France is expected to extend its health pass to summer 2022 after the government approved an extension bill on Wednesday. The health pass is compulsory across many places in France and indicates the holder is vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered, or has tested negative for it. It's required of residents and tourists, and was extended to children over the age of 12 in September.

The health pass was supposed to be discontinued on November but according to the French newspaper, Le Parisien, the new bill to extend the health pass until July 31, 2022—if the public health situation warrants it—was approved by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday. The bill will now be brought to the Senate, where it will be discussed on October 28.

Applying for this health pass is a pretty straightforward process if you're a French citizen or a tourist visiting France from another European Union country as you can easily present your EU compatible digital health cert. But since its inception, visitors from elsewhere have reported some difficulty in obtaining one. A temporary solution was implemented at the start of August to allow non-EU tourists to obtain a French health pass by email before the online system was implemented in September.

Read more: Visiting France with family? Children over 12 must now have a health pass

This online system is open to non-European foreign nationals, tourists and students enrolled in French higher education establishments. If you're traveling to France, here's a guide to understanding what the health pass is, where you need to present it, and how you can sign up for it.

What is the health pass?

The pass sanitaire (health pass) indicates that the holder has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (in France that means one week after the final dose of a Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Covishield vaccine course or 28 days after a Johnson & Johnson vaccine), or has tested negative in the past 72 hours with either a PCR or antigen test.

Where do I need to present it?

It came into effect on July 21, granting the holder access to any leisure or cultural venue across France with a capacity of more than 50 people, including museums, galleries, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, exhibition spaces, nightclubs, discos, zoos, open-air festivals, sporting venues, theme parks, libraries, swimming pools, and tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower.

In August, the health pass was extended to restaurants, cafes and bars (both indoors and outdoors), long-distance trains and coaches, domestic flights, hospitals, nursing homes, and large shopping malls. As of September 30, it's required of anyone over the age of 12.

French citizens can upload their vaccination or testing status to the ToutsAntiCovid app, or apply for a paper version with a QR code.

Read more: Do you need a visa to go to France?

How can tourists apply for the health pass?

If you're traveling from the EU or any country signed up to the EU digital COVID cert program, you can present your digital COVID-19 certificate or any approved European health certificate that documents your vaccination or testing status. The French embassy in Germany confirms that if the certificate issued to you appears with a European flag, your certificate is compatible and "will be recognised during [checks] in France in the same way as French certificates."

If you're traveling from the UK, the French government confirmed that people vaccinated in the UK can now import their NHS QR code into the TousAntiCovid app. They can also present a digital or paper NHS certificate showing their full vaccine status.

If you're traveling from the US you can apply for a health pass using the system here. Before registering, be sure to have the following documents in either PDF, JPG or PNG format:

A vaccination certificate
A valid passport
Return airline tickets

When signing up, you'll be asked to create an account before entering your personal details (name, DOB, address etc.) and vaccination information. Then, you'll need to upload the above documents. Once that's done, you'll receive a QR code, which you can either print out or save to your smartphone. That QR can then be scanned in France wherever the health pass is required.

If you are traveling from Canada, you can sign up using the online system.

If you're traveling from elsewhere, you can also sign up using the online system.

If you're a foreign student, the process is slightly different and you can sign up using this system.

What if my health pass is delayed?

It can take about three days for people to receive their QR code after submitting their forms. There have been reports of inconsistencies and delays in recieving the QR code but the French foreign ministry notes this is because of increased demand. "We are doing our utmost to process the applications as quickly as possible. In certain cases, we have to carry out further checks on the supporting documents, which can delay the process."

Since the QR codes are sent by email, make sure you regularly check your spam folder. Make sure your include your correct email address in the application form, otherwise you will not receive it.

If you are currently in France and are yet to receive your QR code for the French health pass, you can apply for a temporary one through a healthcare professional following a negative PCR or antigen test.

Where can I get tested in France?

Testing is widely available in France in most pharmacies and medical facilities but you'll generally need to make an appointment in advance. Most pharmacies can do antigen tests for about €25, and PCR tests can cost about €45. When using the health pass as an unvaccinated person, your testing status is only valid for 72 hours, which means you'll need to be regularly tested to enter venues. You can find testing locations near you through the COVID testing map.

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France's health pass could be extended to summer 2022 - here's how tourists can access it

Let’s get one thing straight: Not all atolls were created equal. But on the plus side, the Maldives has thousands of sun-drenched islands, and discovering the perfect one for your trip is all part of the fun.

Every resort in Maldives is its own private island but choosing the right one for you can be difficult. Want to kick off your Indian Ocean holiday in style? Our guide will help you know what to look for in the hunt for your ideal island, whether you’re searching for affordable options or five-star resorts with brilliant dive schools.

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The distance dilemma

Yes, your sun-kissed island resort might be wonderfully secluded, with no other atoll in sight, but remote locations inevitably crank up the price – not simply because there are higher costs to cover (such as getting supplies to the resort in question) but because it’s likely you’ll need to pay for a short domestic flight or a seaplane flight to get there. Seaplane transfers are the most expensive option (expect to pay anywhere from US$300 to US$900 for a round trip), while domestic flights to one of the Maldives’ smaller airports (followed by a boat transfer) will be slightly cheaper.

The good news? Some of the best Maldives resorts are just a boat ride from Malé’s Velana International Airport, so don’t write properties off simply because of their close proximity.

We recommend: Patina Maldives, the Fari Islands

A brand-new resort on the new Fari Islands development, Patina Maldives, the Fari Islands is a 45-minute speedboat transfer from the international airport. Fancy a spot of island-hopping? Traveling between islands in the Maldives can be expensive, but Patina Maldives is just a short shuttle-boat service from the Fari Islands’ other resorts (a Ritz-Carlton and a Capella), so there’s no chance of claustrophobia setting in.

Where to stay for the best food

It may sound self-indulgent, but trust us – knowing your culinary criteria can make or break a holiday. That tiny, exclusive island you’ve got your eye on might well have a Michelin-starred chef, but even the most delicious seafood will soon look rather plain after you’ve eaten your way through the restaurant’s menu in the space of two days. In summary, bigger is often better if food is a priority.

We recommend: Siyam World Maldives

Opened in October 2021 on the island of Dhigurah, in Noonu Atoll, Siyam World Maldives has eight restaurants, including one with an underground wine cellar and one which specializes in Japanese cuisine. It’s also incredibly family friendly, making it perfect for anyone visiting the Maldives with kids in tow.

Where to go for downtime

Why are you going on holiday to the Maldives? If you’re dreaming of lazy sunbathing sessions on the country’s best beaches, your priorities will be different than those of the adrenaline-fueled traveler keen to try every high-octane activity available, whether it’s swimming with manta rays or learning to dive. As a rule, smaller resorts are great for crowd-free downtime, while larger ones are best suited to families and active types.

We recommend: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

For the best of both worlds, consider Baa Atoll's Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, where there’s a wide range of activities and experiences on offer, but where you can also escape your fellow islanders by signing up for a rather cool activity – a night on a nearby deserted island.

Money talks

It’s a myth that you have to be a millionaire to holiday in the Maldives, although without a little research, costs can easily spiral out of control. Travelers keen to make the most of their hard-earned cash should familiarize themselves with the packages on offer to make sure they’re getting the best value for money. Options can range from bed-and-breakfast only packages to to ones which include all meals and drinks, along with certain activities.

We recommend: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

A private island in North Male Atoll that's one of the best spots in the Maldives for honeymoons, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa not only has a huge range of room categories, it also offers a brilliant selection of packages, including Island Romance packages, which have fantastic added extras designed with couples in mind.

What to look for in sustainability

Taking a second to consider your destination’s sustainability credentials won’t just benefit Mother Nature, it could also save you serious amounts of cash. If an island is producing its own drinking water, growing its own vegetables and transporting guests by boat rather than gas-guzzling seaplane, there will be lower outgoings, which means less costs to cover – all of which translates into lower room rates.

We recommend: Amilla Fushi

Another Baa Atoll resort, Amilla Fushi excels in the sustainability stakes. Reverse osmosis is used to produce drinking water, jams, pickles and spa products are made from plants grown on the island and crushed glass is transformed into building materials.

Ditch the over-water obsession

It’s easy to become fixated on recreating the images associated with the Maldives, famous for its over-water villas, but there are downsides to these much-sought-after accommodations – and in fact, there are numerous reasons to choose a villa that isn’t over the water.

