You thought Sydney was spectacular? In fact this entire region of Australia is brimming with breathtaking natural beauty, Aboriginal and colonial history and Australian wildlife to spot. Plus, it's all accessible on a day trip from the city. So while you’re in Sydney, do yourself a favour and leave town.

The Blue Mountains allure walkers with epic bush-clad vistas and hidden valleys with prehistoric forests. You'll find the Hawkesbury River region, and to Sydney's south Royal National Park, both offer spectacular walking with water views. The Central Coast stretches north with uncrowded surf beaches and inlets rich with sea birds. And the Hunter Valley is blessed with leafy country roads dotted with producers of fine wine, chocolates and cheese.

Blue Mountains

The cool haze that gives the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains their name comes from a fine mist of oil exuded by huge eucalypts. These trees form a dense canopy across a landscape of deep – and often inaccessible – valleys and chiselled sandstone outcrops. The foothills of the Blue Mountains begin 65km inland and rise up to a 1100m sandstone plateau riddled with valleys eroded into the stone.

There are eight connected conservation areas in the region with incredible rainforest and waterfalls; excellent hikes of varying lengths; and the opportunity to gain some insights into the region’s Aboriginal heritage. This is the country of the Darug and Gundungurra peoples. The three most popular bushwalking areas are the Jamison Valley, south of Katoomba, the Grose Valley, north of Blackheath, and the Wentworth Falls area. Some top choices include the Giant Stairway and the Grand Canyon Walk. If you want to book a tour here, most operators have offices in Katoomba – competition is fierce, so shop around for the best deal. The hills can be surprisingly cool throughout the year, so bring warm clothes.

Royal National Park

Royal National Park to Sydney’s south along the coast, protects 15,091 hectares over a 32km stretch of beautiful coast. It is also the world's second-oldest national park – declared in 1879. As well as secluded wilderness beaches, sea cliffs, heathlands and forest, the park protects a cornucopia of Australian animals including wallabies, lyrebirds and raucous flocks of yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

There are a number of walks to tackle in the park. The most famous is the fabulous 26km Coast Track, but on a day trip you might want to tackle a shorter marked trails. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services website has more information on walking, maps and facilities.

Hawkesbury River

The majestic Hawkesbury River flows to the ocean past honeycomb-coloured cliffs, historic townships and into quiet bays and inlets. It passes through a series of national parks, including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Declared in 1894, its name comes from its original inhabitants, the Guringai people. Remnants of pre-colonial Aboriginal life are visible today thanks to the preservation of more than 800 sites, including rock paintings, middens and cave art. For information about Ku-ring-gai and walks to do in the area stop by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service information centre at Bobbin Head. There’s also a marina, picnic areas, a cafe and a boardwalk leading through mangroves here.

Further inland, t​he riverside hamlet of Wisemans Ferry (yes that’s the town’s name) spills over a bow of the Hawkesbury River. It’s another perfect spot to access the Hawkesbury, and its natural environs rich with bird life like kookaburras and sea eagles. The surrounding area retains remnants of the convict-built Great North Road, originally constructed to link Sydney with the Hunter Valley and now part of Unesco's Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing. As well as walks, consider booking a kayaking tour and get out on the river. Even better if you have the time, locals love to holiday here on a houseboat.

The Central Coast

The Central Coast runs between Sydney and Newcastle and includes some gorgeous beaches, swaths of national park and a series of inlets and saltwater lagoons. Closer to Sydney, the southern end of the Central Coast near Ettalong can be accessed by ferry from Sydney's Palm Beach. On the northside of the mouth of the Hawkesbury are the enticing Killcare Beach, Pearl Beach and Bouddi National Park.

Beyond this, you’ll need a car and there are many epic spots to stop off on a day trip north to Newcastle, including the pelican-infested town of The Entrance and deep, placid Lake Macquarie. Popular beaches to take a dip along the way include Avoca or Terrigal.

The more industrial Newcastle is blessed with an eclectic mix of historic architecture, as well as a much loved beach and ocean baths. South of Newcastle Beach, below King Edward Park, is Australia’s oldest ocean bath, the convict-carved Bogey Hole. It’s an atmospheric place to splash about in when the surf’s crashing over its edge. The most popular surfing breaks are at Bar Beach and Merewether Beach, two ends of the same beach a bit further south. Merewether has huge ocean baths of its own.

Hunter Valley

Picturesque roads criss-cross this verdant valley, but a country drive isn’t the main reason to visit! Two hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is famous as Australia’s oldest wine region, with vines dating from the 1860s. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip from Sydney for fine wine, gourmet restaurants, boutique beer, chocolate, cheese, olives, you name it. It’s also a beautiful spot to go hot-air ballooning while in Australia.

You’ll probably recognise some of Australia’s biggest names in new world wines, especially for semillon, shiraz and chardonnay. The valley’s 150-plus wineries range from small-scale, family-run affairs to massive commercial operations so let your nose guide you. Most offer cellar door tastings either free or for a small fee. You can get a copy of the free touring map from the Hunter Valley visitor centre and use it to hunt out the tucked-away small producers.

If no one’s volunteering to stay sober, there are plenty of winery tours available, ranging from minibuses that just do basic hop-on-hop-off transport between wineries to full-on gourmet extravaganzas, some on bicycle, horse-back or chauffeured in a classic car.

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Beautiful, defiant and intense, Argentina is home to a vast natural wonderland, and if you're planning a trip there, you may want to head to its beaches.

It has almost 5000km of coastline to enjoy, and although it isn’t as known for its golden sand beaches and clear warm waters as other South American countries, there are some special gems there. Here is our pick of the best beaches to seek out while you're in Argentina.

