The Most Beautiful U.S. Cities In The Fall

Fall is the perfect time to hit the road and explore America’s natural beauty. To help get you started, here are 10 of the most beautiful places in the U.S. in autumn. But you better leaf soon…

Stowe, Vermont, during the fall. — Don Landwehrle / Shutterstock

1. Stowe, VT

The mountains, fields, and trails around Stowe come to life in fall. Enjoy the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, or the Percy Farm Corn Maze for some fun-time with the grandkids, or rent bikes and explore the 5.3 mile recreation path that winds its way over the West Branch River across 11 arched bridges. There’s even a morning paddle down the river to the Maple Outlet in Jeffersonville where you can learn about making maple syrup.

2. Cranberry Lake, NY

Grab your hiking boots and camera and head out on the Cranberry Lake 50 recreational trail to view stunning orange and red sugar maple trees along the 50 miles of trails in the Five Ponds Wilderness area. Camp out in the area’s campgrounds or rent a house overlooking the lake to get the most out of the stunning views.

Fall foliage in Aspen, Colorado. — Tita77 / Shutterstock

3. Aspen, CO

Whether you want to see the leaves while hiking, boating, or driving, Aspen has the view for you. Get your fly fishing rod out, grab your hiking boots, or head out on your bicycle for spectacular views of the mountains before the snow starts to fall. And top those anything-but-ordinary views off with anything-but-boring food at the area’s wide selection of gourmet restaurants.

4. Taos, NM

Taos in the fall is one of the most beautiful sights to see in New Mexico. Known as ‘The Land of Enchantment’, New Mexico’s painted desert offers stunning vistas year-round, but fall’s colors add to the spectacle. Take in the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway by car to view some of the changing colors, or try the drive down the High Road to Taos, a tour that takes you through Espanola, Trampas, Truchas, Cordova, and Chimayo. If trains are more your thing, hop on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad for a ride on a coal-fired steam engine through steep mountain canyons, high deserts, and lush meadows along the Colorado and New Mexico border.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, during the fall. — ND700 / Shutterstock

5. Gatlinburg, TN

This mountain getaway is best-known as a summer vacation spot, but places like Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and its Skyways offer some amazing views of the changing leaves. Crisp cool air coupled with cozy cabins add up to a beautiful setting that makes for an intense vacation. Grab some of the area’s home-cooking, or head to one of the gourmet restaurants along the strip. And don’t forget to stop at some of the more fun attractions like Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Interested in reading more about this destination? Check out 9 Things Everyone Should Do In Gatlinburg.

6. Deadwood, SD

Located in the Black Hills, the backcountry of South Dakota offers up spectacular views and a monument or two. Take in the fall air and revel in the surrounding forests while you explore Mount Rushmore and other landmarks. And don’t forget to pack your hiking boots — the area’s trails and recreation spots offer plenty of opportunity to get into the woods and leave your worries behind.

Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan. — Dan Thornberg / Shutterstock

7. Porcupine Mountains State Park, MI

Stop on the shores of Lake Superior for stunning views along some of the clearest water in the country. The North Country Trail includes more than 20 miles of hiking, skiing, and mountain biking trails. And there’s canoe and kayak rentals for those wanting to venture out to see the leaves changing from the water. The Porcupine Mountains include a 640-foot vertical drop lined by trees, as well as waterfalls, old growth forests, and some of the most scenic vistas around.

8. Hood River, OR

Home to some of the most amazing fall scenery in the Pacific Northwest, Hood River along the Columbia River Gorge gives you access to fall foliage on foot, on boat, or by train. From orchards that beg to be explored to area parks along Indian Creek or Waterfront Park, there are plenty of places to hike through the leaves. Take the Mt. Hood Railroad Excursion Train through the Upper Valley of the Hood River, or cruise along the Historic Columbia River Scenic Waterway on a sternwheeler, or even enjoy a bit of whitewater rafting along the gorge while taking in the foliage.