They're typically the priciest accommodations and the furthest from resort facilities, and the vistas – usually of the sea and nothing else – aren't necessarily much to write home about. Over-water villas are designed for privacy, so views are often restricted by high walls framing the decking – unlike beachfront villas, where there’s often more to look at, whether it’s a cute lizard or a parrot fish zipping through the shallows. There’s usually better noise insulation courtesy of surrounding greenery too.

We recommend: Kuramathi Island Resort

Located in the natural atoll of Rasdhoo, Kuramathi Island Resort is a teardrop-shaped island where walking trails weave through lush greenery, much of which provides privacy for the large number of villas set back from the beach.

Timing is everything

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit the Maldives. But considering the season is important if you’ve got your heart set on certain activities. If you’re planning on swimming with mantas, for example, a stay on a Baa Atoll resort between May and November is your best bet, although July to October is a great time for manta sightings elsewhere. If you’re planning on a surf session, you’ll need to visit between April and October.

We recommend: frequent holidays

To ensure you experience the Maldives’ best bits, schedule a holiday every month without fail. We’re joking, but you get the point: think what you want to see and do, and brush up on the different areas’ seasonal selling points.

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New York City’s extensive public transit is a source of both pride and frustration among the city’s millions of residents. Sure, the subterranean stations are hot and stuffy and smell absolutely terrible in the summer months, and the delays and service interruptions can be out of control no matter the season... but then again, the trains run around the clock, which is a boast not many mass-transit systems can make.

But there are more ways to see the city than by sitting on the subway. There are buses and ferries, of course, but also cycling, driving and walking – the latter being one of the best ways to explore, as long as you remember to pack the proper footwear.

Here's what you need to know to get around NYC.

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Use the MTA subway to travel between boroughs

With 25 routes covering 665-plus miles of track, the New York City subway system is a behemoth, welcoming 1.7 billion riders on an annual basis. It’s operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority and covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, though the latter’s trains don’t connect to the other boroughs directly. (Via public transit, Staten Island is reachable by bus and ferry only.)

Unlike other major cities in the US, the trains here run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but given the system’s advanced age – 28 stations date back to 1904, and signals from the 1930s are still in use today – it’s susceptible to more delays and breakdowns than locals would like.

Countdown clocks now appear in every station, though, and construction is often scheduled for nights and weekends, so it’s easier to plan alternate routes accordingly.

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To keep on top of service changes, anticipated or not, the MYmta app is frequently updated with information on each line, and it’s a handy tool for trip-planning in general, but Google Maps is even better for plotting a course, with integrated service info as well as details on stations, schedules, and the onboard experience. The MTA Twitter feed is also worth bookmarking for up-to-the-minute info on service disruptions and delays.

Tips for taking the subway
Riding hands-free may seem like a fun time, but if you’re not familiar with the way the trains stop and start, it’s actually a good way to wind up in a stranger’s lap. Do everyone a favor and hold on to a pole – or even better, grab a seat and enjoy the ride.

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When the train pulls into the station and all the cars are packed except one, you might think it’s your lucky day – so many open seats! But there’s a reason that car is empty. It could be a terrible smell or a mess on the floor, but trust us, you don’t want to know the details. You’re better off elbowing your way onto a crowded car or even waiting for the next train if you have to.

For a better look at the city, hop on the bus

The MTA is also responsible for the city’s buses, and its fleet numbers nearly 6000 vehicles. While a small percentage are hybrid-electric and electric, more than half run on diesel fuel – a situation the agency is looking to rectify in the coming years as it pushes to be fully electric by 2040.

For the most part, New York’s buses run on a grid, and routes cover uptown, downtown, and crosstown with stops on every (or every other) corner. There's local service as well as lines offering limited service, which eliminates local stops for a quick ride, and select bus service (SBS), which is even faster but requires prepayment before boarding.

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For a normal bus trip, pay the fare ($2.75) as you board with a MetroCard or exact change (coins only, no pennies); for SBS routes, buy your ticket before you board from one of the kiosks near your stop. You won’t have to show your ticket to the driver, but you do need to keep it for the duration of the trip in case of inspection – don’t lose it, or you could get hit with a hefty fine.

The MYmta app has timetables and service info for buses, and each bus stop has a QR code that’s scannable for arrivals, departures, and status updates.

Take the NYC ferries for panoramic views

The subways get more attention, but New York’s ferry systems are a highly underrated means of transportation. The Staten Island Ferry runs from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan to the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island, and if you’re not looking to step foot on Ellis Island, it’s a great way to take in waterside views of the Statue of Liberty – and it’s absolutely free.

NYC Ferry connects communities across the city’s waterways, including the East River, South Brooklyn, the Rockaways, Western Queens, and the Bronx, with seasonal routes between Manhattan and Staten Island, Governors Island, and Coney Island. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at the landings or via the NYC Ferry app; single-ride tickets for adults cost $2.75, and 30-day passes are $121.

NY Waterway operates between Manhattan and New Jersey, making stops in midtown, Battery Park City, and Wall Street before crossing the Hudson River and docking in Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and Edgewater. On weekdays, fares range from $7 to $21.50 for adults, depending on your route.

Traditional yellow taxis are NYC trademarks

There’s little more iconic than the swarms of yellow cabs flooding New York City’s streets. (Green taxis operate in the outer boroughs as well.) Cabs licensed by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission are metered, with fares starting at $2.50, plus 50 cents per mile if traffic is slow or stopped and 50 cents per 1/5 mile if it’s moving at least 12 miles per hour. There are also various surcharges depending on when and where you’re traveling, not including tolls and tip (customarily 15 to 20 percent).

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To hail a cab, look for one with its rooftop lights on and raise your arm to signal for pickup; lights off are a sign that a taxi is occupied or off-duty. An assortment of apps, including Curb, Waave, and Myle, let you book rides with TLC-licensed cabs in advance.

Note: it’s illegal for drivers to refuse to take you anywhere within the city limits, so push back if they tell you they don’t want to go to the outer boroughs.

Explore on foot by walking the streets of Brooklyn

If you’re not in a hurry, traversing the city on foot is one of the best ways to see the sights. Pick a Brooklyn neighborhood and get lost in its side streets, or choose an avenue and follow it from one end of Manhattan to the next.

Just be aware of your surroundings – the sidewalks are so densely populated that if you’re staring up at the skyline or down at your phone, or if you stop suddenly or change directions unexpectedly, you’re bound to collide with someone sooner or later.

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Sidewalk etiquette also dictates that you walk no more than two people across when others are around – any more than that, and you’ll be blocking the flow of foot traffic in either direction.

Rent CitiBikes for a faster pace

With the introduction of dedicated cycling lanes and the popularity of a new bike-sharing system, New York has become more two-wheel-friendly over the years. But considering the chaos of the city’s streets, traveling by bicycle isn’t necessarily an activity for beginners. (Regardless of skill level or experience, a helmet is essential).

CitiBike has more than 1300 stations boasting 20,000 bikes within the city limits and across the river in Jersey City. A single 30-minute ride costs $3.50, and day passes go for $15 and offer as many 30-minute rides as you can handle in 24 hours; annual memberships are also available.

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Once you’ve purchased a pass, check the app to find the closest station, then pick a bike, scan the QR code on its handlebars, and get to peddling. You can also pay by card at any kiosk.

Instead of dealing with car and pedestrian traffic, saddle up and head for one of the city’s green spaces. Central and Prospect parks have paved loops popular with cyclists, and there’s a bike route that circles the entire island of Manhattan, covering 31 miles and comprising the East River, Hudson River, and Harlem River greenways.

Visit Roosevelt Island on the tram

A tiny spit of land measuring just 1.75 miles in length, the East River’s Roosevelt Island was once home to hospitals, an asylum, and a prison, and more focused on healthcare than leisure travel. But it’s recently been transformed into a fun urban getaway for the five boroughs, with historic architecture, green spaces, and unbeatable skyline views.

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You can get there by subway, bus or ferry, but taking the aerial tram is half the fun. It departs every 7 to 15 minutes from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan, and costs just the swipe of a MetroCard.

NYC transportation FAQs and things to consider

Is there accessible transportation in New York City?

