7 Ways To Spend A Day In Portland, Maine

The picture-perfect New England town of Portland, Maine, offers something for everyone. This coastal spot has a rich, storied history that dates back to our country’s earliest days, as well as outdoor adventures on both land and sea and an incredible amount of cultural activities and art. Here are a few ways to spend a perfect day in Portland.

Street in Portland, Maine — Albert Pego / Shutterstock

1. Travel Back In Time

One of the best ways to get a feel for Portland’s roots is to hoof it. Originally settled in 1633, Portland continued to grow thanks to its enviable location on Casco Bay. The city survived a devastating fire in 1866, but it was rebuilt better and stronger and became a trade and shipping leader.

There are a variety of walking tours that can connect you with seafaring Portland’s past, from its pre-Revolutionary days to modern times. Consider a self-guided walking tour curated by Greater Portland Landmarks, which will get you familiar with the Old Port, Congress Street, and State Street. Another excellent option is the self-guided walking tour of Portland’s Freedom Trail, which features 13 historic sites where the fight against slavery was waged; it can be downloaded here.

No matter how you take in your history, do it in sensible, comfortable shoes. Many of Portland’s roads are still paved with cobblestones, especially in the Old Port; this is no place for heels.

2. Bike Away The Day

The rugged coasts just outside Portland serve as stunning backdrops for bike rides of any length. There are many bike shops in the city that offer half- and full-day rentals; Cyclemania on Cove Street even offers rentals by the week, showing just how popular the sport is in the area. Consider the Portland-Cape Elizabeth Route, a scenic route that passes by historic Portland, quaint towns, beaches, several lighthouses, and Civil War forts. This is one of the best ways to experience Maine at your own pace, and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way.

Want to mix beer with your bike adventure? That’s understandable, given Portland’s numerous fantastic craft breweries. Summer Feet Cycling offers a Bike and Brews tour for $69 per person. It’s a tasting and history tour in one: As you ride, your guide will explain Portland’s boozy history, from the Rum Riots to the Prohibition. You’ll stop to sample a few beers at breweries along the way.

3. Make Time For Art

Not far from the waterfront, Portland’s Arts District was once mostly made up of department stores. The area has since been transformed into a true, eclectic arts hub. New housing for students and artists exists alongside older buildings, with a terrific smattering of museums and galleries sprinkled in. The Portland Museum of Art has a wonderfully curated permanent collection that features historic New England art and objects as well as internationally known pieces by Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edward Hopper. The museum is open daily during the summer and closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter. Admission costs $18.

To purchase your own masterpiece, check out any one of the galleries in the District. Fore River Gallery features ceramics, sculpture, photography, and gorgeous handcrafted jewelry. For a fun and funky night out, consider taking in a concert or show at the historic State Theatre. Portland also hosts several art festivals and shows during the summer months that are worth checking out, including the Portland Fine Craft Show.

4. Catch Your Own Lobster

No trip to Portland is complete without a lobster dinner, be it on the half shell or on a roll. But for a truly out-of-the-trap experience, consider taking an ocean cruise where you’ll get to catch your own crustacean.

Lobstering cruises depart from Long Wharf and head out to Casco Bay. During the cruise, you’ll see several lighthouses and Civil War forts, and you’ll learn about lobstering and the role it has played in Maine’s history. You’ll also have the chance to haul up the traps; anything you catch (and are able to keep) can be purchased wholesale. You can even take your haul to a restaurant across the pier to be cooked. This is a fun way to spend time on the water (with a delicious payoff!).

Lucky Catch offers lobstering excursions daily from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October; prices start at $35 per person. The boat is small, so be sure to make reservations in advance.

Coast of Portland, Maine — Sara Winter / Shutterstock.com

5. Go Whale Watching

The waters off of coastal Maine also offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the greatest creatures of the sea. We’re talking about whale watching, and there are plenty of spots just outside Casco Bay where, if you’re lucky, you can spot right whales, humpback whales, and even killer whales. The best time for Maine whale watching begins in late April, when the waters grow warmer and become a whale all-you-can-eat buffet teeming with sand eels, plankton, and fish. In October, these massive creatures take their fun farther south.

While you can always try your luck standing shoreside with a pair of binoculars, there are a number of cruise outfits that offer whale-watching tours in the area. Odyssey Whale Watch is a perennial favorite. Rates start at $49 per person for a half-day cruise. Don’t forget to bring along a light jacket, since the ocean breezes can be cool. Odyssey also offers a return trip free of charge if you don’t see any whales or dolphins during your excursion.

6. Hit The Beach

The beaches in Maine cannot be beat! Most have gentle surf, soft sand, and plenty of picnic areas. Whether you’re ready for sunbathing or you simply want to stroll across the sand, Portland’s got several great options for a day at the beach.

Willard Beach, a 4-acre stretch of pebbles and sand in South Portland, is a terrific place to take a dip and watch the harbor traffic. From there, it’s an easy hike to the nearby Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. There are plenty of small cafés and other eating establishments nearby. Be sure to snag a piece of sea glass to remind you of your visit; Willard Beach has plenty.

About 8 miles from Portland is Crescent Beach State Park. Located in the town of Cape Elizabeth, the mile-long crescent-shaped beach features white sand dunes, picnic areas, and a cove that’s great for swimming. During the off-season, the beach is a favorite trek for cross-country skiers.

Last but not least, Old Orchard Beach, a 7-mile stretch of sand 20 miles to the south of Portland, has a carnival-boardwalk sort of feel. The town of Old Orchard and its beach have been tourist hotspots for generations. With its souvenir shops, clam shacks, and historic pier, Old Orchard has no shortage of things to see and do. For the very young at heart, there’s even the Palace Playland, an old-fashioned beachfront amusement park. Grab some cotton candy, and enjoy the show!

