Beyond Cozumel: 5 Other Mexican Islands Worth Visiting

For many of the millions who visit the Caribbean each year, Cozumel is the Mexican Caribbean.

Isla Cozumel — among the most popular cruise destinations in the world (and possibly the most visited of all, depending on the source) — is likely to appear on any cruise itinerary in the Western Caribbean.

That means that many visitors to the area will see Cozumel — and only Cozumel — on their trips to Mexico’s spectacular Caribbean. That’s a shame, because the state of Quintana Roo along Mexico’s eastern coast is home to a string of stunning little islands that are big on vistas and culture and relatively small on crowds.

While Cozumel is undoubtedly beautiful, with its white-sand beaches and colorful reefs, the 30-mile-long island — Mexico’s largest — is far from a hidden gem.

During a sponsored press trip to Quintana Roo, I learned about five other Mexican Caribbean islands worth visiting.

The Malecon seawall on Isla Mujeres. — Cindy Barks

1. Isla Mujeres

At 13 miles or so from the Mexican city of Cancún, Isla Mujeres is not exactly an off-the-beaten-path spot either, with its regular boat trips from the busy tourist center.

Still, Isla Mujeres manages to retain a singular charm. From the windswept white seawall on the eastern shore to the blue-green waters and soft white sand of Playa Norte on the northwestern end, the island showcases the best of the Caribbean.

Considered one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Norte, or North Beach, features warm and shallow water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. And the Malecón seawall on the eastern shore makes for a beautiful walk on a warm, sunny day.

But the shorelines and beaches are just a part of the island’s charm. Steeped in history and legend, Isla Mujeres is said to have been sacred to the Mayan goddess of childbirth and medicine, Ixchel — hence the island’s feminine name, which translates to “Island of Women.”

The arrival pier on Isla Mujeres. — Cindy Barks

Pirates also reportedly frequented the island, and their lore is central to another of Isla Mujeres’s legends. Near the seawall sits a graceful statue, La Trigueña, depicting a young woman who was said to have been the unrequited love interest of Fermín Mundaca.

According to information from the state’s tourism bureau, Mundaca was an 19th-century pirate and slaveholder who used the island as a refuge. Portions of his home, Hacienda Mundaca, remain today.

With its bustling central business district, Isla Mujeres is also the place to buy authentic Mayan souvenirs, from intricately painted Mayan masks complete with obsidian and quartz symbols to colorful Mayan calendars and embroidered tote bags. It’s all there along the main Avenida Rueda Medina near the boat dock.

A host of quaint restaurants and hotels also line the island’s coastline, making Isla Mujeres a perfect spot for a several-day stay, a day trip, or morning or afternoon visit.

Planning a visit to Isla Mujeres? Book a stay at one of our favorite Isla Mujeres hotels.

2. Isla Contoy

For a more remote island experience, visitors to the area should make a point to take in the nearby Isla Contoy as well.

An uninhabited island known for its diverse plant and bird life, Isla Contoy only allows 200 visitors per day.

“Isla Contoy is known most for having the most diverse bird sanctuary in the Mexican Caribbean,” says the state’s tourism bureau.

Located about 18 miles north of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy is available to visitors through a limited number of tour companies.

Among these is Asterix, a group of tour guides who offer an all-day tour that includes a stop at Isla Mujeres, snorkeling at the Ixlache Reef, a guided tour of Isla Contoy, and a buffet lunch featuring fresh fish roasted with succulent slices of onion.

The tour also includes about an hour of free time, and this is where Isla Contoy really shines. Floating in the island’s warm, buoyant, turquoise-blue water is an experience not to be missed.

Asterix tour guide Ulises Peniche says that Mayan fishermen occasionally visited Contoy between 889 and 1687 A.D., and the island was also an accidental stopping-off spot for Spanish explorers.

The entrance to Isla Contoy National Park. — Cindy Barks

Isla Contoy has been protected by the Mexican government since the 1960s, and it was declared a national park in the late 1990s. It is jointly managed by the government and the Amigos de Isla Contoy organization.

“Besides its unparalleled beauty, secluded sandy white beaches, and lush palm trees, the island boasts more than 150 migrating and resident bird species,” states the organization’s website. “The most numerous and easy to observe are the frigate, the brown pelican, and the double-crested cormorant.”

For those who can get a reservation, Isla Contoy offers a slice of island heaven located right at the confluence of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

A couple of things to remember before heading to Contoy: There is no fresh water on the island, so everything that is consumed must be brought in. Also, the island is a sunscreen-free zone for the health of the coral reef — a point that is emphasized on the sign at the entrance to the island. Hats, sun-resistant rash guards, and shade umbrellas are recommended for those sensitive to the sun.

3. Isla Holbox

For a similarly secluded spot, but with more amenities, Isla Holbox is the Mexican Caribbean place to check out. It is variously described as a tropical paradise, a bohemian retreat, and a fishing village.

The island, located northwest of Cancún, is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon that gives sanctuary to flamingos, pelicans, and other exotic birds.

Holbox is located within the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve and has been declared a Flora and Fauna Protection Area.

“Holbox has beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, colorful wooden houses, and sandy streets that one can explore on foot, by bicycle, or in golf carts,” says the state’s tourism bureau. “A true paradise, Holbox is ideal for a pleasant rest surrounded by nature.”

