Best Alcohol For Hot Chocolate

The best hot chocolate I’ve had came in the dead of winter after a long and cold walk home. I can still remember the battered yellow and blue tin of Nestle Quick that could be found sitting in the back of the cupboard along with all the other high-value treats my siblings and I attempted to hide from each other. Alas, soon enough it was discovered and dug out, with yet another pair of little hands trying to pry off the top. Usually, a spoon or pliers were taken to the tin to wrestle off the top. The mysterious chocolatey mixture brings great memories to mind.

Hot chocolate is still a favorite of mine, although now, my preferences lean toward real chocolate and I like to spike it with the good stuff from time to time. Here’s some of the best alcohol for hot chocolate.

Popular Hot Chocolate Concoctions

As a part-time bartender, I’m busy slinging drinks during the holidays. I can tell you that a lot of people like spiked hot chocolate this time of year. It’s a festive mood-enhancer and body-warmer. We see a lot of people posing in front of the Christmas trees with a cup of spiked hot chocolate in hand; it’s a festive treat.

Our most popular combinations are hot chocolate with Baileys, Amaretto, and Jack Fire. Many love the creamy goodness of Baileys Irish Cream in their hot chocolate. A lot of the guys prefer adding a little Jack Fire to their cup of the hot stuff. For those that like the Jack Daniels brand, plus the cinnamon-y sensation, Jack Fire is a winner-winner. Other people prefer to kick up their hot chocolate with the zingy taste of Fireball. The taste of Jack Fire and Fireball are very similar and I don’t know if I could tell the difference in a blind taste test. I’ve drank plenty of both while trying to keep warm during football games, which are now somewhat of a spiked hot chocolate blur.

A lot of ladies that come up to the bar like Amaretto as a boozy hot chocolate add-in. The Amaretto hot chocolate combo is a little unique and may be an acquired taste, but it works for them. We add a splash of grenadine which kicks up the flavor another notch and makes for a pretty and delicious combination.

If you make a poll about the best alcohol for hot chocolate, you’ll get as many different answers as there are alcohol varieties. Yes, the different ways to spike hot chocolate are almost limitless. Your imagination is your only limit when it comes to making the perfect boozy hot chocolate. Here are more ideas for great hot chocolate and booze combinations to get you started.

Shots of Rumchata, perfect to add in a boozy hot chocolate conconction
Photo credit: Emma McIntyre / Getty Images for VOX Media

Best Alcohol For Hot Chocolate

Grab your mug and put on some fuzzy slippers. You’ll feel super cozy with a cup of hot chocolate with any of these boozy mix-ins: peppermint schnapps, mint schnapps, vanilla schnapps, butterscotch schnapps, Frangelico, Kahlua, Rumchata, peanut butter whiskey, Triple Sec, Godiva chocolate liqueur, Fireball, brandy, Grand Marnier, Rumplemintz, orange liqueur, Jamison, Jack Daniels Honey, vanilla vodka, plain vodka, and even wine. It seems that many people are fond of red wine hot chocolate made in a crock pot.

In addition to spiking your hot chocolate, try adding Chambord or Baileys to cream for an excellent, boozy whipped cream. Or add Grand Marnier and top it with whipped cream and orange zest, really bringing out the orange flavor. For a luscious Mexican hot chocolate, add tequila or dark rum to your traditional recipe. If you’re going with peppermint as the alcohol for your hot chocolate, make it extra festive with a peppermint stick for stirring.

Hot Chocolate In The U.S.

Las Vegas

The coolest place in Vegas to try boozy hot chocolate may be the Ice Bar. With an interior made of ice, ice sculptures with neon lighting, and everyone dressed in their warm winter wear, the Ice Bar is a hot spot to try a festive and boozy hot chocolate drink. The menu includes hot chocolate spiked with Baileys or Kahlua topped with crushed peppermint and fluffy marshmallows. This over-the-top winter wonderland experience is not to be missed!

If you’re looking for a winter experience in the desert of Las Vegas, the Ski Lodge and Superfrico at The Cosmopolitan won’t disappoint. Ready to find a hidden spot on the slopes of Las Vegas? Maybe not exactly on the slopes, but if you can find this elusive spot within The Cosmopolitan, you’ll be rewarded with a mind-blowing hideaway that’s a winter wonderland of delight and cocktails. Enjoy the “Skinog” with Ketel One or the “Shotski” with Baileys Chocolate.

The Alibi Ultra Lounge at Aria has a festive menu of cocktails including the chocolatey Holiday Spark, which marries whiskey with Baileys and the ultimate whipped cream topping.

Breckenridge

Hot drinks and skiing go hand in hand. What better way to warm up after hitting the slopes all day? Robbie’s Tavern, which sits directly on the ski slopes, offers hot cocktails that radiate warmth. Try the Fireside: hot chocolate with Fireball topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermints. Another good choice is the Peppermint Patty, which consists of hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps and topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermints.

Blue Stag Saloon is another Breckenridge favorite and here you can have your spiked hot chocolate fireside at the indoor or outdoor fireplace. Try the Chili de Coco with Breckenridge chili vodka, Kahlua, and hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate bar during an NYC Winter Wonderland event last year
Photo credit: Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video

New York City

Get yourself to the speakeasy-themed restaurant and bar below the Andaz Hotel and try The Fellow, inspired by Mexican hot chocolate. This drink at The Bar Downstairs includes tequila or mezcal, chile liqueur, house-made cocoa mix, and oat milk.

Visit Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar and try their version of spiked hot chocolate in NYC, which includes homemade hot chocolate, Frangelico, and Hennessy. You’ll enjoy the New York City cocktail scene in the gorgeous outdoor-enclosed heated garden.

Omaha

With its freezing cold winters, Omahans know a thing or two about how to stay warm in the long winter months. Of course, spiked hot chocolate is on a lot of people’s radar during the holiday season as the perfect way to stay warm while being out with friends. There are more than a few places to enjoy the perfect boozy-infused alcohol concoction around town.

At the top of the list is one of my favorite bars in one of my favorite areas of town, Mr. Toads in the Old Market. This market mainstay has been around for a long time — since the 1970s — and it’s better than ever. Sneak in for Sunday night Jazz and sip on a delish hot chocolate drink. Try the Peppermint Patty, which is peppermint schnapps and dark creme de cacao in hot chocolate. Another favorite is the Hot Mudslide — a Kapali, vodka, Irish creme, and hot chocolate concoction. Rick’s Choco Razz will really warm you up with its mixture of Chateau Monet, Mozart dark chocolate, coffee, and hot chocolate.

Further west on 16th Street, you’ll find a wide array of creative holiday-inspired cocktails including interesting hot chocolate mixtures at the mid-century-inspired hangout spot, Mercury. The Yukon Cornelius includes yummy homemade hot chocolate, bourbon, and a marshmallow topping. Although they aren’t spiked hot chocolate drinks, I want to try the Papa Noel and the Bring Us Some Figgy Fudding based on the names alone!

