From the stunning Twelve Apostles jutting out of the sea to the uncanny views of the Pinnacles Desert, Australia is a country with a bounty of wonders that date back centuries. From the coastal vibes to the arid, desolate spots, here are 10 natural wonders that make the land of Oz a popular destination for those with a zest for adventure.

Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Did you know this about the Great Barrier Reef?

1. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is as fragile as it is beautiful. Stretching more than 2000km along the Queensland coastline, it's a complex ecosystem populated with dazzling coral, languid sea turtles, gliding rays, timid reef sharks and tropical fish of every colour and size. Whether you dive on it, snorkel over it or explore it via a scenic flight or a glass-bottomed boat, this vivid undersea kingdom and its coral-fringed islands are so unforgettable people are signing up to become a Citizen of the Great Barrier Reef to help save it.

2. Daintree Rainforest

Lush green rainforest replete with fan palms, prehistoric-looking ferns and twisted mangroves tumble down towards a brilliant white-sand coastline in the ancient, World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest. Upon entering the forest, you’ll be enveloped in a cacophony of birdsong, frog croaking and the buzz of insects.  Continue exploring the area on wildlife-spotting night tours, mountain treks, interpretive boardwalks, canopy walks, self-guided walking trails, 4WD trips, horse riding, kayaking and crocodile-spotting cruises. You might even spot a prehistoric cassowary.

3. Uluru

Australia’s most recognised natural wonder, Uluru draws pilgrims from around the world like moths to a big red flame. No matter how many postcard images you have seen, nothing prepares you for the Rock’s immense presence, character-pitted surface and spiritual gravitas. There's plenty to see and do: meandering walks, bike rides, guided tours, desert culture and simply contemplating the many changing colours and moods of the great monolith itself. The one thing you can’t do – climb the Uluru. Stay off!

Editor’s note: Be mindful of the Mutitjulu Community by exercising proper health and safety protocols.

4. The Whitsundays

You can hop around a whole stack of tropical islands in this seafaring life and never find anywhere with the sheer beauty of the Whitsundays. Travellers of all monetary persuasions launch yachts from Airlie Beach and drift between these lush green isles in a slow search for paradise (you'll probably find it in more than one place). Don't miss Whitehaven Beach – one of Australia's (and the world's) best. Wish you were here?

5. The Twelve Apostles

The most enduring image for most visitors to the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles jut from the ocean in spectacular fashion. There they stand, as if abandoned to the waves by the retreating headland, all seven of them. Just for the record, there never were 12, and they were called the “Sow and Piglets” until some bright spark in the 1960s thought they might attract tourists with a more venerable name.

The two stacks on the eastern (Otway) side of the viewing platform are not technically Apostles – they’re Gog and Magog. And the soft limestone cliffs are dynamic and changeable, suffering constant erosion from the tides: one 70m-high stack collapsed into the sea in July 2005 and the Island Archway lost its archway in June 2009. The best time to visit is sunset, partly to beat the tour buses and also to see little penguins returning ashore.

6. Fraser Island

The local Butchulla people call it K’gari – “paradise” – and for good reason. Sculpted by wind, sand and surf, the striking blue freshwater lakes, crystalline creeks, giant dunes and lush rainforests of this gigantic sandbar form an enigmatic island paradise unlike any other. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world (measuring 120km by 15km) and the only known place where rainforest grows on sand.

7. Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain

A precipitous comb of rock carved out by millennia of ice and wind, crescent-shaped Cradle Mountain is Tasmania's most recognisable – and spectacular – mountain peak. It's an all-day walk (and boulder scramble) to the summit and back for unbelievable panoramas over Tasmania's alpine heart. Or you can stand in awe below and fill your camera with the perfect views across Dove Lake to the mountain. If the peak has disappeared in clouds or snow, warm yourself by the fire in one of the nearby lodges … and try again tomorrow.

Why Tasmania is perfect for ecotourists

8. Ningaloo Reef

Snorkel among pristine coral, surf off seldom-visited reefs and dive at one of the world's premier locations at this World Heritage-listed marine park, which sits off the North West Cape on the Coral Coast in Western Australia. Rivalling the Great Barrier Reef for beauty, Ningaloo has more accessible wonders: shallow, turquoise lagoons are entered straight from the beach for excellent snorkelling. Development is very low-key, so be prepared to camp, or take day trips from the access towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay.

9. The Outback

Whether you're belting along South Australia's Oodnadatta Track in a 4WD or depreciating your van on the southern section of the Birdsville Track, you'll know you're not just visiting the outback – you've become part of it. Out here, the sky is bluer and the dust redder than anywhere else. Days are measured in kilometres, spinifex mounds and tyre blowouts. If time isn’t on your side, a road trip to the mining town of Broken Hill may be as far from the coast as you get.

Digging Outback Queensland’s Jurassic Trail

10. Pinnacles Desert

It could be mistaken for the surface of Mars, but scattered among the dunes of Nambung National Park, thousands of ghostly limestone pillars rise from the surrounding plain like a vast, petrified alien army. One of the west's most bizarre landscapes, the Pinnacles Desert attracts thousands of visitors each year. Although it's easily enjoyed as a day trip from Perth, staying overnight in nearby Cervantes allows for multiple visits to experience the full spectrum of colour changes at dawn, sunset and the full moon, when most tourists are back in their hotels.

