TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

6 Funky Boutique Hotels in the US That You’ll Want to Visit Twice

6 Funky Boutique Hotels in the US That You’ll Want to Visit Twice

Many travelers nix boutique hotels from their lists, usually for fear that a smaller and more specialized hotel might cost too much.

It’s common to conflate boutique hotels with luxury hotels, especially becuase many boutique hotels are, in fact, a bit more upscale.

However, the word boutique signifies that the hotel is smaller and offers more personalized service. Technically speaking, boutique refers to hotels with 100 rooms or fewer. But let’s focus more on quality rather than quantity.

More importantly, a boutique hotel also has a specific focus, whether historical angles or a kitschy atmosphere or a unique approach to hospitality.

What makes a hotel boutique can run a huge gamut. Just know that the main differentiator isn’t price—it’s the hotel’s dedication to doing things in their own idiosyncratic way. Operations are more tailored and boutique, and that small room count is usually due to a specialized approach more than size considerations.

Some are funkier than others, packing a powerful punch for even a single-night stay. I personally love these types of stays because they extend the travel fun to your hotel room, delivering a stronger impression than a standard hotel or rental.

Caught your interest? I’ve selected a few of my favorite boutique hotels in the United States. There’s a pick for every adventure.

6 funky boutique hotels in the US

6 funky boutique hotels in the US

TWA Hotel in JFK (New York, New York)

Courtesy of TWA Hotel

This well-known boutique hotel is located at JFK, the tri-state area’s largest airport. Built in 1962 by Eero Saarinen (that’s the same guy who built the Lumon building, aka Bell Works), it’s a midcentury modernist feast for the eyes. But the TWA Hotel, which has been active since 2019, isn’t just gorgeous from the outside.

Inside, you’ll find a stylish look into the past, with 60s-style sitting areas, restaurants, and hallways. The rooms are a bit more modern, but the entire aesthetic is endlessly attention-grabbing.

The Dive Motel and Swim Club (Nashville, Tennessee)

Courtesy of The Dive Motel and Swim Club

If you like the 60s-style aesthetic of the TWA Hotel, you’ll fall in love with The Dive Motel and Swim Club in Nashville. The traditional motel grounds have been restored with a groovy-but-tasteful design. From the bar to the pool to the rooms, it’s a retro feast for the eyes.

At The Dive Motel and Swim Club, there’s also a strong emphasis on atmosphere, as this hangout is open to non-guests. If you’re just passing through and don’t need a room, you can grab a drink at the bar as you lounge poolside.

Hotel McCoy (Tucson, Pullman, & College Station)

Courtesy of Hotel McCoy (Tucson)

With the motto ‘vintage vibes, modern perks’, you might be noticing a pattern: a lot of contemporary boutique hotels are showcasing retro tastes. It’s not just a look into the past in terms of aesthetics, but also a harken for the ‘good old (social) days’ when people hung out to listen to music, swim, play shuffleboard, and more.

In fact, Hotel McCoy isn’t a traditional boutique hotel—it’s a chain with locations in Arizona, Texas, and Washington. If you’re looking for an affordable, accessible, and exciting introduction to boutique stays, start with McCoy.

Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

Courtesy of the Hotel Chalet

Don’t let the words choo choo throw you off—this is an upscale boutique stay. The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a former train station and complex that now includes a hotel, the Hotel Chalet.

Guests can choose between a standard hotel room or staying in defunct Victorian train carriages. That historical angle adds a sense of effortless luxury, which you’ll feel throughout the grounds, from the pool to the restaurant.

Hicksville Pines (Idyllwild, California)

Courtesy of Hicksville Pines

If character is a priority for you, then consider a boutique hotel like Hicksville Pines. This casual hotel includes 10 unique rooms set inside painted A-Frames that are nestled in the mountains.

The grounds are kitschy and fun, offering a full arcade (free), along with shuffleboard and ping pong. Every room has a unique theme, from Christmas to Mondo Trasho to Dita Von Teese. Also, it’s 4/20 friendly.

