10 Stylish Boutique Hotels in Cape Cod

Along with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Cape Cod is one of the most scenic escapes in Massachusetts.

That’s putting it lightly, too. Cape Cod is also one of New England’s most well-known and consistently popular escapes.

With hundreds of miles of sandy, calming coastline and dozens of quaint towns with walkable main streets, Cape Cod provides the perfect backdrop for a charming summer adventure. It also has the other smaller details that create destinations we want to visit again and again.

It has its own iconic meals, from clam chowder to lobster. It has famous beaches, like Marconi and Nauset. It has a rich history and sites that you can explore at places like the Crosby Mansion, Hoxie House, and Edward Gorey House.

And that’s just the tip of the Cape Cod iceberg.

If you want to really delve into the spirit and style of the cape during your trip, I suggest grabbing a room at a boutique hotel. It’ll add an extra dose of ambiance to give you a true New England summer experience.

Ready to book a room? I’ve rounded up some of the best boutique hotels on Cape Cod for your summer vacation shopping, along with a few top-notch bed-and-breakfasts.

(Looking for pure luxury? Start with these luxury hotel recommendations.)

Best boutique hotels in Cape Cod

Downtown location: The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel’s
An unexpected find: AutoCamp Cape Cod
Tons of outdoor amenities: Cape Colony Inn
Right on the water: Falmouth Tides
Classic New England vibes: Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa
Historic feel: Frederick William House
Bed & breakfast pick: The Gaslamp Inn
A quieter escape: Red Jacket Beach Resort
Intimate and classic: Sea Street Inn
Gorgeous grounds: Brass Key Guesthouse

Best boutique hotels in Cape Cod

Downtown location: The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel’s

This gorgeous and stately property puts you right in the middle of the Provincetown action. That being said, the beach is only a short drive (or bicycle ride) away. With an outdoor fire pit and seating areas, you can also kick back outdoors when you head back to your hotel for the day.

An unexpected find: AutoCamp Cape Cod

Looking for an alternative Cape Cod boutique hotel? Head to AutoCamp. The airstreamer rooms are unique and ultra-modern, but you won’t miss out on other classic amenities. There’s an outdoor fire pit area, a garden, and an on-site American restaurant serving three meals a day.

Plenty of outdoor amenities: Cape Colony Inn

With a large and heated outdoor pool, barbecue grills, shuffleboard, and beach volleyball all offered on-site, you might be tempted to check in and stay in at the Cape Colony Inn. If not, Provincetown’s best establishments are a short drive away, along with Cape Cod National Seashore Beach.

Right on the water: Falmouth Tides

Can’t be bothered to walk to the beach? Book a room at Falmouth Tides and you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. All rooms come equipped with desks, kitchenettes, and TVs, letting you take on Cape Cod at your own speed from this unbeatable seaside location in Falmouth.

Classic New England vibes: Dan’l Webster Inn and Spa

I’m a little confused about the spelling of this hotel – I’ve seen it written as Daniel Webster and Dan’l Webster. Regardless, if you want a classic stay to soak up the stately Cape Cod spirit, look no further. Its rooms are lovely, its outdoor pool has a little waterfall, and its atrium dining area is a treat for the eyes. There’s even an on-site spa and hot tub.

Historic feel: Frederick William House

This is a bed-and-breakfast-style lodging where you can expect to find family-friendly amenities like an outdoor play area and fire pit. There’s also a kid-friendly buffet, along with free bike rentals. Plus, you’ll have gorgeous garden views straight from your window.

The Bed & Breakfast pick: The Gaslamp Bed & Breakfast

This B&B has a unique, historic decor that features nautical and submarine accents, adding to its ‘gaslamp’ ambiance. It’s also one of the more affordable Cape Cod lodging options, making it ideal for anyone who wants full-scale charm without exorbitant pricing.

A quieter escape: Red Jacket Beach Resort

Though not a traditional boutique hotel (there are too many rooms), this resort offers the same degree of personalized care and style. There’s a full-service spa, outdoor pool, and a restaurant-lounge on the grounds. Plus, the main star of the show: a massive private beach.

Intimate and classic: Sea Street Inn

With sterling customer reviews and a four-season approach to hospitality, expect a specialized approach at Sea Street Inn. Breakfasts are top-notch, the staff are passionate and warm, and the location in Hyannis is hard to beat. Ready to see what an award-winning boutique experience is like? Head to Sea Street.

