The 7 Happiest Countries Of 2018

Every year, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network releases the World Happiness Report. As the name suggests, it measures the reported happiness of the citizens of every country on earth in a never-ending quest to determine… What is the happiest place on Earth? (No, Disney. Not you.)

Here are 2018’s top 7 happiest nations.

1. Finland

Despite long stretches of darkness and cold, Finland is collectively the happiest country in the world. Most Finns report a very high quality of life. Every person in the country has access to health care, there’s free education, a high life expectancy rate, a minimal gap in incomes, and a reasonable work-life balance.

Happiness might also mean something different to Finns than their North American counterparts. Perhaps an old Finnish expression sums it up best: “Happiness is having your own red summer cottage and a potato field.” Perhaps the Finns have figured out that a simple, content existence is the ultimate secret to happiness.

Finland lake — Finland. Unsplash / Tommi Saltiola

2. Norway

The former champion of happiness just a year ago, Norway has dropped to the second spot. Despite losing a spot, it seems unlikely Norwegians will shed any tears over that, silver medalists that they are.

Although money doesn’t always equal happiness, experts suggest that being the sixth wealthiest country in the world contributes to the overall happiness. Another more heartwarming explanation is a simple one: relationships.

Norwegians have a phrase called “sted bundet” which means “place-bound.” This exemplifies how many Norwegians think of the place they live. They tend to stay local and build long-lasting, deep relationships with people in their area.

Free education, almost entirely free health care, a universal pension plan for anyone 67-years and older, and 5-weeks paid vacation for workers are some other perks in the second happiest country in the world.

3. Denmark

Not only is Denmark 3rd on the list, it’s a really great place to have a family. The country gives parents a total of 52 weeks of leave from work when they’ve had a child, along with free or minimal-cost childcare.

Biking accounts for an overwhelming number of Danes’ commutes to school or work, likely accounting for increased health and happiness.

Social responsibility and gender equality are a couple of other noteworthy elements in Danish culture. The combination of it all makes this one cheery place to live.

Denmark boats in canal — Denmark. Unsplash / Nick Karvounis

4. Iceland

Although Iceland does have some of the highest taxes in the entire world, its people consistently call it one of the best places to live.

Locals say there’s an enormous obligation they feel toward their fellow Icelandic people. If your car gets stuck in the snow, someone will stop to help you. Hitchikers, even travelers, have said that they can almost always expect someone to stop and offer a ride. What’s more, you can actually trust the person offering.

The somewhat fierce environment that Icelanders experience (between volcanoes and winter darkness) has led to a resilient people who look out for each other and weather the storms in good spirits.

5. Switzerland

The Swiss have got it down pat: they have one of the highest GDPs in the world, the 10th longest life expectancy, an extremely low obesity rate, and they average about 35 hours of work per week.

Going beyond the statistics, visitors can easily see Switzerland has one of the most beautiful collections of natural wonders. Living with mountains and water almost always within a reasonable distance has got to do something for a person’s mental state!

Switzerland mountain lake — Switzerland. Unsplash / Jairph

6. Netherlands

Work-life balance is a massive factor in happiness for most people, and the Netherlands seem to have it down to a science. Nearly 27% of men and 77% of women work part-time. We’re not just talking gigs at McDonalds or Uber, we’re talking quality part-time jobs. This means more family time and more time doing what you enjoy.

The average Dutch person exercises moderately four days a week, and as we know, regular exercise releases endorphins, or the “happiness hormones.” It also promotes self-confidence and reduces the risk of illness.

Despite having one of the highest tax rates in Europe, locals in cities like Amsterdam are apparently happy to pay them due to premium city services and a great lifestyle.

7. Canada

Maybe it’s the fact that you can bump into someone and they’ll apologize to you. Maybe it’s the fact that the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, enjoys surfing and kayaking with his constituents and is generally a pretty cool guy. There are a myriad of reasons, but Canada is the first non-European country to make an entrance on the happiest countries in the word list. That’s a pretty big deal!