I’m not really sure which thread to follow—the unique rooms, the gorgeous A-Frames, the mountain setting, the 4/20 friendly status. It’s a surprisingly well-balanced blend of adult, summer camp-style fun.

Capital Reef Resort (Torrey, Utah)

Courtesy of Capital Reef Resort

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now: every boutique hotel sets its own agenda and has its own style. At Capital Reef Resort, you can soak up a boutique take on glamping.

The Conestoga Wagons are handcrafted to closely resemble the covered wagons that pioneers used hundreds of years ago. You can also choose to stay in a state-of-the-art teepee or a traditional cabin.

From there, you can take on the 58-acre property at your own leisure. The goal here is to encourage total relaxation, whether you want to hike, lay poolside, or go on a more adventurous outing, like horseback riding or a llama excursion.

Top 5 Adult Summer Camps in the United States (Yes, They Exist)

I like to talk about adult summer camp-style experiences, especially when covering larger, resort-style campsites.

It all boils down to one of my favorite travel experiences: heading to the Philadelphia Experiment Music Festival in the mid-2010s. This small-scale music festival brought in around two thousand partiers like me from around New England. We gathered to dance and socialize (see: rave), but that was hardly the only offer on the table.

Set in the Maryland forests on the actual site of a recurring summer camp for kids, we had the choice of camping, staying in bunk-bed laden rooms, and even purchasing a meal ticket—which included access to a buffet in a dining hall.

There were roller blade-disco competitions, themed parades, large-scale artistic pyres, arts and crafts workshops, interactive mazes, and more. The cherry on top was the large barn that was turned into a new experience every year, from an Indy-style Temple of Doom to a Cold War-style spy bar. To drink at the latter, you had to present a microfiche.

I could keep going, but I hope I’m painting a strong picture: summer camp nostalgia is alive, and it’s driving unique adult summer camp experiences around the country.

While I missed out on summer camps as a kid, that hasn’t stopped me from becoming a summer camp adult later on in life.

If the scene I laid out about doesn’t sound appealing, don’t worry—that was my music festival variation. You can find an adult summer camp that suits your (retro) interests in dodgeball, obstacle courses, bonfires, and more. Here are a few of my favorite adult summer camps in the United States.

5 best adult summer camps in the United States

Full-throttle fun: Club Getaway (Kent, Connecticut)

Let’s kick off the list with the most faithful recreation of summer camp bliss—this time, repackaged for adults. The camp includes all those familiar elements; it’s lakeside, there’s outdoor gear for any and every type of adventure, and the entire experience is centered around cabins and a dining hall.

But there’s also more advanced adult adventures, like water skiing, late-night DJ parties, treetop adventure courses, and more. The adult summer camps center around letting you unleash your inner child—so if variation is top of mind for you, head to Club Getaway. You won’t even know where to start.

Best for dropping off the map: Camp Rahh (Samish Island, Washington)

Club Getaway is a high-octane adventure by most metrics, and might not be ideal for more introverted types. If you like the nostalgia factor of summer camps but shy away from all that shouting and splashing, head to Camp Rahh on the other side of the country.

For four days each year, Camp Rahh brings on adults from across Seattle (and beyond) for a week of slightly quainter fun. I’m dubbing Camp Rahh a hit for more introspective adults, as most activities are centered around alleviating stress, having fun, and feeling more connected to others.

Activities include yoga, rock climbing, dancing, kayaking, archery, live music, and plenty more. The grounds are also suitably adorable, and the lodging options are lined with classic bunk beds.

Exactly like childhood: Camp No Counselors (NY, CA & TX)

Camp No Counselors is similar to Club Getaway in that you’ll quickly recognize all the markers of a classic American summer getaway: pool and lake-centric activities, tons of outdoor gear, and competitive team activities. The main difference? There’s a ‘premium’ edge, as the camp comes with branded t-shirts and has state-of-the-art equipment.

