Photo: flaxmanlibrary

Maybe it’s just me, but Lonely Planet’s list of the Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2010 seems a little, well, weak. For the most part, they are countries which are already frequented by travelers and tourists. Hardly groundbreaking stuff.

Here’s the list:

Photo: fdecomite

El Salvador
Germany
Greece
Malaysia
Morocco
Nepal
New Zealand
Portugal
Suriname
USA

Yes, I do know that lists are always subjective and everyone’s going to have their own opinion, but really, what gives?

What is it about 2010 exactly that should attract more people to New Zealand, Germany, or Greece?

Portugal? I’m pretty sure folks were headed there on their European circuit already. I can almost forgive the U.S. inclusion — although the Obama excitement is dying down — seeing as the exchange rate is so favourable right now.

How about these

Canada is hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 2010. Seems to me a great year to visit. Start out west in Vancouver, put your head down, and barrel eastward all the way to Newfoundland.

How about South Africa for the FIFA World Cup? Or even after. Post-cup might be a great time to be there.

Russia is launching Peru’s first nanosatellite in November 2010. That seems as good a reason as any to check out Peru and drop them a congratulations in person.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

What do you think about LP’s list? Do you agree/disagree?

Are you more psyched now to visit any of these destinations in 2010?

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Millau Viaduct in France / Photo: pixe_bebe

From Jack Kerouac cruising in a convertible down America’s highways to Ewan McGregor on a motorbike kicking up dust in the Mongolian plains, the road is an open call for the adventurous traveler. Even Clark Griswold had his moments on the road: Christie Brinkley in a red Ferrari; a dead grandma in the backseat. Adventure I tell you.

We’ve profiled great road trips in the past:

Roadtrip Australia: Melbourne to Sydney Along the Sapphire Coast
Matador’s Top 7 Summer Road Trips in the US and Canada
Munching Montana: A Road Trip Guide to Montana’s Most Unique Local Foods

And we’ve also given you some rock solid tips for saving cash and ideas for tunes:

8 Ways to Save Money on a US Cross Country Road Trip
Greatest Road Trip Soundtrack Ever
Highway Blues: Essential Tunes for a Delta Roadtrip

Now, our attention has been brought to three recently published articles on roads around the world — some which are considered top, some unusual, and a few that are downright deadly.

Canadian Rockies / Photo: Lianne Viau

Top Drives in the World

National Geographic Traveler published Drives of a Lifetime: The World’s Greatest Scenic Routes which highlights 50 of the world’s best road trips. There are, of course, the famous ones: Amalfi Coast in Italy, Banff and Jasper in Canada, and the Pacific Coast Highway in California.

A few of the others include:

James River, Virginia – A short 63-mile drive spanning centuries of American history.
Pirate Route, Jamaica – 380 miles starting in Port Royal, the base for many of the pirates who plundered Spain’s New World “treasure ships.”
North Island, New Zealand – A 460-mile drive taking in real-life Lord of the Rings scenery.
Flower Route, Netherlands – A tour of Western Holland in prime bloom time — April and May.

Most Unusual Drives in the World

Rental car website VroomVroomVroom has listed their picks for the Top 10 Unusual Drives on Earth…which doubles as their top 10 reasons to get extra insurance on your rental. Here are some of the weird things they found:

Baldwin Street, NZ / Photo: elisfanclub

World’s steepest road – Baldwin Street in Dunedan, New Zealand rises 230 feet in only 1150 feet of distance.
World’s longest road tunnel – Travel 15.2 miles through mountains from Laerdal to Aurland in Norway.
World’s highest bridge – The Millau Viaduct in France takes the cake at 1125 feet high (you could fit the Eiffel Tower underneath it).
World’s longest continuous road – The Pan-American Highway stretches from Alaska down Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Central and South America, all the way to the tip of Argentina. How long, you ask? Over 29,000 miles.

The Most Dangerous Drives in the World

The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) has released their list of the most dangerous roads on the planet based on car crash data, Forbes.com reports.

Photo: Roni_S

You may have already guessed the worst: the North Yungas Road in the Bolivian Andes, which claims hundreds of lives each year.

Others to enjoy this dubious distinction:

Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China – This high elevation road between Chengdu and Tibet is subject to landslides and rock avalanches. It’s part of the reason there were 82,000 road deaths in China in 2006.
Cotopaxi Volcan, Ecuador – It’s a 25-mile dirt span that connects the Pan-American Highway with Cotopaxi Volcan national park. It’s pothole riddled and runs through a stream that easily floods when it rains.
Luxor-al-Hurghada Road, Egypt – Apparently, headlights are faux-pas on this road as the vast majority of drivers don’t use them after dark.
A44, UK – This motorway runs from Oxford to Aberystwyth. 25% of the collisions are head-on.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

What fascinating road trip experiences do you have?

What country or area is your favourite for road-tripping?

Share your stories below!

The Kimberley / Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen

Most travelers that come to Australia only stick to the east: Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Brisbane. If you want to experience the real Australia, head 4000 kilometers west to the most isolated places on the continent.

Western Australia is five times the area of Texas, but is home to just 2.2 million people. That’s a lot of room to move. So hire a 4WD, pick up a cheap Ford wagon, or climb aboard one of the hop-on-hop-off buses running up and down the coast.

Working south to north, here are 10 spots you should hit:

1. Esperance

This windy coastal town is home to some of the whitest beaches in the world. The surrounding national parks offer miles of coastline to explore on foot or by 4WD. At this isolated former whaling outpost, the Indian and Southern Oceans crash with each other. The numerous uninhabited islands just offshore make a fine place to play pirates. Or just go fishing.

Photo: robertpaulyoung

2. Margaret River

Likened to Byron Bay (but with less hippies) the natural appeal of “Margs” soon led to its gentrification. But even the weekend influx of lawyers in Saabs can’t detract from the region’s charm. Minutes from town, old growth karri forests hide countless vineyards which consistently produce world-class wines, especially sauvignon blancs and cab savs.

On the coast, try your hand at finding some roaring surfbreaks, hidden away down dirt tracks. If time is not on your side, Margaret’s Main Break offers some of the most accessible — and biggest — waves around.

3. Fremantle

This port city underwent a major facelift prior to the 1987 America’s Cup, but more than two decades later, “Freo” retains much of its Mediterranean magic. Grab an espresso on The Strip and you could be in any European seaside town — if you can ignore the teenagers in their V8s lapping the boulevard, that is.

Check out the famous markets or immerse yourself in Australian culture and watch local footy team, the Dockers.

Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen

4. Perth

Set on the banks of the sparkling Swan River, Western Australia’s capital is pleasant and offers a fine base to launch your adventures from. Groovy enclaves such as Subiaco and Leederville offer cool shops, cafes, and bars, while the beaches just 15 minutes from the city are as good as you’ll find anywhere.

Leighton, Cottesloe, and Scarborough have the shimmering sands and blue-green Indian Ocean to match any tropical island.

Kings Park is the spot to wander among towering lemon gums while looking down on the sprawling Swan.

5. Rottnest

Just a ferry ride from Perth but worlds apart. Cars are banned so hop on your bike and hit the bays for snorkeling, fishing, surfing, or lazing about. Befriend a quokka — the famous wallabies (like a pint-sized kangaroo) found all over. Dutch explorers mistook the little buggers for rats, hence the name ‘Rat’s Nest.’

Camp or stay in self-contained bungalows and don’t miss the Quokka Arms — the island’s only pub with views of the city back across Cockburn Sound.

6. Kalbarri

Steep river canyons wind their way to the coast near this quiet crayfishing town where the sheer cliffs provide a perfect vantage point for whale and dolphin watching. Fish the rivermouth, visit Finlay’s fish barbecue, or try to sneak in a few waves with the locals at one of the world’s heaviest left-hand reef ledges.

Photo: rggoldie

7. Monkey Mia

Ever wanted to pet a dolphin? Here’s your chance. Generations of dolphins have been visiting this remote beach since the 1960s when a local fisherman began feeding them each day. The calm, crystal waters of Shark Bay make great conditions to spot these gentles creatures cruising the shallows, and Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort on the beachfront has accommodations to suit every budget.

8. Ningaloo

Ningaloo is the jewel of the North West. Stretching for more than 250km along the coast, it’s one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and the most accessible, coming to within 100 meters of the coast at certain points. From Coral Bay, through North West Cape, to Exmouth, the reef offers incredible fishing, snorkeling, surfing, and diving in warm water all year round.

Step off the beach into turquoise waters to see turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, and more.

9. Broome

Camels on Cable Beach / Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen

Now you’re entering the tropics proper. Long a favourite of backpackers and those fleeing the winter chill, this town is lazy and sun-drenched. Nobody hurries — they’re all on ‘Broometime.’

Do some nude sunbathing or just enjoy the sunset view at the famous Cable Beach, down a mango beer at Matso’s microbrewery, visit a pearl farm…there’s plenty to do.

North of town, the aboriginal-run Kooljaman camp at Cape Leveque is worth the drive. Palm-frond huts and 5-star safari tents overlook a typically stunning West Oz beachscape.

10. The Kimberley

Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen

The last frontier of the West, this is where things get wild. 4WD vehicles are essential for exploring this ancient land of hidden waterfalls, ochre cliffs, and indigenous rock art. Derby marks the start of the Gibb River Road: 600km of bone-jarring track through the heart of the rugged north. If you make it through, be sure to pop into El Questro, a million-acre former cattle ranch, now turned wilderness park.

With extra time, worthwhile detours are the national parks of Karijini and Millstream-Chichester in Western Austrlalia’s Pilbara region. Closer to Perth, the Pinnacles — a spooky landscape of petrified trees in the desert — also warrants your consideration.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Interested in visiting Down Under but aren’t sure how you can pull it off financially? Check out Matador’s Contest Alert: Win a Trip to Australia.

For a broader look on what there is to see and do in this part of the world, click over to 15 Things You Can’t Miss in Australia and Top 10 Places to Study in New Zealand and Australia.

Photo: jpeirera_net

India is a popular summer destination for European vacationers, monsoon lovers, and travelers who prefer to go against the grain. There are lots of good reasons for visiting India in the summer: the profusion of festivals, Himalayan destinations inaccessible in winter, empty tourist attractions, cheaper airfares, and slashed accommodation rates, to name a few.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, here are 11 activities to keep you busy in the summer:

1. Eat mangoes

Early summer, before the monsoon arrives, is the hottest time of year in India. The only relief comes from this sweet and succulent fruit, revered the country over.

Photo: wildxplorer

In India, the mango is the “king of fruit.” April is when you’ll first see them in the markets and restaurants. While there are many varieties, the Alphonso is hailed as the “king of kings,” and its seasonal appearance makes the news.

2. Hike in Ladakh

In winter, the Ladakh region of India’s remote northern state is a cold, lonely, and forbidding mountain kingdom. But come summer, flowers bloom and the tourists return to admire the barren, lunar-like landscapes and traditional Indian, Tibetan, and Central Asian cultures.

Leh, the region’s capital, has some of the best treks in India. The very accessible palace and royal monastery, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, is a great place to watch the sun rise over the Himalayas. The season’s short, though, and by mid-September it’s all over for another year.

3. Chill at a hill station

During the reign of the British Raj, the colonial rulers retreated to hill stations to escape the incendiary heat of the plains. Shimla, in the modern state of Himachal Pradesh, was the “Queen of Hill Stations.” It was from this small mountaintop town that the British ruled fully one-fifth of humanity.

Today, visitors to Shimla enjoy the laid-back vibe, Raj-era buildings, and spectacular views of the Himalayas from the The Mall — a ridge-top pedestrian-only thoroughfare that was once off-limits to Indians. Don’t miss high tea at the elegant, century-old Oberoi Cecil Hotel. Shimla is a taste of “ye olde England” in the Himalayas.

Photo: mohit.ed

4. Sing in the rain

Monsoon is a special time of year in India. The summer rains bring welcome relief from the scorching heat of early summer and they are a symbol of fertility, vigour, and joyful abandon. Bollywood movie watchers know that when rain showers soak the hero and heroine, it’s shorthand for the lovemaking they can’t show on screen.

The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in the southern state of Kerala each year on June 1, and it spends the next few months sweeping north across the subcontinent, lightening the hearts of farmers, children, lovers, and just about everyone else.

5. Experience bliss

Summer monsoon season is the best time for Ayurvedic treatment in India. Ayurveda, which means “science of life,” is the ancient system of traditional Indian health care that seeks to restore health through the use of diet, herbs, lifestyle advice, cleansing techniques, and — primarily — bliss-inducing oil massages.

The languid dampness opens the pores and makes the body more receptive to the medicated oils. Kerala, in southern India, is a tropical paradise on the Arabian Sea, and the best place for Ayurvedic treatment in India. Ayurvedic resorts, from the rustic to the luxurious, line the shores between white sand beaches and palm tree forests and offer a relaxing vacation as well as authentic treatments.

Photo: lylevincent

6. Find the source of the Ganges

The Ganges River – known in India as Ganga Mata – is the lifeline of the country and its most sacred river. One-tenth of humanity depends on its bounty for their livelihood. It cascades out of the high Himalayas in northern India, and finding its source – or sources – is a major pilgrimage activity every summer after the snows melt and the roads and villages become accessible (April to November).

The pilgrimage is called Char Dham, which means four sacred places, and bus tours from Rishikesh in Uttaranchal state can take you to all four: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri.

7. Get soaked with Ganesh

One of the biggest festivals in Maharashtra state takes place at the end of summer. It’s called Ganesh Chaturthi, and while it’s celebrated throughout India, no one does it quite like Mumbai.

For 10 days, Mumbaikars celebrate by holding cultural and social programs, eating sweets, and worshiping the popular elephant-headed god. On the 11th day — his birthday — an enormous clay figure of Ganesh is paraded through the streets of Mumbai before being immersed in the Arabian Sea. The main parade, to Chowpatty Beach, is accompanied by thousands of celebrants dancing and singing in the streets. All are welcome to join the fun.

Photo: Matt Murph

8. Sip tea in Darjeeling

A popular hill station perched high in the Himalayas on the northern edge of West Bengal, Darjeeling also gives its name to the world’s best tea. In the 19th century, Darjeeling was the summer destination for the British in Calcutta (then the capital of colonial India).

Though Darjeeling is lashed by the summer monsoon, it still offers an escape from the heat of lower-lying regions. Enjoy the Victorian-era holiday atmosphere, views of some of the world’s highest mountains, touring the surrounding tea gardens, and Tibetan culture. Take the poignantly slow Toy Train from Siliguri and you will find yourself in tune with Darjeeling’s timeless appeal.

9. Run with the chariots

The mid-summer Chariot Festival in Puri, Orissa, attracts millions of devotees and tourists each year, who take part in an enormous procession as three mammoth, dazzling wood chariots are pulled through the streets.

Photo: mckaysavage

It’s one of the biggest festivals in India — so big, it inspired the word “juggernaut.” The word was coined after 19th-century British spectators saw people, mad with devotion, throw themselves under the giant wheels of the Lord Jagannath’s chariot.

10. Watch snake boats compete

The Onam Festival of late August celebrates the tropical southern state’s rich cultural heritage when everything is fresh and radiant. During the 10-day festival, Kerala puts on a display of games and sports, traditional art forms, drama, and classical music.

There’s also shopping at the many festival bazaars that spring up and a Grand Feast. But the highlight is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, the biggest snake boat race in the world.

11. Celebrate Krishna’s birthday

Blue-skinned Krishna is one of Hinduism’s most important and beloved gods. He can be depicted as a cherubic baby, flute-playing lad, devoted lover — alongside his consort Radha — or as Arjuna’s charioteer during the epic battle of the Mahabharata (the basis of the Hindu bible, the Bhagavad Gita).

Inspiring fervent devotion among his followers, his mid-summer birthday (this year on August 14) is called Janmashtami. It is celebrated all across the country, but nowhere more so than in his birthplace, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The fun includes rituals, feasting, devotional singing, plays that depict scenes from his action-packed life, and human pyramids — formed to reach a high-hanging pot of butter, Krishna’s weakness.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Destinations

Community Connection to India

Prior to boarding that flight to India, make sure you familiarize yourself with the 10 Indian Customs to Know Before Visiting India.

We’ve also published a great essay called From Mumbai to Northern India by Train which should provide some inspiration to visit this colorful nation.

For a visual account of one person’s volunteering efforts in India, check out our Photo Essay: Saving Indian Street Kids.

Also of interest is the story behind India’s Pink Chaddi Campaign.

Photo: VinceHuang

Mt. Sinai, Egypt

To catch the sunrise on Mt. Sinai, travelers first climb a rocky trail from 2:30 to 5am, alongside Bedouin tribesmen and their camels. Then they sit and wait for the dawn’s rays to pierce the darkness and illuminate a jagged, lunar-like landscape.

The sensation of being on Mt. Sinai as the sun appears in the morning sky is impossible to forget. Even if you’re not religious, you can envision Moses having a divine experience here.

After trekking back downhill, stop at St. Catherine’s Monastery to see a direct descendant of the Bible’s burning bush.

Photo: paolo bosonin

Ganges River, Varanasi, India

Varanasi is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, with a past that stretches back 3,000 years.

Trudge its narrow, dirty streets in the predawn hours before emerging atop one of the ghats that line the sacred Ganges River to the sight of a vibrant sunrise and Hindu pilgrims bathing and praying at the water’s edge.

Alternatively, take in the scene from a rowboat that ferries visitors up and down the river.

Jimbaran Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Many Balinese beaches see lovely sunsets, but Jimbaran is unique because of the dozens of seafood shacks that line the sands and only open for dinner.

Each restaurant has chests of ice filled with freshly caught fish, from snapper and grouper to prawns and crabs. Once diners make a selection, the fish are cleaned, grilled, and served at a seaside table.

As you eat, you can sink your toes into the sand, listen to the waves, and watch as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. Afterwards, relax with a drink as the beach glows with the light of hundreds of candles, lit by the restaurants.

Photo: colinjackson1972

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania works too, as the wildebeest visit both during their annual migration from July to October. Regardless of the country, the scenery is fabulous and you can combine sunset viewing with a safari experience.

Imagine spending late afternoon on a game drive, watching elephants, giraffes, gazelles, lions, and wildebeest, and then topping off the day with a deep orange sunset.

Phnom Bakheng temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Phnom Bakheng is a Buddhist temple built in the late 9th century on a hillside outside what is now Siem Reap. Visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park are enticed to the temple ruins for its sunset views.

The top of Bakheng is accessible via a steep staircase, and from there you can look down on the sacred site of Angkor Wat and out across the forested expanse of northern Cambodia as the sun sets in a splash of color.

Photo: IanPhilipMiller

Oia, Santorini, Greece

Every day, in late afternoon, travelers make their way to the western edge of the Greek island of Santorini.

There, in the small town of Oia, amidst whitewashed homes perched on the edge of a caldera, they stand along the road and sit with legs dangling from walls, waiting for the sun to disappear beneath the waves of the Aegean Sea.

The intense light of the Aegean produces a particularly dramatic sunset. So dramatic, in fact, that the tourist crowd invariably breaks out in applause.

Cape Town, South Africa

Often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town sits at the southwestern edge of Africa, backed by the flat-topped 3,500ft peak of Table Mountain.

For an extraordinary sunset experience, book a ride with one of the local boat companies that offer late-afternoon cruises. You’ll ply the waters near the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, gaze back at the majestic Table, and perhaps sip a glass of wine as the sun dips below the horizon.

Photo: ewen and donabel

Haleakala Volcano, Maui, Hawaii

On the island of Maui, you can drive from sea level up to 10,000 feet in about two hours and end your journey near the peak of Haleakala. More than a million people make this journey annually, many of them in the predawn hours so they can watch the sun rise over Haleakala National Park.

Once it does, you can hike into Haleakala Crater. Or, hop a van up to the peak and mountain bike back down.

Community Connection

Where’s your ideal spot for watching the sun do its thing? Share it with your fellow travelers by creating your very own Matador profile.

When in Western Europe, make sure to check out the region’s 5 Best “From-a-Van” Sunsets.

And of course there’s plenty to do between sunrise and sunset. To take advantage of the day to its fullest, visit one of America’s 8 Sunniest Cities.

Photo: Larsz / Feature photo: Mike Willis

1. Spearfish Canyon National Scenic Byway

This is a fantastic drive in any season, where you’ll find granite walls specked with Black Hills spruce and aspen, tumbling waterfalls, and rolling creeks cascading over rocky beds.

The hike to Roughlock Falls is the perfect way to connect with nature. In the fall months the reds, oranges, and yellows of the trees, combined with the deep canyon walls and surging falls, provide plenty of visual and aural stimulation.

Photo: allygirl520

2. Deadwood

This restored gold-mining town is a national historic landmark, with architecture dating from the late nineteenth century. Gambling is legal here, so if you enjoy the slots, or just like bantering with witty bartenders, head to one of the numerous casinos.

If history is what you’re after, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried at the Mount Moriah Cemetery. The Adam’s House Museum provides an educational perspective on Deadwood and the Black Hills.

There are also some great events in town. My favorite, the Deadwood Jam in mid-September, is an eclectic music festival showcasing blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll, and reggae. You can line up lawn chairs at the outdoor venue, crack open some drinks, and enjoy the local company.

3. Mount Rushmore

Visiting Mount Rushmore renews my patriotic spirit no matter how many times I’ve seen it. National pride swells as your eyes wander over the 60ft carvings by Gutzon Borglum and his 400 helpers. The nightly lighting ceremony, accompanied by patriotic music, is a reminder to be thankful for the privileges we enjoy as Americans.

4. Keystone

Two miles from Mount Rushmore, Keystone is an entertaining stop. Dip into the shops and restaurants, fly down the alpine slide, or watch a wood carver transform a tree stump into a proud bald eagle or bulky bison. You can also ride a tram, pan for gold, relax on the verandas, and visit the Presidential Wax Museum.

Big Time Pizza in the Roosevelt Inn has the best pies in the region. Ask for my favorite, the Super Supreme.

5. Hill City

This hospitable town has a quaint Main Street lined with art galleries and shops full of gifts and antiques. Hill City is also home to the 1880 steam train, which winds it’s way from here to Keystone.

Near Rapid City — the gateway to the Black Hills — visit the Circle B Ranch for an authentic western experience. Eat a proper cowboy meal, bob your head to twangy country music, watch a gun fight, and go horseback riding. The Flying T Chuckwagon Supper & Show or the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show can also satisfy the little cowboy in you.

6. Crazy Horse Memorial

My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know that the red man has great heroes, also.

- Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear to Korczak Ziolkowski

Photo: Jennifer L. Sovanski

These words set in motion the building of the Crazy Horse Memorial, 17 miles from Mount Rushmore. The head alone is planned to exceed the size of the presidents’ heads by over 20 feet.

Although Mr. Ziolkowski was twice offered $10 million from the U.S. government to fund the project, he declined it on the principle that his broader educational vision would be compromised by federal involvement.

Mr. Ziolkowski died in 1982 but his wife, Ruth, and most of their 10 children have continued the work.

7. Harney Peak

Hiking to the top of Harney Peak — the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains at 7,244 feet — is well worth the sweat. On my first attempt I was unable to make it to the top, despite encouragement from hikers coming down.

However, I vowed to make it the next time — and I did. On a clear day, you have panoramic views of South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Montana from the fire lookout tower.

On the way down, this time it was I who encouraged others to keep going.

8. Needles Highway

Located in Custer State Park, the Needles Highway is a road worth traveling for views of the 20-40ft granite spires reaching to the sky, backdropped by thick forest. Drive carefully — the single-lane tunnel is a little harrowing.

9. Caves

There are eight caves to tour in the Black Hills, two being part of national parks and six owned privately. Inside one of the largest cave systems in the world, you can expect to see unique calcite crystals, arranged in a honeycomb-like pattern, embedded in the limestone walls.

As the temperatures in the caves stay consistently in the 50s F, they’re great for cooling off when it’s too hot up top.

Photo: IndigoValley

10. Custer State Park

At 71,000 acres, Custer State Park is a great place for wildlife viewing. You can spot hordes of buffalo grazing on the green grass from Wildlife Loop Road.

Every time I see them, I’m amazed by their size and presence and am reminded of their connection to the Lakota Nation, who relied on buffalo for survival.

I giggle at the wild burros in the park, who stick their snouts into car windows looking for food. Mountain goats, antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and wild turkeys are other animals you might be able to glimpse during a visit.

Looking for some relaxation? The lakes here are the perfect prescription for stress. Swim or fish, or simply wade around for some therapeutic calming.

More information

Make sure you visit the South Dakota Tourism website for more on the area’s history, events, and things to do.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

If you’re looking for more great itineraries and ideas in the States, check out Gateway to Pristine America: 12 Towns on the Edge of Spectacular Wilderness and Bike Touring Montana: Classic Big Sky Rides.

Why not save some money while you’re at it? Have a read of 8 Ways to Save Money on a U.S. Cross-Country Road Trip.

Feature photo by rmatei. Photo above by Jacob Enos.

Pacific Northwest to Montana

This big loop is all about National Parks, National Forests, and some of the most unique terrain and wildlife anywhere in the world. Taking anywhere from 2 to 4 + weeks, you can go from the coastal rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula all the way to the alpine montane, geysers, and hot springs of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

*Starting Point: Seattle or Portland
*Follow 101 to Olympic Peninsula
*Camping along Wild Coast
*Special stops: La Push (Good Camping, hotels, classic Washington surf spot), Hoh Rainforest
*Take the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds back to Seattle
*From Seattle, take I-90 East to Missoula area (7 hours) with good camping along Clark Fork River near Alberton
*Missoula to Yellowstone National Park via Livingston (89)
On return trip, head back from Yellowstone via 287 along Madison River

Nova Scotia Loop

This trip is a great choice for people who don’t like long driving days. All the stops are close to one another, and the loop features local towns and roads as opposed to interstates. Nova Scotia is “Canada’s ocean playground” – a land of salty old towns, friendly locals, and stretches of wilderness coastline along the North Atlantic.

*Starting / ending point: Halifax.
*Coastal Highway 3 to Peggy’s Cove.
*Stop in Mahone Bay. Check the Lahave Bakery, which also doubles as a hostel in peak season.
*Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outstanding folk art galleries and veggie-friendly cafes scattered between the seafood restaurants and tiny B&Bs.
*From Lunenburg, cut inland via Bridgewater to Kejimkujik National Park for world class canoeing and camping.
*Follow Highway 8 north from Keji to Annapolis Royal.
*Detour west along the Annapolis Basin to Bear River.
*Heading east on Highway 1 to Kentville and then north to Cape Split for a classic day hike.
*Highway 1 will take you back east and south to Halifax.

Notes: This loop could be extended by following Highway 3 west from Lunenburg all the way to Yarmouth, on the western tip of the peninsula, where it connects to Highway 1. Tourism Nova Scotia offers further detail about both routes – check out The Lighthouse Route (south shore) and The Evangeline Trail (Fundy shore).

Click here for a dining and bar guide to the Halifax area.

Photo by joiseyshowaa.

Southern Appalachia to the Sea

The south gets super hot in the summer, but it’s all just part of the being down there.

On the upside you can find sweet tea and chefs that know how to cook collard greens and black eyed peas.

This loop has a good mix of local towns / culture as well as varied terrain and wilderness from the coast to the sea.

*Starting / ending point: Atlanta
*Special restaurant mention: Greenwoods in Roswell
*85 N to 316 to Athens
*441N from Athens through Clayton GA, Franklin, N.C.
*Excellent camping options in Nantahala National Forest
*Asheville via 74 / US 40
*Special brewery mention in Asheville: Pisgah Brewery
*Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville
*Linville Falls (outstanding backpacking in Linville Gorge)
*Continue North via Skyline Drive into Shenandoah National Park or take I-64 East to Charlottesville
*Richmond
*Wilmington via Raleigh( I-85 to I-40)
*Coastal drive to Charleston

Notes: For an alternative loop that leaves out Athens but takes your through Nashville and moves faster, take I-75 North from Atlanta through Chattanooga to Nashville, then reconnect to Asheville via I-40.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Canada’s wild western frontier offers some of the most intense but still accessible wilderness on the planet. It’s also among the coolest road trips, temperature-wise, during the summertime. From the innumerable coves off the coast, to the high peaks of the coastal range, a summer BC roadtrip is all about exploring the pacific northwestern terrain.

*Starting/ending point: Vancouver
*Hwy 99 to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, then hop a ferry to Vancouver Island.
*West until you reach the coast, then head up Hwy 4 until you hit the surf town of Tofino. Spend a day on the waves (bring your wetsuit).
*Horseshoe Bay. East to the ferry terminal and ride it back to Vancouver.
*Whistler. North again on Hwy 99 until you hit Whistler. Some of the best trails for mountain biking, hiking, and camping in the world.
*Head north from Whistler on Hwy 97.
*The mountains will give way to gold miner’s country in Cache Creek, followed by Kamloops (the tournament capital of Canada).
*Kelowna, the center of Okanagan wine country.
*Special Mention: tour of Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Props if you can spot the mysterious Ogopogo, BC’s version of the Loch Ness monster, said to live in Lake Okanagan.
*Hells Gate – From Kelowna, head west. Don’t miss Hell’s Gate for a tram ride over the abyss.
*Continue until you join up with Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada) and make your way back to Vancouver.

Photo: chascar.

Front Range to Montana

The high passes of the Rockies fill up during the summer with RVs, motorcycles, and everyone else enjoying the mountains, rivers, and open stretches of highway.

This loop features two major National Parks and true cowboy towns.

*Starting / ending point: Denver Metro Area (including Boulder, Ft. Collins)
*287 N. through Wyoming (Chief Joseph Highway)
*Truly off the beaten path exploration options (backpacking) in Wind River range
*Lander – Sinks Canyon is an excellent campground / first night’s place to stop if making a big push to Yellowstone or Tetons
*Continue 287 N to Tetons
*Special Mention: Dubois. True cowboy town. See if you can spot a local who isn’t driving a pickup truck.
*Teton National Park
*Yellowstone National Park
*Bear Tooth Scenic Highway – Hwy 212 winds its way over the spine of the Rocky Mountains at 10,970 feet, linking Red Lodge to Cooke City at Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance.
*Little Bighorn Battlefield for reenactment of Custer’s last stand

Notes: Additionally, Jackson, Wyoming (known by non-locals as “Jackson Hole”) — is less than an hour south of Teton National Park, and totally worth the detour. Jackson is one of the most unique towns in America, and has some of the most hardcore communities of skiers, snowboarders and adventure athletes in the world. Check the local terrain and you’ll know why.

Photo by Gret@Lorenz.

Best of the Southwest

This road trip is one of the hottest on the map, but visitors will be surprised how much the temperatures cool off in the desert southwest, especially at high elevation. Bring layers.

More than any other loop, the Best of the Southwest has a high concentration of National Parks. Give yourself several extra days for camping / local options around Grand Canyon. This loop could easily be extended for an entire month or more.

*Starting / ending point: Phoenix, AZ
*North I-17 through Flagstaff on to Grand Canyon
*89 N to North Rim, Marble Canyon
*Various loops using 89 and 191 to visit Glen Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches.
*Mesa Verde – 491 South to 160 East into southern Colorado via Durango
*Pagosa Springs – excellent family hot springs
*South into New Mex. via Chama, to Santa Fe
*South on 285 through Roswell to Carlsbad Caverns
*South into Texas through Guadalupe Mountains Natl Park
*South to Big Bend National Park
*Northwest through El Paso to White Sands
*West on 10 to Tucson, then back up to Pheonix

Downtown Burlington. Photo by Tony the Misfit.

Northern New England Loop

The Northern New England Loop is all about cooler temps, short driving days on winding country roads, and local hiking in the Appalachians.

This is a great choice for families with young kids or those looking for an easier road trip.

*Starting / ending point: Burlington, VT (or surrounding area)
*89 south through Waterbury
*Route 100 south (great winding country road), past Warren Falls swimming hole
*East on 4 through Woodstock
*Cross into NH at Hanover (Dartmouth)
*East to Lake Winnipesaukee and continue to Portland, ME
*Coast Route 1 past beaches, art towns, through Camden, to Acadia National Park
*North through Bangor and up to Baxter State Park
*Turn west through nowhere-land to Moosehead Lake Region
*Cross back into NH after Grafton Notch State Park
*Continue into Northeast Kingdom, VT
*Back to Burlington via Stowe and the Notch

Community Connection

What are some of your favorite summer road trips? These are ones we consider classics (and also ones that may see less traffic than others), but there are still great ones we left out, like Tahoe to Lost Coast in California, or the deep south, Mississippi to New Orleans.

Let us know some of your favorites in the comments below!

Open Arizona Highway / Photo: Wolfgang Staudt

Transportation. Food. Lodging. These are the three key elements of any road trip. Well, and music, too, but we’ll get to that later. First things first: the logistics.

Transportation

Classic American ride / Photo: Stevo Arnold

1. GETTING WHEELS:

Despite all the recession travel deals currently being hawked by the tourism industry, rental car companies haven’t taken notice.

If you’re without your own wheels, you won’t want to go the rental route.

An “economy” car from Hertz, picked up on June 1 at JFK in New York and dropped off on June 14 at SFO in San Francisco would have run you $164.99 a day.

That’s $2,309.86…before insurance, gas, tolls, and other hidden costs, like extra driver or “age differential” fees if you’re under 25. For that amount of money you could go to the other side of the world in style.

But a road trip does require a vehicle, so to cut down on costs, you’ve got to get creative.

Would you share a ride with this gentleman? / Photo: JFL

The Beauty Of Ride-Shares

Consider ride-shares (glorified long-distance carpooling) or contract arrangements.

People are always looking for someone to drive their car across the country.

You can search for possibilities on Craigslist or advertise an arrangement yourself on Matador’s Forum.

Be sure to get all details in writing, and don’t forget to check with your insurance company or the owner’s insurance company to make sure you’re covered.

Pumping gas in Wyoming / Photo: TCP

2. GASSING UP:

While gas prices are a lot lower than they were this time last year, filling up a dozen or more times is still a painful proposition for your wallet.

You’re not likely to get around this expense (unless you’re driving a veggie oil powered vehicle), so plan smart.

Websites like GasBuddy help you map your route around the gas stations where prices are lowest. Its database, updated daily, lets you search by state or zip code to find specific stations with the cheapest gas.

You can also look up lowest prices by state and city. (Currently, Tucson, AZ looks like a good stop: It’s got the cheapest gas in the country.)

Food

3. SNACK:

Snacks are an indispensable part of any real road trip.

Golden apple / Photo: morning rumtea

Stock up before you hit the road. Mix up some perennial favorites, like trail mix, or bring along a cooler with sandwich fixings that can be replenished at local grocery stores along the way.

4. FORAGE:

If you’re taking the back roads, there’s no better time than summer to sample some tasty roadside grub.

But unless you’re already a foraging expert, be sure to check out David DeFranza’s guide first.

5. SAMPLE TRUE AMERICANA:

Louisiana eatery / Photo: Laffy4k

Local cheese in Vermont. Grits in the Carolinas. Gumbo on the Gulf Coast.

America doesn’t really have a single defining dish because every region offers something delicious and unique.

Pull into the most podunk town you can find and sample their specialty — you’re sure to get a lot of local flavor, and we’re not just talking about the food!

Lodging

6. CAMP:

Camping is one of the cheapest sleeps you’ll ever enjoy (and one of the most adventurous and romantic, too).

Possible view from your tent / Photo: Fred

The U.S. offers some incredible and affordable overnight camping options in every single state.

National parks will guarantee you the most beautiful surroundings. Options and requirements (advance permits, for example) vary, so be sure to check the NPS website for information about the parks along your route.

If you don’t have the gear or the budget to buy the basics — tent, sleeping bag, and camp stove, minimum — now’s not the time to make that investment. You have at least two other comfortable and affordable options…

7. COUCHSURF:

You’ve probably heard about Couchsurfing already; if not, you can read all about the wonders of sharing a couch.

If you’re traveling solo (which is completely antithetical to the road trip vibe), then Couchsurfing your way across America is ideal…and it’s free.

If you’re traveling with a full car, though, or just want some privacy, don’t forget to consider…

Hotel room / Photo: TheoGeo

8. HOTELS:

You get a lot of bang for your buck in some hotels these days — including privacy, your own bathroom, continental breakfast, and the morning paper.

Sign up for a rewards program before your trip and plan to stay at the same hotel at each stop along the journey; you’ll be able to rack up free nights, gift cards, and many other rewards — your choice — and get a head start on your next trip.

Join a rewards program from a hotel group that offers lots of lodging options.

We recommend Choice Hotels, which includes Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotels and eight other affordable and convenient hotel brands.

If you’re concerned about staying connected, many of these hotels offer free Wi-Fi. And though you may think hotel stays are expensive, they often offer deals that can help you earn points towards free nights on your next trip.

Now about that music…

Check out the Greatest Roadtrip Soundtrack Ever.

Community Connection

Get fired up for your road trip by taking in the The 5 Best Roadtrip Scenes Of All Time or reading this essay about the great American tradition of roadtripping..

1.A view from the “Going to the Sun” road. Photo by .Bala.

2.Bits of glacier dotting the mountains. Photo by fddi1.

3.Birthplace of the watershed. Photo by fddi1.

4.The path to Hidden Lake at Logan Pass. Photo by fddi1.

5.Bear in early summer. Feature photo and photo above by Gregg Treinish.

6.Sunset over Glacier National Park. Photo by backpackphotography.

7.A cloudy day at Glacier. Photo by mtsrs.

8.A mountain goat lingering in the shadows. Photo by Gregg Treinish.

9.A lone house in the wilderness. Photo by .Bala.

10.Bluebird day at Glacier. Photo by celebdu.

11.Upper headwaters in Glacier. Photo by celebdu.

12.Lake Josephine. Photo by Navin75.

13.Grinnell Lake. Photo by Navin75.

Community Connection

Interested in visiting Glacier or elsewhere in Montana? Matador has put together one of the most comprehensive resources for Big Sky you’ll find anywhere, including locals’ recommendations for trails, rivers, mountains, restaurants, and bars.

Photo above: tylerdurden1, Feature photo: Carrie Musgrave | Livebabylive.com

Practicalities

South Korea’s size makes road tripping an attractive option. Vehicles can easily be rented at Incheon International Airport and through many hotels in Seoul.

Tip: Try to reserve an LNG-ready car. The cost of this alternative fuel is about a quarter that of gasoline.

The following standout spots fall in a clockwise route, beginning in the capital.

Seoul

Best to wait on the car rental for a few days while you make use of the subway to sample Seoul’s best.

Culture: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Start at one of the grandest palaces in the country, dating from 1395. In addition to the impressive Throne Hall and a pavilion virtually floating in a pond, the National Folk Museum is also on the grounds.

The photogenic changing of the guard takes place at 10:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 16:00 daily outside the main gate. Admission: $3 USD.

Photo: yeowatzup

Shopping: Insadong
A short walk from Gyeongbokgung is Insadong, the best traditional market in town. Grab lunch at one of the many old-school restaurants before strolling through the art galleries and craft shops. Afternoons often see folk music and traditional dancing exhibitions.

People watching: Myeongdong
Next, an introduction to Seoul chic. Myeongdong is the place to go to find trendy name-brand stores and hip clientele. Try to hit the narrow alleys when they truly come to life — after work — when Seoulites stroll past designer boutiques while munching gourmet street food.

Views: N Seoul Tower
You’ve most likely caught a glimpse of the N Seoul Tower, standing tall on Namsan Mountain. A cable car ($6 USD round trip) will shuttle you up the mountain to the base of the needle, from where you can ascend to the tower’s observatory level ($3 USD) for city panoramas. The tower also houses a rotating restaurant.

Nightlife: Hongdae
Underground DJs thumping into the wee hours, chill acoustic or rock sounds spilling from cramped bars, and luxury noraebangs (karaoke rooms) — this is Hongdae, the city’s #1 choice for watching the sun come up. Get there via the subway’s green line.

History: DMZ tour
The most popular tour in Korea ($40 to $80 USD) will take you to one of the most mysterious and heavily guarded strips of land on the planet. Everything from half- to two-day tours are available.

Shuffle down infiltration tunnels (dug by the North), browse the DMZ museum, gaze out over the zone and portions of North Korea from the Dora Observatory, and take a moment to read the heartbreaking notes tacked on the Freedom Bridge (used to exchange POWs after the Korean War).

All told, it’ll leave you with a lot to consider on your 90-minute bus ride back to Seoul.

Stop 1: Northeast Coast

Okay, it’s now time to hop behind the wheel and hit the road.

Photo: Ryuugakusei

Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan has it all: hiking, wildlife, and history.

The park is at its best in autumn, when the colors of its foliage rival those of New England.

Take the cable car ($5 USD) up to Gwongeumseong Fortress to gaze over the spectacular peaks and rock cliffs of this park. Or, if the line’s too long, put your boots to work.

Sokcho
This charming port town on the East Sea is the perfect base camp for a park visit. Browse the seaside fish markets for dinner, then knock back some of that famous Korean alcohol, soju, while listening to the waves crash on the rocky coast — the perfect post-hike chillout.

Stop 2: Gyeongju

Photo: Photocapy

This ancient capital town provides endless opportunities to delve further into the peninsula’s history.

The Silla tombs, twenty massive burial mounds standing almost 50 feet tall, rise out of central Tumuli Park.

Kite fliers and picnickers relax in the shadow of Korea’s oldest structure, an astronomical observatory built in 627.

Gyeongju National Museum, loaded with artifacts found in nearby Anapji Pond, is a worthwhile stop on your way to Bulguksa Temple in the mountains above town. From here, you can walk even higher to the Seokguram Grotto and its well-visited Buddha statue that looks out over the East Sea.

Stop 3: Busan

Haeundae Beach
It’s time to kick back on the southern coast, Busan style. Get up early to snag a spot on Korea’s most popular beach, Haeundae. In the peak season (i.e., any nice weekend and all of August), umbrellas saturate the 2 km of sand.

If the crowds are too much for you, check out one of the other five beaches Busan is famous for.

Photo: yeowatzup

Heosimcheong Spa
Reportedly the largest hot springs in Asia, Heosimcheong ($5 USD) lies 10 km north of central Busan in the district of Dongnae. Remember to shower before slipping into the nearly 55-degree Celsius (130 Fahrenheit) pools.

Different aromatherapy and herbal tubs are available for soaking, while masseuse and scrubbing services are provided for a fee.

Jagalchi Fish Market
Right on the waterfront in the heart of central Busan is this busy market. Wander the pungent stalls, make a purchase, then take your pick to one of the nearby seafood restaurants and they’ll prepare it for you — most likely raw, sashimi style.

When you’ve finished dinner, head to Texas Street, opposite the Busan train station, to take in the nightlife of Korea’s second largest city.

Stop 4: Gwangju

Gwanju played a key role in the development of the modern Korean state in the 20th century.

In 1929, local students took part in one of the fiercest anti-Japanese uprisings of the entire 35-year occupation. 1980 saw hundreds of civilians killed at the hands of the army during a protest against the military government, an event known today as the Gwangju Democratization Movement.

Residents are rightly proud of their recent history, and a defiant student art culture persists.

The Gwanju National Museum gives you a chance to learn about the region’s more distant past. Follow that up with a visit to the surreally shaped rock cliffs of nearby Mt. Mudeung.

Photo: Wm Jas

Stop 5: Gunsan Islands

If you have time, park the car in the west coast port town of Gunsan and hop a ferry to Seonyudo Island for a day or longer.

The pace is island-slow (except during holidays), and the seafood is some of the country’s best. The white-sand beaches may convince you to stay longer than you’d planned.

Seonyudo is connected by bridges to a couple smaller islands, and renting a bicycle or 4-wheeler for some solo exploration is also rewarding.

Stop 6: Suwon and Yongin

Korean Folk Village
In Suwon, step into history at the Korean Folk Village ($10 USD). It features over 200 authentically reproduced and renovated structures from all corners of the country and traditional performances like tightrope walking, aerial acrobatics, music, dancing, and horsemanship.

Photo: Nagyman

Everland
Ranked as the 10th best park in the world by the Themed Entertainment Association, Everland (day passes from $26 USD) will help you unleash your inner child.

The park is divided into four themed sections, as well as a newly renovated water park, Caribbean Bay. Try to get to the park on a weekday, when lines are more tolerable.

There’s an excellent range of rides, climaxing with a white-knuckle scream-fest aboard the world’s largest inclined wooden coaster, T-Express.

From here, it’s a quick shot up the highway and back into Seoul.

Community Connection

Destinations

Community Connection to South Korea

Jon Wick is also the author of Chaos, Culture and Kim Chi: A Korean Cafeteria.

Before you even set foot on the peninsula, check out these 10 Korean Customs To Know Before You Visit Korea.

