The South's so-called capital isn't nicknamed Hotlanta for nothing, y'all. Charismatic and lush, Atlanta is a feverish, easy-on-the-eyes cavalcade of culture, cuisine and Southern hospitality. Here are some of the best things to do in Atlanta.

Dive into Atlanta's tasty food scene

Atlanta's once-stuffy culinary scene has evolved over the last decade into one of the most vibrant and dynamic dining scenes in the Southeast, if not the nation.

You can nosh on bountiful, filling fare around Atlanta's Southern-fried cafes or go-for-broke at many New Southern and New American foodie darlings or at trendy and upscale options – filling your belly in Atlanta ain't no joke. Top chefs like Ford Fry, Anne Quatrano, Kevin Gillespie, Kevin Rathbun and Hugh Acheson are just a few of the city's most creative cooks.

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Experience the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site

The Civil Rights movement owes a great debt to the actions of various martyrs, communities and political actions throughout the American South, but almost no aspect of the movement can be mentioned without including Atlanta and the city's most famous son, Martin Luther King Jr.

The power of walking in the steps of this Baptist preacher turned international Civil Rights icon at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site cannot be overstated.

Visit the High Museum of Art

As the most acclaimed museum in the Southeast, the High Museum of Art was the first to exhibit art lent from Paris' Louvre and is a destination as much for its architecture as its world-class exhibits.

The striking, bright-white art repository, with its curved ramps and monumental swooping three-story glass atrium that shelters natural light like a precious resource, is a Midtown icon. Its reflective white enamel facade stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers and greenery. It earned its designer, Richard Meier, the 1984 Pritzker Prize.

The best time to visit Atlanta

Sleep at a historic bed & breakfast

Atlanta's neighborhoods hide a gorgeous lineup of historic Queen Anne Victorian architecture and a few of them have been converted into stunning B&Bs, mostly in the city's East Side in trendy neighborhoods such as Inman Park and Virginia-Highland.

When it comes to deciding between a cookie-cutter chain hotel in Downtown or Midtown or a stunning bed and breakfast loaded with Southern hospitality like at the Social Goat B&B or Sugar Magnolia B&B, the choice is a no brainer, ya hear? Sleep tight.

Bike or walk along the Atlanta BeltLine

Strolling or biking Atlanta BeltLine's Eastside Trail, part of the city's largest greenway and the most comprehensive transportation and economic development effort ever undertaken in Atlanta, makes for a perfect outing.

Connecting Piedmont Park in Midtown with the hip and happening neighborhood of Inman Park, this 3-mile section of the multi-use trail links big attractions such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden with some of the city's hottest bars, breweries, restaurants, markets and urban parks.

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Cheer on the Braves at Truist Park

The Atlanta Braves moved into this new, 41,149-capacity stadium 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta in Cobb County in 2017. It was part of a $1.1-billion entertainment complex known as the Battery. The MLB season runs from late March to early October, meaning there's always time for some peanuts and crackerjack as you root for the home team.

The Braves beat the Houston Astros to win the World Series in 2021.

Lounge at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park, Atlanta's largest green space, is a pristine, 185-acre urban oasis in the middle of Midtown that has it all, from history (Atlanta's first professional baseball team played in the park from 1902–04) to numerous music and cultural festivals to bars, breweries and big-ticket attractions such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden. But it works just as well as a place to picnic, go for a run or bike ride or tuck away under a tree for an afternoon nap.

Take in a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The sustainably bent and architecturally wowing Mercedes-Benz Stadium easily ranks as the coolest sports stadium in North America. The $1.6 billion multipurpose, eight-petal retractable roof stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons as well as the Major League Soccer team – Atlanta United FC.

Even if you don't manage to catch a game, it's worth popping into the latest addition to the city's skyline – organized tours visit the locker rooms and field, among other behind-the-scenes locations.

Spend a day in Centennial Olympic Park

Hopping from museum to museum around the big attraction-concentrated Olympic legacy Centennial Olympic Park makes for a near-effortless big day out. You can drink yourself silly on international sodas inside the World of Coca-Cola, get a history lesson inside the Center for Civil and Human Rights, lurk near your favorite newscasters on a behind-the-scenes tour at CNN Center, root for your favorite college football team while romping through the College Football Hall of Fame or ogle the penguins inside the impressive Georgia Aquarium – without even breaking a sweat!