Plus, Camp No Counselors goes above and beyond to make their environment inclusive. Their motto is ‘don’t be an asshole’, so if you’re worried about really letting your inner child let loose, start here. With programs running in California and New York (plus Texas in 2026), it’s a bit more accessible than other camps on this list.

For the laaaaaadies: Camp Hot & Social

Don’t let the name throw you off—this isn’t a romantic, ladies-only summer camp. (Although it is women-only.)

This is a new adult summer camp project that’s designed for women in their 20s and 30s who have found it difficult to make friends as adults. While there’s plenty in the way of traditional summer camp fun, from lakeside activities to barbecues, it’s more tightly focused on social time.

Additionally, this is a short three-day camp that provides transportation to and from NYC and the campgrounds in rural Pennsylvania. If you’re a woman who’s a little worried about going all-in on a longer camp and are located in NYC, Camp Hot & Social should be on your radar.

The non-camp pick: Summercamp, Martha’s Vineyard

What if you want the nostalgia and atmosphere of a summer camp without actually staying in bunks or swimming in manmade lakes?

Head to Summercamp on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s designed to hit all those retro notes from a design and atmospheric standpoint, meaning you can play a game of Twister or eat a creamsicle, then head back to your high-class mattress.

What Does the Death of Pope Francis Mean for Jubilee Attendees?

It’s a jubilee for the books.

The 2025 Jubilee is centered around finding hope, but only months after opening the Holy Door in the Vatican, Pope Francis passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday. It’s made this year’s jubilee theme of ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint’ even more poignant.

Given reports of the Pope’s ebbing health, the news wasn’t a surprise for thousands of pilgrims and tourists flocking to Rome. Still, it’s brought up concerns and questions for anyone with plans to attend the jubilee celebrations.

Tourists heading to Rome likely have questions about whether the jubilee will continue and, if so, in what form?

After all, the Vatican is one of the most rigidly organized entities in the world—and the death of a pope kicks off a highly ornate and hush-hush series of events. (Some traditions date as far back as Ancient Rome, just to give you context for how involved and historic the proceedings are.)

Let’s cover the basics for anyone who has plans to visit Rome and the Vatican for the 2025 Jubilee.

Is the 2025 Jubilee canceled?

The 2025 Jubilee is not canceled. Following the pope’s death, Catholics enter a nine-day mourning period that includes Pope Francis’s funeral and burial.

Though most Popes choose to be buried in the Vatican under St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis has instead elected to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome.

After the burial, cardinals from around the world will gather in the Vatican to elect a new pope. This group is known as the College of Cardinals. If you saw 2024’s Conclave, you have a basic understanding of how this highly political process works.

When will a new Pope be named?

Around 120 Cardinals will gather to debate amongst one another before voting for a new pope. On the actual day of voting, the Sistine Chapel will be closed off and all eligible voting Cardinals will be locked inside. Candidates must receive a 2/3 majority to take the (papal) crown next.

The vote isn’t always quick or easy. When Pope Francis was elected in 2013, the decision took around a day and required multiple votes.

But there are famous cases in which the next pope wasn’t confirmed for years.

In other words, we don’t know when a new Pope will be named, and that’s what will likely impact any jubilee trips scheduled for this year.

It’s expected that the College of Cardinals will gather to start debating and voting within a month after the funeral. Every day that they gather without selecting a new pope, they release a literal smoke signal—black, to signify a decision hasn’t been made.

It’s likely that the new pope will be chosen fairly quickly after the conclave has gathered, and a decision on a new pope could come as early as the end of May.

Once the decision is made, the ballots are burned in the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, and white smoke declares to the world that a new pope will be announced shortly.

How does a new pope affect the jubilee? And should visitors change their plans?

This isn’t the first time a pope has passed away during a jubilee year, but it does pose a unique situation. Popes get to steer the tone of each jubilee; this year’s emphasis on hope is one that Pope Francis chose.