Fall foliage in Helen, Georgia. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

9. Helen, GA

Summer may mean leisurely tubing in Helen, GA, but fall means walks through the Appalachian mountains. Located a short drive away from Tallulah Gorge State Park and Amicalola Falls State Park, Helen is a beautiful, out-of-the-way spot in the North Georgia mountains. From beautiful views to riverside stops, Helen has everything you need for a fall weekend getaway. Rent a cabin from Blue Ridge Cabins, then take in the sites while celebrating Oktoberfest. If hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing aren’t your cup of tea, then head over to Yonah Mountain Vineyards for some wine tasting instead.

10. Midway, KY

Located just off the Bourbon Trail in central Kentucky, driving to Midway takes one down country roads covered by tree tunnels. In October, the area is a’bustle with the fall season for Keeneland, but there’s no shortage of things to do if horse racing isn’t your thing. Holly Hill Inn provides spectacular views, as well as some mouth-watering food. Stroll down Midway’s main street for some one-of-a-kind shopping adventures, and then drive the back roads of Kentucky to either Prodigy or Equus Wineries for a sampling of their wares. Woodford Reserve and Castle & Key Distilleries are nearby if your tastes run toward bourbon. And nearby, in Versailles, you’ll find the Kentucky Castle, where you can sleep like a princess in one of the castle’s hotel rooms.

8 Most Beautiful Places In Italy

Italy is a destination that consistently sits at the top of travelers’ bucket lists, and it’s no wonder why. With a history dating back thousands of years, Italy is littered with priceless artworks and some of the most dazzling architectural achievements in the world. This peninsular country also prevails as a gastronomical Mecca across the globe, inviting visitors to taste its world-class pizza, pasta, seafood, wine, and coffee.

We’ve dug deep to provide an extensive list of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, including landmarks, artworks, architecture, protected areas, coastal towns, and so much more. The following 8 most beautiful places in Italy illustrate the country’s overall attraction and what makes it one of the most visited nations on earth.

1. Most Beautiful Metropolitan City: Rome

With nearly 3,000 years worth of internationally recognized art, culture, and architecture on display, Italy’s capital city is arguably the most iconic and historically significant city in the world.

Rome has an unparalleled liveliness and vibrancy that truly isn’t found anywhere else on the planet. In 2017, Rome welcomed approximately 9.6 million international tourists, making it the 12th most visited city of that year.

When in Rome:

You’ll need to spend a significant amount of time in this crucial metropolitan Italian city if you want to see all of its major attractions. We’ve broken down the top tourist attractions to see while visiting Rome.

1. Colosseum
2. Spanish Steps
3. Trevi Fountain
4. Vatican City
5. St. Peter’s Basilica
6. Roman Forum
7. Sistine Chapel
8. Pantheon

Rome's Trevi Fountain at night. — Rome’s Trevi Fountain at night. Photo Credit: Alexandra Mahoney

2. Most Beautiful Coastal Village: Positano

A stunning cliffside village nestled along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Positano possesses a certain charm that has made it a popular holiday destination, due to its unique pebble beachfront, steep cliffside views, and narrow streets filled with cafes and boutique shops.

Favorable weather kisses this charming coastal town throughout most of the year, and seeing its many vibrant buildings light up in the evening is a sight that will remain engrained in travelers’ memories for a lifetime.

When in Positano:

The best things to do while in Positano are…

1. Visit the 10th century Church of Santa Maria Assunta
2. Hike the Sentiero degli Dei trail
3. Take a day trip to Mt. Vesuvius and Pompei

View across narrow valley to the sea, lined with colorful buildings, Positano, Italy — The coastal town of Positano.

Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.
— Truman Capote

3. Most Beautiful Port Town: Venice

Venice is undoubtedly Italy’s most beautiful port town and arguably the country’s most romantic city as well. Fairytale gondolas weaving through the city’s thousands of winding canals make for a proper romantic getaway, guaranteed to reignite the flame for any traveling couples.

When visiting Venice, travelers will notice hundreds of centuries-old traditional Venetian masks hung in shop windows, typically worn during the city’s cherished Carnival of Venice festival, held annually in February.

When in Venice:

If traveling to Venice, be sure to check out these top attractions:

1. Piazza San Marco
2. St. Mark’s Basilica
3. Doge’s Palace
4. Grand Canal
5. Rialto Bridge
6. Teatro La Fenice

4. Most Beautiful Place to Take a Photo: Lake Como

Celebrities like George Clooney have put this gorgeous Northern Italian region on the map, due in part to its dramatic scenery and luxurious villas. Lake Como is part of Lombardy and sits idyllically at the foothills of the Alps.

