Helpful Credit Card Perks You Didn’t Know You Had

The right credit card can make all the difference in the world when it comes to bringing your travel dreams to life. You can gain valuable frequent flyer miles and make safe purchases overseas, which means gaining even more amazing rewards, enriching your trip, and inspiring the next one. In many ways, a good travel-focused credit card is like a second passport, opening doors and helping you leap over borders.

But a lot of people don’t know that the right card can also help you party like a rock star, avoid encounters with pickpockets, and protect your new camera, too — all while saving you a pretty penny. Here are some often overlooked credit card perks that can take your travel experience to the next level.

Get Treated Like A Rock Star

Have you ever dreamed of having someone at your beck and call to give you insider access to a city’s best secrets? You don’t have to be a rock star — or spend like one — to experience this. Many credit card holders don’t know that they have access to free concierge services. Not just the concierge at the hotel (though you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to them for requests big and small). I’m talking about a call-in concierge service that’s free of charge for card holders. Concierge teams can provide dinner recommendations and make your reservations. They can help you find guides and local services and arrange for special experiences. And, if you really are feeling your rock starish best, they can help you with the once-in-a-lifetime dream experiences, like booking a hot air balloon ride or getting tickets for amazing concert venues.

Remember, your concierge is there to help you. There’s no budget too small (or, I assume, too big!) and in fact they might actually be able to help you save money by steering you clear of overrated tourist traps and suggesting discounts you didn’t know you were eligible for (like senior savings). This service can be hugely helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the language or culture in the country you’re visiting.

Different types of credit cards. — Blake Callahan / Shutterstock

Give Your Gear A Little Extra TLC

If you’re investing in a new camera to record your travel memories, an e-reader for relaxing by the pool, or a lightweight computer so you can embrace the nomadic lifestyle, make your purchase on your credit card. It’s not just so you can get some bonus frequent flyer points. Most people don’t know that many credit card purchases come with special purchase protection.

Paying for electronics with most credit cards will double the manufacturer’s warranty for up to two years. That means if the store or manufacturer offers a 6 month or 1 year warranty, your credit card may double that period of time. That can save you an absolute bundle in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your gear. And, in the meantime, you will pocket some extra money as you bypass extended warranty purchases in store, confident that your card has your back.

Put Pickpockets In Their Place

Whenever a friend reports a purse lifted from a cafe or some gear pilfered, it breaks my heart. Happily, it doesn’t happen very often, but that doesn’t make it any less upsetting. When you work hard and save diligently to purchase quality products, it feels like that gear is an extension of who you are. There’s a lot a traveler can do to protect their belongings, like using secure day bags and luggage. And now there’s one more way to fight back.

Many cards offer purchase assurance against loss, damage, and theft anywhere in the world for 120 days after you make the purchase on your credit card. Covered items can be repaired, replaced, or reimbursed, taking some of the sting out of your loss. This is different from extended manufacturers’ warranties and it is designed to cover horrible, bad luck, like theft or accidental damage — not product defects. Read the fine print on this one; some policies require you to file a police report in the event of theft. Still, it’s a tremendously helpful feature should you drop your new camera lens or your new designer clutch goes missing en route.

Plane tickets and a credit card. — conejota / Shutterstock

Buy Pajamas And Perfume

Alright, I might be exaggerating a bit here. Maybe socks and sunscreen will be in order! But there is a way your credit card can help you when you need emergency supplies. If you check your luggage and if it doesn’t arrive at the airport, take heart. The majority of bags are reunited with their owners in a very short window of time. And in the meantime, you could be reimbursed up to $100 a day for essential supplies for several days if you purchased your airline ticket through your credit card.

Of course, no one wants to spend their trip shopping for new underwear and body wash, but when you’re tired, frustrated, and your bag is nowhere to be seen, it’s nice to have a plan B and know that you won’t be out a lot of money.

Carousing And Cost Savings

When you pay for your rental car with your credit card, you’ll often be insured if the car is damaged or stolen. Declining the rental car company’s collision damage waiver insurance can save you $20 to $30 a day. Many credit cards offer different forms of travel and medical insurance, but I especially appreciate the extra protection when it comes to having a rental car.