Downtown Portland, Maine — Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

7. Eat And Shop Till You Drop

Downtown Portland offers an array of shopping options; there’s something for everyone here. Antiques, handicrafts, and artisan goods are all on offer, and most stores are locally owned. Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine is a terrific place to stop. The store carries clothes, jewelry, and home goods, and as the name implies, all are locally made. Waterlily Handmade features funky and colorful textiles and table goods. For the foodie in your life, head to Browne Market Trading. It offers a terrific selection of smoked seafood, caviar, and other gourmet items you can stash in your checked luggage (provided you don’t snack on them during a beachside picnic while you’re still in Portland!).

Of course, after all that shopping you’ll need a snack. For a back-to-basics, world-famous lobster roll, go to Becky’s Diner near the waterfront. You’ll get a grilled split roll stuffed with a quarter pound of fresh lobster; mayo and butter are served on the side. For a handcrafted brew or two, head to Bissell Brothers. The beers there are so local, you can only buy them in Maine. And make sure you save room for dessert at The Holy Donut downtown. These decadent, life-changing donuts are light and fluffy, melt in your mouth, and come in a variety of yummy flavors. The secret ingredient: Maine mashed potatoes mixed right into the batter!

Photo Credit: Mike Ver Sprill / Shutterstock

Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

How To Do Hawaii’s Big Island In One Day

The Island of Hawaii, the biggest island in the chain that makes up our nation’s 50th state, is a topographical wonder. Visitors can stroll green sand beaches, climb black volcanic boulders, view active lava flows, lose themselves in lush tropical forests, and explore the sacred mountain ranges where ancient Hawaiians believed the islands first emerged.

It’s also possible to sample many of these wonders in a single day.

We did it on a whim. Since we opted for a rental car, we decided to spend 14 hours of our vacation time driving all the way around the island. While you absolutely should spend more than a day here, this was a fun, fast-paced way to take in much of Hawaii — aka the Big Island’s — splendor in a single mad dash. It’s one of our favorite travel experiences. Here’s how you can do it, too.

Coffee growing on Hawaii's Big Island. — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Rise Early And Sip Kona Coffee

We stayed at the historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a mid-century marvel located outside the town of Waimea, on the gorgeous Kohala Coast. We packed up early and headed south on Highway 19, along the black volcanic landscape toward Kailua-Kona. It took about an hour to reach the town, famous for its rich, fabulous coffee and annual IronMan competitions.

Once there, we parked our car, strolled the beachfront, and checked out the historic Mokuaikaua Church before stopping into Daylight Mind Coffee Company for the best pour-overs we’ve ever had (with locally grown beans, of course!). After our quick nosh, we hopped back into the car, got on Highway 11 South, and continued our adventure.

Grab Roadside Snacks

All along our trip, we spied roadside stands offering tropical fruits and nuts for sale. We drove through gorgeous, vast coffee and macadamia plantations springing from the rich volcanic soil. Small shops dotting the coastal highways sold juices, coffee beans, and both fresh and dried fruits.

Stop at any one of these for a quick local snack! You won’t be disappointed.

See Captain Cook’s Last Stand

About 20 minutes down the road from Kailua-Kona, we neared the tiny town of Captain Cook. Reaching its namesake — Captain James Cook’s — waterside monument is a one-hour hike through Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Instead of committing to the hike, we opted to look out across Kealakekua Bay and consider the history of this spot.

Cook, thought to be the first Westerner to reach the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, was first greeted as a god by the Native Hawaiians. He and his crew outstayed and exploited their welcome, and Cook was killed after a series of skirmishes turned violent in 1779. The spot where Cook died is now marked by a white obelisk. In a symbolic move, the Kingdom of Hawaii gifted a small parcel of land around the memorial to the British in 1877.

Traditional Hawaiian statues on the beach at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. — Kathy Mendes / Unsplash

Sightsee And Snorkel Pu’uhonua O Honaunau

A quick jog to the south landed us at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Called the City of Refuge by those who sought mercy here from the death penalty, this beach is the spot where the chiefs of the Big Island ruled. The original temple was constructed in honor of King Kamehaema’s grandfather, and the bones of the royals were entombed here for generations. A replica now stands on the site, and U.S. park rangers give tours daily.

Looking out onto the vast sea dotted with schools of tropical, colorful fish, you can instantly recognize why Native Hawaiians still consider this gorgeous outcropping a sacred site. Treat it with respect: No beach supplies, pets, picnics, or recreational activities like frisbee or football are allowed.

Also note that there is a $15/car fee to enter the park.

A short walk away, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling in the islands. The so-called Two Step Honaunau Bay entry point is nicknamed for the two lava outcroppings you’ll use to enter the water since there’s no beach. Ease yourself in, and prepare to be amazed.

We spotted tangs, turtles, and coral reef canyons during our snorkel. This beauty doesn’t come without some dangers: The surf can be choppy, you’ll need to watch for sea urchins, and the lava is so sharp it can cut. (Consider a pair of water socks!) Luckily, if the conditions are right, you’ll view an underwater world that looks like something from Finding Nemo. We spent about an hour at each site.

Visit Mark Twain’s Monkeypod Tree

After we’d dried off and stowed our snorkel gear, we continued south on Highway 11. Near the city park in Waiohinu, we spied a bit of folklore centering around one of America’s most beloved writers.

