Paris serves up an almost endless sampling platter of iconic things to see and do – from the Eiffel Tower and Cimetière du Père Lachaise to the foodie treats of the Marché Bastille street market. But the City of Lights covers 105 sq km (40.5 sq miles), so you'll need to get to grips with the city's extensive public transport network to make the most of this magnificent European capital.

The weather will play a big part in how you choose to explore Paris. The city was made for walking, but winter can make for chilly strolls along the Seine and frosty hikes up the hill to Montmartre. Luckily, the Paris metro is warm year-round, and you can also turn to taxis, trains, bikes, boats and buses.

Ready to explore France's most romantic city? Here’s our handy guide to getting around in Paris.

Public transport tickets and passes

If you’re staying in Paris for longer than a few days, the cheapest and easiest way to use public transport is to get a combined travel pass that allows unlimited travel on the metro, the RER (Réseau Express Régional) train network and buses for a week, a month or a year. Mobilis day tickets and Paris Visite tourist passes cover public transport for all of the Île-de-France (that is, all zones).

Mobilis passes last for 24 hours and cost from €7.50 for two zones to €17.80 for all zones. Paris Visite passes cover transport and also give discounted entry to major sights; buy a "Greater Paris" pass to reach the airports, Disneyland Paris and Château de Versailles. Paris Visite passes are available for one to five days of travel – a one-day pass costs €12 (€25.25 covering Greater Paris).

Alternatively, you can pay for journeys using Navigo. Like London’s Oyster card or Hong Kong’s Octopus card, this system provides you with a refillable weekly, monthly or yearly pass for travel on the metro, RER trains and buses, that you can recharge at machines in most metro stations. To pass through the station barrier, swipe the card across the electronic panel as you go through the turnstiles.

Standard Navigo cards, available to anyone with an address in Île-de-France, are free but take up to three weeks to be issued; ask at the ticket counter for a form or order online via the Navigo website. An easier option for tourists is the €5 Navigo Découverte (Navigo Discovery) card, which is issued on the spot but is not replaceable if lost or stolen. Both passes require a passport photo and can be recharged for periods of one week or more.

A weekly pass costs €22.80 and is valid Monday to Sunday. It can be purchased from the previous Friday until Thursday. Even if you’re in Paris for three or four days, it may work out cheaper than buying carnets (books of tickets) and will certainly cost less than buying a daily Mobilis or Paris Visite pass.

The monthly pass (€75.20) begins on the first day of each calendar month; you can buy one from the 20th of the preceding month. Both are sold in metro and RER stations from 6:30am to 10pm and at some bus terminals.

Walking through Paris

Paris is a beautiful city to explore on foot, with many of the city's top attractions within easy walking distance if you’re staying centrally. However, winter is marked by cold, rainy days that can take some of the gloss off romantic walks along the banks of the Seine.

At any time of year, be aware of distance when walking between the sights. It's a 3.5km (2.2 mile) walk from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, which is more enjoyable in spring and fall than in the depths of winter or the heat of peak summer.

Even if your accommodation is further away, make time for a walk around your local arrondissement (district) before leaping on public transport to the center – it's the things you discover by accident while aimlessly wandering at street level that make Paris one of the world's most charming cities.

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Paris by bike

Paris is increasingly bike-friendly, with a growing network of cycling lanes – part of a concerted effort by the Paris city authorities to reduce the number of cars on the roads. However, take extra care if you're not used to driving on the right, and be aware that drivers in Paris may give cyclists less space than you're used to back home. Also, watch out for pedestrians at road crossings – the surging popularity of cycling in Paris has led to some problems balancing the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.

Many bike shops rent out bicycles, but the Vélib ' bike-share scheme puts tens of thousands of bikes (30% of which are electric) at the disposal of Parisians and visitors at some 1400 stations throughout Paris, accessible around the clock. To get a bike, you first need to purchase a one- or seven-day subscription either online (generally EU credit cards only) or on the spot at the docking station.

After you authorize a refundable deposit (€300) to cover the cost of the bike should it go missing, you’ll receive an ID number and PIN code and you’re ready to go. Bikes are rented in 30-minute intervals. If you return a bike before a half-hour is up and then take a new one, you will not be charged for a standard bicycle (electric bikes incur charges).

Buses are inexpensive and frequent

Buses can be a highly rewarding way to get around, if only because of the views – you'll certainly see much more than you would from the metro. And there are no stairs to climb, meaning buses are more accessible to the mobility impaired – but they’re slower and routes are less intuitive than the straightforward and logical metro.

Paris’ bus system, operated by the RATP, runs from approximately 5am to 1am Monday to Saturday; services are drastically reduced on Sunday and public holidays. Hours vary substantially depending on the route.

Paper tickets are due to be phased out by 2022, replaced by contactless cards. Normal bus rides embracing one or two bus zones cost the equivalent of one metro ticket; longer rides require two or even three tickets.

Whatever kind of single-journey ticket you have, you must validate it in the ticket machine near the driver. If you don’t have a ticket, the driver can sell you one for €2 (correct change required).

The Paris Metro: the definitive way to explore

Paris’ urban mass transit network is run by RATP and consists of two separate but linked systems: the metro and the Réseau Express Régional (RER) suburban train line. The metro has 14 numbered lines; the RER has five main lines (but you'll probably only need to use A, B and C).

When buying tickets consider how many zones your journey will cover; five concentric transport zones ripple out from the center of Paris (zone 5 being the furthest from the center); if you travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris, for instance, you will have to buy a ticket for zones 1 to 5.

Metro maps of various sizes and degrees of detail are available for free at metro ticket windows; several can also be downloaded for free from the RATP website. The RER is faster than the metro, but the stops are much further apart. Some attractions, particularly those on the Left Bank (eg the Musée d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower and Panthéon), can be reached far more conveniently by the RER than by the metro.

Metro lines are identified by both their number (eg ligne 1 – line 1) and their color, listed on official metro signs and maps. Direction signs on each platform indicate the direction of travel. On lines that split into several branches (such as lines 7 and 13), the terminus of each train is indicated on the cars and on signs on each platform giving the number of minutes until the next train.

Signs marked correspondance (transfer) show how to reach connecting trains. At stations with many intersecting lines, like Châtelet and Montparnasse Bienvenüe, walking from one platform to the next can take a long time. Different station exits are indicated by white-on-blue sortie (exit) signs. You can get your bearings by checking the plan du quartier (neighborhood maps) posted at exits.

Each line has its own schedule, but trains usually start running at around 5:30am, with the last train beginning its run between 12:35am and 1:15am (2:15am on Friday and Saturday), with all-night services under consideration.

If you’re going out to the suburbs (eg Versailles or Disneyland), ask for help on the platform – finding the right train can be confusing. Also, make sure your ticket is valid for the correct zone – the metro has an extensive and costly system of fines, covering everything from not having the correct ticket for your ride to accidentally leaving a bag on the train!

Exploring Paris by car or motorbike

Driving in Paris can be a high-stress experience. With the hassles of the tricky road layout, heavy traffic, limited parking and the general shortage of petrol stations, you're better off avoiding driving completely. Public transport will cover all your needs downtown, but if you’re heading out of the city on an excursion, a car can be useful. A Crit'Air Vignette (compulsory anti-pollution sticker) is also required in most instances. If you plan on hiring a car, it’s best to do so online and in advance – the usual operators are represented in town and at the airports.

To enter the city within the Boulevard Périphérique (ring road) between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, a Crit'Air Vignette (compulsory anti-pollution sticker) is needed for all cars, motorcycles and trucks registered after 1997, including foreign-registered vehicles. Older vehicles are banned during these hours. The sticker is not necessary for the ring road itself.

There are six color-coded stickers, ranked according to emissions levels, from Crit'Air 1 to the highest-polluting Crit'Air 6; prices start at €3.62. In instances of elevated pollution levels, vehicles with stickers denoting higher emissions are banned from entering the city. Fines for not displaying a valid sticker start at €68.