Paying for extra car insurance is one of those necessary but annoying expenses that can quickly add up to a big expense over a trip, yet I never felt comfortable declining it. I always envisioned some dramatic situation in which a car is ruined and then I am on the hook for a Cadillac. I know — not the most likely of scenarios. But it is reassuring to know that I’m being responsible and frugal at the same time when it comes to car insurance, and tapping into my credit card rewards can make it even simpler and more cost effective.

What do all these perks and forms of protection have in common? You have to read the fine print! Each card’s individual policy is slightly different, and it’s important that you know what you’re entitled to and how to activate the service. But you’ll be glad you did — there are likely more perks than you realize.

8 Excellent Hidden Gems In New Hampshire

Only 1.3 million people call New Hampshire home — that’s roughly equal to the population of Dallas. And since it covers a mere 10,000 square miles and has no major metropolitan areas, the state generally flies under the radar (except, of course, during the beginning of each presidential election cycle, when it is the first state to hold a primary).

Despite this, New Hampshire has a lot to offer. Where else in the country can you sit on a pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, get into your car, drive 45 minutes, and arrive at a ski area in the mountains? The Granite State has many surprises in store for travelers who choose to venture off the beaten path.

Here are eight of the state’s hidden gems.

The Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. — Richard Whittle / Shutterstock

1. Flume Gorge In Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is located in the White Mountains of central New Hampshire. The White Mountains are best known as an autumn destination showcasing New England’s glorious fall colors, but the park’s Flume Gorge is a spring, summer, and fall destination popular with locals and travelers alike.

Flume Gorge is a natural gorge carved out of the granite of the White Mountains. The sheer granite walls extend 70 to 90 feet on both sides, with sometimes only 12 feet of space between them. The granite is what makes the site so unique. Picture the granite from a countertop cladding the walls of an alley between two downtown buildings, and you’ll have a sense of what Flume Gorge is like. The difference is that Flume Gorge exists in nature — and there’s a river running down the center!

The waterfall approximately halfway up the gorge is perhaps the area’s most stunning spot — not only visually, but aurally. The granite walls of the gorge amplify the waterfall’s sound, which is reminiscent of the sound from a sound machine turned up high.

If you don’t want to hike the entire 2-mile loop, the visitor center offers a bus route that will get you close to the base of the gorge. The hike up into the gorge requires climbing several sets of stairs, but the vistas are worth the effort — the view down into the gorge from the top is truly incredible.

Fort Stark in New Hampshire. — New Hampshire State Parks

2. Fort Stark State Historic Site

Located on Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park just outside of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Fort Stark State Historic Site provides a glimpse back in time. The former military facility looks out over the mouth of the Piscataqua River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Standing on the point, you can certainly see why the area was chosen to be the site of a fort: You have a clear view of all the ships approaching the mouth of the Piscataqua River.

Visitors are permitted to walk around the entire facility and even peer into the jail cells where unauthorized sailors were detained. As you can imagine, the area is run down, and graffiti covers many of the walls, but that almost adds to the charm. Climb the stairs to see where the military personnel stood watch, protecting Portsmouth and the other Piscataqua River towns from attacks.

Newcastle Island is a destination in and of itself; many of its structures date to the 1600s! Most every house in the downtown area sports a plaque with the name of the original owner and the year the home was built. The historic architecture makes it easy to imagine what life was like on the island nearly 400 years ago.

The historic Wentworth by the Sea, a tall white hotel constructed in the 1870s, is also located on the island. Recently refurbished by Marriott, the Wentworth has its own bit of history: It was where the Treaty Of Portsmouth, which marked the end of the Russo-Japanese War, was signed in 1905.

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. — Dan Logan / Shutterstock

3. Dixville Notch

There’s not much to see in Dixville Notch, but on a visit there you can experience a tiny piece of modern American history. Since 1960, the residents of Dixville Notch have been the first people to cast their votes in each presidential election. The residents gather at midnight on Election Day to cast their votes, and the polls typically close at 12:01. How can the polls close? There are typically fewer than 30 registered voters in Dixville Notch, and once every registered voter has cast their vote, the polls can close. In the last presidential election, there were eight votes cast in Dixville Notch.

The main attraction in Dixville Notch is The Balsams Resort, and it is at this hotel that the residents gather to cast their votes. If it’s not in use, the hotel staff will allow you to see the room where the very first votes are cast each Election Day.