Introducing Australia

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Australia's 10 best natural wonders  

Travel may still be a little tricky, but you can still traverse the globe with these delicious drink recipes to try at home.

Today's cocktail hails from Cuba – Mojito.

What is it?

Sultry and refreshing, a mojito is the rare island drink that is both sugary and herbaceous, an organic experience that takes the edge off a humid, tropical day wonderfully.

Origins

The mojito’s roots sink deep into the Cuban countryside, which makes sense, given the ingredients: limes prevented scurvy among colonial sailors and sugar cane fields blanket the hinterlands. No one knows who first brought these elements together to create the mojito. But the drink’s ascendancy can be traced, first, to 1930s Havana, and then to the cocktail culture of the mid-20th century.

You’ll need (serves 1)

1 tsp sugar
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 sprig mint
4 oz crushed ice
2–4fl oz (60–120ml) white rum
8fl oz (240ml) club soda

Method

Step 1: Put the sugar into a 12–ounce glass.
Step 2: Squeeze around 1-2 fl oz (30-60ml) of juice from the lime into the glass, then add a lime wedge.
Step 3: Place the sprig of mint into the glass.
Step 4: Use a muddler or spoon to mash everything together.
Step 5: Add the crushed ice to the glass.
Step 6: Add the rum to the glass.
Step 7: Fill the glass with club soda, stir and serve.

Tasting notes

You can order a mojito in the midst of a snowstorm in Bergen these days, but the Platonic ideal is served in Cuba, or Miami – home of the largest Cuban population outside of Cuba and stepping stone for the drink’s transition to the modern cocktail scene. Be it a sweaty bar accompanied by the sound of song on a scratchy radio or a flash lounge, in any location a good mojito is a wonderful twist on the tropical drink – cool, clear and refreshing, the mint and soda providing a zingy counterbalance to the heavy sugars of the rum.

Other recipes:

Garibaldi
Irish Coffee
Terremoto

This article was originally published in April 2020 and updated in August 2020.

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Destination Drinks #14: Mojito

Let’s get right to the point here. Costa Rica may have some of the most stunning rain forests and wildlife on the planet, but it also has some truly awesome strips of sand. Whether you’re keen to body surf in the crashing spray, or just spend your days soaking up the rays, one thing is for sure – Costa Rica is a beach lover’s dream. Here are 10 of our favorites.

Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

1. Playa Negra

As its name implies, this much-loved beach near the reggae-fueled town of Cahuita is covered in dark black sand that positively shines on a sunny day. Although the sand can get a bit warm around midday, fret not as you’re never far from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Though undoubtedly the town's most popular spot for swimming, it's never crowded.

2. Playa Conchal

Arguably the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica, tiny yet never understated Playa Conchal is covered in a fine sprinkling of crushed seashells. As you wade through crystalline water in search of a memorable souvenir, pause for a moment to reflect on how wonderful it is to be in paradise.

3. Punta Uva

Off a dirt road marked by Punta Uva Dive Center is a quiet, idyllic cove that could double for a scene in the film The Beach. There are usually a couple of locals renting out surfboards on the sand, and the reef to the right of the cove is excellent for snorkeling and surfing (but not at the same time!). When the waves are up, this spot creates a forgiving peeling right-hand wave that's suitable for intermediates.

4. Playa Espadillia Sur

A half-hour hike from the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio entrance, the exposed Playa Espadilla Sur is to the north of Punta Catedral and gorgeous with pinch-me scenes of white sand, backed by lush tropical forest. As tempted as you may be, swimming here can be dangerous – be aware of currents. There's drinking water, bathrooms and showers in the middle of the beach.

5. Playa Santa Teresa

Playa Santa Teresa is a long, stunning beach that's famous for its fast and powerful beach break. The waves at the popular Peninsula de Nicoya destination are pretty consistent and can be surfed at virtually any time of day. At the north end of the beach, Roca Mar – aka Suck Rock – is an awesome point break and a local favorite. The break La Lora is named for the nightclub that marks the turnoff from the main road, which is how you find it.

6. Playa Hermosa

Somewhere north of town, Playa Santa Teresa ends and Playa Hermosa starts. This gorgeous beach deserves its hermosa (beautiful) moniker and then some. It's wide and flat and spectacular at low tide. The beach nearly disappears at high tide. Somewhere between low and high is surf tide, when you can ride the wide beach break left or right from center. You can surf the point break (at the north end of the beach) at any time.

7. Playa Ventanas

Tucked behind a grove of coco palms on the Central Pacific Coast, this crescent-shaped, black-sand-and-pebble beach has elaborate rock formations at either end, and is called v entanas (windows) because on the northern side there are a couple of caves large enough to walk into. The ocean roars and crashes through the caves as the tide comes in – it's pretty spectacular to watch. There are no services here, but you can pick up some roadside coconut water, and snacks from vendors on the beach.

8. Playa Barrigona

A dreamy, hidden, white-sand beach about 30 minutes north of Sámara, where no development is visible.

9. Playa Montezuma

The best beach close to town is just to the north, where the sand is powdery and sheltered from big swells. This is your glorious sun-soaked crash pad. The water's shade of teal is immediately nourishing, the temperature is perfect and fish are abundant. At the north end of the beach, look for the trail that leads to a cove known as Piedra Colorada. A small waterfall forms a freshwater pool, which is a perfect swimming spot.