Gorgeous grounds: Brass Key Guesthouse

If I had to picture a Hollywood movie set version of Cape Cod, this would be it. The grounds are tasteful and well-appointed, framed around a gorgeous outdoor pool. The rooms are housed inside historic buildings, adding an extra layer of cozy intrigue. This B&B also has a spa, lounge, wine social for guests, and an English garden. It’s class all the way.

A Look at the World’s 3 Guggenheim Museums—Plus, the Latest Opening

Whether or not you know anything about fine art, you’ve probably heard the word Guggenheim thrown around before.

Guggenheim is synonymous with great art thanks to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

To make a long and boring story short, let me catch you up. The Guggenheims are a wealthy Jewish-American family that struck it big in mining in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s.

They made a lot of money—as in, so much money that generations since haven’t had to work. In fact, they’ve been desperate to figure out what to do with all that cash. Solomon Guggenheim, born in 1861 and witness to his family’s sudden rise in wealth, took a liking to fine art.

He began an extensive collection with the help of a like-minded art fan and baroness, Hilla von Rebay. The pair worked together in the 1930s to flip Solomon’s private collection into a museum with the goal of bringing fine art to the masses in an affordable, accessible way.

In 1943, they contracted Franky Lloyd Wright to design an over-the-top art museum smack in the center of New York City, which the pair would use as their future headquarters. Unfortunately, Solomon passed in 1949, never seeing the modernist building open to the public, which was finished in 1959.

You’d likely recognize it from photos of Fifth Avenue, where it’s maintained its iconic status. If not, here’s what you need to know about the world’s three active Guggenheim Museums, along with the fourth that’s set to open in Abu Dhabi.

Where are the Guggenheim museums located?

There are three active Guggenheim museums open now in New York City, USA, Bilbao, Spain, and Venice, Italy. A fourth is set to open in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but has experienced extensive delays.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, aka The Guggenheim

Upper East Side, New York City (Opened 1959)

New York, United States – January 11, 2009: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (Getty)

Completed in 1959, this landmark architectural work is a work of art on its own—no need to head inside, especially if you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan. But let’s dig in a little deeper. What type of art did Guggenheim envision in his namesake museum? Originally, he set up the museum under the title ‘Museum of Non-Objective Painting’, which should clue you in.

Guggenheim loved abstract art. Inside, it hosts a permanent collection of his favorite Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary, and Post-Impressionist pieces.

The most famous pieces that are permanently housed inside are:

Pablo Picasso works, including ‘Mandolin and Guitar’
Vasily Kandinsky works, including ‘Black Lines’
Paul Gauguin’s ‘In the Vanilla Grove, Man and Horse’
Jackson Pollock’s ‘Alchemy’

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Venice, Italy (Opened 1951)

Located right on the Grand Canal in a renovated 18^th-century palace, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection isn’t a traditional museum. When it first opened in 1951, the goal was to seasonally showcase Peggy Guggenheim’s private modern art collection, especially works by Italian and American futurists. (Peggy is Solomon’s niece.)

Since Peggy’s death, the museum has changed hands. In 2017, Peggy’s granddaughter, Karole Vail, took over the role of curator. Previously, she had run the Guggenheim in New York City.

The most famous pieces that are permanently housed inside are:

Pablo Picasso’s ‘The Poet’
Macel Duchamp’s ‘Sad Young Man on a Train’
Albert Gleizes’s ‘Woman with Animals’

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain (Opened 1997)

Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry architect and Maman Sculpture by Louise Bourgeois. Bilbao. (Getty)

Similar to the New York City Guggenheim, the Bilbao located is a work of art on its own. In fact, it’s considered one of the 12 Treasures of Spain, and is only one of two modern works to make the list. Built in 1997 by Frank Gehry, the organic, contemporary architecture has become synonymous with the city itself. It’s also one of the country’s largest art museums.

The Guggenheim in Bilbao specializes in temporary exhibits along with its permanent collection, which regularly draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors and critics. In fact, the Bilbao Guggenheim is the most-visited Guggenheim in the world.

The most famous pieces that are permanently housed inside are:

Louise Bourgeous’s ‘Maman’ (one)
Mark Rothko’s ‘Untitled’
Yves Klein’s ‘Large Blue Anthropometry [Ant 105]’

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE

With work on the site begun in 2011 and more major delays as of early 2025, the Abu Dhabi Guggenheim has seen extensive road blocks. Much of the delay is down to the grand, larger-than-life museum complex, along with issues with construction contracts.