4. Hungry Bear Café

Have you ever stumbled upon a small café in a tiny town and immediately wanted to bring it back to your hometown (where it would likely get three — or more — times the business?). That’s the Hungry Bear Café in Franconia, New Hampshire. Located only a few miles from the Vermont border, Franconia is a very small town with an even smaller downtown area. But the food doesn’t disappoint.

Hungry Bear Café is an order-at-the-counter café with the entire menu on the wall. You then take your number to your table and wait for your food to come out. I ordered a simple turkey club and told the woman at the counter when I left that it was the best turkey club that I had ever eaten. The bread, the turkey, the fresh tomatoes — I wanted to clone the Hungry Bear Café and move it to my neighborhood.

As I mentioned above, Franconia is a very small town, so there’s not much to do there. It’s basically one exit right off of Interstate 93. But if you find yourself in this corner of New Hampshire, a visit to Hungry Bear Café is more than worth the trek.

5. Attitash Mountain Resort

Even if you’re not a skier, Attitash Mountain Resort makes a great getaway. The resort was built around the ski hill, so if you’re looking for a ski destination less than 3 hours from Boston, this is your place. But if you’re visiting during the summer, Attitash offers everything from an alpine slide to horseback riding.

The best time to visit Attitash might be the fall, however. You can take the ski lift to the top of the mountain for some of the best views of New England fall color in the entire state. Chairlift tickets cost $17 and can be purchased at the base of the mountain. If you plan to make several trips, the $35 all-day pass would be a better deal.

6. Harpoon Willy’s

Portsmouth is a hidden gem in and of itself. Many travelers are aware of the major ports along the New England coast, such as Portland, Maine, but Portsmouth, just 50 miles from Boston, has a lot to offer.

If you’re looking for the quintessential Portsmouth experience, you’ll find it at Harpoon Willy’s. This pub is located right on the water in downtown Portsmouth with a deck overlooking the Piscataqua River. The river is wide at this point — it is more or less Portsmouth Harbor — and the deck at Harpoon Willy’s offers a great view of it all.

You’re in New England, so you ought to try the seafood (the classic lobster roll is on the menu), but Harpoon Willy’s features a variety of options, from salads to burgers. The drink menu is also extensive — order your favorite drink and stake out a seat on the deck for fantastic evening views.

7. Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is fairly well known in the Northeast, but it is not as well known nationally. Ask any local — when you’re in the Granite State, it’s a must-do. Believe it or not, trains have been taking visitors to the top of Mount Washington for more than 150 years!

The journey begins at the Marshfield Base Station. I recommend ordering tickets online in advance and arriving about 45 minutes prior to your departure time. Once you’ve boarded your train, sit back, relax, and enjoy your time on one of the most exhilarating train rides in the nation.

Along the way, you will reach the highest point in the Eastern United States — Mount Washington. One word of warning: Depending on the day, be prepared for wind. The weather patterns at the top of Mount Washington are known worldwide, and a weather observatory is stationed at the highest point. But the wind can’t take away from some of the most spectacular views in the Eastern Time Zone.

The New Hampshire State House. — Olivier Le Queinec / Shutterstock

8. Downtown Concord

Concord is the capital of New Hampshire, but unlike many of the nation’s state capitals, Concord is more of a small town than a metropolitan city. There are only 43,000 residents, and the Capitol is surrounded by a quaint shopping area, not an urban downtown.

Main Street, obviously, is where you’ll find all of the action. I suggest parking near the intersection of Main Street and Concord Street and then walking through the downtown area. As you reach the end of Main Street and circle back on the other side of the street, you’ll see the New Hampshire State House. The modest building pairs perfectly with the small-town downtown.

Where To See Sugar Gliders In The Wild

If there’s one thing the animal kingdom of Australia is known for, it’s unusual animals that may or may not want to munch on your leg for breakfast. And when it comes to cute ones, Australia is home to some of the most adorable animals you’ll find in the world. One of those critters is a unique little ball of glossy fluff — the sugar glider.

Just looking at the photos of these critters, you might not be sure what they are. Chipmunk? Squirrel? Cousin of the chinchilla? Technically, sugar gliders are a part of the possum family. They’re smaller than most of us think of, though, having bodies that are only about five or six inches long with tails of the same length. They only weigh up to 5.6 ounces.

These little marsupials use their tails as rudders and spread out their “wings” to glide from branch to branch. This is, of course, where they get their names. And while this activity makes these cutie pies sound akin to the North American flying squirrel, they are actually more closely related to kangaroos and quokkas.