In 1866, Mark Twain visited the Big Island and wrote home about the lush flora and trees he saw. Legend has it he planted a monkeypod tree before leaving the area to mark his visit. While the original tree was blown away by a hurricane in the 1950s, a sign marks the spot where another sprouted up from its roots. It still stands today, majestically hanging over the highway.

After the jam-packed morning, we were ravenous. Just outside of Waiohinu, we stopped for a late lunch at the Hana Hou Restaurant, which claims to be the southernmost restaurant in the United States. We noshed on katsu chicken, sandwiches, the ubiquitous Hawaiian macaroni salad, and a slice of their renowned coconut cream pie before continuing on Highway 11. We’d reached the tip of the island, and were now headed north.

Sea turtles on the black sand beach at Punalu‘u. — Wikimedia Commons

See Black Sand And Sea Turtles

After our big and much-needed lunch at Hana Hou, we drove about six miles north to yet another beach. Punalu‘u is famed for its black sand and resident turtles, and we decided it was a must see. This palm-lined stretch of dark sand was a short jog off Highway 11 with ample parking.

We popped out to take a 20-minute stroll and while we were there, we spied three of the sea turtles that make the beach their home. While their area is roped off in an effort to keep curious people at bay, it bears repeating: Keep a safe distance from these magnificent creatures.

A Hawaiian neen standing amongst tropical foliage. — aceshot1 / Shutterstock

Discover Pele’s Home

Another half hour to the north, we reached our second national park of the day: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This remarkable place stretches more than 500 square miles and is where the earth literally renews and recreates itself as lava turns to stone. It’s also thought to be the home of the Hawaiian goddess Pele. She was especially active in 2018, when Kilauea erupted.

It’s important to note that the park has changed significantly since the eruption, and that we visited prior to the event. You’ll want to check the park’s website for information on what’s currently open as the park comes back online.

We paid the $25 entrance fee at the front gate and took the Crater Rim Drive. Our first stop was at the steam vents, spots where groundwater seeps down to the hot volcanic rock underneath and resurfaces as steam. From there, we gawked at several overlooks that gave us glimpses of Kilauea and saw families of nene, endangered Hawaiian geese. We also walked through several lava tubes.

At the time of our visit, we were able to tour the Jaggar Museum and glimpsed the lava glow from there as the sun went down. Unfortunately, it’s unclear if the museum will ever reopen due to structural damage sustained during the eruption and earthquakes.

One more thing to note: Smog from volcanic activity (called VOG) can be rough. Consider bringing a mask as a precaution if you have asthma or another respiratory issue.

We spent two and a half hours taking in the sights of this magnificent park.

A waterfall in Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island. — Pascal Debrunner / Unsplash

Savor Burgers And Brews

By the time we left the park, night had fallen, and we were ready to eat again! We headed due north on Highway 11 for 45 minutes to reach the Big Island’s largest city, Hilo. Situated on the east side of the island, Hilo has a tropical climate, with 130 inches of rain on average each year. It’s surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls, and is known for its many museums and festivals.

Once we got to town, we immediately made our way to Hilo Burger Joint. This cozy spot is exactly what you’d picture: a small, friendly pub with local beers on tap and locally-raised beef burgers. We were lucky enough to be there during Trivia Night. Of course, we played along and managed not to embarrass ourselves too badly!

From there, it was time to head home. We were exhausted after our trek around the Big Island, and we still had another hour to get back to Waimea. But we crammed our one-day road-trip with amazing sites and now have the memories to last a lifetime.

A Google map of Erika's route around the Big Island. — Map Data: Google

Keep In Mind

If you decide to make a similar trek, make sure you pack plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and water, and be sure to stop for gas in Kona and Hilo. Some of the small towns you’ll pass through are outposts with limited services. Also wear decent hiking shoes so you can make the most of your stops along the way.

We spent a total of five days on the Big Island; this marathon day merely skimmed the surface of what the island has to offer (see a map of our route above). That said, it was an absolute blast to circumnavigate this amazing place between sunup and sundown. Aloha!

Eating In India: How To Avoid Delhi Belly And Enjoy Traditional Foods

The aroma of curries cooking is intoxicating, and eating Indian food where it originated and has been evolving for centuries is the treat of a lifetime. In Indian kitchens, bubbling pots sit next to bowls of freshly chopped herbs and vegetables; sidewalk farmers markets overflow with baskets of coriander leaves, turmeric and ginger roots, and red carrots and onions, all competing for your attention.

If lucky, you’ll watch a meal unfold in a home kitchen, guest house, or village compound. Guided food tours can take you behind the scenes and into the best local places to eat. They’re a sound way to start exploring Indian food and can help you avoid Delhi Belly, the Indian equivalent of Montezuma’s revenge — that is, digestive havoc that no traveler wants to endure.

General Advice

Be cautious about eating new foods, but don’t limit yourself to “Western” options. It’s a good strategy to start slowly as you adjust to the world of Indian cuisine. If your first introduction to Indian food is at your hotel’s breakfast buffet, resist filling up on the tried-and-true offerings. Look to the fresh breads; roti stuffed with mild cheese, chapatis, naan, and puffy bhatoora are usually safe choices as long as you don’t have gluten issues. Explore further with idli, ovals of steamed rice served with coconut and green chutneys — or buttery dosas, papery crepes made with fermented rice and lentils.

Get Your Gut Ready Before Leaving Home

Indian food is delicious and you may be tempted to eat it all, but consider what you eat at home and what makes your stomach happy. If you tend to avoid jalapeno peppers and hot sauce because they lead to poor sleep or an inflamed gut, then eating thick chili paste and dishes full of sliced peppers will compromise your comfort in India, too.