You can order stickers online via the website, with instructions in multiple languages including English. You'll need to upload a copy of your vehicle's registration certificate. Allow time for it to be mailed to your home.

Taxis in Paris

Taxis can be flagged down in the street in Paris, but it's easier to find a taxi at an official taxi stand. However, rides are not cheap; flagfall is €4 (€7 for advance bookings) and a colored light on the meter indicates the class of fare in operation at the time of travel.

Within the city limits, rides cost €1.12 per kilometer for travel between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday (Tarif A, indicated by a white light on the taxi roof and meter). At night (5pm to 10am), on Sunday from 7am to midnight and during peak travel times (7am to 10am and 5pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday) in the central 20 arrondissements, the rate is €1.38 per kilometer (Tarif B; orange light).

Travel in inner Paris on Sunday night (midnight to 7am Monday) and in the outer suburbs is at Tarif C, €1.61 per kilometer (blue light). The minimum taxi fare for a short trip is €7.30. There are also flat-rate fares to/from the major airports (Charles de Gaulle from €53, Orly from €32).

To order a taxi, call or reserve online with Taxis G7 or Alpha Taxis. An alternative is to order an Uber rideshare; fares are comparative with official taxis (and sometimes cheaper) and drivers come quickly.

Boats along the Seine

Batobus runs glassed-in trimarans that dock every 20 to 25 minutes at nine small piers along the Seine: Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, St-Germain des Prés, Notre Dame/Latin Quarter, Jardin des Plantes, Hôtel de Ville, Musée du Louvre and place de la Concorde. They're a useful, scenic way to get explore the riverbanks.

Buy tickets online, at ferry stops or at tourist offices. Passes valid for 24-hours travel start at €19/9 (adult/child). Two-day passes must be used on consecutive days.

Accessible transportation in Paris

Paris has grown up over centuries and the city is not particularly well set up for visitors with disabilities. Curb ramps are few and far between, older public facilities and budget hotels usually lack lifts, hotel rooms in general are tiny, and the metro – dating back more than a century – is mostly inaccessible for people who use wheelchairs.

Efforts are being made to improve things, however. The tourist office continues its excellent Tourisme & Handicap initiative, with special logos displayed at museums, cultural attractions, hotels and restaurants that provide access, special assistance or facilities for those with physical, cognitive, visual and/or hearing disabilities. On the Paris Info website, you can use the FACIL'iti service to create your own profile to personalize content according to your particular motor, sensory and/or cognitive needs.

The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau’s main office at Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) is equipped with a service called ACCEO, which makes it possible for people who are deaf or hearing impaired to ask for information with the help of a French sign-language operator. You'll find more information on accessible travel on Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Resources page.

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The new Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to impact travel as more countries tighten restrictions or expand entry bans. As we head into another period of coronavirus uncertainty, here's what would-be travelers need to know about the latest changes.

Just days after the potentially more contagious Omicron variant was detected by researchers in South Africa, the new COVID-19 strain has been identified in countries as far away as Canada and Australia, prompting governments to tighten restrictions they had begun to relax.

New Omicron travel rules

Israel , Japan and Morocco have taken a particularly hard line against the new strain by banning all foreign visitors. The UK 's reponse was to reintroduce mask mandates and PCR tests for travelers, and a temporary ban on flights from several southern African countries. The ban was lifted after Sunday, but entry is limited to UK and Irish residents returning from southern Africa who will also be required to quarantine.

The US has not yet detected the Omicron strain but it has banned entry of any foreign national who has been in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi or eSwatini in the previous two weeks, and has advised US citizens against traveling there. However, returning US citizens or permanent residents can enter the US under the current COVID-19 entry rules when traveling from those nations.

Argentina now requires any passenger who has been in any country in Africa within the last 14 days undergoes mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the past 72 hours. Non-residents will have to take out health insurance that covers COVID-19.

Australia has introduced a measure similar to the US, and will also delay the reopening of its international borders to certain eligible visa holders for another two weeks. Borders were supposed to open on December 1 but the date will be pushed out as scientists continue to gather more information on Omicron.

Canada is banning non-resident arrivals from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho and eSwatini. Canadians or residents who have traveled through those southern African countries in the last 14 days must take a COVID-19 test and quarantine until they receive a negative result. "Canadians and permanent residents and those with a right of entry into Canada will be tested on arrival... they will quarantine until they get the result of a negative test," said health minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

Ecuador is also placing restrictions on travelers flying from or transiting through a number of African countries.

The EU has proposed putting an "emergency brake" on arrivals from seven southern African countries, and most member states, including Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and Germany have already agreed to it as a surge of Delta-driven COVID-19 infections continues to hit the region hard. Spain has also signed up to the ban but has gone a step further by tightening restrictions on UK arrivals too; banning those who don't show proof of vaccination, after several cases of Omicron were detected in the UK in recent days.

Hong Kong has banned non-residents who have been in southern Africa, Australia, Canada, Israel, the UK and five other European countries in the past 21 days.

Singapore is restricting entry on arrivals from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Any foreign visitors who have been in those countries will not be permitted to enter and returning Singaporean residents will be subject to a 10-day quarantine.

Switzerland has added more countries to its mandatory quarantine list, including Canada, Portugal, Australia, the UK, Israel, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and several more. All passengers arriving into Switzerland from those countries must present a negative COVID-19 test and quarantine for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status.

Thailand will ban arrivals from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe from December.

Variant of concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled Omicron as a variant of concern and has said the "overall global risk related to the new variant...is assessed as very high", but has warned governments against closing their borders now that the variant has been detected in many countries. "Flight bans have been imposed on southern African countries, but so far only two have detected the new variant. Meanwhile countries in other regions have reported cases of Omicron," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The variant was identified only on November 24, and there are still many unknowns. While investigations continue, the WHO is recommending that nations take "a risk-based and scientific approach and put in place measures which can limit its possible spread" and to " ensure mitigation plans are in place" to maintain essential health services.

As research continues, the WHO has praised South Africa and Botswana for quickly sharing information about the new strain so that governments could be prepared to tackle the spread with extra precautions.

“The speed and transparency of the South African and Botswana governments in informing the world of the new variant is to be commended. WHO stands with African countries which had the courage to boldly share life-saving public health information, helping protect the world against the spread of COVID-19," said Dr Moeti.

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

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With summer crowds subsiding and its rock ridges sometimes punctuated by a dusting of snow, the chilly winter months can still be a magical time to visit Grand Canyon National Park. However, travelers planning to visit the Grand Canyon should note that a number of services will be scaled back starting December 1.

Though it's a colder visit in the winter, there are some distinct advantages to packing some warm clothes and visiting in winter. Accommodations at some of the park's iconic lodges, like the Swiss chalet-inspired El Tovar, are more easily booked.  Plus, you’ll have a bit more serenity to marvel at the beauty of the canyon.

But, with fewer visitors arriving, the park does scale back some of its services. If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon during the winter months, make sure you're prepared for driving in winter weather, pack some warm clothes, and prepare for some of the canyon's other seasonal changes before you arrive.

Grand Canyon shuttle bus operations change for the winter

Starting December 1, the park makes changes to its shuttle schedule. It will suspend the Hermit Road Shuttle (Red Route) and open up that road to private vehicles. The Tusayan (Purple Route) from the gateway community of Tusayan is also canceled for the 2021 season.

The Village (Blue) and Kaibab (Orange) routes begin service at 6 am each morning and will operate every 15-30 minutes.  The Hikers’ Express Route, which only operates one direction to drop hikers out at the South Kaibab Trailhead, will depart at 8 am and 9 am from Bright Angel Lodge. The shuttle will make stops at the Backcountry Information Center and the Visitor’s Center Shuttle Bus terminal before ending at the trailhead.