New York’s subway system can be difficult to navigate for travelers with disabilities, even given the MTA’s recent push to become more accessible – out of 472 stations across the five boroughs, only 130 are currently ADA-compliant with street-level ramps or elevators.

Braille and raised-lettering signage does appear at most street-level entrances, while service changes and PSAs are announced visually and over a loudspeaker.

There is an accessible boarding area near the middle of the platform – that’s where the conductor’s car usually stops, and where the gap between the platform and the train is the narrowest.  The MYmta app keeps track of elevator and escalator outages system-wide.

Bus transit can be a better option. The driver can lower the bus or let down a ramp or lift for wheelchair users, then secure the chair or scooter in place; once on board, priority seating is available for seniors and passengers with disabilities. Service animals are allowed system-wide, as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Wheelchair-accessible taxis are also available, either by dispatch, car service, ride-share app, or flagging them down in person. The Accessible Dispatch Program has an app and a website; you can also book a ride by phone. Ride-sharing apps like Curb and Myle are licensed by the TLC and give passengers the option of requesting wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

For free downloads, including a phrasebook and a general guide to online resources, visit Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel portal.

What's the best way to avoid traffic in the city?

Aside from walking, public transit is the least expensive method of transportation, but it can be crowded and unreliable. Driving gives you more flexibility and privacy, if you can afford it. Whether they’re in a garage or on the street, parking spots command top dollar, while tolls to enter the city can run more than $10 a pop. (And a congestion-pricing plan is in the works, so those rates could soon increase during peak hours).

New York City’s drivers are not known for their patience, so if you get behind the wheel, be prepared for loud horns at every opportunity and bumper-to-bumper traffic in between. To traverse the city's streets as painlessly as possible, check Google Maps and Waze – both show traffic patterns in real time, and the latter displays police sightings as well.

What ride-share services are available in NYC?

Uber and Lyft are both extremely popular in New York, and drivers are almost always readily available. Via is another ride-sharing app that operates here, often with cheaper rates than its bigger-name brethren.

Is it safe to ride a bike in NYC?

First things first: by all means, wear a helmet. Despite the city’s Vision Zero initiative, implemented in 2014 to decrease traffic fatalities, thousands of cyclists are involved in accidents here each year. By the end of September, there had been 13 cyclist deaths and 3,389 injuries – a pace, when you factor in accidents to pedestrians and motorists, that could make 2021 the deadliest year since the program’s inception.

That said, New York can also be incredibly bike-friendly, especially if you read up on how to cycle like a pro before you go. There are some 1375 miles of bike routes, but you’ll often find cars idling in dedicated bike lanes; keep an eye out for taxis pulling over to discharge their passengers – or drivers parking and getting out – if you don’t want to get doored.

For a less stressful experience, seek out the city’s Greenways; the bike path along the Hudson River is particularly popular.

Does public transportation run 24 hours a day?

Yes! After a year-long pandemic-induced pause, the MTA restored round-the-clock subway service in May 2021. Trains run less frequently during off-peak hours, though, so check your line’s service status before you head out.

How do you pay for your ride?

To travel on any bus or train operated by the MTA, fares cost $2.75 per ride, payable via MetroCard or OMNY, a touchless ticketing system introduced in 2019. Single-use MetroCards cost $3 and are not refillable; pay-per-ride cards can be funded by value or time, with seven- and 30-day unlimited-ride options available for $33 and $127 respectively. Kids less than 44 inches tall ride for free when they’re with a paying adult.

If you’re paying per ride, you get one free transfer within two hours of your first swipe (bus to bus or train to bus only; once you exit through the subway turnstiles, you can’t transfer to another line or reenter the station without paying again).

An unlimited card gives you as many transfers as you’d like, but you can’t use it at the same station within 18 minutes of your first swipe, so individual or pay-as-you-go cards are the best option if you’re sharing with travel companions.

For contactless payment, login to OMNY online and top up your account, then tap your contactless card or electronic device on an OMNY reader to pass through the turnstile.

What's the best way to get to and from the airports?

Getting to and from New York’s airports can be a daunting prospect, no matter how you choose to travel. John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark airports are all accessible via public transit – subway being the cheapest way to get to JFK and LaGuardia – though none of them offer easy door-to-door options.

Getting to and from JFK
By subway, take the A train to Howard Beach or the E, J and Z to Sutphin Boulevard. For a faster but slightly more expensive trip, you can also take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Jamaica Station, departing from Manhattan’s Penn Station or Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal.

From there, connect to the AirTrain – a shuttle that runs between the passenger terminals, airport parking lots, hotel shuttle pick-up areas, rental car centers, and public transit. The ride costs $7.75 to or from Howard Beach and Jamaica and must be payed by MetroCard.

You can also take a city bus: the Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, Q10 LTD and B15 lines all provide service to JFK.

There are designated spots for rideshare pickups and drop-offs at each terminal, as well as queues for yellow cabs. Taxis charge a flat rate of $52 – not including tip – for trips between JFK and Manhattan, plus a $4.50 surcharge on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm, a $.50 tax for trips within New York state, and a $1.25 fee for pickups.

If you’re driving, JFK has one long-term parking lot as well as short-term lots at each terminal; the airport’s website has up-to-date info on availability for all. Short-term rates range from $4 per half hour to $42 for the maximum 24 hours allowed. The long-term rate is $20 for the first 24 hours, then $10 for each 12-hour period that follows.

Getting to and from LGA
By subway, take either the 7 train to 111 St/Roosevelt Ave and connect to the Q48 bus; the 7, E, F, M and R trains to 74 St/Roosevelt Ave and connect to the Q47 bus; or pick up the M60 SBS bus in Manhattan, which connects to the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C and D subway lines at 125 Street, the 1 line at 116 Street, and the Metro-North Railroad at Harlem-125 Street.

The Q70 SBS also stops at LGA, with connections to the 7, E, F, M and R lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Ave and the LIRR’s Woodside station at 61 St/Roosevelt Ave.

There are designated spots for rideshare pickups and drop-offs at each terminal, as well as queues for yellow cabs. Taxi fares are metered to and from LGA; there’s also a $1 surcharge on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm and a $.50 surcharge between 8pm and 6am; a $.50 tax for trips within New York state, and a $1.25 fee for pickups. Tips are not included.

There are parking lots and garages at all four LGA terminals. Rates range from $5 for the first half-hour to $45 for the 24-hour maximum.

Getting to and from EWR
The fastest route is typically NJ Transit or Amtrak to the Newark Airport stop, then the AirTrain to your terminal. It’s about a 25-minute ride from Penn Station via NJ Transit; you can shave a little time off the trip with Amtrak.

If you're not in a hurry, you can also catch the PATH train from the World Trade Center stop, at Fulton Center in Lower Manhattan, to Newark Penn Station. From there, switch to an NJ Transit train (this is a separate fare; purchase your ticket in advance with the app, or allow time to buy from a kiosk when you arrive), then transfer to the AirTrain.

You can also take the PATH to an NJ Transit bus, local or express – a longer but cheaper option, as well as an accessible one. NJ Transit trains only run between 6am and midnight, so you should plan to use the PATH or the #62 bus if you’re traveling early or late.

By taxi, there’s a $5 surcharge from the airport to practically any destination in New York state on weekends (12pm to 8pm) and during weekday rush hours (6am to 9am; 4pm to 7pm), as well as a $1.25 fee for pickups, a charge for each piece of luggage 24 inches or bigger, and a  $5.50 surcharge for all credit card transactions.

And don’t forget about the tolls : whether you’re driving yourself or taking a cab, the Port Authority charges a fee to enter New York by bridge or tunnel, from $11.75 per car at off-peak hours. (Traveling to New Jersey is always toll-free.) Since the pandemic, many toll plazas have suspended cash payments or gone fully cashless on a permanent basis, so you – or your driver – will need an E-Z Pass, unless you want to get hit with the bill later.

At EWR, there’s short-term, daily, and economy parking, with costs ranging from $4.25 per half hour to $44 for the 24-hour maximum. Check the airport’s website for lot availability before you leave.

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Italy – and its awe-inspiring art, architecture and food – is no secret. The epicenter of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance, this European virtuoso practically groans under the weight of its cultural cachet.

