WiFi. If your testing site doesn't require appointments, factor in plenty of time for a visit. It's better to prepare for the worst and be surprised by a frictionless experience.

What if I don't receive my results before I fly? "Start by contacting the laboratory or location where you got tested," recommends de Bats. Then, if your results still aren't ready, contact your airline. Most airlines can assist by finding you an alternative testing option, changing your departure date, or booking a flight to a location where you can get tested before entering the United States. Traveling with an approved at-home test kit can often alleviate these concerns.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub.

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Traveling to the US? Here’s how to meet the new one-day testing rule

Patagonia conjures up images of snow-tipped mountains, glaciers, endless grasslands – of pure, untamed nature. As such it attracts vast crowds of outdoor enthusiasts and, correspondingly, prices are among the highest in Chile and Argentina.

And yet, even if you’re traveling on a tight budget, there are numerous, varied things that you can do for free (or for very little), besides hiking in the national parks.

cThese are 18 of the best free things to do in Patagonia.

Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate

Argentina’s Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is divided into two halves. The star of the southern half, Perito Moreno, is one of the world’s few advancing glaciers and you can take a series of steel catwalks to various viewpoints that allow you unobstructed views of this magnificent blue-grey river of ice.

The glacier moves forward at a rate of around 2m (6.5ft) per day. During hot weather, you’ll frequently hear a dull crack and then see a house-sized chunk of ice bobbing in the Canal de los Témpanos (Iceberg Channel). Some years, the ice blocks up part of Lago Argentino. If you’re extremely lucky, you’ll be there on the day when the water breaches the icy dam.

Perito Moreno is over 60m (197ft) high, 30km (18.5 miles) long and 5km (3.1 miles) wide. To properly appreciate the glacier’s size, you can take a boat tour up to its face, or don a pair of crampons as part of an ice trekking tour. Visitors must pay US$13 park entry fee; you can either drive the 80km (50 miles) from El Calafate or take a bus tour.

Cementerio Municipal, Punta Arenas

Stretching over four city blocks and lined with immaculately clipped cypress trees, this necropolis is a reflection of Punta Arenas’ fascinating history. The elaborate Italian marble tombs of the city’s prominent families – such as those of the wool barons Menéndez, Braun and Nogueira – sit alongside the humble final resting places of Croatian, Scandinavian and Scottish immigrants. Look out for the gravestone of Charles Milward, the relative of Bruce Chatwin, mentioned in his travel book In Patagonia.

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Last Hope Sound, Puerto Natales

Hikers bound for Torres del Paine National Park, while other outdoor enthusiasts find themselves in the southern gateway town of Puerto Natales sooner or later. In between bouts of packing for your trek, take the time to stroll Natales’ waterfront promenade and appreciate the setting.

The town sits on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), fringed with snow-tipped mountains in the distance and the wind whipping up waves on the turquoise water. Near the remnants of the wooden pier, you’re likely to spot cormorants and black-necked swan. There are several sculptures worth your time too, including one of a giant hand.

Museo Antropológico Martín Gusinde, Puerto Williams

Located in tiny Puerto Williams, Chile’s (and the world’s!) southernmost permanently inhabited settlement, this excellent museum is dedicated to the clergyman and anthropologist who spent decades among the indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego, and to the seafaring Yámana (Yaghan) people who inhabited Isla Navarino and other extreme southern reaches.

Highlights here include Yámana artifacts and photographs, accounts of their legends and descriptions of the male rite of passage, which involved the young men covering their faces, painting their bodies black with stripes or dotted patterns and fighting the spirits in a ritual hut built expressly for that purpose. Entry by donation.

Sendero Glacier Martial, Ushuaia

​​Catch one of the frequent minibusses from the corner of Av Maipú and Juana Fadul in downtown Ushuaia to the Cerro Martial ski complex, 7km (4.3 miles) away from the city. From here, a trail winds its way up to lookout point (40 minutes one way), where you are treated to unobstructed views of the world’s southernmost city, its steep streets descending towards the choppy waters of the Beagle Channel and the smallish glacier after which the trail takes its name.

Mountain Biking around Futaleufú

The mountain town of Futaleufú is renowned worldwide as one of the best places on the planet for white-water rafting. But you don’t have to get wet in order to appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding valley and the turquoise ribbon of the river that’s carved its way through a deep granite canyon.