Hotels on the island range from rustic wooden cabins and inns to charming and exclusive boutique hotels. Currently, Holbox offers 73 hotels with a total of 1,032 rooms.

A pier on Isla Holbox. — RODRIGO Rodrigo / Pixabay

Since Holbox is an island of fishermen, the best food is typically the catch of the day. Local dishes tend to highlight fresh fish and other seafood, and the island’s unique restaurants serve up traditional Mayan and international cuisine.

Activities on the island include kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking in the sea and through the mangroves, snorkeling, diving, and fly-fishing.

The tourism bureau suggests that visitors consider taking cash, because there is only one ATM on the island, and no banks. Holbox is accessible from Cancún by a 2-hour-and-30-minute drive to the port of Chiquillá, where boats and ferries make the 20-minute trip to the island.

A tree full of birds at the Isla Pajaros refuge. — Laura / Flickr

4. Isla Pájaros

While in Holbox, birders should make a point to visit Isla Pájaros, a small islet located in the Yalahau Lagoon. It is a refuge for birds such as pelicans, frigates, white ibises, ducks, herons, storks, and flamingos.

It is a protected area, so foot access is not allowed, and the islet is only accessible for observation from a scenic viewpoint.

“Birds can be seen all day, but the real thrill comes at sunset when all the species in residence flock back to the island to roost,” says the Isla Holbox website.

Isla Pájaros is located 30 minutes by boat from Holbox and is only 200 feet wide.

Snorkelers at Cabo Catoche. — EverythingPlayaDelCarmen.com

5. Cabo Catoche

Another remote island accessible from Holbox is Cabo Catoche, a small island offering a unique combination of nature and history.

In the nature category, Catoche features abundant marine life that makes it an ideal spot to go fishing and snorkeling.

And when it comes to history, Cabo Catoche features the archaeological remains of the centuries-old Boca Church, the first Catholic church built in Mexico, according to information from Quintana Roo’s tourism bureau.

Planning a trip to Mexico? Here’s everything you need to know about the country’s drinking water.

10 Relaxing Wellness Retreats For Women

Women seek out retreats for many reasons: to create lasting memories, to disconnect from everyday stressors, to reconnect with the parts of themselves that are sometimes forgotten. Retreats are also a chance to immerse ourselves in natural beauty while achieving physical, mental, and spiritual goals.

The spirit of a women-only retreat is fundamental to a woman’s ability to recharge, push herself with new adventures, and explore her inner workings in ways that only other women can relate to. Saveria Tilden, creator of AdventurUs Women Escape Series, explains this quest well:

“I don’t think it is a fluke that there are so many Facebook groups and meetups being created for women to hike, climb, bike, paddle, run, et cetera. We are redefining what it means to be a woman in today’s world. … We are leaders, strong, independent, smart, self-sufficient and, in many ways, I feel like the image of a woman exploring and/or adventuring outdoors personifies all of these things. And yet how does one start on that path? How do we become that person? Seeking out other like-minded women is a logical first step.”

Luckily, there are a multitude of opportunities in Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the U.S. — all set in stunning locales — where you can find a deeper connection to yourself and the outdoors while connecting with like-minded women. Here are 10 worth considering.

1. AdventurUs Women Escape Series At LOGE Camps

Bend, Oregon

We don’t all have experience with — or access to — outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and paddling. At AdventurUs Women Escapes at LOGE Camps you’ll learn outdoor skills with experienced women guides. You’ll also enjoy personal-growth workshops, making new friends, relaxing evenings by the campfire, live music, and a comfortable bed after an adventurous day.

Cathy Herbstler traveled from Bellevue, Washington, to attend this year’s retreat. She told us, “I just returned from the Bend, Oregon, event last weekend and I am forever grateful and inspired by the group of women who I spent three days with in the beautiful mountain town of Bend.”

“Not only did we have the flexibility to pick our own adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, et cetera.” She also took part in journaling, meditation, and yoga.

“There is a different vibe at these retreats for women only,” she said, “as we feel it’s easier to open up and be ourselves and support one another along the journey. It’s a unique opportunity for women who maybe have never tried outdoor activities to give it a try and not be judged or pitted against others in terms of skill level but rather lifted up and encouraged to get out of our comfort zones. And women of all ages attend! Some mom/daughter combos, too!”

AdventurUs Women Escapes is currently scheduling next year’s event in Bend. Join their Facebook group to stay notified of upcoming retreats.

2. WildWoman Experience At Sacred Mountain Waters Retreat

Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a chance to connect with your soul sisters in a rustic environment, the WildWoman Experience, which hosts 40 women from all over the globe, could be the retreat experience you’re craving. The retreat is facilitated by Laura Wolf and Melanie Lighthouser. Wolf told us, “Women return to their home communities rejuvenated, empowered, and inspired, connected to themselves and our earth, and feeling a deep sense of sisterhood and healing of any fears or judgements they had of themselves or of other women.”

According to Wolf, the WildWoman Experience is a profound gathering of women rooted in initiations designed to activate their wild essences and nourish their souls. At the retreat you’ll participate in rituals — dance, drum, breath, laughter, storytelling, sharing food — while surrounded by the emerald forests, majestic mountains, and healing waters of western North Carolina.