These large-eyed nocturnal gliders are native to tropical and temperate rainforests commonly found in the eastern part of Australia and Tasmania, parts of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and surrounding islands in the region. They live their lives almost entirely in the trees, touching the ground very rarely.

And while these fuzzy gray animals with dark stripes and bushy tails have gained popularity as pets in the last few decades, they are best appreciated in the wild, where they’re truly at home. Here’s where you can see them during your next vacation.

A sugar glider in the wild. — krumanop / Shutterstock

Eastern And Northern Australia

Because sugar gliders are nocturnal creatures, getting out to spot them isn’t like planning a day at the beach. That said, there are some ecotours, including those offered by Boobook Ecologists, that will get you out in their habitats safely during the nighttime.

Sugar gliders are most concentrated on the eastern coast of Australia — all the way from the northernmost tip down south to Victoria and South Australia. So whether you’re in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, or the eastern side of the southern part of South Australia, you’ll have a good chance at spotting some sugar gliders in the wild. There’s also a population of the critters near Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Tasmania

Not to be outdone by its northern neighbors on the mainland, Tasmania has a significant concentration of these gliding marsupials as well. You’ll find the largest concentrations near the island’s capital of Hobart and in the northern Launceston area. Both are regions well-suited to tourism and offer a variety of tours into various wildlands of the region.

To spot sugar gliders, you’ll need to book a nighttime wildlife viewing tour. You can also see sugar gliders and other Aussie animals in wildlife sanctuaries, but to get the real feel for encountering these magnificent mini-possums in the wild, you’ll want to make sure you’re headed into actual rainforests.

If you plan to drive yourself, you can visit Mount Field National Park outside of Hobart or the Nunamara Forest Reserve near Launceston.

Papua New Guinea

When you’re in Papua New Guinea, the most likely places you’ll spot sugar gliders are in the center of the country — Mount Hagen and Goroka — and down in the Port Moresby region.

Consider booking a custom tour with a company like Reef and Rainforest who can take you on an off-the-beaten-track tour around the country.

Indonesia

One of the best places to spot sugar gliders in Indonesia is near Mandaong on Bacan Island. You’ll need to head into the forests to spot them. Your best bet for finding them is on a local wildlife tour. Since sugar gliders aren’t as common in Indonesia as they are in Australia and Papua New Guinea, joining a tour group will get you that much closer to spotting sugar gliders in the wild.

Smaller Islands Near Indonesia And Papua New Guinea

Places such as Bismarck Archipelago, Louisiade Archipelago, and Halmahera Islands of the North Moluccas have documented sugar glider colonies, but they’re smaller than those found in Australia. Again, your best bet for seeing sugar gliders on these surrounding islands is via wildlife tour with a local expert who knows where to look to spot the possums. Or, better yet, follow your guide’s advice to see, and respect, these adorable creatures in their unforgettable habitats.

Sugar Glider Spotting Tips

When you head out in search of sugar gliders in the wild, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind and bring along some supplies.

First, you’ll be headed into forests and jungle-like terrain, so it’s important that you don’t go alone and that someone “back home” — this could simply be a hotel staff member — knows where you’ve headed off to for the day or night.

Secondly, you’ll want to take the other usual precautions that accompany going into the wild. Pack snacks, extra water, and other essential supplies. Bring a map — not just your phone or GPS, which may not work in the rainforest — and dress properly for the activity, the terrain, and the weather.

Thirdly, you’re looking for some nocturnal critters, so a spotlight is the light of choice for snagging some views of these cuddly critters in the treetops. Listen for rustling in the leaves and point that bright light up into the branches to spot the possums. Or, better yet, follow your guide’s advice to see, and respect, these adorable creatures in their unique ecosystems.

Touring the South Pacific in search of the cutest critters? Here’s how to swim with thousands of golden jellyfish in Palau, Micronesia.

How To Swim With Thousands Of Golden Jellyfish In Palau, Micronesia

Jellyfish Lake offers you an experience you might not have thought possible — you can swim with nearly a million golden jellyfish.

These beauties can’t sting you, and they don’t mind your company as long as you tread lightly.

Jellyfish Lake in Palau. — BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock

Where Is Jellyfish Lake?