Several outlets around town rent mountain bikes and there are numerous routes to tackle, including an excellent 20km-long loop (12.5 miles) that largely follows the river before crossing a suspension bridge and climbing up through dense forest to a lookout point overlooking the town. It then brings you back to Futa.

High Tea in Trevelin

One of several Welsh settlements founded in Argentina’s Chubut province circa 1860, Trevelin (meaning “mill town”) is a wonderfully photogenic village surrounded by mountains and easily reachable as a day trip (45km (28 miles) roundtrip) from the nearby outdoor adventure center of Esquel.

The quintessential activity in Trevelin is partaking in Welsh afternoon tea (around US$5 per person), which typically involves a bottomless pot of cream tea, scones, toast with butter, jam and torta negra (a black Colombian fruit cake) – an experience that’s meant to transport you to Wales via your taste buds. Touristy but still fun. Teahouses abound; the oldest and most atmospheric is Nain Maggie.

Cueva del Milodón

Bruce Chatwin’s 1970s travel classic, In Patagonia, was supposedly inspired by the momentous discovery made in this cave in the 1890s, when German pioneer Hermann Eberhard came across a large piece of skin belonging to the milodón (extinct giant sloth) that once inhabited Patagonia.

Just over US$6 buys you entry to the cave, where you can check out a rather tacky lifesize replica of the sloth, along with a young milodón femur and displays on the giant sloth’s contemporaries –saber-toothed tigers and ancestors of the wild horse. The cave is 21km (13 miles) north of Puerto Natales.

Dolphin-spotting from the Magellan Strait ferry

If you’re traveling from southern Patagonia to Ushuaia at the bottom of Tierra del Fuego, the bus will invariably have to take the car ferry across the Magellan Strait. Look out the window during the crossing and you’re very likely to catch sight of a few sleek black-and-white shapes moving alongside the ferry through the water. These small, playful creatures are Peale’s dolphins, commonly spotted in the frigid waters around South America’s southernmost tip.

Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio, Trelew

Patagonia has turned out to have been the former home of the world’s largest dinosaurs, some of whom made the T. rex look about as intimidating as a chihuahua. In a south Argentinian town named after a 19th-century Welsh settler, this outstanding paleontological museum (entry fee US$8) features Patagonia’s most important local dinosaur skeletons, such as the Patagosaurus, Tehuelchesaurus and an unusual short-necked sauropod, Brachytrachelopan mesai. The tour de force is the remains of the Patagotitan mayorum, thought to be the largest dinosaur ever to have walked the Earth, discovered in 2012.

Cueva de Las Manos

If road-tripping along Argentina’s legendary Route 40, take a left on your way from the nondescript settlement of Perito Moreno to equally unimpressive Bajo Caracoles. The scenic drive leads you across the boundless steppe to the vertical cliff walls, decorated with Argentina’s most incredible rock art, dating from around 7370 BC.

Pay US$20 to enter this Unesco World Heritage site, decorated with over 800 images in reds and ochres – with human ‘jazz hands’ aplenty. There are also drawings of guanacos and hunting scenes as well as abstract rock art from a later period. If you look closely, you may spot one handprint with six fingers, as well as puma paw prints and prints of a ñandú (rhea) foot.

Cape Horn

If you already happen to be sailing in the turbulent southern seas, Cape Horn – the notorious graveyard of ships – is an essential stop. You disembark on a small, rocky island, crowned with the automated white lighthouse – the southernmost beacon in the world. Nearby is a small wooden chapel, a stone monument honoring seafarers who’ve made it through these treacherous waters successfully, while overhead is a steel-plate abstract sculpture of an albatross

Rock climbing in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

As well as being a world-class hiking destination, the tiny southern Argentinian town of El Chaltén is also renowned in climbing and bouldering circles, with hundreds of routes to suit all abilities in the mountains above the town.

The holy grail for many climbers are the Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre summits. Scores of climbers spend the southern summer in the town (or camping above the town), waiting for the ideal window of opportunity. Even though the mountains are part of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, you don’t need to pay an entry fee in El Chaltén (unlike the southern part of the park with the glaciers, accessed from El Calafate). You will need to register with the rangers on arrival, though, to pick up a free climbing permit.

Termas del Ventisquero, Puyuhuapi

Imagine: You’re cycling the entire 1240km-length (770 miles) of Chile’s Carretera Austra. You’ve managed less than 100km (62 miles) today in the wind and rain, and are feeling wet and miserable. Then the wood-shingled roofs of Puyuhuapi come into view.