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Go wild at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Smack in the middle of the city (well, OK – out in Decatur, but you get the idea), you'll find this 28-acre nature preserve, home of beavers, foxes, box turtles, red-spotted newts, coyotes and veritable clouds of birds. It's a welcome slice of wilderness in the heart of an enormous urban area.

Enjoy Atlanta's drink scene

Traditionally Atlanta has lagged behind more brew-friendly Southern cities like Asheville, Nashville or Memphis due to legislation that prevented on-site beer sales at breweries.

With that law in the rearview mirror as of 2017, Atlanta is poised to become the South's next best beer city, led by one of the most iconic names in American brewing, Mitch Steele, at New Realm Brewing Co. In other Atlanta drinking news, craft cocktails form the foundation of the city's lively bar scene, which fuels nocturnal madness in hot neighborhoods from Decatur to Buckhead.

Play at the Center for Puppetry Arts

A wonderland for visitors of all ages and hands down one of Atlanta's most unique attractions, the museum – expanded in 2015 – houses a treasury of puppets, some of which you get to operate yourself. A major addition is the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, housing the most comprehensive collection of Jim Henson puppets and artifacts in the world.

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Spend a night out at the Apache Café

An eclectic performance-art venue for hip-hop, spoken-word poetry and soul artists on the rise, this is a must-stop for those looking to dive into Atlanta's diverse Black music scene. Make sure to come with an empty stomach because the cool spot also serves up tasty Southern cuisine.

Have lunch at the Ponce City Market

A mixed-use complex housed inside the historic former Sears, Roebuck and Co headquarters in Atlanta, the largest brick structure in the Southeast. More than 30 food vendors occupy this food hall, ranging from candy sellers to Holeman & Finch (Atlanta's best burger), At the Tap (56 taps of craft beer), Spiller Park Coffee, Five Daughters Bakery and a Mediterranean market.

Take an Atlanta Movie Tour

Enjoy one of several Walking Dead filming location tours, including a trip into the fictional Woodbury, narrated by extras from the show who are chomping at the bit (get it?) to reveal all sorts of insider tidbits about cast members and filming. Other themed tours take in sites from The Hunger Games, Taken and other franchises.

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Key West, the southernmost city in the continental USA, is a seven-mile-long island of rainbow-colored historical Caribbean homes, shaded verandas, palmetto fronds, open-air bars and a surfeit of restaurants.

What Key West is not: cheap. Or, to be more accurate, it is not a budget travel destination. There are workarounds if you are willing to be flexible, but be aware, even these tips will make your trip less expensive rather than a true budget experience.

Eat on the cheap

Entrées at a mid-range restaurant run in the $16-25 range. You can skirt this cost by self-catering using local grocery stores or grabbing takeout Cuban sandwiches ($5-8) and similarly basic meals at local cafes and counter-service spots, which can be found throughout Old Town. Good picnic spots for self-caterers include Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor (see below) and Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park at 1801 White St.

Skip the rental car

One cost that is optional in Key West is a car rental. The cheapest way to Key West is by bus from Miami – a ticket on a Greyhound or Flix will cost around $13-25 – and once you’re in Old Town, you can easily get about on foot or by bicycle. The latter can be rented for around $18 per day, which is well worth it for the convenience of being able to get across town quickly without having to worry about parking.

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Catch the sunset show at Mallory Square

At sunset, buskers, fire-eaters, jugglers and acrobats gather in Mallory Square for an evening carnival that has entertained generations of Key West tourists. There’s no admission here, but the entertainers live on tips, so this isn’t technically free. If you’re into watching people dress up in amazing costumes like mad, beautiful glitter faeries, we recommend visiting during the dreamlike bacchanalia of Fantasy Fest – costs do go up around this time, but watching the parades is free.

Find cheap beaches and free nature museums

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park charges $2.50/6.50 per pedestrian/vehicle, and for that price you get the run of a historic fortress and access to one of the best beaches on the islands. Nearby is the free Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, a natural history museum and a window into the unique natural environment of South Florida. Higgs Beach, an artificial beach at the end of Reynolds Street, is one of the few dedicated public sandy beaches in the Keys.

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Explore Old Town

Old Town Key West itself is full of fascinating lanes and alleyways that web through a veritable catalog of Caribbean architecture and historical homes, many painted in attractive pastels. No one will charge you for walking around and taking pictures, and you can download this free walking tour for information on sights of historical and cultural interest.