Indian food buffet near Agra — Elaine J. Masters

If you’ve taken antibiotics recently, your doctor may have suggested that you replenish your intestinal flora with probiotics after completing your prescription. There are a host of probiotic-rich foods like kombucha, yogurt, and other cultured milk products like cottage cheese that can aid digestion. Consider priming your gut with probiotics and bringing easy-to-pack probiotic tablets or powder packs with you. These can help your gut manage the stress of travel and new cuisines.

Manage Your Digestion Issues Regionally

Indian food is renowned for its spice and complexities. Each region in the vast subcontinent offers traditional dishes and seasonal treats. If you are planning your travel according to a bucket list of dishes you want to eat, consult Indiamarks’ list of Indian food by region.

In the megalopolis of New Delhi, you’ll find international foods and dishes from all over India. Savory dishes are full of coriander and potatoes, and you’ll also encounter complex stews and roasted meats. In the Jaisalmer region near the Thar desert, you’ll find dishes influenced by the region’s proximity to Pakistan. Throughout India, many dishes are meatless and dairy free.

Make Cultured Milk Drinks Your New Travel Buddy

Walk the streets of Jaipur and you’ll pass Indian food carts and small alcoves where lassi vendors pour the slightly sweetened, clotted drink into unglazed clay cups. Kulhars, originally from North India and Pakistan, are handleless clay cups that are typically unpainted and unglazed. As one of India’s alternatives to plastic cups, they’re recyclable — a single-use item that supports a cottage industry. The lassi within is a shortcut to a healthy gut. For pennies you can sip on a rich source of protein and local probiotics.

A hand holding a kulhar of chai — Akshansh95 / Shutterstock

Whether consuming it in lassi, yogurt, or another treat, the bacteria in local milk from revered cows will supplement your intestinal flora and help to acclimate your digestion to the new foods you’ll want to eat throughout the country. It’s a rich and easy supplement that many believe is the best way to adjust to India’s cuisine. At different times of the year, lassi’s available in different flavors — mango in the summer and nutty cardamom or even cannabis throughout the year.

Another gut-friendly choice is chaas, a savory, fermented buttermilk drink often flavored with salt and pepper and sometimes garnished with chopped coriander leaves. You may even find it served alongside your meal. Both drinks coat your digestive track with vitamins, calcium, and beneficial acids.

Note that even if you’re lactose intolerant, full-fat yogurt may still be digestible if it has live and active bacteria. Know before you go and once in India, try a little and monitor your gut’s reaction.

Drink Water Often (And Only Filtered)

Staying hydrated is a must for overall health, plus it keeps your digestive tract moving — both of which are essential to making the most of a trip. In India, staying hydrated means drinking only safely filtered water. Consider carrying a reusable filter bottle like the Lifestraw system, which features an encased filter. Ensure that any bottled water you plan to drink is sealed firmly before you open it. Avoid ice cubes unless you’re confident of their source, and use filtered water to brush your teeth and when rinsing and cleaning your brush.

Indian Food Home Cooking in Setrawa Village — Elaine J. Masters

Dive into rich dishes and stews knowing that well-cooked food is safest. You’ll rarely find beef on the menu, but chicken curries, skewers, and tandoori-grilled options are abundant. Make sure proteins are cooked through by cutting into a piece before you start eating. Consider sharing entrees with your travel buddies instead of over-eating a big meal at night, which can compromise your sleep as your tummy kicks into digestion mode.

Go Local And Take Chai Breaks

Chai means tea in Hindi and some other Indian languages, and this popular drink is made with black tea, ground pepper, and lots of ginger boiled together with milk. The boiling helps infuse the rich flavors into the beverage and usually makes it safe to drink. Whether made with ground or fresh ginger, the inclusion of the spice is delicious and helps facilitate digestion. It’s usually served in small cups and is slightly sweetened.

Assess Your Risk And Treat Your Symptoms

Foodborne illness occurs around the world, and Indian food is often seen as a culprit. Delhi Belly may start simply from poor hygiene during preparation, lax storage, absent refrigeration, or old ingredients, all of which can lead to the introduction of flora that’s disruptive to your digestion. Stomach problems from food poisoning or diarrhea can start slowly or emerge explosively. There are medications both over the counter and prescribed to treat the symptoms, but most important is staying hydrated.

The symptoms may be mild to severe, but most don’t require hospitalization. Certain antibiotics may help and being prepared with a prescription of Cipro or Azithromycin is wise. Bring Imodium for diarrhea. Pepto Bismol tablets are easy to carry and some travelers swear that taking them proactively helps to avoid problems from eating Indian food. Bring a lot! When your travel buddies know you have them, they’ll want to share.

Strategies For A Happy Tummy

Whatever you’re eating, be sure to wash your hands and carry tissues for the toilet — and be prepared for bathroom experiences that necessitate planning ahead. When exploring street foods, look for popular vendors. If you see mothers and children eating from a stall, there’s a good bet the food is safe. Drink bottled sodas and enjoy Kingfisher beer when available. Avoid unpeeled fruit and uncooked vegetables.

Indian food Guest House Meal in Jodhpur — Elaine J. Masters

If you do develop Delhi Belly, be sure to stay hydrated. Diarrhea won’t kill you, but being dehydrated could. If you can’t keep enough water down, you may need to go to a hospital for intravenous assistance. Note that most savvy travelers carry Imodium. Take the capsules according to directions and consider using a full round of antibiotics should your symptoms linger. Let your travel buddies know what you’re going through and have them check on you.

Visiting India can be the trip of a lifetime. Take care of yourself so the memories of all the wonderful food you consume will be happy ones!