Canadian residents would likely cite acceptance as one of the biggest factors in collective happiness. Indeed, they ranked as the fourth-most accepting country to migrants on earth as well.

Were you wondering where the United States was going to show up on the list? You’d be waiting a while longer! They’re holding down the 18th spot, and with the amount of turmoil the US has seen in recent times, it might be a while before it climbs back up the list.

5 Essential Tips For Traveling Alone

1. First And Foremost, Be Safe

It goes without saying that traveling alone comes with specific risks, but none are insurmountable with the right preparation.

When you’re getting ready to leave your hotel, for example, consider a few safeguards such as leaving a note with your intended destinations and approximately when you’ll be back to your room. Leave your most valuable possessions, such as your laptop, in the safe when you go. Try to make connections with the staff so that they’re aware of you and can look out for you. You can even ask them if the place you’re planning on going to is safe for someone traveling alone.

Don’t be an open book when it comes to strangers! It’s good to be friendly and meet locals who can make your travels more enjoyable. But start slowly. Give only your first name, and never tell someone you’ve just met where you’re staying. Most people, of course, mean you no harm. But trust is earned.

Identity protection doesn’t come to mind as frequently as physical protection, but it’s an important thing to keep in mind when you’re traveling alone. If you’re using public WiFi, consider getting a VPN to protect yourself from hackers and malware that can access your personal information. What’s a VPN? Um, we’ll let someone explain who knows better than us.

2. Alone But Not Lonely

The purpose of traveling alone isn’t usually to avoid all human contact, so look for opportunities to make new acquaintances. Learning some words in the local language is undoubtedly a big help in meeting people. Even if they speak English, the fact that you’ve taken the trouble to learn some words in their mother tongue will endear you to them.

Take advantage of tours to meet fellow like-minded travelers with whom it will be easy to strike up a conversation. If you’re going for a meal or a drink, don’t be antisocial and sit in the corner! Body language can be a huge factor in seeming approachable, and if you make yourself available, it’s likely you could strike up a conversation with a friendly local. Try a service like Voulez Vous Diner which will arrange for you to have a meal with a local in the area you’re visiting if you’re feeling especially outgoing.

While some forums encourage travelers to avoid appearing like a tourist for fear of pickpockets and other criminals, it’s not always a bad thing to show that you’re a stranger. By displaying your camera or map where it can be seen in relatively safe places like a restaurant, it’s more likely that someone will ask where you’re from and offer some insight into the local culture and your surroundings.

Woman and dog sit by lake — Pixabay / Seaq68

3. Be Your Own Boss

One of the perks of traveling alone is that you don’t have to compromise and do what other people want to do. You get to do whatever it is that you want, when you want it, at the speed you want to do it. Instead of thinking about what your fellow travelers want to do, meditate on what it is you wish to experience about the place you’re visiting. There’s no one to stop you.

If you normally travel with children, for example, there are likely a few adults activities that you might want to take advantage of. Live in the moment and feel what it’s like to have no limitations!

4. Think About Your Destination

Some places are more idyllic for solo travelers. While laying on a beach alone might be your ideal vacation, for some people, they’d rather stay busy, see sights, and explore. Loneliness tends to rear it’s head when there’s little to do.

Consider destinations that will keep you on the move. Once you’ve selected a place, weigh your lodging options carefully. By looking at reviews, you’ll see if certain hotels are well-suited for people traveling alone, and the same goes for activities. Looking at feedback from other travelers will help you to find out if specific tours, restaurants, etc. are better alone or with some company.

When you’re selecting accommodations, make sure that the hotel or cruise line doesn’t require 2+ people to share the room. Some establishments have a surcharge for single guests so that their bottom line isn’t affected, so you’ll want to make sure the place you’re staying doesn’t have anything like that.