The Holiday Hut at the Kimpton is another fun spot in town to enjoy steaming spiked hot chocolate in a festive holiday atmosphere. The hut is a pop-up holiday bar that promises an over-the-top experience with seasonal cocktails amid festive décor. Head to the Kimpton for the best holiday photos, too!

The Naughty Or Nice Pop-Up Bar at The Venues at the Granary in Ralson is yet another way to enjoy the holiday with good cheer. With a full holiday cocktail menu including the ever-popular alcohol-infused hot chocolate, a Christmas tree lot with real snow, and even a hot chocolate food truck, how can you not get into the holiday spirit here?

Chocolate shop in Bruges, Belgium
Photo credit: Roman Wimmers / Unsplash

Hot Chocolate Around The World

Believe it or not, some people don’t enjoy boozy hot chocolate but prefer it to be straight up. For those folks, we found out how people in countries around the world enjoy their hot chocolate.

Spain

Spanish hot chocolate has a pudding-like consistency and is made with whole milk, bittersweet dark chocolate, and sugar. “Chocolate Caliente,” as it’s known in Spain, is best when paired with warm churros.

Belgium

Belgian chocolate is the secret ingredient in Belgian hot chocolate. Whole milk or even half-and-half is warmed, then dark and milk chocolates are stirred in until melted. Add a pinch of cinnamon topped with whipped cream and get ready for rich, luscious goodness in a mug.

France

The French like their hot chocolate with a heavy chocolate flavor and I’m with them. If it’s not super chocolatey, why bother? For the ultimate chocolate taste, use chocolate that contains cacao of at least 70 percent to make real chocolat chaud. Combine with whole milk, real cream, and real vanilla for a French-inspired treat.

Italy

In Italy, thick and creamy hot chocolate is the rule. Cioccolata calda, as it’s known in Italy, is made with milk, dark chocolate, and sugar. Cornstarch is the secret ingredient to make this concoction even thicker. This is a rich and sinful treat.

Mexico

Tasty Mexican hot chocolate is similar to other hot chocolate but has a sweet and spicy kick. The chocolate flavor is less intense and the Mexican variety usually contains cinnamon and chili powder or cayenne pepper.

History Of Chocolate And Hot Chocolate

So where did these delectable drinks begin? The history of choc goes back almost 3,000 years. We can thank the Mayans, and later the Aztecs, who came up with drinking chocolate made from the beans of the cacao tree. We also must thank the Spanish conquistadors who brought the drink to Europe in the mid-1500s, along with the recipe for drinking chocolate.

Cacao tree in the Caribbean
Photo credit: Jametlene Reskp / Unsplash

How Is Hot Chocolate Made?

Of course, you have to start with good cacao beans to make good chocolate and hot chocolate. The really good chocolate is made simply with better ingredients, by people who spend a lot of time trying to get the process just right.

The entire chocolate-making process is complicated, and like wine-making, is a mixture of art and science. Thank goodness we have masterful people in our world who thrive on creating this delicious treat.

The chocolate-making process starts with the cacao tree. The cacao tree first appeared in the Amazon basin and grows in a limited geographical zone. You’ll only find it in locations about 20 degrees to the north and south of the equator. Much of the cacao beans in the world come from Central and South America.

Farmers harvest the beans, carefully removing the pods from the tree and opening them. Inside each pod are about 30 cocoa beans or seeds. Raw beans don’t taste like chocolate and have to be developed during processing. Cocoa beans are fermented, sometimes under banana or plantain leaves, and dried. After this, the beans are shipped to other countries for bean-to-bar companies to make into chocolate.

Chocolate-making has changed in the last 10 years. Artisanal chocolate makers have come on the scene and changed the way a lot of chocolate is produced. What was once a solely industrialized process has now evolved into a more single-origin and bean-to-bar-focused production.

As consumers have begun to demand less sugary chocolates, the bean-to-bar chocolate movement has come into center stage. Bean-to-bar chocolate is usually scratch-made by a single person or a small group of people. The makers work directly with their small group of suppliers so they know where their ingredients come from.

The artisanal producer usually oversees everything from sourcing the whole cacao beans, then roasting, sorting, and winnowing the product in a single facility. Unlike most of the chocolate we eat today — a sugary mixture of mass-produced chocolate from low-quality cacao beans — the good chocolate is made by artisans. This chocolate is added to real milk and hot chocolate is born!

Chocolate making in San Francisco
Photo credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Turning Beans Into Chocolate: A Four-Step Process

The process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate doesn’t happen quickly. The four-step process takes time and expertise. Processing the beans includes:

Roasting
Cracking, sorting, and winnowing
Grinding and refining
Tempering

Cacao Vs. Cocoa: What’s The Difference?

You may be confused by some of the terms associated with chocolate as I was. As far as the bean-to-bar community of experts — now over 200 — cacao generally means the pod and the beans until they’ve been roasted. Cocoa refers to the product post-roasting.

Drinking Chocolate Vs. Hot Cocoa

People also tend to be confused by the term “drinking chocolate.” Drinking chocolate is a thick, rich drink made of melted chocolate, sugar, water, milk, or cream. Hot cocoa, on the other hand, is an alkalized cocoa powder mixed with hot milk or water.

cacao beans — Cacao is rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, and more.
Photo credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Health Benefits Of Chocolate

Chocolate has more antioxidants than both red wine and green tea — even more so when it’s heated. Antioxidants are abundant in dark chocolate made from cacao. These flavonoids have many health benefits, like helping to lower blood pressure, protecting skin, and repairing damage done by free radicals. Chocolate is also rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps protect the nervous system.

Cacao is rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, and more. Cacao also improves blood flow through blood thinning properties like those in aspirin. Dark chocolate is also known to fight inflammation and has great mood-boosting benefits that help your mental health.

Throughout history, both hot chocolate and its predecessor have been said to provide a slew of health benefits. Cocoa is a supposed cure-all used to treat everything from stomach ailments and liver disease to tuberculosis and postnasal drip. It provides energy and improves skin appearance. Hot chocolate was once used as a laxative and, despite the seeming contradiction, ground cocoa beans were also said to fight dysentery.

There are many great reasons to indulge in dark chocolate. To eat the most healthy chocolate, you need to roast your own cacao beans. This gives you complete control over the flavor as well.

Conclusion

Don’t feel guilty the next time you want a boozy hot chocolate cocktail. You can sort of feel good about indulging in this decadent treat if you start with the right kind of artisanal cacao and drink it surrounded by good friends.