Visit free attractions in the heart of Key West

Key West is loaded with free things to do. Keep an eye out for West Martello Tower, a free-to-visit, incredibly lush, fecund garden planted amidst Civil War-era brickwork and maintained by the Key West Garden Club. In the middle of town is Key West Cemetery, a romantically moldering necropolis that houses graves belonging to some of the oldest families on the island. Duval Street is the main street and nightlife strip in the Keys, and while the bars may not be free, the people-watching is.

Go during off-season

If you want to save money, go when the crowds aren’t there. Fall (Sep-Nov) is the low season in Key West. The summer months technically count as off-season as well, but in general, the lowest prices for accommodation can be found in the fall when room rates may drop by as much as 50 percent or more.

Smaller crowds, cheaper costs at hotels; what’s not to love about low season in the Keys? Hurricanes. In the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane-strength storms can hit through to the end of October. Hurricane Irma, which devastated the Keys, made landfall here in early September 2017.

Be flexible about where you’re staying

Assuming you want to stay in local hotels or motels, booking in advance can help defray some costs, but you’ll still find many rooms topping a $200-a-night price tag, sometimes even in low season. A more reliable method of slashing costs is staying in a property with shared bathrooms, like the Key West Bed & Breakfast. Note that hotels on the east side of the island (ie not Old Town, where the critical mass of tourism sights are) tend to be cheaper, but then you’ll either have to pay for taxis or a hotel shuttle service if you want to get to the main drag of Duval Street.

Visit Key West, sleep on another island

The other way to sleep cheaply on a trip to Key West is to not actually sleep on Key West at all. There are dozens of other islands in the Florida Keys, and accommodation is cheaper on all of them, although these are relative savings. You’ll find the greatest variety of hotels and motels on Marathon (one hour drive away) and Big Pine Key (45 minutes away); a little closer is the Looe Key Dive Center (about 40 minutes away). The obvious disadvantage of this option is you’ll need to arrange transportation back to your lodging if you’re planning on drinking in Key West.

Pitch a tent at a nearby campsite

The cheapest accommodation option in the islands is camping, although in practice this often means RV sites. There aren’t campsites on Key West itself, but there are a few tent camping options on next-door Stock Island, as well as the southernmost KOA in the country on Sugarloaf Key and decent campsites at Bahia Honda State Park, on Big Pine Key.

Daily costs

The cost of living is high in the Florida Keys thanks to the archipelago's distance from just about everything (the largest nearby major metropolitan area is Miami, still three hours away even in good traffic). Because Key West is both a tourism hotspot and the last island in the chain, the already high costs of the Keys are exacerbated here.

Midrange hotel room - $170-250
Self-catering apartment - $250-500
Cuban coffee - $3.50-6
Cuban sandwich - $8.50-10
Dinner for two - $40-90
Mojito - $10-16
Slice of Key Lime pie - $7-11

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In a reversal of policy, Switzerland will no longer require travelers arriving from countries where the Omicron variant has been identified to quarantine. Instead, the country will introduce a stricter testing requirement for all arriving passengers.

Starting December 4, 2021, Switzerland will require all arriving passengers to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test. Travelers will also need to test again between day 4 and 7 of their visit.

The announcement came as part of a larger tightening of restrictions in Switzerland by its Federal Council in an effort to ease the pressure on the country's hospitals due to the spread of the Delta variant.

Read More: What the Omicron variant means for travel worldwide

The change in policy also comes as the international debate over the effectiveness of country-specific restrictions has grown. The World Health Organization and countries targeted by the restrictions have also criticized those restrictions rolling out worldwide as discriminatory. "The prohibition of travel is not informed by science, nor will it be effective in preventing the spread of this variant," South African Prime Minister Cyril Ramaphosa said on Twitter.

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

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A trip to Maui is typically pricey, given the costs for flights, lodging, meals and rental cars.

But having budgeted for those expenses, travelers can visit the island’s most popular attraction – the beaches – and other, lesser-known sites, all without further breaking the bank. In fact, many of them don’t cost a penny. Here’s a sample of what awaits.

Beaches aplenty

With more than 80 accessible beaches, Maui is a sun-worshipper’s dream – and for many visitors, they’re the top attraction. Thanks to Hawaii state law, all beaches are free and open to the public, even those that sit in front of a superstar’s mansion or a ritzy resort. That said, tourists should use public access trails to avoid trespassing on private property.