Eil Malk Island, the home of the golden jellyfish, is an otherwise uninhabited rock island south of the city of Koror in Palau — a country of over 500 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The lake the jellyfish live in is one of 70 bodies of salt water that were once one with the ocean, but are now independent lakes.

Jellyfish Lake itself is small — it’s less than a quarter-mile long and is about 100 feet deep.

Jellyfish Lake is a part of the Koror State Rock Island Southern Lagoon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A diver approaching the jellyfish. — Ethan Daniels / Shutterstock

Meet The Jellies

Jellyfish Lake is home to 630,000 Mastigias papua etpisoni — or, as we know them, golden jellyfish — as of December 2018. It’s likely that number has continued to rise since then.

The lake once had between 10 and 20 million jellyfish, and the population even skyrocketed to 30 million in 2005.

By 2016, the number dropped drastically as a result of El Nino. The rise in water temperature caused a decrease in algae, which the jellies rely on.

Unfortunately, human interference also played a role in drastic drops in the jellyfish population. Certain ingredients in sunscreen polluted the lake water and killed many of these magnificent creatures.

Beneath the waters of Jellyfish Lake. — Ethan Daniels / Shutterstock

Why It Closed, And Why It’s Open Again

To protect this rare, stunning subspecies, the Republic of Palau intervened and closed the lake in May of 2017 to all visitors, minus scientists.

Scientists closely monitored the population of jellies, and after a period of steady growth, Palau opened its doors (or rather, tourist boats) to visitors in early 2019.

As of December 2018, the jellyfish population was back up to 630,000, with numbers still rising.

A diver in Jellyfish Lake. — Song Heming / Shutterstock

Yes, You Can Swim With Them

We have good news for you! These jellyfish can’t harm humans. The jellyfish don’t sting, so it’s completely safe to swim and interact with them up close.

Each day, the jellies migrate from the west side of the lake to the east side to follow the sunlight, which sustains them. During your dip, you can swim in that direction with them, or go against the grain.

The lake is pretty small, so it won’t take you long to swim around, but you can stay and enjoy the cool critters for as long as you’d like. You can even touch the jellies as long as you’re gentle!

The dock at Jellyfish Lake. — highD / Shutterstock

How To Get To The Island

The easiest way to reach the lake is through the city of Koror. If you want to travel into Palau International Airport, which is the closest airport to Koror, popular hubs are in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

You can’t reach the island on your own, so plan your visit in advance by booking an island tour or visit to Jellyfish Lake and neighboring islands.

Know Before You Go

There are two things you should know before you go: Swimmers can only wear certain approved sunscreens in the lake, and there’s absolutely no scuba diving allowed. About 75 feet below the surface, there’s a layer of bacteria that protects the lake’s shallower waters from a toxic hydrogen sulfide below. To prevent contact with the bottom layer, scuba diving is off limits.

The Republic of Palau takes conservation seriously, so to protect its wildlife, the government has implemented an eco-pledge for all incoming visitors.

To enter the country, visitors must read the Palau Pledge and sign it. The pledge consists of five stanzas. The most poignant line: “I vow to tread lightly, act kindly, and explore mindfully.”

If you plan to visit, we encourage you to do just that. Jellyfish Lake is a sight to see, and in order to enjoy it, you need to protect yourself, protect the jellyfish, and protect the beauty of Palau.

Want to witness more adorable animals in stunning habitats? Here’s how to visit the spa-loving snow monkeys in Nagano, Japan. Touring the South Pacific in search of the cutest critters? Here’s where to see sugar gliders in the wild.

7 Reasons To Put Paracas And The Islas Ballestas On Your Bucket List

Many travelers to Peru overlook the sleepy fishing town of Paracas and the nearby Islas Ballestas and head instead to the towering Incan ruins of Cuzco’s Machu Picchu or the breathtaking expanse of Arequipa’s Colca Canyon. But insiders and locals alike know that the Paracas District is teeming with more history, natural beauty, and animal life than virtually anywhere else in the country.

The Islas Ballestas, or the Ballestas Islands, are often called the Poor Man’s Galápagos, and when you visit, you can see many of the creatures that inspired Darwin for far less than you can in Ecuador.

If you’re not sold on the Paracas District yet, here are seven reasons why you must put this Peruvian treasure on your bucket list.

