Where Can You See the Northern Lights in the Lower 48?

The Northern Lights are one of the most popular breakout travel trends.

Travelers around the world are heading north with the hopes of seeing this common phenomenon, from Norway to Iceland.

But it’s a tricky balance, as the aurora borealis is highly unpredictable. Even the most experienced Northern Lights tour guides can’t guarantee a stunning show.

That reality can be devastating for travelers who have the Northern Lights on their bucket list—especially when they’re paying good money and traveling long distances to do so.

I went on a tour in Northern Sweden to see the lights one night a few years back but ended up freezing through the cold night instead. In fact, the only time I’ve seen the Northern Lights was by accident.

I was flying from New York to Spokane, Washington when the flight attendant told everyone to look out the window.

Sat near a window, I saw the silky, morphing green lights of the aurora borealis. Because we were flying, it looked like we were actually up in the sky with the lights—not staring up from far below. What a way to see the aurora borealis.

But not all Americans are so lucky. Most travelers who want to see the Northern Lights book a trip to Iceland, Canada, and Alaska to boost the probability of seeing the big show.

But just in case Alaska is a little too far for you, don’t worry—you can sometimes see the aurora borealis from these US locations.

Where to See the Northern Lights in the Lower 48

The best places to see the Northern Lights are usually dark sky sanctuaries, an official title for areas with minimal light pollution. The farther north, the better the chances you have—especially before the end of April.

Additionally, you can track live aurora borealis movements via Aurorsaurus. Let’s explore, heading from east to west.

Northern Maine

North of Bangor, Maine, and on the border with Canada, the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a vast, undisturbed forest.

Though it’s not officially a Dark Sky Sanctuary, Aroostook is far enough off the beaten path that light and noise pollution aren’t a problem. You can stay in nearby Caribou while you foray into the wilderness with your camera.

Alternatively, you can also stay closer to the coast at Cobscook Bay State Park, which offers campsites that let you spy on the skies from your lodging. Just make sure you’re staying in an RV or a van, as Maine winters aren’t ideal for tent camping.

I’d vote you stay in Caribou where you can head into Aroostook at your leisure. Here’s where to stay and what else to do.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is located in Copper Harbor. As an official dark sky sanctuary, you’ll be able to soak up the starry sky without any interference. That also gives you the best chance possible to catch a glimpse of the green-and-pink Northern Lights—as they reflect off Lake Superior, nonetheless.

Some travelers also recommend staying in Marquette before heading out to cruise along Lake Superior. There are dozens of pull-offs where you can park and hunt for the aurora borealis.

That being said, if you’re dedicated to seeing the lights, you need to stay in a Dark Sky destination like Copper Harbor in Keweenaw. Also, Keweenaw is gorgeous, charming, and rustic.

Here’s where to stay and what to do as you wait for the Northern Lights to grace you.

Minnesota

Though it’s home to over 10,000 lakes, the skies are the real appeal in Minnesota. The state is home to two Dark Sky Sanctuaries that boost your chances of seeing the Northern Lights—even in fall, too.

There’s a sanctuary in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and another in Voyageurs National Park.

I’d focus on Voyageurs because its rangers have designed and launched a program to take tourists stargazing and Northern Lights hunting. These tours are available even during the depths of winter—though you’ll need to strap on your snowshoes to join.

The largest city to the park is International Falls, which offers basic lodging options, mostly for travelers heading between the US and Canada. Here’s where to stay and what to do in the area.

Idaho

I was close to Idaho’s panhandle when I saw the Northern Lights on my way to Spokane—so I can tell you first-hand that this spot might be your best option for peeping the lights.

Your best bet at seeing the lights here is at the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, also near the border with Canada.

Best of all, this protected area offers cabins in winter—meaning you don’t need to trek in from another location or bring an RV.

You can choose from four different camping areas with heated cabin rentals. I recommend sticking to the Pend Oreille Lake Area, as the Northern Lights are best seen dancing across the water.

Shell Grotto: How to Visit One of the UK’s Most Mysterious Sites

Imagine a winding, underground labyrinth covered in seashells.

Seashells line the walls and arched roofs, along with dome ceilings that open into the daylight. Only the size of a fingertip, these shells extend from one winding pathway to the next, covering over 2,000 square feet. Only eight feet high and 70 feet in length, one hallway empties into a larger chamber, and then the path continues on.

No, I’m not describing a scene from the latest Dune release.

I’m talking about Shell Grotto, a baffling and massive underground structure that’s covered in over 4.6 million seashells. The grotto was rediscovered in 1835—and absolutely no one knows who built it, why, and when.