5 Epic Train Rides In Texas | For a Relaxed and Picturesque Journey

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

I love to ride trains. My great-grandparents saw travel evolve from horse-drawn carriages to electric street cars, urban subways, and passenger trains.

Today, we seek fast travel by jet or a sleek car, but what about turning back the clock to railroad transit and passenger trains? There is something about the golden age of train travel that’s fun for all ages. It’s a time to slow down, relax, and let the landscape flow past us. Let’s explore train rides in Texas, great fun for the whole family. All aboard!

5 Epic Train Rides In Texas for an Amazing Experience

1. Palestine To Rusk

Texas State Railroad

Step aboard a refurbished train car at the Texas State Railroad and feel like you have stepped back in time 100 years, where time slows down and tensions disappear. Relax and enjoy a 4-hour roundtrip train excursion from Palestine to Rusk and back, with vintage steam and diesel locomotives gliding through the piney woods of East Texas as the fall leaves begin to turn shades of golds, oranges, yellows, and reds.

At the depot, learn about the railroad communities, savor a bite to eat with family at the Rusk Mail Car Cafe, and shop the gifts and keepsakes at Roundhouse 1909 in Palestine. Ride comfortably, enjoy a historical narrative, meet friendly and entertaining staff, and sample food and adult beverages on your journey. The four-hour train ride breaks down to a 1.5-hour 25-mile trip to the destination depot, a one-hour lunchtime, and a 1.5-hour return trip.

In October, the Pumpkin Patch Express leaves from Rusk, a 30-minute round trip train ride, including hayrides, spooky music, a bounce house, concessions, and trick-or-treating on Trick or Treat Street. Each child picks out a pumpkin to take home for carving. Fall is a fabulous time to take a train trip through the U.S.

Make reservations now for the Polar Express for November and December. The Presidential Class car seating is limited where a ride with Santa, keepsake Polar Express mugs, hot chocolate, and cookies make for a magical experience.

Camping facilities at the Rusk Campground offer a stay onsite at a historic railroad, with access to depot amenities including lunch, gift shop, and movie theater access on train departure days. Movies filmed on the Texas State Railroad are featured, with stars like Denzel Washington, George Clooney, John Goodman, and Sam Elliot.

This was definitely one of my favorite U.S. train rides.

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2. Cedar Park To Burnet

Austin Steam Train Association

All aboard! Take the historic 6-hour, 66-mile roundtrip Hill Country Flyer from Cedar Park, north of Austin, and just east of Lake Travis, to Burnet with a brief layover there for lunch and shopping. There are at least four classes of service: excursion coach, first-class coach, first-class lounge, and adults-only first-class lounge.

The Bertram Flyer is a shorter trip, traveling from Cedar Park to Bertram, with a 15-minute layover in Bertram and enough time to tour the 1912 train depot there. The train runs from March through November on Saturdays and Sundays.

The North Pole Flyer 2021 with Santa leaves from Bertram and is a 2-hour roundtrip. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure and be in your seat no later than 10 minutes before the train leaves. Read the Terms and Conditions about no refunds and restrictions.

Enjoy hot chocolate and the elf’s reading of the North Pole Flyer book.

Read about the vintage train cars here.

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3. Grapevine To Fort Worth Stockyards

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Travel from Main Street Station in Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad while relaxing in air-conditioned Victorian train cars.

See the schedule for special events like Murder Mystery Trains and reserved group events.

Wear your costume on the Witches Brew Train on October 29, 2021, which features hors d’oeuvres and local draft brew served in a souvenir mug. Take time to tour the Haunted Depot. Wear your Halloween costume on the Trick ‘R Treat Trains on October 30 and enjoy this 1-hour excursion.

Make your reservations now for the hour-long North Pole Express November through December, presented by Great Wolf Lodge and Trinity Metro TEXRail. Wear your Christmas pajamas while you take a Christmas train journey to Santa’s Workshop, a family-friendly trip. The After Christmas Trains run December 26 through 30, 2021, on holiday-decorated coaches as you continue the Christmas spirit.

In April, ride The Jazz Wine Train aboard the 1920s Victorian coaches with soulful jazz entertainment while sipping great Grapevine wine. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres plus a dessert trio box. Sip wine from several winery tasting rooms from a souvenir wine glass.

Bring the little ones for a Day Out With Thomas, presented by Mattel. Ride the train with the classic storybook engine and have fun with “trains, games & miles of smiles!”

Mattel and the Museum of the American Railroad helped sponsor this event. I took my grandchildren for a train ride right after Christmas on the Grapevine Railroad Stockyards Trinity River Excursion. We traveled from the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, through Trinity Park to the 8th Avenue historic railyard, then returned to the stockyards.

You’ll see the Great Train Heist, with greedy outlaws and the railroad detectives close behind.

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4. Along The Big Cypress Bayou

Historic Jefferson Railway

Jefferson Railway Bridge in Jefferson, Texas
Photo credit: Martina Birnbaum / Shutterstock.com

The gas-powered 1910 Plymouth Locomotive called “The Critter” and the Historic Jefferson Railway take you for a ride along the Big Cypress Bayou and through the piney woods. The 40-minute ride stops at Diamond Don Gator Pit where hungry alligators have lunch.

Watch for the Boggy Creek monster, the star of the 2010 horror movie, Boggy Creek, filmed locally.

The beast resembles the old Bigfoot or Sasquatch monster and is directed, and produced by Brian T. Jaynes.

Jefferson Train Days, happening every May, is the Historic Jefferson Train Show with operating model train layouts, Kids Corral, model train and toy vendors, and Thomas The Train Play area. You can ride the historic Jefferson Railway and the Lonesome Dove Safari and Train petting zoo.

Halloween Express runs day and evening narrated rides every Saturday in October featuring monsters of the deep. Listen to the storyteller along with this 40-minute train excursion with ghostly spirits, the monster, or Bigfoot emerging from the swamplands, but it’s not scary.

Enjoy the Christmas Express Train narrated day and evening tours with Christmas vignettes along the beautiful Big Cypress Bayou River. The New Year’s Express features beverages, noisemakers, and with the ball drop and five authentic cannons firing dramatic “dragons’ breath.”

On the last weekend In May, see the Great Locomotive Chase and Civil War Battle with reenactors from the North and South. Ride the 1870s replica steam train and hear the tale of the Andrews Raid, a thrilling railroad story. Engine #7, known as the Robert E. Lee will take you along Big Cypress Bayou, through the piney woods, where you will view a Confederate Powder Magazine and travel to the site of one of the oldest historical towns in Texas. Ride the Historic Jefferson Railway’s famous Ghost Train to experience the haunts of the Civil War.

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5. Amtrak Texas Eagle

Amtrak isn’t necessarily a tourist train ride like the others we’ve mentioned here, but it must be included when talking about train rides in Texas. One of the three Amtrak routes in Texas is the Texas Eagle, which, by the way, is the longest train route in the whole country. There are more attractions to enjoy en route than we could ever list and is one of the best train trips in Texas.

