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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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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California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees, but that's only part of the picture. As well as the most miles of coastline in the US, the Golden State offers small-town getaways, snowy cold-weather adventures, fine food and wine, Indigenous culture and unique natural encounters.

For travelers looking for all of this and more, here's a primer for some of the best things to do in California, from the mountains to the winelands.

Seek winter adventures in the mountains

Peaks primed for winter recreation are easy to find in elevated, snow-capped areas of California. Climbing to 14,179ft (4,322m), Mount Shasta in the far north of the state is a playground for cross-country skiing, night skiing and snow tubing from mid-December to April. Inland from Fresno, Mammoth Mountain in the High Sierras receives an average of 30ft (9m) of snow each season. It's a great place to clip onto a snowboard, strap on some snowshoes or go dog-sledding. At the end of the day, bed down in some of America's coziest ski-in/ski-out holiday rentals, lodges and resorts.

In southern California, go snowboarding in the state's freestyle capital, Big Bear, or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto to access winter camping sites and prime spots for family snowball fights. If you'd rather stay warm, Palomar Mountain offers scenic seasonal drives through cedar, pine, and fir trees.

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Dine at award-winning restaurants

A multicolored array of fresh produce (a third of the nation’s fruit and nuts are grown in the Golden State) and top-notch local meats and seafood bring superior flavors to California’s diverse restaurant scene. Across the state, dining options range from hip street eats to casual diners and high-end fine dining.

California is no stranger to food awards. In addition to the gongs regularly garnered by restaurants in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, 2021 has seen Michelin-star and Bib Gourmand recognition for restaurants such as Harbor House in Elk (Mendocino County), dumpling spot Yue Huang in Sacramento, Loquita in Santa Barbara, and Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad. It underscores California's status as a powerhouse foodie destination.

Follow California's wine trails

Most travelers instantly link Californian wine to the Napa Valley, but the state is home to more than 130 distinct, federally recognized AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Beyond Napa, start the oenophile adventure in Russian River Valley in Sonoma County – we recommend Sonoma-Cutrer ’s tasty Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Lodi in the Central Valley is primarily known for its Zinfandels, but the region is emerging as a top destination for less familiar grape varieties such as Albariño and Vermentino, including the crisp whites made by Klinker Brick Winery.

In Paso Robles, the Tin City food and wine market hosts Desparada Wines, known for its French- and Italian-influenced reds, whites, and blends. Meanwhile, Temecula in Riverside County – between LA and San Diego – is ideal Syrah-growing country.

Learn about California's Indigenous culture

Innovative cultural centers, outdoor sacred sites, learning spaces and hands-on arts and crafts experiences are just some of the many ways visitors can learn more about the 100-plus federally recognized tribes in California.

In the north near Eureka, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park has exhibits that explore how miners and settlers impacted many different California tribes, including the Karok, Hupa, Wiyot, Yuki and Shasta.

After biking the American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) in Folsom, 300 miles (483km) south of Eureka, stop in at the Folsom History Museum to view exhibits about the area’s Indigenous peoples and Gold Rush history (a new museum devoted to Folsom's Chinese heritage is in the works as of 2021).

For something more hands-on, take basket-making and other crafts classes at the Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Cultural Center east of Bakersfield, near Sequoia National Forest. You can also shop for woven baskets and other Indigenous arts and crafts from local makers at the Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center in Bishop, a small town that regularly hosts bouldering, mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts.

Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park near Santa Barbara features rock art thought to have been painted by the Chumash people in the 1600s and earlier. Continuing south toward Los Angeles – home to America's largest Indigenous population – the Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center highlights the history and culture of the Chumash, Kitanemuk, Serrano, Tataviam, and Tongva tribes.

Further south and inland, in the Coachella Valley, construction is underway on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ Cultural Plaza. When complete, the center will include a museum and a spa utilizing minerally-rich waters from a nearby hot spring that native Americans have used for healing and spiritual purposes for centuries.

In San Diego County, the area now covered by the Mission Trails Regional Park played an important role for Indigenous Kumeyaay and Luiseño people. Today it’s a fine spot for hiking, mountain biking, trail riding and weekend camping.

Experience American culture in California's small towns

Small towns offer the best of America. North of San Francisco, Chico is a vibrant college hub surrounded by farming communities – always a good sign when seeking out great food in California’s northeast. The town's Bidwell Park is a great spot for splashing around in swimming holes, horseback riding, fishing and hiking. You can also tour the highly-regarded Sierra Nevada Brewing Company brewery and admire work by local artists at the Museum of Northern California Art.

Situated in the Trinity Mountains a few hours north of Redding, Dunsmuir is a well-loved fly fishing destination and a notable stop for US railroad history buffs. Calistoga near Napa is a place to soak in soothing mineral waters at spa resorts that range from modest to opulent; some are also clothing optional. Along California’s Central Coast, Cambria is an artsy, seaside town dotted with cozy inns – it's also the setting for Hearst Castle, the lavish former home of William Randolph Hearst.

Inland and easily accessible from Los Angeles, Ojai attracts wellness-seekers who also like the comfort of bedding down in boutique hotels. And the mountain town of Idyllwild puts 30,000 acres of the San Jacinto Wilderness within reach, as well as art galleries, outdoor rock climbing and an annual outdoor jazz festival.

Witness remarkable natural events

California sees some amazing natural phenomena every year. If the timing aligns, try to catch the annual bioluminescence events in Point Reyes (Sonoma County), Long Beach (Los Angeles County), Newport Beach and Laguna Beach (Orange County), and San Diego.

During the day, the ocean takes on a reddish-brown hue from algal blooms, and these same microscopic organisms make the ocean light up at night. These ‘red tides’ are best observed from land, however, as the algae produce toxins that can cause irritation for people with asthma and other medical conditions.

The annual monarch butterfly migration begins in November and runs through March, bringing vast numbers of these distinctive butterflies to the Central Coast, including Pacific Grove’s Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Monterey County. Though the number of butterflies is impressive, western monarch butterfly numbers have dwindled by 99 percent since the 1980s, likely due to a combination of climate change, drought conditions and habitat loss.