10. Playa San Josecito

South of Río Claro, Playa San Josecito is one of the longest stretches of white-sand beach on this side of the Península de Osa. It is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers, though you’ll find it crowded at lunchtime since it's the favorite post-snorkeling picnic spot for tour companies coming back from Isla del Caño. Watch out for capuchin monkeys.

You might also like:

What travel looks like in Costa Rica in 2020
Costa Rica's best adventure activities
Peaceful escapes in Costa Rica

This article was originally published in July 2009 and updated in August 2020.

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Costa Rica's 10 best beaches

"When that ship has been made ready and is fit to sail, we'll launch it out into the broad sea," said Odysseus to his men in the Homeric epic that historians typically trace back to around 800 BC. But even then sailing was an ancient art dating back many thousands of years. Farther back than human memory and even myth can remember, our history has been deeply entwined with the science and art of sailing.

If you, too, feel the call of the sea and want to make ready to sail, there are plenty of destinations where you could go. But some some are perennial favorites for a reason – whether you're aiming for the "wine dark sea" of the Mediterranean, the clear turquoise bays of the Caribbean, or the silty green-tinted currents of the Nile. In this edited and updated excerpt from Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences, we cast our net wide for the world's classic sailing spots.

Our editorial team provides independent recommendations to help you make the most of your travel experiences. When you make a purchase through the included links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1. British Virgin Islands

What happens when steady trade winds meet an island-flecked channel with tame currents and hundreds of protected bays? Every mariner worth their sea salt sails there – hence the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) being a sailing fantasy land.

There are more than 40 islands and hundreds of anchorages, all within sight of each other. The BVIs are one of the planet’s easiest places to sail – more than a third of all visitors, from beginners to old hands, come to do just that. If you're seeking a boat on arrival, boatshare companies like Boatsetter let you search for rentable vessels at a variety of sizes and price points, with or without captains depending on your skill level.

2. Bay of Islands, New Zealand

This small island nation has a habit of throwing up some of the world’s best sailors (see its America’s Cup successes) and has one of the highest per-capita rates of boat ownership in the world. And with water like this, why wouldn’t it? Famed for its stunning coastal scenery, the Bay of Islands in NZ’s 'winterless north' is one of the country’s most worthwhile attractions, punctuated by dozens of coves and filled with clear waters ranging in hue from turquoise to deep blue.

Though a hugely popular tourist and sailing destination, the 150 or so islands have thankfully escaped development and the townships are all on the mainland. Paihia is the hub town of the Bay of Islands, and though it’s small, the population swells dramatically in summer – so book accommodation in advance.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Travelling to Zanzibar, which sits in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, is like being transported through the centuries – to the ancient kingdoms of Persia, to the Oman of yesteryear with its caliphs and sultans, to the west coast of India with its sensual rhythms and heavily laden scents. The old Stone Town, where everyone arrives, is easily one of Africa’s most evocative locations.

Turquoise waters and picture-perfect beaches are trademarks of the Spice Island, and cruising aboard a traditional dhow (an ancient Arabic sailing vessel) is a tip-top way to explore the surrounding archipelago and first-class diving and snorkelling sites. In particular, you might want to seek out Original Dhow Safaris, which offers cruises aboard a locally built dhow named after one of the island’s most famous sons – Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.

4. Croatia

Called the 'new Greece', the 'new Riviera' and the 'new Tuscany', Croatia has clearly become the latest gotta-go destination for the in-crowd. But for all the hype, Croatia’s pleasures are more timeless than trendsetting: as ever, the sun shines brilliantly on the crystalline Adriatic, which gently laps a 1778km coast and no fewer than 1185 islands.

That’s a lot of coastline to explore, and there’s no better way to do this than to sail it. The most popular place to dock is the hoity-toity island of Hvar, flush with well-heeled yachties, but you should also set sail for hidden coves, traditional fishing villages and more remote island groups like Kornati or Elafiti. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to set sail, however. Gateway cities such as Split and Dubrovnik have plenty of history and appeal for landlubbers too.

5. The French Riviera

Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco – this celebrated coastline is loaded with legend, myth and celebrity scandal. From billion-dollar real estate to hedonism aboard monumental yachts, there’s no disputing the sheer glitz and glamour of the French Riviera.

If you want to live the lifestyle, befriend a rock star/Hollywood bigwig/Euro royal and pose artfully on the deck of their boat. Failing that, head to Antibes or Cannes (or Marseille) to hire a set of sails. Even if it’s just a small oceangoing craft, stock the fridge with champagne and caviar and live out a little of the fantasy.

6. Nile River, Egypt

For millennia the Nile was Egypt’s main transport corridor, and today’s travellers get the perfect chance to get off-road and sail into history. For multi-day river jaunts, budget-friendly feluccas (small, traditional canvas-sailed boats) and dahabiyyas (more-luxurious houseboats, which have become the Rolls Royce of the Nile) have it all over the big cruisers. They use sail power instead of engines so more time is spent on the river, and they can stop at small islands or antiquities sites that are skipped by the cruise boats.