The Texas Eagle will take you deep into the heart of Texas where you get to see the land of Lincoln, Illinois, travel across the Mississippi River and the Ozarks, and the trilling Piney Woods of East Texas. Along the way, you will Marvel at the gorgeous views of big cities, like the cosmopolitan Dallas, and Austin, before you arrive in popular San Antonio.

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle consists of double-deck Superliner cars and is staffed with a crew dedicated to your comfort. Anyone booking a private room in a sleeper car gets additional perks like complimentary meals and lounge access. In-room amenities include the fold-down tray, 110V outlet, attendant call button, lighting and climate controls, clothes closet, soap, and towels.

Now that’s some modern-day train travel for you.

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FAQs

Is Food and Drink Available Onboard Texas State Railroad Train?

Yes. There is a concession car available offering a variety of non-alcoholic beverages as well as beer, wine, and premium liquor service. You can also buy snacks like candy bars, ice cream, and popcorn.

What Days Does the Austin Steam Train Association Train Run?

Their train usually runs on Saturdays and Sundays only. Whether the train runs Saturday AM, Saturday PM, or mid-day Sunday changes by season. Twice a year there may also be a mid-week Spring Break Train or Summertime Train.

What Time Does the Grapevine Vintage Railroad Train Board in Grapevine?

Boarding begins 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time in Grapevine. All passengers should be on board at least 10 minutes before departure because the train doesn’t stop for late passengers once it gets moving.

Which Is the Busiest and Most Popular Scenic Train Ride in Texas?

The state’s busiest and most popular scenic train ride is the Texas State Railroad, which hosts a multitude of excursions and numerous special events throughout the year depending on your interest. There are historic steam and diesel locomotives as well as trolleys in operation.

Why Take a Tourist Train Ride in Texas?

Tourist train rides offer entertaining journeys for the whole family. Whether you’re a local looking for something to do in your home state, a visitor interested in a unique experience, or an avid locomotive enthusiast, you will have a splendid time on one of these train rides in Texas.

Best Things to Do in Zanzibar & What You Need To Know Before Visiting (Our Tips Included)

Is there anywhere in the world that sounds more beguiling than Zanzibar? You can virtually feel the sea breeze, hear the rustle of palm leaves, and smell the spices just by saying Zanzibar. I had always been intrigued by this Indian Ocean spice island just by the name alone, but once I set foot there and watched the iconic triangular-sailed dhows on the ocean; sampled the cuisine; and experienced this interesting mix between African and Arabian cultures, I truly fell in love with it.

Zanzibar is an archipelago of four islands off the coast of East Africa; its main island, Unguja, is often referred to as Zanzibar. Because of its strategic location along spice and slave trade routes in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar was a stronghold for many countries throughout its history. The country of Oman even declared Zanzibar its capital for 30 years in the 17th century. In the 1960s, the archipelago joined Tanganyika to form the country of Tanzania. (Tanzania lies just south of Kenya, with the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro practically straddling the border.)

Today, Zanzibar’s mainstays are spices and tourism, and English is widely spoken. Despite the tourism in the Zanzibar archipelago, finding people who have visited the islands is still quite rare, making this a dream location still very much off the beaten track.

Aerial view of Stone Town in Zanzibar. — Aerial view of Stone Town in Zanzibar City
Photo credit: Marius Dobilas / Shutterstock.com

Best Things to Do in Zanzibar & What You Need To Know Before Visiting (Our Tips Included)

1. How To Get To Zanzibar

None of the U.S. airlines fly directly to Zanzibar, but you can connect through Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (the largest city in Tanzania). If you fly into Dar es Salaam, you have the option to take a short flight to the island or take the ferry connecting the mainland with Stone Town, the old portion of lovely Zanzibar City.

You can also connect through Middle Eastern airports such as those in Doha, Qatar; and Dubai, UAE; or through Johannesburg, South Africa.

Pro Tip: Finding Tanzanian shillings in the U.S. is virtually impossible, so hold out until you land in Tanzania and get the local currency from the ATMs in the airport. Make sure you always have plenty of change on you, as things are cheap and market stalls and cafes do not usually take cards.

Canons on the coast of Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Zanzibar — Canons on the coast of Stone Town
Photo credit: In Green / Shutterstock.com

2. Why You Should Visit Zanzibar

If the name alone doesn’t convince you, then visualize a perfect Indian Ocean island off the coast of Tanzania. You’ll see palm-fringed white-sand beaches protected by a healthy coral reef perfect for scuba diving. You’ll see blue water, an interior that still has plenty of indigenous forestland, and a capital, Zanzibar City, that is full of amazing architecture — a mix of Omani palaces, Arabian arches, and Indian wooden balconies and studded doors. The town’s narrow streets are bustling with life, offering visitors a heady mix made up of local women offering you henna tattoos, Maasai warriors playing pool in a corner cafe, multiple colorful markets, delicious food, fabulous shopping, and plenty of varied history. And then there are the beach resorts.

The best way to experience Zanzibar, at least in my mind, is to have a two-stop vacation: a stay in Stone Town which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 to enjoy all the town has to offer for a few days, then a drive through the interior to one of the many beach hotels and resorts to spend a few days relaxing on the beach. A week or two would not be too long, because there are a lot of things you can do in Zanzibar with your family or friends.

A hotel on the east coast of Zanzibar. — A hotel on the coast of Zanzibar
Photo credit: Denis Belitsky / Shutterstock.com

3. The Best Time To Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar is very close to the equator, and because of that, the temperatures are steady throughout the year, going from warm to hot (77 degrees to slightly above 85 degrees), with the advantage of a fresh sea breeze reaching you nearly everywhere on the island. Between March and the end of May, you have the so-called heavy rains, but even then, the days are mostly dry with only odd heavy showers. The short rains take place in November.

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so do check what dates Ramadan and the two Eid celebrations fall on, as you will find many shops and cafes closed (although the beach resorts will offer business as usual).

Please note that there is malaria in Zanzibar, so you will need to get a suitable combination of malaria prophylaxis. Check with your nearest tropical diseases institute to learn which prophylaxis brands are recommended for the time you are planning to go.

4. The Best Things To Do In Zanzibar

The House Of Wonders

The House of Wonders (Bait al Ajaib) in Stone Town was once the ceremonial palace of Sultan Bargash bin Said, the Omani sultan who ruled Zanzibar between 1870 and 1888. The building incorporates most of the typical Zanzibari architecture: enormous wooden doors, a reminder of both Arab and Indian craftsmanship; tall columns creating shady verandas around the building; and rooms located on the outside of the building, creating an airy and cool courtyard inside. It is now a museum in dire need of a bit of love and care but has an intriguing and eclectic mix of artifacts from throughout Zanzibar’s history.