Hotel no vacancy sign — Unsplash / KEEM IBARRA

5. Stay Connected

Unless you want to escape life as you know it, an excellent way to avoid loneliness is to stay connected with family and friends from home. Take lots of pictures, share them on your social media, and engage with the people you’ll miss. It might make the journey a lot easier if you stop in at an internet cafe to Skype or chat online with your loved ones. They’ll appreciate it too.

Traveling solo doesn’t have to be scary; it can be quite a liberating experience. If you’re thinking of trying it, make sure you utilize these essential tips and most importantly, have fun on your own terms.

6 Magical Places To Spend Christmas

Whether you’d love to see Christmas lights from the cobblestone streets of a 14th-century village, or enjoy a husky-drawn sled ride, here are a few of the world’s best holiday destinations for everyone.

1. Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine

If you want to make this Christmas a more spiritual one than ever, consider joining thousands of tourists who visit the birthplace of Christ every year. In Bethlehem you can attend a spectacular Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity or even visit the grotto where legend has it that Jesus was born. Beginning on Star-street, visitors are invited to admire the beauty of the city while walking the same path it’s believed that Mary and Joseph first did as they entered Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. You can also make the nativity come alive by visiting Shepard’s Fields, where the angel Gabriel is said to have alerted local shepherds to the birth of Jesus. Aside from viewing the holy sites up close, there are plenty of Christmas tree lightings, candle parades, and public events that will make for an unforgettable holiday season.

Sadly, but to no great surprise, Bethlehem isn’t in the safest part of the world. Traveling here can be dangerous, and at times inadvisable, so stay on top of government advisories.

2. Tallinn, Estonia

When it comes to the world’s coziest place to spend Christmas, few options come close to the old-world charm of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The medieval town itself is the perfect place to stroll cobblestone streets beneath the soft glow of nighttime lanterns. It was here in 1441 that the world’s first Christmas tree was erected, an event which is still celebrated each year when one of its descendants is decked out in the middle of Town Hall Square. Beneath the tree’s glow, you’ll find the city’s legendary Christmas market, featuring dozens of huts set up by local vendors. There you’ll find plenty of freshly baked goods, snow sculptures, an ice rink, and even a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer. The town also hosts a Christmas Jazz festival which features multi-week concerts by artists from around the world in venues around town. Last but not least, be sure to check out Gingerbread Mania, where hundreds of artists show off their creations, all of which are made from gingerbread cookies.

3. Strasbourg, France

Rest assured that they don’t call Strasbourg Capital de Noël (The Capital of Christmas) for nothing. This French gem doesn’t mess around when it comes to Christmas, as it lights up a great tree each year in that must be a minimum of 30 meters tall. Among the city’s twinkling 14th century architecture, cobblestone streets, and canals, you’ll find up to ten different Christmas markets, including “Christkindelsmärik,” the oldest Christmas market in France which was founded in 1570. Listen to the church bells ring in the distance as you shop for Christmas gifts, sip a cup of warm wine, or enjoy the delicacy of freshly baked goods.

4. Vienna, Austria

While Vienna offers many different International Christmas choirs amid the sparkle of the holiday season, there may be nothing quite so bucket-list worthy as catching a live performance of the Vienna Boys Choir during Christmas Mass at the Hofburgkapelle (Hofburg Chapel). The city itself is a sight to behold as it covers its imperial architecture with magical lighting and lines the streets with outdoor Christkindlmarkts. There you’ll find one-of-a-kind artisan wares ranging from candles to handcrafted holiday gifts. Among the most famous is the Viennese Christmas Market where you can browse the booths of over 150 vendors.

5. Vatican City/Rome, Italy

It likely comes as no surprise that the city at the center of Catholicism offers one of the most spectacular Christmas seasons on Earth. December in the Vatican (and central Rome) is a truly magical month as the city is decked out with nativity scenes and Christmas trees, including the massive trees erected in St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Venezia, and next to the Coliseum. Along the streets, vendors sell roasted chestnuts as people from around the world stroll beneath the city’s vibrant lights and Christmas decorations. Of course, the season’s biggest draw is midnight mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, which you’ll want to buy tickets for several months in advance if you plan to attend. Alternatively, you can also attend an incredible midnight mass inside the nearly 2,000-year-old walls of the Pantheon.

6. Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

If you want to give your inner child the treat of a lifetime, then consider spending a Christmas in Rovaniemi, which the locals argue is a much more likely base camp for Santa than the North Pole. The perfect place to spend a guaranteed white Christmas, the snowy forests of Rovaniemi offer plenty of opportunities for winter fun, including a husky-drawn sled ride or a skimobile trip to see the Northern Lights. You’ll have the chance to learn how to bake cookies from elves as you visit their woodland Christmas village or meet Santa live and in person when you visit his office. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to meet a reindeer, as Lapland is home to around 200,000, many of which live on farms where you can visit and even feed them. If you don’t mind the cold, you might consider staying in the city’s famous Arctic Hotel which is made completely of ice! Don’t worry; they also offer hot tubs and saunas when you need a break from the cold.

Wherever you decide to spend your next holiday season, we hope it’s one filled with joy and memories that will last a lifetime.

6 Things Visitors Should Do In Ottawa

With a lively, largely bilingual population, and lots of impressive architecture, Ottawa has a vaguely European feel to it. She’s not Canada’s biggest city, but she is the capital, and therefore the site of many interesting national treasures. Here are a few cool things to do in Ottawa that some folks might miss.

1. See The Massive Spiders

Before you shudder in terror of a massive spider as big as a multi-story building, relax; it’s not real! It is a cool piece of art, though. Sculptor Louise Bourgeois created a total of six of these 30-feet-tall-spiders using high-end materials such as marble, stainless steel, and bronze. And one of them lives in Ottawa.

Bourgeois’ built ‘Maman’, the Ottawa spider, in 2000 to greet visitors of the Unilever Series event. It was so popular that it’s maintained its presence through the years and can now be found just outside the entrance of the National Gallery of Canada. The Gallery loved the piece so much that they purchased it for over $3 million, a credit to the French artists’ fame and talent.

Maman presents a unique photo opportunity for those of you who like to memorialize your trips. Arachnophobia be damned, this spider is worth seeing on your way into the National Gallery.

2. Skate Or Hike The Rideau Canal

Ottawa has earned global fame as the home of the World’s Longest Skating Rink during the winter months. The Rideau Canal stretches 202 km, so you might not be able to skate the entire thing, but you should go for a glide before enjoying some hot cocoa and the famous Canadian beavertails. It can get very cold in Ottawa, so dress warm!

If you’re planning a visit in the warmer months, the Rideau Canal is still worth visiting (and, in face, it’s basically unavoidable). Whether you take a boat cruise along the Canal and enjoy the sights while lounging, or opt for a scenic hike along the water, you’ll be greeted by some splendid views. The Canal is one of Ottawa’s oldest and most distinctive landmarks.

3. Take A Stroll On The Mer Bleue Bog Boardwalk

Canada is well-known for its vast expanses of land and abundant wildlife, and the Mer Bleue Bog is an excellent representation of both. This wetland territory is framed by a long boardwalk that allows visitors to see the captivating scenery (and the wild inhabitants) without getting muddy.

We especially recommend visiting the bog in the morning, when the evaporating blue mist that gives the area of its name is still hugging the land. (“Mer Bleu” is French for “blue sea.”)

The endangered spotted turtle is one of the bog’s residents, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for this rare creature as there aren’t too many left. The telltale sign is, of course, a spotted shell.

Once you’ve worked up a sweat on your boardwalk stroll, you’ll want to enjoy some refreshment at the following establishment…

Mer Bleu Bog Boardwalk. Wikimedia Commons

4. Drink One Of The Best Beers In Town

Dominion City Brewery has earned a stellar reputation as one of the best breweries in Canada, and their tasting room is open seven days a week. Don’t worry: there’s delicious food as well!