Masks are required on public transportation within the park.

Read more: Grand Canyon National Park is geological and human history writ large

The North Rim closed to vehicle traffic for winter

Starting December 1, the road leading to the North Rim, State Route 67,  will close for the season, as will the General Store.

Though you can't access it by car, you can still camp at the North Rim Campground if you reserve a backcountry permit and prepare to trek it out on foot.  You’ll have to either hike from South Rim using the inner canyon trails (23.9 miles) or approach by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing from Jacob Lake (45 miles).

The park hopes to reopen the North Rim on May 15, 2022.

Grand Canyon winter camping is still available

Starting on December 1 through February 2022, the Mather Campground will not accept reservations through the recreation.gov online reservation system. Instead, campsites are available on a first-come, first served basis. You’ll need to pay at the kiosk at the entrance to the campground using the automated system as the kiosk is not staffed during the winter.

Keep in mind, these spots are still in demand during the holiday season and can fill up quickly.

If you want to plan for next year, you can book online reservations for camping up to six months in advance.

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Grand Canyon moves into winter operations December 1 - here’s how that will impact your visit

What’s not to love about skiing? The adrenaline rush of zipping down a mountainside. Breathing in that fresh, mountain air. But if you aren’t comfortable on two skis or find the prospect of hurtling down a slope more terrifying than rush-inducing, a ski trip can feel more like a forced march than a fun vacation.

But ski resorts aren’t just for skiers. Whether you can’t ski or just don’t want to, these resorts have activities and experiences that make them worth a visit.

Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado

The towering Rocky Mountains aren’t the only thing that will take your breath away when you visit Aspen/Snowmass. Take the Elk Camp Gondola to the top of Snowmass to board the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster . The coaster soars through the Snowmass wilderness, and over ski runs at up to 28 miles per hour. Or sign up for Ullr Nights . On select Friday nights, you’ll enjoy coaster rides, tubing, S’mores, music, dinner and more.

For a more chill mountain experience, take the Aspen Mountain gondola for lunch on the sundeck. It’s a 15-minute ride with 3200ft of vert to the top of Aspen Mountain. There’s also free ice skating in the Snowmass Base Village and complimentary snow tubing at the Snowmass Limelight hotel.

What ski resort in North America is best for you? We've got the answer

Sun Valley, Idaho

If alpine skiing isn’t your jam, try Nordic skiing. Sun Valley Nordic Center has over 200 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails . They also offer snowshoeing and fat biking. If a motorized adventure is more appealing take a guided tour at Smiley Creek Lodge in Sawtooth City. Sun Valley has hundreds of miles of groomed trails as well as backcountry bowls that are open to snowmobiles. Get into the spirit, and join local fans to cheer on the Sun Valley Suns hockey team, which goes head to head with other ski town teams in neighboring Hailey, Idaho’s Campion Ice House.

Sun Valley is also one of America’s top towns for art . Local galleries feature western, contemporary and modern art. And the Spa at Sun Valley Lodge is a relaxing oasis for massage, body rituals like Ayurvedic balancing treatments and other wellness and healing.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter .

Stowe, Vermont

This classic New England destination is scenic, inviting and neighborly. The localvore movement started in Vermont, and Stowe ’s dining scene is a celebration of locally-sourced ingredients served with a creative twist. Take the Mansfield Gondola to grab a farm-to-table lunch at Cliff House, on top of Vermont’s highest peak. Then browse the town’s 50 unique boutiques, country stores, galleries, specialty markets, sporting goods stores and more.

Make a stop at the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum, to learn the history of skiing and riding in Vermont. Next, lace up your ice skates for a glide around the outdoor rink in the shadow of Mt. Mansfield at the Lodge at Spruce Peak before grabbing a drink in the lobby of Stowe Mountain Lodge and watching the snowfall through the floor to ceiling windows.

Head to these 5 amazing ski resorts close to US cities

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Wyoming ’s famous well-to-do retreat isn’t just for skiers – there's plenty of stuff to do on and off the mountains. First, take the legendary Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. In 12 minutes it climbs 4139 vertical feet with 360-degree views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole valley and the surrounding mountain ranges the whole way. At the top, grab a waffle at Corbet’s.

Down below, there’s plenty of shopping in Teton Village, as well as in the historic town of Jackson, which is easy to access via public bus, whether you’re looking for handmade knives, locally distilled spirits or trendy apparel.

If you’re in the mood for a different kind of winter adventure, book a sleigh ride, dog sledding, snowmobiling or snow coach tour through the National Wildlife Elk Refuge . At Astoria Hot Springs Park, on the banks of the Snake River, you can soak your cares away in the shadow of the Tetons surrounded by a 95-acre park.

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Park City, Utah

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Park City. The town’s idyllic Main Street has 47 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Wander through this “Western Saloon Town” and you’ll find an abundance of boutique shops, restaurants and galleries to explore.

If you still want to get outside, t he Escape Room Park City lets you challenge yourself with its outdoor scavenger hunt. For exercise, consider stand-up paddleboard yoga in a geothermal crater with Park City Yoga Adventures , or snow-season fly fishing in blue-ribbon awarded riverways, via Park City Fly Fishing Guides . Ever wondered what it feels like to soar down a bobsled course? Wonder no more. At Utah Olympic Park you can race down the same track used the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

And s tellar food and drink abounds in Park City. Prefer to stay in? Order up The Bartender’s Box , and at-home (or at-hotel) delivery box that comes with all the makings of a delicious cocktail. Supply the booze and try a new craft in the safety and comfort of your hotel room. The Viking Yurt welcomes guests by sleigh ride at a Norwegian-inspired yurt. RIME Seafood & Raw Bar is worth the trip to the top of Deer Valley Resort via the Jordanelle Gondola.

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Covering a massive chunk of southern Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is packed with outdoor adventure. It has some of South America’s best hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, and wildlife-spotting, but it also gives you the opportunity to dig deeper –  into its history, into cowboy culture, and even into the unexpected world of fusion dining at the end of the world.

This guide to the best places to visit in Patagonia will help answer all your questions about where you should go in this region of grasslands and mountains.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: go hiking and wildlife watching

You’ll see the characteristic bell-shaped Los Cuernos range and the trident granite towers of Las Torres long before you reach the most popular of Patagonia’s national parks. Torres del Paine is the only national park in Patagonia where you can arrange a multiday bunk-hut to bunk-hut hike while carrying nothing heavier than a day pack, or else opt for camping at well-equipped designated sites.

Chile’s pride and joy is the place for two unparalleled multi-day hikes. The "Circuit" takes you on a seven- to ten-day tour of the park’s undisputable highlights, from up-close-and-personal encounters with the two famous mountain ranges to the challenging crossing of John Gardner Pass, with unparalleled views of Glacier Grey from above. The three- to five-day "W" skips the backcountry trek and the pass crossing, but visits the three big-hitters: Glacier Grey, the French Valley, and Las Torres. Puma and guanaco sightings are frequent, particularly in the backcountry.

Ushuaia, Argentina: head here for cruises to the Antarctic

Every summer in the southern hemisphere finds Antarctica-bound travelers in Ushuaia, Argentina’s southernmost city, waiting to board one of the giant icebreakers in the harbor for the turbulent trip across stormy Drake’s Passage to the world’s remotest continent. You need at least a week to make the trip worthwhile, and money to spare. Last-minute "bargains" can sometimes be had, but you’ll need plenty of time on your hands to hang around, walking the steep streets overlooking the Beagle Channel, and hoping that there’s an empty berth with your name on it. Experienced deckhands can sign up to crew a yacht on weeks-long Antarctic trips.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

El Calafate, Argentina: be in awe of vast glaciers

Every day, fleets of buses depart the compact, hugely popular Argentinian town of El Calafate for the Perito Moreno glacier – an accessible icy spectacle, and one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. A series of boardwalks lead to various viewpoints that allow you to contemplate this shining, blue-white wall of ice. Every now then, a muffled "crack" and splash signals the calving of a house-sized chunk of ice. Tour operators in El Calafate also arrange day-long catamaran cruises to more remote glaciers, such as Glacier Upsala Glacier Spegazzini on Lake Argentina. With its proliferation of boutique hotels and hostels, and a steak-, wine- and craft beer-heavy dining scene, El Calafate is a terrific jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding natural wonders.