And, if your quick visit should turn into a longer stay, best read up on How To Get A Job Teaching English In Korea, as the country is one of the Top 10 Places for Teaching English Abroad.

To connect with other Matador members based in Korea, click on the box to the left.

All photos by author

Montana’s Beartooth Scenic Highway (Hwy 212) winds its way over the spine of the Rocky Mountains at 10,970 feet, linking Red Lodge to Cooke City at Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance. But this byway is more than tight switchbacks and sharp, snowy granite mountains.

Here are six ways to explore this route’s unique terrain and local culture:

1. Spring Skiing on Beartooth Pass

For expert skiers and snowboarders wanting to get a few more turns this summer: bring your skis or board. The couloirs at Beartooth Pass are skiable or ridable until early July and sometimes later, and there’s chairlift access until July 4.

Beartooth Pass has been a historic late-season training area. In 1966, the U.S. Olympic team used the bowl just below the road’s highpoint for training, leaving their equipment behind for the public.

There are plenty of other places along the highway where late-season snowfields are accessible if you don’t mind hiking or hitching rides with tourists traveling up the highway. There is no terrain there for beginners, however. Everything is steep and avalanches are common, especially in the non-lift-accessed areas.

2. National Ski Jouring Finals, Red Lodge

Ski Jouring is like water skiing on snow, where the skier is pulled by sled dogs or horses. Competitors weave through an obstacle course of slalom gates and jumps, sometimes reaching 25 mph. The second day of the Finals includes a big air competition with jumps lofting skiers up to 60 feet.

3. Ride at the Bear Tooth Rally

2009’s Bear Tooth Rally runs from July 17-19. Thousands of riders will be converging on Red Lodge for a series of events including a ride from Red Lodge up and through Beartooth Pass into Cooke City, then looping back to Red Lodge along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. It’s a round trip of approximately 120 miles, covered in a single day.

There’s also a ‘poker ride’ up the pass, and the Iron Horse Rodeo, where bikers show off their skills piloting their 700 lb steeds on loose dirt around a series of barrels.

4. Snowmobiling in Cooke City

Sledding in this Beartooth region is world class; just ask the development teams of both Arctic Cat and Yamaha. Both companies use the area as testing grounds for their newest equipment. Cooke City has one of the longest winter-sports seasons in the lower 48, with plenty of varied terrain.

5. Festivals and events in Red Lodge and Cooke City

Red Lodge and Cooke City both have rich local histories they celebrate each summer. Red Lodge has the infamous Mountain Man Rendezvous, where participants reenact the old days when trappers gathered to trade supplies, gamble, tell tall tales, fight, and get roaring drunk.

In contrast, the Festival of Nations, held the third week in August, is a much tamer but equally interesting festival. It began as a yearly gathering of immigrant laborers, working in mines and on farms, who would show off the dances and cuisine of their homelands.

Be ready to eat worldly food, watch traditionally dressed performers, and participate in various workshops showcasing skills brought from the Old Country.

Cooke City upholds their less eclectic traditions with their Spring Fling celebration, complete with live music, hog roast, and charity auction hocking everything from arts and crafts to snowmobile parts. The Cooke City Fish Fry has been a town-wide shindig since the 1920s, starting as a last hurrah to get people together before the heavy snow plunged the town into isolation.

In the early days, the Fry included boxing, horse racing, and gambling. Though it’s more sedate now, it’s still worth checking out if you’re in the area on the first weekend in August.

Beartooth Falls

6. The Great Outdoors (hiking, fishing, and mountaineering)

While it’s possible to take in the scenery from the road, being truly immersed in the Beartooth Wilderness is what being here is all about. There are over 700 miles of trails in the region, as well 300 lakes, some of them so remote they have yet to be named. The fish here see so few hooks that they grow to. . . mythical proportions.

Beartooth Plateau has the distinction of being the largest true high-elevation plateau in the continental U.S. There are heaps of climbing options with 25 over-12,000ft peaks, including Granite Peak at 12,807 — Montana’s highest.

While the elevation may seems low by western standards, the harsh conditions lead to a treeline that’s thousands of feet lower, exposing the craggy, vertical rock.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Experience Montana this summer! Matador has spent the spring creating a one-stop resource for planning great Montana roadtrips, whether you want to go backpacking, paddling, or just hit up some of the local bars, restaurants, and breweries.

Edmund from King Lear / Photo: Anthony Topper, Feature photo: Randy OHC

1. Shakespeare by the Sea
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

[Editor's Note: This festival recommendation comes to us from blogger Kimberly Walsh.]

Set within Halifax’s historic Point Pleasant Park, Shakespeare by the Sea offers a unique extension to the cultural scene in the city. Now in its sixteenth season, the troupe has been performing the bard’s tales among historic military buildings. All the shows take place at the Cambridge Battery, the ruins of which make for a fine backdrop for the productions.

Although located in the downtown core, Point Pleasant is the largest forested park on the peninsula and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the 15-minute walk through the forest before settling down for the show. Later in the season, performances finish after sunset, so come prepared with a light sweater and a flashlight.

The 2009 season features “Love’s Labours Lost” (opens July 5), starring Amos Crawley, Caitlin Stewart, and the award-winning local actor Jeremy Webb, as well as “Macbeth” (opens August 15), with David Flemming and Genevieve Steele.

2. Shakespeare in the Park
New York City, New York, United States

New York City’s Shakespeare in the Park has been a summer tradition for more than 50 years.

Photo: chadmiller

City dwellers and visitors alike brave hours-long lines for their chance to pick up free tickets, but even if they’re not among the lucky folks who will get to see A-list stars interpreting the bard underneath the stars, the camaraderie of the wait has become an event in its own right (bring a lawn chair and a picnic or a phone number for pizza delivery).

This year’s festival features Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” with Raul Esparza and Anne Hathaway among the cast’s big names (June 10-July 12), and Euripides’ “The Bacchae,” starring Andre De Shields and original music composed by Philip Glass (August 11-30).

Both plays are staged in the Delacorte Theatre, a semicircular outdoor venue that’s so insulated from the city noise that you’ll forget where you are.

3. Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Boulder, Colorado, United States

TIME Magazine ranks the Colorado Shakespeare Festival as one of the best in the U.S. Performed by a professional troupe based out of the University of Colorado at Boulder, the university’s outdoor theater could hardly be a more inspiring setting for the series of plays offered each summer.

Photo: turtlemom4bacon

Like New York’s Shakespeare in the Park, the CSF has a tradition of putting on plays for over 50 years. Yet it may be even more fun than the NYC festival; check out all these pre-play activities, including picnics and backstage tours.

This year’s festival starts on June 15 and runs through mid-August. Featured plays include “Hamlet,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and “The Two Gentleman of Verona.”

4. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Ashland, Oregon, United States

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is one of the oldest Shakespeare festivals in the United States.

Beyond its exceptional reputation — drawing accomplished Shakespearean actors who view performing in this series as a feather in their cap — a visit to the 2009 Shakespeare Festival can kick off a longer trip: Ashland is the gateway to Oregon’s Rogue Valley, home to Crater Lake National Park.

For a full list of this year’s plays, click here.

5. Bard on the Beach
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Bard+beach+BBQ. Sounds like a winning combination to us. Add fireworks and a mountainous backdrop on top of all that, and we’re sold on Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach.

It may not have the longevity of some of these other festivals, but it sure sounds like fun. Plus, we love the nonprofit theater company’s mission: to make all of Shakespeare’s plays, performed in non-traditional stagings, affordable and accessible to a diverse audience.

Community Connection

Matador’s giving away two tickets to another fantastic Shakespeare festival!

The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, held in New York’s Hudson River Valley, will be providing two tickets (AND a picnic dinner!) to see “Pericles,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” or “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare {Abridged}” to one Matador reader.

If you’d like to win the tickets, leave a comment below telling us the best place you’ve ever seen a Shakespeare play OR the place where you’d most like to see a Shakespeare play (and which play, and why!).

Submit your response by midnight EST on June 20. A winner will be selected at random by the Matador staff. Good luck!

Photo: bionicteaching

1. Iceland Phallological Museum

Or, the Penis Museum. I know this is serious, but seriously, how can you absorb stats like this without a little giggle: 272 specimens with 55 belonging to 16 different whale species, one from a rogue polar bear (aren’t they all rogue?), and dozens from seals, walruses, and all sorts of land mammals.

The Iceland Phallological Museum proudly claims to hold in their possession “legally certified gift-tokens for four specimens belonging to Homo Sapiens” (that’s us, guys). I’m not 100% clear what this means exactly, but it sure sounds interesting. Also on display are “…other practical utensils related to the museum’s chosen theme.”

2. Museum of Bad Art

Direct from the wesbsite: “the world’s only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms.” Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

The Museum of Bad Art started in the basement of a private home in Boston. Spurred on by increasing demand, MOBA found the site for its first permanent gallery in Dedham Community Theatre’s basement (just outside the men’s loo).

Their second gallery? Naturally, another basement, this one in the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square. Many more works of bad art can be found in their online collection, and if you can’t make it there in person, order up their book, The Museum of Bad Art: Masterworks.

3. Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

Photo: dlisbona

Ramen (Japanese noodles) began in Japan’s port cities and quickly spread throughout the country. Nowadays, each region has its own take on the dish. Save yourself some travel and taste each one in the Raumen Museum.

You can choose from traditional to “new generation” noodle soups, and even visit the Nissin Cup Noodle factory where you can design the packaging, choose your ramen flavour, and pick up to four ingredients.

4. The Kunstkamera (Peter the Great’s Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography)

The Kunstkamera, established by Peter the Great in St. Petersburg, was the first museum in Russia. Its purpose was to “collect and examine natural and human curiosities and rarities.” Indeed. I had the pleasure of visiting in 2007 and I can tell you firsthand about the curiosities and rarities.

Peter’s mission was to debunk myths about monsters and to educate the superstitious citizens, and so collected a series of malformed, still-born fetuses. These are on display in jars among with other “curiosities.”

Eat well in advance of your visit, that’s all I’m sayin’.

5. Cockroach Hall of Fame Museum

Photo: The Pest Shop

The Pest Shop in Plano, Texas is not just pest control. Nope. It’s also a museum that displays these dead crawlies dressed up in costumes.

There’s Liberoachi (a flamboyantly dressed roach seated in front of a piano), Ross Peroach, and Liberty Roach who, instead of a torch, has her hand up a roach’s…well, you get the picture.

Check out their YouTube video. Even though I’m sure you’re willing to fork over some dough to see this, admission is free.

6. Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

“The toilet is a part of the history of human hygiene which is a critical chapter in the growth of civilisation.” – Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak

Now that’s a man who takes his toilets seriously. If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering anything toilet-related, this may just be the place for you. The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in New Delhi aims to educate on such toilet-based topics as sanitation history, its future, and the design, materials, and technology of the porcelain gods.

7. Museum of Witchcraft

Photo: cubwolf (Dave Smith)

I’d better be careful including this museum here; the last thing I want is to be turned into a newt. Located in Boscastle, Cornwall, the Museum of Witchcraft is home to the world’s largest collection of witchcraft-related artifacts and regalia.

One item on display is a doll with a dagger jabbed in its stomach, and real pubic hair sewn between its legs. It was apparently used to resolve an unwanted pregnancy. I have a bit of an unwanted spare tire — wonder if it would help with that?

8. Mustard Museum

This is what happens when sports fans go wrong. After the Red Sox lost the World Series to the Mets in 1986, founder Barry Levenson found himself in the condiments aisle of a local supermarket, stocking up on mustard (he heard the voices “if you collect us, they will come”).

Photo: sam.jackson

Over 20 years later, he’s amassed more than 4400 mustards and all sorts of paraphernalia. He’s got a gallery, a giftshop, and even Mustard Piece Theatre. You can find the Mustard Museum in downtown Mount Horeb, Wisconsin.

9. Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum

This Thai museum’s prize posession is famed 50s cannibal, Si Quey, who has been embalmed in paraffin wax. A visible scar on his head shows where his brain was removed for study to determine if the mind of a cannibal is different than that of a normal person’s. The verdict? Nope.

Many more gruesome exhibits are on display at the Forensic Medicine Museum in Bangkok.

10. The Million Dollar Museum

If you’re on your way to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, you may as well stop by. With a roadside sign stating “German scientists ask — is 12-inch body a real alien? The answer is inside.” how could you not dip in? The Million Dollar Museum in White’s City is an eclectic collection of, well, anything and everything.

A two-headed turtle, broken typewriters, a little bathtub claimed to have been used by Napoleon, “Tom Ketchum’s Amputated Arm,” and…the Alien Baby.

This was originally titled “one of a race of midget Indians,” but when it was pointed out by a German TV crew — there to report on the 50th anniversary of the Roswell Incident — that it might be an extraterrestrial, the description was changed after the remarks created a media sensation.

Fascinated? I am.

Honorable mentions

Toilet Seat Art Museum

Museum of Questionable Medical Devices

Farm Implement Wrench Museum

Museum of Menstruation & Women’s Health

Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

If you like your things a little unusual (and we know you do), check out Matador’s list of the World’s 10 Weirdest Hotels.

Have you visited any unusual museums or tourist attractions? Please share below!

Photo: ctaloi

Montanans are resourceful. Whether they’re hunting, gathering, or growing, folks in the Big Sky know how to squeeze the most succulent and sometimes strange sustenance from the short and vibrant summers, quick falls and springs, and extended winters.

And yet Montana is so big (147,138 square miles of land, with over 60 million acres in agricultural production) you can live there for a decade and not know what lies over the next range.

Here is a glimpse of choice and local morsels that can be discovered between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Whether you want old-school Montana eats or contemporary cuisine, our guide includes a healthy mix of decadence and the just plain weird.

A Few Tips:

• There are ample farm stands and markets selling wild and farmed foods, including salad greens, Dixon melons, sun-gold tomatoes, huckleberries, peach pie, and fresh lavender. Some of them are listed here.
• Montana is rich with wild food: morel mushrooms, huckleberries, fish, and game. These foods have a cultish appeal. If you are intrigued enough to pursue them yourself, it’s important to know the rules of the game and don’t hesitate to ask how they are harvested when you purchase them at market.
• You may see trout, elk, and bison on restaurant menus. While these could be local, they aren’t wild—these meats are regulated by law and are therefore farmed, which plays into their sustainability factor.
• It isn’t feasible for most venues to offer everything local, so expect seasonal selections. Ask what’s local and how it made it to your plate or shopping bag.

Cameron

Photo ©Whitefish Partners

The Lodge at Sun Ranch is a luxury eco-lodge located in the Madison Valley. They serve local beef, pork, lamb, and poultry prepared in the style of western bistro cuisine, like the grilled Sika venison chop with blackberry glace, grilled asparagus, and celeriac mashers.

Pray

Chico Hot Springs Resort is tucked up against the Absaroka Mountains. The resort has hot springs for soaking and a dining room that features contemporary western dishes, including duck and Montana beef.

The garden and geothermal greenhouse supplies chefs with veggies and herbs. Enjoy an appetizer of baked brie with Montana huckleberry coulis, or barbequed bison short-rib ravioli with a sweet corn sauce and red chili oil.

Emigrant

Fridley Creek Farm has sustainably produced eggs, vegetables, and honey. You won’t ever forget a drive through Emigrant, which is where much of the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed. 406-333-9570

Livingston

Livingston Farmer’s Market. Sacagawea Park. June 15-Sept 4. Wednesdays 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Fresh and local produce along with local game.

Livingston Bar and Grill. Historic, warm, elegant environs feature delicacies such as juniper elk carpaccio. 406-222-1866

Ferry Creek Ranch. This 560-acre ranch is one of the oldest in the state, established in 1882. Their grass-fed Galloway cattle have been certified organic since 2002.

Big Sky

By Word of Mouth offers both dining and catering. They source their produce, goat cheese, and meats from neighbors in the surrounding valleys, including their in-laws at Gallatin Valley Botanical, making it a true family affair.

Try their roasted Cornish game hen served with fresh basil risotto, organic green beans, and a lemon thyme pan jus.

Virginia and Nevada Cities

The Star Bakery. To get a glimpse of the old and raunchy west, see the Virginia City Players then head to (circa 1865) for fried pickles and strawberry rhubarb pie. Unconfirmed if ingredients are local, but the flavor is.

Virginia City Growers Guild Farmer’s Market. Downtown, June-September.

Butte, MT

The Uptown Café. 47 E. Broadway. 406-723-4735. For more of a contemporary feel in an overwhelmingly historic city, nosh on the sausage onion soup, twice baked potato casserole, or black raspberry pie.

Joe’s Pasty Shop. 1641 Grand Ave. 406-723-9071. You can’t go through Butte without having a pasty. What’s a pasty? Beef, onion, and potato baked in a buttery flaky crust — your own little meat pie. It’s like a bite out of history.

Butte Farmer’s Market. Heritage park, June-mid-September. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Whitefish

Café Kandahar. ©Whitefish Partners

Café Kandahar. This 22 year-old restaurant is located in the heart of Big Mountain. French and Louisiana influenced cuisine with a Montana twist, like the pan seared elk roulade with forest mushrooms, spinach, Montana goat cheese, pine-nuts, mashed Yukon golds, and pomegranate glace. 3824 Big Mountain Road. 862-6247.

Farmer’s Market at the Mountain Mall Lot. Mid-May-September. Thursdays, 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

The Downtown Farmer’s Market. Central Ave. May 31- Mid-September. Tuesdays, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Whitefish Huckleberry Days. Honor one of Montana’s sweetest and most celebrated berries. August 7-9. This year is the 20th anniversary of this beloved arts festival.

Three Forks, MT

Wheat Montana Farms, located at the headwaters of the Missouri, is where the Folkvords have farmed for three generations. Check out the deli and order up a John Deere sandwich. Additional delis in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, and Polson.

Helena, MT

Real Food Market and Deli. 1096 Helena Ave. Boodles of local and organic foods to choose from.

Helena Farmer’s Market. Fuller and Neill Ave., April 26-November 1. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. (mid-July-September).

Benny’s Bistro. 108 E. Sixth Avenue. It’s a jazzy feast at lunch or dinner, featuring a range of hearty foods, from fritattas to pasties to pastries. Try the blackberry chicken salad or one of their famous European-style desserts, like the frangipani pear tart.

The No Sweat Café. 400 block, Last Chance Gulch. For breakfast and lunch. Leave your guns and cell phones behind, and get Zen with the Tibetan toad, a combo of eggs, sprouts, sausage, and garlic.

Bozeman

Photo: Stu Spivack

Bozeman Community Food Coop. 908 W. Main St. A market and deli with a strong focus on local — most meat is Montana produced and produce is often sourced as part of the local farm-to-market program. Sandwiches, smoothies, soups, and outdoor dining.

Western Café. 443 E. Main St. 406-587-0436. Over the last six months, the owners have been working to return to the roots of the original and very local cowboy café. Order their chicken fried steak breakfast, biscuits and gravy, or cinnamon rolls.

Stockyard Café. 1018 E. Griffin. 406-586-9728. Part of its charm is that the service lacks any. Call ahead to make sure they’re open and don’t act like a sissy and ask for a spoon when you have a perfectly good fork to stir your coffee with. Go there to eat, a lot, especially when it comes to the banana bread French toast.

Plonk Wine. Montana boy Brett Evje recently acquired the restaurant and is working with local farmers and ranchers to source Montana ingredients. This elegant urban wine bar showcases bison tenderloin, alongside a world class selection of cheeses and a very drinkable ginger basil martini, not to mention the extensive wine list.

Bogert Farmer’s Market. Bogert Park. May-October, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Gallatin Valley Farmer’s Market. Gallatin County Fairgrounds. July-October, Saturdays
9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Clinton, MT

Home of the Rock Creek Lodge Testicle Festival, a debauched event that occurs every September. You’ll know you’re close when you see the billboard of a cartoon bull guarding his family jewels. Rocky Mountain oysters, or “Montana tendergroin,” are harvested from young bulls between 2-4 months of age.

If you aren’t lucky enough to attend a Montana wedding/branding party (it happens), you might consider hitting up this festival or any of the others across the state to get the freshest sampling of Montana’s most novel offerings.

And in case you were wondering, there are approximately 3 g fat, 375 mg cholesterol, 26 g protein, 1 g carbs, and 135 calories per 100 grams of testicle.

Missoula, MT

Photo: Justin Knabb

Circle Square Farmer’s Market. Mid-May to the end of October. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m-12 p.m. and Tuesdays in July and August, 5:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m. One of the oldest markets in the state — get there early and bring a big bag.

Clark Fork River Market. Caras Park. May-Oct, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Local lamb, cheese, and homemade pastas.

Scotty’s Table. 131 S. Higgins. Contemporary cuisine, located in the historic Wilma building on the banks of the Clark Fork River. Seasonal menu, featuring such decadent treats as bison osso bucco, Montana farro risotto, and Paradise Farms grass-fed beef.

Biga Pizza. 241 West Main St. A community pizza joint, minus the checkered tablecloths. Try the Flathead Cherry: house-made spicy Italian sausage, cherry chutney, smoked gouda, mozzarella, garlic oil, and parsley.

Red Bird Wine Bar and Restaurant. 111 North Higgins Ave. Intimate fine dining or luscious casual treats. Among its ample charms, the desserts are creative and wonderful. Try the trio of tea sorbets, including the Evenings in Missoula.

The Flathead Lake Area

The Flathead Lake area is home to fertile orchards and a lively lake culture. Any drive along the east side of the lake provides numerous opportunities to stop at cherry and fruit stands for the most succulent fodder of the season.

Polson, MT

Photo: Stewart

Farmer’s Market at the Masonic Temple. May 31-mid-October. Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Polson Cherry Festival. July 18 and 19. Partake in this family friendly event with hundreds of local vendors. Your kids never looked so cute with cherry-stained fingers and faces.

Big Fork

The Orchard at Flathead Lake grows fresh cherries, peaches, pears, and plums. Don’t miss their famous barbeque sauce and apple butter.

Kalispell

Kalispell Farmer’s Market. Center St. and 5th. Third week of April to third week of October. Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Columbia Falls

Mountain Lake Fisheries. Home of world-class Whitefish caviar, known for its crunchy, non-fishy, non-bitter taste. Whitefish caviar comes from Lake Superior Whitefish, harvested wild from Flathead Lake.

This is a sustainable fishery. You can find the caviar at numerous locations, including the Happy Mama in Missoula, All about Memories in Columbia Falls, the West Glacier Mercantile, and select Alberston’s and Safeway markets.