Though the Abu Dhabi Tourism department slated the opening for this year, it looks like a long shot. But what can you expect when the museum does finally open?

According to the Guggenheim Foundation, the goal is to support and showcase modern fine art from West Asia, South Asia, and North Africa. Additionally, exhibits and permanent works will be chosen with regard to Islamic law and culture.

8 Reasons Italy’s Coast of the Gods Needs to Be Your Next Vacation

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Italy isn’t just a bucket-list destination. It’s a country that’s chock-full of unmissable sites.

But some of them go quietly under the radar.

Off the top of my head, cities like Trieste and islands like Sardinia (and even Sicily) don’t get enough attention. They showcase a side of Italy that you won’t see in major regions like Tuscany, Lombardy, and Lazio.

And then there are the truly lesser-known destinations.

When you picture Italian coastlines worth drooling over, what comes to mind?

Probably Cinque Terre, along with the Amalfi Coast, two of Italy’s premier seaside stretches.

But what about the ‘boot’ of Italy? Puglia and Calabria are the heel and toe of the boot, respectively. They’re some of the country’s least populated regions where you won’t find large metropolises blanketed in historic monuments and Renaissance architecture.

But you will find the Coast of the Gods, also known as Costa degli Dei. It lines a large swatch of Calabria’s unspoiled coastline on the very tip of the Italian (geographic) boot. If you’ve never heard of it, consider this your sign to get off Italy’s tourist track and out into the wild.

8 reasons to visit Italy’s Coast of the Gods, aka Costa degli Dei

Its 55km of mind-blowing Tyrrhenian Coast

Tyrrhenian sea with turquoise water, tropical seascape, endless horizon, Costa degli Dei, Coast of the Gods (Getty)

The Mediterranean Sea is home to tons of micro-seas, and the Tyrrhenian Sea is one of the brightest and clearest of the bunch. The water is bright blue, almost like cotton candy.

The beaches have soft, white sand, while other parts of the coast are rugged and rocky. It’s also one of the greener parts of the country.

I could keep going on, expounding on the gorgeous sites that await you along this 55km or 35-mile stretch, but I think it’s easy to get. This is called the Coast of the Gods because should any heavenly deities visit earth, they’re probably going to camp out where the seaside views are endlessly vibrant.

The beaches will blow your mind

Tropea beach along the Tyrrhenian Sea Coast of Gods (Costa degli Dei). Tropea beautiful seaside resort city of Calabria, southern Italy.

Coastal views should be top of mind when you visit the Mediterranean, but let’s zero in on Coast of the Gods’ best beaches.

Tropea Beach is the most famous in the region thanks to its golden sand and bright water. Overlooking the beach is the town of Tropea, built on a dramatic cliffside with a gorgeous, historic monastery perched right at the top.

(Want to let a guide handle your visit? Go with a private tour via GetYourGuide.)

Capo Vaticano is another top beach thanks to its clear waters and, once again, dramatic cliff views. The area is ideal for casual snorkeling and diving, as there’s plenty of marine vegetation and life.

Lastly, Paradise del Sub near Zambrone is another stunning beach that locals and tourists love. It’s also one of the easiest to get to, as public transportation takes you right to the beach.

You can get out on the water easily on the Coast of the Gods

The fantastic Calabrian coast with its beautiful sea, Capo Vaticano, Costa degli Dei, Calabria, Italy.

Italy is renowned for its beaches… but it’s not the most outdoorsy country. While you can find stunning coastlines pretty easily, it’s not always easy to actually get out on the water. In Calabria’s Coast of the Gods, you can easily take to the surf however you see fit.

Tropea is the largest hub in the Coast of Gods. You can easily book kayaking tours or even a day trip via boat from the marina. Snorkeling is also available.

Uniquely, boating excursions can also take you to hidden coves and beaches that aren’t accessible by road or foot. For example, Groticelle Beach is a popular spot that you can only reach by boat, nearby Capo Vaticano.

As mentioned above, it’s easy to book a boat tour with GetYourGuide, TripAdvisor, and Viator.

There are nine quaint villages to explore

beach and sea of Tropea Calabria Italy (Getty)

If you’re renting a car, you can drive up and down the coast to explore all nine seaside villages on the Coast of the Gods. It begins with Pizzo in the north, then Vibo Valentia, Briatico, Zanbrone, Parghelia, Tropea, Ricadi, Joppolo, and ends with Nicotera.