Isla Navarino, Chile: experience end-of-the-world adventures

Whenever Puerto Williams – the "capital" of Chile’s Isla Navarino – is mentioned, Ushuaia turns green with envy because this tiny settlement of less than 3000 people beats the capital of Argentinian Tierra del Fuego to the title of southernmost permanently inhabited place on earth. Whether you’re swapping stories with centolla (king crab) fishers and Antarctica-bound research scientists at the town’s only bar, setting off to complete one of South America’s toughest multi-day treks – the Dientes de Navarino – or using Puerto Williams as a jumping-off spot to sail to Cape Horn, you’re likely to earn your adventurer’s stripes here.

Futaleufú, Chile: take on a white water rafting challenge

Imagine: you and rest of the rafting crew are hunkering down on your sides of the raft, waiting for the signal from the rafting guide to dig in and start rowing again like your life depends on it. Huge turquoise river waves are battering the inflatable boat and white water spray drenches you head to foot. You wipe the water out of your eyes and get ready to ride yet another set of Class VI rapids on one of the most challenging white water rivers in the world. The rafting trips take place between December and March, and there are numerous guesthouses in the namesake town that you can base yourself at before embarking on your white water adventure.

Península Valdés, Argentina: spot southern right whales

Picture this: you’re on a boat just off the coast of Península Valdés, a protected chunk of land in northeast Argentina, when a mighty spout of water shoots up from the sea. “Look, a whale!” someone yells, as the waves around you begin to churn with life. Every year, in mid-June, hundreds of southern right whales come to these frigid waters to breed and can often be spotted – sometimes from the shore – until mid-December. The peninsula – also home to sea lions, seals, and over 180 species of seabirds – is reached via the town of Puerto Madryn, where you can sign up for boat tours, kayaking, and diving excursions.

El Chaltén, Argentina: the starting point for amazing day hikes

Overlooked by the three-pronged Mount Fitz Roy peak, the tiny town of El Chaltén is the trekking capital of Argentinian Patagonia. Whether you’re tackling the exposed and challenging trek to the glacial Laguna de Los Tres, ambling though southern beech forest in the private Reserve Los Huemules in the hopes of spotting a huemul (endangered deer), or just walking to the waterfall at the north end of town, there are numerous day walk options to suit all abilities. Roughing it and camping is possible but not mandatory: every evening you can choose to return to your boutique guesthouse or hostel, and grab a hot meal and craft beer at one of the town’s numerous (and sophisticated) dining options, such as La Oveja Negra or Patagonicus.

Puerto Natales, Chile: great boutique accommodations and dining

Whether you’re a trekker or climber bound for Torres del Paine National Park, an ice climber or kayaker wanting to get up close and personal with glaciers, or looking to go horseback riding in the surrounding wilderness, you’ll find yourself in Puerto Natales – Chilean Patagonia’s second-largest town – sooner or later. It's the jumping-off point for every outdoor thrill imaginable. Luxury standouts include The Singular Patagonia (former abattoir turned 5-star hotel), Remota (estancia-meets-wilderness aesthetic), and the ship-like NOI Indigo, while boutique backpacker digs include Treehouse Patagonia, Wild and Yagan House. The dining scene runs the gamut from African-Patagonian fusion at Afrigonia, and inspired seasonal dishes at Lenga, to traditional steak and spit-roasted lamb at El Asador Patagonico, great pizza at Base Camp, and even original Calafate berry gin at the Last Hope Distillery.

Cueva de las Manos, Argentina: home to mysterious ancient rock art

In a hidden canyon, reachable by tour or your own wheels via the towns of Perito Moreno or Bajo Caracoles from the scenic Route 40, a boardwalk leads you past a vast overhanging rock face, decorated with ancient rock art. This Unesco World Heritage Site is one of the most prominent rock art sites in Southern America, with over 800 stencilled outlines of human hands, as well as puma, guanaco (wild cousin of the llama) and ñandú (small ostrich) footprints. The ancient inhabitants of the pampas created these black, white, and ochre stencils by blowing a mix of water and different types of soil against their hand or animal foot, for purposes unknown.

Punta Arenas, Chile: explore the port city's history

Before the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, every ship rounding Cape Horn en route from Europe to California stopped in Punta Arenas for supplies. In the 19th century, Chile’s southernmost port city by the Magellan Strait grew wealthy from trade and sheep-farming, its riches reflected in the grand stone mansions of the wool barons, the wide avenues lined with cypresses, and the elaborate marble crypts of the city cemetery.

The cemetery is a fascinating place, the names reflecting the nationalities that shaped the city – Scottish, Croatian, Spanish, Scandinavian; you might even find the grave of Charles Milward, a relative of travel writer Bruce Chatwin. Learn about the indigenous peoples of Patagonia at the Museo Salesiano Maggiorino Borgatello, and get a glimpse into the bygone lives of some of the city’s most powerful families at the Museo Regional Braun Menendez. On the outskirts of the city, at the Museo Nao Victoria, you can admire the life-size replicas of Magellan’s ship, Darwin’s HMS Beagle, and the lifeboat that saved the lives of Ernest Shackleton and his crew in the Antarctic Ocean.

Puyuhuapi, Chile: soak in hot springs

If you’re driving or cycling Chile’s Carretera Austral, this historic fjordside town with its wood-shingled houses, founded in 1935 by four enterprising German settlers, makes for an excellent stopover. While thermal springs are common in Chile, Puyuhuapi is the only Patagonian town where you can soak your weary bones. Choose between Termas Ventisquero – the slightly scruffy springs a short walk from town, or arrange to stay in the plush Puyuhuapi Lodge, with private thermal pools and waterfalls, reachable via speedboat across the fjord.

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The Pampas: go horseback riding and experience rural life

In popular imagination Patagonia is synonymous with the Pampas – grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see – and its inhabitants, the intrepid cattle herders known as gauchos in Argentina and huasos in Chile. You’ll often see them on horseback all over rural Patagonia, wearing sheepskin ponchos and berets, and sipping from flasks of yerba-mate herbal tea. Visitors can experience this rural way of life by staying on an estancia (ranch). Estancia stays can be organized from Puerto Natales (Chile) or El Calafate (Argentina); these typically include horseback riding excursions, as well as spit-roasted lamb asado (Patagonian barbecue).

The Carretera Austral, Chile: take an epic road trip "Southern Highway" is a bit of a misnomer, as you’ll discover if you drive Chile’s remote, iconic road. Originally constructed on Pinochet’s orders in the 1970s, and still only partially paved, it winds itself some 694 miles (1117km) from Hornopirén in the north to Villa O’Higgins in the south, traversing fog-shrouded, often rainy landscapes of lush southern forest and giant wild rhubarb, snow-tipped mountains, and misty fjords.

Allow at least a couple of weeks to explore the unique little towns and national parks along the way. It’s possible to rent a car either in Puerto Montt, north of Hornopirén, or else in Coyhaique, the only town of any size, located halfway along the Carretera Austral.

Punta Tombo, Argentina: see penguins and other birdlife

You smell the penguins before you see them. The presence of nearly a million Magellanic penguins – some hiding in their underground burrows, some ambling down to the sea to go fishing, others standing around and grooming themselves – is a powerful assault on your senses. The long, narrow peninsula that’s home to the largest and most accessible of the penguin colonies that dot Patagonia also attracts kelp gulls, cormorants, flightless steamer ducks, and black oystercatchers. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalks past the beach and the nesting areas; get here either via your own wheels (early in the morning) or by tour from the nearby town of Trelew.