Next year (2020) WildWoman expects to host its fifth annual experience. It will be hosted at Sacred Mountain Waters Retreat, a private property 40 minutes north of Asheville. Sacred Mountain Waters is nestled in a mountain valley where two rivers meet. Surrounded by two miles of pristine rivers and forests, wild mountains, and abundant meadows, it features a wood-fired hot tub, infrared cedar sauna, and ample space for camping, hiking, and celebrating.

3. Women’s Quest

Worldwide

For 25 years, Women’s Quest has provided fitness and yoga adventure retreats for women who want to explore mindful practices, re-energize the body, ignite the mind, and refresh the spirit. The retreats are put on by women, for women, and are located in some of the most beautiful destinations on earth.

4. Prana Del Mar Retreat And Wellness Center

Los Cabos, Mexico

Located on the outskirts of Los Cabos, the Prana del Mar Retreat and Wellness Center, a yoga beachfront retreat, provides upward of 40 different health and wellness retreats annually between October and July. Although most of their retreats aren’t strictly for women, some are. Even so, the majority of retreat participants are women and many groups host sisters, friends, and mothers and daughters traveling together, plus solo travelers.

Internationally-acclaimed teachers visit each week throughout the year and offer twice-daily classes — think yoga, meditation, and other wellness modalities. Guests come for about a week and enjoy luxurious accommodations, delicious, healthful meals, and the option to explore the Baja area. They’ll also find an array of spa services and activities including chef-led cooking classes and jewelry-making workshops.

This eco-friendly resort features solar power, an organic garden, a solar-heated lap pool, and organic linens and personal care products, plus they recycle all wastewater for irrigation and use bamboo flooring in their yoga studios.

In addition to Prana del Mar’s retreats, you can schedule surf lessons, go whale watching, ride horses, snorkel, kayak, or tour the artist community of Todos Santos. View the upcoming retreats to plan your Baja-inspired women’s getaway.

5. Wild Adventure Wellness Retreats

Glover’s Reef, Belize

Liz Galloway, founder of Wild Adventure Wellness Retreats believes that transformational travel is not a luxury but a necessity — one that helps us break through barriers, boundaries, and fears to understand ourselves as we are meant to.

Galloway’s goal is to provide transformational travel retreats with a purpose. She offers one or two retreats per year where she brings experts, coaches, therapists, fitness trainers, guides, shamans, and even Olympians together to offer retreats that include kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, cultural immersion, kite boarding, diving, guided meditation, yoga, group goal setting, nutrition, and one-on-one sessions.

“Our participants are aged 35 to 60,” she told us. “I feel it’s important to have retreats and boundary-breaking at this age to combat society’s labels and the shifts in life. A place where we really take on our own, and embrace it all.”

Galloway has discussed living beyond labels at any age on the Women Entrepreneurs Podcast and said she wants to focus on what women can accomplish and teach others. “I work hard to produce a unique adventure geared towards the small groups each time.”

6. Together We Seek Retreats

Vermillion, Ohio

Professional women gather at Together We Seek Retreats to explore and discuss new levels of awareness, and to embark on experiences with the goal of leaving refreshed, energized, and inspired. These retreats create a space for women to come together to explore, experience, and connect through ancient practices including storytelling and making time for meaningful conversation.

JJ DiGeronimo, author of Working Women and founder of Together We Seek Retreats told us, “Making time to invest in yourself by attending a retreat can be a great break from life demands, but it can also act as a catalyst for what you are looking to manifest next.”

7. SwellWomen At W Punta De Mita

Punta Mita, Nayarit, Mexico

Join SwellWomen at a chic beach resort edged with lush jungle in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit at the W Punta de Mita resort. Four female empowerment retreats are scheduled annually and will include a mix of yoga, surf lessons, all-inclusive food and beverages, spa time, and more.

8. Wellness Retreats At The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

If your ideal retreat includes a world-class, bucket-list-worthy destination like the rugged heart of Banff National Park in the majestic Canadian Rockies, the Wellness Retreats at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are for you. The retreats are tailored to the 45+ woman who is at a crossroads in her life or is looking for something deeper — something more. They offer immersive wellness experiences accompanied by the sparkle and mystery of Lake Louise and are known for promoting self-discovery and rejuvenating the spirit.

Join one of their three-day, all-inclusive wellness retreats in the spring or fall. Retreat goers form a group of like-minded participants for a weekend of yoga, meditation, and mindful walks. Begin each morning with 1.5 hours of flow yoga and end your day with gentle yoga and meditation, followed by a healthy, nourishing meal. Learn how to live in the moment and find more inner peace and happiness by immersing yourself in a stunning, nature-centric experience.

9. Women’s Retreats

Wyoming

If your heart yearns for the beauty of Wyoming, there are a few women’s retreats from which to choose. Two Wyoming ranches offer wellness-oriented retreats that incorporate horseback riding. Plan on riding into the mountains for yoga, hiking, and fly fishing in the summer months. Ranches with these programs include Bear Basin Adventures and Diamond 4 Ranch. Or try the Proud Wyoming Woman Retreat hosted in Sweetwater County.

10. Meditation And Transformative Retreats

Finger Lakes Region, Central New York

A respite in the peaceful Finger Lakes region of Central New York means wineries, spas, and meditation retreats. In short, this picturesque wine region of the east is the perfect backdrop for personal regrowth.