Before reaching the town, turn off towards these rustic hot springs, pay the US$20 entrance fee and lower yourself into one of the steaming pools by the water’s edge. Your sore muscles relax and your entire body tingles as you look out over the misty fjord and the forest beyond.

La Trochita, Esquel

Costing a princely sum of around US$12, La Trochita – Argentina’s legendary narrow-gauge steam train, immortalized by Paul Theroux in The Old Patagonian Express – chugs its way from Esquel to Nahuel Pan, some 20km (12.5 miles, 45 minutes) away, and back again at a leisurely speed of around 30kph (18mph).

Until 1993, it ran as far as Ingeniero Jacobacci, 402km (250 miles) away, but these days it’s a short trip down nostalgia lane for train buffs through a landscape of scrubland-covered hills.

Eating cherries in Chile Chico and Los Antiguos

Residents of these two border towns in Northern Patagonia will proudly tell you that you won’t find tastier cherries anywhere in the world – and they are right! Whether you’re partial to the red or white varieties, you’ll find superlative versions of both here, and pay a pittance for them by the kilo during the November to January harvest time.

Just don’t do what some travelers have done and attempt to cross the border between Chile and Argentina with fresh cherries in your possession. You might just find yourself eating a kilo of fruit within seconds.

Caleta Tortel, Tortel

Picture the scene: The smell of freshly-cut Cyprus fills the air as you arrive in the top square of what’s perhaps the most unusual village in Chile. Handfuls of wooden houses, linked by wooden walkways, tumble down towards the emerald-colored bay.

There are no streets here, no cars; even the police ‘car’ and fire engine are boats. Besides being a unique place to wander around, this isolated settlement is the jumping-off spot for visiting the mysterious Isla de Los Muertos.

Estancia Harberton

A US$5 entry fee is a pittance to pay for a visit to Tierra del Fuego’s first estancia (cattle ranch), built in 1886 by Reverend Thomas Bridges. En route to the ranch, 85km (52 miles) east of Ushuaia, look out for the árboles banderas – trees bent almost in two by the fierce Patagonian wind.

As part of a guided tour included in the entry fee, you can wander among the farm buildings, now maintained by the fourth and fifth generations of the Bridges family and visit the onsite Museo Acatushún, with its wealth of marine mammals and bird specimens (including a skeleton of the rare Hector’s beaked whale). You can also check out replica Yámana dwellings and go penguin-spotting on Isla Martillo – the only penguin colony in the Beagle channel.

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With awe-inspiring scenery, fascinating culture, sun, surf and sand, and balmy temperatures year-round, Bali is an ideal vacation destination for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. Whatever your travel tastes and whatever the season, you'll find things to see and do in Bali at any time of year.

The dry season, from April to September, is the most enjoyable time of the year for outdoor activities, including basking on beaches, hiking, surfing, sailing, diving and canyoning. Visit during the wet season (November to March) and you'll experience frequent downpours, but there's good surf on the east coast and you can still enjoy the outdoors, especially in drier areas in the east and north of the island.

The rainy season is also a great time to enjoy Bali’s impressive museums, art galleries, spas and markets. Bali usually escapes the tropical storms that are typical of many tropical destinations, and culture vultures can drop in on an endless stream of festivals, temple celebrations and cultural performances.

Temperatures in Bali don’t vary much from season to season, hovering between 28°C and 32°C (82°F to 90°F) year-round, though it's cooler in mountain areas. Whatever you're looking for in Bali, here are the best times to come.

High Season – July to August and December – is the best time for festivals and partying

The high season coincides with the traditional summer vacation season in Europe, America and Australia in July and August, and it's the height of the dry season and the peak time for surfing on the west coast. Bali is inundated by tourists, who come to sample the island’s many delights and enjoy some of its most colorful festivals. The period around Christmas and New Year also sees a large influx of travelers seeking a reprieve from cold northern winters. High season means high prices and pressing hordes in tightly-packed tourist areas.

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Shoulder Season (April to June and September to October) is best for adventurous travelers

The shoulder season in Bali falls at either end of the dry season, when the weather is either improving after the rains, or getting slowly wetter after the dry months. Things are quieter without the summer vacation crowds, and the weather is normally still dry enough for outdoor fun. However, the two-week Easter spring break can get very busy in tourist areas.