Playa Arazaty, Corrientas

Best beach for water-based activities

This wide stretch of sand south of the Resistencia bridge is the best river beach in Corrientas. Playa Arazaty has lifeguards and boat ramps, and is a popular spot for fishing and jet skiing.

It's a well-kept beach with bathrooms, umbrellas and showers, but visitors are advised not to dip until the beach is officially open as currents are dangerous. A bit of terraforming is done each season to make it safer for bathing. Those who want to venture from the beach to visit the city of Corrientos will find colorful streets, regional indigenous crafts and elegant balconied buildings dating from the turn of the 20th century.

Playa Unión, Trelew

Best beach for dolphin-spotting

The region’s principal playground, Playa Unión in Trelew is a long stretch of white-sand beach with dramatic waves that attract surfers and windsurfers. It has blocks of summer homes and restaurants serving crisp, fresh rabas (calamari), and the resort has plenty of shops, bars and cafés to enjoy.

Many sports take place on the beach, such as volleyball and soccer, but be advised that temperatures can exceed 30 degrees in the summer months. The capital attraction from April to December are the toninas overas (Commerson’s dolphins) that can be spotted swimming close to the beach, as this species of dolphin is endemic to the coast of Patagonia.

Balneario La Florida, Rosario

Best beach for families

Balneario La Florida is Rosario's best beach with plenty of services and a safe bathing area overseen by lifeguards. There are beach bars, a mini-market and a restaurant, and while children will enjoy the play area, teens will appreciate the beach's wi-fi.

Amenities include restrooms, bathrooms for people with disabilities, changing rooms and a first aid room. Picturesque stalls behind the beach sell river fish, and outside peak season, the beach is unattended and you can visit for free. There is a parking lot at the beach, which is also well-served by public transport and bicycle racks.

Playa Bristol, Mar del Plata

Best beach for people-watching

A favorite of well-heeled Buenos Aires families in the 1900s, the sandy Playa Bristol is the most popular beach in Mar del Plata, Argentina's largest coastal tourism destination. If you enjoy a buzzy resort, it will appeal as its refreshing Atlantic waters attract thousands of visitors daily during the humid high season.

Located close to the commercial centre of the city and a 10-minute walk from San Martín Square, the beach curves around a picturesque bay and has a paved promenade. The area closest to the sea is public, while other areas are operated privately. Attractions at the beach include playgrounds for children and a plaza containing sculptures and statues, and of course, it's the perfect place to people-watch.

Playa Catrirte, San Martín de los Andes

Best beach for scenery

Playa Catrirte is a protected rocky beach 4km from San Martín de los Andes. It has an area where children can enjoy splashing about in the water, which is why it appeals to families. While it can be reached by bus, car or bike, many visitors choose to walk from downtown to the beach as it brings you through a magnificent landscape.

The beach has a laid-back restaurant with a nice deck, and there are two camping areas there. It is located just outside Parque Nacional Lanín on the shores of Lake Lacar. Tip: Bring chairs as the beach is a mixture of sand and small pebbles.

Playa Mar de Ajo, Buenos Aires

Playa Mar de Ajo is located in the seaside town of the same name at the top of Buenos Aires, which is a popular summer tourist destination. It is a good place for surfing, swimming, kite-surfing and bodysurfing, thanks to the swell caused by the wind. Originally a 19th century fishing village, Mar de Ajo caters well for visitors with its street entertainers, restaurants, gaming arcades and ice cream parlors.

Visitors can bring their own umbrellas and chairs to the beach or rent private tents for shelter. To get a flavor of local culture, check out the people playing a beach game called Tejo on the sand.

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Playa Escondida, Mar del Plata

Best beach for naturists

For the adventurous, there’s Playa Escondida, located 25km south of Mar del Plata, which claims to be Argentina’s only legal nude beach. It's name stands for "hidden beach" in Spanish, and it was designated a nudist beach in 2001, although the wearing of clothes is permitted.

Playa Escondida is a small beach surrounded by dunes and cliffs, and a great variety of birds and plant species can be found there. Facilities at the beach resort include a parking lot, dining facilities, lifeguards, a pool and beach bar, and massages, loungers, gazebos and umbrellas are available for a fee. Those who visit are required to abide by some rules that have been put in place around the beach and other guests.

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Southern charm. Southern architecture. Southern drawls. Life is a little slower and a little sweeter in the South, but in Savannah specifically, the cultural scene is exploding.

Once known primarily as a port city (it’s still the third busiest port in the USA), Savannah is brimming with creative restaurants, art museums, music and film festivals that take place throughout the year and lots of shops selling one-of-a-kind goods by local artisans.

Pack your walking shoes and prepare to take a stroll under moss-covered oaks through the city’s 22 squares; the Historic District is best experienced on foot with a cold drink in hand and luckily, there are plenty of shady spots and park benches where you can take a break and breathe it all in.

Forsyth Farmers’ Market

Smack in the middle of Savannah’s historic district, the 30-acre Forsyth Park features photogenic fountains, benches for resting or people watching, a basketball court and even a Fragrant Garden built for those with limited sight to enjoy.

On weekdays, grab a bite to eat at the tree-lined Collins Quarter. Wash down the Mushies on Toast (made with seasonal wild mushrooms) with a Madagascar Vanilla Latte or maybe a Sunrise Over Sydney Mimosa with yuzu and jasmine if you’re feeling bubbly.

On Saturdays, the massive green space transforms into the Forsyth Farmers’ Market. Grab your local artisan goat cheese, organic microgreens, honey (from multiple vendors) and candied Georgia pecans from 9am to 1pm weekly; if you miss it on Saturday, no biggie. Farm Truck 912 operates throughout the week as a mobile farmers’ market, bringing fresh fruits and veggies to Savannah neighborhoods.

