TravelAwaits

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Must-See Alaska Beaches: Black Sands, Wildlife Sightings, & More

Must-See Alaska Beaches: Black Sands, Wildlife Sightings, & More

With its near year-round low temperatures and rugged stretches of untouched wilderness, few travelers associate Alaska with beaches.

But let me hit you with a surprising fact: Alaska tops the list for total coastal miles of all US states.

With almost 34,000 miles of coast, it’s got nearly three times as much as Florida, which has only 8,400 miles of coast. That’s a pretty hefty gap, especially considering how much we love a beachy vacation in Florida.

If it weren’t for all that pesky snow, Alaska would be the United States’ premier summer vacation spot.

Unfortunately, most of the state’s coastline is impossible to reach, frigidly cold year-round, and home to grizzlies, bald eagles, and other great beasts.

Most of the coastline, anyway.

What Alaska beaches lack in warm sunshine and piña coladas, they make up for with drool-worthy views and wildlife sightings.

Ready to take on some of the coolest and most scenic Alaska Beaches on your next visit? Here’s where to go.

Best Alaska beaches

Black Sand Beach (Barry Arm)

Prince William Sound & Coxe Glacier (Getty)

East of Anchorage, Alaska, waits Prince William Sound, which is renowned for its dramatic views of the mountains and forests.

During the warmer months, water cascades downward from the glaciers, trickling down toward a black sand beach in the Barry Arm area. You can enjoy walks along the beach, along with kayaking out on the water.

In fact, by kayak, you can even explore tidewater glaciers in the water, as the waters here are partly fed by the Coxe glacier.

Eagle Beach State Recreation Area (Juneau)

Alaska United States Of America, receding tides at Eagle Beach State Recreation Area (Getty)

Juneau has one of the best beaches in the state, which offers mind-blowing views of the surrounding mountains, many of which stay snow-capped year-round.

While the actual recreation area is pretty bare-bones (including primitive campsites), you can expect to spot wildlife during the warmer months, from whales to sea lions to bald eagles.

Homer Spit Beach (Homer)

Seagulls in feeding frenzy flying past Homer Spit point in the Kachemak Bay near Homer Alaska United States

Homer Spit is an oblong peninsula that extends into Kachemak Bay in southern Alaska, rising only around 19 feet above seawater. As such, it experiences very high and low tidal shifts, letting you enjoy cool beach walks and even take advantage of beachcombing.

The area is also home to a large harbor with many vessels. Many are commercial, but plenty are also available for rent, letting you get out on the water if sticking to the beach isn’t enough. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, they’re a common sighting!

Pro tip: Head over to Bishop’s Beach if you enjoy your time on Homer Spit Beach. It’s located nearby and has plenty of low-tide pools that you can explore, full of jellyfish, plankton, and other marine life.

Surfer’s Beach (Yakutat)

Courtesy of Patagonia

Yes, you can surf in Alaska—though I imagine you might want a wetsuit… or two. While you’ll find a handful of beaches that are great for surfing, I recommend heading to Yakutat, located on Alaska’s coast between Anchorage and Juneau.

The area is renowned for its surfing, which is best experienced at Surfer’s Beach. Even if you don’t dare venture into the water, you’ll still enjoy your time. The beach is surrounded by mountain views and thick, emerald forests, similar to Black Sand Beach near Barry Arm.

Anchor Point Beach

Anchor Point (Getty)

Anchor Point is an area located on the Kenai Peninsula, not far from Homer’s Spit. Unsurprisingly, those dramatic tidal swells make it a top spot for fishing, beachcombing, and bald-eagle spotting.

As an added bonus, you also have fantastic views of Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt, two of the state’s most commanding peaks.

Rotary Beach or Bugge Beach (Ketchikan)

Scenes from Rotary Beach, Courtesy of Trip.com

If you can surf in Alaska, then it’s not a stretch to recommend swimming. If you want to take a dip in the ocean, head to Rotary Beach… just know that it’s artificial.

The city created a unique cement causeway that draws up the seawater and lets it warm up in an artificial pond. And don’t expect calm waters; as the tide rises, small octopus, eelgrass, clams, mollusks, sea urchins, sea anemones, and more enter the artificial pond.

My Top 20 Luggage Picks for Carry-Ons, Check-Ins, & More—Plus, Shopping Tips

You’ve got money to spend and travel dreams to make happen.