Most overnight felucca trips begin at Aswan; the most popular option is a three-day, two-night sail to Edfu. By night, recharge your batteries after hot, history-heavy days by star-gazing and listening to the sounds of the river.

7. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

A prime holiday hot spot off the Queensland coast, the Whitsundays are the stuff of postcard designers’ dreams – cloudless skies, azure seas and 74 flawless islands. Much of this half-drowned mountain range belongs to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, so you’ll find kaleidoscopic coral gardens, sea turtles and a mind-boggling array of fabulous fish.

Diving or snorkelling straight off your yacht is incomparable and sailing is huge business, with boats and tours catering to everyone from first-timers to professionals. The gateway to the Whitsundays is the town of Airlie Beach, where all the services cluster along the main drag. To arrange day, overnight, or private charter tours, connect with Sailing Whitsundays, a reputable agency.

8. The Greek Islands

There’s something undeniably siren-like about Greece ’s islands. Could it be the call of magnificent history, 1400-plus islands dotting the waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year? Sailing is the best way to set your own island-hopping itinerary, stopping for octopus and ouzo or finding a secluded swimming spot.

Select an island group to explore – favourites include the Cyclades (including the recently booming Santorini and Mykonos) or the Ionians, west of the mainland and including Corfu, Lefkada and Skorpios, the private island of the late shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis.

Sailors beware the winds of change: the meltemi is a northeasterly wind that blows through much of Greece during the summer, which can make for more challenging sailing conditions.

9. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Bone up on Darwin’s theory of evolution while you sail around this volcanic archipelago the very name of which conjures images of other-worldly wildlife. The Galapagos present a once-in-a-lifetime visit is to fly in and take a week-long cruise, living aboard a boat (sailing yachts are available and totally look the part, but motors are often used).

By day you can snorkel or dive, or come ashore to play Attenborough among astounding wildlife, including vast numbers of sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises and bountiful birdlife. We implore you, however to tread carefully in this ecological wonderland endangered by climate change.

10. Tahiti and French Polynesia

It’s impossible to talk about the exotic landscape of Tahiti and French Polynesia without clichés. From the lush slopes of the high islands to the white-sand, palm-ruffled atolls with lagoons bluer than Billie Holiday, this is the place that stereotypical ideals of paradise come from. Roughly halfway between Australia and California, French Polynesia’s 118 islands are scattered over an expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching more than 2000 sq km – an area about the size of Western Europe.

If you’re a yachtie looking to live the dream, start your adventures on the island of Ra’iatea, the yachtcharter centre of French Polynesia. It’s a good idea for sailors to avoid the November-to-March tropical depressions, with their (depressing) rain.

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This article was originally published August 31, 2010 and was most recently updated August 7, 2020.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter . Make the most of your travel with sightseeing tours and activities from our trusted partners.

10 classic sailing adventures

The Cannes Film Festival may be best known as the glitzy setting where Hollywood’s biggest names unveil their latest projects, but for every red carpet premiere, there’s an equally star-studded soiree gliding along the Riviera.

With the festival in full swing right now, glamorous guests are currently dropping anchor along the Croisette; but these floating playgrounds are not solely the preserve of the A-list. If you've always imagined seeing the coast of Cannes from a yacht, there are ways to bring a flash of luxury to your south of France travels, whatever your budget.

Our editorial team provides independent recommendations to help you make the most of your travel experiences. When you make a purchase through the included links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Book in advance

It may seem obvious, but when the high season starts around May and the film festival, boats – and yachts in particular – are likely to be booked out, so make your reservation a few weeks before you want to go. At the higher end, Katherine Hodson of Superyachts Monaco recommends booking at least a year in advance so your broker can get you the best deal. “The later you book, the more compromises you have to make on the yacht specifications,” she explains. “All the good ones go early!”

Think outside the high season

That’s July and August in the south of France, and while there is still some availability at these times, you’ll likely end up paying more than you would off-peak, and if you’re going for a yacht, you may struggle to find an accommodating berth at the crowded ports.

On a budget? Take a day trip

Yachts are typically booked by week, but you can hire smaller boats for the day for around €190, fuel included. Chrissie McClatchie, an Australian now living in Villefranche-sur-Mer, rents a licence-free boat with her husband for special birthday trips or on family visits.

“It's a fab day out,” she says. “Everyone can take turns steering, you can take a picnic and there’s a little bit of shade. The bay of Villefranche around to Cap Ferret is sublime – we would just drop anchor and spend a few hours jumping in and out of the water in the morning before coming back into port for lunch along the waterfront.”

Some boat rental companies like Boatsetter are flexible, letting you choose between boats at a wide range of prices that can be had for a day or longer periods, with or without a captain depending on your needs and how much you want to spend.

Sail Cannes in style

The small day boats are simple in design, with a classic open layout offering a deck for sunbathing, a seating area and a cover for shade, along with the steering wheel and life jackets. “These boats are very basic – there’s not even a toilet on board,” says McClatchie. “But it’s all you need for a really fun few hours on the water.”

The larger boats are often equipped with cabins and toilets, as well as indoor and outdoor dining and lounging areas. In the luxury models you can enjoy cinema rooms, spas, gyms, clubs and bars. Water toys are booming at the moment, and you can take your pick from inflatables and jet skis to electronic surfboards and even personal submarines.