For a meditation retreat, heal solo or join other women who are looking to start anew at Mountain Horse Farm in Naples, New York, which offers retreats like the Just Juice Detox. Mountain Horse Farm also offers animal therapy, cow cuddling, massages, hiking, and a dog hotel on site so you can bring your pup with you.

Or try a transformative retreat. Spiritual warriors, head to Ithaca, New York, for weekend programs at a small bed and breakfast owned by Sally VanOrman, a social worker, psychiatric nurse, and natural childbirth instructor. For women only, the Change Your Mind, Change Your Life retreat offers participants the opportunity to become aware of the common beliefs and distortions that have an impact on their lives through guided instruction on self-evaluation in small, intimate group sessions.

Want some time to yourself? Here’s how to spend a week off grid in the Rockies.

What I Learned From Visiting The D-Day Beaches

A visit to the D-Day beaches in Normandy, France, will no doubt leave you changed. You will appreciate life more and be more thankful for freedom. Today, these beaches are an arena for reflection. You will be surprised at how peaceful the coastline is now, with waves gently lapping at the shore. But for a few terrible days during World War II, it was a place of chaos and deafening sounds and fires and so much suffering.

Here are some things I learned from my time on the channel shores of France this summer.

Omaha Beach in Normandy. — Sharon Odegaard

Ordinary People To Heroes

On June 6, 1944, the Allies landed in five sectors along 60 miles of French coastline. The Americans were assigned to Utah and Omaha beaches, the Canadians to Juno, and the British to Sword and Gold. The purpose of Operation Overlord, the official name of the invasion, was to push back the Germans who had been occupying France for four years. The planning and preparation took months, and men from 12 Allied countries did their part. In all, about 160,000 troops landed by sea and air. D-Day still stands as the largest invasion in history.

Visiting the beaches, however, allowed me to move past the statistics and mind-boggling numbers. I’d read overviews of the battles in Normandy, but in going there I saw for myself what the soldiers saw, where they ran, the bluffs they climbed, the cliffs they scaled, the rivers they forded.

It’s often said that every person on either side of the conflict on D-Day was a hero. The more I traced some of their paths, the clearer this became. The success of liberation came down to one person at a time standing beside his friends, doing what certainly couldn’t have come naturally.

I walked into the water on Omaha Beach, dug my toes in the sand, and saw in my mind the hundreds of men who ran into a hail of bullets because that was their role and they wouldn’t let their buddies down. I stood on a vital drawbridge held by courageous souls who refused to retreat even as men around them died. I solemnly entered the country church that served as a medic station and witnessed the bloodstains still clearly visible on the wooden pews. I traced the footsteps of paratroopers who attacked nests of gunners firing at their comrades on the beaches from three miles away. They couldn’t even see the men they were risking their lives to save.

Every person who pushed past the instinct to flee, drew deep to find courage, and didn’t give up contributed to the remarkable victory. They are heroes, every one.

The writer at the cemetery for D-Day soldiers. — Sharon Odegaard

Coping With Overwhelming Emotion

It’s common for visitors to the D-Day beaches to be overwhelmed with information and emotion. Standing in a sea of white crosses and stars in the cemeteries is poignant. The loss of life is astounding. Omaha Beach alone is the resting place of more than 9,000 soldiers. I learned that one way to cope with my feelings is to focus on individuals. Look at the names on the grave markers. Thomas J. Minnick, Nickolas Wassil, Donald Grohman. These were men — or young boys — who got on a boat in England and landed on the foreign soil of France and never went home. I imagined their fear. I imagined all they missed of life. I imagined their families. I imagined so much grief.

After you wander among the graves, take a moment to sit. Resting on the grass and reflecting gave me time to be still and process my thoughts. It’s also a stance that I felt was respectful given the significance of the place.

Graves at the D-Day cemetery. — Sharon Odegaard

Look For The Miracles

While war always brings sorrow, I learned that looking for the heartwarming stories helps. I booked a day with a local guide who has talked with French people who witnessed D-Day firsthand. He’s also met numerous veterans when they’ve returned to Normandy. He supplied me with so many uplifting stories.

One of my favorites was his answer to my question about why the town of Bayeux, just over three miles from the beach, wasn’t destroyed by bombs as many towns were. He told me that on the evening of D-Day, a priest from Bayeux knew the Allies had gained a hold on the beach. He also figured that the next day, bombs would fall on his beloved town as the Allies moved inland to dislodge the Germans. He stole away through the night to an Allied commander to inform him that the Germans had quietly abandoned Bayeux that day. There was no need to bomb the town. The Allies believed him, cancelled the planned bombardment, and the next day liberated Bayeux without a fight. The cathedral dating from the 1100s and the town’s winding cobblestone streets survived. The bravery of one priest willing to risk his life saved medieval Bayeux.

Flags from the Allied countries. — Sharon Odegaard

Many Countries, A Common Goal

Like many Americans, on my first visit to Normandy, I went only to Omaha Beach, the most famous of my country’s sites. But I thought there might be something gained from seeing the entire invasion area. My hunch was right.

Touring all the beaches allowed me to find out more about the contributions of the British and other soldiers. I was able to get a better grasp of how each sector fit into the grand plan. Whether it was taking a road, laying a cement harbor in the water, or liberating a town, all the parts made a whole. Being in the five areas widened my understanding of how people from different countries came together to work toward a common goal. And that is a good reason to travel, no matter where you go.

