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)

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)

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)

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) (6^th 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 6^th and 8^th 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 (4^th-12^th 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 (7^th-13^th 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 4^th century CE. Ardent supporters carved the monolithic churches from subterranean rocks as early as the 7^th century, with construction completed later on in the 12^th 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.

Do You Have Italian Ancestry? You Can Rediscover Your Roots to Visit Italy

One of the most visible European-American ethnic groups in the United States is Italian-Americans.

Whether or not you’re imagining a reel of Jersey Shore scenes and fist-pumping, you might be aware of other Italian-American traditions. From Sunday dinner with the family to gatherings for major Catholic holidays, they’re a fairly familiar cultural quantity throughout the US.

In fact, most cities also have an Italian-American neighborhood, from Little Italy in Manhattan to the Hill in Saint Louis. (Saint Louis even has its own spin on the term guido; in the Lou, they’re called dagos.)

And in many parts of the US, Italian-American communities like these work to keep their ancestral knowledge alive. If you have an Italian-American friend, you’ve probably heard where they come from in the Old World.

And if they’ve made the trip across the Atlantic to their place of origin, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve seen the pictures and heard the highlights of their visit.

But what about Italian-Americans who have lost touch with their roots?

Given that the majority of immigrants came over during the late 1800s into the early 1900s, millions of Americans are losing track of their ancestral roots. And although they want to visit Italy, they might only have a vague idea of which region to explore—no village names or family records.

That’s where the National Italian American Foundation comes in. In 2023, they penned an official partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to help more Italian-Americans trace their roots.

In 2024, they launched a ‘2024 – Year of Italian Roots’ campaign—and it’s still going strong.

Here’s how you can join to rediscover your Italian ancestry and use that knowledge to visit Italy.

Meet the NIAF

The National Italian American Foundation was founded in 1975 with the goal of uniting Italian-Americans, keeping heritage alive, and promoting the advancement of Italian-American achievements. In other words, it’s a cultural club with tens of thousands of members across the US.

The NIAF mostly works with young adults and youth by raising money for scholarships, sponsoring ‘voyages of discovery’ trips to Italy, lobbying for Italian-American causes, and expanding cultural initiatives.

Speaking of expanding cultural initiatives, one of NIAF’s greatest accomplishments was an official partnership with the Italian Foreign Ministry of Affairs. Over the last year, they’ve worked together to promote Italea, a service that is helping diaspora Italians learn about their ancestry. (More on this below.)

Inside the Roots Tourism Initiative

Last year, the NIAF announced a Roots Tourism Initiative, which was rolled out with the purview of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the goal of promoting a new program, Italea.

The initiative builds on one of Europe’s most booming travel trends: roots tourism.

Roots tourism is huge for Americans who are looking to reestablish ties with their heritage; it’s also a big win for small communities in Europe that could use an economic boost via tourist dollars. (It’s also viewed as a sustainable form of economic growth.)

So, what does all of this mean for Italian-Americans?

In short, rediscovering your Italian-American roots is simpler than ever before, even if you have little information to go on.

On top of that, you don’t need to join NIAF to research your Italian roots and plan a trip (back) to Italy. Instead, you can use Italea, the program that NIAF was helping promote.

(By contrast, if you’re interested in joining NIAF, they can help you take your ancestry research to the next level, and also hand you the keys to joining an Italian-American community.)

How to take part in the Root Tourism Initiative with Italea

As mentioned above, Italea is the official travel program from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is a robust ancestry resource and travel guide.

You can use the website to research your roots and put together a meaningful, memorable trip—even if your ‘hometown’ is out in the boonies.

I can’t recommend Italea enough. Though I didn’t end up using it (I know where my family comes from), Italian-Americans who have more questions than answers are likely to find helpful pointers.

Even if all you have is your surname to point you toward Italian ancestry, Italea can help you uncover your past and visit Italy to see where your ancestors came from.

From there, you can learn more about life in that village or region, along with how to put together a bucket list trip. Best of all, the website is used by Italians around the world—meaning you could find a long-lost relative who immigrated to Argentina way back when.

Urban Green Travel: 10 US Cities with the Most Park Space

Who says urban travel can’t include plenty of greenery?

Off the top of my head, I can name two destinations in the dead center of a city that are worth a visit. The first is the Highline in New York City. This West Village park is located atop defunct train tracks, letting you lounge amid greenery a few floors above the madness of those NYC streets.

The second is Vertical Forest, a residential skyscraper in the heart of Milan. The building’s exterior is laden with potted plants and trees, which come to life each spring. They’re a master class in eco-centric design.

Though the latter isn’t a park that you can visit, both projects highlight the fact that traveling to a city doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll skip out on nature.