Please note that a large part of the House of Wonders collapsed in 2020, and while restoration efforts are being made, progress is slow.

Next door, you’ll find the old Arab Fort dating back to the 17th century, which is worth exploring.

The Darajani Market in Stone Town, Zanzibar. — The Darajani Market in Stone Town
Photo credit: Sun_Shine / Shutterstock.com

The Markets

The Darajani Market is the main market in historic Stone Town and, in fact, all of the main island. This is where everyone does their food shopping, exchanges gossip, and meets with friends. The atmosphere is electric; the colors, noise, and smells a feast for the senses. Obviously, with Zanzibar being the Spice Island, you shouldn’t miss the spice section. There is also a small souvenir market with local arts and crafts on sale next to the Old Fort.

At night, an absolute must-do is the food market in the Forodhani Gardens, just in front of the House of Wonders. Make sure you have plenty of small denominations of Tanzanian shillings in cash, as the food is cheap and cards are not taken.

Jozani Forest

The Jozani Forest is part of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and the only home of the rare red colobus monkeys. You can book guided tours from Stone Town (or any beach resort) to the reserve, and a guide will take you through the mature forest, full of teak, mahogany, raffia palms, and wild date palms. You will spot chameleons, elephant shrews, and bush babies if you are lucky. You will certainly spot the friendly monkeys, which you are not supposed to touch, but which will reach out for you. They are just as interested in the visitors as the visitors are in them.

A fresh nutmeg fruit from a spice plantation in Zanzibar. — A fresh nutmeg fruit from a spice plantation in Zanzibar
Photo credit: Daniela Mihaylova / Shutterstock.com

Spice Plantations

There are several spice plantations that are open to visitors; book a tour through your hotel, and you will learn so much. Even if you are a keen cook, you will be amazed by the cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, cardamom, vanilla, turmeric, curry leaves, and many more kitchen staples that grow here. You’ll also find coconut, jackfruit, durian, guava, papaya, and 10 species of banana.

Day Trip to Prison Island

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a historic site off the coast of Tanzania with ancient ruins and giant tortoises. Prison Island earned its name due to its historical use as a detention center for rebellious slaves in the 19th century.

You can go on a Zanzibar Prison Island Boat Trip for about $60 or opt for the Spice Tour + Stone Town Tour + Prison Island at about $120.

Shops in Stone Town, Zanzibar. — Shops in Stone Town
Photo credit: Venera Salman / Shutterstock.com

Shopping In Stone Town

In addition to the markets and the ubiquitous street stalls, Stone Town has superb shopping. The whole town is an interior decorator’s dream come true.

Gizenga Street is filled with art galleries selling native Tingatinga paintings and shops selling African carvings, colorful kangas, and Maasai beaded jewelry. The area around Shangani Street has a few more up-market souvenir shops.

Street food at Forodhani Gardens, Zanzibar — Street food at Forodhani Gardens
Photo credit: margo1778 / Shutterstock.com

5. The Best Restaurants In Zanzibar

The Tea House At The Emerson On Hurumzi Hotel

Formerly the Emerson and Green, the Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel offers typical Zanzibari food at The Tea House nightly. A small and cozy place on the roof terrace with fab views, you will sample the best Zanzibar’s food scene can offer here.

Forodhani Gardens

Forget restaurants and head to the Forodhani Gardens night market to sample Zanzibari street food. From freshly caught and grilled fish and shrimp to the Zanzibar pizza (a cross between an omelet and a pancake) you get extremely inexpensive and interesting food with a superb setting and atmosphere thrown in.

Mercury’s

Did you know that Freddy Mercury was born in Zanzibar? Mercury’s, the bar named after him, is right next to the dhow harbor and not only offers great cocktails, but fabulous seats for the famous Zanzibari sunsets.

The Rock Restaurant

Sitting on a rock just offshore the Indian Ocean, about 20 minutes from Paje, this charming, tiny exclusive restaurant has become a world-famous icon of the island. You can reach the Rock Restaurant by a small boat when the tide is in, or simply walk to it at low tide.

It’s best to go at lunchtime because in the evening it is too dark to appreciate this unique setting. The food may be more expensive than in most places on the island, but the experience is unforgettable.

Pro Tip: With only 12 tables, it’s often fully booked, so reserve your spot well in advance.

6. The Best Places To Stay In Zanzibar

The Serena Inn

The Serena Inn is a luxurious hotel in the place to be in Stone Town. Perfect for sunset drinks on the terrace, great shopping just steps away, and all the conveniences you could wish for after a day’s dusty exploring.

Emerson On Hurumzi Hotel

Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel is my personal favorite. It’s a converted townhouse right in the heart of old Stone Town with a roof terrace, from which you can look out over the higgledy-piggledy roofs of the city all the way to the ocean. Superb personal service and gorgeous interior design.

Breezes Beach Club

Along the coast of Zanzibar, you can find accommodations ranging from five-star luxury resorts to hostels, but for a nice resort, not too pricey but with all the amenities and a great spa, Breezes Beach Club and Spa is a good choice. Plenty of water sports and activities, including scuba diving and snorkeling, are available, but it still remains a relatively small and cozy place.

7. Go on a Dhow Cruise

Taking a two-hour or a three-hour dhow cruise from Nungwi is a splendid way to spend an afternoon in Zanzibar. When timed properly, your cruise will end just after sunset so that you can enjoy the spectacle from the dhow.

Located on the northern tip of Unguja Island, the village of Nungwi is the traditional hub for dhow building, and you can still find craftsmen at the beach making these unique vessels.

When it comes to choosing a traditional dhow boat cruise, you can choose between a private or a group ride. Drinks are usually included in the price.

FAQs

Is Zanzibar Safe To Visit?

Yes, Zanzibar is one of the safest African destinations, even for solo lady travelers.

Zanzibar Islands are part of Tanzania, one of the most stable African countries. Tanzania ranks first among the most peaceful countries in East Africa.

Are There Sharks in Zanzibar?

Yes, but they are harmless reef sharks. You can also swim with whale sharks which are safe to swim and dive with. There have been no shark attacks recorded in the Zanzibar archipelago even though great white sharks are occasionally spotted in the deep waters.

Is Zanzibar Expensive?

The answer is no. Zanzibar offers a wide range of accommodation and activities and as a result, arranging a budget Zanzibar holiday shouldn’t pose a problem. Zanzibar features pristine white sand beaches and stunning diving locations but at a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay to go to the Maldives.

Can I Drink Alcohol in Zanzibar?

Yes. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol for devotees, but as a visitor, you can drink alcohol. Restaurants, hotels, and resorts all lean toward the tastes of travelers and serve alcohol. Just avoid drunken behavior, don’t carry, and don’t drink alcohol openly in public.