With Milan as the region’s capital, this is a great destination for travelers who wish to hit both the capital city and Lake Como with one stone. The tip of the lake also reaches the famed resort town of Bellagio.

When in Lake Como:

Popular attractions in Lake Como include:

1. Villa Carlotta
2. Villa del Balbianello
3. Isola Comacina
4. Castello di Vezio

5. Most Beautiful National Park: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a collection of five small seaside villages situated along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. It is a protected area that was inducted as Italy’s first national park in 1999, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Cinque Terre is located in the province of La Spezia, consisting of the towns of Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, and Vernazza. Quaint and picturesque throughout, Cinque Terre is a lesser-known tourist destination that is slowly gaining more recognition, so be sure to head there before it becomes a tourist trap!

When in Cinque Terre:

While visiting Cinque Terre, be sure to…

1. Enjoy a cliffside meal at La Torre in Vernazza
2. Hike the Blue Path
3. Take a romantic stroll along the famous Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane) in Riomaggiore

Cinque Terre, Italy, village on cliff looks out over the sea at dusk — Cinque Terre. Unsplash / Giuseppe Bandiera

6. Most Beautiful University Town: Florence

Iconic for its Duomo that can be spotted at almost any angle throughout this bustling university town, Florence boasts citywide views of the Apennine Mountains and an abundance of cultural masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and art, such as Michelangelo’s Statue of David, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation.

The University of Florence is a public research university comprising 12 schools and approximately 60,000 students. It is a popular destination for study abroad students, welcoming an average 4,000 international students annually.

When in Florence:

Don’t miss out on these top attractions while visiting this exciting university town:

1. Florence Cathedral
2. Uffizi Gallery
3. Galleria dell’Accademia
4. Ponte Vecchio
5. Palazzo Vecchio
6. Piazza della Signoria
7. Palazzo Pitti

7. Most Beautiful Countryside: Tuscany

In 2003, Diane Lane starred in the popular Under the Tuscan Sun, a film exemplifying the sheer beauty and essence of Italy’s celebrated Tuscany region, specifically in the town of Cortona.

Tuscany’s countryside is teeming with rolling hills and the best Chianti grapes in the world, stretching from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

While in Tuscany, be sure to taste some of the region’s finest gastronomical delights, such as lampredotto, an Italian sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow, or panzanella, a Tuscan chopped salad made from bread and tomatoes, typically eaten during the summer months.

When in Tuscany:

In Tuscany, be sure to check out:

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa
2. Elba Island
3. Boboli Gardens
4. Sant’Agnese Farm
5. Máté Winery

Narrow lane leading through the hills of Tuscany toward a farmhouse at sunset — San Quirico d’Orcia, Tuscany.

8. Most Beautiful Island: Capri

A tiny island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, Capri is known for its rugged landscape, renowned limoncello, and handmade leather sandals. A popular summer vacation destination, days spent in Capri during warmer months will be filled with coastal views and hundreds of opulent yachts floating in and out of the island’s cove-studded coastline.

Insider TIp: When visiting Capri, don’t forget to head to its sister-town on the other side of the island, Anacapri. A more residential and spread out neighborhood, Anacapri is your ticket to reaching the top of Monte Solaro by chairlift.

When in Capri:

A trip to Capri wouldn’t be complete without…

1. Strolling through the island’s most famous town square, the Piazzetta
2. Shopping…anywhere and everywhere
3. Gazing upon the island’s mesmerizing Blue Grotto
4. Visiting famous Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe’s villa and art collection at Villa San Michele
5. Witnessing the island’s awe-inspiring Roman imperial palace ruins, Villa Jovis

There you have it — a beautiful Italian destination for all seasons and reasons. Ciao, bella!

Where To Get The Best Cup Of Coffee Around The World

One of the most invigorating things about travel is being able to taste-test food and drink from around the world. Trying new cuisines is one of the aspects of travel that makes us feel connected to a culture and its customs.