Everyone, from locals to repeat visitors, seems to have a personal favorite. We suggest checking out Makena Beach (also known as Big Beach) and the adjacent Little Beach. They’re located four to five miles south of the Wailea resorts. One of Maui’s longest strands, the golden sands of Makena Beach stretch for 3000ft. Head north (right while facing the ocean) and scamper over a ridge to reach laid-back Little Beach, well-known for being clothing optional. Be forewarned: the water conditions can be treacherous when there’s a strong surf.

Witness windsurfing

Sure, windsurfing is a sport, but for most of the folks at Hookipa Beach Park, it’s a spectator sport. In winter, the waves along Maui’s North Shore can reach 30ft, meaning wading into the water is advisable only for the super-skilled. From the beach, visitors can see not only the windsurfers but also the green sea turtles that come ashore around sunset. (Note: Hookipa Beach Park closes at 7 pm)

Whale watching

Plenty of tour operators take visitors out onto the water to view the humpback whales that winter off Maui. Boats are, however, prohibited from getting within 100 yards of the giant mammals so whale watching from land, for free, is another good option. Grab a towel and a pair of binoculars and head for the sand, particularly in West and South Maui, where the water of a shallow ocean channel is particularly warm and welcoming to whales from November to May.

Voluntourism

Volunteering on vacation shouldn’t sound strange, since it is often culturally enriching. On Maui, it can also earn guests free hotel nights through the state’s Malama Hawaii program. (In the Hawaiian language, malama means “give back.”) Opportunities abound and are incredibly varied. At Kipuka Olowalu south of Lahaina, visitors help clear taro fields of invasive plants while learning how taro has been a staple of Native Hawaiians’ diets for centuries. Head “upcountry” (up the slope of Kilaulea Volcano) to Leilani Farm Sanctuary. Located near Haiku, the sanctuary is home to critters ranging from donkeys and goats to rabbits and roosters. On Mondays and Wednesdays, volunteers can interact with the animals while helping out with chores such as animal grooming, fence repair and gardening.

The Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott is just one of the Maui hotels with special promotions for guests who donate their time. The hotel offers a fifth night free to people who stitch squares for Hawaiian-style quilts. When completed, the quilts are given to deserving local residents.

A hike with history

Tourists can get in their steps while getting a history lesson during the free walking tour of the Lahaina Historic Trail. More than 60 significant sites share 500 years of life in Lahaina, once a bustling whaling village. Allow an hour or two to visit the various locations, which range from Baldwin Home, where missionaries lived as they preached to Native Hawaiians, to the Old Lahaina Prison, where many a drunken sailor ended up in shackles. Download the Trail’s app or print out a map from the Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s website.

Play the ukulele

Learn a chord or two on what locals call an “uke” (pronounced “ook”) during free lessons in Lahaina. Rueben Pali provides the basics of Hawaii’s favorite instrument on Tuesdays from 11:30 am-12:15 pm at Maui Music Mission in Lahaina Center, 900 Front St. While there’s no charge, reservations are required; call (808) 205-3757.

Art appreciation

Stroll beneath giant monkeypod trees while viewing the works of Maui artists each weekend on the lawn outside Lahaina Cannery Mall. The Fine Arts Fairs, which run from 9 am-4 pm. Saturdays and Sundays, help support and nurture local artists.

A salute to sunset

As the sun sets, most likely with a spectacular palette of colors, bid farewell to the day while viewing the ceremonial dive off Black Rock into the sea at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. During the resort’s signature celebration, which began in 1963, an experienced diver leaps into the Pacific Ocean from atop a 30ft cliff. There’s no charge to watch the nightly plunge, which replicates one that, according to legend, was made by Kahekili, the last of Maui’s ancient chiefs. The site, once believed to be a portal to the afterlife, remains sacred to Native Hawaiians.

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In the opening scene of the film La La Land, drivers and their passengers break from a traffic jam on the freeway and burst into a song and dance about yet another sunny day in Los Angeles. Aside from the musical interlude, the scene got two things right about Los Angeles: sun and traffic.