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Though European cities hoped for a festive return of their enchanting Christmas markets in 2021, the increase in COVID-19 cases across Europe and the discovery of the Omicron variant has dampened the holiday spirit in some places as governments close stalls for yet another season.

The Czech Republic announced the closure of its markets on November 26. Austria 's markets have temporarily closed as the country goes into full lockdown until December 13. Berlin ’s Charlottenberg Palace announced earlier this year it would not be able to host its marker under the current local COVID-19 health safety guidelines. Munich had planned to bring back its Christmas market in Marienplatz, however officials announced on November 16 the market would be cancelled due to rising case numbers. With infections soaring across Europe, it's possible more could follow in the coming weeks.

Most markets that have opened their stands for the 2021 holiday season have done so with enhanced safety measures like reducing the number of stalls and requiring proof of vaccination. Some require masks.

As of November 29, here is the status of some of the prominent European Christmas markets.

Basel, Switzerland

Christmas decorations glitter against the charming architecture of Basel 's Old Town, transforming the city on the Rhine into the largest Christmas market in Switzerland. Both Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz host markets with rustic chalets of artisans as well as culinary treats like Swiss Raclette and Läckerli (gingerbread).

The markets opened November 25 and will close on December 23. The opening ceremony in Münsterplatz has been cancelled for 2021.

Visitors over the age of 16 must present a valid Swiss or EU COVID certificate with a QR code as well as an official ID. Those from outside the EU who have recovered from COVID-19 or been vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine will need a Swiss COVID-19 certificate. You can apply online and it will cost 30 CHF ($32 USD).

Berlin, Germany

Several of Berlin's popular Christmas markets are preparing to open for 2021 though these will operate under Berlin's expanded 2-G rules. Those rules require people to be vaccinated or show they have recovered from the virus to enter places like restaurants, galleries, and theaters. The most recent rules eliminated the option for event organizers to allow unvaccinated people over age 18 to show a negative COVID-19 test to enter.

Plan to bring proof of your vaccination status or recovery from the virus. Most markets are allowing children under the age of 12 to enter with proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Berlin's markets that are planning to open include:

Potsdamer Platz’s Winterwelt, with its toboggan hill for those who'd like to get in a little faux sledding, has traditionally been one of the earliest markets to open. Centrally located in Potsdamer Platz and not far from the Mall of Berlin, it opened on October 29 and will close on January 2.
The whimsical Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market is tucked between the architectural beauty of the Französischer Dom and Deutscher Dom. It opened on November 22 and closes on December 31. This market charges one euro per person entry.
Alexanderplatz Christmas Market, which also hosts a fairground of rides, an ice skating rink as well as traditional artisan stalls, opened November 22 through December 26.
The market surrounding Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church located on Berlin's renowned Kurfürstendamm street opened November 22 through January 2, 2022.

Read more: Why Germany is the best place to countdown to Christmas

Bruges, Belgium

Against the backdrop of cobblestone streets and canals of its medieval center, thousands of twinkling lights and more than 500 Christmas trees will transform 41 streets of Bruges into a winter fairy-tale as part of its 2021 Winter Glow festivities. From November 26 through January 9, 2022, you'll find ice skating, a winter bar and three Christmas markets located at Market Square, Simon Steven Square and Zand Square.

In Bruges, outdoor events with more than 400 people require a COVID Safe ticket. EU visitors can use their own vaccination certificates in place of a COVID Safe ticket but visitors from outside the region need to follow this application process. That ticket provides proof you are either fully vaccinated against the virus, have recovered from it within the past six months or have tested negative for COVID-19.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Sipping on Gløgg surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, you'll feel what the Danish mean when they use the word "hygge" to describe the the feeling of being cozy, well and content against the crisp winter air.

The 175 year old Tivoli Gardens amusement park, glowing with twinkling lights and starry projections, will host its Christmas Market from November 19 through January 2. In order to enter, you'll need to purchase a ticket as well as show a Corona Pass (or your official vaccination certificate). Children under the age of 15 are exempt from showing a Corona pass.

Meanwhile, the enchanting Kongens Nytorv Christmas market sits at the cobblestone square with the equestrian statue of King Christian V near Charlottenborg Palace. The market opened November 12 and closes on December 22 and is free to ender.

Read more: Finding the Christmas Spirit in Winterful Copenhangen

Edinburgh, Scotland

With Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, Edinburgh Christmas is one of the UK's most beloved holiday traditions. It hosts attractions like amusement rides and ice skating rink along with the Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens.

The market opened November 20 and closes January 4, 2022. If you're planning to do some of the activities like ice skating, visiting Santa’s Grotto, or riding the ferris wheel, you can purchase tickets through the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Masks are required in indoor locations like Santa's Grotto. Organizers also have sensory kits with a fidget toy, earplugs, water bottle, stress reliever and ear defenders available for adults and children who may need additional assistance to enjoy the festivities.

Nuremberg, Germany

Germany 's oldest and arguably most well-known market, the Nuremberg Christmas market has canceled its market for 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions issued by the state of Bavaria. It had been scheduled to open November 26 through December 24 after canceling in 2020.

Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic government announced a 30-day emergency on Nov. 26 which included reduced hours for restaurant and bars and the closure of Christmas markets nationwide. The two Christmas markets located in the heart of Prague, the market located in Prague's Old Town Square and nearby Wenceslas Square, were both scheduled to open November 27 through January 6, 2022.

Poznań, Poland

Poznań's Christmas Market, consistently considered the best in Poland and among the top in Europe, opened in Plac Wolności on November 20 and closes December 26. Though you'll find its market a wonderous Christmas experience throughout the season, full of charm, the second weekend in December is when it really sparkles as it holds its famous Ice Sculpting Festival. Ice sculptors from 12 different countries will decend on Poznań from December 10-12 to compete to create awe-inspiring frozen works of art.

Strasbourg, France

France’s oldest Christmas market, Strasbourg prides itself on transforming into the "capital of Christmas." After scaling back in 2020, more than 300 stalls opened on November 26 and closes on December 26. Masks will be required throughout the market, but if the COVID situation deteriorates in the city and cases reach above 200 per 100,000 people, the market will require France’s health pass which shows proof of vaccination, recovery from the virus, or a negative COVID-19 test.

Read more: How to apply for a COVID-19 health pass in France

Vienna, Austria

The Vienna Dream Christmas Market located at Rathausplatz, consistently voted among the most beautiful markets in Europe, opened on November 12 but closed on November 22 as Austria went into a full nationwide lockdown. The market is expected to reopen when lockdown is scheduled to end on December 13 (if the COVID situation improves) and run until December 26. To visit, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Adults can no longer show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter.

The rules are different for kids. Children aged six to 11 years old must show proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test. That can either be a PCR test administered within 72 hours or an antigen test within 48 hours. Teens aged 12-15 must show proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative PCR test administered within the 48 hours prior.

Read More: Best Christmas Markets in Austria

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Blessed with white, sandy beaches, colorful architecture, world-class surfing, a rich musical history, and an enviable arts, culture and culinary scene, Puerto Rico is a perfect escape for the intrepid and adventurous.

It's a place to catch a wave on a beautiful beach, wander centuries-old cities, and dive into the layered, multicultural history that makes this one of the most interesting corners of the Caribbean.

The island has become an expensive destination in recent years thanks to gentrification and its growing popularity with US travelers. However, there are still quite a few top experiences that won’t cost a dime. Here are our favorite free things to do in Puerto Rico.

Find history in Old San Juan

The walled islet of San Juan turned 500 years old this year, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by walking through its tree-lined, cobblestone streets, marveling at the centuries-old homes that were once the center of life in colonial times. In fact, in celebration of the 500th anniversary, the government of San Juan is offering free guided walking tours throughout the city if you reserve a spot in advance.