The annual whale migration is another good reason to visit Northern California from December to April, when some 20,000 gray whales pass by en route between Alaska and Mexico. However, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas and other species are spotted year-round. Monterey Bay is the most famous whale-watching destination in the state.

Shop for products made by California artisans

Locally made homewares, apparel and accessories can be found throughout the state, showcasing California's creativity. Sweet July in Oakland highlights African American-owned businesses and Bay Area makers; shop for kitchenware, jewelry and self-care products from producers such as Johanna Howard Home, 54 Thrones and ByChari.

In Santa Ana, Alta Baja Market at 4th Street Market celebrates the food of California, the Southwest and Mexico. It's a good place to find wines from the emerging Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Mexico.

In Downtown Los Angeles, The Row houses sustainable fashion boutiques such as Coast by Coast swimwear and Banks Journal menswear, as well as a wine shop, florist, produce market and restaurants.

Don't forget the obvious California experiences

As well as going off the beaten track, you'll want to make time to bask on California's beaches, soak up the big city buzz of Los Angeles and San Francisco, take amazing hikes in the California hills and enjoy the thrills in the state's fantastic theme parks – including Disneyland. And don't overlook outdoor adventures in legendary national parks such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Death Valley.

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Albuquerque is the gateway to the Southwest. Set in the center of New Mexico, the city makes a great base for discovering the diverse landscapes and cultures that make the state the Land of Enchantment.

These road trips from Albuquerque explore some of New Mexico’s most exciting and fascinating destinations, and most will have you back in time for dinner and margaritas. Here are seven of our favorite journeys that can be completed in a day from the Duke City.

Go mining for adventure on the Turquoise Trail

Filled with mountain views and Old West history, the Turquoise Trail is the nickname for New Mexico 14, a two-lane road that travels from Tijeras just east of Albuquerque to Santa Fe along the east side of the Sandia Mountains. It gets its sobriquet from the precious mineral that Native Americans mined in Cerrillos and traded throughout the Americas. Travelers along this national scenic highway pass through Cedar Crest with its Greenside Cafe and Rumor Brewing before reaching the turnoff for New Mexico 536 that climbs to the crest of the Sandía Mountains at 10,678ft. In Sandia Park, the Tinkertown Museum is an eclectic collection of outsider art that’s a family favorite (closed November through March).

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Continue north on NM 14 to arrive in Madrid (pronounced MAD-rid) which was a booming coal-mining town in the 1930s. Madrid became a ghost town that was discovered by free spirits in the 1960s, and old mining shacks were once again inhabited and fixed up. Today the town’s historic mining buildings are brightly colored art galleries, cafés and museums. The next stop on the trip is Cerrillos, such the epitome of an Old West town that it’s been featured in several movies including Young Guns. New life here hasn’t detracted from its ghost town feel, and the Black Bird Saloon and Cerrillos Station mercantile store and gallery have joined longtime businesses like the Casa Grande Trading Post, Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum and the Cerrillos Petting Zoo. Cerrillos Hills State Park has information about the area’s Native American turquoise mining and has hiking trails through the rolling Ortiz Mountains. From Cerrillos, Santa Fe is just a few miles north. The entire trip from Tijeras to Santa Fe is only 60 miles, but give yourself plenty of time to explore.

How to get to the Turquoise Trail: From Albuquerque, travel I-40 east to Exit 175 at Tijeras, then take NM 14 north toward Santa Fe.

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Take the train to Santa Fe

Santa Fe is an hour-and-a-half drive north of Albuquerque via I-25 but a more scenic, fun and environmentally friendly option is to take the New Mexico Rail Runner Express train. The train departs from several stations throughout Albuquerque and follows the Rio Grande corridor to the Santa Fe Depot Station. Local cafes, restaurants, breweries and boutiques have popped up around the historic depot, creating a destination itself in the Santa Fe Railyard District. Explore Santa Fe’s newest neighborhood, then enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk east to the Santa Fe Plaza. Known for its fine-art galleries, Canyon Road is another half-mile stroll east of the plaza. The interactive art funhouse Meow Wolf has become a must-see destination, and you can hail a ride service from the depot for the 4-mile trip.

How to get to Santa Fe via train: Visit the New Mexico Rail Runner Express website for schedules. Parking is available at stations throughout the Albuquerque area, including the Alvarado Transit Station in downtown Albuquerque.

Explore Chaco Culture National Historical Park

A journey to remote Chaco Culture National Historical Park pushes the limits for a road trip from Albuquerque at three hours one-way, but it’s well worth the beautiful drive on US 550 for anyone interested in Native American culture, history, archaeology and desert hiking. Called Chaco Canyon locally, this park protects the remains of large structures called Great Houses built by ancestral Puebloans from roughly 700 to 1100 CE. These impressive buildings are aligned with astronomical events to mark the seasons, and it is thought the area served as a religious and governmental capital with trade routes that extended throughout North America. A small museum displays an array of artifacts including turquoise jewelry, copper bells and macaw feathers from Mexico, and beautiful pottery and jewelry excavated from Great Houses. A paved loop allows visitors to drive to many of the Great Houses, and backcountry hiking trails extend to more ruins overlooking the high desert landscape that is little changed from 1000 years ago. Services are few here so make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, and top off the gas tank before adventuring to this World Heritage destination.

How to get to Chaco Culture National Historical Park: Take I-25 to US 550 at Bernalillo, then travel US 550 for 133 miles and follow park signs. The last 16 miles into the park are unpaved and can be impassable after rain or snow.