Welcome to Shell Grotto in Margate, nestled into England’s scenic southeast coastal region of Kent. And, yes, it’s open to the public year-round.

If you’ve got a little bit of whimsy and a spare day in London to explore the countryside, you can reach Shell Grotto in only an hour and a half.

A grotto covered in shells, you say?

A close up of the shell-work, courtesy of The Shell Grotto

Shell Grotto was rediscovered and excavated in the 1830s after a local man began renovations on his cottage. As mentioned above, scholars, social scientists, and archaeologists have debated the origins and purpose of the this grotto.

Shells from mussels, cockles, scallops, oysters, and more are arranged in highly ornate mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings. Importantly, the vast majority of the shells used could be sourced locally. More exotic shells were sourced as far as Southampton.

The grotto includes a winding hallway that leads to a central, circular area with a dome top. The pathway continues on into another hallway, which then empties into a rectangular chamber with an altar-like structure in its center.

Throughout, you can find geometric mosaics, along with depictions of star and sun shapes.

**Who created Shell Grotto… and why?**

Converging halls, courtesy of The Shell Grotto

Now, onto the theories—who would painstakingly arrange over 4.5 million shells in a winding, underground passageway?

Unfortunately, no one has been able to narrow down the origin of Shell Grotto. In fact, it could be as old as three thousand years or as young as three hundred.

More modern theories hypothesize that Shell Grotto was created as a vanity project of a wealthy person from the 18^th or 19^th centuries, as part of a Knights Templar or Free Masonry project, and even as a meeting place for witches and warlocks.

Interestingly, a similar grotto covered in seashell mosaics was unearthed in Rome in 2007. Since then, some scholars have wondered if the grotto might be the result of ancient Phoenicians who wandered up from Carthage. However, the grotto’s infrastructure doesn’t support this theory; its arches are too modern.

If you want my off-the-cuff take, I’d say this site was created by a whimsical, wealthy character who wanted an underground side project. Shell grottos—though otherworldly and entrancing—can be found around Europe.

How to visit the museum & shop in Margate

The museum shop, courtesy of The Shell Grotto

Shell Grotto includes a museum and shop; the former lets you dive deep into the theories surrounding Margate’s grotto.

While I wouldn’t stay the night in Margate for a visit, I’d definitely plan a little adventure to experience the grotto from a place like London.

To reach Margate from London, book a train or coach from the city. (Coach takes almost five hours, so it’d stick to the train.) Southeastern Railway offers trains to Margate from St Pancras, Victoria, and more.

The journey takes around an hour and a half, which means you can visit Shell Grotto on a day trip.

Cheap & Chic: 5 Picks for an Affordable Adventure

Want to explore the United States in upscale fashion… without draining your savings?

Sounds like a perfect time to make a weekend getaway to a cheap and chic destination.

Rather than travel to major hubs like Miami or Boston, you can funnel your time and energy into heading a bit further off the beaten path.

Around the US, dozens of hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by travelers who want to make memories without busting the bank.

Whether you’re on the hunt for never-before-seen landscapes, charming and historic downtowns, or great museums and shopping, there’s a cheap-and-chic destination for you. I’ve selected a few of the most popular but affordable small US cities for your travel needs.

From Appalachia to the subtropics, here’s where to go.

Cheap and chic destinations for affordable adventures

Fort Myers, Florida

If you love baseball, you probably already know about Fort Myers, which hosts part of the MLB’s Spring Training series.

That brings me to my next point: avoid this period, as prices hike at hotels during this period. But beyond the scope of hardcore baseball fans, Fort Myers is an idyllic location perfect for beachy escapes.

Fort Myers’ coasts are lined with white-sand beaches, unexplored inlets, and vast wildlife preserves. Because of its gorgeous coastal views, Fort Myers has all the tourist infrastructure you’ll need—including budget options for dining, lodging, and touring that feel effortlessly classy.

Recommendations:

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Like Greenville (below), Gatlinburg takes you straight into the magic of the Appalachian Mountains—and puts you close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

While the city is a hotspot for tourists, meaning you won’t be alone, I think it’s done a great job of keeping its downtown area cozy, letting you wander around for hours without getting bored.

Despite the emphasis on tourism, guests don’t pay exorbitant prices. Once again, the focus here is on a more calming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re heading to the Gatlinburg Space Needle or exploring the 8-mile Arts and Crafts Community loop, you’re guaranteed to have a good time without spending too much.