Photo Credit: Ksenija Toyechkina / Shutterstock, ImagesofIndia / Shutterstock

How To Visit Australia’s Outback

Vast open spaces. Vibrant red dirt. Awe-inspiring landscapes.

Australia’s Outback may appear empty, but it’s teaming with life. Plants and flowers bloom from the dust, secret swimming holes beckon passerby, and kangaroos thrive in the dry heat. These are just a few things you’ll discover as you explore the Outback.

Once on the ground, it’s easy to understand why the aboriginal Australians’ ancestors settled in this stark environment some 50,000 years ago. Although it’s out of the way, a visit to the heart — both spiritually and geographically — of Australia is a must. The magic of Australia’s Outback truly leaves an imprint on anyone who visits.

While the Outback technically covers more than 70 percent of Australia, here we explore how to visit Central Australia’s Outback and some of its most iconic attractions.

Where Is Australia’s Outback?

Due to the size and scale of the Outback, it can be hard to pinpoint where it starts and ends.

Australians commonly use the term “the bush” to allude to natural areas outside of cities, yet the Outback is even more isolated. The general term Outback is defined as “the remote and usually uninhabited inland region of Australia.”

Australia is made up of six states and two territories, each with its own Outback. However, when people refer to the Outback, they are usually thinking of Central Australia — the red center and heart of the country and continent. The Outback is also home to the country’s iconic monolith: Uluru (Ayers Rock).

How To Get To The Outback

Central Australia’s Outback is in the heart of the Australian continent and features two main hubs: Alice Springs and Uluru. Australian’s sometimes joke that Alice Springs is the closest city to every beach in Australia. What they really mean is that Alice Springs is in the center of Australia, making it equidistant from all the coasts!

Although Uluru looks close to Alice Springs, it’s about a five-hour drive between the two places.

Getting To The Outback By Plane

Flying is the easiest and most time-efficient way to get to the Outback. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar are the main airlines servicing Central Australia.

Direct flights from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are available to both Alice Springs and the Uluru (Ayers Rock) airport. The flight from Sydney to Central Australia takes about three and a half hours. Flights from smaller cities like Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane usually have at least one connecting flight.

Man hiking toward Chambers Pillar, Northern Territory, Australia — Marc Witte / Shutterstock

If the Uluru (Ayers Rock) airport is your destination, the airport provides a complimentary shuttle for the 10-minute drive to Ayers Rock Resort. If you’re flying into Alice Spring Airport, you’ll have to arrange your own transportation.

Getting To The Outback By Car

Since there are great lengths between Outback points of interest, renting a car on the coast and driving it to the Outback is a great option if you have ample time and want to see as much as possible. The drive itself requires two to three full days.

Sydney to Uluru takes about 30 hours of driving along National Highway A87. However, from Adelaide or Darwin, it’s about a 16-hour drive to Alice Springs along paved Stuart Highway. If you’re not in a rush, this is a great way to see the stunning, unique landscape of the Outback. Having a car once you arrive in Central Australia also affords you more control over your daily itinerary. It can also be less expensive and more convenient than booking tour buses when you arrive.

When driving in the Outback be careful during dawn and dusk. During these times, kangaroos come out to feed. It’s normal to see them dart in front of cars, much like deer do in North America.

Getting To The Outback By Train

In the 1900s, travelers, provisions, and materials were transported between the coasts and the Outback by camel trains. In 1929, a steam train, The Ghan, substituted Afghan camel trains. The train now travels 54 hours between Adelaide and Darwin with a stop in Alice Springs.

The Ghan leaves Adelaide every Sunday on a two-day journey to Alice Springs. A luxurious experience, the journey is all inclusive with meals and drinks. Although expensive, this is a stunning way to enjoy the landscape without having to drive yourself.

Getting To The Outback By Bus

If you have time to get to Central Australia, but don’t want to drive yourself, book a seat on a Greyhound bus.

Busses leave from Darwin and Adelaide to travel to Alice Springs. The ride takes about 20 hours, but the seats are comfortable and there is a bathroom onboard. Since the journey includes a night, the price of the ticket ($200 to $300 AUD) saves you one night of accommodation.

Once you arrive in Central Australia you can rent a car or purchase a bus transfer to travel between Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Australia’s Outback Region?

Since Australia’s Outback is arid and dry, most people expect hot weather year-round.

It’s true that during the summer months (from October to March) outdoor activities are not advised after 10 a.m. Extreme heat is not always the case though. During winter (June to August), temperatures can dip as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summertime is also when the Outback receives the bulk of its rainfall. Although less than 12 inches of rain per year fall in the Outback, downpours do occur. Seeing the rain run through the landscape, creating waterfalls and filling up crevices, is an incredible experience.

Uluru's Mutitjulu Rock Pool in Northern Territory, Australia — wargunner / Shutterstock

To avoid the worst of the heat or cold though, the best time to visit is in fall or spring. From March to May and September to November, temperatures stay between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because these are the most popular times to visit, consider checking Australian school holidays to avoid peak family travel times.

What Is There To Do In The Outback?

Although the Outback may be sparsely populated, there is an incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, and history waiting to be explored. Whether you want to escape from the hustle of urban life or learn about the land’s aboriginal caretakers, the Arrernte people, here are the best ways to experience the magic of the Outback for yourself.

Alice Springs

While there are small towns around Alice Springs, the closest major city, Adelaide, is a whopping 825 miles away. With a population of 29,000, Alice Springs is the second largest city in Northern Territory and the only city in the center of the Outback.