Polebridge

Polebridge Mercantile, an old northern icon, is located just outside Glacier National Park. Local baker Deb Kaufman woos visitors with cinnamon rolls and huckleberry bear claws that rival even the most memorable grizzly in the park.

Community Connection:

Planning a road trip to Montana? Connect with one of our local experts for more advice. These folks have written in-depth guides on everything from classic Montana river trips to 9 Backpacking trips that will blow your mind.

For a complete listing of our Montana guides and articles, please click here.

Photo: mfajardo

1. Kettlehouse Brewing Company, Missoula, Montana

Known lovingly as the “K-hole” by Missoulians, this tiny brewery features an even smaller taproom where you’ll find locals of all stripes downing Cold Smoke Scotch Ale.

They don’t serve food, but the intensely hoppy Double Haul will usher in the perfect ending to a day of fly fishing the Clark Fork (a mere 200 feet from the front door) or exploring Glacier National Park.

2. Barrio Brewing, Tucson, Arizona

If you’re visiting Tucson to cure Seasonal Affective Disorder, consider this brewery for your therapy. Barrio is hard to find, but the beer and the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains makes it worth the effort.

Their porter is a GABF award winner and even in the heat of summer should not be passed over for the lighter beers in their lineup. Don’t be alarmed when the patrons shout that a train is coming. Beers go on special when the railroad gates come down over the road outside.

3. Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River, Oregon

This tiny town in the Columbia River Gorge is the gateway to Mt. Hood and home to some of the world’s best windsurfing and kayaking. The drive through the gorge to get there is worth the trip itself, but the beers take it to the next level. Enjoy a cask-conditioned Imperial Stout while looking out over Hood River and the Columbia Valley.

4. Second Street Brewery, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Break away from the tourist strip and head to Second Street for late afternoon sun and fresh beer out on the patio. You can hear live music, mingle with locals, and drink a great Scotch Ale.

5. Clipper City Brewing Company, Baltimore, Maryland

Every year, scores of tall ships sail into Baltimore’s historic ship-building Inner Harbor as mobile museums. After exploring some of the ships that altered the course of human exploration and transportation, grab a Loose Cannon IPA. Clipper City is known as much for their whimsical beer labels as for their small-production winter reserve ale.

6. Free State Brewing Company, Lawrence, Kansas

Kansas may be considered fly-over country, but as you look over the wheat fields, you’ll realize all those craft beers you’ve enjoyed your whole life were born right here. What better way to get in touch with the beer’s grainy lifeblood than a stop into Free State? Lemongrass Wheat is the perfect thirst-quencher for a summer afternoon on the prairie.

7. Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que Smokehouse & Brewery, Austin, Texas

While you’re in Austin checking out the music scene, get back to what Texas is really about by visiting Uncle Billy’s. Don’t expect to find a dark beer on tap, but the Back 40 Blonde is surprisingly hoppy. Also available are brews by the newly opened 512 Brewing.

When in Texas do as the Texans do and slather their signature habanero hot sauce on your food.

8. Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, New York

Photo: Techincolocalvary

Brooklyn Brewery’s central location in the city makes it an easy stop-over between sites and events. Notable brews are The Pennant Ale ‘55 and the Post Road Pumpkin, one of the best flavored ales around.

9. Sleeping Giant Brewery/Lewis and Clark Brewing Company, Helena, Montana

This small city is central to all locations in the Big Sky State but is best known for its deep roots in the boom-and-bust world of precious metals. Stop into Lewis and Clark (still known as Sleeping Giant to the locals) for a burger and a Tumbleweed IPA, one of the best IPAs in the country.

10. Deschutes Brewery & Public House, Bend, Oregon

Bend has become synonymous with rec-head culture. At Deschutes you’ll find friends recounting the day’s rides along McKenzie River Trail or how the world looked from atop one of the Three Sisters.

While the Deschutes brewery has a nice taproom, its Public House offers special brews — like cask-conditioned ales — that the brewery doesn’t.

11. Ale Asylum, Madison, Wisconsin

You expect something different from this funky Midwest college town and the Ale Asylum delivers. The cleverly named brews run the emotional gamut from Ambergeddon to Happy Ending, fitting perfectly with the underground culture of the city that gave us The Onion.

The brewers bring their eclectic tastes to the taproom. The Hopalicious APA, as the name suggests, tastes like it’s brewed on the other side of the Rockies.

12. Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, Washington

Ideal parking at the Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham, WA. Photo: Evil Erin

A trip to the San Juans won’t be complete without a stop at Boundary Bay. Like most taphouses worth visiting, it’s often packed with locals. The IPA has the hoppiness associated with the Pacific Northwest, and the Amber is well balanced and smooth.

13. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville Pizza does various takes on the traditional pie, and their Shiva IPA and Houdini ESP are both exceptional brews.

14. Moab Brewery, Moab, Utah

Moab is home to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and is unique in the world for its mountain biking scene. When visiting the Moab Brewery, check out the Dead Horse (named after the famous Canyonlands vista point) and Deraillieur Ales.

15. AleSmith Brewing Company, San Diego, California

AleSmith shows you what craft brewing is all about. Both the brewmasters and their beers have won awards. They have a huge selection (by brewery standards) on tap, so expect to spend a full weekday afternoon sampling. Note: the taproom isn’t open weekends.

Happy folks beering up at the The Long Trail Inn, Vermont. Photo: broken_images

16. Long Trail Brewing Company, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont

The Green Mountains of Vermont are home to the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the U.S. It crosses the state’s highest peaks from the Massachusetts state line 270 miles north to the Canadian border. It’s also the namesake of Long Trail Brewing, one of New England’s premier micros.

Stop into their active brewery and see the action from a balcony above the floor on a self-guided tour, or just enjoy one of their signature ales on a balmy day in their riverside “beer garden.”

17. Twisp River Pub, Twisp, Washington

Northwest sport climbers and mountaineers alike will run across the small town of Twisp at some time in their lives, if only passing through to get to the exposed granite of the northern Cascades. The Twisp River Pub is excellent; Methow Brewing is a true microbrewery, keeping batches to 100 gallons or less for the highest quality. They also pull some beers by hand using a traditional beer engine.

18. Novare Res Bier Cafe, Portland, Maine

Old Port’s Novare Res has the best beer selection anywhere in New England. Whether you grab a seat inside at one of the wood-paneled bars or outdoors on the expansive patio, anything from Maine’s local Allagash Brewing is a good pick for a pint.

19. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Expect something different from Dogfish Head beers — like the Raison d’Extra, a brown ale brewed with raisins. If you’re going to sample more than a couple, bring money for a cab. These beers not only have plenty of alcohol, but they seem to have been magically brewed to hit harder than most. Dogfish also handcrafts gin, vodka, and rum. Plan to sleep in.

20. New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado

New Belgium was one of the founders of the microbrew movement and has since grown to the point that it blurs the line between micro and macro. Their top-notch beers have a wide fan base, but they also put on a deep roster of community events focused on sustainability.

Don’t miss the summer Bike-In Cinema nights (think drive-in, but with bikes and beer). There’s nothing more pleasurable than lying back on the grass under glittering stars, sipping a Fat Tire Amber and enjoying a flick with 300 like-minded souls.

Community Connection:

Traveling this Spring? Check out our roundup of 10 of the World’s Best Beer Festivals in May.

This isn’t the first Trips article to profile standout towns. Make sure to check out Gateway to Pristine America: 12 Towns on the Edge of Spectacular Wilderness as well as our picks for the Top 15 Adventure Towns Worldwide.

Photo above: NeilsPhotography, Feature photo: juanete

Psychedelic desert: the Southwest Circuit

You’re in the middle of Bolivian nowhere.

In front of you is a shallow bowled depression, its center carpeted in a bright green lake filled with flamingos. Over your shoulder rise twin volcanic peaks, capped with ice. Just beyond the next ridge stretches a snow-white salt flat, rippling with heat from the midday sun…

Few travelers to Bolivia miss the “Southwest Circuit.” The Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is its star attraction. Standing in the center of its 4,000-square-mile expanse, horizons vanish, leaving nothing but blinding white below and rich, unblemished blue above.

Those lucky enough to visit during the wet summer, when the entire plain is covered in an inches-thick pool of water that reflects the cloudy sky, can convince themselves their Land Cruiser has taken flight.

But the salar fills only one day of the circuit tour. The rest are spent tearing through some of the most inhospitable desert terrain on the planet.

Brilliantly colored chemical lakes, peak after peak of snowy volcanoes, and Andean wildlife (llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, flamingos, and ostrich, for starters) all compete with the salar for your camera’s memory card megabytes.

Photo: zaturno

I doubt anyone regrets the trip—that said, all tours are not created equal.

The salar and deserts of Los Lípez see more visitors every year. Caravans of jeeps depart daily from the town of Uyuni, the traditional starting point. After four days stuck in the middle of the globular tourist amoeba, many are left asking, “Is there a better way to do this?”

The answer is yes.

Turn the tables: start in Tupiza

Your best option for escaping the crowds is to traverse the circuit in reverse. Make the town of Tupiza your point of origin, with a tour that loops through the sights and ends in Uyuni.

Photo: zaturno

In addition to having the Lípez to yourself, you’ll be saving the best for last. Why knock out the salar on the first day, as the typical Uyuni tours do? They also require a long, backtracking drive on the last day.

By ditching the masses, you’ll avoid the sketchier agencies operating out of Uyuni. Companies there pop up and disappear again without notice, making it close to impossible to get reliable recommendations.

For the most part, Tupiza-based agencies are more established. They have a smaller customer base, and therefore more to prove.

Regardless of who you go with, your tour from Tupiza will look something like this:

Day 1

Bust out of town around 9am and drive till sunset through canyon-cut, cactus-covered terrain. Though lacking “big-name” sights, the day exposes you to the desolation of Los Lípez and gives you a glimpse of what life is like for the few communities living here. Other jeeps = scarce to nonexistent.

Day 2

The mountainous, llama-filled desert continues, transforming mile by mile into the surreal vistas that make it onto the postcards. Once you enter Eduardo Avaroa National Wildlife Refuge, it’s on: colored lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, geysers, crazy rock formations, and painted volcanoes.

At some point, you’ll hit Laguna Verde and Volcán Licancabur in the country’s southwest corner. From here, you can tack on an extra day and climb the 19,400 ft (5900 m) Licancabur or other peaks. It’s also possible to hop over the border, connecting to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

Photo: wili_hybrid

Day 3

After two days of solitude, the Land Cruisers start to multiply around the eerily red Laguna Colorada. Pulling up at the sculpted rocks that surround Árbol de Piedra, only to find them covered with sunburned, North-Faced climbers, comes as quite a shock.

More lakes await, and the end of the day will bring you to the edge of the salar itself.

Day 4

Photo: hillsieboy

This is really a long half day. Wake before dawn to catch the sunrise on the salt.

A visit to the cactus-infested Isla del Pescado is followed by a group photo shoot in the middle of the salar, where the lack of distance perspective makes all kinds of crazy camera illusions possible.

After checking out a hotel made entirely of salt and a stop at a tourist market, you should pull into Uyuni around 1pm.

Practicalities

Tupiza is roughly 11 hours by train from Oruro, and a handful more from La Paz. Hop the train if you can; the buses running the route are old and drafty. Breakdowns are common.

Solo travelers and couples should schedule at least one extra day in Tupiza — longer in the low season — to find a group to hook up with. Standard tours won’t leave with fewer than four passengers; five or six means less legroom but bigger savings.

Photo: Naturaleza

Killing time in town isn’t difficult. This is Butch and Sundance country (the outlaws were gunned down in a village less than an hour away), with scenery rivaling the best of the American West.

Horseback riding, canyon hiking, and rock climbing will keep you occupied till your tour leaves.

Operators running out of Tupiza are scarce compared to the hordes of Uyuni-based agencies. Tupiza Tours is one of the originals and has managed to maintain a solid reputation through the years. Yet even with them, it’s essential to double check the contract—triple check if your group is doing anything other than the standard 4-day tour.

Other options include Valle Hermoso and El Grano de Oro Tours.

One last note: it gets cold in the desert. Damn cold. Accommodations are basic and unheated. Bring a sleeping bag or rent one from your company — even in the summer. During the winter, if you’re lucky your guide will give you a hot water bottle each night to stuff into the bottom of your bag. Yeah…daaaamn cold.

Photo: jaytkendall

Community Connection:

Check out today’s companion post, “Summiting Mount Doom in Bolivia,” for further details on climbing Volcán Licancabur.

For more on Bolivia’s spectacular sights, read about photographer Ron Dubin’s assignment in the country in “Big Bolivian Sunsets.”

If you’re looking to mix a little philanthropy with your visit to the country, Matador member org Sustainable Bolivia offers a range of rewarding volunteer opportunities.

Where to stay

Taghazoute is 45 minutes from Agadir’s international airport and home to the famous righthand point breaks of Anchors and Killers that come alive in the winter months.

It’s not the prettiest of towns with its surf ghetto vibe, but it does offer accommodation for all budgets: from small, bare rooms for $10/night to luxury apartments with pools.

Many people choose to stay with one of the numerous surf camps in the area that offer accommodation, meals, and transport to the surf. Prices start at around $300 with surfboard hire and lessons extra.

Get mobile

You can walk to most of the surf breaks around Taghazoute, but the you’ll be sharing the waves with a crowd. Renting a car with a few friends opens up miles of coastline, much of it rarely surfed.

The area around Cap Rihr, 30 minutes north of Taghazoute, has a variety of reefs for experienced surfers.

For a day trip, try Imessouane, a small fishing village home to a long righthander. Or to the south, the former Spanish outpost of Sidi Ifni has a fun beach break in small swells.

The roads between Moroccan towns are mostly good and traffic outside the big cities is relatively light. Just keep an eye out for the occasional mountain goat, donkey, or camel.

And whatever you do, don’t drive at night. Potholes, livestock, and erratic drivers make it a risky proposition.

Post-surf refuel

After a long day of surfing, there’s no better feeling than tucking into fresh and tasty Moroccan cuisine.

The country’s most recognizable dish has to be the tagine, where meat (usually lamb, chicken, or fish) and vegetables are cooked for a couple hours in a clay pot. Follow the locals and eat it with your hands, using big chunks of Moroccan flat bread to mop up the gravy.

Kefta brochettes (spicy minced meat formed over metal skewers) are also a great option and are available from food carts and restaurants.

The seafood in Morocco is fresh and very cheap. For a post-surf snack you can pick up a bag of steamed mussels from a local fisherman for a few dollars or dine in style at Chez Brahim on the beach at Devil’s Rock, where they do wicked fish skewers with fries and salad for $8.

After, enjoy a super-sweet mint tea or, for a less sugary beverage, try the avoca au lait — an avocado milkshake that should taste weird but is strangely delicious.

Night life

Alcohol can be scarce and expensive in Morocco. Taghazoute itself doesn’t have any bars or liquor stores and the closest nightclubs are in Agadir. Apart from the slightly cheesy British Pub (the name says it all) most Agadir nightclubs are attached to luxury hotels and charge practically London or New York prices for entry and drinks.

An alternative is to stock up at a supermarket (look for the Marjane sign) and have a party in your apartment or hostel. Budget about $1 per small can of Flag Speciale beer.

Four great waves

Anchor Point
Named after the now disused anchor factory on the point, this wave ranges from a gentle, peeling longboard wave when small to a world-class righthander breaking up to 15 feet in big swells.

There’s usually a crowd as Anchors is walking distance from Taghazoute, but if you get a good wave here you won’t forget it in a hurry. Entry is from the rocks on the point or around the front at Mysteries Beach.

Boilers
Another righthand point, this wave breaks close to the rocks and leaves little margin for error. Getting in and out of the water is best done beside the submerged ship’s boiler. The wave is a fast, high performance wall with the occasional barrel. Just don’t get stuck behind the section or you may find yourself between a rock and a hard place, literally.

Imessouane
Swells break down a long, perfectly groomed sandbar in the middle of the bay. Surfers from the various surf camps and guesthouses convene en masse to surf it the few hours either side of low tide. Consequently, it can be a busy break with longboarders, shortboarders, wave skis, and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) all competing for the set waves.

Tamri
After tricky rock jumps, shallow reef bottoms, and urchin dodging, it can make for a nice change to surf a beach break. Tamri Plage, 45 minutes north of Taghazoute, often has fun waves in small, clean swells.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

For more waves, give Matador’s surf guides to Vietnam, Hawaii, Portugal, and Argentina a go.

If you’re just starting out, you might want to visit our “Newbie’s Guide to Surfing,” or take a look at the “World’s Best Surf Spots for Beginners.” Experts can head straight for the “Top 10 Most Dangerous Waves in the World.”

Photo: worldwidewandering

“Amazing scenery is a given, no matter which ride you do,” says Alex Gallego about group tours in Montana. He is the owner of Missoula Bicycle Works in Missoula and veteran of several of these epic rides. “For me, the highlights of these [types] of rides are the people involved.”

Cycling tours like RATPOD, ToSRoV West, STOKR and the Double Divide Ride will let you experience Montana in real time as only a trip by bicycle can. Here are several of the most famous tours as well as a few DIY options:

RATPOD Ride Around The Pioneers in One Day

Date: June 27

Riders: 550

Miles: 130

RATPOD is the biggest ride in Montana, with five-hundred-fifty riders covering one-hundred-thirty mile loop through the heart of the rugged Pioneer Mountains. “The festivities that go along with the ride are one of the best parties around,” Gallego says.

One of the “festivities” is the food served along the way. “It’s not the usual rest stop with Power Bars and Gatorade,” Says Jeff Handlin, veteran RATPOD rider. “You roll into the breakfast stop and it’s like stepping into Golden Corral.”

Then, at mile one-hundred-seven, is the famous “pie stop” in the town of Glen. “There are homemade pies just lined up,” Handlin says. “What bike tour has a pie stop?”

Photo: TouringCyclist

ToSRV West Tour of the Swan River Valley

Dates: May 30-31

Riders: 300

Miles: 85 each day

Socializing is a key draw of these tours. The layover in Big Fork during the two-day ToSRV West is one of the greatest aspects of the ride. “Lots of the folks that you rode with that day will be found in the bars around Big Fork that evening,” Gallego says. “It’s a great opportunity to relive the entire day. The long climbs and the amazing scenery.”

Double Divide Ride

Dates: June 13-14

Miles: 88 day 1, 51 day 2

While all of the rides include great food and scenery, the Double Divide also provides the challenge of two mountain passes. Also, with fewer riders, this ride offers a more intimate setting than the other tours.

This tour explores a less visited area of Montana, leading to a less crowded feeling on the road in terms of lumbering RV’s.

STOKR Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River

Dates: May 9-10

Riders: 400

Miles: 98 day 1, 37 day 2

The scenery of western Montana is hard to beat and the STOKR ride has some of the best, including both natural wonders like renowned Kootenai Falls, and man-made, such as The Dirty Shame Saloon.

This ride has a shorter option that cuts fifty-three miles off of the first day, yet isn’t short on the views. The tour provides an altruistic bent as well, donating the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. They have seven houses built exclusively by STOKR donations. Riders are not required to pick up hammers, but they are certainly welcome to.

Kootenai Falls. Photo: Brian French

DIY Montana Touring

Of course, if soul searching is what you’re after, a do-it-yourself tour may be the prescription. To get the perfect blend of beauty, solitude, and challenge, one has only to get a little creative. With no organized tour going into the Beartooth Mountains, Handlin created a tour that is equal parts scenic and grueling.

He started his loop in Red Lodge, along the grassy plains and foothills to Chief Joseph Scenic Highway outside of Cody, Wyoming. From there, the road climbs over Dead Indian Pass then just shy of 11,000 feet to Beartooth Pass before dropping 5,000 feet of switchbacks to return to Red Lodge.

“I don’t know exactly how many miles it is, but it took me ten or eleven hours,” Handlin said. He ran out of water, got hammered by a thunderstorm, and had his hands so numbed by the cold that he couldn’t shift. So, was this epic the cure for the common ride?

“I’ll do it again,” Handlin says, “maybe every year. Next time, I’m going to ride it backwards.”

Community Connection

Interested in other cycling options this summer in Montana apart from a group ride? Talk to Eric Warren. He’s one of the Montana Experts at Matador who can help you find exactly the right places and logistics for any adventure you can think of in Big Sky country.

Photo courtesy of Travel Montana

There’s a scene in A River Runs Through It where Brad Pitt’s character is up to his waist in the middle of the Blackfoot River and yells over the roar of the rapids:

“What are they biting on?”

This beautiful cinematic moment is a summer one. But fly fishing enthusiasts know a seasonal secret: the best time to fish the iconic waters of Big Sky country is spring. Come late March/early April, winter slides off the spine of the Bitterroots as light and warmth entice Skwala stoneflies and March brown drake mayflies out of their casings.

The serious, pleasurable work of catching fish from the end of an elegant cast is about to start.

Photo: Clydehurst

Why Montana?

Besides all the attention the Norman Maclean memoir and the Robert Redford film rendition garnered, Montana has some of the best fly fishing in the world for very practical reasons: its wild fish populations have been protected since 1963 with the passage of the nation’s first stream preservation legislation.

Rather than simply throwing in stockers from hatcheries to please the masses, biologists and natural resource professionals key to the habitat of native cold water fisheries. This helps protect water quality, stream flows, and healthy stream bank vegetation.

It also ensures wily wildness in the fish at the end of your line, fish that spook when your shadow darkens the shore. In a true angler’s opinion, it’s a much more exciting catch than hooking some lunker just out of the Fish and Game truck.

Photo: bugeaters

Montana has also been ahead of the curve in terms of catch and release policy, encouraging the use of barbless hooks for decades. Better to enjoy the thrill of the “get” rather than the taste of the flesh, putting the fish back in the stream and letting them get bigger, perhaps to be caught another day (or not).

Matching the Hatch

For beginners still sorting out their new Orvis purchases, “matching the hatch” is the process of mimicking the entomological cycle of native insects when selecting your artificial fly.

A hatch in full force is an electric event to witness. Nymphs, the insect equivalent of adolescents, morph from teenagers into winged adults instantaneously. The water surface bubbles and boils with feeding trout. Depending on what species is hatching, the ichthyology can get acrobatic.

The initial urge is to tie on your best rendition of a grown-up fly and get in on the action. But before you wet a line, take a deep breath and observe.

Photo: bugeaters

It may not be the flying forms the fish are after. The way the trout moves is an excellent indicator of what’s being eaten and where. Are fish jumping clear out of the water? Caddis emergers are probably making a quick run for the surface.

Small white fish mouths opening and closing below the water so you can see them? Classic surface feeding on small midges. Tails pointed upward towards you? Nymph feast on the riverbed!