That’s doubly true in the United States, where many cities were developed during or after the car boom. With longer streets and plenty of space for expansion, city planners had added flexibility to transform fields and forests into walkable green spaces. (Or cemeteries… looking at you, Green-Wood.)

But which cities come out ahead in terms of green space?

ParkScore has the answer for you.

Every year, ParkScore takes data from the Trust for Public Land to rank which cities have the most acres of free park space, how easy it is to access, what types of amenities are available, how spread out the parks are across the city, and investment based on public vs non-profit spending.

In short, ParkScore isn’t just ranking cities based on their total park acreage; they’re also taking a qualitative look at whether locals can actually take advantage of those spaces. Here’s the top ten in order of highest score.

Cities with the most park space

Washington, DC

A whopping 99% of DC locals live within walking distance of a public park. Every year, citizens spend around $345 on maintaining these parks, along with recreational activities. Just keep in mind that some of Washington’s larger landmarks are getting clumped in here, such as the National Mall. Explore the parks.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

As with Washington, DC, 99% of locals in Minneapolis are within ten minutes of a park on foot. The city is laced with biking and walking paths, and its parks are home to play areas and athletic courts.

There are just two points worth mentioning. First, Minneapolis comes in a bit low in equity, meaning its parks are focused around specific neighborhoods. Second, intense winters mean you won’t be enjoying these parks year-round. Explore the parks.

St. Paul, Minnesota

Though residents only have a short walk to local parks, they won’t have quite as many acres to explore. That being said, there’s a trade-off: because St. Paul’s parks are slightly smaller, they have more amenities than in many other cities.

Unfortunately, winters are on par with Minneapolis, meaning you won’t be able to use (most) parks for half the year. Explore the parks.

Irvine, California

When it comes to access and acreage, Irvine, California, sneakily rises above the competition in terms of total park space. Locals spend a massive $643 a year on local parks and land trusts, many of which have basic amenities. Equity is also rated slightly lower, meaning certain neighborhoods in Irvine have more parks than others. Explore the parks.

Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia, is the most unique case on this list. The city has one of the lowest acreage scores in the ParkScore study, but one of the highest in terms of amenities. Though its parks are smaller, they include more resources for residents, from public restrooms to playgrounds to trail markers. Explore the parks.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle has one of the oldest and most active Parks and Recreation departments of any US city, meaning it’s been protecting its green spaces longer. Though it doesn’t top the list in terms of acreage or amenities, its parks are evenly spread for a high equity score and are regularly funded by public dollars with high investment numbers. Explore the parks.

San Francisco, California

Similar to Seattle, San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation department has been adamant about preserving green spaces throughout the city. In fact, it’s home to some of the US’s most famous parks, from Golden Gate Park to Hippie Hill. Explore the parks.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Less than 90% of locals live within a ten-minute walk of a park, leaving Cincinnati with one of the lowest access scores on the list. The same is true for its total acreage. However, its parks are well-loved by residents and are kept up by the Parks and Rec department, offering top-notch amenities. Explore the parks.

Portland, Oregon

In terms of access, acreage, and amenities, locals in Portland have a lot to love about their local parks. Unfortunately, it has a very low equity score, meaning some parts of the city are more or less cut off from its amazing park systems and land trusts. Explore the parks.

Chicago, Illinois

Similar to New York City, Chicago city planners have done an excellent job of offering a green escape in the heart of its downtown area. In fact, its access and equity scores are incredibly high, meaning locals anywhere can find a park to relax in. Unfortunately, they’re likely to be small parks, and Chicago has the smallest number of acres dedicated to parks. Explore the parks.

St. Petersburg, Florida

Despite its urban sprawl, you won’t find many large parks in St. Petersburg, Florida. That being said, you’ll find them spread out throughout the area, meaning one is always in reach. With high investment from local entities, parks are also well-maintained and have plenty of amenities. Explore the parks.

Go Here First: Best Countries for Your First International Trip

Dreaming of a bucket list trip outside the country, but aren’t sure where to get started?

You aren’t alone. Millions of Americans dream of an exotic adventure abroad, but are intimidated by the idea of encountering a new culture, interacting with people who don’t speak English, and venturing long distances from home.

After all, the list of possible mishaps is long, and questions related to important topics like health and finances aren’t always quickly answered.

Travel requires a surprising amount of patience and fortitude, in other words. That’s true even if you’re simply heading from the airport straight to a resort. The simple truth is that you’re going to encounter something unexpected along the way.

But that’s only one side of the coin.

On the other hand, getting out of your comfort zone is one of the best ways to experience personal transformation, discover new interests, and learn more about the world. Most importantly, travel doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or stressful.

If you’re a little hung up about traveling great distances, navigating a foreign language, and coming face-to-face with vastly different cultural traditions, don’t worry—there’s no need to jump in the deep end.