Bring the essentials

Swap hardshell luggage, which can be hard to store, for soft-sided versions. As well as the usual SPF and travel documents, in most cases for day rentals you’ll need to bring your own food and drink, so prepare a picnic to enjoy on the water. As for what to wear? “The uniform on board is bare feet,” says McClatchie. “Always!”

Consider whether you’ll need a licence

If you’re keen to take the wheel, a licence is required to operate boats with a motor more powerful than 4.5 kilowatts or 6 horsepower. However, for most rentals, you won’t need a licence, particularly if you’re only sailing for the day with a few friends or family members.

There are plenty of companies along the coast, such as Dark Pelican in Villefranche-sur-Mer, that specialise in small boat rentals, with or without a licence. For more information on applying for licences, visit the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing. When renting without a licence, you’ll get a demonstration on how to use your boat before you set out, and the company will provide defined cruising limits.

If you want to go outside the specified navigation area, or you’re after a bigger boat, you can hire a crewed motor yacht. Companies such as 212-Yachts, which has a base in Nice, offer small yacht charters with skipper from €3,150 per day. Superyachts – defined as those measuring over 24m in length – start from €115,000 per week from companies such as Superyachts Monaco.

Plan your South of France route

Renting your own boat allows you to discover the coast away from the crowds. For day trips on licence-free boats, McClatchie recommends choosing a lesser-known departure port, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and St-Jean-Cap-Ferret, or head beyond Cannes to Mandelieu-la-Napoule to explore the red rock mountains of the Massif Esterel.

“The best bits for me are the chance to drive a boat, which is great fun, and swimming in the cove of St Jean where the water is perfect, translucent turquoise,” she adds. “It’s pretty magical.”

If a member of your party has a licence, or if you’ve hired a skipper, McClatchie suggests dropping anchor between Les Iles des Lérins, a group of unspoilt islands off Cannes.

“On a superyacht, the whole coast is your playground,” she adds, “but the Porquerolles, St-Tropez (especially Plage de Pampelonne and Le Club 55, La Bagatelle and Nikki Beach bars), Cannes and Monaco are destinations that never go out of fashion."

Be conscious of additional charges

If you’re chartering a crewed yacht, you’ll have to pay extra for fuel and expenses such as dockage costs, snacks and drinks. This is all covered in the Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, which is paid in advance, usually a month before departure. It is generally calculated as a percentage of the charter fee, i.e. 20-25% if you’re chartering a sailing yacht and 30-35% for a motor yacht. If there’s anything left at the end, it will be refunded.

And don’t forget to tip

The number one rule of yachting etiquette? Tip your crew. The Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association recommends tipping between 5-15% of your charter fee. Hand it to the captain at the end of your charter, and they will split it between the crew.

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This article was most recently updated on August 7, 2020.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter . Make the most of your travel with sightseeing tours and activities from our trusted partners.

How to do a yacht holiday in Cannes – it’s easier and cheaper than you think!

As countries around the world emerge from quarantine, flights are resuming and museums, restaurants, and attractions are reopening – just in time for a last-minute getaway. In many waterfront destinations, ferry systems are up and running, with preventative health protocols firmly in place, and private charters are returning to action – a tempting option for travelers still squeamish at the thought of crowds. Whether you choose to join the queue or set sail in a boat of your own, here are six picturesque places to take to the seas this summer.

Our editorial team provides independent recommendations to help you make the most of your travel experiences. When you make a purchase through the included links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1. Greece

For the time being, countries in the European Union are open to EU citizens and residents from over a dozen other approved countries. Still, the Greek islands are welcoming visitors, and the ferry system is running on all cylinders, with temperature checks and health questionnaires required before boarding. On the other hand, a charter lets you set your own schedule, and Valef Yachts – a long-time favorite of celebrities and dignitaries alike – is a luxe-level choice. (Not to fear, the islands are overflowing with down-to-earth operators as well.)

2. Croatia

Croatia’s borders are also opened EU nationals and residents of approved countries, and most self-isolation and quarantine restrictions have been lifted. Private yachts, boats, and other nautical vessels are operating from the mainland and between the islands, and Virtuoso’s private, eight-day Essence of the Dalmatian Coast tour is the ultimate extravagance, covering Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik with stops on Korcula and around the Pakleni and Elaphiti Islands.

For something more low-key, Croatia’s easy-to-navigate network of buses and ferries makes it a breeze to create a personalized itinerary and island-hop around the Kvarner Gulf or the Istrian Peninsula. Or you can opt to rent your own vessel (and bring on a captain if you need) with a boatshare service like Boatsetter.

3. Italy

For centuries, Italy’s Amalfi Coast has drawn crowds for its natural beauty and cultural cachet, especially during the peak summer months. This year, of course, things are slightly different, and a country that was once swarming with tourists is now desperate to see them return.

See Amalfi's coastal towns and idyllic islands via its extensive ferry system, or charter a reasonably priced rental via Banana Sport, located at Marina Grande. Viator (a Lonely Planet partner) also runs private excursions to Capri, Ischia, and Procida, explorations of the sea grottoes along the coast, and customizable day trips from Salerno, Positano, and more.