Low Season – January to March and November – is best for budget travelers

Bali’s low season coincides with the rainiest months of the year, and this can be an unpredictable time for outdoor activities. The crowds have decamped back home, and the island is returning to a more relaxed vibe, but there's still decent surf on the east coast and the weather is warm. Accommodation prices fall considerably, which is great news for budget travelers.

Understanding the Balinese calendar

Note that religious festivals such as Galungan and Kuningan are scheduled according to the Balinese 210-day pawukon calendar. This means they happen roughly every seven months according to the western calendar, so the dates vary each year. The dates for village festivals are not always set in stone either. If you’re planning a trip around a festival or event, check the precise dates before you book your flights.

January

As the year-end party buzz wears off, international revelers prepare to go home. January in Bali is a good month for laid-back activities and indoor pastimes as the rainy season is at its peak. However, rafting and surfing are especially exciting during the rainy months, with wilder waves because of the influence of monsoon winds. It's also a good time to explore the attractions of the north and east coast, where the rain is more intermittent.
Key events: Balingkang Kintamani Festival, Chinese New Year (can fall in February)

February

At the end of January or the start of February, Chinese New Year celebrations feature spectacular dances and parades with typical Balinese elements such as b arong (dancers dressed as lion-dogs) and Balinese percussion bands. Bali has dozens of first-rate museums and art galleries to explore, so if those February downpours put a dampener on outdoor excursions, just head to Ubud where the Arma and Neka museums and diverse art galleries will keep you entertained for hours.
Key events: Chinese New Year (if not in January), Balingkang Kintamani Festival

March

Bali’s rains start to lay off in March, heralding brighter weather. Rafting is especially popular at this time, as mountain streams run at full bore. In preparation for Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, lots of colorful melasti processions happen all over the island, as each village undertakes the ritual cleansing of their temple icons at the nearest beach or holy water source. On the day before Nyepi, papier-maché puppets called ogoh-ogoh are marched through the streets by joyous crowds and ceremonially burned on the beach. Nyepi is a day of silence and reflection so prepare to spend the day at your accommodations. Bali almost completely closes down, and no one is allowed on the streets.
Key events: Ogoh-Ogoh parades, Nyepi, Omed-Omedan Kissing Ritual

April

April marks the beginning of the dry season. Easter school breaks bring many vacationers to Bali for fun and relaxation, and popular tourist areas are thronged, but the remainder of the month is quieter than the summer peak.
Key events: Bali Spirit Festival, Ubud Food Festival

May

After Easter, things quieten down again, and May is a great time for outdoor activities. The surfing season is in full swing on the west and south coasts, and rafting, trekking and spelunking beckon to adventure sports fans.
Key events: Buleleng Art Festival

June

The dry season is well underway, and mild trade winds ensure average temperatures of 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). June is an ideal time for beach visits and outdoor fun. Mid-June sees the start of the month-long Bali Arts Festival (PKB), a colorful smorgasbord of Balinese art forms including dance, music, drama and pictorial arts. Equally mesmerizing is the festival in Tenganan village, marked by elegant Rejang dances and coming-of-age rituals.
Key events: Bali Arts Festival, Tenganan Pegringsingan Festival

July

By July, the tourist high season in Bali is in full swing. Bali’s famous kite festivals, which feature gigantic kites with enormous wingspans and competing village kite troupes, continue through till August and sometimes into September. Celebrations are held all along the east and west coasts, but the most famous kite festival is at Padanggalak Beach, north of Sanur.
Key events: Bali kite festivals

August

August is the height of the tourist season, and popular areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur and Ubud are crowded. If you're seeking a more laid-back experience, head for the east or north coasts where the vibe is decidedly less frantic. Indonesia celebrates its independence from colonial powers on August 17 with plenty of pomp and fanfare. Expect entertaining parades and street parties in the bigger towns, especially Denpasar.
Key events: Sanur Village Festival, Independence Day, Bali Marathon

September

September is the month to see a calmer side to Bali, without the frenzied tourist crush of the high season. The weather is still gorgeous, although intermittent rain showers indicate that the rainy season is approaching.
Key events: Bali Blues Festival, Soundrenaline Music Festival, Lovina Festival

October

The rainy season arrives in October, so plan your schedule accordingly. Have a backup plan ready for trips to beaches and other outdoor activities that may be affected by the weather.
Key events: Nusa Dua Fiesta, Ubud Village Jazz Festival, Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Bali International Triathlon

November

If November rains thwart your beach plans, check out indoor events like Bali’s first-rate international film festival, which includes international releases in a wide variety of cinematic genres.
Key events: Balinale