Originally a telegraph station, Alice Springs was founded in 1871 to connect communication between Adelaide and Darwin. The telegraph station still stands and is open to visitors. Once gold was found in the area, the city boomed.

However, Alice Springs is not a dreary mining town. Its red dirt landscape attracts visitors for its hiking trails, swimming holes, and natural rock formations. Take in its full beauty from above with a hot air balloon tour or explore on the ground by walking the 139-mile Larapinta Trail.

Make sure to visit Kangaroo Sanctuary, a rescue center that provides care for orphaned kangaroos.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a monolith in the middle of the Outback. Higher than the Eiffel tower, it’s a rock formation in the middle of Australia’s Outback that attracts over 300,000 people each year.

It might look tempting to climb Uluru, but it’s disrespectful to the local Anangu people. Not only is it frowned upon, but it’s also dangerous. Starting on October 26, 2019, the climb to the top will be permanently closed. Standing on top of the monolith prevents you from experiencing its beauty anyway! The best way to experience Uluru is to walk the 6.2 miles around its base.

While Uluru is best viewed at sunset, Kata Tjuta shines during sunrise. Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, is a cluster of 30 rock formations that are just as stunning to explore. A 45-minute drive from each other, both formations have designated platforms that provide optimal viewing spots. Consider spending the first half of the day, including sunrise, hiking through Walpa Gorge and the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta. Then, finish off the second half of the day with sunset at Uluru’s viewing platform.

A three-day park pass to enter both Uluru and Kata Tjuta is $25 AUD for adults.

Kings Canyon

Made popular by the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Kings Canyon is about halfway between Uluru and Alice Springs.

Nestled in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is a hiker’s paradise. Enjoy beautiful outlooks onto the landscape from the 3.7 mile Kings Canyon Rim Walk. For a more immersive experience, consider walking the 13 miles from Kings Canyon to Kathleen Springs.

Regardless of the hikes, make sure to wake up before dawn to watch the golden light wash over the canyon’s sandstone walls.

Cultural Experiences

The aboriginal Australians’ ancestors arrived in Australia 50,000 years ago. To put this number into context, Australia has only been a country for 118 years.

As the aboriginal people have lived on this arid land, they’ve cultivated a wealth of knowledge, traditions, and culture. There were once 250 languages and 600 dialects spoken by indigenous communities in Australia. Currently, there are only 145 languages left and 110 are considered endangered.

An Anangu woman demonstrating dot-painting technique — Maruku Arts

Both Uluru and Alice Springs offer aboriginal cultural activities. Experiencing a dot-painting class, attending a hunting weapon talk, or learning about Dreamtime is incredibly illuminating. These are some of the only places visitors can experience aboriginal culture in this way.

Other Things To Know About The Outback

Even when temperatures are mild, most Outback landscapes provide little shade. It’s important to stay sun conscious to avoid sunburn and heat stroke. Pack light, long sleeve shirts, plenty of sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and a hat.

In dry environments, it’s also good to keep in mind that water evaporates in subtler ways. Heavy sweating is less common, so don’t forget to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

With warm temperatures, there is also an increase in flies. Consider investing a few dollars in a fly net hat to wear while you hike. For evenings or early mornings, insect repellant for mosquitos and other bugs is highly recommended.

Photo Credit: pisaphotography / Shutterstock

How To Avoid Ticks While Camping And Traveling

It’s never a good sign when you’re traveling and you go to use the washroom, only to scream “WHAT THE $&%#” when you pull your trousers down. I have to admit, I have found myself in this undignified situation more than once! And my most memorable toilet travesty of all involved the discovery of a plump, well-fed tick happily embedded in my upper thigh.

I consider myself a tick-aware person, both because I have an adventure-loving dog who receives tick-protection medication each spring and also because I’m an avid reader of park newsletters every time we go camping. Thus, it was with a degree of overconfidence that I traipsed through life, convinced that ticks were only attracted to foolhardy adventurers and not generally cautious folks like me. But ever since that revolting moment when I saw myself as the proverbial moving feast for a most unwanted guest, my tick-avoidance game has been stronger than ever.

What Ticks Bite Humans?

Being tick-cautious is increasingly important — and it’s not just because of the ick factor. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are nine different kinds of ticks in the United States that bite people, including two kinds of deer ticks.

Two young male deer that could be carrying deer ticks — Vincent van Zalinge / Unsplash

Many travelers have heard about “deer ticks” — otherwise known as the blacklegged tick and the western blacklegged tick. And, yes, they do indeed bite deer as well as many other animals, including humans. But while these two species are widespread, all nine varieties are responsible for spreading extremely serious diseases as varied as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus. And ticks are on the rise. Since the 1990s, the number of reported cases of Lyme disease has tripled in the United States and 2017 was a record-setting year in terms of tick-related disease diagnosis.

Ways To Avoid Getting Ticks

Strong preventative behavior is key to avoiding tick bites. This applies to everyone who is camping and hiking, and it’s not limited to being outdoors in rural areas. Ticks are found in urban centers, too.

In my case, I was visiting an open-air historical village museum in Nova Scotia when I discovered my unwanted guest. I hadn’t left the path, but leaning over some tall grass to get a photograph of a field probably brought me into contact with a few strands of long grass (and a tick waiting for its next meal).

The moral of my story? I’m apparently very unlucky — and you don’t have to be doing an “outdoorsy” activity to come into contact with ticks!

Chat With Staff

Park rangers, hiking guides, tour operators, hotel owners, and tourism bureau staff are all great sources of information about ticks. In many cases, they can even pinpoint specific regions of campgrounds or certain hiking trails where ticks are especially prevalent. Don’t be shy about chatting with them!