The challenge is not so much where to go – an amazing experience is honestly assured wherever you end up – but rather how to go about it. Here are some ideas from a veteran Italy traveler to turn every Italy trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Return to the Roman Empire

Working out the best way to spend your time in the Italian capital is a cultural conundrum. Rome is the former caput mundi (capital of the world), the epicenter of the Roman Empire, the spiritual HQ of the Christian world and the repository for over two millennia of European art and architecture. The city exudes must-see sights from every pore.

From the Colosseum (buy a "Full Experience" ticket to access the recently opened, underground vaults) to the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, there’s simply too much to cover in a single visit.

Zooming around Italy’s Eternal City on the back of Vespa moped to sightsee at speed is one option, and a great way to sample the dolce vita (good life). Before you leave, toss a coin into the pool below the wild horses and cascading rockfalls of the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to this captivating city.

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Hit slopes and trails in Valle d’Aosta

Ringed by some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso, the Aosta Valley sports some of the best winter sports facilities on the continent. In fashionable Courmayeur, winter skiers descend hair-raising runs into France and Switzerland, crossing glaciers and returning via lofty cable cars.

And when the snow melts, spectacular hiking trails in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso and around Mont Blanc await. Whatever the season, keep your ears peeled for Franco-Provençal (also known as Valdôtain), the Franco-Italian valley’s distinctive local language.

Live the Naples street life

Italy’s most spirited urban hub, this highly charged, charismatic city in the country's deep south is a curious potpourri of nail-biting history, classical art and a grungy grassroots cocktail of frescoed ruins, frenzied markets and epicurean adventures. Drama is the order of the day in boisterous Napoli, where street life unfolds like a grand opera.

Shop for swordfish heads and sweet ricotta pastries at Naples’ oldest market, ogle street art in the Centro Storico, admire Mt Vesuvius views from the Lungomare seafront, explore subterranean catacombs, then follow the lead of locals and join the after-dark passegiatta (promenade) on Via Chiaia. Whatever you do, count on drama 24/7.

Time travel to Ancient Greece

The eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the island of Sicily dazzles with its brilliant diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. In the southeast, honey-hued Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient world – bigger even than Athens and Corinth - and played an important role in classical Greece. Its hypnotic archaeological ruins, rising out of lush citrus orchards and the sparkling blue Mediterranean, continue to encapsulate Sicily's timeless beauty.

Two-and-a-half millennia later, Greek dramas still flourish in Syracuse's great amphitheater, alongside contemporary theatre, live music and more. A show beneath the stars on the antiquity stage at Teatro Greco is an unforgettable and spellbinding spectacle.

Go backstage in Tuscany

Most Tuscan tours begin in the Unesco-listed city of Florence, a cinematic feast of Renaissance palazzi (palaces), medieval-frescoed chapels and art museums brimming with Botticelli and Michelangelo masterpieces. At the historic heart of Florence is the Uffizi, stormed by millions of visitors each year for its unmatched Renaissance works. To take the art journey further, the new Uffizi Diffusi project encourages art buffs to trek across Tuscany ’s backcountry – on foot, by bike or car – following an untrodden trail to Italian masterpieces.

Designed to diffuse Florence’s heavy tourist load, this sustainable tourism project is bringing pop-up galleries to backcountry chapels, fortresses, hilltop villages and other unconventional spaces. Not only does it lead visitors off the beaten track, it also allows artworks to be admired in the Tuscan landscapes that inspired the artists – an iconic terrain of rolling hills dipped in morning mist, timeless cypress alleys, silver olive groves and terraced rows of vines. Check current venues on the Uffizi website.

Savor slow food in Piedmont

Rare white truffles from the vine-striped countryside around Alba offer the most grassroots gastronomic experience in all of Italy. Once these fabulous fungi are tracked down by dogs in the woods, ceremoniously sniffed, and greedily scoffed, there is no going back.

Truffles aside, the northwestern region of Piedmont, birthplace of the Slow Food movement, serenades gourmets with sweet creamy hazelnuts from the rolling Langhe hills and silky chocolate and myriad cocoa creations in gilded cafes in elegant Turin. Nebbiolo grapes metamorphose into magical Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and lavish banquets pair these treats with sacrosanct aperitivo (pre-meal snacks to eat with a drink and open up the appetite). Savor the slow feast, one delicious mouthful at a time!

Follow the Via Francigena pilgrim trail

Cycling and walking is a great way to get under the skin of Italy’s diverse landscapes, and there is no finer long-distant trail than the medieval Via Francigena. A perfect, less-trodden alternative to Spain’s Camino de Santiago, Italy’s most celebrated pilgrim route wends its way for 1900km (1180 miles), running all the way from Canterbury in England to Rome.

The scenic Italian section mooches at a meditative snail’s pace through Tuscany and Lazio, breaking for breath at beautiful hilltop villages, volcanic lakes, Etruscan ruins, remote monasteries and enchanting emerald hills around Lucca, the Unesco-protected Val d’Orcia, Viterbo and other gloriously overlooked spots.

Glam it up on the Amalfi Coast

Whether you follow the rugged cliff-laced coast in search of a wild swimming spot or live the high life with spritz-sipping A-listers in Positano, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. This dramatic coastal strip has thrills and spills to suit every taste and budget, from hunting down traditional marquetry in Sorrento ’s maze-like old-town to garden-hopping in Ravello. Don't overlook the Sentiero degli Dei or ‘Path of Gods’ – a rugged hiking trail that delivers on its name with positively celestial views.

Harvest grapes in the Cinque Terre

Nothing matches Cinque Terre ’s stunning setting: five teeny, sherbet-colored villages pinned to a jaw-dropping backdrop of terraced vineyards, wave-carved cliffs and blue sea on the Italian Riviera. Summer packs these celebrity villages to bursting point, but the autumn vendemmia (grape harvest) ushers in a quite different scene.

Come for mellow days of strolling along quiet cobbled lanes and hiking through vertical vineyards and hillsides perfumed by macchia (herbal scrub) to ancient sanctuaries. The sight of local pickers gallantly harvesting the grapes that go into the Cinque Terre’s sweet fortified Sciacchetrà, and sipping the resulting vintages in a Corniglia or Riomaggiore wine bar with vertiginous views, is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Pick an idyllic island

Italy’s prized island collection hovers around the 450 mark, meaning il bel paese ("the beautiful country") has a beach-laced island with your name on it. Myriad islands dot the Mediterranean, Ionian, Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. Venice alone is made up of 17 islands, and Sicily and Sardinia – the country’s biggest and busiest islands – offer an enticing mix of outdoor thrills and living history.

Unblemished Capri, a boat ride from Naples, attracts celebrities and the super-rich (as does posh Panarea in Sicily’s Aeolian archipelago). Volcanic Ischia is awash with thermal spas and manicured gardens. At the other extreme, nature lovers gravitate to peaceful salt marshes and mudflats teeming with birdlife in the pristine Grado lagoon, on the country’s northeast border with Austria and Slovenia in little-explored Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Help to save Venice

Venice is impossible to ignore, hence the hordes of tourists who pile into this dreamlike city of romantic canals and ethereal fogs. In an average year, 25 million arrive to snap selfies beneath the Bridge of Sighs and glimpse heaven (in fresco form) in Basilica di San Marco. To curb future crowds, a tourist tax, turnstiles at city entrances, and advance reservations via an app to enter the city  are all on the drawing board.

To make a positive impact on Italy’s most mobbed city, come out of season, and don’t duck in and out on a day trip. Instead, stay for a few days using the community-powered, home-sharing platform Fairbnb and meet and learn from Venetians who are passionate about their city through Venezia Autentica. At mealtimes, favor lagoon-caught seafood in local restaurants over tourist joints with English-language menus.

Get off-grid in Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region doesn’t have the Amalfi’s natural glamour or the cultural colossi of Rome, but for travelers seeking an immersive, emotive brush with rural Italy and its people, it definitely hits the spot. Cradled by the gritty Apennine mountains and unforgiving Adriatic sea, the region was hit by an earthquake in 2009, but Abruzzo is slowly rebuilding itself and reclaiming its rich heritage.

In the quiet town of L’Aquila, a new outpost of Rome’s MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) is just one sign of this cultural rebirth. In remote Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the Sextantio albergo diffuso program hosts visitors in rustic rooms scattered around this pretty mountain village. Spotting rare Marsican bears padding around the Parc Nazionale d’Abruzzo is the icing on the cake.

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Diverse landscapes are Chile 's best assets: rolling vineyards, dazzling lakes, deep fjords, and sprawling salt flats. To truly do them justice, we recommend a set of wheels.