4. The Caribbean

File under good news: the Caribbean is beginning to reopen, and suffice it to say those white-sand beaches and clear-blue waters will make a welcome change of scenery for anyone who’s spent the past few months self-isolating indoors. While there’s a network of ferries connecting some countries, it’s by no means comprehensive, so take the logistics into account when planning your route. If you’re going with a yacht – either crewed or bareboat – the region’s charter companies are eager to get things up and running again, with some, like Horizon Yacht Charters, offering flexible bookings, low-season rates, and even free sailing days for trips scheduled through October.

5. The Galápagos Islands

Historically, Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands have thrived in isolation, but during the pandemic, that very seclusion has had disastrous effects on the local economy. According to reports, the volcanic islands reopened on July 1 – a boon for those eager to forgo lush tropical scenery in favor of diverse wildlife and otherworldly landscapes.

Because travel within the Galápagaos is heavily regulated, it’s usually recommended to book well in advance, but this is a far from normal summer, and even at this late hour, you may be able to land a charter with one of the Galapagos Conservancy ’s travel partners. AdventureSmith Explorations has a roster of catamarans and historic vessels, while Wilderness Travel offers private journeys on a refurbished 14-person yacht. There’s also ferry service between some of the islands, courtesy of private speedboats called lanchas, and each trip will just set you back $30 or so.

6. Tahiti

While the weather in French Polynesia tends to be reliably balmy year-round, it’s best during the dry season – which also happens to coincide with the height of summer, when travel to Tahiti is at its peak. From July 15, when the island collective’s borders are set to reopen to international visitors, you can charter a boat to Marlon Brando's former home of Tetiaroa, hire a catamaran or monohull in Ra'iatea, or book a guide to help you explore the Fenua Aihere, from Vaipoiri Cave to the Te Pari Cliffs.

Budget options are harder to come by, as it’s much more common to island-hop here by plane, but within the Society Islands, you can catch a high-speed ferry between Tahiti and Mo’orea or Bora Bora and Maupiti; other destinations are accessible via cargo ship, speedboat, or shuttle.

This article was originally published on June 25, 2020 and was most recently updated on August 7, 2020.

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When travel begin again, many of us will be dreaming of replacing our busy city breaks with longer holidays in beautiful, remote places, full of fresh air and easy social distancing.

The good news for fussier travellers is that camping in the world's wildest places doesn't mean you need to give up the hope of a relaxing holiday. There are terrific glamping site s across every continent for any traveller who wants to experience solitude in far-off places, without compromising on comfort. We've rounded up nine of the best glamping experiences in remote places to inspire you when you're ready to travel again.

Kachi Lodge, Bolivia

The Uyunui salt flats are eternally captivating to travellers and Kachi Lodge allows you to stay in the middle of this otherworldly landscape. As well as views of the plains ahead, it’s the perfect spot for stargazing, sitting at 3600m elevation. The lodge also runs on solar energy, with its own water treatment unit for added sustainability. It is currently accepting bookings.

Chamba Camp, India

Nestled in the mountains of the Ladakh region, the Chamba Camp is steeped in local Buddhist culture. Packages include trips to the picturesque monasteries of the region during the day, while in the evening you can enjoy private dining with ingredients picked from their own organic garden. Open from May to October.

Pitahaya Glamping Retreat, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s first official upmarket camping experience enjoys some of the darkest skies in the country, making it possible to see the Milky Way at night. You’ll have access to five acres of nature reserves around you, as well as spectacular beaches on the southwest coast some 20 minutes away. Too relaxed to move? There's also a pool to cool off during the day. It has recently reopened for bookings.

Northern Lights Wilderness Camp, Finland

Living up to its name, this mobile camp in Finland is in a different location every winter season. You’ll have the entire place to yourself, as you’re shuttled to and from by snowmobile. The amenities are basic: there's only room for two but the clear roof means you have the best chance of spotting the elusive Aurora Borealis during the night. Available between January and April from Off The Map Travel.

Longitude 131, Australia

Relax in the heart of outback while gazing at the natural wonder that is Uluru. There is an onsite spa which uses products made with local ingredients and an open-air terrace gives you the option to dine under the stars. Guests can also delve deeper into Aboriginal culture, learning about the creation stories of the local Aṉangu. Due to reopen for bookings this September.

Sun City Camp, Jordan

Dubbed the ‘Martin Domes’, the signature lodgings in this Sun City Camp are settled in the red dust of the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, Jordan. Your tents are equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool, and are the perfect base to try the quintessential adventures like a Jeep tour over the dunes, sunrise yoga or a float in a hot air balloon. Currently open.

Kingfisher Lodge, UAE

Stretched across its own private peninsula in the ecotourist enclave of Kalba, Kingfisher Lodge boasts just 25 tents in total for an expansive sense of privacy. Explore the region’s spectacular biodiversity by day and retire to the dining tent for a glorious buffet after dark.

Highlands Camp, Tanzania

Wake up in the wilderness at this stunning high-altitude Highlands Camp is in the Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site which is Tanzania’s only conservation area that also supports human habitation. Learn about Maasai culture and be rewarded with views over this unique ecosystem at night from your luxury domes in the morning. Currently open for bookings.