Utah Beach in Normandy. — Sharon Odegaard

Gaining A New Perspective On Life

Knowing more about what happened on these beaches reminded me that, while I have value as a person, the world does not revolve around me. Soldiers and civilians alike sacrificed everything for each other and for liberation. It made me feel small, in a good way. An ache or pain, a disappointment, money worries — these everyday problems pale in comparison to the life-and-death circumstances of war.

I traveled to the D-Day beaches to pay respects to those who were part of the Normandy campaign. Visiting here made me think of the words of President Abraham Lincoln during America’s Civil War: “In a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract.” While this is true of the D-Day beaches too, a visit will give you the opportunity to honor the heroes of Normandy while at the same time inspiring you to be brave in the face of whatever life brings.

6 Places For An Amazing Supermoon Experience In 2020

From ruminating over our astrological signs to watching in wonder as the Northern and Southern Lights dance across arctic and antarctic skies, our fascination with heavenly bodies seems to be a unifying feature of our humanity. There are so many celestial wonders to enjoy and places to make the most of them: dark sky sanctuaries, planetariums, and observatories to name a few.

If we’re lucky, we can witness starry skies (or, alternatively, vivid cityscapes) from our own porches and patios, but if you’re a true aficionado of the night and its defining features, seeing a supermoon from a special viewing place could make for the travel memory of a lifetime.

What Is A Supermoon?

Supermoon is a relatively new term. It debuted in 1979 to describe a full moon that occurs at perigee — when the moon is closest to the earth. The result? The moon looking up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than full moons that occur when the moon is further away.

The mechanics of orbit and the relationship between the moon, the earth, and the sun mean stunning, glowy skies on clear supermoon nights, not to mention fantastic night-sky photo opportunities.

Supermoons only happen a few times a year. Here are some of the best places to see them (and when).

Full moon and starry sky over a pagoda in Chiang Mai, Thailand — jaboo2foto / Shutterstock

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Derek Remer, founder of travel gear company Alibi Supply Co., told TravelAwaits “One of the less-traditional best places in the world to view the moon is in Chiang Mai, Thailand.”

“Chiang Mai has a perfect mix of circumstances to create a truly unique moon-viewing experience. Chiang Mai is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains that don’t necessarily tower over the landscape but provide a beautiful backdrop.”

“During the rainy season,” he said, “after a huge downpour, the clouds start to disperse, and when a full moon or special moon appears over the mountains, it’s truly breathtaking. The real kicker here is that buildings in Chiang Mai can’t be built over six stories tall. If you make your way to Nimman — a neighborhood in the city — and situate yourself on top of one of the higher rooftops, you will be in for a real treat.”

Before or after enjoying a supermoon viewing from a Chiang Mai rooftop on Tuesday, March 10 or Wednesday, April 8, you can venture outside the city to climb up Thailand’s incredible sticky waterfalls, visit Na Phu Chet Si shrine, and see a nearby crystalline spring.

Full moon behind a Mont Blanc peak — ashenwolf / Shutterstock

2. Mont Joly In The French Alps

Almost equidistant from Milan in Italy, Zurich in Swizerland, and Marseille on the coast of France, sits Mont Joly — a peak surrounded by some of the best-known ski resorts in the French department of Haute-Savoie.

If it sounds dreamy, that’s because it is. In fact, Will Roberts of Freedom Snowsports, a ski school that operates in Chamonix, Saint Gervais, Megeve, and Les Contamines, France, said it’s the ideal place to see a supermoon.

“During a full moon and with the luck of a clear sky, the light is so bright that it reflects off of the snow.” He said you won’t need artificial light of any kind — not even a flashlight — to see everything around you.

One of his favorite moon-viewing experiences: sitting out on the deck of a mountain hut on the shoulder of Mont Joly sipping hot chocolate.

“We are looking directly at Mont Blanc and the brightest, fullest moon.” Since Roberts lives and works in the region, he said he feels privileged to be able to see this whenever the opportunity arises and, moreover to share it with others. See a supermoon from Mont Joly on Monday, March 9 or Wednesday, April 8.

Sunset and starry sky over Uluru — Eugenie Lai / Unsplash

3. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Watching the sun set and the moon rise over Uluru — a defining features of the Australian Outback — over 15 years ago remains one of my favorite travel memories. As the bright Outback afternoon slips into evening, the sky turns from piercing blue to dusky purple to deep navy. Once it rises, the moon and Uluru seem to commune telepathically. The sounds of the desert take on a different tempo, and the spiritual significance of the place becomes even more apparent than it was in daylight.

Of course, arriving in the Outback involves a trek. Learn all about how to visit Australia’s Outback and plan on seeing a supermoon rise over Uluru Tuesday, March 10 or Wednesday, April 8.

4. Shelter Island, New York

Known as the un-Hamptons, Shelter Island is a wonderful, and star-studded, spot for reconnecting with nature. In fact, Susie Dempsey pointed out that it was on Shelter Island — at the secluded Ram’s Head Inn — that Jerry Seinfeld enjoyed the 2017 eclipse from an Adirondack chair.