All you need now is a reliable suitcase that’s easy to carry, easier to pack, and full of all the right features and made of all the right materials.

But finding the right suitcase isn’t as simple as nailing down whether you want a carry-on, backpack, or duffel.

You also need to think about the types of trips you take most often, the amount of wear-and-tear your luggage will face, and how long you expect it to last.

Ready to take a few shortcuts? Welcome to your one-stop shop for all your luggage needs, tips, and recommendations.

First, I’m laying out my favorite luggage brands, then listing out recommended pieces from these brands across a range of products, from carry-ons to weekenders. Lastly, I answer FAQs for all your most pressing luggage needs.

Luggage brands I use

At the moment, I have two pieces of luggage in my arsenal.

The first is my Muji hardshell 36L Carry-on. Yes, it’s from a Japanese stationery-turned-lifestyle brand. I highly recommend checking out Muji’s carry-ons; not only is my carry-on lightweight and the wheels functional, but it’s also highly affordable.

The second piece of luggage in my arsenal is the Carl Friedrik Check-In (69 L), which is an ultra-luxurious check-in suitcase. I opted for a lighter color, meaning you can see a few scuffs on its beautiful polycarbonate shell—but she’s otherwise lightweight, easy to maneuver, and largely ding-proof.

Luggage brands I trust

I’m all set with my Muji and Carl Friedrik pieces. If that wasn’t the case, I’d shop for luggage picks from the brands listed below. They aren’t the only ones I reference in my list of recommended products, but they’re trusted luggage brands that you should know about.

  • Away. Founded in 2015 with the promise of revolutionizing suitcase construction, Away has helped steer modern luggage design. Away pieces are a bit pricier, but they’re made from world-class materials and usually include a few techy gadget features.
  • Monos. Another newcomer with big luggage dreams, Monos makes fantastic suitcases for a range of travel purposes. With Monos, you also get the added benefit of ethical production standards and a fully carbon-neutral production process.
  • Beis. Young, hyper-trendy, and designed to be fashionable, Beis offers a lot more than the standard range of great suitcases. You can also find amazing weekenders, beach totes, cross-body purses, and much more.
  • Samsonite. As the oldest luggage brand in the industry, you’ve got over a century of experience helping put together every Samsonite release. Best of all, you can choose between more luxury options and very basic, beginner-friendly suitcases.
  • CALPAK. Similar to Beis, CALPAK pays close attention to the market to release hyper-trendy prints for many of its products. If you want style with your suitcase, you can expect bright and fun pieces from CALPAK—without compromising on quality, of course.
  • Tumi. My preferred luxury luggage pick is Carl Friedrik—but I think Tumi is a great alternative if you don’t like the designs of the Carl Friedrik pieces. Similar to CALPAK and Beis, you can shop a huge range of products on Tumi, from umbrellas to backpacks to sunglasses.
  • Amazon Basics. Cheap but reasonably reliable, Amazon Basics suitcases are an ideal choice if you’re brand new to travel, aren’t sure how often you’ll travel, and don’t want to spend a lot on your first luggage pieces.

Top luggage picks according to suitcase type

Picks for carry-ons

Every traveler needs a solid carry-on. Though carry-ons come in all shapes and sizes (including duffels, weekenders, and backpacks), this section is dedicated to classic rolling carry-ons.

A rolling carry-on should be your go-to for a few reasons.

First, the limited space will teach you the importance of packing mindfully. Second, rolling carry-ons are easier to lug around with you as you take trains, taxis, and more. Third, you’ll never risk losing one in the cargo haul of a plane. As an added bonus, hard-shell carry-ons will protect even your most fragile belongings.

These are my favorite carry-on luggage picks at the moment:

Picks for checked luggage

I swore off checked luggage for years after a few handling mishaps, but having a solid piece of checked luggage in your closet is never a bad idea. Personally, I’ve leaned on them for long trips, along with weddings (it’s easier to pack heavier garments into spacious checked suitcases).

When it comes to finding a solid checked suitcase, look out for two important features.

The first is the suitcase’s shell. You always want a solid polycarbonate shell to keep your packed items safe. You can, of course, go with a soft-shell variety—but remember that your checked luggage will be handled with the least amount of care.