December

December marks the beginning of the holiday party season, and many hotels, restaurants and other venues organize special dinners and entertainment to mark the festive season. New Year’s Eve is particularly memorable, with spectacular fireworks at midnight to help you rock in the new year in style.
Key events: Pemuteran Bay Festival, Penglipuran Village Festival, New Year’s Eve celebrations

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The discovery of a new variant of the COVID-19 virus triggered a flurry of new travel restrictions worldwide—as well as a lot of anxiety among travelers due to how this development could impact their upcoming plans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the Omicron variant as one of concern on November 26, after scientists in South Africa alerted the organization to a variant with a large number of mutations. As scientists work to figure out the implications for public health, governments worldwide scrambled to implement restrictions to limit its the spread.

Where has the Omicron variant been detected? Should I cancel my trip there?

Though first identified by scientists in South Africa on November 24, the virus has been found in countries around the world. Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States have all reported cases.

There's still a lot we don't know about this variant so simply detecting a case doesn’t tell us a lot. It doesn't mean these are the only countries with the variant—nor does it indicate that country is a particular hotspot for the new variant. These are just the areas that have identified a case so far.

This is why South African Prime Minister Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the move by countries to put restrictions on South Africa and neighboring countries. "These restrictions are unjustified and unfairly discriminate against our country and our southern African sister countries. The prohibition of travel is not informed by science, nor will it be effective in preventing the spread of this variant," Ramaphosa said on Twitter.

There's one constant in this pandemic—things move swiftly. Unless you're traveling immediately to a country that has closed its borders completely or one that your home country has placed restrictions on, take time to monitor the situation before making a final decision to adjust your plans.

What countries have closed borders due to Omicron?

Israel, Japan and Morocco responded to the Omicron variant by closing borders.

Effective midnight November 30, Japan is suspending the entry of any non-resident foreign national. Those who are permitted in the country must quarantine at home, a private residence, or in a hotel for 14 days subject to approval by the Government of Japan. Travelers arriving from certain countries in southern Africa must quarantine in a government facility for 10 days.

Israel has temporarily restricted travel by foreign nationals for 14 days unless granted a special entry permit by the exceptions committee.

Morocco also suspended all passenger flights for a period of two weeks starting November 29.

Australia, which was scheduled to slowly reopen starting December 1, pushed back plans to allow in some eligible visa holders and vaccinated travelers from Korea and Japan until December 15.

What countries have implemented country-specific bans?

A host of countries have implemented country-specific bans, primarily on countries located in southern Africa.

Countries that have announced restrictions on travelers from certain African countries include Canada, the United States, some members of the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Seychelles, Brazil, and Guatemala. As these change rapidly and differ in which countries are included, make sure to check specifically with your destination for specific information on which countries are impacted.

Read more: Countries with Omicron COVID-19 variant travel restrictions

UK, Ireland and USA add stricter testing requirements

The United Kingdom announced that every passenger age five and older arriving into the UK from another country (apart from the Republic of Ireland) will need to take a PCR test within 48-hours of arrival and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Read more: UK introduces new Omicron testing rules

Ireland announced it would institute pre-arrival testing for every passenger arriving in the country. Vaccinated travelers can choose a PCR or antigen test. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test.

The United States also announced that it would now require all travelers—even those who are vaccinated—to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours prior to departure to the United States.

Read More: The United States is tightening COVID-19 testing requirements - here's what to know

How should I prepare to travel if I'm traveling soon?

With so much unknown about the Omicron variant, there's a lot you can't really control right now. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're prepared should plans change.

Monitor the situation at your destination. Make sure you're up to date not just on travel restrictions but how the pandemic is impacting the country in general. Are places you'd like to visit open? If you got sick or injured, would you be an increase burden on the destination's health care system?

(If you’re a United States citizen, consider registering your trip with the US Department of State’s STEP program so you can receive travel advisories about your destination.)

Research where to get COVID-19 testing in advance. With more countries requiring a negative test for entry, make sure you know where you're going to get tested. Find out if you need an appointment in advance and don't forget to ask about the cost as well as how quickly the results can be turned around.

Check the cancellation policies for your reservations. If you're waiting to make a decision about your trip, take a few moments to check the cancellation policy on your reservations. Consider putting a calendar alert in your phone for the deadline to cancel so you lose out on your opportunity to cancel without penalty.