Why is Shelter Island, and Ram Island (an excrescence of land that juts out into the water across from Mashomack Preserve) specifically, such a great place for supermoon viewing? Dempsey said, “There are no street lamps or city lights to interfere with the star and moonlight, so the stars come through crystal clear and in serious abundance. Moonlight doesn’t compete with any man-made light, so when it shines, it illuminates the island and the rippling bay water of Coecles Harbor.”

You can spend Monday, March 9 or Tuesday, April 7 biking Shelter Island or exploring the walking trails in Mashomack Preserve, then settle into an Adirondack chair of your own as the moon comes up. Dempsey said, “You don’t have to wait long to spot your first shooting star.”

5. Sheldon Chalet In Alaska

Astrotourism is a thing at Sheldon Chalet — one of the most exclusive places to see a supermoon, period.

The property, situated on five private acres within Denali National Park, is only accessible via private helicopter ride from Anchorage or Talkeetna, a census-designated place up the Susitna River from Anchorage and downriver from the park. According to the chalet, where a one-night stay will cost $3,150 per person (and a minimum three-night stay is required), visitors can enjoy “aurora borealis and meteorological viewing, full moon glacier treks, and golden sunrises.”

What’s more: “At 63 degrees latitude and an elevation of 6,000 feet, Sheldon Chalet’s troposphere is some of the thinnest on the planet, allowing guests to see shooting stars” — and supermoons — “brighter than anywhere else.”

The chalet has expert guides are on hand to help visitors better understand the aurora borealis and to “offer insight into the night sky constellations.”

“World-class stargazing is enhanced by the cozy fire and satisfying beverages custom crafted by your private chef.” What the chalet doesn’t have: Wi-Fi, but who needs it when you can enjoy a remote hot spring excursion or constructing your very own igloo as a supermoon lights the last frontier?

You could see a supermoon from Sheldon Chalet, or elsewhere in Alaska, on Monday, March 9 or Tuesday, April 7.

Full moon rise in South Africa with bush tree in foreground — Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock

6. On Safari

I recently learned that one of our writers has been on safari nearly a dozen times. She finally went gorilla trekking in Uganda and said it was worth the wait. Another has participated in five Tanzanian safaris (and has stunning photos to prove it). They’ve convinced me that a safari should be at the top of my bucket list, and in reading about safaris, I’ve learned that night drives can be part of the experience.

Safari guides take participants out into the bush after dark, which means an opportunity to see nocturnal animals in addition to those who roam freely during daylight hours. What better time to witness the majesty of the savanna than a night when the moon is 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter?

You could venture out under the auspices of a Tanzanian supermoon on Monday, March 9 or Wednesday, April 8.

Want to see a supermoon closer to home? Park rangers host full moon hikes at national parks around the States, and these are the seven most incredible stargazing sites in the U.S.

Lessons From The Road: It’s All About Attitude

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said: “I think we consider too much the good luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm.” Yes, unfortunately, luck has two sides to it. And for travelers who put themselves in foreign or new lands and choose to participate in unfamiliar activities, luck seems to come into play more often than normal. Sometimes a travel day turns out well. Sometimes it turns out poorly. How do we navigate such differing situations?

Here are some lessons to keep in mind.

You Can’t Control Everything

One of the worst days of our life happened last year. My husband and I were at Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. waiting to board a flight bound for London where we were to catch a connecting flight to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Our airline, Primera, had declared bankruptcy earlier in the day while we were en route from Phoenix. All its flights were canceled. I was terribly upset. Our tickets had been bought at the unbelievably discounted price of $250 per person, but we wound up paying more than ten times that to get to Ljubljana — even after receiving our refund.

My husband said, “It’s just money.” When we arrived in London, he immediately looked for an English pub at the airport. The Scottish-Irish fellow delighted in a classic British breakfast he had been missing stateside.

Don’t Be Stymied; Go Ahead With Your Travel Plans

Without hesitation, we went ahead with our travel plans — $3,000 poorer. The Slovenia portion of our trip was something we could not postpone. It was dependent on the schedule of our two hosts, whom we met on the road in the Philippines a few years earlier. In fact, we’d hosted them in the U.S. two years after. The apartments they had reserved for us were fully booked before and after our visit.

Our room at a bed and breakfast was at the foot of Ljubljana Castle in front of the huge daily farmers market in Old Ljubljana. In Bled, we got to enjoy an apartment that was right on the famous lake with postcard scenes from the balcony. We couldn’t have asked for more. Our week in Slovenia was not just spectacular; it also didn’t cost us a cent.

A tram in downtown Vienna. — Carol Colborn

Be Easy on Yourself: You Are Allowed To Make Mistakes

The shock of our airfare’s $3,000 price tag behind us, we enjoyed our time in Slovenia. Next up: Austria. From our base in Innsbruck the following week, we wanted to explore more of the country. We decided to take the train to Vienna, stay overnight, then stop in Salzburg, midway on the way back to Innsbruck, the next day. At the railway station I got a brochure from the ticket counter while Bill set off to buy a bottle of water. Mixed signals meant we had almost zero time till departure when we finally found each other again. That’s how we got on the wrong train — the one going in the opposite direction of our intended destination. Instead of Vienna, we found ourselves in Munich.