Vibo Valentina is the capital of Calabria, making it the largest and most populous of the towns. Most of these areas are home to a few thousand people, meaning they have small and walkable main squares. Tropea, as mentioned above, has one of the most accessible beaches on the list.

Calabria’s Coast of the Gods has famous dishes you won’t find elsewhere in Italy

Nduja di Spilinga in Calabria region in south Italy is a particular very spicy spreadable salami (Getty)

Calabria doesn’t get nearly as much attention as Tuscany, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, or Veneto, which are home to Italy’s most famous cities. One of the best reasons to visit Calabria isn’t just to lounge on its beaches—its to take a bite out of a lesser-known series of Italian specialties.

‘Nduja is the most famous on the list. It’s a spreadable spicy salami that’s usually eaten on bread or with pasta. Then there are the Tropea onions, which are sweet, aromatic red onions that end up in many, many Calabrian dishes. Personally, I’m dying to try out the ravioli alla calabrese, which are cheese and salami-filled ravioli with a spicy tomato sauce.

It’s not on the main tourist path

The fantastic Calabrian coast with its beautiful sea, Capo Vaticano, Costa degli Dei, Calabria, Italy (Getty)

You’ve probably pieced this together by now, but one huge reason to head south to Calabria’s Coast of the Gods is to skip out on the hordes and hordes of tourists. That’s doubly true in 2025 as the Vatican jubilee continues to attract tens of millions of pilgrims in addition to tourists.

But lets not forget what fewer tourists means: lower prices and better experiences. Want to visit Italy and not go bankrupt? Head to the Coast of the Gods.

Want to explore a part of Italy where locals aren’t burnt out on visitors? Straight to the Coast of the Gods.

Want to show your family photos and talk about experiences they haven’t heard of before? Coast. Of. The. Gods.

The best sunsets in Europe are on the Coast of the Gods

Spectacular sunset from the Belvedere Piazza del Cannone viewpoint. The Stromboli volcano is visible next to the sun. Shot with Canon R5

The toe of Italy’s geographic boot is one of the westernmost points on the mainland. That means one thing: unmatched sunsets. Whether you want to curl up on the rocks and watch with a loved one or head out to sea to chase down the sunset on a catamaran, the Coast of the Gods gives you a West Coast-caliber front row seat to the light show.

Ancient history will take you into new territory

The further south in Italy you wander, the further back in history you go. Similar to Sardinia’s ancient Nuragic culture, Calabria has a history that starts during the Italic tribal rules.

It became a hotspot for Greek thinkers during the height of the Ancient Greek Empire, and was the home of thinkers like Pythagoras and Herodotus. If you like math and history, that’s a pretty big deal.

But Calabria has also been overtaken by the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and even a Norman invasion that lasted throughout the 11^th century. If you’re into that kind of thing, don’t miss out on the National Archeological Museum of the Sibaritide and the Archaeological Park of the Taurians.

12 Amazing Hotels in the Florida Keys That Won’t Break the Bank

Who doesn’t dream of a sunshine-filled Florida escape?

While winter birds are notorious for saving their Sunshine State adventures for the colder winter months, many strike out during the summer break from June to August. It’s a great time to enjoy Florida’s summertime as it hits full swing.

Bars fill up, often offering live musical performances and ice-cold cocktails. Tours are almost non-stop, from kayaking near manatees to racing speedboats across the Keys. And while rain showers often come and go, Florida’s hurricane season doesn’t get dangerous until around mid-August.

The big question is—with so many great resorts and hotels around the state, where should you go?

I vote you follow the latest Florida tourism trends, which have tilted south toward its stunning, remote Keys region. From Miami, the Caribbean’s tropical tendencies become your oyster—without you ever needing to bust out that passport.

There’s just one catch: the Keys tend to be pricy. At least, for those who don’t know how to research the hell out of affordable hotels (or rentals, if you prefer a more private stay).

If you want a head start on the best hotels in the Florida Keys that won’t break the bank, start here.