Journey to Acoma Pueblo (Sky City)

The Pueblo of Acoma is one of the 19 Pueblo nations that have been in New Mexico since time immemorial, and its village of Sky City is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Respectful visitors can learn about the history, culture and traditions of Sky City, which was built upon a towering mesa top 365ft above the desert floor. Tours lead visitors up the mesa and through the ancient streets and alleyways lacing between adobe homes that have served many generations. Guides explain the history and day-to-day traditional living at Sky City such as baking bread in domed ovens and collecting rainwater. At the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum, learn more about Acoma culture and history through exhibits, purchase pottery and jewelry at the Gaits’i gallery, and enjoy Pueblo favorites such as blue corn enchiladas and contemporary dishes at the Yaak’a Cafe.

How to get to Acoma Pueblo: Take I-40 west for 100 miles to Exit 102, then follow signs to the Sky City Cultural Center.

Enjoy country living in Corrales

Located just minutes north of Albuquerque, quiet Corrales is a rural farming village along the west bank of the Rio Grande. Walking trails weave through the cottonwoods lining the river in the Corrales Bosque Preserve, and wildlife including Canada geese and sandhill cranes is frequently seen. Local shops offer everything from horse tack to fine art, and restaurants like the Indigo Crow and Perea’s Tijuana Bar offer a range of meals and patio dining. Ex Novo Brewery, Corrales Bistro and other watering holes serve New Mexico craft beer, and guests are welcome to stroll the vineyards of Corrales’ three wineries. Casa San Ysidro Museum, an extension of the Albuquerque Museum, is housed in a 19th-century ranch home and interprets life in New Mexico pre-statehood. Driving from Albuquerque north along Rio Grande Boulevard to Corrales, you’ll pass through the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque where Casa Rondeña Winery and Los Poblanos Inn and Organic Farm are well worth a visit.

How to get to Corrales: Take Rio Grande Boulevard north to Alameda Boulevard, then travel west on Alameda to Corrales Road/New Mexico 448 and turn north.

Go for a soak in Jemez Springs

The Village of Jemez Springs an hour northwest of Albuquerque is known for its hot springs, the result of the Jemez (pronounced Hey-mez) Mountains’ volcanic past. Enjoy a hot soak at any of several inns and bathhouses here with mountain views including Jemez Hot Springs and the historic Jemez Springs Bath House. Jemez Springs’ tiny downtown has the local-favorite Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon and a few shops and galleries, and the nearby Jemez Historic Site preserves the ruins of a 17th-century pueblo village and Spanish mission. At about an hour from Albuquerque Jemez Springs makes for a fun destination, or include it on a longer road trip as part of the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway that eventually loops back to Albuquerque via Santa Fe. On the drive to Jemez Springs, make sure to stop at the Pueblo of Jemez’s Walatowa Visitor Center and picturesque Red Rock Canyon to learn about the area’s first inhabitants.

How to get to Jemez Springs: Head north on I-25 to Bernalillo, where you’ll take US 550 northwest for 25 miles to San Ysidro, then take New Mexico 4 north for 17 miles.

Hike through surreal tent rocks

An hour north of Albuquerque, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument contains surreal cone-shaped rock formations capped by balanced boulders, delighting hikers and photographers 7 million years after their formation. This whole area was buried under volcanic ash when a supervolcano, now Valles Caldera National Preserve, erupted and covered northern New Mexico under hundreds of feet of ash and debris. Boulders compressed and hardened the ash creating the cone shapes while the noncompressed ash weathered away, leaving these formations that can be as tall as 90ft. Three hiking trails pass through this otherworldly landscape, climbing through slot canyons to an overlook that surveys some of the largest formations and the Jemez, Sandia and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges beyond.

How to get to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument: Drive north on I-25 to Exit 259 onto New Mexico 22. Drive 14.5 miles to the turn at Indian Service Rte 92, and follow signs to the monument. The route to the  monument passes through Cochiti Pueblo land and is subject to Tribal closures. Visit the website to verify access first.

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Maui serves up an appealing mix of adventure, beauty and urban fun. Add in intriguing historic sites and soul-stirring cultural attractions, and it’s easy to see why the Valley Isle consistently ranks as a top global destination.

Highlights include the beaches, where you can sunbathe, snorkel and surf, and Haleakalā National Park, home to a stark crater plus a swath of lush coastal acreage. Adventuring is best complemented with local food and an evening immersed in the island’s many cultural offerings. Here are our 12 picks for the best things to do.

Paddle an outrigger canoe along the coast

You’ll see them packed tight on beaches across Maui: long, narrow canoes with lateral support floats. Known as outrigger canoes, these colorful watercraft are the descendants of the cargo-filled canoes used by Polynesian explorers thousands of years ago to reach and eventually settle the Hawaiian Islands. These early settlers paddled more than 2400 miles! The canoes were subsequently used for fishing, transport and carrying cargo. Today, outrigger canoe clubs hold races and keep the outrigger tradition alive. Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures in Wailea and Hawaiian Paddle Sports in Makena offer guided outrigger canoe tours, sharing cultural insights as you paddle along the coast.

Learn about the lives of missionaries and whalers in Lahaina

Everything starts at the banyan tree. Planted in 1873, this leafy Lahaina landmark has 16 trunks and scores of shade-providing branches. Learn the history of the city at the adjacent Lahaina Heritage Museum inside the Old Lahaina Courthouse. Pop into the visitor center here for a walking-tour brochure. Whalers and missionaries crossed paths in Lahaina beginning in the 1820s – often acrimoniously. Home to a missionary doctor, the 1834–35 Baldwin House is the oldest surviving Western-style building in Lahaina. Drunken sailors were held nearby at Hale Pa'ahao Prison. On Front St, storefronts that once housed saloons, dance halls, and brothels now teem with galleries, shops, and restaurants. There are also still plenty of watering holes – The Pioneer Inn Bar celebrates the sailor’s life with whaling-era decor.