We finally got to Vienna mid-afternoon instead of before lunch as we had planned. I was stressed. My dear husband said, “Charge it to experience; we’re allowed to make mistakes.” We started to walk and made it to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Mozart House, the opera house, Karlskirche, the Hofburg Palace, and the Museum Quartier. The only Vienna bucket-list site we missed: Schonbrunn Palace.

Granted, we had to run from place to place. It was great that they were so close to each other. We even ended the day with dinner complete with sacher torte — a classic Austrian chocolate cake — at a Viennese coffee house. We would’ve preferred to go to the Hotel Sacher for the original, but, as luck would have it, they have an outlet in Innsbruck.

Lake Bodensee in Germany. — Carol Colborn

There Are Many Good People On The Road

Our next base was Oberstaufen, Germany. This is where our bad luck turned into really good luck. After one of our long day trips, we missed the shuttle bus back to our resort. Tired and hungry, I must have looked utterly desperate when I found out the next shuttle was an hour away. A German couple who was also waiting at the station read each of the posters (all in German), looking for available alternatives for us. They didn’t find any, but it didn’t matter. We loved the gesture.

The following day, we decided to explore the iconic Hotel Ludwig in Steibus, a village close to Oberstaufen. It turned out that the same couple’s vacation condo was right in front of the RV campground adjacent to the hotel. They invited us in for drinks. The interesting thing was that the German man spoke very little English, my husband spoke very little German, and the wife and I wound up gesticulating a lot. Before we parted, they extended us an invitation to visit them at their home in Uberlinger, Germany. The day before we left for France, we found the chance to do just that.

On their deck overlooking the legendary Bodensee Lake, we enjoyed a typical German lunch. Then we toured the resort city, which was hardly touched during WWII because of various treaties. Meeting such good people is GOOD LUCK in capital letters.

The writer enjoying beef and cheese fondue in Brussels. — Carol Colborn

Let The Good Times Roll

By this time, we had definitely moved from saying “When it rains, it pours” to “Let the good times roll.” In Paris, France, we were even gifted with a fabulous upgrade from a studio to a one-bedroom apartment. For one romantic week, this elegant Parisian home was the base for our day trips to the highlights of Paris. In Brussels, Belgium, we didn’t expect to find so many great foods. Aside from being awed by the attractions, we also delighted in the food-tripping: We indulged in beef carbonnade, moules frites, beef and cheese fondue, Belgian waffles, Belgian chocolates, and Belgian beer.

Luck is iffy, especially on the road. We have found that bad luck turns into good luck — sometimes as quickly as it came — and vice versa, of course. In any case, we have learned to remember what matters most. What we can control is how we react — to others, to things, and to situations. When bad luck strikes, we should quickly pick up the lesson and move on. And when good luck happens, we should let our gratitude freely express itself. This is the kind of attitude that will surely let the good times roll.

Note: It also helps to travel with people who remain positive. They make the best traveling companions.

Touring the continent? Consider stopping for Trappist beer in Belgium or planning a Christmas markets road trip.

How To Visit Idaho’s Beautiful Shoshone Falls

Southern Idaho’s Shoshone Falls is often called the Niagara of the West, and the landmark certainly resembles the New York falls, especially when in full flow. The views of Shoshone Falls from the observation deck can be incredible, and the sound can be deafening. When you’re in Idaho (or even Salt Lake City, Utah, which is only 3 hours away), you simply must visit.

My son lives in Twin Falls, and my wife and I recently visited the area to see him and his new fiancée. The drive to Twin Falls is amazing. You won’t believe the majesty of the Snake River Canyon as you head across the Perrine Bridge into Twin Falls. Our afternoon trip to see Shoshone Falls, however, was the highlight of our visit.

Welcome signe for Shoshone Falls. — melissamn / Shutterstock

Where Is Shoshone Falls?

Shoshone Falls is located 3 miles outside of Twin Falls, a city of 50,000 people in the southern part of Idaho. Twin Falls is only an hour’s drive from the Nevada border, 1 hour and 30 minutes from the Utah border, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from the Oregon border. Magic Valley Regional Airport in Twin Falls offers daily flights to Salt Lake City on Delta Airlines, but the closest international airports are in Salt Lake City (a 3-hour drive) and Boise (a 2-hour drive).

Twin Falls is located right next to the Snake River Canyon. Some may remember Evel Knievel’s attempted Skycycle jump in the Snake River Canyon in 1974. The spot where it took place was just a mile outside of Twin Falls, between Shoshone Falls and the city itself.

If you drive from Salt Lake City to Twin Falls, you will cross over the Snake River near Rupert, Idaho (approximately 50 miles east of Twin Falls), and notice that there’s no canyon. The Snake River flows near the elevation of the land. In the 50 miles from Rupert to Twin Falls, however, it cuts into one of the more amazing canyons of the West. By the time it reaches Twin Falls, the canyon is nearly 500 feet deep, with steep cliffs on either side. This is where you’ll find Shoshone Falls.

Tourists admiring the Shoshone Falls. — Rigucci / Shutterstock

How To Get To Shoshone Falls

The magnificent landmark is a 5-minute drive from the city limits of Twin Falls. If you’re coming from the city, take Falls Avenue eastward until you get to Champlin Road. Signs at that intersection will direct you to turn left toward Shoshone Falls. If you’re coming from the east, you’ll likely be on Highway 30. There is a right turn for Champlin Road from the highway, and that road will take you to Shoshone Falls.