Along the coast and through the Central Valley, roads are generally in tip-top shape. Yet there are no guarantees should you find yourself on the Altiplano in the north, or down south in Patagonia. Consider it part of the adventure.

The Carretera Austral

Best road trip for scenic Patagonian landscapes
Start : Puerto Montt; end : Villa O’Higgins; distance : 1,200km (745 miles); duration : allow 2 weeks

Chile’s Ruta 7 (better known as the Carretera Austral) carves a 1200km (745-mile) path through some of the most remote and untouched landscapes in South America. The first stretch of the “highway” opened in 1988, and the final bit completed in 2003 – though much of its southern half remains, to this day, unpaved. In fact, there are several sections of the route so impenetrable that you’ll need to hop aboard a car ferry just to continue forward.

The route begins in the bustling port city of Puerto Montt, from which you’ll wind your way south through the temperate rainforests of national parks like Pumalín and Queulat. Coyhaique is the biggest city in the region and the best place to stock up on supplies before continuing south to the marble caves of Puerto Río Tranquilo and the wildlife-filled steppes of Parque Nacional Patagonia. The roadless village of Caleta Tortel, a few hours south, is a fairytale of wobbly wooden boardwalks and tiny stilt homes perched over a milky-green fjord. The road ends in the frontier village of Villa O’Higgins, to the east, where expedition ships depart for visits to the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.

The Budileufü Heritage Route

Best road trip for Indigenous culture
Start/end : Puerto Saavedra; distance : 100km (62 miles); duration : allow 2–3 days

Lago Budi is a saltwater lagoon in south-central Chile that was formed after the devastating Valdivia earthquake and tsunami of 1960 (the most powerful tremor in recorded history). This road trip circumnavigates the coastal lagoon from Puerto Saavedra to Puerto Dominguez and back, allowing for visitors to gain a deeper understanding along the way of the Mapuche culture, Chile’s largest Indigenous group. You can sleep in traditional thatch-roofed ruka homes, purchase artisan handcrafts like pilwa bags and dine on Mapuche cuisine, much of which is spiced with the smoky merkén chili pepper.

The Route of the Stars

Best road trip for families
Start : La Serena; end : Pisco Elqui; distance : 110km (68 miles); duration : allow 3–5 days

Begin your trip by admiring the magnificent stars over Elqui Valley, with a night in the historic coastal city of La Serena. Then, it’s time to head east along la ruta de las estrellas (the route of the stars) into the arid Andean foothills at the southern edge of the Atacama Desert. Sleep in the astronomy hub of Vicuña for the second night to check out its tourist-friendly observatories, as well as nearby solar-powered restaurants and breweries. Turn south off the main highway (Ruta 41) on day 3 to learn about the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, Gabriela Mistral, in her hometown of Montegrande. Follow the grape-filled horizon from there to the quaint Andean village of Pisco Elqui to finish your trip with more stargazing, pisco tasting, and treks in the nearby Cochiguaz and Alcoguaz river valleys.

The Central Coast

Best road trip for sea, sand, and surf
Start : Matanzas; end : Zapallar; distance : 235km (145 miles); duration : allow 3–5 days

Two of Chile’s ritziest beach towns are the bookends of this coast-hugging journey, which begins in the hipster hub of Matanzas, about three hours west of Santiago. Heading north, don’t miss Isla Negra (a quirky artist colony), Quintay (an old whaling hub), and El Canelillo (the prettiest swimming beach around) on your way to the twin cities of Valparaiso (great for art and culture) and Viña del Mar (ideal for beaches and gardens). Continuing north, the small hamlet of Ritoque is the most low-key beach town on the otherwise frenetic stretch between Concòn and Cachagua, which is full of weekend homes for middle-class Santiaguinos. Zapallar is the verdant green cove at the end of the route and a great place to hobnob with Chile’s rich and famous.

The Route of the Missions

Best road trip for history buffs
Start : Arica; end : Putre; distance : 230km (143 miles); duration : allow 3–5 days

Start your history-filled journey in Chile’s far north by familiarizing yourself with the oldest mummies in the world at the Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa near Arica. Then, skip the strait-shot highway to Putre and instead follow the rambling Ruta de las Misiones (Route of the Missions). This heritage route links dozens of Indigenous Aymara hamlets in the Andean foothills, many of which have newly restored adobe churches with grass roofs and shops selling hand-woven alpaca clothes. End at the biggest Aymara town of all, Putre, and use it as a base for explorations into the volcano-studded altiplano of Parque Nacional Lauca.

The Pan-American Wine Trail

Best road trip for wine lovers
Start : Santiago; end : Santa Cruz; distance : 180km (112 miles); duration : allow 1–3 days

This ruta del vino uses the Pan-American Highway as a fast way to tackle three of Chile’s most important wine regions: the Maipo, Cachapoal, and Colchagua Valleys. The Maipo Valley lies just south of the capital; such major vineyards as Viña Santa Rita showcase why it’s a power player for wallet-friendly cabernet sauvignons. Cachapoal has more boutique wineries, which range from the biodynamic Tipaume to the extravagant Viña Vik. Turn off the Pan-American highway at San Fernando (home to the stunning Viña Casa Silva estate) and explore the myriad vineyards that line the road all the way to Santa Cruz, the heart of the Colchagua Valley (which specializes in Chile’s signature grape: carménère). Note that it’s best to have a designated driver for this one as Chile has a zero-tolerance policy for blood-alcohol content.

The Lakes & Volcanoes Traverse

Best road trip for adventure
Start : Pucón; end : Puerto Varas; distance : 525km (325 miles); duration : allow 5-7 days

Linking lakes and volcanoes between the resort towns of Pucón and Puerto Varas is a bit like a game of connect-the-dots. You can choose your own adventure as you leave the araucaria-filled parklands of Lago Villarrica in the rearview mirror and head south to Coñaripe, home of the stunning Termas Geometrias hot springs complex. Reserva Biológica Huilo Huilo, near the ceramics hub of Panguipulli to the south, has raging waterfalls, dueling volcanoes, and woodsy hotels such as Montaña Magica, which is blanketed in pea-green vegetation.

Continuing south, Lago Ranco is home to several tony resort villages, including Futrono, as well as the lush, lagoon-filled wilds of Parque Futangue. Lago Llanquihue, three lakes away, is the biggest freshwater body of them all and home to your final stop, Puerto Varas, a world-class adventure hub and gateway to Patagonia.

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Moab and its environs are easily accessible year-round. But the weather does play a major factor for those looking to take on the outdoors adventures found here. In the end, there is no “bad time” to visit Moab. The only question you really need to ask yourself is “will I have enough time?”

March through Early May and September through October are considered high-season. This means you’ll get the best weather for hiking and mountain biking. Summer stays crowded, but the 100°F-plus temperatures (38°C) keep some of the crowds at bay. In winter, it can snow, but you are likely to have the place to yourself. Some places go into hibernation during the winter months, especially the rafting operations. To avoid the crowds, try going a month earlier in the spring. You might just get a spring lightning storm or catch wildflowers blooming in the desert – or wake up to the desert covered in a soft blanket of snow.

High Season: March through May; September through October

Best time for hiking, rafting, and mountain biking

Moab in the spring is off the charts! The desert is blooming (if it rained enough that winter), the weather is cool, and the rivers are pumping. The only hitch: things can get a bit crowded, especially in the national parks. To save on the crowds, and get the most from your trip, consider getting up early (like 5am), or staying up late. It’s perfect timing for sunrise under Delicate Arch, great bird watching, or a late-night look into the starry skies overhead. Both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are open 24-7.

Highwater on the Colorado and Green Rivers happens around May or June. This means you will have some of the biggest whitewater in all the US (bigger even than the Grand Canyon). Mountain biking and hiking in spring are also excellent but watch for surprise storms and flash floods, especially in the canyons.

The other high seasons in Moab happen in the fall. Once school goes back to session and summer vacation ends, the place empties out just a bit. The weather is still great. The later you get into the fall season, the more solitude you will find. It’s a great time to travel here with an RV or consider a hotel stay, as nighttime temps can get pretty chilly. The outdoor adventures are still in full swing, but you will see fewer rafters as the rivers start to slow their flow in the fall months. That said, you can still float any of the rivers during this time.