Is Zanzibar Good for Honeymoons?

It certainly is. Zanzibar is one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations. The combination of picture-perfect beaches, sunny weather, and secluded resorts of Zanzibar make it a very sought-after romantic getaway. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals add to it being the ideal honeymoon setting.

Year In Review: Top Travel News Stories Of 2023

From a remarkably cold winter and a new comet to the closure of an immensely popular UNESCO World Heritage Site, the past year in travel has seen some ups and downs. In 2023, we covered travel news that helped our readers hit the road while staying up to date. From travel warnings to potential brand-new national parks, our top travel news from 2023 showed us which topics interest our TravelAwaits readers the most.

Our most popular travel news stories from the U.S. occurred in Florida, but international news seemed to really concern our readers this past year, whether it was the closing of an ancient ruin in South America or celestial events occurring outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

Let’s take a second to look back at the travel news that piqued our readers’ interest the most this past year, and then look ahead at 2024.

Ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, Peru
Photo credit: VarnaK / Shutterstock.com

Peru Closes Machu Picchu To Visitors

In late 2022, Peru’s President Pedro Castillo was impeached due to corruption. Spurring countrywide protests, the political issue caused civil unrest and forced the Ministry of Tourism to close the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Demonstrations near the ruins caused rail damage to nearby trains and forced the Cusco airport to suspend operations. The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Peru and urged visitors to “exercise increased caution due to civil unrest.”

Luckily, the disruptions did not last very long and Machu Picchu was reopened on February 12, 2023.

Farmers’ Almanac Predicts Very Cold Winter In Canada

Our readers like to stay in the know regarding one specific topic over any other: the weather. Every year, the Farmers’ Almanac releases its extended weather forecast for the U.S. and Canada. From an unusually warm winter in 2022 to a sizzling summer in 2023, TravelAwaits readers proved once again that they’re interested in the weather.

This year, though, it wasn’t any of the U.S. forecasts that made the list of top travel news stories. Indeed, the Farmers’ Almanac Winter Weather Forecast for Canada is the next story on our list. While readers scoured to see the upcoming winter’s potential outcome, they were told that “The BRRR Is Back!” — not unlike the U.S. forecast.

According to Canada’s winter outlook — and this is still relevant for the upcoming 2024 winter — the eastern part of the country will be chilly and stormy with a “wintry mishmash.” The central region will be “bitterly cold,” and the west will be seasonally cold, or very cold, with snowfall and wetness.

April’s Lyrid Meteor Shower Could Bring Up To 20 Meteors An Hour

“The Lyrid meteor shower occurs each year in April when Earth passes through the debris trail of a comet called C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered on April 5, 1861, by A. E. Thatcher,” said Jim Fulcher. “The comet takes 417 years to orbit the sun.”

One of several annual celestial events, the Lyrid meteor shower serves as an introduction to the springtime. Not specific to any region, the meteors are visible from anywhere that has dark skies and low levels of light pollution.

From meteors and comets to blue moons, our readers loved the astronomy news this year — as you’ll see later on in this list.

Orca May Return To Ocean After 50 Years In Captivity

One of the more somber stories on this list, Lolita from the Miami Seaquarium had heaps of hope this past April when it was announced she’d be returning to her home waters in the Pacific Northwest. In partnership with the seaquarium, an animal rights organization, and philanthropist Jim Irsay, Lolita was set to return sometime this year.

The original plan was for her to return during a gradual process so as to not aggravate her sickness, which was the main reason she was leaving the seaquarium in the first place. With even greater hopes to return to her mother — a 95-year-old killer whale still said to be living in Puget Sound waters — Lolita was supposed to live the rest of her life as a free creature.

Unfortunately, Lolita was unable to complete the journey back to her original home and passed away in August. A heartwarming story that ended in sadness, it’s a stark reminder of the preciousness of endangered species worldwide.

Warmer, shallow water for juvenile great white sharks — Warmer, shallow water provides a safer area from predators and food sources for juvenile great white sharks.
Photo credit: Carlos Gauna / The Malibu Artist

Great White Sharks Located Near Swimmers Along California Coast

Just a few states below Lolita’s home waters in Washington State, another aquatic visitor made a splash this summer. Instead of killer whales, it was juvenile great white sharks that stirred up a commotion this time.

Thanks to a study from California State University Long Beach Shark Lab, “hotspots” of juvenile great whites were found in multiple areas near Southern California. Luckily, it was only juveniles reported to have been in these waters back in the summer; great whites are known as “juvenile” from birth to about 6 years old.

“Juveniles like warm water and the safety of shallow areas for protection and access to their favorite food: sting rays on the shore line,” said TravelAwaits contributor Christy Karsten.

What Will Be The Next U.S. National Park? A Look At 7 Contenders

In 2020, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve became America’s newest national park. Since then, readers and travelers have been eager for news of the park service’s next installment. This past summer, we took a look at seven potential candidates for America’s next national park.

“The U.S. is full of worthy candidates, but national parks are created through congressional legislation, and there are many considerations — including available infrastructure such as roads and restrooms,” said National Geographic. “Community advocacy can help fuel the effort. With strong local and federal support, some sites stand a good chance of becoming America’s 64th national park.”

Expert TravelAwaits contributor and avid national park goer Jim Fulcher covered the following parks:

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument
Shawnee National Forest
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Tongass National Forest

While the newest park could be any one of these, or none of them, our readers were interested to read about which lucky location could have the honor of joining some incredible U.S. landmarks.

Popular Florida Spring Closed To Visitors For Six Months

Back to Florida for our next story about a beloved vacation excursion closing for over half the year — Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida. Made up of Pretty, Big, and Little Sister Springs, the wildlife refuge was closed for a canal-stabilization project to improve the surrounding habitat for the springs’ native manatees.

Closed from April 1 until November 15, the project was calculated to start and end before the beginning of manatee mating season, which lasts from November to April. Located in a wetlands habitat in Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs has since reopened to visitors.

Newly Discovered Comet Expected To Be Brighter Than Stars

Another celestial event on the list, the arrival of Comet/2023 A3 won’t occur again until later in 2024, but it deserved the early coverage for good reason.

Discovered this past February, the comet — otherwise known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS — takes 80,000 years to orbit the sun. Named after Purple Mountain in China, where the comet was first photographed, it “should be at its closest to Earth on October 13, 2024,” said Jim Fulcher, according to EarthSky.