Listed below are 8 countries that have some of the world’s finest coffee, and where you can go to try some of this first-rate java. From the best Arabica blends in South America to Blue Mountain coffee in the Caribbean, these destinations have it covered when it comes to offering the world’s best cups of coffee.

1. Colombia

While it boasts some of the best coffee beans on the globe, Colombia didn’t acquire the crop until the 18th century, making it a newcomer in the coffee game so to speak. Colombia’s coffee production is the third highest in the world, second only to Brazil and Vietnam, yielding 11.5 million bags annually. Though ranking third overall across the globe, this vibrant South American country is the number one producer of the Arabica bean.

Best Coffe Shop/Café: Café San Alberto
Address: 6a, Cl. 117, #6A-47

Located in the capital city of Bogotá, Café San Alberto’s philosophy holds that coffee should be consumed both to awaken your senses and to generate memorable experiences. The cafe’s coffee is bursting with rich flavors of dark chocolate and contains a delicate, fruity acidity.

2. Ethiopia

Though this may come as a surprise to some travelers, Ethiopia’s coffee production and culture are so prevalent that they even have a soccer team named Ethiopian Coffee Sports Club. This landlocked East African country is best known for producing Ethiopia Genika, an Arabica coffee grown exclusively in the country’s Bench Maji Zone. Other prominent types of coffee produced in Ethiopia are Lekempti, Limu, and Teppi.

Best Coffee Shop/Café: TO.MO.CA. Coffee House
Address: Seychelles St.

TO.MO.CA. in Addis Ababa is a family-owned coffee-roasting company established in 1953, serving a variety of Arabica coffees such as Harrar, Yirgachefee, Sidamo and Limu.

Ethiopian woman pouring coffee — Ethiopia is famous for its coffee. Wikimedia Commons

3. Guatemala

Coffee production in Guatemala began to develop in the 1850s and remains an vital element of the country’s economy. Guatemalan beans are a secret favorite among coffee lovers, being described as full-bodied, sweet and strong, with a gentle acidity and complex flavor notes. The highest quality coffee in Guatemala is the Guatemalan Peaberry, representing the top five percent of beans from the best crops.

Best Coffee Shop/Café: Fat Cat Coffee House
Address: 4a, Calle Oriente, No. 14A

Fat Cat Coffee House in Antigua, Guatemala strives to serve the best cup of coffee in the area, brimming with unique flavors, consistency and complexity. Try the “El Coyotazo,” an intense cold brew made from Jamaican rose liquor, tartaric acid, and hints of chocolate.

4. Italy

A list of the best places to get a cup of coffee around the world wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Italy, a country that prides itself on the amount of coffee it consumes and how they consume it. According to Coffeeresearch.org, Italians consume 14 billion cups of espresso annually and approximately 3.7 Kg of coffee per capita. Italians are also extremely particular about what types of coffee they drink during specific times of the day: cappuccino is for breakfast, espresso and other forms are for the afternoon and evening.

Best Coffee Shop/Café: La Casa del Caffé al Pantheon
Address: Via Olmetti, 5B

Established in 1946 in the historic center of Rome, La Casa del Caffé al Pantheon is dedicated to serving high quality and accessible coffee varieties. This cherished local coffee shop is known for its very own “La Regina del Caffé” blend, a recipe that has been kept secret for over 50 years.

Cup of espresso with biscotti — Unsplash / Jonathan Pielmayer

5. Jamaica

The Blue Mountains in Jamaica are the country’s longest mountain range and coincidentally produce the famed Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, a bean that was introduced to the Caribbean in 1728. This particular coffee is noted for its mild flavor and lack of bitterness. Over the past several decades, it has gained a reputation for being one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world.

Best Coffee Shop/Café: Cafe Blue
Address: Sovereign Centre, 106 Hope Rd.

Home of Jamaica’s finest gourmet coffee drinks, Cafe Blue in Kingston offers prized Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, single or double espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and gourmet teas. Pair your cup of coffee or tea with the cafe’s selections of delicious pastries or crunchy paninis.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia makes the list because Bali is a leading producer in one of the most expensive (and interesting) coffees in the world, Kopi Luwak, otherwise known as civet coffee. Ringing in at around $100 to $200 per pound, Kopi Luwak is made from part-digested coffee-cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet.