The second is weight. While you don’t want a heavy carry-on, either, weight is particularly important for checked bags. Remember, they need to come in under 50 pounds in most cases, or you’ll be paying an extra weight fee.

These are my favorite checked luggage picks at the moment:

Picks for backpacks

Worried about whether or not your carry-on meets airline regulations? You aren’t alone.

The only thing more frustrating than shrinking carry-on specifications is the fact that every airline has a different approach. Backpacks are almost always a sure bet when getting on a plane, so if you’ve been burned by a slightly-too-large carry-on, go with a backpack.

Backpacks are most often preferred by more rugged-ready travelers… or backpackers, you might call them. Still, whether or not you’re planning to pack into hostel after hostel on a tour of Southeast Asia, you might want a great backpack as a carry-on for shorter trips. (You might prefer them to weekenders for weekend getaways, too.)

These are my favorite backpack luggage picks at the moment, including one rolling option:

Picks for weekenders

A weekender bag is a duffel that’s designed for short two or three-day getaways—hence the name. They’re ideal for last-minute escapes, short road trips, train and bus rides, and other short-distance destinations.

Just know that they’ll challenge you to be ruthless with your final packing list, as they’re often small enough to carry.

That being said, you might rely on your weekender beyond the scope of travel, such as using your piece as an office bag with added storage. Many weekender bags have shoe slots that make it easy to toss in gym clothes, for example.

These are my favorite weekender luggage picks at the moment:

The best of the rest: alternative luggage picks

Not all luggage pieces fit neatly into the above categories. There are also under-seat carry-ons, luggage sets, cross-body bags, barely-there totes, and plenty more.

If you didn’t find your perfect luggage champion above, keep shopping.

These are some of my favorite alternative luggage picks that can help you pack and trot around the globe more efficiently:

  • Under-seat carry-on from CALPAK. Looking for a tiny hard-shell carry-on that will fit under the seat back in front of you? CALPAK nailed their approach with their Hue Mini Carry-On, and they’re a treat for the eyes.
  • Compression cubes from CALPAK or BEIS. Either option will let you maximize your packing capabilities, as this type of compression packing cube literally shrinks down. (Don’t waste your time with regular packing cubes.)
  • Beis and CALPAK also offer fantastic luggage sets that aren’t too expensive.
  • Cross-body bags from Tumi Voyageur. These types of travel-ready cross-body bags make it easy to keep your valuables in reach without putting them in danger of being stolen. Its durable nylon exterior is also ready to battle the elements… and dirty tourist areas.
  • Super packable totes for adding packing capabilities from Baggu and BAGSMART. I have a big thing for mini totes that you can easily bring with you to pack more when needed—or do some grocery shopping in your destination.

FAQs

When is it worth it to buy expensive luggage?

The decision to fork over hundreds of dollars (if not thousands) for a great piece of luggage is a tough one, even if you have years of travel under your belt and a destroyed suitcase to show for it.

I recommend splurging on luggage when you start to notice these five changes.

  • Your trips are starting to get longer and more elaborate—higher-quality luggage is easier to unpack and repack
  • You’re good at packing and want a few perks, like charging banks and other tech
  • You know how to use that tech
  • You aren’t showing up late to the airport all the time, ensuring you can take better care of your luggage
  • You didn’t entirely destroy your last piece of luggage even though you had it for years

Should you check your luggage or bring a carry-on?

It all depends on the length of your trip and type of trip you’re heading on. I almost always recommend sticking to a carry-on when possible, but these are the factors you need to consider when choosing between a checked piece and a carry-on.

Signs you should use a carry-on:

  • If you’re relying on public transportation to get to your hotel or rental, carry-ons are way easier to handle than larger checked bags
  • If you’re on a tight budget, you won’t pay as many checked bag fees
  • If you’re worried about losing an important item (and especially a medical device) then don’t check your bag

Signs you should check a bag:

  • If you plan to do a lot of shopping, maybe you want added space, making a checked bag ideal
  • If it’s winter (or just cold as hell), a checked bag will let you pack for the weather more easily

What type of luggage should first-time travelers buy?

If you’re a first-time traveler with limited experience flying internationally, I recommend buying a cheaper hard-shell piece.

If you think you can handle less space, go with a carry-on. If not, there’s no problem starting out with a larger checked bag—so long as you don’t mind paying for added baggage fees.