Humboldt penguins on the Islas Ballestas. — Marisa Estivill / Shutterstock

1. You Can Get Up Close And Personal With Phenomenal Marine Wildlife

The Islas Ballestas are home to red-billed Inca terns, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. To see them, take one of the tours offered from the port of Paracas, right off the main street.

These tours pride themselves on getting as close to the wildlife as possible without disturbing the creatures in their natural habitats, so make sure that you have your camera ready to capture all of those candid snaps of snoozing sea lions or waddling Humboldt penguins.

Keep in mind that you’ll be traveling for quite a bit of time on the open water. It gets chilly out there, so bring a jacket, gloves, and a hat, as well as warm shoes.

Also note that while your boat will get quite close to the wildlife of the islands, you will not be allowed onto the islands themselves. Boat tours of the area wind through the islands but do not include stops.

The Paracas Candelabra in the Islas Ballestas. — K_Boonnitrod / Shutterstock

2. The Ancient Bluff Carvings Are Fascinating

A big bonus of your boat ride to the Islas Ballestas is the opportunity to see the Paracas Candelabra, a massive candlestick carved into the side of a bluff. As mysterious as the Nazca Lines, the Paracas Candelabra is a relic of an ancient civilization, and nobody knows quite how it was created, or why.

Several additional lines have been discovered in or near Paracas, which has led to speculation that these formations might even predate the Nazca Lines. The Andean people who once populated the seaside region near the Islas Ballestas may have actually pioneered some of the innovative techniques used to create the Nazca Lines.

Fresh Peruvian ceviche. — etorres / Shutterstock

3. The Ceviche Is Heavenly

Situated right on the sea, the Paracas District is known for its incredible seafood, and no dish in the area is quite as famous as the ceviche. At its purest and finest, Peruvian ceviche is a combination of freshly caught fish, lime juice, and spices. The abundance of sea life in the Paracas District makes it an ideal place to sample this delicacy.

Although the citrus juice “cooks” ceviche slightly, it’s still important to use the highest quality seafood possible to avoid any unpleasant side effects. You’ll find ceviche in Lima, Cuzco, and other Peruvian hot spots, but for the most authentic — and safest — version, opt for fish pulled right out of Paracas’s chilly Pacific waters.

The elongated skulls of the Paracas people. — TravelStrategy / Shutterstock

4. You Can Learn About The Ancient People Of Paracas

If the Paracas Candelabra got you curious about the original people of the Paracas District, you must visit the Juan Navarro Hierro History Museum, the best place in the country to see the remains of ancient Peruvians. These skeletons have long fascinated scientists and historians because the skulls are elongated. It’s speculated that this was done to denote higher status, and like many body-modification rituals, this practice was embraced by a specific class of Andean and Inca people.

Since all of the island tours are conducted during the morning, the Juan Navarro Hierro History Museum is a great place to spend a few afternoon hours in Paracas.

Birds along the rocks in the Islas Ballestas. — Simon Mayer / Shutterstock

5. You Can Discover Peru’s Most Crucial Export

It might not smell very good, but it is one of Peru’s most important exports. Guano, or accumulated bird droppings, is produced by the winged creatures of the Islas Ballestas as a result of their diet of oily fish. This decidedly stinky substance is a key ingredient in fertilizer and one of the most lucrative exports Peru has to offer.

Guano is so vital to the Peruvian economy that people actually harvest it from the rocks that make up the minor islands of the Islas Ballestas. The droppings are incorporated into high-quality fertilizer and shipped all over the world.

As precious as the guano is, it’s still extremely smelly, so you might want to hold your nose while traveling past some of the islands!

A Pisco sour in Peru. — young shanahan / Flickr

6. You Can Sample The Local Pisco

One of the most bitter rivalries between Peru and neighboring Chile is the battle over which country invented pisco. Although you’ll have to travel to Santiago to get the Chilean take, you can drink authentic Peruvian pisco in the Paracas District.

There are plenty of pisco vineyards in the desert around Paracas, the most famous of which is El Catador. The vineyard offers a tour, a crash course in appreciating pisco, and a restaurant that pairs fine Peruvian cuisine with the favorite national beverage. There are plenty of vineyard tours that make pit stops at El Catador that leave straight from Paracas and can pick you up at your hotel.

You don’t have to venture too far from the sea to sample pisco, though. Artisanal pisco and pisco-related drinks are on menus all over Paracas.