Matching the hatch is more than noticing what’s flying around you. What’s underneath a rock may be what you want to tie on your line any given spring day.

Where to Go Before Memorial Day

When it comes to spectacular trout fisheries the “west is best,” meaning the left portion of Montana is where to focus your efforts in the coming months. This includes southern Montana as well.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and the crowds that come with it, so get your license, dust off the tackle box, and head to these Montana waters before school lets out.

Early April: Right now (and I mean right now) the Skwala stoneflies open the surface action on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers in NW Montana and Rock Creek in SW Montana.

April through mid-May: March Brown and Grey Drake Mayflies are big versions of the genus and make their debut each spring on the Missouri, Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. It’s the season’s first large mayfly hatch. Mercurial weather usually means fishing pressure is fairly light.

Mother’s Day Mayflies: The Yellowstone River rolls through southern Montana to the border with Wyoming and the United States’ first national park. About the time we celebrate our maternal connections, mayflies pop on the surface of one of North America’s premier trout fisheries.

Community Connection:

Matador loves Montana! Check out Travel Montana, a leading Matador partner and terrific source of support in terms of food, lodging, and those all important fly fishing guides and shops.

This year’s snowmelt is pumping up Montana’s rivers right now for both fishing and paddling. If you’re interested in kayaking or floating some of the classic Big Sky runs, as well as additional information and resources for visiting Montanas’ rivers, check out our guide to Boating the Big Sky.

1. Huang Shan (China)

Huang Shan. Photo by andreaqi. Feature photo by Deivis.

Huang Shan, or the “Yellow Mountain,” is one of China’s major tourist destinations. The area’s granite peaks rise out of the forests and clouds, creating a scene reminiscent of an ancient Chinese landscape painting.

More than 50 trails and several cable cars allow travelers to explore the mountains and climb to various peaks, and many visitors spend the night in guesthouses on or near the mountain summits to see the sun rise over this incredible range.

2. Great Wall (China)

The Great Wall. Photo by topgold

Though the debate over its visibility from space continues, none could contest the inspiring beauty of the Great Wall when seen from one of its towers. The stone ribbon rises and falls over mountain peaks and seems to stretch into eternity.

The most popular and fully restored sections of the wall become crowded in the tourist season, but there’s still an opportunity, at places like Simatai, to experience the Great Wall in solitude.

3. Konya-Urgench (Turkmenistan)

Urgench, once among the greatest cities of the Silk Road, was razed by Genghis Khan in one of the bloodiest massacres in history. Today, what remains of the city, notably the Törebeg Hanym Mausoleum and the Gutluk-Temir Minaret, stand in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape.

The ruins make this site an excellent destination for travelers interested in Asian history and Islamic architecture.

4. Taj Mahal (India)

Taj Mahal. Photo by closelyobserved.com

Considered the greatest example of Mughal architecture, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Could any trip to India be complete without seeing the Taj Mahal?

5. Dambulla Cave Temple (Sri Lanka)

There are many cave temples throughout Asia, but Dambulla, located in the center of Sri Lanka, is held as one of the greatest. Since the end of the first century BC, these caves have been associated with a Buddhist monastery and now contain dozens of statues and paintings depicting Buddha, Sri Lankan kings, and various Hindu deities.

6. Kiyomizu-dera (Japan)

Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by amao(Beijing)

Of the many incredible Shinto and Buddhist temples in Kyoto, Japan, Kiyomizu-dera stands out as an impressive example of Japanese woodworking (not a single nail was used in the entire temple) and for its commanding position overlooking the historic city.

Visit in the autumn or spring and time your entrance for the end of the day, just before sunset, to understand why this is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Japan.

7. Borobudur (Indonesia)

Borobudur. Photo by null0

Located in central Java, Borobudur is a major site for Buddhist pilgrims in Southeast Asia. With hundreds of statues and carved reliefs, Borobudur presents an impressive collection of Buddhist art, detailing core cosmology, laws, and mythologies of the religion.

8. Chitwan National Park (Nepal)

Most travelers in Nepal focus their time on exploring the Himalaya. With access to such high and beautiful mountains, it’s easy to forget that a large part of Nepal is tropical.

A visit to Chitwan, Nepal’s oldest national park, allows travelers to experience another side of the country. Hiking, canoeing, and elephant safaris help visitors explore the park, which is home to Indian rhinoceros and Bengal tigers, among other species.

9. Banaue Rice Terraces (Philippines)

Banaue Rice Terraces. Photo by jonrawlinson

The terraces in Ifugao province in the Philippines are thought to be over 2,000 years old and are referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by many Filipinos. Following the contours of the mountainsides, the terraces cover more than 4,000 square miles and are a great example of a “living cultural landscape.”

10. Potala Palace (Tibet)

Potala Palace. Photo by Jesse Xu

The former residence of the Dalai Lama towers over the old town in Lhasa, Tibet. With more than 1,000 rooms and 10,000 shrines, the 13-story building is an incredible archive of Tibetan Buddhist art, history, and religious artifacts.

11. Angkor (Cambodia)

The more than 1,000 temples around Angkor, the former seat of the Khmer Empire, are the finest surviving examples of classical Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat itself is the single largest religious monument in the world.

Of course, travelers in Angkor are unlikely to be alone; the area receives more than two million visitors every year.

12. Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)

Ha Long Bay. Photo by rapidacid

The limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay jut dramatically out of the sea, creating a distinctive and beautiful landscape. Travelers can explore the region by boat, staying at the floating houses that make up the area’s fishing villages.

Ho Chi Minh once said of Ha Long Bay, “It is the wonder that one cannot impart to others,” meaning, like all of these spectacular sites, you must see it for yourself to truly understand its magic.

13. Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

Occupying a central position on the Silk Road, Samarkand was designated a World Heritage Site because it is a “crossroads of cultures.” The Registan, or ancient center of the city, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque are landmarks well worth visiting.

Though it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Samarkand remains a vibrant community and a center of Islamic scholarship.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

The Asian continent offers an unbelievably rich array of options for travelers. Check out 7 Classic Adventure Spots in Asia, or puzzle over the continent’s 10 Most Exotic Foods.

Feature photo and photo above by Brian French.

As the last snowstorms leave their mark on the western Montana landscape, thoughts of rivers and boating begin to dominate my mind. Soon the enormous accumulation of snow nestled in the high country will find its way to area creeks and rivers, creating the opportunity for something truly remarkable – exploring the northern Rocky Mountains by boat.

I have been exploring the waters of western Montana for seven years now. I typically paddle well over 100 days in any given year and I try to commit to exploring at least a few new rivers or creeks every season.

I am a kayaker at heart, so I tend to prefer stretches that are a little more difficult in terms of whitewater. There is plenty of difficult water in Montana and plenty of opportunities for first descents. There are also plenty of opportunities for rafters, canoeists, touring kayakers, tubers, and pretty much all manner of folks who enjoy days on the water.

Whether you are looking for a full-on Class V nightmare with arduous portages or a crystal-clear, slow moving mountain stream with fishing that can only be described as “blue ribbon,” Montana has something for everyone.

Following are brief accounts of some of my favorite river trips in the state of Montana. I have included very basic logistics for planning trips on these stretches. For more detailed information on boating opportunities in Montana and the surrounding area, visit my blog, Montana eddy hop.

Have fun out there and remember: safety first!

Middle Fork of the Flathead River, Montana (Wilderness Section)

Photo by Brian French.

Originating in the heart of the Great Bear Wilderness, the Upper Middle Fork flows north through one of the most pristine canyons around and then forms the southern boundary of Glacier National Park.

Needless to say, the scenery on this river is unimaginable, and the water is perhaps the most crystalline blue water in the country. There is also great whitewater on this stretch, and difficulties vary dramatically with flows.

In order to run this stretch, you have to get yourself to Schaffer Meadows, either by plane, backpacking or horse packing. I highly recommend taking the flight from Kalispell with Red Eagle Aviation – although somewhat costly (about $350 per plane, enough for about two people plus gear), the folks who fly you in are super friendly and the flight is out of this world.

The flight to Middle Fork of the Flathead. Photo by Brian French.

You fly over the Flathead Valley, through a notch in the mountain crest, and then through the middle of the Great Bear Wilderness, looking south into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and north into Glacier.

When combined, these wilderness areas comprise the second largest roadless area in the lower 48 – take the flight, it’s worth every penny.

If you haven’t yet made this journey, you should really find a way to do so – the flight into Schaffer and float out on the Middle Fork is an ultra-classic Montana experience.

There’s no other feeling in the world like a multi-day float trip. Middle Fork of the Flathead. Photo by Brian French.

M.F. Flathead logistics: Class IV (IV- at low flows – below 6000 cfs at West Glacier, but solid IV at all others).

The water never really stops moving on this stretch, making it really fun and continuous. Rafters in your crew need to be pretty experienced as the upper part of the stretch can be very tight and technical.

The Spruce Park series contains the best and most difficult whitewater, and is towards the end of the trip. The put in is Schaffer Meadows, where the river is but a small mountain stream, and the standard takeout is Bear Creek access east of Essex on U.S. Highway 2.

You can also keep paddling past Bear Creek and take out at Essex in order to pass the Goat Lick – a popular gathering area for mountain goats.

Blackfoot River, Montana

Canoeing the Blackfoot. Photo by Brian French.

The Blackfoot River was the first stretch of water I really got to know in Montana. Made famous by Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, this river is in Missoula’s back yard and is a wonderful place to spend a lazy day on the river.

I personally prefer to canoe the Blackfoot. It has a great, 18-mile Class II stretch of water that is perfectly suited for canoeing. Rafters, kayakers, and even tubers in the summer enjoy this stretch as well.

Just like the majority of other large rivers in Montana, there are numerous potential stretches to run on the Blackfoot, and the majority of the water is Class II or lower.

The fishing on the Blackfoot is outstanding, and I have encountered more wildlife on the Blackfoot than on any river anywhere. Bear, elk, mule and whitetail deer, moose, mountain lion, bald and golden eagle, numerous species of waterfowl, river otter, and countless other critters call the Blackfoot corridor home. Having this river so close is one of my favorite things about living in Missoula.

Blackfoot logistics: Class II (III- at high flows).

Multiple stretches are possible, but the standard put in is located at Roundup off Highway 200 northeast of Missoula. The take out is at Johnsrud Park, or you can easily take out at the Ledge just upstream to avoid the Johnsrud mayhem (take 200 towards Great Falls from Bonner east of Missoula, you can’t miss the Blackfoot corridor).

Roundup to Johnsrud is about 18 miles, or you can easily put in at the Whitaker Bridge to cut the distance in half and access most good whitewater. This river is well worth exploring.

Montana’s Northwest Corner Classic Duo: Kootenai River and Yaak River

Kootenai Falls. Photo by Brian French.

The northwest corner of Montana contains one of the most unique ecosystems and incredible watersheds in the state. The Yaak River corridor is a mini-rainforest that contains a remote canyon with one of the best stretches of whitewater around that rafters and kayakers both enjoy.

The Yaak flows into the Kootenai River, which is a beautiful large volume river that is slow-moving and mellow in all places but Kootenai Falls, an amazing canyon that contains arguably the rowdiest big water in the state of Montana.

With simple, roadside logistics and a wilderness feel, the Yaak River winds its way down a canyon filled with old-growth western cedars and lichen-covered rock formations. The water is continuous, fun Class III/IV with a couple solid Class IV rapids thrown in the mix.

This is a classic Montana adventure that is always worth the drive. You are almost guaranteed to have this stretch to yourself, and there is excellent camping at Yaak Falls – an impressive waterfall that is the put-in for the run.

Stomping at Kootenai Falls. Photo by Brian French.

The Kootenai Falls section of the Kootenai River is less than 30 minutes from the Yaak and is a stomping stretch of Class IV+ big-water that is basically a playboater’s pipedream.

Beginning with a very straightforward 18-foot waterfall, the Kootenai drops more than 100 vertical feet in the next mile, which is a gradient more common of low volume creeks than rivers with over 15,000 cubic feet per second of volume.

Superwave. Photo by Brian French.

This stretch has enormous waves and holes. Right after the falls is Superwave, probably the rowdiest wave in Montana that is truly huge and very intimidating. As is said in the Montana Surf guidebook, the Kootenai River is as close to the Zambezi as you’re going to get in Montana, and is an incredible boating experience.

Yaak River Logistics: Class IV-V.

To find the put-in, look for Yaak River Road west of the town of Troy on U.S. Highway 2. Follow this road up to Yaak Falls campground and put-in at the base of the Falls (you can run the Falls at lower flows, but you better stick your line or you’re slamming directly into a rock wall).

There is a parking area at the Highway 2 bridge over the Yaak, right above the confluence with the Kootenai.

Kootenai River Logistics: Class IV+ (big, pushy water).

Located on U.S. Highway 2 just east of the town of Troy. There is a nice rest area and trail to the river at Kootenai Falls (clearly marked), or paddlers may want to find the road that drops in about a half-mile to the east of the rest area that follows the tracks.

If you park here, it’s a much shorter walk to the river and you can put-in and take about three paddle strokes before getting launched over the Falls…good way to lively up yourself!

Once a paddler you can never look at water the same; you’re always scouting. Photo by Brian French.

Yellowstone River, Montana

The Yellowstone River originates in Yellowstone National Park and is America’s longest free-flowing river. The Yellowstone watershed contains runoff from the Beartooth Mountain Range, which contains Granite Peak, Montana’s highest point at over 12,000 feet.

The Yellowstone River flows through some of the most spectacular scenery in Big Sky country, and has some of the best fishing in the state as well.

From the Paradise Valley north of Gardiner to the confluence with the Missouri River, the Yellowstone has countless stretches of enjoyable water that draw rafters, drift-boaters, kayakers, and canoeists.

Putting on or taking out, a good river trip = joy. Photo by Brian French.

It is hard to imagine a more beautiful river than the Yellowstone – this is the old favorite of many water enthusiasts in the state and for good reason. It is hard to focus on anything but peace and serenity when floating past the cottonwoods and amongst the white pelicans of the Yellowstone River.

Yellowstone River logistics: Countless stretches are possible on this river.

Starting at Gardiner north of Yellowstone Park, the upper Yellowstone generally has more difficult whitewater than the lower reaches. There are two world-class canyons within Yellowstone Park, the Grand Canyon and the Black Canyon, that are fabled to be incredible runs and are unfortunately illegal because of Park Service policies prohibiting paddling in Yellowstone Park.

The middle and lower Yellowstone reaches, from around Livingston down, contain very scenic, mellow stretches with great fishing and amazing playboating features at higher flows. Rafters and drift boaters from all over the country flock to the Yellowstone during the warm months of the year.

Community Connection

Interested in learning more about Montana? Check in with our local Montana experts, including Montana Expert N. Christine Olson, who has put together an Angler’s Guide to Spring Fly Fishing in Montana.

Always been interested in learning how to paddle but never tried? Check out our Step by Step Guide to Getting into Whitewater Paddling. Learn how there is a whole new world out there when you see it from the river.

Feature photo courtesy of Travel Montana. Photo above by golampo.

We all know Montana’s skiing, paddling, and backpacking are fantastic—but why else should you visit the Big Sky State now?

1. To get a peek at the future.

Haven’t used the word “foodshed” in causal conversation yet? You will one day soon. Head to Montana to check out a thriving local food movement.

You can plan a summer visit and chat with growers at farmers’ markets all over the state, and, of course, sample the fruits of their labors—everything from peaches to bison burgers.

Farmer’s market in Missoula. Photo by JustinKnabb

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Visit the Montana Homegrown site to learn about farmers who are going beyond organic to consider the relationships of food to culture, agriculture to wilderness, growers to consumers—and to schedule farm tours.

Planning a winter trip? Sample local, in-season produce on top of a gourmet wood-fired pizza at Biga Pizza in Missoula—and wash it down with a local wine or microbrew (Moose Drool, anyone?). Red Lodge and Big Sky Breweries offer free tours—just contact them in advance.

Photo by Bitteroot.

2. To put the world in perspective.

There’s nothing like pondering geologic time for making your worries seem insignificant. Fifteen thousand years ago, the valleys of Western Montana flooded repeatedly into a huge, glacier-dammed lake.

When the ice dams failed, the water swept across western Montana, Oregon, and Washington—all the way to the Pacific—and the evidence of these catastrophic floods is still visible today.

Photo by Bitteroot.

Ancient lake shores are still etched into the mountains that ring the city of Missoula—a striking sight if you know what you’re looking at. Farther north, on the Flathead reservation, take a look at Rainbow Lake, formed when gushing flood waters plucked chunks out of the bedrock and carried them away. Visit the Montana Natural History Center or pick up a copy of David Alt’s fun and informative book, Glacial Lake Missoula and Its Humongous Floods, and keep your eyes open for more flood landmarks.

3. To learn history.

Memorial sculpture at little Bighorn Battlefield Nat’l Monument. Photo by virago.

In Eastern Montana, the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument provides a haunting look at a period in American history that has continuing repercussions in the present. From June through August, get the story of the battle from lively ranger talks—and then take a van tour with Crow guides from the reservation’s community college for a different perspective.

Visit the park in late June for the battle reenactments—one is put on by the National Park Service, the other by a local Crow family. Be sure to stop into a local bar the night before the “battle” to observe in-uniform Cavalry soldiers from all over the world getting into character.

Photo by michael gallacher.

4. To get some culture.

For the stout of heart (and stomach), there’s the Testicle Festival in Clinton, Montana, from July 29 through August 2—a bawdy celebration of Rocky Mountain Oyster season. Have a ball gulping down the protein-rich signature dish, observing the Wet T-Shirt Contest and the Hairy Chest Contest, and watching Hell’s Angels mingle with wide-eyed college freshmen from the nearby University of Montana.

Also, if you’ve never been to a rodeo, Montana is the place for you see how long 8 seconds can last.

Photo courtesy of Travel Montana.

If your tastes run more to the literary, visit Missoula in late October for the Festival of the Book, now in its tenth straight year. Spend three days visiting with and listening to renowned authors from all over the United States and all over the literary map.

Book lovers and aspiring writers will be sprinting frantically all over town, trying to squeeze in just one more panel or reading.

Also in late October in Missoula, observe a wonderfully weird meshing of Montanan and Mexican culture at the Day of the Dead Parade—local artists, dancers, and children put on a colorful and macabre show, and the dancing and reveling continue into the night.

In the bleak midwinter months after a day on the slopes, look for warming music, food, art, and workshops in everything from animal tracking to African dance, in cities from Whitefish to Hardin.

In the summer, rest those paddle-sore arms at any number of beer-and music-drenched outdoor events. Grab a copy of the local independent paper, or just ask the nearest fly fisherman, barista, or burrito-scarfing student—and then head out to get inspired by Montana’s energetic and eclectic cultural scene.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Headed to Big Sky Country? Be sure to touch base with one of Matador’s Montana experts to get some insider information that will help you plan your trip.

Photo: *Solar ikon*

Tokyo, Japan

Spring is practically defined by the cherry blossom. Many cities around the globe pride themselves on the beauty of their sakura trees—D.C., Vancouver, and Seoul all hold dedicated festivals—but why not head to the source?

Petals drift down in surreal snowfalls that cover the wide, black paths of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace complex. From here, you can walk along a carpet of softest pink to Yasukuni Shrine, where the combination of spiritual tranquility and seasonal beauty invites visitors to linger longer than they planned.

Of course, the capital is one among hundreds of venues for sakura sightseeing in Japan. The imperial charm of Kyoto’s parks and shrines provide an excellent backdrop for the blossoms, while Nagoya, Kamakura, and Osaka are also popular destinations.

When the flowers appear depends on the latitude, climate, and recent weather of each location. As of now, recommended 2009 viewing times for Tokyo and Kyoto run from the end of March through the first week in April.

Schedules for these and other regions can be found here.

Photo: Zest-pk

Lisse, Holland

The Dutch tulip is another spring specimen of world-class renown.

Amsterdam’s floating flower market of Bloemenmarkt is good for a splash of fragrance and color in any season, and flower history buffs can tour the city’s tulip museum.

But it’s Lisse, a town 40 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam and well-served by public transport, that’s home to the world’s largest flower garden, the Keukenhof.

Open from March 19 to May 21, 2009, the vast grounds of the Keukenhof feature over 7 million flower bulbs, many of them tulips. In addition, boat tours, workshops, and bicycle rentals are available, ensuring an overdose of springtime fun.

The Lake District, England

Photo: ginnerobot

A cradle of bucolic scenery year round, England’s Lake District reveals something special each spring, when daffodils erupt across the hills and dales.

This is where Wordsworth “wandered lonely as a cloud.” If you’re seeking poetic inspiration, or just a pleasant stroll through the golden daffodils, fit Lake District National Park into your itinerary.

The town of Ambleside hosts its Daffodil and Spring Flower Show this March 28 and 29, but the blooms will be going off throughout April as well.

Chappell Hill, TX, USA

Photo: robholland

There’s a species of lupine so beloved by Texans that they named it their state flower back in 1901. Each spring, the bluebonnet carpets the plains and Hill Country of eastern and central Texas.

These blossoms are at their peak in April, and the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival is held mid-month accordingly. Ask the locals and they’ll be happy to tell you this is the only “official” bluebonnet festival in Texas.

Yet, it’s just as easy to spot blue-hued meadows along state highways, thanks to a wildflower seeding project prompted by former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson.

If the flowers on their own aren’t enough for you, consider an outing along the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail. This network of East Texas roads traverses prime bluebonnet country while connecting you to more than half a dozen local wineries.

Photo: g-hat

Perth, Australia

Travel budgets are tight these days. If you simply can’t manage a trip to watch the buds bloom this spring, don’t despair. Keep in mind—one hemisphere’s summer is another’s winter.

When September rolls around, head to Western Australia for a second-chance spring.

Perth is the place to be, where the annual Kings Park Festival lasts all month. Live music, art installations, and cultural performances add to the attraction of the flowers blooming throughout the park and botanical gardens.

For the flower obsessed (there’s one in every group), the tourism board of Western Australia suggests a three-day itinerary heading north out of Perth. Thousands of species bloom in this region of the country, making it the ideal destination for enjoying spring Down Under.

Community Connection

Do you suffer a touch of flora-mania? What are your favorite places to take in spring blooms? Let us know in the comments.

Sakura got a mention in our 8 Cities That Burn Through Your Money, while Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt landed among the Top 10 Free Things to Do in Europe. Check out what else made these lists!