Read your travel insurance policy. Make sure you understand what your travel insurance covers. Coverage for trip interruption or delay as well as coverage specifically for COVID-19 medical visits and quarantine could prove especially helpful if the variant impacted your plans.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub.

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Visitors to Barcelona are set to notice something different about the city’s most iconic building. A tower at the famous Sagrada Família cathedral has been adorned with a colossal 12 point star.

The steel and glass structure known as the star of Bethlehem was maneuvered onto the Virgin Mary tower at Gaudí's famous basilica last week. According to a statement by the Sagrada Família foundation: “A great luminous star has changed Barcelona’s skyline and rises up to bring light and hope.” The star weighs 5.5 tons, is 72 meters in diameter and cost €1.5 million.

The Virgin Mary tower is the first to be completed on the building since 1976. Consisting of 800 windows, each is set to light up in blue to resemble the cloak of the Virgin Mary, when the star is officially unveiled on December 8.

The foundation has invited people around the world to be part of the illumination, which starts on December 4. The base of the Virgin Mary tower will be the first to be lit, and the lighting will climb higher and higher on consecutive days, culminating with the star of Bethlehem lighting up on December 8 at a mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Barcelona, who said the completion of the tower was “a historic moment after a year of darkness and tireless struggle”. The illumination festivities will be livestreamed here.

When will Sagrada Família be complete?

The Virgin Mary tower is set to be joined by another five towers currently under construction. When completed, the building will become the tallest church in the world. The Sagrada Família was named a Unesco World Heritage site in 2019 and was expected to be completed in 2026, to mark the centenary of the death of master architect Antoni Gaudí – but its completion has been delayed due to construction being suspended during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Sagrada Família is seen as the most prominent example of Catalan modernism and the best known work of Gaudí, in a city dotted with his designs. It has been under construction for the best part of 140 years.

Gaudí set out to build a church to reflect three phases in the life of Jesus Christ: the nativity, the passion and the glory. However, the work stopped short when the architect was killed by a tram in 1926.  Following his death, a succession of architects tried to decipher his complex geometric designs and continue the project; but work halted several times; with parts of the church destroyed by fire in the Spanish Civil War during the 1930s. Finance was an issue for many years, but the construction is now funded through thousands of anonymous donations from around the world.  The building is today the most photographed piece of architecture in Barcelona.  In pre-COVID times, Sagrada Família welcomed over 60,000 visitors every day.

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On the tropical island of Bermuda, cars are regulated to one per household, and mopeds are the vehicle of choice, which definitely contributes to the leisurely pace of life on the island.

Rental cars are not an option, so international visitors to Bermuda have traditionally used motorcycles or mopeds to scoot around this 21-sq-m (54 sq km) island. Nowadays, travelers have a variety of alternatives, from electric vehicles to rideshares, making it easy to travel from pink beach to pink beach.

Here’s a look at how to explore Bermuda by land and sea.

Bermuda by motorcycle or moped

With motorcycle shops stationed throughout the island, renting a motorcycle or moped may be the most convenient option for travelers who are comfortable with the island’s road rules. For those not used to riding and roundabouts, however, there are some safety concerns, as you'll have minimal protection between you and other drivers, or worse, the pavement.

On the flip side, motorcycles and scooters are a great option for zipping around without having to worry about finding somewhere to park, and they're ideal for navigating the winding, narrow streets of the island's townships like a local.

You can visit a rental shop to pick up your vehicle or arrange delivery to your hotel, but either way, make sure you’re comfortable on the moped before taking off on your own. You must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license.

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Exploring by electric bicycle or bicycle

While we're talking electric vehicles, Bermuda also offers electric bicycles for rent, both from cycle and moped rental shops and also frequently from hotels. Electric bicycles are a great alternative to scooters and Twizys for navigating downtown Hamilton or traveling between hotels and the beach. And as an added perk, they’re emission-free.

Regular bicycles (pedal bikes) are also available if you’re seeking some exercise on vacation. Due to Bermuda’s summer heat, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and bring sufficient water to stay hydrated on longer routes.

Beach-hopping by Twizy

Combining the words “twin” and “easy,” the Twizy is a two-seat electric vehicle that can travel up to 50 miles (80km) from a single charge. With a little more protection than a moped, but the same compact convenience, these vehicles are increasingly popular for visitors who feel more comfortable behind a steering wheel.

Visit Hamilton Princess & Beach Club for the widest selection of Twizys, which are typically rented out on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be at least 18 with a valid driver’s license.