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Savannah’s Waterfront

At the northern point of Savannah’s Historic District, you’ll find River Street, where there are often open-air makers’ markets as well as yearly festivals like Oktoberfest and a July 4th celebration with live music, mini-golf and more.

Visit the public space anytime; it’s especially fun to walk from one end of River Street to the other, weaving in and out of shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants housed within former cotton warehouses.

Plant Riverside District is the waterfront’s newest addition, which includes a dog-friendly JW Marriott hotel, weekend yoga classes, a circus show, a bustling nightlife and entertainment. Don’t miss the massive chrome-dipped dinosaur inside the original, now repurposed power plant.

Rooftop bars

Saturated, bright-colored sunsets await you nearly every night of the week in Savannah so secure a spot with a view and settle in for a show.

River Street is home to a few rooftop bars including Myrtle & Rose (a rooftop garden specializing in botanically-inspired cocktails) and Electric Moon Skytop Lounge (basically an amusement park for grown-ups with lawn games and a slide).

Grab a drink at Rocks on the Roof at the Bohemian Hotel and snap a photo of Talmadge Memorial Bridge, which separates Savannah from Hutchinson Island. There’s also Perch at Local 11ten by Forsyth Park and Peregrin at the Perry Lane Hotel, which provides stunning views of the cityscape including The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

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First African Baptist Church

Get a true taste of Black American history with a respectful visit to First African Baptist Church, the oldest continuous Black church in North America. Attend a service or take a guided tour.

First organized in 1773 by a formerly enslaved man who became an ordained minister, Rev. George Leile, the church is located in the heart of Savannah near City Market and features original stained-glass windows and lighting fixtures, as well as balcony pews and a baptismal pool. If you opt for the guided tour, ask about the church’s importance as part of the Underground Railroad.

Cemeteries

Though the idea of spending any portion of your vacation at a graveyard might send literal chills down your spine, the cemeteries in Savannah are too beautiful to miss.

Established in the mid-1700s, Colonial Park Cemetery has been a city park since 1896 and is a wonderful place for a grounding daytime stroll amidst the buzzing of cicadas during warm, balmy summer months.

Whether you need a few minutes of peace and quiet or just want to take a little detour, this six-acre park (with a haunted history) does the trick. Established in 1750, this cemetery was the final resting place to hundreds who lost their lives to yellow fever.

Nearly a century later, Union soldiers used the cemetery as a place to hide; not only did they hide, but rumor has it they changed dates and names on the burial vaults and even moved some bodies around during their stay.

Right outside of town on the Wilmington River, Bonaventure Cemetery is known for its appearance in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (a movie based on the book by John Berendt).

A moment of respite can be found at the surreal and serene cemetery, shaded by tall, old trees throughout; choose between a self-guided walking tour or drive through the narrow roads on warm days when air conditioning is sacred.

The Academy Award-winning songwriter and lyricist Johnny Mercer is buried here, as is Conrad Aiken, the famed writer, poet and Pulitzer Prize winner.

Tours

Into ghost tours? History tours? Eating tours? In Savannah, there’s a tour for every interest.

Take an Old Town Trolley Tour, a culinary tour or a hearse ghost tour (yep, you read that right) and get your thrills while also learning about the city’s rich history.

For just $20 per person, you can ride around town, top down (in a car that was used for transporting the dead) and learn the funny, often creepy and unbelievable paranormal history of people who once inhabited Savannah. Bask in the moonlight and the humidity, and ask your guide for haunted pub recommendations — because those are a thing, too.

Bookstores

Savannah is a bookworm’s paradise. Besides having so many great nooks and crannies for reading (park benches, grassy patches, etc.), there’s a large selection to choose from at the local independent bookshops in town.

E. Shaver Booksellers has an interesting history as it was built by Eliza Jewett in 1842 (a female builder was quite uncommon at the time) as her personal residence. It became an antique shop and then finally a bookstore when a couple from Kentucky (Ed and Esther Shaver) visited Savannah on their honeymoon and fell in love with the space.

Here, you’ll find plenty of books about Georgia’s history as well as a couple bookshop cats. Then there’s The Book Lady, a women-founded shop opened in 1978 that specializes in rare and out-of-print books.

Museums

With a prominent art school, Savannah College of Art and Design, spread out all over the city, it’s no wonder there are so many galleries and museums in Savannah. Visit the SCAD Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring pieces by established international artists, meant to be appreciated by art lovers and SCAD students, alike.

Telfair Museums is made up of three separate museums: the Jepson Center, known for its modern art collection and photography (people also host weddings and black-tie events in the beautiful lobby space that includes floor-to-ceiling windows, a three-story central staircase and views of nearby Telfair Square).

Telfair Academy with its 19th century American art and silver mixed in with some European pieces; and the Owens–Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a National Historic Landmark Site which aims to shine a light on slavery in the early 1800s and educate visitors on how it affected Southerners in and out of their homes. Visit one or all three; our pick is Telfair Academy, the first public art museum in the South and the first female-founded museum in the USA.

See a show

Plan a thespians night out on the town at Savannah Theatre (one of the oldest continually running theatres in the US) or Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Check individual websites to see what’s playing on any given day.

Trustees Theater is also a Savannah landmark where events, like SCAD’s yearly fashion show, take place. If you have time before or after the show, pop into Leopold’s Ice Cream; the shop has been serving award-winning, homemade sweet treats since 1919.

Have a cocktail

The beauty of imbibing in Savannah is that you can drink from a gorgeous glass in a fancy bar and when you’re ready to move on, the bartender will gladly hand you a plastic cup so you can transfer your beverage and move on to the next spot.

Make a reservation at Artillery Bar, get dressed up and amble over to this historic and visually stunning space with an extensive spirits, champagne and wine menu. If you’re in the mood for a dive instead, head to Pinkie Master’s or Abe’s on Lincoln for loud music, cheap drinks and a (sometimes) rambunctious crowd.