White Desert, Antarctica

Glamping doesn’t get more remote than this. Antarctica's only luxury accommodation, White Desert skips the traditional gruelling - but spectacular - journey and instead flies visitors in, staying in a temporary but comfortable dome with meals cooked by an award-winning chef. Trips only run in November and December and the company is accredited as carbon neutral.

This article was first published 25 May 2019 and was updated 7 August 2020.

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9 of the most remote glamping spots in the world

With the sheer number of haunted destinations in the world, it doesn't seem fair that well-known creepy sites, like Bran Castle in Transylvania, get all the attention. So here are 10 lesser-known haunted places around the world that will certainly curl your toes.

Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

1. Fort Garry Hotel – Winnipeg

Most of the unnatural occurrences at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg are focused in Room 202, where according to legend a woman hung herself in the closet many years ago, after hearing of her husband's death. There have been reports of blood dripping down the walls in the room and guests waking up to an apparition of a cloaked woman hovering at the foot of the bed. Guests of ghoulish inclination can ask to stay in room 202.

2. LaLaurie Mansion – New Orleans

The LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans is the former home of socialite and now-famous sadist (thanks to the television show American Horror Story: Coven) Madame Delphine LaLaurie and scene of horrifying events in the 1830s.

Phantoms of the tortured slaves who died on the property have been reported, along with screams coming from the house. People on group tours have fainted or become nauseous. Actor Nicholas Cage owned the house for a while, though he experienced no unusual happenings while living there

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3. Ross Castle – Ireland

Among the many, many haunted castles in Ireland is the 16th-century Ross Castle, located in County Meath, now serves as a five-bedroom B&B. (Note: this is not the Ross Castle in Killarney). Built by English Lord Richard Nugent, a famously cruel aristocrat, Ross Castle is said to be haunted by his daughter, Sabina.

Having fallen in love with the son of an enemy Irish chieftain, Sabina eloped, but the lovers were caught in a storm as they rowed across Lake Sheelin and Sabina's husband died. She was so distraught that she was unwilling to eat or drink and soon died as well. It's said that both Sabina and the Lord are routinely sighted on the property. Guests have reported hearing voices and doors shutting on their own, sometimes with a startling bang.

Editor's note: Ross Castle is temporarily closed. Check the castle's website for updates.

4. The island of Daksa – Croatia

Despite being prime real estate just off the coast of Dubrovnik, the island of Daksa is so frightening that no one will buy it. The deserted island was the site of the massacre of 48 Nazi sympathizers, including the mayor, after Dubrovnik's liberation.

The bodies were left unburied, decaying for decades and it’s said that moaning can be heard coming from the island, particularly on stormy nights.

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5. Magnetic Hill – Orhei, Moldova

Just south of the city of Orhei in Moldova sits Magnetic Hill, a spooky site with an interactive element. Legend has it that the Nazis committed atrocities in the area and strange happenings have been occurring ever since.

Magnetic Hill gets its name from the phenomenon that if you position your car just right across the road from the hill, and slip the car into neutral, the car will eerily advance despite an opposing incline. If you don't apply your brakes in time, you'll be pulled into traffic on the M2.

6. The Pfister Hotel – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The landmark Pfister Hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of its founder, Charles Pfister, who died in 1927. It's especially infamous among visiting baseball teams playing at Miller Park, leaving some players so creeped out that they will pay out of their own pockets to stay at another hotel.

Staff and guests have reported Pfister's ghost standing on the hotel's grand staircase, strolling around the ballroom and on the ninth floor. Guests have reported their radios and televisions spontaneously turning on, footsteps and knocking in their rooms, moved furniture and personal items and flickering lights.

7. Hoia Baciu Forest – Romania

Located near Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, locals call Hoia Baciu Forest the “Bermuda Triangle” of Romania. Locals claim the area has been associated with evil for centuries, haunted by peasants that were murdered here, whose souls are trapped in the forest.

People have gone missing, UFOs have been sighted, lights and unexplained electrical phenomena frequently occur and people say they feel they're being watched. Paranormal activity is centered in a barren circle on a plateau in the interior, where no plant life will grow.

8. Island of the Dolls – Mexico

Just south of Mexico City, the uninhabited Island of the Dolls has a sad history mixed with creepy phenomena. The legend is that a girl drowned in a canal surrounding the island and sometime later, dolls began to wash ashore on the island. Julian, the island's only inhabitant and caretaker for some 50 years, hung the dolls from the trees to please her spirit but was later found drowned in the same spot as the girl.

The island is now a tourist attraction with people bringing dolls to hang in order to appease the spirits. The creepiness of the island no doubt adds to the hyperbole of reports claiming the dolls sometimes move their heads and arms, open their eyes, or whisper to each other.

9. Boggo Road Gaol Museum – Brisbane

The Boggo Road Gaol penitentiary was notorious for its poor living conditions and was the scene of roughly 100 deaths, including 42 hangings. Queensland 's last execution was Ernest Austin and is allegedly the main source of the prison's hauntings.

Austin's ghost is said to harass both prisoners and guards, the latter of whom would do anything to avoid working the night shift, including bribing each other with tobacco. The prison closed in 1989 and reopened as a museum in 1992. Ghost tours are led on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings.

Editor's note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a limited number of tickets are available. Check the Boggo Road Gaol Museum website for updates.