His replacement could choose a new theme, theoretically.

That’s unlikely to happen given this jubilee is already underway and many pilgrims have already booked their trips. Thematically, it’s already well underway.

Instead, the better question is how long it will take the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope.

Though most turnovers are relatively fast, there’s no guarantee that things will wrap up quickly—and that means one thing for visitors: don’t expect access to the Sistine Chapel.

As mentioned above, the College of Cardinals forms a sequestered enclave in the Sistine Chapel to debate a new pope and cast their votes.

And those votes must be a 2/3 majority, which means multiple votes can be taken in a single day. For anyone heading to Rome in May, don’t expect to get inside.

If the possibility of not making it into the Sistine Chapel throws a wrench into your plans, you might want to consider a few backup plans—especially if you’re visiting in May or June.

Room to Breathe: 6 of the Largest Resorts in the US

Want access to the largest resorts in the US? You’ll find them on the Strip and nearby in Las Vegas.

The Venetian & Palazzo has over 7,000 rooms spread across three massive towers, while the  MGM Grand has around 6,850. That’s not counting the size of the resorts’ casinos and arenas, either.

Close behind Vegas’s casinos are Disneyland and Disney World resorts. The largest is Orlando’s Pop Century Resort, home to almost 3,000 rooms. It might not seem like much compared to the Venetian or MGM Grand, but the Pop Century Resort is the largest single-site employer in the country, with over 70,000 employees.

But what about horizontal sprawl instead of vertical reach?

If you’re looking for room to breathe (and stretch your legs) on your next vacation, you can find resorts across the country that feel like a world of their own. They’re purposefully off the beaten track to give you the keys to a perfect escape.

Ready to step into a new world? I’ve rounded up some of the largest resorts in the US by size and atmosphere—it’s time to start packing.

Largest resorts in the US based on trip type

  • Wildest pick: Paws Up, Montana
  • Rustic charm: Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Michigan
  • Best activities: Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania
  • Great for families: Primland, Virginia
  • Something unexpected: The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah
  • Pure romance: Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

Largest resorts in the US: a closer look

Wildest pick: The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

Courtesy of Paws Up

Technically a dude ranch, this massive resort is one of the largest in the country, spanning over 37,000 acres of untouched wilderness.

If you’re new to dude ranches, let me summarize: they’re ranches designed for hospitality purposes, letting wayward travelers play cowboy for a day. Many also include non-cowboy pastimes, like zip-lining adventures and shopping trips.

At Paws Up, you’ve got a handful of options for your stay. You can get a bit more rustic with a glamping tent, stick to a log cabin, head to one of the upscale vacation homes, and more. You can get your hands dirty with horseback riding and dog sleigh riding—or head to the spa to unwind in the lap of luxury.

The most important ingredient here is that pure Montana wild that surrounds you from all sides, giving you a sense of privacy and total rejuvenation.

Rustic charm: Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Michigan

Courtesy of Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

In case you haven’t heard, Keweenaw is one of the most scenic locations in the Midwest. Not only is it Michigan’s first dark-sky territory, making it ideal for stargazing, but it’s also one of the most jaw-dropping places to watch the fall foliage change.

Nestled in the heart of the peninsula is Keweenaw Mountain Lodge—a resort that’s perfect for your local adventures.

I should add a caveat: it’s ideal for your quieter adventures. In addition to being a dark sky reserve and covered in gorgeous forests, Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is also a part of the National Historic Register (founded in 1934) and has the Audubon International Green Lodging certification.

That gives you direct access to a historic hotel that’s also environmentally sustainable. Just beware that most of the cabins are very basic.

Best activities: Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Skytop Lodge

Speaking of history, I’m borrowing one of my favorite picks from Pennsylvania’s coolest historic hotels: Skytop Lodge. This grand, stately resort feels like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Since 1928, it’s hosted swanky guests on the hunt for lush treatment and plenty of space to roam.