Tybee Island

Hop in the car and head to Tybee Island. Just 18 miles from Historic Savannah, this barrier island is known for its pier, pavilion, wide, sandy beaches and shops. Take a paddleboard to the uninhabited Little Tybee Island. If you’re traveling with a pet, that’s fine. Little Tybee Island, which is only accessible by boat or kayak is pet friendly and a great place to spend a night camping.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

On Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee, you’ll find a Civil War fort that was designated a national monument in 1924. Pick up a day pass or an annual pass if you plan to return and do some hiking around Fort Pulaski, where you’ll discover trails, marshes, beaches and ruins.

The Grey

Dine inside an old Greyhound station at The Grey. Opened in 2014 inside a 1930s art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal, this restaurant is all heart. Chef Mashama Bailey was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table and deserves all the praise (and more!) her modern Southern restaurant receives.

Her menu combines personal experience with seasonal, local ingredients, European wines and Atlantic Trade liquors and varies from evening to evening. A fan favorite is the seasonal corn pudding cake with caramelized peaches, corn flakes and vanilla cream. Reservations are highly recommended and dinner is four courses for $75 per person.

If you want something a little more casual, plan to eat at the restaurant’s Diner Bar where fresh oysters, deviled eggs, salted fish croquettes and butter bean falafel are on offer, or visit for brunch — you can’t go wrong with the crab beignets, the fried chicken and hoe cakes or the country pasta.

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Just days after France introduced a compulsory health pass to access cultural and leisure venues across the country, Italy is launching a similar scheme by expanding the digital COVID-19 certificate so that it's required for access to cultural, wellness and entertainment venues in Italy.

Vaccine passports are becoming increasingly popular as countries figure out ways for non-essential businesses to continue to safely operate during the pandemic by keeping the virus out. Denmark was the first country in Europe to launch a COVID-19 pass scheme so that fully vaccinated people, as well as those who test negative or have recovered from the virus, could enter places like restaurants, museums and theaters. France followed suit this week with their own health pass—and now it's Italy's turn.

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From August 6, people will need to present proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a recent negative test to enter indoor venues like museums, theaters, football stadiums, swimming pools, spas, gyms and theme parks. The 'green pass,' as it is known, is an extension of the EU digital COVID-19 certificate and will also be required to sit indoors at bars and restaurants, the Italian government announced on Thursday.

The introduction of the green pass is meant to encourage vaccine uptake as the Delta strain spreads rapidly across Italy. "The virus’s Delta variant is menacing,” Italy’s prime minister, Mario Draghi, said at a press conference on Thursday night. "Without vaccinations we must close everything again," he added.

The green pass can be presented in either digital or paper format. In Italy it certifies that the holder has had at least one jab of the vaccine (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson), has tested negative in the previous 48 hours or has recovered from the virus in the last six months.

Tourists who are traveling to Italy from an EU country need to present the EU digital COVID-19 certificate to enter the country, and from August 6 they can use that cert to enter venues under the green pass scheme. If vaccinated, they will need to have completed the vaccine course.

Italy is open to tourists from low-risk countries including the US, Japan and Canada—and travelers coming from those countries are required to show proof of vaccination before traveling with a health document that's compliant with EU and Italian regulations. For Americans, that's the ‘white card’ with the CDC logo. It is likely that those health certs can be used to enter spaces where the green card is required, but full details have yet to be confirmed. Always check the latest government advice before travel. You can find more information on the green pass here.

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Italy's 'green pass' will grant access to theatres, bars and more 

Location definitely matters in Mexico's colossal capital and with that in mind we've put together this list of easily walkable neighborhoods that ooze character. It simply comes down to which pocket of Mexico City suits your fancy.

In the trendy Roma and Condesa hoods, the fiestas just keep coming as you tap into the spirited nightlife and culinary scene, while across town in the electric Centro Histórico, it's all about soaking up the myriad cultural offerings and old-world flavor. Or take it down a notch and embrace the low-key bohemian lifestyle of Coyoacán, just like Frida and Diego did back in the day.

Centro Histórico

Best neighborhood for culture and architecture

Mexico's heart beats in the Centro. With more than 1,500 historic buildings, ancient Aztec ruins, vibrant art and some of the nation's most absorbing museums, the Centro Histórico is the place to channel your inner culture vulture.

A stroll through the Zócalo, Latin America's largest main square, takes you to dramatic Diego Rivera murals housed in Palacio Nacional, while just a stone's throw away you have Templo Mayor, a sacred Aztec temple with a world-class onsite museum.

In addition to its vast and varied cultural offerings, the Centro provides a wondrous backdrop of striking colonial buildings, some of which have been lovingly converted into hostels and boutique hotels. Granted, organized chaos is king in the hectic Centro but if you like an area with plenty of moving parts the historic center is chock-full of rewards.

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Roma

Best neighborhood for eating and drinking

Just when it looked like this colonia (neighborhood) had reached the height of cool, along came Alfonso Cuarón's recent Oscar-winning memoir film Roma to pique visitors' interest even more. Now it seems like every other week the rapidly gentrifying Roma sees a hot new cocktail bar or stylish fusion restaurant popping up in its splendid French-style mansions.

When in Roma, don't miss out on the delectable barbacoa tacos at El Hidalguense, where lamb is slow-cooked over aged oak wood and the pulque (a fermented alcoholic agave drink) flows like water. Or book a table at the perennially packed Contramar, a trendsetting seafood restaurant famous for its tuna tostadas and zesty, grilled whole fish.