10. Aokigahara – Japan

Also known as the “Suicide Forest”, Aokigahara is first-rate spookiness at the base of Mt. Fuji. Its moniker comes from its history as a place people come to kill themselves: it's said about 100 people commit suicide here each year.

Signs in both Japanese and English are posted in the forest urging people to seek help, including “Please consult with the police before you decide to die”. Unsurprisingly, people believe that the forest is haunted, both by the people who have committed suicide and, according to legend, elders who were left here to starve to death during times of famine.

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This article was originally published in October 2014 and updated in August 2020.

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10 lesser-known haunted places around the world

Australia confirmed its first case of coronavirus on January 25 and recorded its first death one month later. By the end of March, overseas travel was banned and social restrictions went into effect – measures that seemed to work, at first. Restrictions began to lift at the start of May, but months later, there's been a significant surge in Melbourne, and the city is now in the middle of another lockdown. Here’s the latest:

Editor's note: This article was last updated on August 6, 2020. We will update this piece regularly to stay on top of the latest travel advice.

Travel restrictions in Australia

Australia’s borders are closed to all but Australian citizens, residents, and immediate family members, citizens of New Zealand who reside in Australia, and New Zealanders transiting to New Zealand, barring a handful of exceptions. Health screenings may occur upon arrival, and anyone who shows signs of infectious disease in transit will be assessed on the plane and either quarantined or hospitalized upon arrival.

To ease pressure on quarantine facilities, the number of Australians permitted to return home is currently being strictly regulated. Transit passengers can’t travel within Australia, but they can leave on an international flight departing from the same city, as long as the time between flights is less than eight hours and they remain at the airport for the duration. If the wait is between eight and 72 hours, quarantine is mandated at a state-designated facility.

Domestic travel is allowed in some locales, but Australians are restricted from travelling overseas, and foreign-flagged cruise ships are banned from docking at Australian ports until at least September 17.

Will I have to quarantine when I arrive in Australia?

A 14-day quarantine at designated facilities is mandatory upon arrival for all incoming travelers. No domestic travel or connecting flights are allowed before the quarantine is completed, and testing for COVID-19 may also be required.

After deplaning, passengers are instructed to collect their luggage and go through customs, immigration, and biosecurity, then take a bus to the hotel where they’ll quarantine until they receive medical clearance. In some states and territories, travelers may have to chip in for the cost of quarantine, and COVID-19 tests may be administered during quarantine as well.

Current lockdown status in Australia

Restriction levels vary from state to state.

In Victoria, where hundreds of new cases were reported in mid-July, a stage four lockdown is in place as of August 2, and will remain in place until at least 13 September. Curfews are in effect from 8 pm to 5 am every evening. People are only allowed to leave their house for work and essential health, care or safety reasons. Everyone must wear a face mask outside of the home. Regional Victoria including Mitchell Shire have moved to a stage three lockdown, meaning everyone must stay home, except to leave for food and supplies, study or work, care and healthcare and for exercise and outdoor recreation. Everyone must wear a mask, and no visitors are allowed in others’ homes, and residents are only allowed to gather with one person from outside their household in public. Learn more about the restrictions here.

The border between Victoria and New South Wales is currently closed. As of 7 August, New South Wales residents returning from Victoria will have to go into mandatory hotel quarantine for 14 days at their own expense.

Within New South Wales regional travel is permitted. Caravan and camping parks as well as some NSW National Parks are open; museums, galleries, and libraries are operational, and pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants are open, though capacities are restricted. The NSW government has updates on restrictions and health advice.

Western Australia and Tasmania are closed to non-essential travel, but other states and territories are easing back into local, regional, and interstate travel. The Australian tourism board’s interactive status map is a good resource for planning purposes.

You might be wondering about...

Sydney: The Sydney Opera House remains closed, but Sydney Harbour National Park has reopened, and the BridgeClimb is back in business. Shut down by the police for overcrowding in late March, Bondi Beach is welcoming surfers and sun-worshippers once again.

Melbourne: Victoria is experiencing a resurgence of cases. Melbourne has entered a stage four lockdown, while the rest of the region is in stage three.

Queensland: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is open.

Northern Territory: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park reopened to visitors on August 6.

What they’re saying in Australia about COVID-19 and travel

Before cases spiked in Melbourne, Australia was easing travel restrictions and lifting social-distancing protocols across the country, and regions hard-hit by the lack of travelers were beginning to bounce back. Now, though, the situation has changed, and sentiments have shifted. In June, Reuters reported, “the Victorian state government requested all flights be diverted to other states to prevent the risk of imported cases,” and the state’s borders were closed, with Premier Daniel Andrews telling reporters, “People are desperate for this to be over, no one more than me, but it isn’t and pretending won’t get us to the other side.”

When it comes to country-wide plans to reopen, organizations like the Australian Medical Association are urging caution. “These new outbreaks send a strong signal that the other States should rethink the pace of easing of their COVID-19 restrictions until community transmission in Melbourne is under control to avoid the risk of a similar situation playing out in their own communities,” AMA president Dr. Tony Bartone said in a public statement. “It has to be a gradual and cautious process – and it must be with strict adherence to the medical advice and public health guidelines… The COVID-19 spikes in Melbourne are a warning for all Australians how quickly virus outbreaks can occur anywhere in the country.”

COVID-19 snapshot

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