Best hotels in the Florida Keys for budget travelers

Conch Key Fishing Lodge & Marina (Conch Key)
Parmer’s Resort (Little Torch Key)
Breezy Palms Resort (Islamorada)
Hadley Resort and Marina (Islamorada)
Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway (Marathon)
Tropical Cottages (Marathon)
Bonefish Bay Motel (Marathon)
Buccaneer Quarters and Suites (Marathon)
The Pelican Key Largo Cottages (Key Largo)
Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina (Key Largo)
Truman Hotel (Key West)
Havana Cabana at Key West (Key West)
The Laureate (Key West)

Best hotels in the Florida Keys for budget travelers

Conch Key Fishing Lodge & Marina (Conch Key)

This cute little two-star hotel offers everything you’ll need for a solid Keys adventure. There’s a private beach, an outdoor pool, and balconies or terraces in every room (which are family-friendly, by the way). There’s even a barbecue area for those who want a little extra time in the sun while they grill up a meal.

Parmer’s Resort (Little Torch Key)

Escape the noise and hustle at this low-key hotel in Little Torch. (Get it? Low-key. Anyone?) You can pick from standard rooms, cottages, or suites. You can also bring your boat along if you’ll be heading out on the water. Once again, you’ve got outdoor grills where you can whip up a meal while soaking up the great subtropical outdoors.

Breezy Palms Resort (Islamorada)

With a private beach only steps away from its rooms, Breezy Palms Resort gives you direct access to the northernmost edge of the Caribbean Sea. If the salt isn’t for you, spend some time at the outdoor pool. You’ve also got bike rentals available, if a bit of scenic exercise appeals to you.

Hadley Resort and Marina (Islamorada)

The name says it all. Hadley Resort and Marina stands out because there’s a small dock right on the grounds, letting you bring your boat to take on the Keys at your leisure. The hotel is also newly renovated and is known for its friendly, helpful staff. Ready, set, launch!

Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway (Marathon)

Looking for a cute and quaint hotel with tons to do? I’d head to Captain Pip’s. Located just off the Seven Mile Bridge Overseas Highway, this hotel offers rooms and suites. But the real coup is the range of activities available. You can take Captain Pip’s kayaks, bikes, boats, and paddleboats for a spin.

Tropical Cottages (Marathon)

Tropical cottages. A tiki bar. Bicycle and kayak rentals. What more could you want in a budget-friendly Florida Keys hotel? Though you need to cycle to Sombrero Beach, it’s a short ride. As an added bonus, the Dolphin Research Center is also nearby, in case you like sea-bound mammals.

Bonefish Bay Motel (Marathon)

With an outdoor pool, garden, picnic area, and sun terrace, Bonefish Bay Motel has everything you need to soak up summer in the Florida Keys. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Sunset Park Beach and Seven Mile Bridge.

The Pelican Key Largo Cottages (Key Largo)

You’ve got over 30 charming little cottages to choose from at The Pelican. As you can see in the image, there’s also a bayfront ocean view that you can soak up at your leisure. It’s also an ideal spot for anyone who wants to get out on the water to fish, snorkel, or dive.

Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina (Key Largo)

Lush gardens surround this lovely hotel. Aside from greenery and sea views, you’re also close to the action in Key Largo, within walking distance to major shops and restaurants. You can grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, too. If you want to dock your boat, the hotel also includes access to a 76-slip marina.

Truman Hotel (Key West)

Who says boutique hotels can’t be affordable? This gorgeous and modern hotel comes with a stylish outdoor pool and also puts you close to the action in Key West. Duval Street is a short drive away, along with the Ernest Hemingway Museum. It’s the priciest spot on this list, but it’s still in an affordable price range compared to other Key West spots.

Havana Cabana at Key West (Key West)

This is another heavy-hitter that’s more affordable than many other Key West hotspots. Not only do you have a fantastic outdoor pool and ambiance, but you also have access to what the hotel describes as a ‘year-round party paradise’. Just a short drive away are Key West’s most popular hotspots. Revelers, assemble!

The Laureate (Key West)

If decor and functionality are important to you, head to The Laureate. While the outdoor pool is worth spending a few afternoons at and the sea views are drool-worthy, the rooms are also highly livable and comfortable. If you’re heading to the Keys for a longer stay, consider bunking at The Laureate.

Can Tourists Use Hitchhiking to Travel?

Hitchhiking—the unsung hero of casual transportation.

Or possibly a one-way ticket to ending up on a true crime headline, depending on whether you’re a pessimist or an optimist.

There’s no easy answer.

The only place I’ve ever consistently used hitchhiking for transportation was in Byron Bay, Australia. That’s the same country that produced Ivan Milat, a serial killer with the moniker ‘backpacker killer’ thanks to his penchant for disappearing hitchhikers around the Belanglo State Forest area.