After the meal, grab a mezcal or cup o' joe on Álvaro Obregón, Roma's main strip, or saunter along Calle Colima, a buzzy street dotted with community art galleries, small museums and the popular Rosetta bakery.

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Condesa

Best neighborhood to hang your hat

One can make the argument that the trendy Condesa hood has taken a back seat to ultra-hip Roma, however, it's still one of the city's most appealing places to stay for its welcoming B&Bs, convivial bars and highly diverse culinary offerings.

At times it's hard to know where Condesa ends and the neighboring Roma begins as both boho-chic enclaves exude a similar laid-back vibe in their verdant parks, sidewalk cafes and hopping late-night taco joints.

Many neighborhood hotspots are clustered around Parque España and Parque México, the latter a former horseracing track that was transformed into an iconic oval park in the 1920s. Nearby, well-managed bed and breakfasts such as Red Tree House and Hotel Villa Condesa provide the perfect base to explore Condesa and beyond.

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Alameda Central

Best neighborhood for local flavor

For better or worse, downtown has undergone an ambitious makeover over the past decade with most of the sprucing-up focused on the Centro Histórico, but you can still experience the city center of old along the busy streets south of Alameda Central. Start with tequila in the atmospheric Tío Pepe, the oldest bar in town that was described by beat writer William Burroughs as a “cheap cantina” in his 1953 novel Junkie.

Next, mosey on over to the original location of El Huequito, a hole-in-the-wall taco joint that has been slicing some of the city's tastiest tacos al pastor (spit-cooked pork) for more than six decades.

Of course, a visit to this neighborhood wouldn't be complete without spending time in Alameda Central itself, the oldest urban park in the Americas and home to Palacio de Bellas Artes, which houses masterful works of art by Mexico's big three muralists: Rivera, Siqueiros and Orozco.

Xochimilco & Cumbres del Ajusco

Best areas for outdoor activities

For a real Mexico City treat take a gondola ride along the ancient canals of Xochimilco, the last vestiges of a once vast network of waterways dating back to Aztec times.

Here you can also cruise out to the creepy Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls), where hundreds of decomposed dolls hang from the clotheslines and trees to ward off the spirit of a drowned girl. Depart from the Cuemanco dock, where you can purchase cervezas and tacos before boarding the boat.

About 15.5 miles (25 km) west of Cuemanco lies Cumbres del Ajusco, a national park with a hiking trail that ascends to Mexico City's highest peak. If you like the quiet of Ajusco's fragrant pine forest, consider an overnight stay in a log cabin at the family-friendly Parque Ejidal San Nicolás Totolapan.

For rock climbing and more nature exploring, visit the third and fourth sections of nearby Los Dinamos, a protected canyon area that's home to Mexico City's last free-flowing river.

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Coyoacán

Best neighborhood for quiet

It's easy to understand why Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera chose to call Coyoacán home for so many years. Even after decades of being swallowed by Mexico City's urban sprawl, Coyoacán has managed to retain a certain degree of village charm on its cobbled streets and colorful plazas, not to mention it can be surprisingly quiet.

Almost every visitor to Mexico City makes a pilgrimage to Casa Azul, Kahlo's former home and studio, to gain a deeper understanding of the painter. In fact, it has become such a tourist hotspot that visits must now be booked in advance online. Just around the corner, the Museo Casa de León Trotsky sees far fewer visitors and yet it offers a downright fascinating look at a house where Leon Trotsky, an exiled Marxist revolutionary from Ukraine, lived in exile before he was assassinated with an ice axe.

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With the Olympics underway in Tokyo, now is a great time to visit the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, whether for a family outing or just a wander around to celebrate the legacies of the Team USA athletes.

International spectators haven't been able to travel to Tokyo this year for the Olympic Games, but fans can still experience some of the fun closer to home. The recently-opened United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum puts Team USA athletes at the center of the experience, and is a great place to learn about the history of the Games.

The museum opened in 2020 but held off celebrating its grand opening until July 2021 to coincide with the 2021 Olympic Games. Now it's gearing up to host a number of weekly events from now until Labor Day, including meet-and-greet with former Team USA athletes, and the Tokyo Games Fan Fest—where visitors can watch the Olympics on a 50-foot screen while enjoying live entertainment, food and drink.

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The building itself is pretty spectacular, noted for being one of the most accessible and interactive museums in the world. The architects used the Guggenheim Museum for inspiration, using elevators and ramps throughout the space so there's no need for steps. When you're there, you can even customize your sport preferences and accessibility needs for your tour. Inside, you'll find 12 galleries that follow a narrative arc through the teams' journeys, using technology that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity too.

The permanent tribute honors the history and commitment of Team USA athletes, and aims to celebrate great athletes and unforgettable moments. The stories and experiences found in the museum aim to serve as inspiration for the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and fans. It includes a film entitled “To Take Part” and a frequently updated rotating gallery.

"The stories of our Olympians and Paralympians are the stories of this nation’s history,” says museum CEO, Christopher Liedel. "Every American can see themselves in the members of Team USA and will be inspired by their dedication, perseverance and respect for the Olympic and Paralympic values. The museum has the unique privilege of telling these stories, and we are ready and excited to share them with the world."

The Olympics take place from July 23 until August 8, followed by the Paralympics from August 24 through September 5 in Tokyo.

Tickets to the museum start from $14.95 for children under the age of 13 and $24.95 for adults. For further information on the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, please visit its website here.

This article was first published on July 27, 2020 and updated on July 22, 2021.

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Like its famous hot chicken, Music City knows how to bring the heat. Even with its ambitious big-city plans, Nashville retains the charm and gentility of a small Southern town.

Despite its growing popularity, it is possible to explore on a budget. From the wild honky tonks on Broadway to the scenic hiking trails along Radnor Lake, here are our top free things to do in Nashville.