Though you can expect a relaxing and upscale stay, Skytop Lodge is unique in that it hosts a massive gamut of no-frills activities. From pickleball to paintball to archery lessons, just about everything is on the menu.

And staff are highly trained (and practiced) at setting up activities that are just the right speed for your interests. I think the range of activities available makes Skytop Lodge great for families, too.

However, my top pick for family-friendly large-scale resorts is Primland. (Below.)

Great for families: Primland, Virginia

Courtesy of Primland

This highly regarded luxury resort takes you into the heart of Appalachia. At Primland, guests have 12,000 acres to explore the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, which are accessible via hiking, horseback riding, and much more.

Similar to Skytop, there’s a long list of activities designed to capitalize on those mountain views. Families can choose between different accommodations, too. (There’s also a romance option for any couples out there.)

The treehouses, for example, are a top pick for kids, along with multi-room cabins. Uniquely, Primland also organizes kids-only events so that every generation can enjoy the experience at their own pace.

Something unexpected: The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah

Courtesy of The Lodge at Blue Sky

The Lodge at Blue Sky isn’t quite like other sprawling resorts. The luxury cabins are spread across 3,500 acres near the Wasatch Mountains—and it’s partly a working ranch, like Paws Up.

But there’s a twist. The Lodge at Blue Sky is also a horse sanctuary. Guests can get hands-on with rescued horses that have retired on the grounds.

Along with a full-service spa and two restaurants, guests can also take a whiskey-making course. The Lodge has its own High West Whiskey Distillery, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how liquid gold is made. Keep a lookout for discounts, too. The Lodge at Blue Sky sometimes offers discounts worth up to 25% off.

Pure romance: Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

Courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

It’s pure romance at Dunton Hot Springs—so long as ghost towns don’t spook you.

Dunton Hot Springs is a full-scale resort set in the ghost town of the same name, which is located a short drive from Telluride. Set on a gorgeous mountainside, it’s like stepping into a more luxurious version of the past.

One that comes with fantastic hot spring offerings. On top of the warm waters, which are best experienced during the snowy winter months, you can enjoy a long list of outdoors activities. From ice climbing to dog sledding, there’s a unique list at your fingertips that you won’t forget anytime soon.

7 Best River Cruises in the World: Nile, Douro, & Beyond

When someone brings up cruises, we inevitably think about Caribbean adventures and Mediterranean escapes.

But river cruises, though less flashy, are also a perennial favorite for vacationers who like to get out on the water.

Compared to their sea-bound counterparts, river cruises stand out for a few reasons.

Scared of the open sea? You won’t lose sight of the shore on a river cruise. What about large crowds and resort-like setups? Most river cruises are small and intimate. Nervous about seasickness? River cruises stick to calmer waters, meaning rates of seasickness are much lower.

I could keep going, touching on topics like affordability, accessibility, and destinations, but I’m sure you get the point.

River cruises aren’t just a viable alternative to traditional cruises—they’re a separate, bona fide adventure all in their own right.

Most Americans stick to familiar rivers in Europe. Companies like Viking, Avalon, and AmaWaterways service well-known routes along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Volga Rivers.

If you’re interested in learning more about these river cruises, you can read up on topics like Christmas-market-themed river cruises, UNESCO sites along the Danube, taking day trips off the Rheine, and much more.

But what if you want to get a little bit further off the beaten path?

River cruises are available around the world, far beyond the reaches of popular European picks. If you’re ready to forge into new waters, check out the river cruises listed below.

Best river cruises around the world

The Nile (Egypt)

Felucca sailboats on River Nile, Aswan, Egypt, Africa (Getty)

The Nile is the world’s longest river—which is impressive enough. But there’s also a romantic edge to this river, which feeds 10 countries in East Africa.

It plays on our historical imagination, building on childhoods spent learning about Ancient Egyptians and the powers of the Nile to feed their irrigation canals.