The brewery has 12 different taps of Dominion City beers on offer, and all of the food is locally-produced. They even have Jenga if you feel like alcohol and a teetering tower is a good combination…

If you want to tour the brewery, stop by on a Sunday at 2:00 pm and be prepared to spend $15 per person. The tours last roughly 30 minutes and come complete with, you guessed it, beer! A flight of four brews is provided while an expert brewer tells you all about them.

5. The Ottawa Farmers’ Market

What better way to get to know a city than by meeting the people who work the land? The Ottawa Farmers’ Market started in 2006 at Lansdowne Park, but they’ve expanded to four locations and over 100 vendors.

The market is full of fresh, locally-grown or farmed foodstuffs such as maple syrup, honey, heritage pork, beef, eggs, chocolate, jams, coffee, and a selection of handmade artisanal goods.

Whether you go to the Westboro, Orleans, Riverside South, or Lansdowne Park markets, you’ll be greeted by happy people who love what they do. You’ll get to experience the local culture in a special way, and you’ll leave with a full stomach!

6. Stay In A Former Prison

If you’re tired of the same-old hotels, why not stay in a former prison?

The Ottawa Jail Hostel housed prisoners up until 1972, but now, the building has been converted into comfortable, albeit unique, lodgings. You’d never know that they used to have death row inmates and even executions on-site.

If you can get past the rumors that the whole building is haunted by spirits, you might just fall in love. Even if it is haunted, you’ll leave with some interesting stories to tell your friends!

Ottawa has a rich history, and what’s more, the people are notoriously friendly, even by Canadian standards. Check out some of these fun activities, alongside the more standard options like visiting Parliament Hill, Hull, or the Canadian War Museum.

Venado: Costa Rica’s Cave Of Wonders

Carol and Mike Ivey are freelance writers and photographers with a passion for travel. Follow along as they share their travel experiences as 50-somethings that still love adventure and seeing the world at www.CuriousGypsies.com.

They are currently based out of Charleston, South Carolina where they live aboard their 53-foot Hatteras Motor Yacht, Gypsy Soul.

Discovering the unknown Venado Caverns

On a recent trip to Costa Rica we were doing some self-guided exploration near the Arenal volcano. In search of an experience that wouldn’t be your typical tourist-packed activity, I scoured local magazines hoping to find something we might have missed during our trip planning research.

I found a small advertisement in one of the local magazines about a place we had never heard of. The ad invited us to explore the fascinating and mystical underground world of the Venado Caverns in La Fortuna.

We’re not typically cave explorers or spelunkers, but since we hadn’t seen this attraction mentioned in any of the usual guidebooks, we became curious. We were nearby so we figured — why not?

Where is Venado?

The Venado Caverns are on private property located within an hour’s drive from La Fortuna in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica. According to local lore, the system of 10 caverns, hidden for over 15 million years, was discovered by accident in 1945 when a farmer fell through a hole in the ground. The resulting exploration of the Venado Caves revealed an underground limestone maze of caverns carved over millennia by subterranean rivers and shifting tectonics near the Arenal Volcano.

The Arenal Volcano. Pixabay / InfiniteThought

What’s down there?

A 2700-meter cavern system filled with stalactites and stalagmites, rivers, fossils, subsurface creatures and — this was pretty unusual — an underground waterfall.

Further research told us to plan on getting wet and maybe a little dirty trekking through the river that runs through the caves. The website also said we would not be the only living things down there. They promised we would encounter four different species of bats, and various exotic creatures of darkness like eyeless fish, strange insects and massive underground spiders.

Weird, different and probably something we would not encounter again anytime soon, so off to Venado we went.

Entering the cave

These are private tours with just you and your guide. The very reasonable price of just $28 USD per person includes the entrance fee, boots, helmets, flashlights and a bilingual guide. For an additional $20 per couple, a photographer will follow you taking pictures throughout the tour and provide you with a DVD afterward. We really didn’t know what to expect or whether we would have free hands to shoot our own pictures, so we paid for the photographer and were glad we did.