Live on the Green

Returning in 2022, Live on the Green takes over Public Square Park in Downtown Nashville on Thursdays in August to September. Locals pack the two-acre park with picnic blankets, chairs and pets to catch a star-powered lineup of live – and free – musical performances.

Cooter’s Museum

Fans of the Dukes of Hazzard make the pilgrimage to Nashville for Cooter’s Museum, a collection of memorabilia from the hit 80s television series. The museum, which is owned by Cooter himself (actual name: Ben Jones), is chock full of photos, costumes and props like Daisy Duke’s jeep and the iconic General Lee. Admission is always free.

Fort Negley

Built by the Union army during the Civil War, Fort Negley was the biggest stone fortification in North America at the time, a formidable structure that was made to withstand the Confederate army’s advances into Nashville. Today, you can take a free self-guided tour of the grounds via panels, videos and interactive exhibits.

Broadway’s honky tonks

One of the best ways to get a taste of quintessential Nashville is to hit up the honky tonks on Broadway. Robert’s Western World, Layla’s and the venerable Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge rarely charge a cover and dish up some electric live country performances with a side of stellar people watching.

Nashville Predators

You’d be hard-pressed to find a US city that loves its hockey team as much as Nashvillians love their Preds. And with good reason — the team consistently ranks high on the NHL leaderboard. The team's practice sessions at the Centennial Sportsplex or the Ford Ice Center are expected to be open to the public and free to watch in the 2022 season.

Bluebird Cafe

Nestled within an unassuming strip mall, the legendary Bluebird Cafe has hosted performances from trailblazing songwriters like Emmylou Harris and Garth Brooks. Catch a rising star at one of their free 6pm Monday night Open Mic sessions, no reservations required.

Tennessee State Capitol

Built from local limestone and marble in the Greek Revival style, and opened in 1859, the Tennessee State Capitol is one of the oldest working capitols in the nation. Statues and tombs of presidents past can be found on the site, along with the governor’s office. Take a free self-guided tour of the site, or check if guided tours are available.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall

After wrapping up your Capitol tour, take a stroll along the adjacent Bicentennial Park, where 200 years of state history and geography are displayed on granite slabs and stones. The resident fountains — 31 in total — keep things cool for little ones and make sneaking in a geography lesson a snap.

Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree at the Texas Troubadour Center

Every Saturday, Nashville’s night owls flock to the Texas Troubadour Center at midnight for the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree. As the second longest-running radio show in the country, the Jamboree provides up-close-and-personal performances from country stars past and present — all without charging a dime.

Tennessee State Museum

The area around Bicentennial Park really offers the most bang for your proverbial (albeit, unnecessary) dollar. Here, you’ll also find the Tennessee State Museum, which provides a balanced walk through of the state’s contentious past. Highlights include offbeat artifacts like President Andrew Jackson’s hat and a hands-on children’s museum.

Radnor Lake State Park

Built in the early 1900s by L&N Railroad, Radnor Lake State Park now stands as a 1,368-acre natural preserve, teeming with owls, otters, deer and all manner of fauna. You can explore this rich wildlife sanctuary via six miles of open trails. Just be sure to leave any pets at home.

Warner Park Nature Center

Sitting within Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, the Nature Center is a living laboratory that’s open for both kids and grown-ups to explore. Along with its natural history museum and working organic garden, the center provides free programming throughout the year. Check the schedule to see what's happening.

Montgomery Bell State Park

One of the best ways to cool off during the summer months is to take advantage of one of Tennessee’s many swimming holes. Some charge an entry fee, but Montgomery Bell State Park’s Lake Acorn — located 40 minutes outside of Nashville —  offers a free swimming beach that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

First Saturday Art Crawl

On the first Saturday of the month, the art galleries in Downtown Nashville open their doors to the public for an evening of new exhibitions, street performances, interactive art activities for the whole family. There’s a trolley that takes you along the route, so don’t worry about enjoying the free glasses of wine offered by the galleries along the way.

Arrington Vineyards

Head 30 minutes south of Nashville to Arrington Vineyards, home to a sprawling countryside of vines, hills and the occasional strum of banjos. On Saturday and Sunday nights, April through October, the winery hosts its "Music in the Vines" series featuring live jazz and bluegrass under the stars. You’ll have to pony up for the wine, but the entrance and musical performances are free.

Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory

Anyone can spend a night stargazing. But at the Dyer Observatory, you can take your celestial surveillance to the next level during one of their Open House sessions. Keep a close eye on the website to see when guided tours are running – free tickets are available one month before the event and should be reserved in advance.

Nashville Farmers’ Market

Conveniently located next to the capitol grounds, the Nashville Farmers’ Market puts all of Tennessee’s natural bounty on display. Depending on the season, you’ll find more than 150 farmers and artisans selling ripe fruit and veggies along with freshly-made cheese and bread. Enjoy a free wander around before buying a smorgasbord lunch from the globally-diverse eats found within the Market House.

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Next to the Grand Ole Opry is the largest non-casino resort in the US — Gaylord Opryland Resort. Whether you're staying on the property or not, you’re welcome to wander the nine acres of botanical gardens filled with waterfalls and more than 50,000 tropical plants, which require a staff of 20 interior horticulturalists to maintain.

Hatch Show Print

The posters produced at Hatch Show Print are iconic pieces of Americana in their own right. While you’ll have to buy a ticket to tour this venerable letterpress print shop, you can pop in and watch their printing presses at work for free.

Parthenon

Nashville’s Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the architectural wonder in Athens, Greece. You’ll have to pay admission to get inside, but the views from the outside inspire just as much awe. Pack a picnic lunch, spread out on the Parthenon’s greens and watch the resident wild geese roam the field.

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Article first published in July 2019, and last updated in July 2021.