Shoulder Season: February and November

The weather can be a little tricky in February and early March in the spring, as well as late October and November in the fall. Expect some snow and rainstorms, some amazingly sunny days, and pretty cold nights. It’s a good time for mountain biking and trail running as you will never overheat but plan on staying in a hotel or bringing a really, really warm sleeping bag.

Low Season: December and January

Wintertime sees much smaller crowds, cold weather and short days. You’ll also get good deals on hotels. In the American desert, you can get warm sunny days any time of the year, so it’s still doable to take on outdoor adventures, just be on the lookout for nighttime temperatures, which can drop drastically. You might just find the winter solitude is worth the cold.

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January

It’s downright cold in January, with daytime highs in the mid-40s. The area does get a fair few warm days. Bring your puffy jacket and expect brisk hikes and some snow.

Key Events : Arches Ultra

February

Head up to the La Sal Mountains for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in February. The San Juan Huts are not far from here, and offer the potential for hut-to-hut skiing in the winter. Expect empty trails in the national parks.

Key Events : Moab's Red Hot 55K/33K

March

By March, it’s already warmed up enough to make for really good hiking and mountain biking. If you are camping, bring the extra down blanket, ‘cause it can get freezing cold at night. Trails are still pretty empty until the end of the month.

Key Events : Skinny Tire Festival (Road Bike event), Canyonlands Half Marathon & 5 Mile Run, Behind the Rocks Ultra Trail Race

April

This is the heart of the high season. Restaurants and hotels are packed. You’ll need to book ahead to get a spot. Trails will be crowded, so try to get up extra early to beat the heat and the gapers.

Key Events : Cruise Moab, Toyota 4x4 event, Moab April Action Car Show

May

It’s starting to get hot… Real hot! And the crowds are hitting their peak as vacationing families cruise through the national parks. Try going to the nearby public lands outside the parks to avoid the crowds.

Key Events: Moab Arts Festival

June

Highwater hits the Green and Colorado Rivers, making for some of the best rafting on planet Earth. There are still plenty of crowds, but the heat keeps some people away.

Key Events : Moab Free Concert Series kicks off, Desert Rats Kokopelli 150, Bears Ears Ultra

July

It’s hot as Hades. Plan on doing your rides and hikes real early or real late. It’s a great time to hit the water, perhaps with a guided trip down Cataract Canyon.

Key Events : Independence Day July 4 Celebrations

August

What a wonderful time to look up at the night sky. The Perseid meteor shower normally peaks in mid-August. The rivers are slowing down, but still runnable, and a canoe trip down the Green might just be the adventure of a lifetime.

Key Events : Swell River Festival, Perseid Meteor Shower

September

Finally a reprieve from the summer heat. All-day mountain biking and hiking return to the Moab area, with school back in session, expect some smaller crowds. The best watermelons on earth are ripening nearby in Green River.

Key Events : Green River Melon Days Festival, Moab Celtic Festival "Scots on the Rocks"

October

The days and nights are getting cooler, making camping a bit harder, especially later in the month. This is Moab at its finest, with fewer crowds, cool weather, and maybe, just maybe, a trail all to yourself.

Key Events : Outerbike, Red Rock Arts Festival, Arches Half Marathon

November

Brrrr. It’s cold in the morning and at night. But daytime sun allows you to still take on some of the area hikes. Stay in a hotel in town, it’s too cold out there under the stars.

Key Events : Green River Outlaw Days, Moab Folk Festival

December

The town will feel pretty empty in December. What you get is loads of solitude and the chance of seeing snow above Delicate Arch.

Key Events : Christmas lights and holiday crafts fairs

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Few destinations capture the imagination like Iceland : volcanic lands of ice and fire, glacier-carved fjords and meadows where wild horses roam.

From taking a dip into Icelandic spa culture to delving into the history and legends of the Icelandic sagas, these are the best things to do in Iceland.

Experience an Icelandic saga

At living museums throughout Iceland, visitors are invited to step back in time – they might bake bread over an open fire, listen to a story of ancient heroes and heroines, or swing a sword in an epic fight. At Eiríksstaðir in West Iceland, step inside a longhouse replica, and at 1238 – The Battle of Iceland, don VR goggles for an immersive experience of one of Iceland's most fearsome battles.

At Gásir Medieval Days, which happens every summer, a historic marketplace near Akureyri is brought back to life. Listen to a blacksmith hammer a blade, smell scorched birch as it's transformed into charcoal, watch women dye wool by boiling herbs, have a witch tell your fortune with ancient runes, test your skills with a bow and arrow and help egg a thief. There are many more historic sites and intriguing exhibitions around the country; find inspiration from the Icelandic Saga and Heritage Association.

Soak in geothermal baths and spas

For a long time, the Blue Lagoon dominated the high-end bathing market in Iceland. The milky blue geothermal seawater in the middle of a lava field is still perfect for jetlag recovery (it helps that it's 20 minutes from the airport). More geothermal baths and spas have popped up in recent years, attracting visitors for their elegant architecture, stunning settings, and unique bathing experiences. The Mývatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland overlook Lake Mývatn and the surrounding bird-filled wetlands and volcanic landscapes. Situated on the banks of Lake Laugarvatn, Laugarvatn Fontana pipes in natural steam for its steam bath.

If you're looking for solitude, the Canyon Baths by Húsafell include a guided hike through stunning Icelandic wilderness followed by a dip in the secluded geothermal pools. For Insta-worthy views, Geosea in Húsavík overlooks Skjálfandi Bay and its snow-tipped mountains. Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir features geothermal pools floating in Urriðavatn Lake. Right on the capital's doorstep, Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur brings a fully Icelandic spa experience within reach for visitors to Reykjavík. New "forest baths" are due to open in early 2022 outside Akureyri.

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Explore Iceland's caves

From ancient lava tubes to ever-changing ice caves and mysterious artificial caves, Iceland has a range of underground adventures for everyone. A little-known fact is that between Selfoss and Vík in South Iceland are 200 artificial caves carved into sandstone before or around the time the first settlers arrived. It is believed that Irish monks (called Papar in Icelandic) created them, but sufficient archaeological evidence is lacking. Twelve of these caves can be found at the farm Ægissíða by Hella, and guided tours are available of some of the caves.

Natural ice caves form in Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, due to geothermal heat or spring thaw. This fleeting, crystalized world of wonder can only be explored with experienced guides. Alternatively, visit the artificial ice tunnel in Langjökull or the ice cave at Perlan in Reykjavík.

There are myriad large and small lava caves, tubes and tunnels around Iceland, all of which reveal surprising colors and formations like stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over hundreds of years. Guided tours are offered in Víðgelmir near Húsafell, Iceland's largest lava cave, Vatnshellir on Snæfellsnes and Lofthellir near Lake Mývatn.

Check out the nightlife in Reykjavík

In a country with comparatively high booze prices, Reykjavík's nightlife is unmatched. Happy hours in Reykjavík usually begin at 4pm – cozy Port 9 and Veður are good places to start. For creative cocktails, head for Apótek and Slippbarinn and find a spot on Petersen svítan's rooftop bar, which is wonderful on sunny days. If pubs are more your thing, check out KEX Hostel and Röntgen, where there's often live music to boot. Skuggabaldur caters specifically to jazz fans.

Kaffibarinn and Prikið are good choices if you want to dance the night away. The crowd at Dillon always goes crazy when "rock'n'roll grandma" Andrea Jónsdóttir starts DJ-ing, and you'll find a similarly joyful atmosphere at Kiki Queer Bar. Múlaberg is great for its happy hour cocktails and outside seating area, and R5 for its range of beers plus occasional blues concerts.

Hike up active volcanoes

In Iceland there are approximately 130 volcanoes, and eruptions occur every three years on average. In Geldingadalir, on the doorstep of Keflavík International Airport, a small-scale eruption has attracted onlookers with its magnificent (yet intermittent) lava flow since March 19, 2021. In 1973, the inhabitants of Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago off the southwest coast, escaped an eruption that started unexpectedly in their town, burying houses in lava and ash. One of these houses is the centerpiece of the museum Eldheimar.

Hekla, Iceland's most active volcano, was believed to be the entrance to hell, but it has been quiet since 2000. At 1500m (4920ft), Hekla provides an interesting and challenging hike with a panoramic view from the top. At dormant Þríhnúkagígur, you can explore a volcano from the inside. From the top, you're lowered down 213m (699ft) into an enormous and unbelievably colorful magma chamber.