A tour of the Nile will put you face-to-face with some of our world’s oldest manmade structures, from gorgeous and ancient temples to the grand Sphinx. To top it all off, many Nile River vessels are charmingly stylish with bright white sails.

Douro (Portugal)

Terraced vineyards in autumn in the Douro Valley along the Douro River in Portugal. (Getty)

Some smaller river cruises pass through France’s southern wine regions. If you’ve heard of the Douro, which runs through northern Portugal, you probably remember the name from a winery tour.

In fact, the Douro River feeds some of the country’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. (The Douro also passes through Spain.)

That’s the magic here: access to Portugal’s most high-producing wineries and their delectable products. But you’re also in for a dose of history, from exploring medieval fortresses to heading into small villages with stone-cobbled streets and homes. Rich culture, rich food, and rich wines.

Magdalena (Colombia)

beautiful flight of many egrets on the banks of the rio Magdalena river in the department of Bolivar (Getty)

If you’ve ever read Love In The Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, you might recall the book’s ending: our elderly, star-crossed lovers finally find refuge on a small boat cruising the Magdalena River.

Sheltered in the exotic and wild jungles of Colombia, Fermina Daza and Florentino Ariza at last find solace with one another.

Though Garcia Marquez is a magical realist writer, the river from his book actually exists—and you can traverse the same waters on a Magdalena River cruise. You can visit spots like Cartagena and Barranquilla, along with smaller gems like Mompox and Palenque.

Mekong (Southeast Asia)

People boating in the delta of Mekong river, Vietnam, Asia. (Getty)

The second time I left the United States, I was heading to the Mekong. This river lives in my head as a larger-than-life, muddy, and powerful natural wonder—one that’s home to pink Irrawaddy dolphins.

The Mekong descends from China into Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. It weaves through lush jungles, agriculture areas, and is so large that its actually dotted with islands.

My time on the Mekong was spent in Cambodia around Kratie, but you can pick from routes that cover multiple Southeast Asian countries. Tours and cruises are also popular in Vietnam and Laos, with options for single-day and multi-day river adventures.

Yangtze (China)

China. Misty view of a sunset while cruising along the shores of the mighty Yangtze River. (Getty)

If you were a fan of geography, you might remember lessons on the Yangtze in China from grade school. The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia, providing important watersheds from dozens of unique ecologies.

That means one thing when you go on a Yangtze River cruise: expect variation.

The most popular portion of the river cruise is the Three Gorges section, which is home to dramatic gorges covered in lush greenery. Along the way, you can explore sites like the Fengdu Ghost City, Baidicheng Castle, and Shibaozhai Tower.

The Ganges (India)

Beautiful Evening Light near Ganga Ghat, Varanasi (Getty)

The Ganges is the most spiritually important river in the world. It cuts through Northeast India and passes through the holy city of Varanasi. In Hinduism, making a pilgrimage to Varanasi to bathe in the Ganges is an important rite of cleansing.

If you do make it to the Ganges in Varanasi, you’ll also notice bodies being cremated along the river—most ashes are heading to the Ganges as the final resting place.

A Ganges River cruise will take you around the Indian countryside, as well as through a few major cities, including Varanasi. Personally, I found the countryside more interesting during my stint in the country, as I’d already been exposed to India’s densely populated cities.

Mississippi (USA)

This view of the Mississippi river basin is from the “Great River Bluffs State Park” in Minnesota. (Getty)

Last, but certainly not least, the Great Mississippi. I grew up near the convergence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, along with the Meramec River, which has given me a healthy appreciation of muddy, rushing waters. (Yes, it floods a lot.)

Mississippi River cruises don’t just let you get out on our country’s greatest waterway—you can also stop along the way in some of the Midwest’s and South’s quaintest cities.

From Minneapolis to Saint Louis to Memphis to NOLA, you’ll be in good company.

4 Destinations Not to Miss on Ireland’s Western Coast

Though most visitors arrive in Dublin, some of Ireland’s greatest wonders will be found on the other side of the island.