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Step into the past on the Road to Hana

Carving a narrow path between the ocean and lush tropical slopes, the Road to Hana is famed for its wild waterfalls and zen-like pools. And yes, you should stop at a few along the way. But it’s the unique historic sites that may linger in your memory longest. Standing beside Polynesia’s largest temple – five stories high – it’s impossible not to feel dwarfed by the scale of Pi’ilanihale Heiau. Its construction likely began in the 13th century, and it is probably the most significant stop on the entire Road to Hana. Tours explore the extraordinary relationship between the ancient Hawaiians and their environment. It’s possible to drive this route yourself, but due to overcrowding and traffic concerns, we recommend visitors join an organized tour.

Another worthwile stop on the Road to Hana is the Piʻilani Trail at nearby Waiʻanapanapa State Park, which follows an ancient footpath known as the King’s Trail that once circled the island. Some of its worn stepping stones date from the time of Piʻilani, a king who ruled Maui in the 16th century.

Snorkel in Turtle Town at Maluʻaka Beach

Graceful honu (green sea turtles) inhabit Maui’s coastal waters, and they are regularly seen feeding in shallow coves and bays. Adults can grow to more than 3ft – an awesome sight when one swims past you just a few feet away. The reef-filled coast of Maluʻaka Beach, also known as Turtle Town, in Makena is a popular spot for snorkelers eager to spot the animals, which are native to Hawaii. You’ll find terrific coral about 100 yards out, and the best snorkeling action is at the southern end of the beach. Remember that sea turtles are an endangered species in the US, and it is a federal offense to harm, harass or touch them.

Explore the mesmerizing volcanic valley at Haleakalā

A volcanic valley layered with cinder cones and old lava flows, the yawning mouth of Haleakalā is a geographic stunner. It’s also a visual feast, home to a stark landscape that dances with the light and tugs you in for a closer look: multi-hued cones; luminous silverswords; crumbly red slopes – the appeal borders on the mystical. You won't be alone at the summit for the sunrise – and reservations are required by the national park – but the majestic pre-dawn performance is one to be shared, with a cottony blanket of clouds giving way to rich tones of amber and ocher blazing across the crater floor below. Afterwards, hike down the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail to the crater floor. What will surprise you most? The profound silence, interrupted only by the sound of volcanic cinders crunching beneath your feet.

Sample Maui’s bounty on an Upcountry farm tour

Farmers in the Upcountry grow crops in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. But these growers all have one thing in common: an appreciation for the land that they want to share with others. On the morning coffee tour at Oʻo Farm you'll stroll the coffee fields, sip French-press coffee and savor a garden frittata. Late risers may prefer the gourmet lunch tour, where visitors harvest their own produce for a chef-prepared meal. Baby goats frolic near samples of fresh chèvre at Surfing Goat Dairy, where child-friendly tours explore the workings of a dairy farm. Tours end with samples of vodka sipped beside sugarcane stalks at Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm & Distillery, where the flagship Ocean Vodka is made with deep-ocean mineral water sourced off the coast of the Big Island.

Hike through tropical splendor on the Pipiwai Trail

Your shoes will get muddy on the walk up the Pipiwai Trail, which runs alongside the ʻOheʻo Gulch streambed in the Kipahulu section of Haleakalā National Park. But jungle conditions are half the fun on this four-mile round trip hike in East Maui, which features mango and guava trees, gnarled banyan trees and a postcard view of Makahiku Falls powering down basalt cliffs smothered in lush greenery. This artistic scene is later complemented by the sounds of bamboo stalks knocking gracefully overhead in the thick Bamboo Forest. The trail ends at 400ft-tall Waimoku Falls dropping over a soaring cliff face.

Watch for whales from a kayak, catamaran or trail

With their tail slaps, head lunges and spy hops, humpback whales know how to enthrall crowds off the west and southern shores of Maui. Each winter (December to March are the best times), about 12,000 of these leviathans come to the shallow waters off the Hawaiian Islands to breed and give birth. A whale might breach heart-stoppingly close to your kayak on a paddle-snorkel tour with Aloha Kayaks in Makena Bay. Couples can scan the seas while sipping wine on a sunset catamaran tour off the coast of Kaʻanapali with Teralani Sailing. Do-it-yourselfers can simply keep watch from coastal trails in Kihei and Wailea. Papawai Point is a roadside pull-off overlooking Maʻalaea Harbor, a favored nursing ground. Staffers from the Pacific Whale Foundation may be on-site to answer questions.

Dig into local food

Day-to-day eats reflect Maui’s multicultural heritage, with Asian, Portuguese, and Native Hawaiian influences the most immediately evident. Cheap, tasty, and diet-busting local food is also the stuff of cravings. The classic example is the plate lunch, which includes a protein, mac-and-cheese and two scoops of white rice. Loco moco is a hearty dish of rice, fried egg and a hamburger patty topped with gravy. Try it at Kihei Caffe. Poke is raw fish marinated in shōyu (soy sauce), oil, chili peppers, green onions, and seaweed. For a delicious variety of poke, stop by the Foodland grocery seafood counter. Sample the world's most spectacular snow cone: finely shaved ice packed into a paper cone and drenched with colorful fruit-flavored syrups. Add Kauaʻi cream, azuki beans and ice cream for added decadence. Ululani's does them oh-so-right.

Watch the pros ride the waves at Hoʻokipa Beach

Someone is always checking out the wave-riding action from the Hoʻokipa Beach overlook. But spectators are no surprise. This North Shore beach reigns supreme as the world’s premier windsurfing beach, with strong currents, consistent winds, dangerous shore breaks and razor-sharp coral offering the ultimate challenge. This is also one of Maui’s prime surfing spots. While the action in the water is usually only suitable for pros, intermediate surfers can enjoy tamer days. The lookout point is on the eastern side of the park, and it offers a great bird’s-eye view. The beach here is a good spot to see green turtles, too.

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture

The best sensory experiences in Maui reflect the creativity of its diverse inhabitants. Native Hawaiian song and dance are always powerful, embracing a deep aloha ʻaina (respect for the land). Subsequent ethnic groups added significant contributions. Hula dancing was a solemn ritual in ancient Hawaii as well as light-hearted entertainment. The dancing is captivating at the Old Lahaina Luau, where authentic Hawaiian history, culture, and cuisine are the focus. Spanish and Mexican cowboys introduced the guitar to the islands in the 1830s. The steel guitar eventually became popular and is often played here today with slack-key tuning – a simultaneous playing of bass and melody. Check it out at the weekly Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert in Napili.