If you prefer to tour the city alone, start by visiting the monumental Catedrál de San Juan, the second oldest church in the Americas, founded in 1521. The cathedral was central to life in the city in Spanish times, and it remains one of the most enthralling places in San Juan, with its classic Spanish colonial architecture, centuries-old mausoleums and paintings.

Afterward, walk to the beautiful Convento Los Dominicos, founded by the Dominican order back in 1523. It’s currently a hotel, but you can walk in for free and take a look at the creole tiles and interior courtyard garden.

La Fortaleza is currently the governor’s official residence, befitting a palace built in 1532. While it’s not possible to meet the governor, free 30-minute guided tours run from Monday to Friday between 8:15am and 3:30pm. Since La Fortaleza is a functioning official building, tours can be canceled at short notice; call before heading out.

Other noteworthy sights to visit for free include Casa Blanca, San Juan’s first fort and the former residence of conquistador Juan Ponce de León, and Plazuela de la Rogativa, where you can enjoy wonderful views of San Juan bay.

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Stroll along Paseo de la Princesa

During Spanish colonial rule, the Puerta de San Juan functioned as the main commercial and military entrance to the walled city. Today, it functions as one of the gateways to Paseo de la Princesa, a tree-lined, oceanside promenade where you’ll find families and lovers strolling and appreciating the breeze.

To the west, you can follow a 3 mile (4.8km) path that borders the Castillo San Felipe del Morro. While this is a newer addition to the military castle, you’ll be able to touch the old walls that once protected the city from pirates and rival powers.

Walking to the east will lead you to the heart of Paseo La Princesa, where you can find local artisans on the weekends, visit the old La Princesa Prison (now the home of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company), and sample some fine Puerto Rican rum-based drinks at Princesa Cocina Cultura.

Marvel at Santurce’s street art

The neighborhood of Santurce in San Juan holds a special place in the hearts of Puerto Ricans. The district has gone through many iterations since it was founded. It was a military bastion during Spanish colonial rule, an industrial shantytown in the 1930s and 1940s, a vibrant theatre and shopping district during the 1960s and 1970s, and then largely abandoned throughout the 1990s, before its modern revival.

The neighborhood has come to represent the spirit of resilience, community and reinvention that distinguishes San Juan's largest barrio. It's most famous today as the home of the baseball team, Cangrejeros de Santurce, aka the Crabbers.

Walking through the steep streets of Santurce, you’ll find contrasting architecture styles, from Spanish colonial relics to classic Art Deco. Many buildings are covered with beautiful murals by renowned Puerto Rican and international street artists.

Start your walk at the intersection between Avenida Fernández Juncos and Calle Cerra, the epicenter of the annual street art festival Santurce es Ley. Here you’ll find works by local muralists such as Alexis Bousquet, Vero Rivera, Celso, La Pandilla, Pun18, Defy, Rey X and Javier Cintrón.

Keep an eye out for Bik Ismo’s hyper-realistic chrome rabbit, a local landmark. Don’t limit yourself to Calle Cerra and Calle Progreso;  the street art continues towards Calle Loíza, where you can feel the sea breeze.

Dive into Puerto Rican culture at Ocean Park

One of the great things about Puerto Rico is that all beaches are public, so you can visit for free and stay as long as you’d like. One of the biggest beaches in the metropolitan area is Ocean Park – a long stretch of beachfront that begins in Condado and stretches through to the Dos Hermanos bridge in San Juan.

With its white sands and crystal blue water, it’s one of the most popular beaches for the residents of San Juan, and a great spot to observe Puerto Rican beach culture.

Check it out at the weekend, when you can sample traditional ice cream from passing vendors, sip an ice-cold Medalla beer in the afternoon sun, and groove to the bombastic beats of reggaeton and salsa ringing out from nearby beach parties.

If you like to get wet, Ocean Park is extremely popular with surfers, bodyboarders and kiteboarders. Be sure to wear lots of sunblock and take an umbrella if you can, as there's limited shade and the sun can be punishing in the middle of the day.

Top 12 beaches in Puerto Rico

Find living history in Ponce

Known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” Ponce, located in the southern part of the island, was founded in the 16th century and named in honor of conquistador Juan Ponce de León. The old center is dominated by Spanish neoclassical buildings and houses painted in the brightest shades of yellow, blue, green and orange.

The town’s most striking feature is the Plaza de las Delicias, an open-air plaza that contains bright, red sculptures of Ponce’s basketball team mascot – The Lion. It's a great spot to sit down and eat some traditional ice cream in the shade.

Equally emblematic is the plaza's red and black firehouse and its handsome cathedral – both played an important role in Ponce’s history. The historic town center is completely walkable and full of enthralling murals that are bound to inspire some photographic creativity.

Find creole culture in Caguas

The town of Caguas, located off Highway 52, is an obligatory stop for those looking to immerse themselves in the folk traditions of Puerto Rico, surrounded by winding country roads and brightly painted, Spanish-era buildings.

The town center buzzes with Puerto Rican creole culture. During the day, head over to the Museo del Tabaco Hermínio Torres Grillo to learn about the history of the Puerto Rican tobacco industry and get your hands on some handmade cigars.

Housed in a bright, baby-blue, neoclassical Spanish colonial building that used to be Caguas’s City Hall, the Museo de Historia de Caguas is a historical gem. Inside, exhibitions will take you on a journey through local history, from the Taíno civilization to revolutionary uprisings by the criollo people of Caguas.

To learn about one of Puerto Rico’s most important literary voices, visit Casita Verde Abelardo Díaz Alfaro, where the writer spent the first years of his illustrious life. All of Caguas’ museums are free of charge and don’t require advanced booking.

Caguas becomes a different town at night, with vibrant clubs, quaint chinchorros (snack kiosks) and a killer art scene at El Paseo de las Artes. This new arts promenade features two monthly events: Festival Paseo de los Artistas, which showcases work from local artisans at an open-air market, and Al Fresco, where restaurants serve up their most famous dishes. Food and drinks tend to be budget-friendly, with local beers starting at USD$2.50.

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Drive across the interior of Puerto Rico

To experience the full variety of Puerto Rico, you need to get out of San Juan. Though renting a car comes at a price, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the green rolling hills, high peaks and undeveloped tropical jungles that form the Cordillera Central.

Highway 52 offers great views of the interior as it crosses the mountain range from San Juan to the south coast of the island. On a sunny day, you’ll see intense, changing shades of green and yellow, with a grand view of the turquoise majesty that is the Caribbean Sea once you reach higher altitudes around the hill town of Cayey.

The municipality of Cayey is known for one of Puerto Rico’s most sought-after culinary delights: lechón a la varita (roast pork). The search for perfect lechón is a local ritual, with the most famous plates being served up in the barrio of Guavate, where you'll also find budget-friendly traditional fare such as arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas), pasteles (a type of tamale) and guineos en escabeche (pickled green bananas).

Glide down the Las Pailas river

Deep inside El Yunque National Forest – Puerto Rico’s largest, tropical rainforest – there are steep, snaking paths through lush, green vegetation that lead to an impressive system of rivers and creeks where you can bathe in pure water trickling down from the mountain tops.

Dotted with natural swimming holes, the river known as Las Pailas is a true hidden gem, known mostly to locals from the Luquillo municipality. Hidden behind local houses, the deepest swimming pool has a natural waterslide, forged by centuries of running water. This slippery rock formation runs for approximately 30ft (9m), whooshing you down into a fish-filled natural pool. There are no official signs for this river, so ask a local for directions.

You’ll need shoes or hiking boots with good grips to hike down to the river. Note that the entrance to the swimming hole is on private property, so you’ll need to pay a small fee (approximately USD$5) to park your car on the owner’s property.