Los Angeles has long been ridiculed in pop culture for its byzantine freeway system and notorious traffic. Even though the city has made some strides in public transportation, getting around is best done with a car. In Malibu, this is especially true as the area is very spread out, with mountains and beaches separated by the always busy Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

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Hail a ride from the airport

While taxi cabs and budget shuttles are available from Los Angeles International Airport, the more popular way of catching a ride when you land is through a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Lyft. At LAX, the airport has created a special pick-up zone for ride-hailing and taxi services called LAX-It. This requires taking a free shuttle from the airport’s arrivals level to the rideshare parking lot, then ordering your ride from there.

The shuttles run frequently from every terminal, even late at night, and finding your ride is easy to do thanks to designated pick-up zones. The cost varies by the time of day and the type of ride, but expect to spend about $40-$50 for a ride to Malibu.

Load the TAP app on your phone to take public transportation

The 534 Metro Bus, part of Los Angeles’ Metro public transportation, goes from downtown Santa Monica to Malibu with several stops along the PCH, including Trancas Canyon, Point Dume and the Malibu Pier. The trip costs $1.75 one way.

Before you hop on the bus (or the subway or light rail), download the TAP app to your phone. This is the Metro’s fare card, similar to New York City’s Metrocard. While you can still purchase physical TAP cards at Metro stations and even onboard the buses, the app makes it easier for you to load, reload and scan your cards. It also provides detailed directions and timetables, although the Metro website’s Nextrip service has more reliable arrival times.

Keep in mind that public transportation in Los Angeles might be more economical and sustainable, but it isn’t always the fastest way to travel. Buses are usually stuck in the same traffic as the cars on the freeway and on the streets. So you’ll still have to factor in the traffic when you schedule your day.

There are 3 beaches that provide specialty wheelchairs

Not many of Malibu’s beaches have wheelchair ramps that extend onto the sand. But there are three beaches that do provide specialty wheelchairs: Zuma Beach (between parking lots #3 and #4), Point Dume (at the wheelchair locker), and Malibu Surfrider (at the lifeguard garage). These are available first-come, first-served. There are also designated disabled parking spaces in all of the beach parking lots.

Renting a car is always a good idea

If you plan on driving a lot or making road trips from Malibu, renting a car is a better option. There are plenty of rental car agencies at the airport as well as throughout Los Angeles. But if you only need a car for a day or even just a few hours, consider Zipcar, a car-sharing service that has a location at Pepperdine University. You’ll need a valid driver’s license to sign up, and once approved you can rent a car for as little as $10 an hour.

Walking is the easiest way to get around at Malibu Pier

In some parts of Malibu, it’s easiest to just walk. At the Malibu Pier, you can walk to the restaurants and shops at the Malibu Country Mart and the Malibu Village. Crossing the PCH here is also a little less daunting than it can be at other major intersections. Similarly, it’s easy to walk between Point Dume and Zuma Beach and to a little shopping center across the PCH.

Cyclists love Malibu

The coastal views along the PCH and the rugged terrain in the mountains make Malibu a cyclist favorite. But taking two wheels on the highway should be reserved for only the most competent (and confident) cyclists because there is no dedicated bike lane and the highway traffic can be fast. If you want to rent a beach cruiser and hit a beach path, it’s best to do that in Santa Monica where you can ride the path for nearly 22 miles down to Torrance. (Just remember, you’ll have to bike or find a way back.)

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Dreaming of a South Seas sojourn? Whatever your flavor – island-hopper, flop-and- dropper, adventurer, culture vulture – before you head off, grab a peek into paradise with this rollicking rundown on Fiji ’s people, places and what makes these isles of smiles a perennial pleasure for travelers of all stripes.

Archipelago

The Fijian archipelago – made up of 333 islands and 500 islets – sprawls across the Pacific for over one million square miles. Though a volcano hasn’t erupted here in centuries, you can enjoy the geothermal goodness of Sabeto Hot Springs, just outside the town of Nadi.

Bula!

Bula, which translates to ‘life’ – is the ubiquitous greeting heard throughout Fiji. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by everyone you come across – at your resort, on the beach, on the streets – with a big ‘Bula!’ accompanied by an infectious smile.

Coral Coast

One of Fiji’s most popular tourist regions is known as the Coral Coast, conveniently located just a 1-2 hour drive from Nadi International Airport. Offering gorgeous beaches fringed by coral reefs, a host of family-friendly resorts feature a ton of activities, as well as pools. From the Sigatoka River Safari to the Kula Wildlife park, it’s easy to see why visitors flock to the area.