Stake your claim on Maui’s wildest beach

A short walk through a thick tangle of kiawe trees drops you on Big Beach (Oneloa) in Makena State Park. What will you see? Conjure up the idyllic Hawaiian beach – an endless expanse of gleaming sands, no development in sight, unbelievably blue water, and bodysurfers riding the powerful waves. If one beach captures the spirit of Maui, this is it: wild, vast, and in a completely natural state. But unvisited? No. This is where Mauians come to celebrate Maui the way it used to be. Join them. Worship the waves. Applaud the sunsets. Big Beach is big enough for everyone.

Go diving in the Molokini Crater

Hawaiian legend says Molokini was a beautiful woman turned to stone by a jealous Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today Molokini is the stuff of legends in the diving community. The crescent-shaped rock, which sits about three miles from the South Maui coast, is the rim of a volcanic crater. The shallow waters cradled within are a hospitable spot for coral and a calling card for more than 250 fish species. For an iconic Hawaiian dive, this is the place.

Set your eyes on the glorious ‘Iao Needle in ‘Iao Valley State Park

Nowhere is Maui’s verdant, moody beauty better captured than at ʻIao Valley, where the ʻIao Needle – a phallic-shaped, emerald-green pinnacle – shoots straight up from the valley floor. The pinnacle is the centerpiece of this mystical state park. Snuggled into deep folds of lush rainforested mountains, ʻIao is such a sumptuous sight it’s easy to understand why Hawaiian kings placed a kapu (taboo) on the valley, forbidding commoners from laying eyes on it. Luckily for you, the kapu has been lifted. You brought your camera, right?

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14 of the best things to do in Maui: soothe your soul with surf, nature and culture

With rich history, vibrant traditions and glorious nature everywhere you look, Sweden is made for road trips.

The country’s comprehensive network of highways and secondary roads is well maintained, and even dirt roads tend for the most part to be relatively smooth gravel and dust than suspension-jolting rutted tracks. Though many attractions are accessible by public transportation, one of the joys of a Swedish road trip is all the unexpected discoveries along the way, from secluded lakes to endless views, charming cities and towns to archaeological sites dating back a thousand years. Here, from north to south, are nine driving routes that showcase the best of Sweden.

Best Arctic road

Kiruna to the Norwegian border

Kiruna-Riksgränsen and back; 163 miles (262km); allow at least a day

Mountains, lakes and forest are the main attractions on this gorgeous 82-mile (131km) stretch of route E10, one of the most northerly roads in Sweden. The road hugs the south shore of Torneträsk, Sweden’s largest alpine lake, passing through Abisko, one of the jewels of the national park system, and providing excellent views of Lapporten, the region’s iconic U-shaped mountain.

Unless you’re also planning on visiting Norway, you’ll have to turn around at Riksgränsen and drive back the way you came — no hardship, since even the most panoramic view looks different in the opposite direction. You can easily make the round-trip drive in a day, but if you’ve got time, spend at least a night or two in the Abisko area to experience the national park.

Best road trip for wild alpine scenery

The Wilderness Road

Strömsund-Strömsund; 310 miles (500km); 2-7 days

This route makes a circuit through one of Sweden’s most spectacular alpine wilderness areas. Starting in Strömsund, drive clockwise past a string of sparkling lakes and rushing rivers before climbing onto the Stekenjokk plateau, 2884 feet (879m) above sea level. This is Sweden’s highest-altitude paved road and is closed from mid-October to early June due to heavy snow. Once you descend, continue along more lakes and rivers to Vilhelmina, then circle back south to Strömsund to complete the loop.

Without stops you could drive this route in a day and see plenty of stunning scenery, but taking your time reveals many interesting sights and detours, including hiking trails, waterfalls, Sweden’s longest cave system, Sámi camps and church towns, local heritage centers and a variety of guided outdoor activities.

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Best road trip for intriguing natural wonders

Indalsälven and the High Coast

Östersund-Örnsköldsvik; 240 miles (385km); 5-7 days

This route connects one of Sweden’s major rivers to one of its most geologically interesting stretches of coastline. As you follow Indalsälven through the beautiful Ragunda Valley worthwhile stops include Döda Fallet (the Dead Falls), a striking display of nature’s power and human folly, and Thailändska Paviljongen, an authentic Thai pavilion commemorating King Chulalongkorn’s 1887 visit to the region.

Continue to the coast to explore Höga Kusten, a stretch of shoreline that has been rising steadily since the end of the last Ice Age. The region’s many attractions include hiking trails in rugged Skuleskogen National Park, spectacular views from Skuleberget, the once-secret Cold War fortress at Hemsö and boat excursions to Ulvön. Don’t miss the viewpoint at the north end of Sweden’s longest suspension bridge, Höga Kustenbron.

Best road trip for Swedish arts and culture

Dalarna circuit

Falun-Borlänge, 160 miles (257km): 3-7 days

A road trip through Dalarna is an opportunity to explore some of Sweden’s most beloved traditions and cultural icons, as well as striking scenery around Lake Siljan. The lakeside towns of Leksand, Rättvik and Mora are centers for local music, folk dance and handicraft traditions. North of Leksand, be sure to take the side road via the picture-perfect village of Tällberg. Near Mora, stop in Nusnäs to see hand-painted wooden Dala horses being made. Along the west side of Siljan, take the road across Sollerön, an island with many Viking graves, and hike — or take the chairlift — to the top of 1686-foot (514m) Gesundaberget for panoramic lake views.

Other highlights include Falun, known for its historic copper mine, and the homes of the famous Swedish artists Carl Larsson, in Sundborn, and Anders Zorn, in Mora.