Best Coffee Shop/Café: Negari Luwak Coffee
Address: Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu Tengah, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar

Those visiting Bali should head to at least one of the region’s several coffee plantations to taste the one-of-a-kind Kopi Luwak coffee. Negari Luwak Coffee serves a short black cup of Kopi Luwak, developing a bouquet of caramel and cinnamon flavors.

Balinese woman harvesting plants in field — Unsplash / eggy gouztam

7. Vietnam

Succeeding Brazil, Vietnam is the second largest and most important coffee-producing nation in the world, weighing in with 3,637,627,000 pounds per year, with rice being the ironly greater export. Vietnamese coffee is a signature drink. The brew is mixed with sweetened condensed milk, a specific preparation that can be found throughout several other Southeast Asian countries.

Best Coffee Shop/Café: The Old Compass Cafe
Address: 3rd Fl., Apt. 11, 63 Pasteur St., District 1

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, more popularly referred to as Saigon, The Old Compass Cafe invites guests in for a fresh cup of coffee or sets of traditional Vietnamese family-style cuisine, with vegetarian options available. The coffee shop regularly hosts live music and other performing arts events.

8. Spain

Coffee in Spain is more about culture than quality. Though their coffee is, in fact, delicious, there’s a lack of variety and the real reason it makes the list is the mere prevalence it holds in Spanish culture. A day in Spain wouldn’t be complete without at least one café con leche or cafe cortado before or after a hard day’s work. When strolling through the city on any given day, visitors will spot hundreds of locals sitting outside of cafes, sipping on cups of coffee for what seems like hours on end.

Best Coffee Shop/Café: Piola
Address: Alameda de Hércules, 57

Situated in the heart of one of Seville’s most happening nightlife neighborhoods, Alameda de Hercules, Piola is a hip café offering delectable cups of coffee, a unique menu, board games for passing the time, superb playlists, and bottomless pitchers of drinkable tap water on deck, a rarity in a country where wine is supposedly cheaper than water.

There you have it. We hope this list helps you get your caffeine fix the next time you’re overseas. Cheers!

8 Must Dos When Traveling With Your Pet

Who doesn’t want to take Fido with them to the beach or on a family vacation? If you love packing up Fluffy and taking her on trips with you, you’re not alone. According to the American Pet Products Association, there are 77 million dog owners in the US and 85 million cat owners. And an estimated 37 percent of those pet parents take their pets with them when they travel.

If you’re going to pack up Kitty and take her on the road with you though, here are a few things you must do before you go.

1. Pack your pet’s papers

In a ziplock storage bag, pack all of your pets’ most recent medical records. Inside the bag, you may also want to include any medications they are on, as well as the name brand of their most recent flea treatment. That way, you’ll have everything in one place, along with the pet’s veterinarian’s phone number, just in case something goes wrong.

2. Call your hotel/Air BNB/rental agency and double check on their pet policy

Nothing is worse than finding out that no one is going to clean your room if Spot is actually in the room with them, or finding out when you get there that your 30 pound boxer is above the 25 pound hotel weight limit. Ask for a written policy, including any additional fees they may charge, in advance. If you have it in writing, that will trump any oral agreements (or disagreements) — and those tend to be pretty fluid anyway.

3. Find out about the airline’s or train company’s pet policy

Make sure you know what will happen to your pupper once they leave your hot little hands, or whether you need to buy an extra ticket in order to have your doggo sit in your lap the whole flight. Also, if your pet will be flying in the cargo hold, double check with your vet that it’s safe for them to travel that way. Some dogs, for instance, cannot fly because they have too many difficulties breathing. Pugs are a good example.

If you’d like to know which airlines you should (and shouldn’t) consider for your pet getaway, check out The Best (And Worst) Airlines To Fly With Pets.

Brown dog buries his face in blue blanket. — Unsplash / Ruby Schmank

4. Blankie, bed, and boo bear

Make sure your pet has their favorite comfort items and a bed of their own while you’re traveling. The day you leave is not the time to see if they like it, though. Make sure to give the new bed or blankie a breaking in period before you leave. Most vets recommend letting them get used to it for at least a month in advance. Bringing a little piece of home on the road can help to assuage anxiety.