The Islas Ballestas in Peru. — najafragilis / Shutterstock

7. They’re Easily Accessible

If you’re flying into Peru, you’re likely landing in Lima. Lima is the cosmopolitan coastal capital of Peru, a city overflowing with nightlife, culinary delights, and plenty of eye-popping street art along the winding calles of Barranco.

Paracas and the Islas Ballestas are a mere 3 or 4 hours from Lima, making a quick overnight visit from the big city a breeze. There are plenty of ways to get to the Paracas District from Lima, but the easiest and most comfortable is with a company like Peru Hop. Peru Hop picks you up at your hotel and takes you straight into the city center of Paracas. The guides speak both English and Spanish.

There are public bus options as well, or you could rent a car. The gorgeous view of the coast as you cruise along is worth the trip!

What To Know Before You Go

Paracas might be located by the Pacific Ocean, but it is surrounded by desert. Bring plenty of sunscreen, even if you go when the weather is colder. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the area is chilliest during the months of June, July, August, and September, so be prepared for unpredictable days and cold nights if you travel during this time.

Observe proper ATM safety, especially at night. When possible, visit an ATM that is inside of a bank branch, or one in a well-lit area. Paracas, like most cities, has occasional problems with crimes of opportunity.

The animals of the Islas Ballestas might be used to humans, but it’s not a good idea to try to interact with any of them. Just like us, the sea creatures of these islands need their personal space!

Enjoy this off-the-beaten-path slice of Peru and all it has to offer before this seaside treasure hits the tourist radar.

Meet The Muraka, A Two-Story Villa Set 16 Feet Beneath The Ocean’s Surface

The Muraka in the Maldives, the world’s first underwater villa, gives visitors an opportunity to experience the ocean like never before.

The upper level of the two-story villa features stunning panoramic views of the ocean, and the lower level plunges deep into the sea.

Your vacation might cost a pretty penny — a whopping $50,000 per night — but it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

Where Is The Muraka?

The Muraka is located southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The villa is connected to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island luxury resort and spa in the Maldives.

The resort has broken records in more than ways than one. In addition to its underwater villa, it also boasts the five-star Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant. If you want to dine at an underwater restaurant while staying at an underwater villa, you’ll just need to ride your jet ski to the main resort.

The villa offers complete privacy, so if solo relaxation is your thing, you won’t have to see a single soul during your vacation. After all, you’re paying $50,000 a night, so you can expect to do as much or as little as you’d like during your stay.

The restaurant in the underwater villas. — Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Committed To Conservation

The resort prioritizes protecting local marine life, and a group of marine biologists keeps a close watch on the health of the nearby coral.

In order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives, the villa was actually built off-site in Singapore. The two-story paradise was then transported to the Maldives by boat and carefully installed to ensure it could withstand the worst weather.

What $50,000 Gets You

As you approach the villa from the private wooden walkway, the simple white exterior might not take your breath away — but just wait until you set foot inside.

The villa, which sleeps nine, features three bedrooms — two with gorgeous above-water views, and a master bedroom submerged 16 feet in the deep blue sea, showcasing the wildlife thriving in the nearby coral.

Above the water, unwind in the massive tub with spectacular ocean views, and then enjoy the ocean breeze on the expansive deck. Did we mention that there’s an infinity pool, too?

The infinity pool in the villas. — Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

When you take the spiral staircase or elevator downstairs, you’ll find yourself in a glass paradise enclosed in the majesty of the ocean.

Not fully convinced? The villa also features a gym, spa, bar, and butler’s quarters. A full staff — including a fitness trainer, a personal chef, a butler, a facialist, and a massage therapist — is available to fulfill your every request.

As a thank-you gift of sorts, when you book a trip to the villa, you are instantly upgraded to Hilton Diamond status.

What To Know Before You Go

The best time to book a stay at The Muraka is during the dry season between November and April. Even though you can travel there during the other months of the year, clear skies and calm seas aren’t guaranteed, and torrential rain might put a damper on your getaway.

The dry season guarantees warm weather, less precipitation, and a greater likelihood of a perfect vacation.

You can reach the villa by private seaplane or private speedboat from the main resort.

If The Muraka isn’t in your budget, the resort offers other options that might suit you better. Come for the private paradise and stay for the other incredible reasons to visit the Maldives.