Avoid Grassy Areas

Long, feathery blades of tall grass look graceful when they sway in the wind, but they’re a prime area for ticks. The same goes for areas of thick, dense underbrush. If camping, pitch your tent away from the edge of the campsite and bring along portable camp chairs to avoid sitting directly on the ground. Exercise caution on little-used hiking paths, where the brush and grasses are overgrown and may extend onto or over the main path.

A woman's hand reaching out to brush tall dried grasses that could be home to ticks — Simon Migaj / Unsplash

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Bare flesh is like a buffet to a tick! Long, loose layers are a comfortable form of prevention. As an added bonus, loose fabrics will keep you cool, provide some sun protection, and help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Wear Plain, Light-Colored Fabrics

Ticks don’t care about fashion, but you should. That’s because dark colors and patterns make it easier for ticks to catch a ride without you noticing them.

Remember, ticks are natural masters of camouflage. Days after camping in southern Ontario, I discovered one on my faithful dog, Oliver. Ollie has white fur with black speckles — speckles that look very much like ticks! This persistent biter went unnoticed by us, Oliver, and even the professional groomers that cleaned him up post-trip. While Ollie can’t change his style, everyone who can should choose clothing that makes it easy to spot a small, dark tick.

Do The Tuck-In Trick

When hiking, tuck your trousers into your socks and shoes. Ticks are pros when it comes to migrating down clothing to find bare skin. The same goes for v-neck collars. If possible, button shirts all the way up and pop your collar up over your neck. You won’t win any fashion points, but everyone out on the trail will understand.

A woman hiking with pants tucked into her socks to protect from ticks — Sorin Gheorghita / Unsplash

Use Tick Repellent Spray

It’s not a perfect solution, but a tick repellent spray or lotion is an extra line of defense against ticks and other annoying biters.

Consider Tick Repellent Clothing

For passionate hikers and campers, clothing specifically treated with tick repellent chemicals is available. It’s probably not the most economical choice for more casual outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s not a foolproof strategy, but it can be a prudent investment for serious outdoorsmen and women.

Don’t Forget To Scrub Up

Post-camping, it’s tempting to collapse on your couch and chill with air conditioning and Netflix for a while. But before you zone out, wash all your clothing, bedding, and camping linens on the hot water cycle. Run dishes and plastic supplies through the dishwasher, and wipe down larger items with hot water, soap, and disinfectant.

Ticks are pros at hiding, and they’d like nothing better than to hang out at the bottom of your cooler or sleeping bag before nipping out for a midnight bite. Don’t give them a chance! As an added bonus, you’ll be thrilled come next year when all your gear is sparkling clean.

How To Check For Ticks

Not everyone is as “lucky” as me when it comes to spotting ticks. If you’re camping or traveling through a tick-prone area, periodic body checks are a smart idea. This doesn’t just mean a quick once-over while you’re in the shower. Ticks will happily attach themselves to any part of your body. That means your scalp, your ear crevices, and even…yep…in between your legs. The horror!

Consider all this tick checking an opportunity to have your cleanest, best-smelling camping trip ever, with thorough scrubbing and soaping, all in the name of inspecting every possible inch of your skin.

A medium sized dog looking at a campfire — christoph wesi / Unsplash

Ask your travel partner to look over your back and the top of your scalp or use a hinged double compact mirror to help with your inspections. If you’re bush camping away from spacious showers or comfort stations with large mirrors, a small clean towel can be used to give yourself a vigorous rubdown, limb by limb, to remove dirt and search for ticks.

What To Do If You Find A Tick

If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a tick, stay calm and follow these steps:

Take a photo. Should you need to follow up with your doctor later, you’ll be glad to have documentation of exactly what bit you.
Don’t try to yank the tick out with your fingers. They are best removed using tweezers. You will want to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible so you get as much of the insect out as possible. Don’t jerk or twist; apply even, steady pressure. Feel free to cringe and shudder as you complete this most unpleasant task.
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in a sealed bag/container until you can dispose of it safely.
Clean the area thoroughly with soap and apply an antiseptic cream.
Follow up with your doctor should you feel unwell, develop a fever, or break out in a rash within several weeks of your bite.
Most importantly, pour yourself a stiff drink or, at the very least, a bracing shot of espresso. You just removed a miniature vampire from your own body! That deserves a moment of celebration!

It Happened To Me: I Got Bed Bug Bites Overseas

Venice in August is not the best time or place to get a great meal. The traditional month of family vacations, many a restaurant shuts down for a week — or more. Despite my advanced planning, I still ended up at a tourist trap, where the dour staff refused me free tap water. Only pricey bottled water was at hand! Given the dire circumstances, I opted for a more economical choice: a bottle of cheap rosé. And thus my bed bug saga began.

Skipping merrily home to my clean but threadbare hotel, I encountered the property’s resident cat, Pierre, on the steps. I should pause and say I assumed it was the property’s cat, based on his cat-like claim of the courtyard space, but, as my husband points out, it really could have belonged to anyone — or no one at all. But with the demon liquor in my veins, I considered it prudent to scoop Pierre up and bring him to my room in the brazen hope of enjoying a genuine cat nap. Intoxicated with the love of a temporary pet (and bargain-basement wine) I didn’t perform my customary bed bug sheet check.