1. Berlin, Germany

Photo: Roman Lashkin

Berlin: bullet-ridden buildings and graffiti adorned subways.

2. Tallinn, Estonia

Photo: chillihead

Tallinn: fairy tale city with crazy party scene.

3. Hồ Chí Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Photo: mknobil

Hồ Chí Minh City: French colonial buildings, traditional Asian temples, and a cosmopolitan nightlife, flying through chaotic streets by motorbike (xe om) and exploring old world monuments, sidewalk cafes, and rows of silk, spice, and medicinal markets.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Photo: Marcelomdrs

Rio: Carnaval, Samba, footbal.

5. Australia

Photo: Corey Leopold

Australia: catching the sunrise at Ayers Rock. Diving at the Great Barrier Reef.

6. Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada

Photo: Rick McCharles

7. Big Sur, California, USA

Photo: Doug Letterman

8. Koh Chang, Thailand

Photo: v a i r o j

Escape the crowds of Phuket and head over to Koh Chang’s empty beaches.

9. Santorini, Greece

Photo: Wolfgang Staudt

Santorini: seaside cliffs, black sand beaches, and blue-and-white houses on the caldera’s edge.

10. Morocco

Photo: bachmont

Morocco: exotic treats in the Djemaa el-Fna market in Marrakech, getting lost in the twists and turns of the streets of Fes el-bali, surfing Essaouira.

11. Kerala, India

Photo: albany tim

Kerala: floating down the labyrinth of Kerala’s backwaters on a kettuvallom (a thatched-bamboo cargo boat), gliding by coconut trees and seaside villages.

12. Andalucia, Spain

Photo: jmsuarez

Andalucia: flamenco, bullfighting (ok, not so romantic), the royal Islamic architecture in the Alhambra.

13. Moscow, Russia

Photo: AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker

Moscow, Russia: land of intrigue, vodka, and Doctor Zhivago, the gilded minarets of St. Basil Cathedral and the lantern-lined streets of Old Arabat.

Feature photo by Uninen. Photo above by nattu.

An archipelago is an “expanse of water with many scattered islands,” or a cluster of islands, typically found in the open sea. Although generally the result of volcanic activity, archipelagos are also shaped by other forces of nature, including erosion and rising or falling sea tables; as dynamic land masses, archipelagos tend to offer dramatic scenery.

Here are some of the most amazing examples worldwide:

Tierra del Fuego

Photo by longhorndave.

At the southern end of South America, the last echoes of the Andes Mountains collapse into the sea. Tierra del Fuego, the Land of Fire, is renowned for its snowy peaks rising from turbulent waters above Antarctica. The Patagonian forests are complex and mystical with huge cypress trees and pudu-pudu, a deer that’s only 20 inches tall.

Tristan da Cunha

Photo by brunosan.

The volcanic rocks of Tristan da Cunha are the most remote scraps of land on Earth. The closest land is the island of Saint Helena, where Napoleon was exiled, and that’s still 1,500 miles away. Africa and South America are both 2,000 miles away.

A handful of flightless birds seen nowhere else in the world keep the 250 inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha company while stalwart British fishermen keep a wary eye on the volcano that destroyed their only settlement 70 years ago.

The landscape of the islands is austere. While there are no glaciers, the bare ground of Gough Island—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—seems surreal. What lies behind the high cliffs of the aptly named Inaccessible Island?

The Thousand Islands

Photo by Alberto OG.

In the Saint Lawrence River between New York State and Canada, the Thousand Islands have long been home to the rich and famous; in fact, many of the islands are privately owned. The curiosities inhabitants have left behind make the 1,800+ islands of the archipelago as strange as they are beautiful.

Heart Island supports an actual castle with towers, a yacht house, and a stained glass dome. The crumbling ruins of a Revolution-era fort adorn one island; Yale University’s secret society, Skull and Bones, owns another.

Other islands are so tiny that they can barely support a single house, though all of the islands must be above water 365 days a year and must support at least two trees to be considered part of this archipelago.

Svalbard

Photo by gogoolplex.

Svalbard, meaning “cold edge,” describes a group of islands found halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Though geographically large, the Svalbard has only 2,500 permanent inhabitants.

Local law requires residents and visitors alike to carry hunting rifles outside the settlements at all times—a last-resort defense against the 500 polar bears that roam the islands. Svalbard has no trees, but during the four months of constant daylight, Arctic wildflowers bloom everywhere.

Truly entrepreneurial spirits should know that citizens of countries signatory to the Svalbard Treaty may go to Svalbard without a visa and legally open their own coal mine.

The Artificial Islands

Photo by Pete the painter.

The Dubai harbor has more than doubled its size in five years; massive dredging has created very large and expensive artificial islands off the coast of the city-state whose exploits approach mythic proportions.

Between the three Palm Islands, the vast artificial Waterfront, and the massive archipelago called The World, Dubai’s new land will house over 3 million people when done. The islands already look like nothing else in the world.

The artificial islands are resorts, their beauty entirely artificial and entirely commercial. Whether it is a tremendous waste of resources, or greedy profiteering, or mere vain showmanship, Dubai has done the impossible and made land where there was none.

The Dodecanese

Photo by Michelos.

Many of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos gained their renown for pristine beaches, clear oceans, or stunning terrain. The famous Dodecanese, off the southwest coast of Turkey, have all of these in abundance, but they also bear the stunning marks of 3,000 years of advanced culture.

The islands have been ruled by the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottomans, Italians, and — finally — by the Greeks again, and all of these cultures have left their mark with spectacular ruins and structures.

The Colossus of Rhodes, a Wonder of the World, briefly stood guard near (or, more whimsically, over) the most famous island’s harbor. John of Patmos allegedly received the visions which became the Book of Revelation on Patmos. The Knights Hospitaller built a massive Crusader fortress on Rhodes, and churches abound.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Are you a lover of under-visited, isolated islands? Check out Matador contributing editor Tim Patterson’s picks for the Top 6 Most Enchanting Undeveloped Islands in the World. Or, read up on Japan’s often overlooked south, in Shima to Shima: Southern Islands of Japan.

Photo above by Wolfgang Staudt

Feature photo by G u i d o

Cheap and Romantic Lodging Options

Forget staying in hotels, even the budget ones. Southern France is filled with self-catering urban apartments and rural bungalows. Renting one of these for a week or two cuts down lodging costs by 30% to 50% and honestly, they up the romance and authenticity of being there by 200%.

The beauty of renting a place is that you unpack once and spend the rest of your time exploring the area– eating, drinking, wandering, hiking– without stress. And that is how one arrives at the good life.

Some suggested sites to search for your temporary home away from home are:

• Top Rural in France
• Homelidays in France
• Craigslist: Look for housing listings under France for Marseilles, Montpellier, Lyon, and Toulouse).
• For gîtes (rural, self-catering houses and apartments) in Provence French Connections has some romantic bargains if you hunt about.

Photo above by van Ort

Eating and Drinking

Having your self-catering accommodation offers the next big economic and romantic move: the ability to shop at the famous Provencal daily and weekly markets and sample the true terroir of the land: locally-grown food and wine.

Buy your fruits and vegetables, cheeses and sausages from the people who make them, as with the wine. Rent a bike, land your hands on one of the GR foot trail maps, and cycle and walk to villages and towns on market day.

Weekly food markets occur in nearly every town and village. When you arrive at your home base, ask the tourist office for a list of nearby markets.

And always ask the locals. If there is one thing people love to talk about it’s their local food and wine, and where and from whom to buy it. Tourist offices are also well equipped to help you with details.

Flea Markets

Most flea markets occur on Sundays, though some are on Saturdays. Flea markets bring out the diverse color of society and are a great way to see the old fashions and aesthetics of a place.

Moreover, flea markets let you find a one-of-a-kind treasure to take home at a bargain price. Again, the local tourist office can tell you when and where these occur. Avignon and Montpellier have terrific flea markets as do other main towns.

Cultural Activities for Free (or Almost)

Music in the open air, galleries showing off the artistic genius of the area, hikes, sunset vistas from perfect perches– these are many of the free experiences you can find easily in Provence. Concerts are listed on church doors and at tourist offices. Gallery exhibits often have a sidewalk billboard announcing a little hidden plaza where there’s an exhibit.

The person from whom you rented your apartment can tell you the best place to watch the sunset in their town. (In Avignon, it is at the top of the Rocher des Doms gardens). Also ask them where the best trails are for hikes.

If museums are a must, take advantage of the all-city admission deals where you purchase a pass for a one or two-day access to all sites, rather than paying the higher individual admission fees.

Finally, rent a bike and/or buy a good walking map and use your own muscles to motor about. Slow Travel France is a great resource and offers terrific ideas and guidance for hikes in the Luberon.

Photo above by Wolfgang Staudt

Two Itineraries for Touring Provence

These two one-week itineraries capture the highlights of Provence. They complement each other well so if you have two full weeks, I’d give them both a go.

Week One: Arles, Nîmes, and the Camargue, or, The Roman, Romany, and Cowboy Route

• Make Arles your home base—renting a studio in the heart of town, where you can enjoy strolls in the streets Van Gogh once walked.
• Dine at the family-run places that advertise plat du jour, repas à prix fixe, or formules (set menus). These reasonably-priced set menus and specials tend to offer local, seasonal foods at the best prices.

• Arles’ market days are Wednesday and Saturday.

• Rent bikes to tour the Camargue, which you can do from Arles. Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent. July and August are the worst months for mosquitoes, but May, June, September and October (maybe even November) can be bad as well.
• Take the train for a day trip to Nîmes. If you want to go further afield, make another day trip to Montpellier, to the west, or Marseilles, to the east.

• Nîmes’ market day is Monday.

• Take a local bus to Les Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer for a beach day, enjoying shellfish, chilled dry rosé wine, and this pilgrimage site where it is believed many sacred Marys, including Mary Magdalene, and other biblical figures, arrived by boat from the Holy Land around AD 40.

• Les-Stes-Maries’ markets days are Monday and Friday.

Photo above by Wolfgang Staudt

Week Two: Avignon, Le Luberon, and the Pont du Gard, or, the Medieval Towns and Villages Route

• Make Avignon your home base. A great hotel, if you decide on that option over the lodging suggestions above, is the Hotel Medieval, which rents studios with kitchenettes at weekly rates. It’s in the heart of medieval Avignon.
• Allow 2-3 days just to soak up Avignon’s cultural, culinary, and social scenes. Enjoy the gallery exhibits, the church concerts, the food and flea markets, and the bistros scattered throughout the old Papal town.

• Avignon’s market day is Monday. It also has the daily Les Halles covered food market that is a treat to shop.

• Take a bus to Gordes and hike around this mountaintop town for the day: Take a linking bus or hire a taxi to the Abbaye de Senanque in a hidden valley nearby.

• Take a day bus to Uzès and the Pont du Gard, preferably during Uzès market days of Wednesday or Saturday.

• Take the train to Aix-en-Provence for the day and soak up the university atmosphere (which also means good eats at good prices).

• Aix’s market is open every day on the Place Richelme.

• Make a day trip to St-Rémy-de-Provence and enjoy a smaller-scale but quintessential Provencal town on the edge of the Alpilles limestone mountains.
• St.-Rémy’s market day is Wednesday.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

For more tips to travel France on the cheap, check out How To Travel in France for Less Than $100 a Day, or our list of 10 Free Things To Do in Paris.

And for a more personal take on travel in France, check out these blogs from Matador community members: The Quiet of the Dordogne, by member Maija, or Is There Any Where I’d Rather Be?, by member terryodee.

Photo by yogi

Belize may only be the size of Rhode Island but it certainly has a lot to do.

The Blue Hole

Photo by nileguide.com

One of the best diving sites in the world, this filled in water volcano is reputed to have some of the best diving in the world and is a must see for divers. Just make sure you stay oriented, because it’s easy to confuse down with up and risk getting trapped.

Placencia

Photo by Matt Kepnes

This little village in the southern part of Belize offers some of the best beaches off the cayes. It’s quiet, relaxed, and cheap by Belize standards.

Caracol

Photo by Matt Kepnes

This Mayan site is the biggest in Belize. It contains many ancient temples and artifacts that offer a glimpse into Mayan life. Caracol was rival to the kingdom of Tikal during the height of the Mayan civilization.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Photo by Dustin Diaz

This cave is a few hours outside of San Ignacio and getting there is an adventure. Crossing through jungles and rivers to access this remote cave, the persistent will be rewarded with a visit to an ancient Mayan sacrificial site.

You must swim into the cave mouth then walk through the cave, sometimes in chest deep water, before climbing up a rock face to see ancient pottery, sacrificial tools, and a few ancient skeletons.

Caye Caulker

Photo by Matt Kepnes

This caye, located near Belize City, is where all the action happens. A hurricane whipped through the island a few years ago, creating a deep trench that is great for snorkeling.

Eat at Wish Willy’s, where he serves whatever he feels like that day and it’s always good.

Punta Gorda

Photo by anoldent

This city in southern Belize is relaxed, and makes for a good place to explore the surrounding rainforests and reef.

Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve

This nature preserve near Placencia houses some of the last remaining wild jaguars in Central America. You’ll probably never see them, but the park offers day and multi day hikes where you will see birds, small mammals, and interesting plants.

Lamanai

Photo by Matt Kepnes

This Mayan city to the north isn’t as impressive as Caracol, but to get there you have to take a long boat ride, providing up-close views of the local river system, mangroves, and wildlife.

Pine Mountain Ridge

South of San Ignacio, this nature preserve has the only pine trees in Belize. There’s great hiking and waterfalls in this area. Added bonus: It’s on the way to Caracol.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

For a more detailed guide to Caye Caulker, check out Jenny Williams’ article, “Go Slow on Caye Caulker, Belize.”

Photo above by darkroomillusions

There’s no slower, more connected way to travel than trekking. Overcoming obstacles binds walkers together and mobile trail communities flourish. Here are some of the most spectacular treks from around the world.

Kruger National Park — South Africa

Several trails weave through the 20,000 km Kruger National Park in the northeast of South Africa. Combine big cats with giant reptiles and you’ll understand why hiking is tightly controlled. Walking set routes with gun-toting guides will allow you relative safety.

Photo above by jhull

Mt. Kenya National Park — Kenya

As Africa’s second highest peak, Mt. Kenya might be better known as a technical climbing destination. But eight hiking trails also run through the park, each with caretakers and huts. No climbing is required.

Four of the eight walks are staffed and accessible, but the remaining four require special permission from the Kenya Wildlife Service. This is a chance to move from fertile slopes through forest into the rare African alpine environment, then watch the sun rise over Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Photo above by malfageme

Camino de Santiago de Compostela

If there’s one European walk to wander, it’s the rolling Way of St. James, a.k.a. “the Camino.” Pilgrims walk from wherever they want, finishing in Catholicism’s third most holy city (and scoring a free meal in the back of the five-star Parador Restaurant). The most popular route starts in the French Pyrenees, progressing through Pamplona, Burgos, and Lyon, plus countless friendly Spanish villages. Learn 4 Lessons from the Camino.

Photo above by Phillie Casablanca

Inca Trail – Peru

Macchu Pichu is an iconic and powerful image of South America and the once-powerful Inca Empire. What better way to discover it than approaching on a multi-day hike through forest valleys and steep ascents?

Once carefully guarded by Inca checkpoints, the path is now protected by government officials who check passports to ensure regulation numbers are kept and the environment isn’t further endangered. Like many of these treks, it’s imperative to book in advance. If you miss out or are looking for a lesser known alternative, try the Salkantay trail instead.

Photo above by Hiro008

Torres del Paine National Park — Chile

Torres del Paine is home to spectacular multi-day walks through alpine terrain, including the popular four-day “W” track and 9 day circle route. The Patagonia webcam project will have you strapping your boots on before you know what hit you.

Photo above by i am indisposed

Pacific Crest Trail — Mexico, USA, Canada

Approximately 300 hikers a year attempt to through-hike this massive trek, starting in Mexico and hitting Canada before the winter snows make progress impossible. Countless more attempt anything from a day walk to several weeks of camping through harsh desert and snow-flaked mountains. Thank God for those trail angels!

Photo above by Lawlesco

Appalachian Trail — USA

Running some 2,000 miles through 11 states, the Appalachian trail traverses not only the last pockets of wilderness in the Eastern US, but many historic sites and towns along the way. Shelters and a well-developed infrastructure exist along the entire route.

Most surprising is the entire subculture of AT through hikers that spills over into the surrounding towns. Hostels, restaurants, locals–oftentimes it seems like your through-hike (or section hike) is a ticket to this ongoing party.

Photo above by Lucy Crabapple

Annapurna Sanctuary — Nepal

Like most popular routes in Nepal, the Annapurna Sanctuary is a “teahouse trek.” Trails pass through villages, each with its own lodging. Camping gear like heavy sleeping bags, tents, and cook stoves are not required on this trail. As a result, trekkers can get by with fairly light loads. Check here for a complete guide.

Photo above by jenniferphoon

Mt. Fuji — Japan

Forget the expat slogan “Don’t climb Mt. Fuji.” There’s nothing more iconic than watching the sun rise from its slopes, and thousands attempt it each year. It’s not a difficult walk. Visible from parts of Tokyo, Mt. Fuji almost seems to be taunting travelers, challenging them to escape the neon jungle.

Photo above by hadriaswad

Gunung Tahan – Malaysia

When I return to Malaysia, walking Gunung Tahan is high on my list. Malaysia’s highest mountain sits snugly in a forest-clad national park and is surrounded by several trails. The walk to the top takes approximately five days, but is considered the toughest trek in the region with steep climbs and tropical temperatures taking their toll on walkers.

Photo above by Timmy Toucan

Milford Track – New Zealand

You can’t round up the world’s best treks without mentioning the Milford Track deep in the South Island of New Zealand. Described as the finest walk in the world, this strictly-controlled hike is best done in the southern summer as winter rains make it dangerous to attempt.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Keen on doing some serious walking? Check out a few of Matador’s trekking guides: Trekking Torres del Paine, Trekking the Annapurna Sanctuary, Sarawak: Trekking in the Kelabit Highlands or How To Trek the Inca Trail.

GOODS:

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

Sri Lanka. “Is that part of India?” people asked. A few others warned: “watch out for the terrorists – are you sure you want to go to a place so dangerous?”

Yes, I was sure.

But what about traveling through these lands when the terrorist group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), had organized a few suicide bombs earlier this year?

A few years ago the “guerilla-ravaged” lands of Colombia gave me an amazingly different reality than what appeared on the television screen. Why not go for round two in another place?

I went, and I am very thankful for my decision. Here are 9 reasons to consider visiting Sri Lanka in 2009:

1. The Art of Smiling

If you have not seen enough smiles lately, go to Sri Lanka. The frequency with which locals will beam their brightness at you is mind-boggling. In a few days of venturing out of the capital city of Colombo, you will probably receive more smiles than you did in the previous two months back home.

2. The Land

Sri Lanka is a bit larger than the state of West Virginia. But this nation contains over a thousand miles of coastline, vast tea plantations in the mountains of the central highlands, rainforests, deserts, and brilliant beaches. Its three zones are divided by elevation: the central highlands, the plains, and the coastal belt.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

3. Fruit

Kings coconuts are widely sold in road-side shacks. Costing roughly 30 cents, they are hacked open by a vendor, who will stick a straw inside and presto – you have a refreshing all-natural drink said to help with digestion.

Don’t miss the wood apple. About the size of a small orange with a rock hard stone-looking shell, this fruit is smashed down on a hard surface in order to be cracked open. The ripe wood apple is on the sweet side, and is best used as a jam. The unripe wood apple offers nature’s version of Sour Patch Kids. It’s an unreal nature-candy if you like sour flavors.

4. Friendliness with Interest

After seeing my friend (who is African-American and has braids), a Sri Lankan man in a restaurant could not stop himself from overflowing with excitement. He immediately began to say “Bob Marley!” over and over again while asking to take multiple pictures with my buddy.

In general, families seeing a foreigner walk by their home are inclined to invite them inside for a cup of tea. They want to hear what you think of the country and its people, and they usually get a thrill out of having their picture taken.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

5. Architecture

This is a land of temples – Buddhist and Hindu. Some of these praying structures are magnificently large and visited by many; others are small and seemingly known only by locals. Don’t be surprised to find yourself unexpectedly stopping in a small village to see a beautifully crafted Hindu statue or other eye-catching structure.

6. Commercials

No joke – they are hilarious, as is much of the media. Picture a young girl sitting in the backseat of a car with her mother driving. They stop, get out of the car, and walk into a park full of trees. The child later drops her toy on the ground. A man then picks it up and hands it over with a smile. Next appears a close-up shot of the car’s wheels, for a tire advertisement.

The commercial was so unconnectedly entertaining that it was difficult to forget – like a few other Sri Lankan adverts. But that is the whole idea, right?

7. English Spoken Here

Due to the British colonization lasting over 150 years, a good percentage of the population speaks English – especially in the cities. When a traveler is lost or curious, the locals’ fluency in English comes in handy. A warning to those having difficulties picking up accents: some pidgin English is spoken here. My friends had no problem understanding from the start, but I was lost in this seemingly foreign language for a few days.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

8. Surf’s Up

Sri Lanka has been rebuilding itself, with the help of many nations, since the horrific tsunami in December, 2004. In this restructuring, beach resorts – such as Awanatuna Beach – were built on the southwest side to cater to surfers from April to October. Waves are reported three to eight feet – substantial swells. The off season would be better for novice surfers as the swells usually come in at two to six feet.

9. Watch a Forming Culture(s)

Sri Lankans have fought for independence for more than 400 years, starting with colonization by the Portuguese in 1505, the Dutch in 1660, and finally, the British in 1796. Each colonizer has left its respective mark on the Sri Lankan society. A consistent example of one of these marks is a popular men’s clothing style: a sarong (traditional), accompanied with an incongruous collared shirt (British) to complete the outfit.

Since 1948, Sri Lanka has been a sovereign nation. In 1972, the country changed the British-bestowed name “Ceylon” to “Sri Lanka”, which roughly translates to “prosperous island.” Now, Sri Lanka is making its own way in the world, and figuring out who it is in the process.

Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier

Community Connection

For more on Sri Lanka, check out Hidden Hope: A Visit To A Sri Lankan Tea Estate, or several Sri Lankan blogs from Matador member khammons.

Feature photo by Tony. Above photo by Nidcha Injai.

From the early mountaineers who came to the Himalayas, travelers and adventurers have always sought out new places to explore in Asia. The following roundup outlines some of the recent Asian “classics” for ideas and inspiration on your next trip.