You can find highly affordable but reliable hard-shell luggage from Amazon Basics, as well as TravelPro. No need to go all-in when you’re just starting out.

How should you decide between hard-shell and soft-shell luggage?

I’m a big fan of hard-shell luggage because it protects whatever you pack a lot better than a soft-shell suitcase. Additionally, they’re easier to clean after interior spills and protect against exterior stains.

Don’t underestimate how physically dirty travel is—from cargo holds to city streets to taxi trunks, soft-shell luggage absorbs a lot of nastiness while in transit.

That being said, there’s no huge difference between them. If you aren’t one to pack a lot of fragile items or liquids, then a soft-shell suitcase should be just fine. I’ve also seen some travelers switch to Team Soft-Shell after having their hard-shell suitcases cracked by particularly careless airport ground crews.

Do you need luggage straps, luggage locks, and geolocators?

I don’t personally use any of these gadgets. Instead, if I’m checking a bag, I fly with a reliable legacy airline like Delta. In February, they lost my checked bag, then found it without a single phone call or push on my part; I just tracked my bag via their app while they solved the problem.

That being said, if you fly with whatever airline is cheapest and head to airports with less than sterling reputations, tools like luggage straps and locks can provide a little added security for your bags.

On the other hand, geolocators let you hunt down your suitcase after disaster has struck—but knowing where your bag is doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get it back.

What should you do if your luggage is lost?

If you’re able to track your luggage via an airline’s app, do so. Otherwise, buckle up and strap in. If any airline loses your checked bag, you should be in immediate contact with the airline to follow up on the bag’s location, along with the airport’s luggage crew (which handles the baggage claim area).

Together, they should be able to provide you with actionable next steps. However, it’s always possible that an airline could lose your bag—and owe you zero compensation. (See why I always push for carry-ons?)

Peru Set New Rules for Machu Picchu—Here’s What You Need to Know

I’ve said it once this year, and I have a feeling I’ll say it again: It’s a big year for travel updates.

From new travel form requirements to big questions about visiting the United States, the global routes of tourism are being disrupted. But it’s not just the minutiae of travel requirements that are evolving; I’m also noticing a new approach to tourism from popular destinations.

Two of the biggest updates have come from the world’s most popular destinations: Venice, Italy, and Machu Picchu, Peru, which have launched brand new travel rules in 2025.

I’ll get to Venice in the next week or two—for now, I’m focusing on what new rule changes in Machu Picchu mean for your upcoming travels, and how you can ensure you have a great trip to one of the world’s greatest wonders. (I mean that literally—Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which were announced in 2000.)

Here’s what you need to know about the new rules for visiting Machu Picchu.

Meet the new Machu Picchu

Getty

The new rules for visiting Machu Picchu come from Peru’s Ministry of Culture and are pretty straightforward. You might recognize similar rules in other high-traffic, ancient, and highly regarded destinations, from the Taj Mahal to Le Louvre.

The new rules are:

  • All visitors must enter with a licensed tour guide
  • Tour group sizes cannot exceed 10 people
  • Visitors must purchase tickets for a certain time slot, and can only enter Machu Picchu for that given time slot
  • Specific sites within Machu Picchu, including the Sun Temple and other areas, are also limited by time slot
  • When you purchase a time slot, you also purchase a route; each route has a distinct time slot, and some may only be available seasonally
  • Nearby peaks like Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu are also only accessible during certain time slots for ticketholders
  • You must purchase all tickets before arriving; they are also non-transferable
  • No more than 5,600 visitors may enter Machu Picchu per day during high season (June to August); during the low season (September-May), no more than 4,600 visitors may enter
  • No more than 2,400 visitors may be inside Machu Picchu at the same time
  • Visits can last between two to seven hours
  • No visitors may go ‘off-track’

Here’s a TL;DR version: You can only get into Machu Picchu by buying a ticket to visit during a certain time slot and heading there with an officially licensed tour guide.

Why did Peru create new rules for this site?

Getty

Over the last decade, overtourism has threatened the integrity of Machu Picchu, putting its architecture at risk.

To put it simply, there have been too many visitors, too many defacements, too many accidents, and too many off-trail scams that put tourists and the landmark at risk.

The rule changes are designed to preserve this ancient site while making sure that tourists in future generations can enjoy this World Wonder.