Guanajuato, Mexico. — The colorful city of Guanajuato, Mexico
Photo credit: alberto cervantes / Shutterstock.com

U.S. Warns Tourists To Avoid Certain Areas Of Mexico

Not unlike the complications in Machu Picchu, early 2023 saw a lot of unrest in Mexico as well, but for even more dangerous reasons. When the story of American tourists kidnapped in Mexico, two of which were killed, made headline news, the U.S. State Department was quick to warn future visitors of Mexico’s potential dangers.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department explains. “The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

Offering visitors various cautions in specific areas around Mexico, the State Department urged Americans not to travel to places like Colima and Sinaloa. Visitors were told to reconsider traveling to “Baja California (where Tijuana is located), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (where Guanajuato City is located), Jalisco state (home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora.”

While the State Department did not caution travel to all of Mexico, it wouldn’t be the first time civil unrest has led to a travel warning in America’s neighbor country to the south.

The Dangerous Situation Happening In Cancun

Focused solely in the resort state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, February saw even more complications in Mexico as the result of a new rideshare policy in the area.

“The problem is that taxi drivers, who are protesting that Uber has begun operations in Quintana Roo, have repeatedly blocked the main road from the airport to Cancun’s Hotel Zone,” said TravelAwaits’ Jim Fulcher. “At other times, cab drivers have allegedly thrown rocks at Uber drivers, and fights have allegedly broken out between taxi and Uber drivers in the street.”

Taking away from local taxi drivers, a two-sided conflict arose, and tourists were in the crossfire, pushing the U.S. State Department to release yet another warning for people traveling to Mexico.

Looking Ahead To 2024

With yet another year in the books, we are left to wonder what’s next. We hope our TravelAwaits readers are strapping in for yet another year of travel. Want a preview of what might be in store? Check out our travel trend forecast for 2024.

A Complete List Of Countries Where You Can Drink Tap Water (And Countries Where You Cannot) When You Travel

When you tell people you’ll be traveling to a foreign country, they will inevitably ask a variation of the question, “Is it safe to drink the tap water there?”

For that matter, you may even be asking the same question about drinkable tap water yourself.

Rather than trusting hearsay reports from other travelers or the results of a hasty web search, the safest way to learn about the tap water quality in countries you plan to visit is by relying on drinkable tap water reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You can find the CDC’s advice for traveling to every country in the world by first visiting its Destinations webpage, found here. After selecting the country you plan to visit, you can find the CDC’s drinking tap water quality recommendations for that country in the “Stay Healthy and Safe” section of that country’s profile.

To find out which countries have acceptable drinking tap water quality for tourists, and which countries don’t, we checked every country’s listing in the CDC’s Destinations list. The list below was accurate as of October 1, 2022.

Keep reading to learn where it is safe, and where it isn’t safe, to drink tap water in places all around the world.

Countries Where You Can Drink Tap Water (CDC List)

The CDC offers the same advice for every country where it is safe to drink the water.

“Food and water standards [here] are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home,” the CDC explains. “However, travelers visiting rural or remote areas that are served by unregulated water sources such as private wells should take special precautions to ensure the safety of their drinking water.”

Here is a list of the CDC’s recommendations for countries where it is safe to drink tap water:

Aruba
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Bermuda
Canada
Chile
Cook Islands (New Zealand)
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curaçao
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dubai
England
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Greenland (Denmark)
Guadeloupe
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Isle of Man (UK)
Israel (including the West Bank and Gaza)
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malta
Martinique (France)
Monaco
The Netherlands
New Caledonia (France)
New Zealand
Northern Ireland (UK)
Norway
Palau
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Réunion (France)
Saint Helena (UK)
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Scotland
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
U.S. Virgin Islands
Wales

10 Costa Rica Vacation Rentals For Your Next Tropical Trip

Countries Where It Is Not Safe To Drink The Water

The flip side of the coin is that water in some countries is not safe to drink. The CDC offers the same warning for travelers visiting any of those countries.

“Unclean food and water can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases,” the CDC explains. “Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.”

To reduce the risk of illness while traveling in a country where the water isn’t safe to drink, the CDC cautions travelers to only drink bottled water with a sealed cap or water that has been disinfected. Travelers also should only use ice made with bottled or disinfected water. And, of course, those travelers should avoid tap or well water, as well as ice made with tap or well water.

Here is a list of the CDC’s recommendations for countries where it is not safe to drink tap water:

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Angola
Anguilla (UK)
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Azores
The Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canary Islands (Spain)
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Christmas Island (Australia)
Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)
Colombia
Comoros
Republic of the Congo
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Cuba
Cyprus
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Easter Island (Chile)
Ecuador (including the Galápagos Islands)
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands (Denmark)
Fiji
French Guiana (France)
French Polynesia (including the island groups of Society Islands: Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-Bora)
Gabon
The Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Gibraltar (UK)
Grenada
Guam (U.S.)
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands)
Kosovo
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Lithuania
Macau
Madagascar
Madeira Islands (Portugal)
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte (France)
Mexico
The Federated States of Micronesia (Including Yap Islands, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Kosrae)
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat (UK)
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue (New Zealand)
Norfolk Island (Australia)
North Korea
North Macedonia
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn Islands (UK)
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saba
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
São Tomé and Príncipe
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Sint Eustatius
Sint Maarten
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (UK)
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Syria
Tahiti (French Polynesia)
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Togo
Tokelau (New Zealand)
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye (formerly Turkey)
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands (UK)
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
British Virgin Islands
Wake Island (U.S.)
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

If you’re looking for more tips on how to stay safe and healthy while traveling, be sure to read our safety content.

Symptoms of Drinking Contaminated Tap Water

Factors such as your overall health, age, and physical condition will determine how you react when you drink tap water. The most commonly reported problems experienced from drinking impure tap water include gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and pains, and dehydration.

For that reason, always use best safety practices to stay healthy. Also, count on unexpected medical expenses that might result from water-borne illnesses. If you don’t want to risk being vulnerable to such unpleasantries, ensure you have an insurance plan designed for international travel.

It’s Not Just Drinking Water

There are plenty of other ways unsafe drinking water can affect you. Apart from just drinking water, ice cubes in your drinks made with the same untreated tap water are another thing to watch out for.

Also, the tap water used in restaurants to prepare your food may be untreated as well. Salads, soups, drinks, and more, can sometimes be the cause of an upset stomach, but that depends really on an individual’s immune system.

Other than in what you eat or drink, it’s advisable to be cautious in the shower. If you have concerns about the water quality, avoid gargling or swallowing the water while taking a shower or when you’re brushing your teeth. Use bottled water instead.

FAQs

Can Tap Water Make You Sick?

Yes, if you drink tap water that is contaminated with germs and chemicals at levels enough high to make you sick. The main symptom of drinking bad tap water involves gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to Tap Water?

Certain groups of people are more sensitive to contaminants. Children, babies, and fetuses have less blood volume than adults, and contaminants like heavy metals can have a greater effect on them. People with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible to bacteria and parasites from unsafe drinking water.

Can I Tell if Tap Water Is Safe to Drink?