1. Paddling / Rafting on the Pai River, Thailand

The Pai River flows 62 miles through various class IV gorges and long stretches of flatwater through a remote, wilderness section of the Mae Hong Son province in Thailand. Season runs June – January. Mulit-day trips are run out of Pai.

2. Kite-surfing on the Filipino Island of Boracay

Bulabog Lagoon stretching over three bays, with an extended shallow and consistent cross-shore winds perfect for both kite-surfing. Various kite-surfing schools offer courses.

Photo by David Eng.

3. Mountain Trekking in Nepal

Among the numerous trekking routes in Nepal, the most popular is the Annapurna Base Camp Trail. Like most popular routes in Nepal, the Annapurna Sanctuary is a “teahouse trek.” Trails pass through villages, each with its own lodging.

4. Caving and Wildlife Viewing in Borneo

The site of continued international caving expeditions, Gunung Mulu National Park contains over 300 km of mapped caves system, including the largest single cave chamber in the world. It has a well established infrastructure and daily tours.

5. Surfing in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is well-known among surfers. The ‘Hawaii of the East’ is blessed with white sandy beaches, huge waves, and an established surf culture. You get to enjoy Japanese culture without the hectic rush of Tokyo or other big cities.

The best waves are found at the North of Nago, but beware of the southern end of the harbor, but this is a hollow reef break, not for novice surfers.

Photo by Oscar López.

6. Sandboarding at Mui Ne, Northern Vietnam

Sunrise is a good time to head up into the White Sand dunes. One of the most fun ways to spend a couple hours exploring the dunes: sandboarding. You can rent a board for 100,000 Dong.

7. Trekking and Climbing in Bhutan

With some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and trekking routes, and a government that measures the country’s progress in GNH, or Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is good to go. Remember that independent traveling is not allowed by the Bhutanese government; you need to arrange your trip through a local travel agency.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Looking for more in depth guides on the places mentioned above?

Check out this Comprehensive guide to trekking Bhutan. Want to check out surf in Japan Hit up our crew here.

If you’re just getting started in adventure sports, check out David Miller’s guide to paddling or N. Chrystine Olson’s beginner’s guide to telemark skiing.

Although it was built more than a millennium after his time, Lao-Tzu may as well have been referring to the Trans-Siberian rail when he said, “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

That’s the perfect attitude to keep in mind as you board the Rossiya to begin your journey.

Reason #1: You’ll experience a sense of accomplishment.

Don’t listen to them. I’m talking about the Internet forum posters and naysayers on the road, the ones who tell you how hard it is to buy train tickets if you don’t speak Russian.

Admittedly, it is a bit daunting when you’re face to face with a large, surly babushka, but here’s a secret to break the ice: pass her a hand-written note in your best Cyrillic and chances are she will crack a smile. It will look like children’s writing to her. It works every time.

Once you get that out of the way, your confidence will soar. Then, you’ll wonder what the big fuss was all about.

Tip: Make sure you go armed with a few choices in case your preferred train is sold out. Use the CIS Railway Timetable for a reliable schedule of trains. Note that all train schedules are based on Moscow time, something to keep in mind as you traverse up to eight time zones.

Reason #2: You’ll cut your costs.

Buying tickets at the window will save you a stack of rubles. Savings are amplified if you get adventurous and choose platzkartny, the open carriage in which most locals travel and your best bet for cultural submersion. These tickets can be 25% of the cost of a kupe fare.

Sure, the open carriage also offers 0% of the privacy of a closed berth, but how else are you going to observe the local behaviors and customs? A British couple we met along the way shared a cart with a group of soldiers. By the time they said dasvidanya to the young men, they were plus one set of dog tags, an army ration pack, and a drawing.

Tip: To save even more cash, consider contacting hosts through websites like Hospitality Club and Couch Surfing, especially in Moscow where you can blow a big portion of your budget on accommodation.

Reason #3: You can roam if you want to.

Imagine meeting up with other travelers who are in the midst of organizing an amazing week-long off-road adventure. You’re welcome to join them, they tell you. Problem is, your train tickets have a departure date for tomorrow.

This does happen. In Ulan Bator, a six-day excursion to White Lake was planned with some Aussies we met on the road. While my wife and I leisurely explored the city, our new friends spent most of the day re-booking their onward tickets, and of course coughed up a few thousand togrog for the privilege.

Avoid this by not having a rigid plan. Opportunities will always arise and you won’t know all the options until you arrive at your destination. Once you figure out what you want to do, go ahead and purchase your onward fares.

Visas: A minor detail

Train tickets are one issue, visas another.

Assuming Moscow as the start, depending what your final destination is – Vladivostok or Beijing – and what route you decide on – Trans-Mongolian or Trans-Manchurian – you will need a visa for Russia, Mongolia or China, or all three.

While it is possible to acquire the necessary papers on your own, the Russian visa is not straightforward.

Russia also requires that you register your visa within three business days upon arrival. The hotel or hostel should do this on your behalf or, if you’re staying with friends, they can register you at a post office.

If you have the time and patience, there’s no reason you can’t obtain the visas on your own. But there isn’t much to be gained other than saving a few bucks.

It might be worthwhile having an agent do this for you, freeing you up to practice your spaseebas and pazhalstas and memorizing the Cyrillic alphabet.

Other helpful resources

Two of the more popular Trans-Siberian websites are Way to Russia and The Man in Seat 61.

Both have a plethora of priceless information that explores the minutiae of this exciting trip. Don’t overlook Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree for up-to-the-minute information from travelers.

The most useful guidebook ever is the Trailblazer Trans-Siberian Handbookby Bryn Thomas. This invaluable tool not only discusses history and places of interest, but also includes timetables and critical information for preparing your trip. There are even templates you can use, with Russian translations, to help you buy your train fares.

Remember, flexibility is your friend.

Timing is everything. If you’re traveling in the May to September peak season you need to be very flexible as you probably won’t get the tickets you want. In fact, on some of the more popular trains you might be forced to use an agent as they pre-buy seats in bulk, leaving crumbs for the scavengers.

At other times, you’ll have the pick of the crop. We traveled in October with no problems catching our desired trains.

Don’t rush the trip. Remember, travel isn’t about the destination but the experience of getting there.

Community Connection

Love riding the rails? Check out our list of 10 Spectacular Train Rides or take a look at Matador member anne137’s blog and video from her ride on the Trans-Siberian.

If you’re unsure where to stop along the journey, check out Carlo’s companion piece, Trans Siberian Sidetrips: How To Break Your Train Ride.

All photos by author.

Photo above by Graham King

Whether you seek wilderness adventure, immersion in a unique culture, or a spiritual journey, a trek through Bhutan’s mountains puts you in the heart of this little-known Himalayan Kingdom.

Here are some considerations for first-time trekkers:

The Basics

Trekking in Bhutan involves a multi-day trip, arranged like a camping expedition. This is due to government guidelines and because many areas are remote, devoid of accommodations. It is not uncommon to walk for several days before encountering a village.

A typical day consists of 5 to 7 hours of walking among some of the world’s most pristine natural surroundings, including subtropical jungles, alpine highlands, and snow-capped peaks.

You will be accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide, cook, and mules or yaks that carry tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food and other supplies.

In a nation steeped in Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the mountains are sacrosanct, housing deities. As such, you cannot scale peaks higher than 6,000 meters. At 7,570 meters, Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, remains the highest unclimbed peak in the world.

While treks range from easy to strenuous, it helps to be moderately fit. Daily altitude gain is relatively high, so be aware of how best to acclimate your body.

Photo above by jmhullot

When to Go

The best high altitude trekking seasons are in late April, when colorful bursts of wildflowers dot the landscape, or during the pleasant, clear days of October.

Short treks at lower elevations are possible during most months. You can also time your visit to coincide with one of Bhutan’s colorful festivals, getting a glimpse inside the dzongs, or fortress-monasteries, that serve as administrative, religious, and social centers.

Climate varies significantly by region. The north, bordering Tibet, is perennially covered with snow. The central regions enjoy four distinct seasons similar to those of Western Europe, and the subtropical south is hot and humid. Monsoon rains pelt the country from June to September.

Photo above by jmhullot

The Treks

There are more than a dozen treks, ranging in difficulty. Some combine scenery and culture, passing dense pine and oak forests on the mountainside; whitewashed dzongs overlooking valleys; and chortens, squat monuments housing sacred Buddhist relics.

Druk Path is a week-long trek that crosses mountains connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The sparsely populated route winds around freshwater lakes, and if your timing is right, dozens of varieties of scented rhododendron bloom in late spring.

Photo above by babasteve

Bumthang Cultural and Gangtey Nature treks are shorter, lasting from two to four days. Gangtey passes through isolated valleys, including the winter home of rare black-necked cranes.

Of the thousand or so trekkers who visit each year, most head for Jhomolhari, the third highest peak in Bhutan and “abode of the Goddess Jhomo.” Following the river, the trek offers some of the best mountain scenery, including highland villages, yak pastures, and a base camp embedded in natural beauty.

Taking two weeks, the Jhomolhari – Laya – Gasa trek is an extension of the above. It weaves through the high Himalayas, leaving the Jhomolhari trail and heading east along the Tibetan border to Laya, and then south to Gasa and its hot springs.

Lunana Snowman is one of the hardest high altitude treks, involving walking and living in remote areas beneath the peaks of 6 mountains, each over 7,000 meters high. The mystical trail crosses nine passes, taking you by villages and nomad groups, and through forests of blue pine, juniper and rhododendron.

Plan Ahead

You cannot visit Bhutan on a whim as the government controls the number of travelers allowed into the country each year. Arrangements must be made through registered Bhutanese tour operators beforehand, and you have the choice of customizing your own trip or joining a pre-planned tour.

Each visitor is required to pay a fee of US $200 per day. This sounds steep, but it includes taxes, accommodations, meals, a licensed guide, camping equipment and haulage for treks. This fee applies across the board, whether or not you go trekking.

The easiest way to get to Bhutan is by air. Druk Air, the national airline, is the only carrier that serves Paro Airport, offering flights from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi and several other South Asian cities.

There are plenty of online resources. For starters, check out Matador editor Tim Patterson’s excellent guide to, and impressions of, Bhutan.

Photo above by Graham King

The Tourism Council of Bhutan also provides handy information, including a list of tour operators (many of whom have their own websites), local news and events, approved treks, and the latest on travel regulations.

And finally, get a copy of seasoned trekker Bart Jordans’s Bhutan: A Trekker’s Guide , including insights on numerous trails, a comprehensive trek grading system, and information on trekking for families with children.

GOODS

Feature photo by Train Chartering, Private Hire Trains & Rail Cars
. Photo above by motxilos!

Glacier Express

Taking almost eight hours to complete its journey, the Glacier Express has a reputation for being the slowest ‘express’ in the world – but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Linking the two mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, the journey covers 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.

At its highest point, the Glacier Express reaches 2,033 meters (6,670 feet) in altitude at the Oberalp Pass as it travel through some of the most stunning mountain scenery Europe has to offer: alpine meadows, mountain streams, snow peaked mountains and glacial valleys.

Harzer Schmalspurbahnen

Situated in the Harz mountains of central Germany, this route connects the main cities of Wernigerode, Nordhausen and Quedlinburg, as well as several smaller towns in the region. It passes over 140 km (87 miles) of steep track, through stunning forest and mountain scenery.

Renowned for being the longest narrow gauge track in Germany and featuring only steam locomotives, the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen is a unique way to discover this relatively unexplored area of Germany.

Photo by lazytom.

Eurostar

What better way to reach the continent for a weekend break, or the start of longer travels? With the completion of the high-speed rail link and the opening of a new station at St. Pancras, only 2:15 hours separate central Paris and central London.

Eurostar now operates from three English terminals–London, Ashford, and Ebbsfleet–and offers direct services to northern France, Central Paris, Disneyland Paris, Brussels, and ‘Snow Train’ routes to southern France, all at a top speed of 300 KmH (186 mph).

The Orient Express

Few names conjure up images of luxury and indulgence like the Orient Express.

The setting of mystery novels, dozens of films, and witness to countless romantic encounters, the original (and some would argue the best) ‘Great Rail Journey’ offers luxury from a bygone era while visiting some of the continent’s best cities: London, Venice, Rome, Budapest and Prague.

Photo by Zed.Cat

The West Highland Railway

The West Highland Line, running from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig, is one of Britain’s top rail journeys, taking passengers back to a time when steam was the way to travel. It passes through the wild Rannoch Moor, and through hills and bogs within view of Ben Nevis – Scotland’s highest peak.

One of the highlights of the journey is passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct- one of the largest concrete engineering feats of the late 19th century (and more popularly known for appearing in the Harry Potter films).

The Trans Siberian Railway

The Trans Siberian Railway is the ultimate rail journey, the longest in the world (and possibly the coldest if you go at the wrong time of year), a journey of almost mythical proportions that spans two continents while staying in a single country.

There are three routes that travelers can take to explore the Siberian expanse: The Moscow-to-Vladivostok route at over 9,000 km (6,000 miles), and two routes from Moscow to Beijing: one through Mongolia, taking six days and almost 8000km (5000 miles), or one which takes almost a week to complete and travels via Manchuria.

Without leaving your seat, you pass through the end of Europe and cross almost the width of Asia, clattering your way across nearly a third of the globe.

Photo by Che89.

Jungfraubahn

At only 9km (5.5 miles), great railway journeys don’t get much shorter than the Jungfraubahn. Running from Kleine Scheidegg to the highest railway station in Europe at Jungfraujoch, this Swiss cog railway runs almost entirely though a tunnel built into the infamous Eiger.

Two stations in the middle of the tunnel allow passengers to disembark and look out over stunning mountain views. However, though it’s a short trip, this classic route does not come cheap.

The Flam Railway

The Flam Railway runs 20km (12 miles) between Myrdal, at 865 meters (2838 feet) above sea level, down to the fjords of Flam. This is an incredible feat of engineering, one of the steepest non-cog railways in the world and Norway’s most spectacular tourist attraction.

Boasting views over part of the world’s longest fjord – Sognefjord – as well as deep river valleys and airy peaks, the train seemingly clings to the side of the mountains in an unforgettable journey.

Photo by Ant and Carrie’s Photos.

The Danube Express

Explore the very best of Eastern Europe with luxury train travel on the ‘Hotel on Wheels’. From the mythical Transylvania and the fairy tale cities of Budapest and Prague to Sofia and Krakow, the Danube Express offers six classic journeys across the former Soviet states, combining rich history and beautiful cities with stunning scenery.

For those with a longing for the classic days of rail travel, there is even the option to combine voyages into an epic Central and Eastern Europe exploration.

The Stendhal

Board in Paris in the evening and wake up in Venice the following morning. Saying goodbye to the City of Lights, the journey takes in picturesque French villages and the hills of southern France before taking the Simplon Tunnel under the Alps.

With a range of sleepers available- from six and four berth couchettes to one to three berth sleepers, the Stendhal doesn’t have the luxury or reputation of many other trains sharing the same track, but with tickets starting from around $60 one way, it is a timeless (and cheap) way to visit one of the greatest cities in Italy.

Community Connection:

Not headed to Europe any time soon? In North America, try 21 Trains that are Cheaper than Flying.

From the Atacama Desert of northern Chile–some parts of which have not received rain in 200 or more years– to the massive glaciers of the south, where visitors are likely to experience weather that takes them through four seasons in a single day, Chile delivers on its promise.

Here are 8 natural wonders that should move Chile to the top of your trip list:

Photos: Julie Schwietert (Matador Travel)

1. The sand dunes of the Atacama Desert.

Photo: clearlycool (Flickr creative commons)

2. The massive glaciers of Tierra del Fuego.

Photo: angela7dreams (Flickr creative commons)

3. The 6000 ft. tall granite walls of Torres del Paine.

Photo: winkyintheuk (Flickr creative commons)

4. The penguins of Punta de Arenas.

Photo: Steve Deger (Flickr creative commons)

5. The active Volcán Villarica, just outside of Pucón.

Photo: philliecasablanca (Flickr creative commons)

6. The surreal world of the Atacama Desert.

Photo: magical-world (Flickr creative commons)

7. The pristine beaches of Easter Island.

Photo: magical-world (Flickr creative commons)

8. The quiet bays of Chiloe.

Photo: velazsolano (Flickr creative commons)

Photo: SFmatador (Flickr creative commons)

Community Connection: Have you been to Chile? Thinking about going? Share your favorite natural wonders or questions about Chile below. Read Matador member VickiElizabeth’s blog, “10 Things I Have Learned in Chile.” Check out Matador organization Patagonia Volunteer, which offers numerous opportunities for travelers to volunteer in the Southern Cone.

Feature photo by Theiggsta. Photo above by JOE WU.

Starting in February – all the way through the end of September – major comic conventions begin their season. With conventions all over the country, it’s hard to decide which ones are worth the trip.

Here are five of the biggest comic conventions in the U.S.

1) San Diego Comic-Con

Given that the San Diego Comic-Con is the biggest convention in the world, I would be extremely remiss if I didn’t give this event a mention. San Diego is geek heaven for four days in July. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer science fiction, horror, adventure, or animation – you’ll find it all at this convention.

Not only is it the largest convention but it has also become THE place for Marvel and DC to unveil their latest projects, film and television previews and newest toys. 2007 saw 125,000 attendees come through the door.

Photo by geener.

2) Wizard World Chicago (formerly Chicago Comic-Con)

The Wizard World conventions are the second biggest conventions of their kind in the country, seeing attendance of over 58,000 people. At Wizard World Chicago, you’ll find all the major players in the comic book industry, as well as artists, writers, and other celebrities.

Needless to say, there’ll be plenty of vendors selling rare merchandise and lots of interesting people to watch. People new to the Wizard World Chicago convention will be surprised to find that the convention is not actually in Chicago proper, but in Rosemont, IL. You definitely want to book a decent hotel well in advance for this one.

Photo by Vinh-Luan Luu.

3) Baltimore Comic-Con

Going into its tenth year next fall, Baltimore Comic-con is pretty much the last of the major Comic-Cons of the year. In comparison to some of the other major conventions, this one is low key and laid back.

This is a true convention for comic book fans. While other Comic-cons like San Diego have turned their focus to other forms of media and genres, Baltimore Comic-Con tends to focus strictly on the comic book industry. This convention also hosts The Harvey Awards, an award show for members of the comic book industry.

Photo by Mtyndall.

4) MegaCon

Along with WonderCon in San Francisco, MegaCon (in Orlando) kicks off the Comic-Con season. Around 20,000 comic book, science fiction, fantasy and anime fans converge on MegaCon each year.

One of the things most worth checking out at MegaCon is the Live Action Role Playing game, Paranoia Live! Based on a popular RPG game set in a dystopian future where a deranged computer protects an underground city, this LARP version is definitely worth seeing. Starting next year, MegaCon will also host the new annual Project Fanboy Awards.

Photo by kykdaddy.

5) Wizard World Los Angeles

Wizard World LA is much newer than the rest of the conventions on this list, getting ready to enter its sixth year. More laid back than its Chicago sister, it is considerably smaller than the media frenzy that is San Diego but it has potential for major growth.

Given its location at the Los Angeles Convention Center, its accessibility to Hollywood makes it definitely the convention to watch out for.

The hardest part of the Maya Trail is deciding where to begin. Fly into Guatemala and head east? Fly to Belize City and travel north?

I chose to fly into Cancún and go south making my first Maya Trail stop Tulum, Mexico, on the Caribbean Sea.

Tulum makes a convenient starting point because it offers an oasis of hippy-style cabaña beach accommodations, yoga, good food and superb beaches with an important Maya ruin to boot. Here the traveler can disconnect from whatever life he left behind when he got off the plane and spend a couple days getting a tan and setting his watch to ‘Maya time’.

Tulum was once a walled Maya city with watchtowers and forts overlooking the sea. It’s important to get to Tulum’s ruins early before tour buses from Cancún arrive around 11am. After a couple days in Tulum and perhaps a side trip to the nearby Cobá ruins, it’s time to get on the bus and cross the border.

Photo by mboncocore

Altun Ha and Lamanai

From Mexico, I bused it to Belize, changing from a first-class bus to a school bus at the border town Chetumal. After an hour and a half ride I got off at Sandhill Junction to explore the Maya ruins Altun Ha and Lamanai.

I would have liked to have rented a car and driven from Tulum to Altun Ha. However, it is a real struggle to cross the border with any car, so taking the bus is the best bet.

Off a dirt road that used to be the country’s main highway, Altun Ha was an important ceremonial site in northern Belize during the Classic Maya period (250AD). The site consists of 500 buildings, most of which are covered in grass and spindly trees. Differing from Mexico, Belize’s Maya sites are not filled with tour bus crowds. At Altun Ha there were maybe ten other visitors wandering around the ruins while I was there.

Set west of Altun Ha is the larger ruin Lamanai. Accessed by water taxi, the ride to Lamanai, which means ‘submerged crocodile’, is part of the adventure. After an hour’s trip up the New River visitors come to what was one of the oldest communities in Maya civilization (1500BC).

Many crocodile sculptures were found at this site along with Olmec statues. Both Lamanai and Altun Ha are set in thick hot jungle. You will want insect repellent, sunscreen, breathable clothing, and water. Sandals are fine at the ruins themselves, but if you decide to head into the jungle it’s a good idea to wear heavy-duty shoes.

Caracol

My next stop on the Maya Trail was Caracol (the snail) in central-western Belize. Unlike the steamy jungles around Altun Ha and Lamanai, western Belize’s climate is arid.

I rented a 4×4 Jeep to explore the Maya Mountains and the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It’s possible to stay in San Ignacio, the region’s main town, and see the sites through tour operators. While using tour operators may be a bit more expensive, it could be worth it for those who want to relax and let someone else take care of the map and the potholes.

On the other hand, with a rental Jeep you’re free to come and go as you please, stop to take photos, and stay in remote jungle lodges like Blancaneaux and Chaa Creek Lodge.

I stayed at Blancaneax Lodge for the night and then got up early to join the military escort up to Caracol at 9:30am. Because of some robberies a few years back, the Belizean military escorts visitors with one truck in the front of the convoy and another in the back.

I felt safe driving in the group and was joined by another fifteen cars of tours and private parties. It’s important to note that this drive is long (2 hours one way, give or take) and those who do it need a full tank of gas and a packed lunch. If you go with a tour, they’ll take care of everything.

Caracol is an expansive Classic era site. It’s fascinating to climb atop its towering Caana temple and look out over the jungle while imagining what it looked like as a Maya metropolis with a population of 100,000.