That should clue you in: hitchhiking is a charged topic to dig into.

Though the vast majority of hitchhikers make it to their destination safely (and sometimes with a new friend in their Rolodex), the stories that go wrong tend to go way wrong.

And no matter how many success stories you hear, it’s hard to shake that fear—especially for Americans, as we tend to get spooked easily.

Regardless of your perception of hitchhiking, it’s still legal in many places around the world. And it’s still a reliable form of transportation for thousands of travelers, from backpackers with a thirst for open horizons to road trippers stranded roadside with broken down cars.

Can tourists still hitchhike? Yes—but I’d advise doing it with safety in mind. Here’s your crash course.

Hitchhiking is more common than you might think

When I did a semester of college in Byron Bay, our student housing was located just outside of town. We had bicycles that we could ride in to attend class or, as our professors insisted, we could hitchhike.

Though I never hitchhiked that short distance alone, I would have felt comfortable getting into each car that offered me a ride even if I were solo.

Not only were the drivers friendly, but they seemed sensitive to the fact that we, as hitchhikers, were taking a risk getting into their car. This was ten years ago, but I remember a few mentions of how often they offered rides to other hitchhikers, showing interest in our studies, and giving us a few recommendations around the area.

Globally, hitchhiking is more common than you might think—but it’s usually a regional habit. For example, Europe still has a solid hitchhiking culture, but you’ll notice that it’s even more prevalent in German-speaking areas like Germany, Belgium, and Austria.

Similarly, hitchhiking might have different norms depending on the region. For example, in Latin America and South America, hitchhiking is fairly common, but you’ll likely be asked to contribute a small amount to the journey. The same goes for South Asia, where hitchhiking is extremely common; you’ll likely be asked to contribute a small amount to the journey.

Places where you can hitchhike safely

North America
South America
Europe
South Asia
New Zealand & Australia

Safety topics for hitchhikers

Many hitchhikers recommend working in pairs instead of going solo, especially for women. They also recommend carrying a can of pepper spray, avoiding sleeping while you’re hitching a ride, and not hitching a ride at night.

There are also two situations women need to be aware of. (Men should also have these concepts on their radar, too.)

The first is if you decide to hitchhike in a parking lot. In places like North America, some women solicit sex work in parking lots, especially at gas stations where big rigs stop. For obvious reasons, you don’t want to get mixed up in these situations.

Second, women hitchhiking in more conservative areas, in places like South Asia, in places like India and Sri Lanka, need to be aware of how solo female hitchhikers are seen.

Once again, you might get mixed up with someone looking for a sexual encounter. That might sound crazy, but I can tell you firsthand from my time in India that Western women are often viewed as open to and interested in sex thanks to popular music and movies. It’s a very difficult misconception to navigate, and that’s putting it lightly.

Men should also be wary, of course. Lone backpackers and hitchhikers are seen as easy targets, especially if they look like they might have expensive equipment with them. Importantly, men are less likely to report these incidents, which means some Bad Eggs will actually target men over women.

How to hitchhike like a pro

An example of what gesture to use when hitchhiking in Southeast Asia, from Bangkok Thailand (Getty)

Assuming I haven’t turned you off from hitchhiking, here’s how you can set yourself up for success anytime you stick out your thumb.

Before you hitchhike, check local laws. Though it might be legal in the country, many regions, states, and provinces have separate rulings. If you’re still not sure after doing some research, ask a local.
Clear up whether the driver expects payment. Usually, the best time to do this is when you’re talking about the journey—which should take place before you get into the car.
Speaking of destinations, write down where you’re going on a piece of cardboard/make a sign. That lets drivers know right off the bat whether they should bother stopping.
If you don’t have your destination written down for all to see, go with a smile and try to make eye contact. You want to come off as friendly and unproblematic, without looking like a naïve dunce, of course.
Know where to hitch a ride and where not to hitch a ride. The side of the highway is usually a bad spot, but entry ramps are good. As are gas stations, parking lots, tourist sites, campsites, and exit routes out of large cities.
Know which gestures to make. A thumbs up works in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. In Australia and New Zealand, point to the road with your finger—but don’t do that in Asia, it’s rude. In South America, point your thumb horizontally instead of up.