20 best things you can do for free in Nashville

It's called the Harbour City for good reason. Few places on earth are as defined by their geographical form as Sydney, and even fewer incorporate such a spectacular water feature. Everything here revolves around the water – suburbs, recreation, traffic, even the collective consciousness.

Newtown, Redfern & the Inner West

Sydney's coolest neighborhoods

The Inner West is a mixed brew of students, urban hippies, lifestyle-focused professional couples, artists and more. At its beginning is Sydney University, a bastion of old-world architecture dominating the tiny suburbs of Camperdown, Darlington and Chippendale. As well as plenty of students these days, Redfern has a significant Aboriginal community and the birthplace of the urban Aboriginal civil rights movement in Australia. Glebe is also home to a long-established Aboriginal community, students, alternative lifestyles and cool bookstores.

Newtown is lined with quirky boutiques, bookshops, yoga studios, cafes and Thai restaurants. It’s climbing the social rungs, but is still free-thinking and bolshy. Neighboring Erskineville has an endearing village vibe and a crop of pubs and cafes. Beyond here, Alexandria is a former warehouse district sharply on the rise and filled with cafes and trendy startups as well as outlet stores. Sizeable Marrickville is very trendy these days, replete with restaurants and quirky bars and cafes. Along Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt still preserves some of its traditional 'Little Italy' vibe, Annandale has traditional village character all its own, while Petersham, known for its Portuguese community, and Summer Hill have a good selection of cheap eateries.

Bondi, Coogee & the Eastern Beaches

Best for singles, students and backpackers

Beautiful arcs of sand framed by jagged cliffs, the eastern beaches are a big part of the Sydney experience. Most famous of all is the broad sweep of Bondi Beach, with its distracting scenery and constant procession of beautiful people. This is where Sydney comes to see and be seen, preferably wearing as little as possible.

The unique flavour of Bondi has been greatly influenced by the Jewish, British and Kiwi immigrants who populated it before it became hip. Although popular with tourists, beyond the main road in Bondi, Campbell Parade, you’ll find cafes and pubs where Sydneysiders are in the majority.

South of Bondi, Bronte is a steep-sided beach neighborhood, its bowl-shaped park strewn with picnic tables and barbecues. Further south is the concrete-fringed, safe swimming inlet of Clovelly, a great place to dust off your snorkel. Next stop heading south is Coogee, with a wide and handsome beach, and lively backpacker and local scene in the pubs and shops. As well as the beaches, locals also love the iconic saltwater pools dotted along this stretch of coast.

Paddington, Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

Best for shopping and nightlife

The rows of Victorian terrace houses of this once-working-class neighborhood remain, but they’re now home to a mishmash of inner-city hipsters, foodies and a strong LGTBQIA+ community who keep the many excellent neighborhood restaurants and pub beer gardens in business. The warehouses lining Surry Hills' moody lower canyons, near Central Station, are the remnants of the local rag trade and print industry. They now contain coffee shops, art galleries, interior-design outlets and apartments.

Immediately east of the city, Darlinghurst is synonymous with Sydney’s vibrant and visible gay community. The shabby lower end of Oxford St has traditionally been Sydney’s sequinned mile, and while it’s seen better days, it’s still home to most of the city’s dwindling gay venues and the Mardi Gras parade. Restaurants cluster on Surry Hills' Crown and Holt Streets, Darlinghurst's Victoria Street and East Sydney's Stanley Street.

Paddington, also known as ‘Paddo’, is an elegant, expensive area of beautifully restored terrace houses and steep leafy streets. Built over an ancient walking track used by the Gadigal people, the suburb’s artery is Oxford Street, extending from nearby Darlinghurst. The best time to visit is on Saturday, when the local artisan markets inside a complements the high street boutiques that sell designer labels – both local and international. Make sure you get off Oxford Street too; much of the suburb's character and local life is further into the district.

Circular Quay and the Rocks

Best neighborhood for historic buildings and major sights

At some stage you’ll almost certainly end up at the Rocks; you haven’t really been to Sydney if you don’t. The Rocks, unrecognisable from the squalid place it was in the convict era, now serves as an ‘olde-worlde’ tourist focus. There are a number of major Sydney sights in this very visitor-focussed neighborhood including Sydney Opera House, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Royal Botanic Garden. Return at night to down a beverage in an historic pub or catch a show at a Walsh Bay theatre. Some of Sydney’s swankiest hotels and restaurants can also be found here.

For a quieter reprieve from the buskers and walkers, head under the Bridge and over Millers Point, a low-key colonial district that makes a calming diversion from the tourist fray. Barangaroo Reserve and the very modern redeveloped maritime precinct here is home to events from art shows to craft markets (check the calendar) or book an Aboriginal cultural tour and see Sydney with fresh eyes.

Kings Cross, Potts Point and Woolloomooloo

Best area for eating and drinking

Close to the city and with remnants of its red-light district history, this neighborhood attracts backpackers and Sydney eccentrics with great places to eat and drink that won’t break the budget. Next door to the Cross, gracious, tree-lined Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay seem worlds away. And then down by the water the old sailors' district of Woolloomooloo has glitzy wharf restaurants and a handful of characterful pubs.

It makes sense to start around the Cross itself, at the top of William Street, and let gravity draw you downwards. From the Coca-Cola sign that marks the entrance to the district, explore Darlinghurst Road – where touristy shops and backpacker hostels outnumber the dwindling strip-club scene these days – before exploring Victoria Street and other upmarket avenues and cafes of Potts Point.

Down by the docks, Woolloomooloo has also cleaned up its act. Iconic Harry’s Cafe de Wheels and the navy base are still here, but drunken sailors are in shorter supply, and the wharf is a glitzy parade of see-and-be-seen-at restaurants.