That might sound like a problem for travelers who want to explore the Emerald Isle in its entirety—but it’s easier to get around than you might think.

When I visited Ireland, I had a tour guide who acted like a (Dominic Torretto-inspired) chauffeur, driving me and my mom from Dublin to Galway to Dingle to Killarney to Cork to Tramore and then back up again.

That trip, which lasted a little over a week, covered a pretty huge swath of Ireland’s central and southern half. I know it’s very short of a complete tour of Ireland; I’m using the example to highlight that you can get from Dublin to counties like Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, and Cork without too much effort.

In fact, you might be missing out on some of the country’s coolest byways and sites by sticking to the eastern coast.

My favorite stop along the way was Killarney, a lusciously gorgeous town tucked away in the mountains. But I’m well aware that I only got the tip of the Gaelic iceberg during my short time in the country.

When I go back, here’s what I don’t want to miss on the western coast.

4 destinations on Ireland’s western coast—plus, what to do

Keem Bay on Achill Island

View of the picturesque Keem Bay and beach on Achill Island in County Mayo in western Ireland (Getty)

Surfing… in Ireland? Welcome to Keem Bay, one of the most gorgeous beaches in Ireland. It’s located on the western edge of Achill Island in County Mayo. You can lounge on the beach and watch surfers and dolphins ride the waves.

Though you’ll need to drive for a few hours to reach it, the drive itself is worth noting. Consider checking out Keel Beach, too. It’s known for its raw beauty.

Killary Fjord

Irland, County Galway, Connemara, Killary Harbour, Fjord (Getty)

Yes, there’s surfing in Ireland—and a fjord, too. Known as An Caoláire Rua, Killary Fjord is located on the border between County Galway and County Mayo.

The massive landmark spans almost ten miles, meaning you can’t simply show up for a photo opportunity. In fact, one of the only ways to get up close and personal with Killary Fjord is via boat tours in Leenane.

Personally, I’d love to explore the fjord and coastline here. During my trip across Ireland, I kept being reminded of Norway—both countries have lush stretches of greenery that blanket large, impressive peaks.

Kayaking in Connemara National Park

The hiking trail at the top of Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, Ireland. Behind, the sun plays with the clouds reflected in the sea. (Getty)

My Irish tour guide zipped through Connemara National Park on my way to Galway, and it was one of the most impactful parts of the trip. When I go back, I’d love to spend more time in the rugged, gorgeous park—and definitely get out on the water.

I also wouldn’t mind taking a tour that’s specific to the park. Archaeologists have discovered remains of human settlements that date back 4,000 years, making this a hot spot for anyone who likes a dose of history and science with their travels.

Flaggy Shore

Flaggy Shore, County Clare, Ireland

Speaking of nerding out, you might also be interested in Flaggy Shore. Located in the same geopark as the Cliffs of Moher, Flaggy Shore is better known for its limestone deposits, many of which contain fossils.

You can find scratches from glaciers that existed over 300 million years ago, along with something called ‘glacial erratics’.

Again, I recommend finding a qualified tour guide to point out what makes Flaggy Shore cool. But given its proximity to the Cliffs of Moher, it would be a shame for it to fly under your radar like it did when I visited. 

Bonus pick: Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland (Getty)

I heard many tales about fairies and sprites during my time in Ireland. As someone who loves mythology and folklore, my ears perked up anytime there were murmurs of ethereal beings.

But I didn’t actually feel the enchantment until I went on a short hike in Killarney National Park. Then, I felt it so much I got spooked—the same type of exciting, whispering spook that overcame me when coming face-to-face with the redwoods in Northern California for the first time.

Even if you don’t believe in that type of thing, I promise you’ll be swept up by the gorgeous views and atmosphere. There’s an ancient air thanks to all that bright green moss. Home to Ireland’s only wild red deer populations and some of its last native forests, it’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.