Best coastal road trip

Bohuslän Coastal Road

Göteborg-Strömstad; 250 miles (400km); 3-10 days

Just north of Göteborg, Bohuslän is a stunningly beautiful region with a jagged coastline dotted with picturesque villages and historic sites. By highway, it’s just two hours from Göteborg to the Norwegian border, but taking your time on the smaller roads along the coast quickly reveals why this is one of Sweden’s most popular summer vacation areas.

Attractions along the way include nature reserves, imposing fortresses, the outdoor art exhibit Skulptur i Pilane, thousands of ancient petroglyphs at Tanum and Sweden’s first marine national park, Kosterhavet, off the coast near Strömstad. Among the most beautiful communities are Smögen with its brightly painted fishing huts; Fjällbacka, made famous to crime fiction fans by local author Camilla Läckberg; and Grebbestad, with a vibrant guest harbor and renowned oyster fisheries.

Best road trip for castles and history

Around Lake Mälaren

Stockholm-Stockholm; 250 miles (400km); 2-7 days

The heartland of the Swedish kingdom for centuries, the Lake Mälaren region brims with fascinating history and lovely scenery. Surrounding the lake are enchanting towns such as Sigtuna, founded around 970, and dozens of impressive castles including Skokloster, Strömsholm and Gripsholm.

If you’re intrigued by ancient mysteries, don’t miss Anundshög, the largest burial mound in Sweden; the Bronze Age rock carvings at Boglösa and Häljesta; or Sigurdsristningen, Sweden’s longest runic inscription. If you love historic churches, the medieval cathedrals in Västerås and Strängnäs are must-see attractions. For a look at daily life in bygone days, stop at Vallby Open Air Museum or Rademachersmedjorna. Near Södertälje, Taxinge-Näsby Palace is famous for its bountiful selection of pastries — a sweet finale to your Mälaren adventure.

Best road trip for varied attractions

Around Lake Vättern

Jönköping-Jönköping; about 200 miles (321km); allow 4-8 days

Long and narrow, Sweden’s second-largest lake is the centerpiece of a diverse route blending history, nature and culture. Follow the eastern shore to Gränna, famous for striped candy canes, and the gorgeous nature reserve Ekopark Omberg. Nearby are the 12th-century monastic ruins at Alvastra and Sweden’s longest runic inscription, Rökstenen. Continue on to Vadstena with its renowned medieval abbey and impressive Renaissance castle, and Motala, the “capital” of the Göta Canal, with Sweden’s longest lake beach, Varamobadet.

Tiveden National Park and Karlsborg Fortress are among the highlights on Vättern’s west side. If you have time, interesting detours around the lake include Visingsö island (by ferry from Gränna); the Göta Canal with multi-lock staircases at Borenshult and Berg; the medieval sites at Skara and Varnhem; and Lake Hornborga, beloved by birdwatchers.

Best road trip combining nature and history

Skåne

Kristianstad-Ängelholm; 250 miles (400km); 7-10 days

Sweden’s southernmost province, Skåne, has a reputation for being flat, but as this route proves, that’s only true some of the time. This road trip encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including rocky coastline, golden fields, apple orchards, wildflower-covered hills, and some of Sweden’s finest beaches. Other highlights include medieval towns and cities such as Åhus, Ystad and Lund; the mysterious ancient ship setting Ales Stenar; and Sweden’s vibrant third-largest city, Malmö.

Skåne also has three national parks — Stenshuvud, Dalby Söderskog and Söderåsen — which protect special landscapes unique to the region. In the northwest, don’t miss the magnificent gardens at Sofiero Palace and Kullaberg, a cave-dotted peninsula with dramatic coastal views, picturesque towns and Sweden’s most powerful lighthouse.

Best long-distance road trip

Cities and coasts

Stockholm-Göteborg or vice versa; 620 miles (1000km); 10-14 days minimum

Connecting Sweden’s three largest cities, this route takes in many of the highlights of southern Sweden, following the coast most of the way. At Södertälje, southwest of Stockholm, pick up the excursion route Utflyktsvägen, a scenic byway that terminates near Norrköping. Next, follow the E22 south to Skåne, making detours inland or along the coast as you please. Worthwhile stops include pretty Söderköping on the Göta Canal, historic Kalmar with its iconic Renaissance castle and Karlskrona, a naval city overlooking Sweden’s southernmost archipelago.

From Kristianstad, follow the Skåne route above to Ängelholm, from which the E6 highway runs straight up the beautiful west coast. If you have enough time, there are many alternative routes past fine beaches and attractive cities such as Halmstad, Falkenberg and Varberg, en route to lively Göteborg.

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Of Amsterdam 's trove of museums, the twin standouts are the monumental Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands' national museum, crammed with treasures spanning more than eight centuries, and the streamlined, modern Van Gogh Museum, containing the world's largest collection of works by seminal Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh.

Both rank among the top-tier museums in Europe, yet each offers a wildly different experience. At a stretch, you could visit both in one, very full day, or, more comfortably, two. But what if you can only make it to a single museum? We drill down into the key aspects to consider to help you choose between them.

Comparing each collection highlights

The superstar attraction of the Rijksmuseum is Rembrandt’s colossal The Night Watch; his other canvases here include The Jewish Bride and The Syndics. Golden Age paintings also include Vermeer’s Milkmaid and Woman in Blue Reading a Letter, and works by Jan Steen such as The Merry Family.

Also within the museum's whopping 1.5km (half-a-mile-plus) of galleries are blue-and-white  Delftware pottery, intricate dollhouses, Asian art and the splendid Cuypers Library. There are artworks by Van Gogh at the Rijksmuseum too, among them his famous 1887 Self-portrait.

For an extensive array, the Van Gogh Museum is a deep-dive into the mind, soul and extraordinary body of work by the tormented genius, from his artistic beginnings in the Netherlands to his prolific days in southern France where he painted with fervent brushstrokes and vibrant colors.