I live in one of these high-traffic tourist zones: Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, one of the world’s most popular destinations. I can tell you firsthand how tough overcrowding from tourism is, even with the most polite and well-intentioned tourists.

To be blunt, I would love for the local Ajuntament (aka city council) to release a set of regulations like this for certain parts of Barcelona. First, because it standardizes what is and isn’t allowed; tourists can’t obey the rules if they aren’t clear. Second, it ensures the safety of the destination; in this case, Machu Picchu. Third, it also provides a framework for local guides to work sustainability.

In other words, these rules won’t negatively impact your trip to Machu Picchu. If you’re dead-set on spending more than seven hours at the site, you can buy a ticket to return sometime over the next few days.

7 Gorgeous Places to Kayak on California’s Coast

There’s hardly an outdoor adventure you can’t have in California.

Want to hike through the mountains or ski snowy peaks? You could spend a lifetime exploring the Sierra Nevadas. What about sunbathing on a sun-drenched beach? Straight to San Diego for you! And hiking through magical forests? You won’t find redwoods this big anywhere else in the world.

I could keep listing off big-name stops, from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe—but I’m sure you get the point.

The Golden State has set the gold standard for getting out into nature.

But its coastlines are particularly diverse, from the dramatic scenes in NorCal to the more relaxing, exotic beaches in SoCal. From hiking to sunbathing to swimming, there are dozens of ways to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. Over the last decade, sea kayaking has become a more popular way to enjoy the coast, meaning it’s also become more accessible for visitors who don’t have their own equipment.

If you’re a fan of gliding atop the water in a kayak (for exercise, fun, or both), then make sure to pencil in a visit to the locations below. They’re the best places to kayak on California’s coast.

[Tips for sea kayaking: Sea kayaking is a lot tougher than kayaking on calm rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. If you’re uncomfortable in a kayak or in the water, know that some of the locations below won’t be ideal for you. If you’re brand new to ocean kayaking, always go with a guide or stick to very calm waters, such as Tomales Bay or La Jolla.]

Best places to kayak on California’s coast

Channel Islands National Park (near Santa Barbara)

Channel Islands National Park Arch, California (Getty)

Home to dramatic cliffs and plenty of wildlife, this is one of the least busy kayaking spots in California, with gorgeous views. The waters are crystal clear—enough so that snorkeling is another popular activity.

There’s just one catch: it’s not great for first-time kayakers, as the tides and rock formations can be difficult to manage. For this reason, I suggest that you go with an official park guide.

You can find a tour guide at Channel Islands Adventure Company if you’re going to the Scorpion area of the park. (They also offer snorkel tours!) If not, check out these other tour services and outfitters.

Point Reyes National Seashore (Tomales Bay)

A couple on a sunset paddle; Tomales Bay, Point Reyes. California.

Located in the famous Marin County, Tomales Bay is the most popular stop in the Point Reyes National Seashore area to go kayaking. (It’s also home to Alamere Falls, if you like seaside waterfalls!) Expansive, calm, and easy to get to, it’s a perfect spot for beginner kayakers who aren’t ready to take on Channel Islands National Park.

Using this informational map, you can easily find ideal locations to cast off into the ocean from Tomales Bay, which runs a full 15 miles.

La Jolla Ecological Reserve (near San Diego)

Kayaks near coastal caves at La Jolla Cove in Southern California in summer on a sunny day (Getty)

La Jolla is a large cove near San Diego, famous for its looming, massive sea caves. If you’ve visited San Diego before, you’ve probably heard of the many tours that visit the caves. (If you’re looking for a quiet kayaking adventure, go elsewhere; La Jolla stays busy.)

They’re easily accessed via licensed tour guides. I’ll let you choose which kayak tours of La Jolla to go with; you won’t be short on options.

In lieu of privacy and calm waters, you can expect gorgeous, rocky coastal views and maybe even an animal sighting. Thanks to La Jolla’s kelp beds, sea lions and even dolphins sometimes grace the area.

Elkorn Slough (Moss Landing)

Discover the grace and beauty of a pod of brown pelicans gracefully gliding over the waters of Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (Getty)

Located in Monterey Bay, this slough (a type of wetland) is part estuary, meaning you’ll be kayaking in California’s largest saltwater marsh. That probably doesn’t sound very appealing, especially considering you’ll see the Moss Landing Power Plant right on the coast, and this is a list about the most beautiful places to kayak on California’s coast.