5. Research the vet clinics at your destination

When time is of the essence, looking up the name and number of a vet isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Knowing who you want to call in case of an emergency saves time and relieves stress.

6. Pack a clean-up kit!

Accidents DO happen, as we all know. Pack baking soda, tweezers, cotton balls, dryer sheets, and a squeegee. Baking soda helps with accidents on the carpet, while tweezers and cotton balls help with extracting ticks. Dryer sheets will help get rid of static electricity, and squeegees are wonderful in getting dog hair off of… well, almost everything.

7. Exercise the poop out of your pet prior to taking off

Go for a walk around the neighborhood; spend an hour playing an epic game of fetch; get out the laser light and go to town… whatever it takes to wear out your pet. Travel, with kids and pets is easier if they are asleep.

8. Consider a GPS app for your pet

Several apps now let you use satellite tracking to find your dog or cat — wherever they may be. Good for those times Fido walks off in the woods, but also for helping to prove he couldn’t possibly have peed on Aunt Lois’ carpet cause he just wasn’t there to do it. GPS tracking isn’t just for creepy exes and helicopter parents anymore!

Cat pawing at rope pole — Unsplash / Seven Song

We hope these tips will help you have fun with your furry friend on the road. There’s noting like traveling with your best friend. Happy trails!

8 Best Places To Vacation In Mexico

Nestled between the U.S. and Central America, Mexico remains a holiday hub particularly for American and Canadian travelers due to its close proximity, affordable flights, and favorable year-round tropical weather along the country’s vast coastlines.

Whether you’re seeking an upscale vacation destination or a budget-friendly getaway, Mexico’s fast-growing economy and traditional culture sets the stage for every type of traveler. Situated among an assortment of luxury and economical resorts, these top tourist towns boast some of the world’s best diving, untouched white sandy beaches, and authentic Mexican cuisine.

Best Luxury Destinations

1. Cancún

Top Beaches: Xpu-Ha, Akumal, Playa Maroma
Top Luxury Resort: Nizuc
Top Restaurant: La Habichuela

Arguably Mexico’s most popular resort town and vacation destination, Cancún’s unblemished design was, believe it or not, selected and drafted in the ’70s using computer models.

A diver’s dream, Cancún’s Underwater Museum invites visitors to view submerged sculptures via glass-bottom boat, snorkeling, or scuba diving. The nearby Isla Mujeres boasts some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, and come every June to September, the water stirs with hundreds of massive migrating whale sharks.

2. Cabo San Lucas

Top Beaches: Bahía Chileno, Playa Solmar, Playa del Amor, Divorce Beach
Top Luxury Resort: The Resort at Pedregal
Top Restaurant: El Peregrino Restaurant Bar

Cabo San Lucas has been attracting the swankiest of travelers for decades, explicitly beckoning to Hollywood’s elite since the ’70s. A walk along its shores will reveal endless opportunities for scuba diving, fishing, surfing, sailing and, of course, sunbathing.

This resort city is situated on the southern edge of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, inviting anyone and everyone from celebrities, families, wealthy jet-setters, and championship golfers. Photos of Cabo San Lucas almost always depict the city’s most prevalent attraction, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas.

While visiting Cabo, don’t miss out on traditional cuisine local to the area, such as Mexican chocolate clam, shrimp and fish tacos, smoked Marlin, and tamales.

Villas and resorts dot the cliffs along the shore of Cabo San Lucas. — Cabo San Lucas. Unsplash / John Cafazza

3. Tulum

Top Beaches: Playa Ruinas, Las Palmas, Playa Paraíso
Top Luxury Resort: Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Top Restaurant: El Asadero

Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula and, while not as popular as the above-mentioned vacation hotspots, is yet another luxury vacation destination and home to (debatably) the country’s most pristine beach along the Riviera Maya.

A trip to Tulum will be filled with eco-adventures, visits to the area’s historically significant Mayan archeological site, snorkeling in Gran Cenote, a limestone sinkhole, and days spent at its famed national park, Parque Nacional de Tulum.

While in Tulum, don’t miss out on the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre), Punta Laguna Nature Reserve and dancing Voladores, a truly unique Tulum experience not to be seen anywhere else.

4. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Top Beaches: Playa La Ropa, Playa Las Gatas, Playa La Madera
Top Luxury Resort: La Casa Que Canta
Top Restaurant: Carmelitas Café

An up-and-coming luxury resort town, Ixtapa was only recently discovered as a vacation terminus when it was founded in the early ’70s by FONATUR (the National Fund for Tourism Development).

Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa’s sister-city, is located four miles south, a bona fide Mexican fishing town. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sierra Madre mountain chain to the east, these twin cities offer visitors a paradoxical combination between old and new.

Scuba diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing are just a few activities one can indulge in while visiting Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, and a trip to this region wouldn’t be complete without visiting its plethora of white sandy beaches, including Playa Linda, Playa Larga, Playa Quieta, and Playa El Palmar.

Best Budget Destinations

1. Playa del Carmen

Top Beaches: Playa Calle 10, Playa Mamitas, Parque Fundadores
Top Budget Resort: El Acuario Hotel
Top Restaurant: Imprevist

Near Cancun rests Playa del Carmen, a great option for those seeking an alternative to Mexico’s many luxury resort towns. Playa del Carmen attracts high volumes of international backpackers, thus the area offers endless hostels, guesthouses, affordable hotels, and budget-friendly resorts.

This Maya Riviera coastal town is home to Fundadores Park, a seaside park with Mayan dance performances and mystifying sculptures. Be sure to taste some tacos al pastor while visiting Playa del Carmen, a favorite cuisine amongst locals.

Man sits on couch in the sand on Playa del Carmen beach. — Playa del Carmen. Pixabay / Vic_Padilla

2. Loreto

Top Beaches: Ensenada Blanca, Playa Nopola
Top Budget Resort: Loreto Bay Golf Resort & Spa
Top Restaurant: Mi Loreto

With apartment-style cabanas and hotel rooms ringing in at around $70 per night, Loreto is calling out to travelers who wish to wallow in a tropical retreat without breaking the bank.

Loreto is a prime destination for wildlife watching, with the Sea of Cortez serving as an essential breeding ground for dolphins, whales, seals, and other sea animals, due in part to its gentle waters.

Located on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Loreto is backed by the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, with trails leading to prehistoric cave paintings. This small Mexican town is lined with colonial buildings, and those visiting should be sure to check out Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, a 17th-century church founded in 1697.

3. Mazatlán

Top Beaches: Playa Los Cerritos, Playa Bruja, Playa Norte
Top Budget Resort: Torres Mazatlan
Top Restaurant: El Presidio Cocina de México

One of Mexico’s oldest international resort towns happens to also be one of the most affordable in the entire country, with long-term travelers able to rent apartments for as little as $400 per month in Mazatlán.

Bird watching, golf, surfing, horseback riding, and mountain biking are the area’s top outdoor activities, while sport fishing remains this resort town’s greatest global appeal. Other popular activities in Mazatlán include Aquatic Park Mazagua, Plazuela Machado, Mazatlán Cathedral, and Acuario Mazatlán.

Travelers tend to spend extended amounts of time in Mazatlán, and due to its 16 miles of golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic ambiance, it comes as no surprise. Mazatlán is a quintessential destination for snowbirds looking to get away during winter months.

Horses huddled together in the sand on the beach, Mazatlán, Mexico — Mazatlán. Unsplash / Daniel Apodaca

4. Todos Santos

Top Beaches: Los Cerritos, Punta Lobos, La Cachora
Top Budget Resort: Hotel Casa Tota
Top Restaurant: Los Adobes de Todos Santos

Perfect year-round weather, fewer tourists, and a one-of-a-kind Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration make Todos Santos an ideal budget-friendly vacation in Mexico.

Rustic granite streets and multi-colored stained buildings depict the spirit of Todos Santos, and views of the Pacific Ocean can be spotted throughout this quaint Baja California Peninsula town.

A pivotal culinary hub, Todos Santos recently opened Todos Santos Brewing, a new local favorite for craft beer, artisanal soda and an extensive lunch, and dinner menu with vegan and vegetarian options.

We hope we helped you narrow down your choices for a Mexican getaway, whether you’re looking to splurge or tighten your belt. Happy trails!