Chronologically arranged, there are some 200 paintings ( The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Yellow House, The Bedroom, Wheatfield with Crows...) and 500 drawings. You'll also find works by his peers (Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet et al), as well as 700 hand-written letters that provide an intimate glimpse into his close relationship with his younger brother, Theo, Vincent's most ardent supporter.

Our pick

The Van Gogh museum for an emotive connection to one of the world's most complex artists, the Rijksmuseum for the grand sweep of Dutch art history.

Location and setting of these two Amsterdam museums

The museums are adjacent to each other at Museumplein, a vast, grassy expanse in central Amsterdam around 10 minutes' walk from the lively nightlife hub of Leidseplein and a similar distance to the leafy Vondelpark (great for a post-museum picnic).

The Rijksmuseum occupies a magnificent late 19th-century building combining neo-Gothic and Dutch Renaissance styles by Pierre Cuypers, who also worked on Amsterdam's showpiece Centraal Station. Outside, the gardens, with roses, fountains, hedges and even a greenhouse, double as an outdoor sculpture gallery.

By contrast, the Van Gogh Museum's main building is an early 1970s arrival designed by De Stijl architect Gerrit Rietveld. Its glass exhibition wing by Kisho Kurokawa was added in 1999, and in 2015, an extension providing an extra 800 sq meters (8600 sq ft) of space incorporated a striking new entrance hall.

Our pick

The Rijksmuseum for historic grandeur and gardens, the Van Gogh Museum for modern and contemporary design.

History of the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum

Many of the Netherlands' national and royal collections were displayed at the National Art Gallery in Den Haag (The Hague) before Napoleon moved them to join others at the new capital's Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square in 1808. The collections continued to shift locations until a design competition was held to build them a permanent home befitting of the works on display. Construction of the Rijksmuseum began in 1876 and in 1885 the museum opened its doors. A decade-long, multimillion-euro renovations were completed in 2013.

The founding of the Van Gogh Museum was more personal: Vincent died in 1890, aged just 37, having only sold one painting in his lifetime. He left his works to his brother, Theo, who died the following year. Theo’s widow, Jo Van Gogh-Bonger, inherited the collection. When she died in 1925, she passed it on to her son Vincent Willem van Gogh, who loaned it to Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum (also located at Museumplein) until the government commissioned this dedicated museum, which opened in 1973.

Our pick

The Rijksmuseum for national history, the Van Gogh Museum for family history.

How long does it take to see the museums?

The Rijksmuseum's size and the scale of its collections – some 8000 pieces are displayed at a time – means you'll need plenty of time here. Allow at least four to five hours to do it justice.

At the Van Gogh Museum, visits typically take around two hours, though aficionados will want to stay longer.

Our pick

The Van Gogh Museum if you have a tight schedule, the Rijksmuseum if you want to make a day of it.

Opening hours and best times to visit

Aim to visit either museum first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially midweek, to experience them at their quietest. The Rijksmuseum opens daily from 9am to 5pm year-round. Opening hours for the Van Gogh Museum vary seasonally: during the warmer months (March/April to September/October), hours are typically 9am or 10am to 5pm or 6pm, with extended hours to 9pm on Fridays. The rest of the year it's normally 10am to 5pm (to 6pm on weekends), closing completely on Mondays in mid-winter.

Hours are updated on the museums' websites; you'll need to book an entry-timed ticket (more on that below).

Our pick

The Rijksmuseum for consistent hours year-round, the Van Gogh Museum for longer hours in season.

Booking tickets at Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum

Tickets to the Rijksmuseum cost €20 for adults; admission is free for visitors aged 18 and under (ie under 19); there are no student discounts. Its sculpture gardens are free. Tickets for the Van Gogh Museum cost €19 per adult, with free admission for children under 18 years old; on weekdays (excluding public holidays), students pay €10 with valid ID.

Both museums require you to prebook tickets online and choose a start time for your visit. Entry time slots are essential even for visitors with a museum pass or discount card such as the worthwhile I amsterdam City Card.

Our pick

The Van Gogh Museum is marginally cheaper, although you'll probably spend longer at the Rijksmuseum, which may work out to be more cost effective overall.

Tours of Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum

Check the museums' websites for current details of guided tours (subject to Covid-19 restrictions).

The Rijksmuseum app is downloadable from the Apple app store or Google Play (bring your own headphones or purchase them at the museum). This nifty, free multilingual app lets you create your own route through the museum based on your interests.

Multimedia guides in multiple languages for the Van Gogh Museum normally cost €5 for adults and €3 for under 18s, and are disinfected after use; reserve one online when you book.

Our pick

The Rijksmuseum for its customisable app, the Van Gogh Museum for a ready-made audio tour.

Which of these Amsterdam museums has the best restaurants?

Cafes and espresso bars are located at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Rijksmuseum also has a destination restaurant, Rijks, utilising local produce in exquisitely presented dishes inspired by traditional Dutch recipes that have earned it a Michelin star.

Our pick

The cafes at both museums are excellent. For a meal to rival the artworks, you can't beat the Rijksmuseum.

Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, which should I visit?

Ultimately, if you're an art-history buff and fan of the Dutch masters, the Rijksmuseum won't disappoint. Fans of Van Gogh's works, on the other hand, shouldn't pass up the chance to see so many of his masterpieces in one place. And if you can't visit them both on this trip, you could always return to Amsterdam.

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Brisbane’s museums look to the future as well as the past, with links to cultural movements throughout the Asia-Pacific.

The city’s arts scene celebrates its thriving Indigenous culture as well as innovations in international arts. Meanwhile, niche historical museums delve into the ancient past when dinosaurs and megafauna ruled the land, as well as Brisbane’s convict history and the city’s critical role in the WWII war in the Pacific.

Museum of Brisbane: best for cutting-edge culture

Bone up on Brisbane at the award-winning Museum of Brisbane, which goes beyond dusty history to delve into music, fashion, and contemporary culture with its boundary-pushing program.