Diving

Fiji is one of the planet’s premier scuba diving destinations, offering a kaleidoscope of underwater life. Known as the “Soft Coral Capital,” Fiji boasts some of the world’s top dive sites like Rainbow Reef, the Great White Wall and the Great Astrolabe Reef. New to diving? Don’t stress, Fiji is a great place to learn.

Eco-Friendly

Fiji is on the front lines of global warming and necessity has made it an eco-traveler’s dream come true. Respect for nature is part of the culture of this South Pacific paradise and environmental groups work closely with resorts and local communities. The result is unbelievably fresh food and crystal-clear water and air, as well as uninhabited islands and unspoiled natural adventures like mountain treks and exploring the protected marine parks.

Family Friendly

Spectacular reefs and hospitable island resorts make Fiji the perfect playground for kids. You could spend a week lounging poolside, but there’s just so much more to keep active young’uns happy: swimming, exploring villages, boat trips and wildlife spotting are just some adventures to choose from. The famous kids’ clubs at many resorts feature group island activities, as well as pools and waterslides. From learning to surf, planting coral and carving coconuts to learning to perform traditional mekes and helping in torch lighting ceremonies, kids will never forget their time in Fiji.

Getting around

Fiji’s many islands are easily reached – and getting there is sometimes half the fun. Regular ferry service to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island chains is offered from Port Denarau, making it easy to get from Nadi airport to your resort in no time at all. Or take a seaplane or helicopter directly from the airport for a special experience. Going further? Fiji Link (Fiji Airway’s domestic arm) offers regularly scheduled service to Savusavu, Taveuni and Kadavu, and many resorts offer private sea/air transfers on top of their regular packages.

Happiness

With life set to a more relaxed pace and a strong sense of community, the people of Fiji are as warm as the sunshine – and with an annual average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), that’s saying something.  Fijians are possibly the most welcoming people on the planet, and smiles are everywhere. Meet the islands’ ‘ Bulanaires ’ (locals who are rich in the joyful enthusiasm of the ‘Bula spirit’) and see for yourself why Fiji is rich with happiness.

International Dateline

Though, alas, it won’t actually score you an extra day of vacation, straddling the International Dateline in Taveuni makes a fab photo-op. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can stand in the spot where tomorrow meets today.

Jungles

While Fiji’s islands steal the spotlight, its dense, green interiors make for ideal rainforest romps. On Viti Levu, trek, raft and 4WD through the steamy Namosi Highlands; on Taveuni, hike the Vidawa Rainforest Trail and bump down the natural Waitavala water slide.

Kava

Also known as yaqona, kava is a legal, mildly narcotic powdered root mixed with water. The muddy-looking brew is drunk from a communal coconut shell (bilo). Gathering around the kava bowl (called a tanoa) is an essential part of Fijian social life and Fijians will often sit around all night, chatting and calling for the bilo. The ritual aspect remains important – if you’re invited to be a part of a sevusevu ceremony, pay close attention to your hosts in order to pick up the traditions and customs involved.

Lovo

The lovo is a traditional feast where food is cooked in an underground oven. Whopping portions of meat and veggies are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked to perfection atop buried lava-hot rocks. Visitors will have the chance to sample a lovo as part of a village visit or at their resort.

Meke

Meke – stirring dance performances enacting ancient legends and lore – has it all. Men in warrior garb and flower-draped women tell tales via meaningfully choreographed hand and body movements to the beat of traditional percussion instruments. Dances are often performed by resort staff on special evenings, or at more traditional and low-key events throughout the villages.

Nadi

Almost everyone arrives in Fiji in Nadi, home to the international airport! And while many will use this colorful town as a jumping off point to visit other parts of Fiji, be sure to check out its bustling markets, local cafes and colorful Hindu Temple. But remember to pronounce it correctly: It’s Nan- Di!

Ocean sports

Surfing, parasailing, yachting, paddleboarding, fishing ... if it floats your boat, you’ll find it in, above or under Fiji’s waters. Pacific Harbour, on Viti Levu, is tops for adventurous water sports; hit Taveuni for the ultimate in kiteboarding; or hang ten on the legendary Cloudbreak off the Mamanuca Island chain.