Exploring Caracol takes about two to three hours for those who don’t linger. Security is very good at Caracol, and guests are continuously monitored by armed guards (which is a bit weird at first, but you get used to it). After seeing Caracol, make a swimming pit-stop at the pristine Rio On pools.

Photo by kyle simourd

Caves

Caves were another important aspect of Maya civilization and the area around San Ignacio offers some prime caving excursions. One of the easier caves to explore is Barton Creek, which offers English tours by canoe or inner tube. On my visit to Barton Creek there was a small group of us who gathered at the ‘dock’ at the cave’s blue lagoon entrance, where vines and tree roots hung over the water and butterflies rested on alien-like orchids.

Each of us was given a high-power flash light as Borris, our guide, pushed off and paddled into the mouth of the cave. Once in the cave we turned on our flash lights and proceeded to ‘oooh and ahhhh’.

The Maya believed that their rain god, Chac, lived in caves. When drought hit the Maya made offerings and sacrifices in Barton Creek Cave. For whatever reason, Chac preferred young scarifies and twenty-eight skeletons were found in the cave, many of them from child victims. Barton Creek Cave is large, darker than night and a bit creepy. There are numerous bats which dive around and droplets of water falling from the stalactites.

Barton Creek is well worth the trip, but keep in consideration that the cave cannot be accessed when it’s raining and that if you go by rental car you’ll have to make two river crossings. For an even more adventurous and strenuous cave experience try the ultra-intense Actun Tunichil Muknal caves with a guide.

Tikal

Though the Maya Trail heads to southern Belize, it also continues west to Guatemala’s Tikal. From San Ignacio it was an easy bus ride over the border into Guatemala to Flores, an island town where most people opt to stay while seeing the ruins.

Budget allowing, it’s best to stay at Jungle Lodge right next to Tikal, enabling sunrise and night ruin hikes. Tikal was one of the great capitals of the ancient Maya world, with an estimated population of 50,000 and history stretching back to 600BC.

From Tikal there are some fantastic two-day treks into Peten’s forest to temple El Mirador which can be arranged in Flores.

Photo by Canon in 2D

Chicanna

I decided to head back up to Mexico’s Chicanna site, a small but detailed group of ruins on the Guatemala/Mexico border in the state of Campeche. Chicanna was thought to be a retreat for Maya royalty and is best known for its ‘serpent mouth’ carvings.

Chicanna can be explored in a couple of hours allowing plenty of time to also view nearby Becan and the remote Calakmul, a ruin site that was featured in the August 2007 National Geographic feature highlighting secrets of Maya civilization.

To reach these sites a rental car is key, though there are some buses which pass by. I drove all over the Yucatan and found the roads decent and under construction (meaning they should be even better by now!). Chicanna Eco Lodge provides green accommodations right across the road from the ruins.

More Options

The Maya Trail contiues north through Campeche (Edzná), west through Chiapas (Bonampal, Palenque) and north to the Yucatan (Uxmal, Ek´Balam). To see all the excavated Maya sites it would take at least two months of travel.

From June to November it’s rainy/hurricane season in Central America, so the best time to go is from December to May when the weather is dry. That said, I went in hurricane season and only had one day of rain total. Prices are higher in dry season, so budget travelers will want to pay attention to that.

Many of the lodges I listed are pricey, but budget options were available in most places as well (with the exception of Chicanna).

Dry or wet, cheap or luxury, by bus or by 4×4 Jeep, doing the Maya Trail is an unforgettable experience. As so many others have wondered: what happened to these people?

More

Tours: Hunchi’ik Tours: www.hunchiiktours.com

Getting there: Car/Jeep – Matus Car Rental (www.matuscarrental.com).

Divers all dive for different reasons. Ask 20 to list their top 10 favorite dives and you’ll be sure to get 20 different lists.

In order to help you compile your own list of top destinations, here’s a rundown of well-known, unknown, unique and unexpected dive destinations around the world. These destinations were ranked based on the variety of dives available, abundance of marine life, types of diving accommodations, and overall diving experience.

1. Indonesia

With 13,000 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, and a top diving destinations whether you’re a world class diver or just getting your first hours of bottom time. Areas like Komodo Island National Marine Park and Raja Ampat are gaining popularity as some of the world’s best liveaboard destinations.

Sulawesi and Bali, which are already world class diving destinations, are also becoming popular locations for PADI dive instruction. With several PADI 5 Star Gold Palm facilities, you can obtain your PADI Open Water certification and move up the rankings all the way to PADI Divemaster and beyond.

Indonesia will not only give you a variety sites to choose from, but you’ll experience an abundance of marine life incomparable to anywhere else in the world. No matter where you dive in Indonesia, the reefs are stunning and provide a marine habitat for some of the world’s most unique marine species.

2. Micronesia

Micronesia is the collective name given for the 2,000 tiny tropical islands that are scattered over more than 3 million miles of the Pacific Ocean. The eight island groups that make up Micronesia are Guam, the Republic of Palau, the Marianas, Ponhpei, Yap, Truk Chuuk, the Marshalls, and Kosrae – each unique group having its own culture, language, history and attractions.

The 340 islands that make up the archipelago of Palau are the top destinations in Micronesia for divers seeking a wealth of marine life. Palau is rimmed by a barrier reef that separates shallow reef lagoons from sheer walls, hosting more than 1,400 species of fish and 350 species of coral.

If you’re looking for a history lesson during your dive, head over to Truk Chuuk, where you will find some incredible wrecks of Japanese naval vessels from WWII, which have transformed into astonishingly beautiful marine ecosystems. From shore dives, to large drop-offs and walls, liveaboards and dive resorts, the tiny islands of Micronesia are nothing short of amazing.

Photo by chikawatanabe

3. Galapagos Islands

If only Darwin knew what he was missing by not having SCUBA gear! Listed as one of the top 7 underwater wonders of the world, the Galapagos Islands remain relatively unknown among diving afficionados. It is still relatively private, pristine, and unexplored.

Unlike most popular diving destinations, reefs are not the primary attraction in these islands. Instead, areas like Darwin and Wolf Islands are home to several different species of sharks, including Hammerheads, Galapagos, and Whale sharks. Oftentimes, divers will experience schools of sharks numbering in the hundreds.

There are a variety of diving options despite the fact the islands have been flying under the radar. Recently, the Galapagos National Park enforced a liveaboard restriction for most boats in the Galapagos, currently the Aggressor Fleet: Galapagos, and SkyDancer: Galapagos are the only boats approved for liveaboard diving cruises. There are several other land-based dive companies that have been operating out of the Galapagos for over a decade, offering day-trips, 1-2 week dive trips, shore diving, and classes (Nauti Diving, Scuba Iguana).

4. Bonaire

Located in the Netherlands Antilles off the coast of Venezuela, this island is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean. The waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park for the past 25 years. The island’s location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear and calm all year round, making it a favorite spot for underwater photographers and videographers.

This area is also a National Marine Park, with over 86 designated dive sites and an array of protected coral and fish species. Remember to bring an extra $25 US with you for the Bonaire Marine Park Regulations and Information(Bonaire Marine Park Rules) sessions, which are mandatory for anyone who has not dived here in the last year.

Photo by leonardlow

5. Australia

Home to the 1,200 mile long Great Barrier Reef, Australia is undoubtedly on everyone’s “Must Dive” list. There are several shallow reefs that are perfect for beginners, walls and drop-offs that are ideal for more advanced and adventurous divers, and something for everyone in between, including a numerous variety of areas for shore dives and wrecks as well.

Coral Sea, Ribbon Reefs, and Cod Hole are among the most popular sites where you’ll find everything from anemones to Great Whites. With literally hundreds of dive resorts, liveaboards, and PADI and NAUI instructional facilities, (Spirit of Freedom Liveaboard, Taka Dive, Lady Elliot Dive Resort) there is something for everyone at every level.

6. North Carolina, USA

The waters between Cape Hatteras and Cape Fear–called the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”–are popular for divers interested in sight-seeing, military and maritime history, underwater photography, and technical diving. The abundant marine life and numerous shipwrecks off the coast of North Carolina are perfect for divers of all levels and interests.

It is advisable, however, that you are at least advanced open water certified with some open ocean diving experience if you plan on partaking in the wreck dives. While checking out one of the 30 or so wrecks, you may run into some of the locals, including Sand Tiger and Nurse Sharks, as well as Manta and Southern Sting Rays.

There’s a good chance you may be approached by a Sand Tiger (don’t worry; although they look like something out of a horror flick, they are generally docile and curious), and this may be something a lower-level diver is not used to. The area is bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, giving you ample opportunity to see tropical species that have made their way up the coast.

Photo by tiswango

7. Red Sea

Apart from Antarctica, no place on earth juxtaposes such extreme terrestrial desolation with such rich and diverse marine habitats. Situated between Africa and Asia, and stretching more than 1,000 miles from the Sinai Peninsula to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea boasts more than 1,000 species of fish, 200 species of coral and another 1,000 species of invertebrates. It’s also a popular destination for wreck diving, and some of the most intact wrecks can be found in the Gubal Straits. (Emperor Divers, Diving World, Red Sea Dive College)

Liveaboards can take you out to the Brothers Islands, which are considered to have the healthiest and most advanced reef systems in the Red Sea. Shallow reefs are accessible from shore or by dayboat, and nearshore reefs are popular throughout the region with beginner divers and snorkelers. With all of this, and the close proximity to Europe, the Red Sea is a great all around destination.

8. Belize

The only country in Central America where English is the primary language, Belize offers flexibility and variety for divers and non-divers alike. Belize has the Meso-American Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world (the Great Barrier being the largest), stretching from the top of the Yucatan Peninsula, past Belize, and down to the Bay of Honduras.

Belize offers 3 of the 4 atolls that are found in the Caribbean, including the Great Blue Hole, a popular destination for divers in the Caribbean. This site offers diving for all levels, with walls descending to 40m, overhead ledges, and stalactites. The waters of Belize are home to hundreds of coral and fish species, including Mako sharks and Caribbean Reef sharks.

Most of the 200+ cayes off the coast of Belize offer resorts with options for dive certifications, dayboats, liveaboards and snorkeling trips. Head over to the mainland to the Placencia Peninsula, where both experienced and non-experienced divers will enjoy one of the only three faro reef systems in the world.(Scuba Diving Belize)

Photo by iamagenious

9. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya stretches from Cancun south to Punta Allen. Shallow, nearshore reefs of Playa del Carmen and Tulum are perfect for beginners who will also enjoy snorkeling in the world-famous cenotes, freshwater springs that flow beneath the limestone bedrock of the Yucatan jungle.

For more advanced divers, the cenotes of Dos Ojos allow for incredible cavern and cave diving experiences. Diving facilities range from small shore diving operations to 5 Star Gold Palm PADI facilities and every resort and liveaboard in between.(Dos Ojos Cenotes, Tank Ha, Playa del Carmen, Dressel Divers)

10. British Columbia, Canada

Once you brave the mid-40 degree water you’ll agree that this is one of the most incredible dive destinations in the world. Dry suits are a must in order to stay in the water long enough (more than 2 minutes) to see pods of Orca whales, sea lions, and white-sided dolphins.

Here, you’ll find some of the strongest tidal currents in the world, which sweep into the straits and sounds that surround Vancouver Island. Dives begin at slack tide, featuring sheer rock walls below the surface that are packed with bizarre marine life, including nudibranchs, white ghost anemones, wolf eels and giant Pacific octopi. The water isn’t warm and the currents aren’t gentle, but the experience of diving in British Columbia is something you can’t miss. (Suncoast Diving, Dive Victoria Charters)

Additional Resources:

http://www.divetrip.com/indonesia.htm

http://www.divetheworldindonesia.com/

http://diversionoz.com/

http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/

http://www.geographia.com/bonaire/index.html

http://www.redseavdc.com/

http://www.galapaguide.com/scuba_diving.htm

http://www.galapagosislands.com/

http://www.destinationrivieramaya.com/activity/diving/diving.htm

Feature photo by almac. Photo above by Frederick Roeber

Cage Dive in South Africa

Submerse yourself underwater and see what it feels like to watch a Great White Shark look right back at you. The world’s largest predatory fish, Great Whites attack their prey once and then let it bleed to death.

But their “Jaws” reputation is not deserved as they typically only attack humans if they mistake one for a seal.

Peak diving season is April through December at Shark Alley near Gansbaai. By the way—the latest trend is to cage dive with Nile Crocodiles, offered only at the Cango Ranch in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.

Camping Safari in Kenya

Photo by James

Walk among Africa’s deadly “Big 5”—elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Camp at the Selenkay and Kigio Conservation Areas instead of the major national parks because these particular conservation areas support the local Masai community.

Take 4WD vehicles to the famous Amboseli and Nakuru National Parks and the Mara Reserve. Thousands of wildebeest migrate across the savannas from June through September.

Tundra Buggy in Canada

Get within inches of polar bears on frozen tundra aboard the Tundra Buggy . Bears congregate along the Hudson Bay during October and November to hunt for their favorite food, the ringed seal.

Photo by earthnative

Cape Churchill is not accessible by road so you will fly in from Winnipeg and stay at the Tundra Buggy Lodge. You can feel good that the company supported a study to evaluate and help mitigate tourism’s impact upon the bears.

River Cruise in Australia

On a cruise along the Mary River in northern Australia last June, we rode up to dozens of sunbathing saltwater crocodiles. The largest existing reptiles, “salties” are one of the deadliest animals to humans, with several reported fatalities per year.

These crocs are known to eat humans and typically drown prey or clamp down with one ton of pressure per square inch.

Dive the Australian Coast

For the intrepid adventurer who doesn’t need a cage, deadly creatures abound at the Great Barrier Reef . Swim within inches of the venomous stonefish and blue-ringed octopus.

The sting of the box jellyfish kills more humans in Australia than snakes, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. Stinger season is November through February. Don’t worry if you aren’t a certified diver— introductory dives are available. For visually-challenged folks, prescription goggles are available to accommodate even the worst astigmatism.

Seaplane Safari in Alaska

Photo by carlchapman

Get within 100 feet of a grizzly bear on a seaplane safari around the glaciers and volcanoes of Alaska. In July, the seaplane takes you to Brooks River Falls in Katmai National Park to watch grizzlies go fishing at the world’s largest salmon run. Grizzly bears are not named for their aggressive nature but for the grizzled appearance of their white-tipped fur.

Paddle in South America

Photo by gerej

On an evening paddle across Pilchicocha’s Lake in the Amazon Rainforest in August, our guide threw his hand into the water with such speed that it made everyone gasp. He had reached for an anaconda swimming in our path!

It was, of course, a juvenile anaconda. An adult anaconda strangles its prey with its more than 30-foot-long and 200-pound body.

Trek in Australia

Get up close to the Guinness Book of Records’ most dangerous bird—the cassowary—on the Wet Tropics Great Walk in Queensland. WWII soldiers fell victim to the dagger-like claws of the six-foot-tall bird.

Watch for the coastal taipan, one of the most venomous snakes in the world, whose penchant for rats brings it into proximity of humans. Visit April to October during the tropical dry season.

Community Connection

Choose your tour wisely. Some companies tranquilize or feed wildlife to guarantee a close encounter while others degrade the habitat. Airboats torpedo through sensitive wetlands and boat propellers can injure animals.

Consider seeing wildlife and traveling through a volunteer program at a wildlife conservancy.

Finally, keep in mind that many animals such as the cassowary and polar bear are endangered or threatened, and that despite their ferocious reputations, they only attack out of self defense. In general, habituating animals to humans through close encounters is often the cause of fatal attacks.

And sadly, as in the case of the Grizzly Man, Timothy Treadwell, the habituated animal is usually destroyed.

Ha Long Bay

When I sit down to write a new edition of Best Trips, I start looking for free online travel information with a simple Google search, then follow the link trail until I find the most useful content on the web.

With this Vietnam edition however, I knew exactly where to start looking. Free online travel information for Vietnam starts with one name: Robert Reid.

The Future Of Guidebooks

A veteran writer for Lonely Planet, Reid passed up the opportunity to update the newest edition of LP’s Vietnam guidebook. Instead, he went independent and online – publishing a comprehensive, free guide to Vietnam in September 2007, only a month after he finished his travel research.

Reid says his website is “the most in-depth, independently researched guidebook online for any destination”. He’s right, but it ain’t gonna stay that way for long.

The future of travel guides is online, and more and more travel writers are trading their book publishing contract for a Wordpress template and a few Google generated ads.

Free Itineraries, Free Maps, Free Videos

Highlights from Reid’s online Vietnam guide include a handy-dandy itinerary planner, a collection of videos, free maps and easily printable, detailed guides to every nook and cranny of Vietnam (his guide to Phu Quoc Island is particularly good).

Speaking of Phu Quoc, a large island at which I’ve often gazed wistfully from the beach of Kep, Cambodia, check out Reid’s recent feature in the Houston Chronicle.

OK. Enough kissing up to Mr. Reid. Here are some more free online resources for your Vietnam travels.

More Resources

The FAQ Thread on Lonely Planet’s Thorntree forum has some useful information.

The New York Times travel section on Vietnam isn’t exactly comprehensive, but does boast solid features on golf in Vietnam and the ritzy southern resort town of Mui Ne.

TravelFish serves up an extremely useful article on how to catch a train in Vietnam (also check out an account of Scott Lothes rail journey to Hue on the Reunification Express).

In case you missed them, last week we featured detailed guides to Surfing Vietnam and Cycling Vietnam’s Highway 1 right here on MatadorTrips.

If you have any questions about a trip to Vietnam, or just want to talk about rare monkeys, be sure to get in touch with Matador’s Vietnam expert, Delacouri.

Have you come across any free online travel resources for Vietnam? Please leave a comment below!

Where’s The Real Thailand?

Thailand is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the whole wide world, but very few travelers make the extra effort to experience the most heart-warming aspects of Thai culture. Why is this so?

Well, Thais are very accommodating people, and very, very good at putting on a show for tourists.

From ping-pong shows and poolside Pina Coladas to hill-tribe treks and elephant rides, the well-lubricated Thai tourism industry is carefully designed to cater to the expectations of foreign tourists.

Here at Matador, we know there is far more to Thailand than the attractions along the tourist trail. Get to know the people in a Thai farming village, for example, and you’ll discover some of the happiest, healthiest and good-hearted people in the world.

This edition of Best Trips is for travelers who want to experience the authentic side of Thailand, and take home memories that can’t be bought from a travel agent or captured in a tourist brochure.

Happy Travels!

“Volunteer In Thailand”

Volunteer travel opportunities are a great way to slow down and experience the rugged beauty and sunny smiles of the Thai countryside.

Matador’s Madagascar maven Mei-Ling McNamara recently published a quick guide to 3 standout volunteer opps. in Thailand. Her picks:

The Elephant Nature Foundations – a jungle retreat near Chiang Mai

The Wildlife Friends Of Thailand – a wildlife rescue center 85 miles from Bangkok

Panya Project – an eco-village near Chiang Mai

Panya, where Mei-Ling participated in a natural building workshop, is one of Matador’s favorite places in Thailand, just a mango orchard away from our next featured destination….

Pun Pun – Matador’s Favorite Thai Retreat

Pun Pun is a remarkable place – a community of idealistic farmers, poets, builders, architects and scientists who have created a living example of sustainability at the edge of a National Park in the north of Thailand.

Your loyal editor Tim Patterson wrote about Pun Pun in a story published last year in Matador’s Traverse magazine, and Matador friends got a fresh dose of stoke just last week, when Pun Pun’s new website launched.

Check out a mouth-watering description of the farm’s new organic restaurant, located on the grounds of a Buddhist monastery in Chiang Mai, and the new Pun Pun schedule, which includes a 10 Day Sustainability Study Trip in the winter of 2009.

If you only have a few days in Northern Thailand and love organic and vegetarian Thai food, check out Pun Pun’s other neighbor -You Sabai Guesthouse and Cooking School.

You Sabai is where Matador founders Ross Borden and Ben Polansky became card carrying “Thai chef ninjas” and Matador member Noellejt woke up at dawn to do mountaintop yoga.

How About The Thai Islands?

Sadly, most of the Thai islands are overdeveloped, and in some cases the profit-driven excesses of the tourist industry have destroyed what were once pristine natural environments.

There are still gorgeous Thai islands with intact ecosystems to explore. Tezza’s Thai Islands and Beach Bits over at TalesofAsia is a good place to get a sense of the current state of development on several islands.

Ryan Libre recommends a trip to Ko Surin in his Thailand Top 10, and check out MatadorTrips next month for a detailed guide to the laidback beaches of Trang, but to experience miles of truly deserted white sand beach, your best bet is to check out the Cambodian side of the Gulf of Thailand…

Have you come across any free online travel resources that can help travelers discover the authentic side of Thailand? Please leave a comment below!

The Matador Team tries to publish the most inspiring free, online travel guides in the world.

But we’re hardly the only travel writers scouring the planet for truly special places – and posting the best discoveries online.

To celebrate this wealth of free travel resources, each week MatadorTrips will spotlight the best travel guides we find on the Internet, themed to a specific destination.

“Best Trips” is an echo of our sister publication BraveNewTraveler’s popular Best of the Week.

Open your imagination. Get inspired.

“More Discerning Puntas”

For chill beaches, leave Buenos Aires for Uruguay – and don’t stop at Punta del Este.

Thanks to my friend Kat for pointing me to the excellent travel section in the Guardian, the most sensible of U.K. newspapers.

Wonder of wonders, the Guardian recently ran a top-notch feature on the quiet coast of Uruguay, including a mention of the beach hostel where I’m typing right now.

Also check out my latest blog from Punta del Diablo, and Jaunted.com editor Paul Brady’s pick for best beach bar and best empanada on the Uruguayan coast.

“Iguazu Falls By Moonlight”

How to make Argentina’s most romantic destination even sultrier? Just add moonlight.

One of the very first guides published on MatadorTrips was to Iguazu Falls, described by Lucia as the most romantic destination in Argentina.

Now, our friends at Argentina’s Travel Guide report that it’s possible to visit the falls by moonlight for 4 days during the full moon.

Never heard of Iguazu? ATG has a good primer.

“Argentine Nights”

Tango, Vino…and Controversy!

We took a lot of harsh criticism for the “Guide To Getting Laid In Buenos Aires” over at MatadorNights. I don’t feel too bad though, because even the New York Times failed to please the Argentine blogosphere with their recent feature on ex-pat bohemians in Buenos Aires.

And at least we aren’t being accused of stealing material…

Have you come across any free online travel resources for Argentina or Uruguay? Please leave a comment below!