Manly and the Northern Beaches

Best place in Sydney for surf beaches

Laid-back Manly clings to a narrow strip of land between ocean and harbour beaches. With its shaggy surfers, and relaxed locals, it makes for a refreshing change from the stuffier harbour suburbs nearby. Manly's name comes from Governor Phillip's description of the confident Kai'ymay warriors he met while scouting the area in the early days of the penal colony.

The Corso is the main mall that connects Manly’s ocean and harbour beaches, where surf shops, burger joints, juice bars and pubs are plentiful. The refurbished Manly Wharf has classier pubs and restaurants, and there are some good cafes and small bars scattered around the back streets. To get here, take Sydney's best ferry journey. Beyond the beach, there are also great walks to on North Head and the Manly Scenic Walkway to the Spit Bridge.

Stretching from Manly north to magnificent Palm Beach, the area known as ‘the Northern Beaches’ marries suburbia with spectacular beaches, nearly all with excellent surfing when conditions are right. One good reason to base yourself out here would be to explore the local area which is short on world-famous attractions but rich with quintessential experiences. Climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for a classic picture of Palm Beach and Pittwater (in winter you can stop to spot whales migrating by) or have a cold beer overlooking the sea at the Newport Arms Hotel.

Darling Harbour & Pyrmont

Best for peak tourist vibes

Dotted between the flyovers is Sydney's purpose-built tourist hub, opened in celebration of the bicentennial of Australia’s beginning as a colony in 1988. Every other inch of this former dockland is given over to visitor amusements including Sydney Sea Life Aquarium and Australian National Maritime Museum, plus bars and restaurants. The Sydney Fish Market is a must-see if you're a seafood fan and the Star Casino shelters several excellent restaurants in and around it. Darling Harbour has a different atmosphere at night, with strolling couples replacing the sun-frazzled families. Firework displays occur with alarming frequency; most Saturday nights go off with a bang.

Once you've had your fill of the touristy (but enticing charms) of Darling Harbour, dive into Pyrmont for historic reconverted warehouses and a more local Sydney scene. If you like, there's some sensational harbourside strolling here, far removed from the tourist beat.

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American tourists will begin to stream back to Canada from August 9, followed by visitors from elsewhere in September—but before you dig out your passport and jump online to book flights, here are some things to consider while planning a trip there.

Canada is ready to swing open its doors for non-essential travel in August for the first time since March 2020. Although fully vaccinated residents and citizens living overseas have been able to return to Canada since July 5, the rest of the world has been effectively shut out. But the situation is set to change thanks to the acceleration of Canada's vaccine rollout, which has been bolstered by the strong vaccine uptake among Canadians, and the gradual decline in new coronavirus case numbers. If this trend continues, after Canada opens its borders to Americans on August 9, it will be ready to allow the rest of the world in from September 7, provided they're fully vaccinated and can prove it.

Traveling to Canada? Here's what you need

To enter Canada, you must be fully vaccinated, that's the main caveat. Canada currently accepts the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines from visitors. Those who are vaccinated can travel safely two weeks after their final dose, or two weeks after their one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Travelers will also be required to present a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within 72 hours of their departure—regardless of their vaccination status—and must present the results before boarding their flight. They're asked to provide their proof of vaccination, test results and contact information through the ArriveCAN mobile app, a web-based form or a paper form, within three days of departure, and some may be randomly selected to a screening at the border to assess their potential risk to public health.

Once travel restrictions begin to ease in August, fully vaccinated tourists will be allowed to bring unvaccinated children under 12 years of age to Canada.

Read more: Do I need a visa to visit Canada?

Will I have to quarantine when I arrive in Canada?

No, fully vaccinated travelers won’t need to quarantine upon their arrival. However, the government advised they should have a two-week quarantine plan in place in case officials determine they don’t meet all of Canada’s pandemic border requirements.

Read more: Why do I need to have a "suitable quarantine plan" to travel to Canada?

Current lockdown status in Canada

Lockdowns began to lift in late spring, but with the coronavirus still circulating some public health measures are in place and generally vary between provinces and territories, so check the government’s resource page for destination-specific information. Newfoundland and Labrador, for example, require visitors to fill in an additional travel form before their trip, as does Nova Scotia (see here). Also, it's important to be aware that some Indigenous communities are not accepting visitors at this time.

Read more: 15 best places to visit in Canada

Hotels have reopened with enhanced cleaning protocols, and restaurants and bars are also welcoming guests for both outdoor and indoor service, though some have capacity limits in place. In Manitoba, for instance, restaurant capacity is limited to 50%. Cultural spaces like museums and theaters in some provinces are limiting the number of people allowed at a time, installing physical barriers, and increasing their ventilation systems, among other preventative measures. Always plan ahead before visiting as you may need to book tickets in advance to gain entry.

Some provinces have lifted mask mandates including Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. It's still a good idea to pack a mask regardless of where you're traveling to in Canada as you'll need it for your flight, and it may be required on public transport and in some public spaces.

If you're after Canada's famous outdoor adventure activities and extreme sports, you'll be happy to know that most of the major parks are open but be aware that access to some visitor sites may be limited. According to Parks Canada, "only those places where measures can be implemented to minimize health and safety risks will be open to the public. Changes to services or even closures may happen quickly as the situation with COVID-19 changes." Plan your visit and check the latest updates for your destination here.

Niagara Falls is open for viewing in Queen Victoria Park and by the time the first international visitors arrive in August, most attractions in the area will be open, as well as shuttles, restaurants and accommodation. Most hiking and cycling trails in Banff National Park are open for day use and many of the park’s campgrounds are accepting guests.

Always plan ahead and check the latest public health advice as rules vary and can change with little notice.

This article was first published in August 2020 and updated in July 2021.

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