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Bermuda by bus

Bermuda’s pastel pink and blue buses are a staple means of transport for locals, but riding on these colorful coaches is considered a tourist attraction by many visitors, and a cheap one at that.

There are 11 bus routes on the island, connecting the downtown Central Terminal on Washington St in Hamilton to the west and east ends of the island, or as locals know them, Somerset and St George's.

Visitors can use exact change to pay for bus rides (single tickets cost $3.50 to $5) or purchase a one- to seven-day Transportation Pass allowing unlimited use of the island’s public transport.

Ferry routes in Bermuda

There are four ferry routes around Bermuda, starting from the central ferry terminal on Front St in downtown Hamilton. This is a breezy and picturesque way to traverse the island, and there are great views from the sea.

Ferries connect Hamilton to Rockaway, Dockyard and Salt Kettle, with other stops en route, and there's a connecting service from Dockyard to St George's. Depending on the time of day, this can also be a quicker way to reach the far ends of the island than traveling by road. If you’re worried about windswept hair, head for the covered portions of the boat and you’ll arrive looking as fresh as when you boarded.

Unlike the bus, the ferry doesn’t accept change, so you’ll have to use your Transportation Pass or visit the terminal prior to boarding to purchase a ticket or token, using cash or a card.

When is the best time to visit Bermuda?

Taxis and rideshares in Bermuda

Bermuda taxi drivers also double as tour guides for visitors to the island. If you form a quick bond with your driver from the airport, you might end up using the same driver for your entire stay.

There are several taxi companies and rides are metered at government rates. Taxis can be in short supply at busy times, so make an advance booking for your trip to the airport when you depart.

Bermuda also has its own rideshare service, Hitch, which uses a similar platform to Uber or Lyft, but relies on the existing taxi drivers on the island rather than freelance drivers.  The application allows users to order a taxi on demand, or schedule a pick-up, rather than relying on hotels and other venues to call a driver.

Walking in Bermuda

For locals who live close to downtown Hamilton, walking is the obvious route to work, but for visitors, traveling by foot isn’t always the quickest option, nor the safest, given the narrow roads and lack of sidewalks. However, it's definitely the best way to tour Hamilton’s city center.

Save the bicycles and mopeds for longer trips – hopping from local boutique to pub at your own pace in the tropical sunshine was partly why you came to Bermuda! You can also walk along the 18-mile (29km) Railway Trail, which follows the route of Bermuda's vanished railway line, for a scenic nature walk around the island.

Accessible travel in Bermuda

Some attractions, restaurants, sidewalks and pubs are wheelchair accessible, as are the fast ferries, but roads are narrow and the lack of sidewalks is an obstacle for wheelchair users and the visually impaired.

Some hotels have rooms that cater to mobility-impaired guests. Public buses, however, are not equipped for wheelchair access and there are only a few taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs. The Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association has useful info for disabled travelers. For more information, see Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Resources page.

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With soaring sandstone arches, serpentine slot canyons, slickrock domes, and hoodoos of all shapes and sizes, Utah boasts some of the most otherworldly panoramas on planet Earth.

Public lands cover two-thirds of the state, offering vast opportunities to hike, bike, raft, ski, climb and camp – or simply gape at epic views from behind the wheel of a car. If the outdoors is your thing, Utah is your place. Here are the best places to go for a uniquely Utah experience.

Base yourself in Moab for outdoor adventures

On the doorstep of two national parks, a national forest with summits over 12,000ft, and endless acres of slickrock-clad Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, Moab is ground zero for outdoor action in Utah. A variety of restaurants, shops, hotels and outfitters line the streets downtown.

Just to the north, Arches National Park is graced with some of the most spectacular examples of what wind, water, freezing, and thawing can do to rock over time. If there is one must-see destination in Utah, this might be it, though in peak season the crowds can be the stuff of nightmares.

Nearby Canyonlands National Park (Utah’s largest) sees far fewer visitors while offering countless spots to view a Martian-like landscape from the rims or the bottoms of huge canyons, or among formations such as The Needles, Chocolate Drops, or Land of Standing Rocks. The Green and the Colorado Rivers meet in the heart of the park.

Moab also offers easy access to some of the best mountain biking anywhere, as well as prime desert rock climbing, river rafting, and more.