I’ve rounded up eight popular destinations that are close to the United States, are proficient in English, and are very similar to our culture. One of them doesn’t even require a passport to visit.

Ready to set off on your first international trip? Here’s where to go.

Best countries for first-time international trips

Tropics: US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Belize
Europe: London, Edinburgh, & Dublin
Europe-ish: Iceland & Montreal

Top countries for your first international trips

US Virgin Islands

A man walks past leaning palm trees on Cormorant Beach. Saint Croix, United States Virgin Islands (Getty)

The US Virgin Islands are an overseas US territory, meaning you don’t need a passport to visit. (But you do need your real ID!)

This gorgeous chain of islands is home to dozens of well-known and boutique resorts alike, making it easy for you to arrive and get settled with a familiar vacation setup.

That being said, you can still get to know unique elements of Caribbean culture while on the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, from the food to live performances. Only a few hours south of Florida, the US Virgin Islands is the most accessible ‘international’ destination for Americans to explore.

British Virgin Islands

Just east of the US Virgin Islands are another great choice for your very first international trip, the British Virgin Islands. Compared to the US Virgin Islands, the islands are more remote and rugged.

Usually, sailors and boating enthusiasts stick to the British Virgin Islands, while more traditional resort-style vacationers stick to the US side.

The choice is yours, but you can expect a similar experience in terms of beachy activities, tropical hikes, and chances to soak up Caribbean culture. As with the USVI, English is the main language in BVI. Just expect a quieter trip with fewer resort-style amenities.

Belize

Belize is a tropics-lovers paradise. The small country is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling experiences thanks to its proximity to the Great Blue Hole.

The Great Blue Hole is second only to the Great Barrier Reef, just to clue you into the sites that you can expect on its unspoiled beaches. On top of that, you can also explore Mayan ruins.

Though surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries, Belizeans speak English. That being said, you’ll notice plenty of Caribbean cultural markers, plus Mexican influences. Americans can also expect plenty of small talk; just like us, Belizeans love a little back-and-forth while waiting in lines.

London

There’s little reason to sell you on a trip to London if you’ve never left the country before. Not only will you recognize plenty around the city (assuming you paid attention in history class), but you can also get a feel for the origin of American culture—from the love of pubs and sports to an appreciation for hearty food and great entertainment.

Just know that this is the priciest destination on this list by a long shot. If you go to London, expect to pay top prices for basic hotels, meals, and tours. Plus, the plane ticket.

Edinburgh

If London isn’t quite right, head further north to Scotland. Edinburgh is a top pick for Americans on their first international trips thanks to its rich history and moody streets. If you’re into the Middle Ages and gothic architecture, look no further. Edinburgh also hosts some of the UK’s most popular music and cultural festivals, in case you love a good party.

Just beware that you’re going to pay a lot to explore Edinburgh. Though not quite as pricey as London, it’s still an expensive destination. Also, it’s pronounced edd-en-burr-owe.

Dublin

Formally Liffey Bridge, the iron-made Ha’penny Bridge, built in 1816 (Getty)

Like London, Dublin is high on the list for many Americans who want to visit Europe. Given how many Irish-Americans want to explore their ancestry, it’s also a popular jumping-off point for roots tourism.

If you fit into that category, kick off your international travels in Dublin. It’s a modern-but-ancient city that you’ll be able to explore at your own pace.

Just keep in mind that you might not want to spend too much time in Dublin. During my time in Ireland, I wrapped up my visit to the capital within a few days, then headed out west to County Kerry, Cork, and Galway. Those were my favorite parts of the trip, so make sure you have a pathway into the country if you visit the Emerald Isle.

Iceland

I labeled Iceland as a Europe-ish destination because, although it’s technically in Europe, it’s got its own distinct feel. (The same for Montreal, below.)

Similar to the United States, the country is spread out across a large distance, meaning you’re most likely going to be renting a car and driving a lot.

For many Americans, you’ll feel right at home as you cruise around the country to explore natural wonders like the hot springs, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches. In other words, the road trip vibes in Iceland will be familiar enough.

Still, the rest of the experience should be pretty novel, from the food to the language to the liquors on bar shelves. (Don’t worry, English is widely spoken.)

Montreal

Quebec is Canada’s French-speaking zone and, as such, has a distinctly French flair. That unique culture is best soaked up in Montreal, a gorgeous city that feels European-ish thanks to its architecture and lifestyle.

Though locals don’t speak English quite as much as in Iceland, you won’t be isolated if you don’t know French.

Best of all, Montreal is only a short flight away for Americans on the East Coast. And while winter temperatures are known for dropping well below freezing, people in Quebec know how to enjoy winter in style.