Once decked out in the spelunking gear, we met our local bilingual guide, Elvis, and our photographer Carlos, and our tour got started. We hiked down past the on-site swimming pool (available for an after-hike dip), alongside a pasture with suitably bored cows and down a small hill to a narrow creek where the trees parted to reveal the opening of the cave system.

Elvis explained that we would trek through the underground trails of ancient rivers and seabeds, squeeze through tight spaces, and stand under the only underground waterfall in the country while wading through the flowing river water.

At the mouth of the cavern, Elvis began explaining the history of the caves and that we should be on the lookout for giant spiders, fish and many colonies of bats.

Going Underground Venado Cave Costa Rica — Getting ready to go underground.

Meeting the creatures of the cave

As soon as we set foot in the cave, we were greeted by a giant red tarantula spider. The furry eight legged creature was the color of rust and measured about 4 inches across. It completely ignored us, but suffice it to say, this is no place for an arachnophobe.

A few more feet inside, we came across even larger spiders — tailless whip scorpion spiders. Creepy looking but totally harmless, the mottled dark brown insects can have a leg span of up to 27 inches! Elvis dared us to carefully hold the massive, but gentle creatures and surprisingly enough we did with only a little shudder down our spines!

Around another corner, we were sloshing knee deep through flowing river water. We shone our headlamps down into the water and watched as the primitive eyeless cave fish swim past our rubber boots.

Bats!!!

We slipped through a slight opening in the rocks into a large chamber, and there, up above, are literally hundreds of bats hanging from the limestone ceilings. Our voices and headlamps woke them and they begin flying over our heads.

As we trekked deeper into the catacomb, the bats seem to be in orbit around us, probably wondering who these 2-legged underground invaders are. They never fly directly at us, just remained constantly watchful as we moved through their sunless world.

Bats Venado Cave Costa Rica — The bats of Venado Caves.

Back in time

Unlike typical cave tours, the authenticity of the Venado experience greatly surpassed more well-known and crowded caving sites. We were surprised to see no roped off areas or artificial lighting, or any indication that many had been there before us.

We were free to touch ancient marine fossils millions of years old. As we waded through the clear, chilly, rushing river water, the caverns opened up to exotic rock formations with equally interesting and descriptive names. The Birthing Canal formation — where you squeeze through to reach the next cavern, the flat-topped table-like Altar formation where fossils of smooth sand-colored Callista clam seashells overlap one another. Finally, we come to a magnificent orange rock formation in the shape of the local papaya fruit — hence the name “La Papaya”. Mother Nature at her finest.

At one point, Elvis dared us to turn off our headlamps. We flicked them off and were plunged into complete and utter darkness — pitch black. This made me realize how glad we were to have such friendly and accommodating guides in this underground maze. I am not sure it would be so easy to find our way out alone, even with our headlamps switched on.

The waterfall

After squeezing through some tight crevasses and following the winding limestone maze, we wound up standing under Costa Rica’s only known accessible underground waterfall. We stood under the cold splash as Carlos snapped several pictures and wondered where this otherworldly river originated. The locals have no idea, but it is fresh and clean and clear.

Costa Rica's Underground Waterfall Venado — The underground waterfall.

Unusual underground experience

For those travelers interested in adventure and a change from the typical touristy beach surfers and zip lining crowd, the caverns offer the perfect antidote. This one-and-a-half-hour tour can also fill in as a great rainy-day activity. There’s enough here to keep the interest of adults and kids alike. They also offer the opportunity enjoy a typical local Costa Rican Casado lunch after your tour for a modest $7USD. Venado truly offers a memorable natural exotic Costa Rican adventure.

Things to know

This is an adventurous tour, so you will get dirty and wet. Wear light, quick-drying clothes or bring a change. Bring a plastic bag to carry your wet clothes, too. And don’t forget a bathing suit and towel if you are going to swim in the pool.