Canyons of the Escalante is a great hiking region

Prepare to get wet and dirty hiking this sinuous canyon system that’s hewn into a massive field of petrified sand dunes. Spanning some 1500 sq miles, including sections of both Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Escalante is wild, rugged country. Though you’ll probably end up wading through pools and creeks, struggling among tamarisk groves, and scrambling over rocks, it’s more than worth it. The sublime beauty of the sensuous red- and orange-hued walls, streaked with desert varnish, inspires a sense of gratitude for life itself. Each side canyon has its own character – some feel private, intimate, while others are impressively grand. Aim for highlights such as the Golden Cathedral and Stevens Arch, or pick a route where you’re less likely to run into other people. Either way, you’ll be glad to be wherever you are.

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Wasatch Range has world-class skiing

Home to the alpine events during the 2002 Olympic Games, the Wasatch Range features world-class skiing on the western fringe of the Rocky Mountains. Want to hit the varied terrain at the largest ski area in the US? Head for Park City. Want to ski on slopes that ban snowboarding? Deer Valley and Alta are for you. And these are just a few of the top resorts in a region that receives some 500 inches of powder each winter. But snow sports aren’t the only draw. Each January you can join the filmmakers, celebrities, and movie lovers who flock to the Wasatch for the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Perfect for even a quick getaway, all of this is within an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City airport.

Bears Ears National Monument is home to Ancestral Puebloan Sites

Covering 1.36 million acres of land sacred to the region’s Native American tribes, Bears Ears National Monument features some of the most remarkable Ancestral Puebloan sites in Utah. Regardless of how much time (and energy) you have, there’s something here for everyone. You can practically drive right up to the petroglyphs that crowd onto Newspaper Rock. Hiking for a few hours on Cedar Mesa will take you to ruins with names like Moon House and House on Fire – named for the effect of the morning sunlight reflecting on the rocks around the stone structure. And on a multi-day backpacking trip in Grand Gulch, you’ll find cliff dwellings, kivas and granaries set between burly canyon walls. Wherever you choose to go, you can’t fail to wonder about the lives of the people who lived on this land some 2000 years ago, and what they were expressing through their art.

Highway 12 is perfect for a scenic drive

In a state with no shortage of scenic roads, this route may well top the list. At one end, you’ll drive among the huge, surrealistic domes of Capitol Reef National Park, where the rock is every color of the rainbow. Just to the west, Highway 12 then plunges south, over a 9400ft pass, and down into the exquisite geology of Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Some of the most eye-popping views from the road are found between the towns of Boulder and Escalante, but there’s plenty to explore along the way, too. Take a quick side trip east of Boulder along the Burr Trail Scenic Byway, or get out from behind the wheel and hike around the drip-castle world of Bryce Canyon National Park, near the western end of the highway.

San Juan River is the best spot for rafting trips

Meandering through Utah’s southeastern corner, the San Juan carves a gorgeous route through 300 million years of geologic time. On rafting trips, ranging from two to seven days, you’ll float between sheer canyon walls, past cliffs etched with hundreds of petroglyphs, and through miles of twisting “goosenecks.” At night, you’ll camp on sandy beaches gazing at pristine starry skies. Since most of the rapids rarely rise above class II, this trip is less about white water and more about the scenery and experiencing the rhythm of the river. It’s perfect for families with kids and hardcore outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Dinosaur National Monument is packed with fossils

Back in Jurassic times, animal carcasses washed down a river, ran aground on a sandy bank, and settled into the sediment. Many of these creatures were deposited in the same place, forming a densely packed pile of bones, now preserved as fossils in exposed layers of sandstone in Dinosaur National Monument. Quarry Exhibit Hall was built around one such formation, making it easy to see about 1500 fossils "‘in the wild" – in an air-conditioned space. More fossil beds can be viewed on trails, including a 1.2-mile loop from the visitor center. More than just one of the richest dinosaur caches in the world, the park, which stretches into Colorado, also features stunning scenery within the Green and Yampa river corridors that can be hiked and rafted.

Salt Lake City has excellent dining options

Hands down the best culinary scene in Utah is in its capital. You’ll find everything from innovative farm-to-table restaurants to family-run diners. Salt Lake’s top-notch international cuisine includes Mexican, Ethiopian, Greek and Nepalese. There’s even a New York-style deli that Jewish publication, The Forward, calls “a must.” Brew pubs and coffeeshops abound. For a more serendipitous exploration of the Salt Lake City food scene, the neighborhoods of downtown, Liberty Park or Sugar House are abundant with a diverse selection of restaurants and coffee shops.

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