Phoenix Day Trip: Kartchner Caverns State Park

Located 165 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is well worth the two-and-a-half hour drive. The massive limestone cave has 13,000 feet of passages. It contains minerals from six different chemical classes and is considered one of the top ten caves in the world in terms of mineral diversity.

Kartchner Caverns houses a wide variety of cave formations in different shapes and colours. The formations, known as speleotherms, have formed drop-by-drop over tens of thousands of years as water seeping from the surface dissolved minerals on its trip through the limestone. Stalactites, icicle-like formations growing down from the cave ceiling, and stalagmites, growing up from the cave floor, are the types of speleotherms you may be most familiar with. The form a speleotherm takes is determined by whether the water drips, flows, seeps, condenses or pools.

Here’s everything you’ll want to know about Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Cave Discovery

In 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts discovered the cavern when they were looking “for a cave no one had found” in the limestone hills at the base of the Whetstone Mountains. They kept the cave a secret until 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner. They knew the cave needed to be protected to prevent serious damage by unregulated use. Tenen and Tuft spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the site themselves.

Members of the Kartchner family had been impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks, so they approached the state. In 1988, purchase of the property was approved as a State Park. Extraordinary precautions were taken during development to conserve the cave’s near-pristine condition. In 1999, the upper caverns were ready to open to the public. The lower caverns opened four years later.

Stalactites and stalagmites along cave wall, Kartchner Caverns State Park, Arizona — Part of the large cavern. Wikimedia Commons

Tours

Now the public can see the wonders of the caverns via daytime tours led by trained guides. The Rotunda/Throne Tour is a half-mile in length and takes one-and-a-half hours, fifty minutes of which are underground. On this tour, you’ll see the discoverers’ original trail. Formations of note include one of the world’s longest soda straw stalacities and the 58-foot tall Kubla Khan, the tallest and most massive column in Arizona. You’ll also see 45,000-year-old bat guano. The cave ecosystem is dependent upon a summer colony of cave myotis bats.

The half-mile Big Room Tour is available October through April and takes an hour and forty-five minutes to complete, one hour of which is underground. In the Big Room, you’ll find the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk and the first reported occurrence of “turnip” shields. This tour also teaches about cave fauna, both living and ancient, and new and ongoing scientific research and discoveries.

There is also a one-and-a-quarter hour Saturday evening Helmut and Headlamp tour.

The average temperature in the cave is 70° Fahrenheit year-round with 99% humidity. Most areas are dimly lit, and some passageways are narrow or enclosed. The park website warns this may be difficult for people with respiratory or claustrophobia issues. I have mild claustrophobia and worried about how I’d feel before taking the Rotunda/Throne Room Tour, but I was quite comfortable. Although there were a few narrow passageways, many of the spaces were large with high ceilings and bits of light glimmering through cracks in the stone.

The trail system inside the caverns was designed for persons with limited mobility and most of the above and below ground areas are accessible, but dim light and narrow passageways may still be a concern for those with mobility issues. Kartchner Caverns website contains more information about accessibility.

Living Cave

The formations have been continuously growing for millenia and are still growing today. They grow slowly and are extremely fragile. Damage, even by accident, will stop growth. Therefore, care is taken during tours to protect the cave and ensure it will be there for future generations. You’ll walk through a misting station before entering the cave and must refrain from touching any of the formations.

You cannot take anything with you into the caves — no purses, backpacks, fanny packs, binoculars, flashlights, cameras, phones, food, or water. Lockers are available. Cameras are allowed only on a few special photography tours held throughout the year.

Cave tours follow established nationwide protocols to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease killing bats. Do not wear or bring any clothes or shoes you’ve worn into any other cave or mine you’ve visited since 2005.

Other Visitor Information

Purchasing tour tickets in advance is recommended to ensure availability. Kartchner Caverns advises arriving at the Discovery Center (Visitor Center) at least thirty minutes ahead of tour time. The Discovery Center contains a small museum, a gift shop and a food concession. A fifteen-minute theater presentation about the discovery of the cave plays twice an hour.

Kartchner Caverns are a marvel to see. A visit will leave you appreciative both of the work of nature within the cave and the work of Arizona State Parks to balance opening up this wonder to the public with preserving the cave and its formations.