This is not the tour for you if you are claustrophobic. It involves moderate climbing, some crawling and wading through flowing river water. Older travelers may not want to climb through the smaller more cramped passageways, but most of the caverns have alternative routes that offer easier access. The guides will offer you the option to choose which routes you want to take.

Cost in US Dollars

$28 per person for private guided tour and gear

$20 per couple for photographer and DVD (optional but highly recommended)

$7 per person for lunch (optional)

Contact Information:

Venado Caves website: https://www.cavernasdelvenadocr.com

Address: Alajuela Province, San Carlos, Costa Rica

Email: cavernasdelvenado@hotmail.com

Phone: (506) 2478-8008

Cell: (506) 8653-2086

Cell: (506) 8560-5909

9 Top San Diego Tiki Bars And Speakeasies

It’s no wonder wonder that San Diego is a Mecca of Tiki style. The city’s climate makes it the perfect place to enjoy a tropical cocktail. Plus, each August, Tiki Oasis, “the largest and longest-running festival for lovers of Island Lifestyle,” takes place over several days in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley.

Less well-known is San Diego’s enduring link to prohibition culture and speakeasies.

In the 1920’s, bootleggers, Hollywood celebrities, and possibly a British aristocrat, were fond of heading south into Mexico where parties flowed with booze along the Ensenada Playa and in the clubs of Tijuana. Enterprising restauranteurs in San Diego soon opened illegal bars of their own, gambling they could turn a profit by stealing some of that clientele.

Here are the best bars in San Diego to connect with the city’s Tiki and speakeasy history. Bottoms up!

1. Speakeasy: The Charles Kenneth, Carlsbad

One enterprising Prohibition-era entrepreneur in San Diego’s North County was hotel and restaurant proprietor Eddie Kentner. He created a secret watering hole behind a chicken butcher room where, with the touch of a button, the butcher could notify the bartender to spin the shelves and clear the tables whenever the police showed up. The officers would find nothing but leaves in tins behind the bar and patrons innocuously sipping on tea.

Now, nearly 100 years later, the same speakeasy concrete bunker has been recreated by Chef Rob Ruiz, owner of the Land & Water Co. restaurant. Ruiz found the old bar in the basement of Land & Water while renovating, and has toiled long to recreate an authentic accurate gin-joint vibe, arranging the small space with low-key furniture and offering only cocktails — in keeping with the historical records.

There’s a dress code at The Charles Kenneth on the weekends too! (No ball caps, tank tops, shorts, or sandals.)

Those who long to tipple in the intimate space may gain entrance with a daily password that can be found on the website or Instagram account under, @thecaptaincharleskenneth. Lines to enter have been considerable for this 44-seat bar, but patrons dining at Land & Water get preferential treatment.

There are occasional Tiki nights — check Instagram for more.

2. Tiki: False Idol, Little Italy

The city’s largest and glitziest Tiki hang-out is set secretively in Little Italy. You’ll need a reservation to access the entrance hidden inside the restaurant, Craft and Commerce. Beyond a hidden door is a grown-up’s playground complete with a waterfall and torches. Classic tropical drinks and updates of older recipes at False Idol won’t disappoint.

3. Speakeasy: 101 Proof, Oceanside

South of Camp Pendleton and downtown Oceanside, the 101 Proof speakeasy opened in a repurposed bank building as part of Urge Gastropub. Set off historical Highway 101, you won’t find the bar easily. (But then, that’s part of the allure of a honky-tonk.)

Most enter outside from around the corner of the restaurant through a simple bank door. From inside the restaurant, the speakeasy entrance is through a bookcase. The prevailing recommendation is to eat in Urge and drink in 101 Proof. The décor is passable vintage lux with low light, a tin ceiling, padded banquets and small tables. But the bar is where the action is, and you’ll get the best attention from the staff. Who doesn’t love watching a bartender concoct an elaborate drink? The Tiki drinks are strong and spendy, classic cocktails less so. Enter on Tuesday for Tiki nights.