Pearls

Fiji is renowned for its colorful pearls which are known to grow in gorgeous shades of blue, green and even yellow. J. Hunter Pearls in Savusavu are the most famous and sought after, and the company offers tours of their pearl farming facilities. Fijian pearls are truly fit for royalty: Meghan Markel was presented with a strand of Fiji pearls to commemorate her visit in 2018.

Qamea

This little island off the coast of Taveuni is only a short boat ride from its bigger sibling but it has plenty of unique characteristics. Some consider its white sand beach to be the prettiest in Fiji’s northern reaches. And the surfing conditions are world-class, with tall waves breaking on the reef with barrels and deep water run-outs providing something for everyone. An intimate resort (only up to 35 guests) gives way to deep bays on the coast and a lush interior jungle rich in birdlife.

Rugby

Even if you don’t know a goose-step from a mullygrubber, you’ll fall for Fiji’s national sport. Locals’ enthusiasm for the game is infectious. Catch a match at a village pitch,  join friendly locals in a game of pick up at Wailoaloa Beach near Nadi, or go bigtime at the National Stadium in Suva.

Sulu

On the sands or in the city, you’ll catch both men and women rocking the sulu – even the police wear sulus. Similar to a sarong, the sulu is a skirt or wrapped cloth worn to below the knees; don one as a sign of respect in villages and at ceremonies. You can get a sulu for yourself all over Fiji, from markets to handicraft shops to boutiques – our favorite place to grab one is the Suva Flea Market.

Trekking

Fiji isn’t just about beaches- it offers some great hiking options. On Viti Levu, outfitter Talanoa Treks will take you on multi-day excursions into the highlands of Fiji’s remote interior. Or enjoy day hikes through lush rainforest to hidden waterfalls from your resort on Vanua Levu and Taveuni in Fiji’s north.

Ukulele

Fiji and the uke go hand in sunscreen-scented hand; you’ll even be serenaded by them when you land at Nadi Airport. Music – based on a mix of rhythms from all over the world – is woven into all aspects of life here. Good luck not crying when you’re hit with Isa Lei, the national farewell song.

Village visits

For a deeper understanding of what makes Fiji so special, a village visit can’t be beat. The unique culture of the islands is fascinating to explore, and the population is extraordinarily welcoming. Visiting a local village will be one of the most memorable parts of visiting Fiji ­– often organized by resorts, it will often involve singing, dancing and learning more about the traditional way of life most Fijians still follow.

Weddings

With more picturesque beach backdrops than you could toss a bouquet at, Fiji is one of the world’s top destination-wedding spots. If someone back home can’t make it, the Intercontinental will stream your wedding home via webcam. Don’t want sand in your veil? Go for rainforest romance on Taveuni.

X-treme Sports

There are lots of ways to get your adrenaline pumping while visiting Fiji. A few options include skydiving over the Mamanuca Islands, riding ATVs in the highlands or rafting the Upper Navua river on Viti Levu … or cross ‘swimming with manta rays’ off your bucket list in Pacific Harbour.

Yasawa Island Group

For a more remote and totally unique experience, head to the Yasawa Islands. These islands off the northwest coast of Viti Levu are less developed than the Mamanuca Islands and are famous for long white sand beaches that are totally remote. There’s plenty to do in this region, which is famous for manta diving and the towering, ancient limestone Sawa-i-lau caves.

Zoos

While Fiji doesn’t have a typical zoo, you can check out iguanas, flying foxes and other cool Fijian animals at the Kula Wild Adventure Park on the Coral Coast. Looking for something more in-depth? Try turtle-tending at Treasure Island, manta ray spotting at the Yasawa Islands and birdwatching on Taveuni.

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

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

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

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From frustration to inspiration

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

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

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

Accessibility as inclusivity

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

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

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

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

Making accessibility mainstream

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just the beginning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spend a day at Matira Beach

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

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

Take a hike to some scenic viewpoints

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

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

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

Window shop for pearls in Vaitape

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

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

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

Check out the local art scene

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

Snorkel off the shoreline

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

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

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

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

Walk or cycle around the island

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

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

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

Watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world

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

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

Try the local beer

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

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

Enjoy the inclusions at your resort

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What kind of test do I need?

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are four locations to consider when getting tested abroad.

Some hotels provide COVID-19 tests

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

Visit a local pharmacy

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

Check if your airport provides testing

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

Take an at-home test

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

Other tips for finding a test

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

When should I book my test?

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

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

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

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

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

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