See the Northern Lights and other celestial phenomena

If luck is on your side, green, purple and red ribbons flow across the dark sky on a clear winter night. The Northern Lights are beautiful, powerful, hypnotizing; you can sense how small you are under the hue of a celestial phenomenon that dominates the heavens above. It's best to follow forecasts, base yourself far from light pollution and be patient – or book a tour to up the odds. Learn more about the elusive aurora borealis at Perlan or the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavík.

There are other things to observe in the winter sky above Iceland, too. The Hotel Rangá observatory in South Iceland has a roll-off roof and two high-quality telescopes, bringing you closer to the stars in the sky.

In the summer, the midnight sun provides for spectacular views, especially in North Iceland. At the summer solstice (June 21 in 2022), find a good location for observing the sun bouncing off the ocean surface. One idea is the Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, which was designed as a giant sundial to capture the midnight sun in perfectly aligned gateways.

Take a budget-friendly swim

The most authentic and budget-friendly way to enjoy Iceland's geothermal energy is the public swimming pools. Practically every town and village has at least one. The water is warm and welcoming, lounging in the hot tubs is bliss, and some of the views are worth the trip alone.

This is where the locals go to exercise, socialize and play with their kids. Find your favorites, but among pools worth visiting are Álftaneslaug for its wave pool, Sundlaug Akureyrar for its thrilling waterslides, Selárlaug for being next to a salmon river and Hofsóslaug for the amazing view of Drangey Island.

Make the most of the snowy season

There are so many ways to enjoy the snowy season in Iceland. Find ski resorts near Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Neskaupstaður, Akureyri and elsewhere in the north, with ski lifts and slopes of varying levels, as well as tracks for cross-country skiing.

The backcountry skiing season lasts through May, with a range of tours on offer, including skiing from the mountaintop to the shore. Kaldbakur mountain by Grenivík is popular among backcountry skiers. It's possible to hitch a ride with a snowmobile up the mountain. The view from the top of Eyjafjörður fjord and Hrísey island is breathtaking. If you're not keen on skiing, you can take a thrilling sleigh ride down the mountain in a custom-made toboggan.

At Lake Mývatn, you can book a ride with sleigh dogs. For a motorized, action-packed adventure, Skidoo tours are particularly popular on the glaciers in the west and south. If you're looking for a slower-paced type of winter activity, snowshoeing might be your thing, walking up mountains in the north or exploring the black-and-white wonderworld of Dimmuborgir lava field.

Whale-watching and other ocean activities

When you're out on the open ocean and feel the salty air and wind in your hair, you sense a special kind of freedom, and if you're paying attention, you might see seabirds catch fish or even a blowing whale. Húsavík is the best place to go whale-watching in Iceland, with many tours on offer and a high sighting ratio – even blue whales are occasionally seen here. Tours also go from Hauganes and Reykjavík. Seal watching tours depart from Hvammstangi. Watching these curious creatures sunbathe in their natural habitat is delightful.

Sign up for a sea kayaking tour for a slower and more intimate exploration of coastal regions. Find operators in Stykkishólmur and Ögur in Ísafjarðardjúp, among other places. Paddleboarding is becoming a popular activity in Akureyri.

From Ólafsfjörður jetski tours allow people to experience the vertical cliffs of Ólafsfjarðarmúli from below. As for experiences below the surface, Strýtan DiveCenter takes experienced divers on tours to a unique geothermal chimney on the ocean floor of Eyjafjörður. At Grímsey island, people can dive and snorkel with puffins right on the Arctic Circle.

Sample Icelandic craft beers

The local beer always says something special about the place you're visiting, and you can add a new frothy dimension to your Iceland trip by touring the country's surprisingly many microbreweries. The craft beer scene is fairly new in Iceland; the first microbrewery, Bruggsmiðjan, was founded in the tiny village of Árskógssandur in North Iceland in 2006. Its product, Kaldi, proved a hit, and in the years that followed, a growing variety of craft beers appeared on the local market.

Among the most noteworthy breweries in the greater Reykjavík area are Malbygg, RVK Brewing and Lady Brewery. There are also breweries in the rural south, in Vestmannaeyjar off the South Coast, in Siglufjörður in the far north and Ísafjörður in the West Fjords.

Try fine dining

The Icelandic restaurant scene has come a long way in the past decades. Dill Restaurant earned the country's first Michelin star in 2017, then lost it and reclaimed it – and in 2021, Dill remains Iceland's only Michelin-star restaurant. Four others received special recommendations in 2021: Matur og drykkur, Óx and Sumac in Reykjavík, and Moss at the Blue Lagoon. Sumac draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine, and all others emphasize New Nordic dishes with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Outside of Reykjavík, Nielsen Restaurant in Egilsstaðir deserves a special mention for its loyalty to East Icelandic food producers – highlighting local fish, meat, vegetables, grain and dairy – and game, including reindeer. Meanwhile, Norð Austur Sushi & Bar in Seyðisfjörður (open in summer only) combines the best of Japanese cuisine with the freshest Icelandic seafood.

Hike and bike through stunning natural wonders

After the snow melts and the mud dries in summer, Iceland transforms into a hiker's paradise with hiking routes past stunning natural sites. Two of the most famous trails are Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, past multicolored mountains (2–4 days), and across Fimmvörðuháls from Skógafoss to Þórsmörk, along a series of waterfalls (1–2 days).

In the East, the Stórurð trail – which takes about 5 hours – attracts hikers in growing numbers for its turquoise ponds trapped by huge boulders. In the West Fjords, hiking in the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (one to multiple days) provides a closer encounter with nature than most other places.

If you'd rather explore Iceland on a bike, popular trails include the geothermal valley Reykjadalur by Hveragerði and the emerald green landscape around Kirkjubæjaklaustur, where Iceland Bike Farm is based.

Go on an outdoor art trail

Combine a walking tour of Reykjavík with a "treasure hunt" where you find as many outdoor artworks as possible. The "Viking ship" sculpture Sólfar by Jón Gunnar Árnason is a given. Fewer tourists pay attention to Vatnsberinn (The Water Carrier) by Ásmundur Sveinsson in the heart of downtown or Útlaginn (The Outlaw) by Einar Jónsson on the corner of Suðurgata and Hringbraut – works by two of Iceland's most famous sculptors.

Þúfa (The Tussock) is a more recent addition to the capital's outdoor art scene but quickly became a landmark. The 8m-high grassy mound in the Grandi harbor area was created by Ólöf Nordal in 2013, inviting visitors to walk to the top for a view of the city. Download the Reykjavík Art Walk app to learn more about this interesting side of Iceland's capital.

Outside Reykjavík, Eggin í Gleðivík by Sigurður Guðmundsson represents the eggs of 34 species of birds that nest around Djúpivogur. In Seyðisfjörður, Tvísöngur is a fascinating musical sculpture by German artist Lukas Kühne.

Feel free as you go horseback riding

The Icelandic horse is one of a kind. The breed possesses two unique gaits in addition to the "regular" ones, the smooth tölt and fast-flying pace. For centuries Icelanders have relied on the small, sturdy and colorful breed for farm work and carrying them between places in a roadless country.

Today, the horses remain Icelanders' most loyal companions as more people practice horsemanship in Iceland than in other European countries. Riding on a good tölting horse in the wild Icelandic nature is an experience like no other. Through the horse's movements, you connect with nature in a new way, and you feel incredibly free as you gallop along narrow dirt paths or across shallow lakes. Tour operators offer anything from one-hour tours for beginners to multi-day tours for experienced riders in different regions of the country in varied landscapes. Among the most popular treks is across the highland on the ancient route Kjölur.

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Known for its mix of high and low, the Florida Keys can be both budget-friendly and uber expensive.

While the chain of islands has plenty to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor activities, there is also a vibrant cultural scene that is worth exploring. Best of all, if you get creative, many of these attractions can be experienced for next to nothing. From public art trails to bird sanctuaries, here’s our guide to the top free activities in the Florida Keys.

Sunset Celebration

There are many quirky characteristics about the Southernmost outpost of the US, but none quite as iconic as the Sunset Celebration. Starting every evening before sunset, visitors in Key West can experience a multitude of live performances, stunt acts, musical groups and much more in Mallory Square. The celebration, which is part circus, part art fair, embodies the oddball spirit of Key West and is not to be missed. If you stay long enough, you’ll also be treated to a gorgeous view of the sun as it sets over the Gulf of Mexico. While payment is not required, it’s worth noting that many of the entertainers work for tips, so you might want to bring a few dollars if you can spare them.