Downtown San Diego is peppered with cool speakeasies, but you have to know where to find them!

4. Tiki: Cat Eye Club, Downtown East Village

A smallish bar that you enter through the Blind Burro, the Cat Eye Club tries hard to live up to its Tiki hype. Focus on the drinks and the cute menu rather than the mash-up décor with Chinese lamps plus a few generic Hawaiian touches, and enjoy the live music on the weekends. There are several drink innovations like a variety of strengths when you order a Painkiller and a few party-sized bowls. Prices are more moderate than at the certifiably hipster Tiki dens in town.

5. Speakeasy: Prohibition, Gaslamp Quarter

This slim space sits behind a plain door painted with the name ‘Eddie O’Hare, Esquire’. Perhaps it’s a nod to the Al Capone lawyer from Chicago who was gunned down in his car, but no one’s saying. Prohibition is one of the few spots in downtown with jazz, and the band gets guests on their feet. The cocktail list rotates with the bartender’s whims but leans toward classics and trendy mixes. This spot isn’t as hard to find as it once was — look for the line and the bouncer.

6. Tiki: The Grass Skirt, Pacific Beach

With its entrance hidden behind a Poke Bar, the Grass Skirt pays homage to the Tiki Gods throughout its golden glowing interior. The impressive patio fireplace grins, there are comfy booths, and the bar is long and plentiful. It’s rarely packed on weeknights and prices are more reasonable than at downtown bars.

7. Speakeasy: Noble Experiment, Gaslamp Quarter

Just down the street from Prohibition, Noble Experiment is another drinking den that’s not much of a secret. Reservations have become a necessity but once you’re inside, you’ll appreciate the crowd-control. This is a small bar and keeping the space comfortable gives patrons a chance to check out the interior. Look up! The portraits change!

The bar entrance is through the restaurant ‘Neighborhood,’ and if you find a line near the bathroom, you’re close. (No spoilers here!) Inside, the bartenders are attentive to your preferences, but if you want to get with the theme, order the dealer’s choice as your ‘noble experiment,’ by listing what you’re looking to imbibe. Expect a pricey tab, but the environment is perfect for an impressive date night.

8. Tiki: Miss B’s Coconut Club, Mission Beach

In the early twentieth century, developers were luring families to San Diego with elaborate tent cities. John Spreckels made movies about his vacation paradise on Coronado Island to advertise lots — and his famous Hotel del Coronado. In Mission Beach, JM Asher started a marketing campaign featuring a sexy lass on brochures about the area. Miss B., a clever metaphor for Mission Beach, was a fictitious bathing beauty used to sell lots! Today, her pinup curves decorate a mural in the tropical bar Miss B.s Coconut Club where flashy rum drinks rival her beauty. It’s a quintessential beach club too with huge slide up windows and patio seating just a block from the waves.

9. Speakeasy: Vin de Syrah, Gaslamp Quarter

While not officially a speakeasy, the designers behind Vin de Syrah disguised the entrance to the subterranean bar behind a wall of foliage. Step in and it’s like falling down Alice’s rabbit hole, with vines, chandeliers, private couches, and a style inspired by vintage Paris as much as lounges in New York’s meat-packing district. Wines are featured of course, but there’s also a unique beer list and a selection of cocktails.

Whether you want to explore San Diego’s prohibition past, its Tiki present, or some combination, these recommendations won’t lead you astray.

Ever curious and hungry for adventure, Elaine Masters is a passionate traveler and digital storyteller. As founder of Tripwellgal.com she thrives on variety, from following fishing trends to cocktail culture and uncovering unsung destinations. Elaine hunts for stories, pictures, and video across the planet from her San Diego base. A scuba diving and seafood fanatic, she agrees with Helen Keller that, “Life’s an adventure or nothing.”