Not exactly. According to the World Health Organization, you’re largely unable to determine the quality of tap water using your senses. If you want to drink tap water, drinkable tap water should ideally be clear without any odor or taste. Otherwise, it could signal the presence of unsafe contaminants.

Does Boiling Tap Water Make It Safe?

If you don’t have access to bottled water or drinkable tap water during your travel, the CDC recommends bringing tap water to a rolling boil for 1 minute and then allowing the water to cool before using it. Drinking water from the tap may otherwise be very dangerous.

What Is the Alternative to Tap Water While Traveling?

Bottled water is probably the best alternative for your travels. Bottled water is a better option in places where tap water is unsafe to drink. Also, if your accommodation has water filters, it doesn’t mean that the water is any safer as many water filters only improve the taste.

Running The World: My 9 Most Memorable Routes Around The Globe

I love to travel, and since my mid-30s, I’ve also loved to run. I find both passions help expand my horizons, push my comfort zone, and keep me nimble — mentally and physically. Without fail, if I’m headed to a new destination, I pack running clothes, charge up my Garmin, and wear my favorite sneakers on the plane.

Sometimes the weather or my schedule forces me to hit the hotel treadmill (aka the deadmill), but I far prefer running outside. It helps me get to know a new spot all the better, see it with a fresh perspective, and make some terrific memories while I get my workout in.

Here are nine of my favorite places to run around the world:

Boston Common
Photo credit: Sean Sweeney / Unsplash

1. Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston Marathon is like the Superbowl for distance runners, and I’ve been fortunate to qualify for and run it once. From the moment you queue up in Boston Common to catch your bus to Hopkinton, you know you’re in for something special. The 26.2-mile route weaves runners in and out of historic New England towns, through Wellesley College and its famous “Scream Tunnel,” past Fenway Park, and finally to the heart of Back Bay for a finish on Boylston Street. Everyone who’s run the course has their own Boston story. The city will always be special to me.

2. Budapest, Hungary

I visited Hungary’s capital in the winter, and it was downright frosty. I’ll never forget blazing down Andrássy Avenue, past weary youngsters headed home from the clubs, and older couples headed out to buy their morning bread. I spotted the homes where classical composers Zoltán Kodály and Franz Liszt once lived and worked, and ended up at the impressive Heroes’ Square — a set of imposing bronze statues depicting kings and other important Hungarian leaders. From there, I entered Budapest’s City Park with its museums and Vajdahunyad Castle. Also in the park were the city’s famed Széchenyi Baths, where I returned later in the day for a post-run soak!

Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul
Photo credit: AHMAD BADER / Unsplash

3. Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling two continents, Istanbul is an incredible mix of culture and history that truly feels like a global crossroads. The Romans, Byzantines, and eventually the Ottomans ruled this area for centuries, and remnants of each empire can be seen throughout the city. I loved running right along the Bosphorus, Istanbul’s beautiful strait that separates Europe and Asia. Hearing the haunting, gorgeous mid-morning call to prayer as I jogged along was an experience I’ll keep stashed away forever.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

With its heat and humidity, running in the Big Easy can be anything but. However, if you can hack it, New Orleans pays you back and then some. One of my favorite routes is along the streetcar line up St. Charles Avenue. It gets you out of the congested French Quarter and into the city’s more residential areas. You’ll be shaded by enormous live oaks and run by some of America’s most beautiful homes. City Park — with its dedicated running paths, expansive green space, and Café du Monde location — is also terrific; especially if you need a sugary post-run pick-me-up!

Central Park in NYC
Photo credit: Andrea Belussi / Unsplash

5. New York City, New York

Anytime I head to New York, I pack at least one running outfit. I usually stay in Manhattan and make a beeline straight for Central Park, the perfect place to get those miles in. Once, when I was training for a marathon, I planned an early-morning 9-mile route that included a full loop. But I didn’t check to see if anything else was going on in the park that day. When I arrived and began my run, I kept getting passed by people with race numbers. It dawned on me that a half-marathon was also taking place! Not wanting to be mistaken for a bandit, I changed up my route and headed further into the park. It was an experience I wasn’t expecting, but one that still makes me chuckle.

6. London, England

Last holiday season, my family took a quick break to London, staying at a lovely hotel near King’s Cross. I adore the city, having been there many times. But this location ended up having a perfect running route. A quick jog past the British Library, University College London, and historic town homes landed me in Regents Park. Thankfully, the winter weather wasn’t bitter but quite mild. I was delighted to run through the beautifully manicured gardens, past the cricket fields, and of course, to admire all the avian residents of Boating Lake. I truly felt like a local and have never loved London more.

Rhine River in northern Germany
Photo credit: Peter Herrmann / Unsplash

7. Rhine River, Germany

I love to keep up my fitness, especially when I travel. And I certainly got the chance during an incredible Rhine River Christmas Market cruise with Viking River Cruises. We stopped in half a dozen markets and I certainly had more than my fair share of sausages, sweets, and gluhwein. More mornings than not during the sail, I woke up early to pound the pavement on the top deck. And on one of those mornings, we slowly sailed a section of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, crammed with castles and fortresses situated along both banks. As I went lap after lap, I was flabbergasted by both the beauty and history of this stretch of the river. It was a run I won’t soon forget.

8. Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

My visit to the Galapagos Islands was full of pinch-me moments. While we decided to stay land-based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, we took daily snorkeling trips and couldn’t believe the gorgeous water and equally gorgeous creatures who lived in and around it. From schools of colorful tangs, flocks of blue-footed boobies, and of course the giant tortoises, nature’s beauty was evident everywhere you looked.

Running on the island was also incredible. I followed its only highway toward the highlands, jogging through several small villages. Several times during the 7-mile jaunt, I could spot tortoises looking like slowly advancing tanks off in the distance. It was hot and muggy, so by the time I got to town, I was famished. I happened upon a small market and fortunately had a few coins on me. I bought and wolfed down a tiny red banana. I swear it’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.

Old Town Split, Croatia
Photo credit: Spencer Davis / Unsplash

9. Split, Croatia

Split is a stunner of a city, with its heart set inside a Roman emperor’s summer home. Diocletian’s Palace is still a showcase, famed for its preserved columns, cathedral, and bell tower. While I loved running down the old town’s cobblestone streets straight to the Adriatic, Marjan was an incredible place to run. The locals call the expansive park Split’s “Green Lung,” and it’s a fitting moniker. The peninsula — just west of the city center — is hilly, forested, and offers stunning sea views. A 5-mile perimeter run will also take you by several ancient chapels.

There’s nothing like a run to really acquaint you with a city, no matter where you are in the world. If you treat it as a kind of self-guided tour and not punishment, you’re bound to be both delighted and surprised. The perspective you get from running a spot — being truly on the ground — is something special.