A black cat nestled under the covers — Andreea Popa / Unsplash

As an experienced travel writer, I’ve known that bed bugs are on the rise globally. For instance, in New York City, hotels reported a shocking 44 percent increase in bed bug treatments from January 2015 to January 2016. There’s no city, style of accommodation, or price point that’s immune. As such, I’ve long considered it prudent to do a quick inspection of my sheets and mattress before settling in for the night. Bed bugs and their droppings (ew!) love to hang out in the stitching along mattress seams. But caught between the romance and the rosé, I let my guard down. I didn’t notice anything amiss the next morning as I grabbed a cornetto and cappuccino and thought only of the beautiful Italian sun warming my skin as I caught the train to Rome.

In Rome, I avoided the inevitable August restaurant search by taking part in a sublimely delicious cooking class. Stuffed with tomato, ricotta, more tomato, pasta, still more tomato, and veal, vegetables, and tiramisu, I was in a blissful stupor as I scratched a mosquito bite on my elbow. But when I arrived back at my hotel, two more had appeared. I started to fret. Was I developing a sudden allergic reaction to tomato?

As I tossed and turned in bed, a vision of Pierre (the cat) appeared in my mind. Was he really such a glossy, black-furred beauty? What was I thinking, grabbing a strange animal from the road and bringing him and his sundry vermin into my bed for cuddles? Surely I had caught fleas. But as my shins and ankles erupted in a firestorm of furiously itchy bites, the truth was depressingly conclusive: Fleas weren’t to blame. It was bed bugs!

A dated-looking bed — Ilya Ilford / Unsplash

The abject misery that is bed bug bites cannot be overstated. Whoever wrote the medical literature that describes them as “moderately itchy” needs to be fired immediately. The combination of pulsating welts and the summer sun was a hellish tag team of sweat, tingling, itchiness, prickling, and angry red skin. But stubbornness meant proceeding with my itinerary as planned, including a bicycle ride in the midday sun. Let’s just say this was far from my best decision.

My time in Rome was a crash course in taking my theoretical knowledge of bed bugs to a more pragmatic level. Here’s what I wish I had known beforehand:

No good can come from excessive internet research. Looking at magnified pictures of insects on Wikipedia will NOT help your cause.
A first aid kit can save your sanity. My tiny kit contained a tablet for seasonal allergies. Not perfect, but combined with the numbing effect of a disinfecting alcohol wipe, I was able to sleep on that first, dreadful night.
A guidebook is an indispensable tool. My compact Rick Steve’s Pocket Guide to Rome helpfully included pharmacy information and a list of basic Italian phrases, which was reassuring.
…but as it turns out, in the case of bed bugs, you don’t need any language skills at the pharmacy. All you have to do is look despondent, lift up your shirt to showcase the row of furious welts on your stomach, and gnash your teeth in imitation of a hungry bed bug. I PROMISE they will instantly hand over a tube of ointment.
And when said ointment really doesn’t do much (because no force on earth is stronger than a bed bug’s demon poison), repeat the performance with another pharmacist, and add in the motions of swallowing a pill. No translation needed!
Time is your best friend. Life will be MUCH better in 48 to 72 hours.
Enduring the misery of bed bugs will be a million times easier if your life is climate controlled. Take soothing cool showers. Don’t follow in my foolish footsteps and do the sweatiest activity you can think of.
Yes, you should wash all your gear and clothing in hot water. Embrace this tedious chore as a great way to mentally reset mid-trip. Toss anything you aren’t using, reorganize your packing cubes, and sort through those receipts.
Muster the strength needed to refrain from killing your spouse or travel companion as they bemusedly brag that they can’t understand why the bed bugs didn’t get them as well.
And, finally, don’t assign premature blame. Especially where cheap wine, shopworn hotels, and innocent cats are concerned…

It’s often said that bed bug bites are first detected about a day after they occur. However, a more accurate timeline is 24 to 48 hours. Suddenly, the 16 to 24 hours or so between my sleep in Venice and my first scratch in Rome at supper time seemed extraordinarily short. My previous night’s stay, about 40 hours earlier in Ljubljana, Slovenia, seemed far more probable.

That probability became a near certainty when I learned that you will often see tiny brown streaks in your sheets after you have been bitten. What you’re seeing is your own dried blood, post-attack. And I distinctly remember seeing this in my sheets at our Ljubljana hotel as I folded laundry. I assumed that it was dirt or pollen from my walk. Nope! And to think I had been mentally slandering a Venetian hotel and questioning the wisdom of kidnapping animals for absolutely no reason! I was fooled by the Venetian hotel’s slightly shabby appearance and immediately assigned blame, even though I knew that bed bugs don’t discriminate among properties.

The facade of an orange and yellow italian building — mike nguyen / Unsplash

Despite my bed bug misery (and let me tell you, I was miserable), I haven’t changed my travel practices. I don’t let bed bug reports deter me. I know that virtually every hotel in the world has had such reports and most are not accurate (and might even be a way for competing properties to smear each other). I care more about the property’s responsiveness and the gravity with which they approach their investigations. I still often do a quick flick of the bed sheets (complete with the requisite “Aha!” to intimidate, just in case) but I don’t tear the room apart.

My bed bug saga had a happy ending. Within days, my agonizing itchiness began to melt away. Before long, the swelling had settled and the bites were a distant memory — save for the small, unattractive strips of stretched out, dead skin that lingered like tiny deflated balloons over my once-portly welts. As I used my dermatological distress as an excuse to buy a fancy body scrub, I couldn’t help but reflect on the roller coaster week that involved undetected bites, a falsely accused cat, potential tomato trauma, a diaphoretic bicycle ride, and miming at the pharmacy. I’d emerged victorious, with the kind of strut you can only acquire when you stare down an animal attack and live to tell the tale. All the same, from now on, I only want to be bitten by the travel bug!

Photo Credit: Marcus Loke / Unsplash