But I have a compromise: though the views aren’t the best, the wildlife is abundant.This is one of North America’s top wildlife viewing spots. You can see harbor seals, sea otters, and plenty of marine birds.

Best of all, because there are two reserves and research facilities in the area, it’s not hard to find a fantastic guide who can teach you a thing or two about Elkorn Slough’s important ecology.

Fort Bragg Harbor (Noyo)

Fort Bragg, California, USA-June 22, 2021:Boats and wharves of Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg, California (Getty)

The Noyo River cuts through Mendocino County, eventually emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Fort Bragg. Similar to Elkorn Slough, this gives you the unique opportunity to kayak through a coastal estuary. You can even learn about the harbor’s interesting history, as it’s been active since the 1860s.

Kayaking through a harbor probably doesn’t sound too appealing, but the area’s byways look more like Sausalito than an industrial cityscape. In other words, you can spot wildlife as you kayak along the river, from otters to seals, along with enjoying the area’s fertile, overgrown forests.

Carlsbad Lagoon Recreation Area (Carlsbad)

Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, California, USA (Getty)

Sloughs, harbors, and lagoons—the best places to kayak on California’s coast aren’t quite what many expect. In this case, you’ve got the chance to soak up gorgeous Southern California views—similar to what you might see on Catalina Island.

There are dozens of ways to get out on the water, too, in case your fellow travelers aren’t wooed by a kayak trip, from waverunners to pontoons.

4 Awesome Hotels with Animal Interaction Opportunities

One of my favorite emerging trends in hospitality is hotels with cool side quests.

Bonus points if those side quests involve animals.

One of the most popular options for travelers who want a great hotel and a close encounter with the animal kingdom is to go horseback riding. Whether staying at a dude ranch or visiting stables while on vacation, opportunities abound when it comes to learning the basics and getting out into the wild on horseback.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Other opportunities, even those as exotic as falconry, have popped up at hotels around the world—from Virginia’s Omni Homestead Resort to Versailles’ Airelles. Even some Airbnb rentals include a little personal time with farm animals, like the Gulf Coast’s Farm Stay Airbnb.

If any of this is piquing your intrigue, you might be the perfect candidate for a hotel stay that gives you reins to work hands-on with animals. From alpaca encounters to giraffe face-to-faces to animal rescue playtimes, these are the best hotels with animal interaction programs and side quests.

Hotels with animal interaction programs & wildlife experiences

Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile (Kanab, Utah)

Courtesy of Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile lets you stay on the grounds of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a massive shelter for a wide range of animals, from goats to dogs to bunnies.

Best Friends got its start back in 1984 when a group of animal lovers banded together to buy a large plot of land in Utah’s Angel Canyon area. Today, it’s home to over 1,600 rescued animals, making it the largest sanctuary of its kind in the US.

When you visit, you can spend time in multiple areas, including Dogtown, Cat World, Horse Haven, Marshall’s Piggy Paradise,  Bunny House, Parrot Garden, and the rehab center of Wild Friends.

Longneck Manor (Fredericksburg, Texas)

Courtesy of Longneck Manor

Longneck Manor gives you the chance to experience an African safari without ever leaving the country. Well, more or less. Longneck Manor is a resort that spans over 100 acres, home to three rhinos and five giraffes. Unlike other hotels with animal interaction programs, this is almost like a blend between a zoo and a conservation area.

While I’m usually suspicious of any zoo-esque destination with exotic (and endangered animals), Longneck Manor is accredited by the AZA, aka the American Zoological Association. Not only are animals cared for according to strict regulations, but funds from the hotel go toward conservation, research, and more.

That means you can get up-close and personal with rhinos and giraffes with the knowledge that staff and animal welfare agents meet high standards—and even contribute to helping keep wild populations safe and healthy.

Farm Sanctuary (Watkins Glen, New York)

Courtesy of Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is a massive animal sanctuary that has dozens of tiny homes where you can set up shop and get your hands dirty by exploring the farm. I don’t mean that in a negative way—Farm Sanctuary is ideal for anyone who likes pigs, cows, turkeys, and other classic farm animals. (It’s me—I’m happy in barns for some reason.)