Once you reach the rim of the canyon, Champlin Road will turn into Shoshone Falls Grade, a steep, winding road into the canyon. Approximately a mile down the grade, you will come to the entrance of Shoshone Falls Park. If you arrive between March 1 and September 30, you’ll have to pay $5 per car to enter the park. If you arrive during the off-season, you won’t have to pay anything.

Once you pass through the gate, you’ll head down a second winding road to the main parking lot. The ideal spot to view the Falls — the observation deck — is located only 75 feet from the parking lot. You’ll walk down a set of stairs and then out onto the observation deck.

If you are arriving in an RV, there are two RV parking locations. There is RV parking in the main parking lot near the observation deck. But if those spots are full (and many tour buses visit Shoshone Falls, so the spots are often full), loop back up the main road to the second RV parking area farther up the hill. It will be on your right as you enter the park and on your left if you’re returning to it from the main parking lot.

Strong flow of Shoshone Falls in the spring. — Png Studio Photography / Shutterstock

When Is The Best Time To Visit Shoshone Falls?

As is true of most waterfalls, the best time to visit is when the water is plentiful. The Snake River is the passageway through which melting snow from the northern Rockies heads to the Columbia River in Oregon and eventually out into the Pacific Ocean, so late spring is absolutely the best time to visit.

But this does not mean that the late spring is the only time you can visit the Falls. The fall is typically the low-flow time for Shoshone Falls (reservoirs upstream that have been depleted during the summer months are being restocked), but you can still catch the Falls in decent form. The photo below was taken on September 23, and the flow was still very strong.

A low flow of Shoshone Falls in the autumn. — Robert Rosenthal

During the spring, the area to the right will be much more spectacular — you’ll see twin waterfalls. But as you can see, even a lower autumn flow is quite stunning.

Since the tourists will be out in force during the regular vacation season, the perfect time to visit the Falls is probably on or around May 1. The snow melt will be charging through the Snake River Canyon and over the Falls, creating an incredible scene.

What To Know About The Flow

The flow of the waterfalls is controlled by the Milner Dam, 20 miles upstream from Shoshone Falls. The United States Bureau of Reclamation maintains the dam and the entire Snake River Basin in order to regulate the amount of water available for agriculture in the region. If you look at an aerial photo of Idaho, you will see a green band extending through the southern part of the state. Every ounce of that green comes from the Snake River and its associated irrigation canals.

The priority of the Bureau of Reclamation is to maintain enough water in the reservoirs for the irrigation canals to remain full. The excess water is sent down the Snake River on its way to the Pacific Ocean, and that excess water is what feeds Shoshone Falls.

In the spring, especially in late April and May, you are nearly guaranteed to get a great view of the Falls, since the snow melt is feeding the entire system with more water than it can handle. In the summer, fall, and winter, the flow depends on the rainfall that year and the fullness of upstream reservoirs. You can visit this site to look at the reservoir levels. If the reservoir for Milner Dam is fairly full, there’s a good chance that the Shoshone Falls will be flowing well. If it’s not, the Bureau of Reclamation is likely holding back water to fill the reservoir.

You can also visit the Shoshone Falls website for a recent CFS (cubic feet per second) rating for the falls. On the day that the photo above was taken, Shoshone Falls was at 400 CFS. If the number is higher, the falls will be more impressive. If it’s lower, the falls will have a restricted flow.

There’s no way to perfectly plan for the highest flows. With a dam upstream controlling the flow, it can fluctuate from day to day. Your best bet is the spring, but really, there are incredible views year-round.

View from the Snake River Rim Trail near Shoshone Falls. — Ventu Photo / Shutterstock

What Else Is There To Do In The Area?

Twin Falls has much more to offer than Shoshone Falls. Here are some other things to do around town.

Walk The Rim Trail

The rim trail is a 12-mile network of trails that extends from the western end of Twin Falls all the way to Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake. Perhaps the best portion of the trail is the portion in Twin Falls.

Park at the visitor center that overlooks the Perrine Bridge when you enter Twin Falls from the north. From there, you can walk the trail either to the east or the west. The entire trail is perched right atop the canyon, so the views from every angle are incredible.

Golf At The Base Of The Canyon

From the rim trail, you will see two golf courses at the base of the canyon. The course you see on the north side of the canyon, Blue Lakes Country Club, is a private course, but the course on the Twin Falls side of the canyon, Canyon Springs Golf Club, is a public course.

I played the course with my son while visiting Twin Falls. I hadn’t brought my golf clubs with me, but the course had several sets of rental clubs available. And the environment is like nothing I’ve experienced before. It’s not often that you get to golf at the base of a canyon with 500-foot cliffs on either side and one of the more iconic bridges in the American West hovering over you.

Walk Across The Perrine Bridge

Speaking of the Perrine Bridge, there is a lane for pedestrians that is completely separated from the traffic. So if you’re interested in getting some amazing photos, you can walk out on the bridge. Start at the visitor center and follow the path to the bridge walkway.

While you’re there, you’ll likely see BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth) jumpers leaping from the bridge with parachutes. The Perrine Bridge is the only man-made structure in the United States that allows BASE jumping without a permit, so BASE jumpers from around the world flock to Twin Falls. Watching them jump, open their parachutes, and float to the base of the canyon is an incredible sight.