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Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

Connecting the entire Florida Keys in segments from one end to the other, the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is a recreational pathway that was once the famous Flagler Railroad. The path is open to cyclists and pedestrians and offers opportunities for fishing, birding, picnicking, hiking and other leisure pursuits. The trail incorporates 23 of the historic Flagler Railroad bridges along with access to state parks, nature trails, boat ramps and important landmarks.

Traversing the trail allows for easy island hopping, but there are some sections that are directly next to the heavily trafficked Overseas Highway, so anyone walking or biking should be comfortable with motor traffic close by. Also, because sections of the trail are historic, there are often partial closures due to renovations and repairs. The website is updated frequently with the latest announcements, so be sure to check before you plan an excursion.

Morada Way Arts & Cultural District

Morada Way is Islamorada ’s arts and cultural district. The 6-block area is home to art galleries, studios, hip restaurants and boutiques. Every third Thursday of the month, Morada Way hosts an Art Walk from 6 to 9pm. During the event, artists flood the neighborhood to showcase their work, and musicians play live at several local venues. Whether you’re there to invest in some art or just to be inspired, the scenic walk is a great way to get acquainted with downtown Islamorada and enjoy the laid back beauty of the area. Grab a beer at Florida Keys Brewing Company or a quick bite from one of the food trucks and make an evening of it.

Relax at the Public Beaches

With an average of 260 sunny days per year, the Keys are a great place to spend time outdoors. While the region, which sits mostly on coral rock, isn’t known for its expansive sandy beaches, there are a few outliers that can be enjoyed for free all year. Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, Sombrero Beach in Marathon and Smathers Beach in Key West are all beautiful places to spend the day.

In addition to the larger beachfronts, there are also secret enclaves to explore. In Islamorada, all the way down Beach Road, a small public beach is nestled between the private waterfronts of the luxurious Cheeca Lodge and Moorings Village. In Big Pine Key, Horseshoe Beach at Mile Marker 35 is a quiet place to snorkel or scuba dive. Some, such as Smathers, do require a small fee if you are parking a vehicle, so be sure to prepare in advance if you are driving.

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Florida Keys Sculpture Trail

Spanning 80 miles from Islamorada down to Key West, the Florida Keys Sculpture Trail features twelve monumental sculptures dotted along the Overseas Highway. The works were first created for the Art Students League of New York’s “Model to Monument” program in Manhattan before being relocated to the Keys. From a monumental iron sundial to a stainless steel bird, from a red triangular structure to an oversized mesh shell, each sculpture is as different as the next. Now permanent fixtures in the area, the public art trail can be freely enjoyed by anyone passing by.

The Studios of Key West

The Studios of Key West is a cultural hub in downtown Key West that is dedicated to encouraging and connecting creativity on the island. In addition to offering lectures, workshops, studio space and residencies, the organization presents gallery shows and live performances and is home to Books & Books, a charming independent bookstore. On Thursday evenings, guests can enjoy Glow Hours on Hugh’s View. The free weekly cocktail hour not only includes an open bar and live music, but also a panoramic view of the city from the stunning rooftop. Admission to the campus and gallery spaces is free, but many of the scheduled events require a ticket purchase.

Blue Hole

At the center of the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key is the largest freshwater lake in the Keys. Blue Hole was once a limestone quarry whose rock was used to create many of the original roads in the area. Because it is a rare source of freshwater, the lake attracts a variety of wildlife including alligators, herons, turtles, fish and, most especially, Key deer, an endangered type of deer that only live on Big Pine Key. The lake provides an unmatched opportunity to revel in the natural beauty of the Keys, and there are several short trails for hiking around the refuge. While the trails are less than one mile each, they are not shaded, so come prepared with sunscreen and bring good walking shoes!

The Key West Garden Club

The Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower is a historic and secluded tropical paradise. A group of dedicated volunteers maintains the grounds, which include a prehistoric garden, a native garden and a butterfly garden, among others. Visitors can take in seaside views, delight in the exceptional collection of exotic trees and plants and learn about the fascinating history of the West Martello Tower, an important site built during the Civil War. Take your time as you wander the circular layout, as some of the most striking flora can hide in plain sight.

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1980, Crocodile Lake National Refuge is an important nesting ground for the American crocodile, an endangered species found only in South Florida. These crocodiles find refuge in this 6700-acre protected habitat, and it is believed that nearly a quarter of the country’s population lives here. While you aren’t guaranteed to see this reclusive animal during a visit, there are more draws to the refuge including sightings of other rare animals like the white-crowned pigeon, Stock Island tree snails and several kinds of endangered butterflies.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds and consists of both a hospital and the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary, a natural refuge open to the public, houses nearly 40 different species of rescued birds. Visitors can walk through a mangrove forest and observe an array of birds including Great Horned Owls, Great Egrets and plenty of Eastern Brown Pelicans. At the end of the pathway, past the animal enclosures, the mangroves open up to the Florida Bay and a beautiful view of the water. Admission is free, but they do request a donation upon entry.

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There’s more to Malibu than its beautiful beaches. The eastern border of the California city extends into the Santa Monica Mountains, where visitors can hike through canyons and wander through nature preserves. There are also a few carved out spaces along the coastline that are ideal for picnics and recreation. Although the ocean is always in the background, hitting up a park in Malibu doesn’t have to mean spending the day at the beach.

Malibu Creek State Park

The 14-mile Malibu Creek winds its way through the Santa Monica Mountains eventually ending at Malibu Lagoon at the beach near the pier. But there’s plenty to do in this state park besides rock skipping – from a range of hiking trails (including one that goes through where the TV show M*A*S*H was filmed) to mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding and even kayaking in a small lake. There are also plenty of open spaces to simply take in the beautiful oak woodlands and the craggy mountain canyons. The city of Los Angeles feels a world away, instead of just 25 minutes. Overnight camping is also allowed here, but reservations are required. Not quite sure how to tackle the park on your own? Sign up for a hike guided by a park docent who will explain the area’s flora and fauna as well as its cinematic history.

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Trancas Canyon Park

Trancas Canyon Park in north Malibu is a couple of miles inland from Zuma Beach, and it’s one of the best parks for families. There’s a spacious playground area with sweeping views of the mountains and the ocean as well as a fenced dog park. The park’s giant grassy field is an idyllic spot for a picnic, but there are covered tables when you need a little shade. Restrooms and water fountains are available, and parking is plentiful. Nearby is the Trancas Market where you can pick up picnic provisions like pressed paninis, salads and pizza.

Malibu Bluffs Park

Malibu Bluffs Park, just north of the Malibu Pier and past Pepperdine University, is the ultimate recreation spot for families. The six-acre park has two baseball fields, a soccer field that doubles as a grassy vista for a picnic, a play structure, a skatepark, picnic tables, restrooms and a jogging path that winds around the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Michael Landon Community Center, named for the Little House on the Prairie actor, often hosts community classes and parties. Since the park is home field for local recreational sports, the weekends are often crowded and the parking lot fills up fast. But if you can time it for a mid-morning visit during the week, you’ll find it to be a blissful spot to take in the ocean views.

Las Flores Creek Park

Las Flores Creek Park is a few miles inland from the famous Duke’s Restaurant that overlooks the ocean on the Pacific Coast Highway. The offerings are relatively simple: a modern playground for children, picnic tables, restrooms and easy walking trails. This is an ideal spot to learn about Malibu’s native plants because the park has detailed information about its wildlife and history. Once you’re done exploring, you can head down to Duke’s for lunch or dinner.

Malibu Country Mart

Malibu Country Mart is a ritzy retail center with trendy boutiques and restaurants that are often frequented by celebrities (and paparazzi). But for families with children, there are two playgrounds to try in between shopping and eating. The original playground is in the center of the mart near John’s Garden café and just past the Toy Crazy toy store. The structure, which includes a pair of swing sets, is built into sand, so be prepared to go barefoot and do some cleaning up afterward. A second playground was built recently near the new Whole Foods Market and offers modern interactive play features, along with the usual slides and climbing structures. Since the Country Mart is so close to the pier, it’s easy to go from one to the other during your visit.

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