Recent MoB exhibitions have unpacked the impact of Bauhaus on Brisbane architecture, invited visitors to graffiti the walls of Boggo Road Gaol, and showcased Indigenous artist Dylan Mooney’s Blak Superheroes. There’s a fantastic kids program, and the gift shop is a top spot to pick up funky Brisbane-themed souvenirs made by local creatives. Find it on the third floor of the Brisbane City Hall.

Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: best for landmark art

Known to its friends as QAGOMA, Australia’s largest art museum compromises two massive buildings in the South Bank cultural precinct.

GOMA is the go-to for modern art. Housed in one of Brisbane’s most striking buildings, which is illuminated at night like a disco dancefloor, the gallery is fronted by Michael Parekowhai’s The World Turns, a life-size bronze elephant doing a face-plant into the ground.

Exhibitions focus on Australian, Asian, and Pacific artists and the gallery has a superb collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. It offers Indigenous arts experiences co-designed by Indigenous-owned Blaklash Creative. Rare and unusual films are shown four times per week at GOMA's Cinémathèque.

Next door prestigious Queensland Art Gallery is heaving with the heavyweights of Australian art such as Sidney Nolan, Margaret Olley, Albert Namatjira, Arthur Boyd, and William Dobell.

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Queensland Museum: best for dinos and megafauna

Dinosaurs take pride of place at Queensland Museum at South Bank, including Queensland’s own 25ft Muttaburrasauraus langdoni and American dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. There are also displays on ancient megafauna such as giant kangaroos, humongous wombats and massive frogs, which populated Australia when woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats wandered the Northern Hemisphere.

The onsite SparkLab Sciencentre aims to ignite young imaginations in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and maths. Temporary exhibitions might feature the wonders of the world built in Lego, or examine Queensland’s fragile Great Barrier Reef. There’s a cool Science on a Sphere installation that projects digital datasets from air traffic to animal migration on a planet-like screen.

Fortitude Valley and New Farm: best for small galleries

Head to the arty Fortitude Valley and nearby New Farm to sample the best in the contemporary Queensland art scene. Distinguished small galleries include Jan Murphy Gallery, Suzanne O’Connell Gallery, TW Fine Art, Edwina Corlette Gallery, Mitchell Fine Art, Griffith University’s POP Gallery, and Brisbane arts superstar Philip Bacon Galleries, to name just a few.

The Valley’s always-inspirational Institute of Modern Art presents works in an array of media from sonic installations to Filipino fashion and First Nations fiber art. Over in New Farm, cutting-edge visual art, theatre, live music, comedy, and a couple of great restaurants are housed in a former power station at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

QUT Art Museum: best for up-and-coming artists

Located on the Queensland University of Technology campus near the Botanic Gardens, QUT Art Museum is chock-full of exciting new works by art students, international guests, and pieces from its 3000-strong contemporary art collection. Past exhibitions have focused on Australian women abstract artists, documentary photographs of fringe-dwellers, and works inspired by Dick Bruna’s Miffy & Friends.

Birrunga Gallery and Dining: best for Indigenous connection

First Nations-owned and operated Birrunga Gallery and Dining is a hub of Indigenous culture in Meanjin (Brisbane). With an art gallery, performance space, cafe, and wine bar, this is a great space to connect with the local community. The cafe menu features native herbs and bush tucker, like finger lime mayo and Dorrigo pepper croc tail.

Macarthur Museum Brisbane: best for World War II History

In 1943, 100,000 US troops were stationed in Brisbane, a massive influx that made up a quarter of the city’s population at the time. The MacArthur Museum Brisbane invites you to imagine the impact of the American troops on the city and the tension of daily life during wartime. Sit at the desk of General Douglas MacArthur, supreme commander of the Allied Forces in the South West Pacific Area, where he and his staff hammered out strategies to win the war.

Commissariat Store Museum: best for convict history

For a peek into Australia's colonial history, stroll into Commissariat Store Museum, a convict-built storehouse from 1829 and Queensland’s oldest building still in use. Uncover the early penal settlement through an oddball collection of items including leg irons, a convict’s prosthetic foot and the full-bottomed wig of Sir Samuel Griffith, premier of Queensland 1883-88.

Pillars Project: best for street art

The Pillars Project is a street art gallery under the South Brisbane rail overpass. It features 11 beautiful pieces – look out for Brisbane boy and international street art superstar Fintan Magee’s tribute to Brisbane’s devastating floods of 2011.

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Touring immersive Van Gogh shows have taken the US by storm. Nearly every major city has hosted—and potentially sold out—at least one version of the glossy sound-and-light show. And now the Impressionist painter Claude Monet is set to get the same treatment, as an immersive experience of the French artist's work is set to open in Miami in January 2022.

If you've been to any one of the Van Gogh shows, you know the drill. Walls and floors of large art spaces will be transformed into a Monet dream world, designed to cocoon guests inside the French artist's famous works; the water lillies of Giverny, the poppy fields of Argenteuil and the painting said to inspire the name of the movement, Impression, Sunrise in Le Havre.

Guests can wander through moving images as digital projectors show animated versions of more than 400 of Monet's paintings, accompanied by contemporary music and a voiceover reading the artist's thoughts and writings.

Taking inspiration from Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, the designated home of Monet’s masterpieces, the exhibition is divided into three parts. “You truly feel like you are a part of the bright and colorful world of Claude Monet rather than a spectator,” according to Justin Paquin, co-producer of the exhibition. “ It sheds new light on what the world knows about Monet.”

Tickets for the Miami exhibition, which takes place at Ice Palace Studios, can be purchased here. The exhibition is also set to open in three Canadian cities— Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto— next year.

Meanwhile, another immersive Monet exhibition 'Monet by the Water' is planning to tour Minneapolis, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, Denver, St. Louis, and Philadelphia. Created by the Museum of Immersive Roaming Arts, the exact locations in these cities have not yet been revealed—guests will find out where the exhibition is closer to the event.  Tickets aren't on sale yet but you can sign up to the waitlist here.

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