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Find rugged nature at Faro Los Morillos

Also located in Cabo Rojo, Faro Los Morillos is a national wildlife refuge surrounding a historic lighthouse on the Los Morillos peninsula, at the southernmost tip of the municipality. Follow rocky, unpaved roads to explore dry subtropical forests, hypersaline lagoons, salt marshes, marine lagoons, coral reefs and mangroves.

The nature reserve is like a painting come to life, with brine shrimp changing the color of the salt flats to deep hues of purple and pink. Put on your hiking boots and climb the steep, rocky hill to reach the lighthouse – it was constructed in 1882 and offers majestic views over the Caribbean Sea from its clifftop location. Stay away from the ledge of the cliff; strong winds and loose rock have claimed the lives of tourists in the past.

Once you descend the hill, you’ll be greeted by one of Puerto Rico's most untouched, crystalline beaches, known to locals as Playa Sucia. With white sands and clear turquoise waters, this patch of open water is a great spot to swim in warm Caribbean waters or snorkel to spot fish, crabs and other marine wildlife.

Shade is hard to come by, so bring an umbrella and plenty of sunblock. Because this is a natural reserve, there are no kiosks or food available, so you'll also need a cooler with all the refreshments you’ll need for the day.

Swing at La Curva del Árbol Renace

There’s no better way to appreciate the Puerto Rican countryside than from one of the public swings placed at the top of some of the most striking mountains on the island. The most famous of these gravity-defying swings is in Salinas at La Curva del Árbol Renace, where you'll have a front-row, bird's-eye view of the Caribbean coastline and the peaks and valleys of Cayey. It's a favorite spot for Instagram snaps.

There are many more swings on the island, including the precariously balanced swing at Columpio de los Suspiros near the town of Naguabo on the south side of the El Yunque forest. You'll need to join a guided tour to find it, as it stands more than 1000ft (305m) above sea level.

Party at El Poblado de Boquerón

If you’re looking for a party on any given weekend, El Poblado de Boquerón in Cabo Rojo is where you want to be. During the day, Balneario Boquerón fills with locals splashing in clear Caribbean waters. Things can get a little crowded, but if you arrive early enough you’ll be able to carve out a little space for yourself.

There’s a small fee for parking (approximately $5), but it’s worth it, as you’ll be able to park closer to the water and transport refreshments to your chosen patch of beach with minimal hassle. Plan to spend the whole day lounging on the white and yellow sand.

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Scenic highways beside brilliant turquoise waters and a network of backcountry roads that criss-cross the rural interior make Barbados a pleasure to explore on your own.

With your own transport, you might stumble across an action-packed game of cricket on a parish ground or inquisitive green monkeys chilling by the roadside – a side of Barbados that's far from the big resorts and cruise ships.

Here are five of the best road trips on the island that take in the stately manors, gorgeous gardens and forest-filled gullies of the interior as well as the less-visited wild coastlines of St Lucy parish and the Atlantic Ocean.

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West coast Barbados

Best for calm waters and snorkeling

Start – Bridgetown; End – Six Men’s; Distance – 14.5 miles/23km

Barbados’ platinum coast stretches up the western side of the island from just north of Bridgetown and is home to the country’s most tranquil waters and the villas of the movers and shakers.

From the capital, head out to Hwy 1 past Brandons and Brighton Beaches up to Paynes Bay for a morning swim and snorkeling with sea turtles in front of the singer Rihanna’s pad at One Sandy Lane.

From there, it’s just a short hop up to Holetown for a walk along the boardwalk and a gourmet meal with a view before continuing north to the Folkestone Marine Park where you’ll once again need your snorkel.

North of Folkestone the narrow Hwy 1 enters its most attractive stretch, hugging the water’s edge as it twists and turns north through tiny villages that often are little more than a clump of houses and a rum shop.

Stop for a break on the lovely sands at Mullins Beach before ducking into historic Speightstown to visit the Arlington House museum and soak up the old-town atmosphere of “Little Bristol.”

Finally, rejoin Hwy 1 and continue north remaining on the seaside road when the highway splits until reaching the tiny village of Six Men’s where unpretentious Braddie’s Bar awaits right on the water’s edge with cold drinks, dominoes and a killer sunset.

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Barbados cross-island

Best for gardens, gullies and caves

Start – Holetown, End – Bathsheba; Distance – 14 miles/23km

This sojourn serves up the best of Barbados' nature on a relaxing 14-mile drive from coast to coast. Begin in the heart of Holetown from where Hwy 1A heads uphill to Rock Hall at which point the countryside of rural Barbados takes hold and the pace of life is noticeably slower.

Continue eastward to Harrison’s Cave to check out the eerie subterranean caverns. Pop back out to the sunshine and pick up some fresh-baked coconut bread at Celestine’s diner right in front before enjoying a picnic at Welchman Hall Gully just north on Hwy 2.

Cross to the other side of Hwy 2 and visit Flower Forest Botanical Gardens (a 49-acre garden on a former sugar plantation). Or visit Coco Hill Forest to hike the trails through remnant native forest and check out the sweeping views down the forested slopes to the Atlantic.

Follow Richmond Rd down to Hwy 3a to see Barbados’ most colorful outdoor attraction, Hunte’s Gardens, set in a craterlike depression formed by a collapsed cave.

The last leg of the trip is all downhill to the little village of Bathsheba, the main town on the Atlantic Coast where you can finish the trip in style with a meal overlooking the Soup Bowl, one of the Caribbean’s best spots for waves.

Flavors of Barbados

Best for tasty treats and outdoor dining

Start – Maxwell; End – Martin’s Bay; Distance – 25 miles/40km

For a full day of Caribbean culinary delights, take this relaxed drive to experience the flavors of both coasts.

Begin the journey in Maxwell in the southwest where the legendary Golden Sands restaurant serves up a traditional hangover-busting “pudding and souse” breakfast that will set you up for the drive ahead.

Once suitably fueled, head inland to the Brighton Farmers Market for a coffee and some homemade baked treats while browsing the works of local artists.

Head east on Hwy 5 to grab some of the island’s best sandwiches at Cutters of Barbados before a picnic at the tranquil hidden cove at Shark Hole just down the road. Continue along the coast to Bottom Bay and spend the afternoon on one of the island’s finest beaches with silky white sands enclosed by chalky cliffs.

Finally, rejoin Hwy 5 to head up the east side of the island to Martin’s Bay. Settle in at one of the picnic tables in front of the crashing waves outside the Bay Tavern and finish the journey with the island’s freshest fish plates.

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Atlantic Barbados

Best for historic buildings and panoramic views

Start – Bathsheba; End – St Nicholas Abbey; Distance – 10 miles/16km

This off-the-beaten-path adventure is ideal for ditching the crowds and getting to know the Barbados of another era. The road trip begins at the boulder-strewn beach of Bathsheba on the eastern side of the island via the Ermy Bourne Hwy and then on Hwy 2.

Follow the windswept coastline north to Lakes Beach and Walkers Beach, two long, empty stretches of sand backed by rolling hills that are perfect for long hikes beside the thundering Atlantic. Leave the car at either beach and walk to Long Pond, Barbados’ most pristine wetland, which splits the two. The beaches are not considered safe for swimming.

Stop at the beautiful St Andrew’s Parish Church, which looks like it has been airlifted in from the English countryside. Then continue north to the magnificent Morgan Lewis Windmill, one of only two complete wind-powered mills left in the Caribbean.

After taking in the views follow the rural road up to Cherry Tree Hill, 260m (853ft) above the coastal plain below, which marks the entrance to St Nicholas Abbey, one of the island’s best-preserved estates.

Top things to do in Barbados

St Lucy loop

Best for dramatic cliffs and hidden coves

Starts & ends – Speightstown; Distance – 18.5 miles/30km

Barbados’ craggy northern tip couldn’t be more different than the tranquil sheltered waters on the covers of most tourism brochures. This trip through St Lucy parish takes visitors to striking clifftops and wild isolated bays. Note that swimming is dangerous on most of this stretch due to the wild waves.