The New 7 Wonders of the World

Back in 2001, a worldwide campaign was launched to invite the masses to take part in humanity’s largest public poll on record.

The goal? Select a new set of World Wonders, which would replace the Ancient Wonders of the World. That ancient set of wonders dates back to 1572 when European thinkers compiled the list based on historical sources.

Given the age of those original wonders and the half-millennium that has passed since they were named and published, the list includes mostly defunct and long-gone sites, from the Colossus of Rhodes to the Statue of Zeus.

Hence, the desire to push for a new and modern list of World Wonders—one that would reach further beyond the Mediterranean and Middle East, too.

Using a combination of online and telephone voting procedures, a Zurich-based organization called New 7 Wonders Foundation launched its grand poll.

That means two things. First, the New 7 Wonders of the World is based on opinion, and some believe that massive national campaigns helped some World Wonders make the list over others. It’s not objective by any stretch of the imagination.

Second, UNESCO has historically had beef with the New 7 Wonders Foundation, mostly because the foundation attempted to piggyback on UNESCO’s Millennium Development Goals.

Since then, UNESCO has sought to clarify that the 7 Wonders are a title alone. By comparison, UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer protective measures to preserve sites as shared human assets.

Controversies aside, the New 7 Wonders of the World include some of our planet’s top bucket list destinations. They regularly attract millions of visitors each year and show no signs of slowing down. You might want to have them on your radar, especially if you’ll be visiting their general location anytime soon.

Ready to uncover the New 7 Wonders of the World? Let’s dive in.

The new 7 wonders of the world

Great Wall of China, China

Built 700 BCE

Beijing, China, Jan 10/2023. The Great Wall of China, near village of Mutianyu (Getty)

These famous fortifications were built to protect Chinese dynasties and states against the powerful, nomadic tribes of the Eurasian Steppe. The Great Wall of China also functioned as a border control wall for the Silk Road. However, it didn’t become a popular site for tourists until travelogues began circulating in the late 1800s.

Petra, Jordan

Built 312 BCE

Visiting the Petra city during morning without people (Getty)

Nicknamed the Rose City for its red sandstone rocks, this dramatic and rock-hewn location is truly iconic. It was originally a stronghold for the Nabataean Kingdom, where Petra served as a trading hub that specialized in incense.

Only the Nabataeans could thrive in the desert, as evidenced by Petra’s extensive rainwater collection systems. Unfortunately, the Romans took over in the first century CE, which began Petra’s downfall.

Colosseum, Rome

Built 80 BCE

Italy, Lazio, Rome, Colosseum in afternoon sunlight (Getty)

Speaking of the Romans, their famous Colosseum needs to introduction. Around the same time that the Romans were extending their rule to places like Petra, they were also constructing and expanding the Colosseum. (This period is known as the Flavian Dynasty, CE 69-96). It remained in use until the early Medieval era.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Built 600 CE

Check the dates closely on Chichen Itza’s construction and that of Machu Picchu, below—both are much younger than many people think. This Mayan stronghold was first built in 600 CE and remained an important hub until 1200 CE. It was the largest Mayan city in the region, but includes many motifs from other neighboring cultures, hinting that the Mayans were a diverse crowd and Chichen Itza might have been their great melting pot.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Built 1450 CE

Machu picchu mountain view during sun rise with beautiful light and some tourists in the distance (Getty)

Again, look a the date. Infamous Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro entered modern-day Peru in 1532—at which point in time Machu Picchu was still a very young city. It was abandoned by the time the first Spanish colonist found it in the late 1500s, meaning it was already out of use. Most modern theories believe Machu Picchu was built as a private estate for Emperor Pachacuti. (This site has new rules for tourists, so make sure to read up before you book your visit!)

Taj Mahal, India

Built 1643 CE

Taj Mahal at golden light of sunrise. Famous travel destination in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India (Getty)

Built as a grand tomb for the Mughal Emperor’s beloved wife, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of enduring love… and gorgeous architecture. Both Empress Mumtaz Mahal and Emperor Shah Jahan are entombed inside. The stunning feat showcases Islamic and Mughal architecture, built with fine materials like red sandstone, white marble, and thousands of precious stones.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Built 1931 CE

This world-famous statue is an Art Deco masterpiece that comes from a range of great minds around the world. It was created by artists and engineers from France, Romania, and Brazil and took almost ten years to complete. Standing atop Corcovado Mountain and staring over Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer has become a cultural icon of both Brazil and the city.