You can take tours of the sanctuary where you’ll learn about farm practices, sustainability, and, of course, the animals and how they ended up at the farm. Just keep in mind that you might shed a few tears on the tour.

Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse (Atlanta, Georgia)

Courtesy of Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse

In Atlanta, there’s a massive bamboo forest that’s almost a century old—and inside that forest, there’s a blended pack of alpaca and llamas. There’s also a stilted treehouse that you can rent for the night. While those things probably seem disconnected, they’re not.

The bamboo is relentlessly invasive, which is where the llamas and alpacas come in. They’re responsible for eating new growth, sort of like a last line of defense to prevent the bamboo from overtaking the city of Atlanta. But llamas and alpacas are expensive, which is where the hotel comes in.

You can do yoga classes with them, go on a weekend-long healing retreat (also guided by llamas and alpacas), and more. I could keep hammering home how unique the Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse is, but I’ll let you explore it for yourself. In addition to the treehouse, you can stay in cottages, lodges, and retreats.

3 of the World’s Most Stunning Structures That Are Carved from Rock

Of all the world’s rock-hewn structures, Petra is probably the most famous.

Carved into the reddish rocks of Jordan, Petra stands as a historical monument and feat of human ingenuity and engineering. It’s also a vast site where history and architecture lovers can get lost in the details for hours on end.

But Petra is hardly the only rock-hewn, drool-worthy structure out there.

Ready to take a closer look at our world’s coolest sites that were carved from a single rockface centuries, if not millennia, ago? These are the three most stunning facades and buildings carved from rock.

Coolest structures that were carved from rock—in chronological order

Ellora Caves (Kailasa Temple) (6th Century CE)

July 17, 2015. Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India. Kailas temple in Ellora caves complex

The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central-west India in the state of Maharashtra. It’s the world’s largest rock-cut cave structure, which includes temples dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain deities and worship. In total, there are over 100 unique caves and structures.

The most famous one you might recognize from photos: Kailasa Temple. The massive megalith was carved into a cliff face between the 6th and 8th centuries. It depicts the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva, with his consort, Parvati, as they ride on a great chariot.

Even if Kailasa Temple was just a single temple cut from an impressive basalt cliff, that would be impressive enough, climbing over 100 feet into the air. But you don’t just have a gorgeous temple—Kailasa Temple is also a stunning example of Indian architecture, and the epitome of its rock-cut era.

Longmen Grottoes (4th-12th Centuries CE)

High-angle view photo of The Longmen Grottoes (Getty)

Longmen Grottoes are another UNESCO World Heritage Site, commissioned centuries ago by Emperor Xiaowen of the Henan Province. Throughout the area, hundreds of grottoes and caves contain both tiny and grand carved depictions of the Buddha; over the years, some areas have served as monasteries for Buddhist monks.

From the outside looking in, the Longmen Grottoes look like arched, cave-like structures dotting a sandstone mountainside. In its center is a massive cave with multiple carvings of the Buddha in different forms. The tallest is the Vairocana Buddha, which stands at 60 feet, and is listed as having been carved in 676 CE.

If you’re hellbent on seeing the sculptures of Longmen Grottoes, you can do so without leaving the US. Two bas reliefs depicting an emperor and an empress were stolen, then later sold to the MET in New York City and the Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, respectively.

Lalibela (7th-13th Centuries CE)

Rock hewn monolithic church of Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George) in Lalibela , Ethiopia (Getty)

Though not nearly as delicate or ornate as the other rock-carved structures on this list, Lalibela (located in Ethiopia’s Amhara region) might be the most striking—especially for Christians.

Ethiopia was one of the first nations in the world to adopt Christianity as it spread throughout the 4th century CE. Ardent supporters carved the monolithic churches from subterranean rocks as early as the 7th century, with construction completed later on in the 12th century.

The rock-hewn churches were so impressive that word spread; the first published record of Lalibela in Europe was scrawled on a Venetian map in 1457. The site and its churches are a representation of Jerusalem, which was being occupied during some parts of its construction.

What I love about Lalibela is that it’s still an active site of worship. Many Ethiopians still practice Orthodox Christianity, and these churches that are carved from rock are open for daily worship along with festivals like Genna.

There are 11 churches spread across four groups, the most famous of which is the Church of Saint George due to how well it has been preserved.