Beginning in Speightstown, head north on Hwy 1B hugging the coastline to reach the Harrison’s Point Lighthouse which can be climbed for wonderful views of the grassy hills descending to the sea.

Park near the hospital and walk down to avoid the axel-breaking track. Rejoin Hwy 1B and turn left at Crab Hill to find the hidden Archer’s Bay, framed by forest-covered limestone bluffs with rocky outcrops and transparent green waters.

Double back to Hwy 1B and continue to the northernmost point of the island at Animal Flower Cave, a deep grotto hidden beneath one of the island’s most imposing cliffs.

From here the highway takes a turn to the south to River Bay, where a small river flows into a pretty enclosed bay; it’s one of the few places on this coastline that’s safe for swimming, but don’t go out past the headlands.

From River Bay, Hwy 1C heads back to Speightstown through tranquil farmland in the interior of the island that's populated by grazing goats and tiny villages.

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The best road trips in Barbados take you away from the tourist spots

With its stunning mountain backdrop, active lifestyle, laid-back hippie spirit, big-city culture and small town feel, Boulder is the perfect introduction to the Rocky Mountains.

But one of its more underappreciated advantages is its location, halfway between Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park along Colorado’s Front Range. Boulder offers the best of both worlds – city life and the great outdoors within easy driving distance – not to mention easy access to some of the most unique little mountain towns you’re ever likely to stumble across.

Get in the car and explore! On our favorite day trips from Boulder, there are adventures (and glorious mountain vistas) around pretty much every turn.

Get the Rocky Mountain vibe at Estes Park, Colorado

Why go?: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

One of America’s most scenic national treasures sits just 45 minutes north of Boulder in the tourist-friendly town of Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Watch elk graze the golf course as you meander into town, then take a placid stroll along the Estes Park Riverwalk to explore the bevy of quaint shops and restaurants.

Essential stops include such perennial favorites as Poppy’s Pizza and favorite local dive bar The Wheel Bar. Take a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tram for a panoramic view of town before toasting your good fortune at finding such a great location at Estes Park Brewery.

Once inside Rocky Mountain National Park, get a taster with a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in America) or embark on a thrill-seeking climb of 14,259ft (4,346m) Longs Peak.

Less experienced hikers may prefer the open vistas and easy trails around Upper Beaver Meadows and Horseshoe Park; other moderate, gentle strolls include the paths to Bierstadt Lake and Deer Mountain. If time allows, drive the entire 48 mile (77km) length of Trail Ridge Road to the less-trafficked western part of the park and kick back in the laid-back mountain oasis of Grand Lake.

How to get to Estes Park
The most direct route to Estes Park is Highway 36, running due north from Boulder – the city soon melts into a backdrop of open valleys roamed by wild horses. Stop in smalltown Lyons at the iconic Oskar Blues for good food, beer, and maybe some live music on the way up. This route can get quite congested on weekends, so consider the slightly longer but even more scenic Peak to Peak Highway as an alternative.

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Dose up on culture in Denver, Colorado

Why go?: Experience a modern-day boomtown

It seems that everyone is moving to Denver these days, and with good reason. The capital of the American West is continuing its decades-long transformation from cow town to regional cultural powerhouse. Few cities can match Denver's combination of world-class urban amenities and breathtaking natural beauty. Take in a ballgame at the affable Coors Field (home of the Rockies), explore the hip murals of the RiNo neighborhood, or just relax on the grass in Washington Park with a good book. It’s, as they say in Denver, all good.

Top Denver music venues such as The Fillmore and Ogden Theatre should not be ignored and the same goes for A-plus cultural attractions such as the Denver Art Museum and the bustling city-within-in-a-city that is Union Station. Grab dinner in a hip former shipping container at Cart-Driver, then immerse yourself in some of the city’s endless breweries – our top pick is Great Divide.

How to get to Denver
Denver is located about 45 minutes south of Boulder along Highway 36, although heavy traffic can extend that travel time significantly. Public transit options between Boulder and Denver are excellent; smart travelers take the RTD bus and leave the car at home.

Hike in ski country at Breckenridge, Colorado

Why go?: Hike a fourteener or go boating on the lake

Most visitors have heard of Breckenridge, but many fail to clock its proximity to Denver and Boulder. A drive of less than two hours from Boulder lands travelers in an entirely different world (complete with its own local weather), as the Front Range fades into the massive 14,000ft (4,267m) mountains of Summit County, soaring above one of Colorado’s most famous ski towns.

Visitors in summer and fall will find plenty of ways to keep busy, from alpine boating trips on majestic Lake Dillon to high-elevation day hikes like the view-tastic trip to Sapphire Point. Stroll Main Street to explore the shops and restaurants before heading out to investigate the surrounding area.

Recommended detours include the Boreas Pass scenic drive (an explosion of stunning foliage in fall) and the out-there mountain town of Alma. Pause here to grab a fried chicken sandwich from Otto’s Food Cart and continue on to the old Western town of Fairplay (inspiration for the TV show South Park).

How to get to Breckenridge
Visitors can access Breckenridge by picking up the I-70 west of Denver, easily one of the most beautiful stretches of interstate in America. Be aware that traffic is an absolute bear on this route at weekends during the ski season; expect delays. Thankfully, there are plenty of cool spots to stop off along the way such as Idaho Springs or St Mary’s Glacier, one of the best and least crowded hikes in Colorado.

Take the back route to the Rockies on the Peak to Peak Highway, Colorado

Why go?: Endless mountain views and cool small towns

Not only is the Peak to Peak Highway a less-trafficked back route to Rocky Mountain National Park, it's also packed with instantly lovable small towns framed by screensaver-worthy mountain scenery. Start your journey in the hippie outpost of Nederland and get a taste of Boulder’s counterculture past, before continuing north towards Allenspark to marvel at the spectacular setting of the Chapel on the Rock.

Head off the main road to delve deeper into Boulder’s backyard by exploring towns such as Gold Hill, whose romantic Gold Hill Inn restaurant is a great pick for any special occasion. Also worth a visit is the tiny hamlet of Jamestown, where the canyon-tucked Jamestown Mercantile (aka The Merc) serves up nourishing fuel for the day’s adventures in a setting full of colorful characters.

How to get to the Peak to Peak Highway
Take Highway 119 west from Boulder to Nederland, where you can either travel south to the twin casino towns of Central City and Black Hawk or north along Highway 72 towards Estes Park. The northern route offers more natural scenery and more small towns to check out.

Big name shows and Old West fun in Golden, Colorado

Why go?: See a show at the world-famous Red Rocks

While this charming Old West-style town is technically a suburb of Denver, its mountain town aesthetic is impossible to ignore. “Denver’s closest mountain town” is an easy 20 mile (32km) drive from Boulder. Park under the iconic “Welcome to Golden” sign and explore the cute little downtown on foot.

Stroll along Golden’s Clear Creek and grab some BBQ on the roof of the newly opened Golden Mill mini food hall, then hop in the car to cruise up to the top of Lookout Mountain for some serene trail hiking and scenic overlook peeping.

The best thing about this day trip? You’re a 10 mile (16km) drive from one of the world’s best music venues. Carved into an ancient stone monolith, the world-renowned Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre hosts everything from national touring music acts to yoga sessions and film shows. It also has a beautiful park to explore on non-concert days. You’ll pass right by on your way into town from Boulder.

How to get to Golden:
Getting to Golden is half the fun. The drive from Boulder along Colorado 93 traverses Eldorado Springs (where you can take a side trip to the highly underrated Eldorado Canyon State Park), as well as the aforementioned Red Rocks. For an extra bit of fun and local flavor, stop by Rocky Flats Bar & Grill along a lonesome stretch of Highway 93 on the way there or back.

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