Recommendations:

Greenville, South Carolina

Forget Myrtle Beach and its satellite of small towns. Forget Asheville, too, which is located just a stone’s throw from Greenville.

In fact, I think Greenville is a fantastic alternative to anyone a little burnt out by Asheville’s growing crowds and rising prices. In Greenville, you’ll get to experience the beauty of the Appalachians along with the same indie and spirited arts community.

In fact, you have Greenville’s modest pricing to thank for its burgeoning art scene—and even a growing culinary scene. Again, you also get the best of Mother Nature, too. Greenville has a towering waterfall that cuts straight through its downtown, if that paints a better picture.

Recommendations:

Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is a city and the county seat of Gallatin County, Montana, United States.

Along with Wyoming and Idaho, Montana has become one of the US’s most under-the-radar luxury destinations.

Most visitors are focused on winter sports and cool summers—but prices are steep in places like Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, and Big Sky. That’s not quite the case in Bozeman.

Thanks to its status as a college town, there’s always a deal to be found. At the same time, you have access to all those upscale outdoor activities, from fishing to skiing to soaking in hot springs. While Bozeman isn’t cheap by any stretch, it’s the best gateway into the Rockies if you want to feel bougie while staying in an affordable range.

Recommendations:

Cape May, New Jersey

On the southernmost edge of New Jersey, you’ll find a beachfront destination that isn’t quite like others.

Though it’s situated on the Jersey Shore, it’s nothing like Seaside—I promise. Cape May offers an atmosphere that calls back to the glory days of beachside summertime.

The historic downtown Cape May area is home to gorgeous little bed and breakfasts, along with boutique shops and mom-and-pop eateries.

Think of it like a more refined and affordable version of Atlantic City. Antiquing, anyone?

Recommendations:

Riverboat Rankings: Coolest Casinos on the Mississippi Still Open Today

If you grew up on the Mississippi, you probably know one thing about riverboats: they’re actually casinos.

These water-adjacent institutions are commonly found along the Mississippi and throughout the Gulf Coast—and they’ve got an interesting history.

Throughout the 1700s and into the 1800s, paddlewheel riverboats cruised up and down the Mississippi, enabling trade throughout the South and Midwest. Capable of transporting copious amounts of cargo and able to navigate low water levels, they were renowned for being robust and reliable.

But as railroads started to replace riverboats in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the steamboat fell out of favor—for traders and merchants, at least. With no cargo to haul and no rivers to run, many steamboats were docked.

Slowly but surely, they became hubs for revelry.

What began with live music and dancing quickly turned into more heady entertainment territory, like card and table games. By the late 1800s, riverboats received official legislative approval as gambling hubs—which were still illegal on land.

From Chicago down to New Orleans, riverboat casinos became a hot commodity. They even oozed into other territories, such as Lake Michigan and the Potomac.

But these new riverboats never actually sailed across the US’s largest rivers, nor were they meant to. Instead, the riverboat casino became a type of ‘legal fiction’ in which the laws that banned land casinos were circumnavigated by setting them up on boats that never actually left the dock.

Riverboats today

Fast forward a century and the riverboat casino is still going strong. I grew up in Missouri with the Casino Queen, a well-known riverboat franchise.

While this massive vessel didn’t actually cruise the Mississippi River and stayed docked year-round, it was a fully legal casino that everyone knew about.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina destroyed many of the riverboats along the Gulf Coast—and even further inland. Today, the riverboat is one of the most beloved types of ‘legal fiction’ in the US. It’s a legacy that takes me back to my childhood and hearing commercials for the Casino Queen on the radio.

In honor of the disappearing riverboat casino, I’m taking a fine-tooth comb to the rest of the riverboats on the Mississippi. I’m also counting casinos that are now located on land—so long as they were riverboats once upon a time.

Whether or not you like to gamble, they’re worth a visit.

Best riverboat casinos in the US—north to south

The Casino Queen

Marquette, Iowa

Play table games, card games, slots, and place a bet on your favorite sports team. This small casino offers a full suite of gaming options that any gambler would want. You can even stay at the on-land hotel and dine on-site. Though this isn’t the Casino Queen I grew up hearing advertised, it’s the same brand.

Rhythm City Casinos

Davenport, Iowa

Though Rhythm City is located on the water, this grand casino is located on firm ground today. That means visitors can take advantage of offers that are usually available only from large casinos, including concerts, multiple dining options, and gaming contests.

Grand Victoria Casino

Elgin, Illinois

With an award-winning bistro on board, this riverboat casino represents one of the more stately ways to game on the water. The Grand Victoria Casino specializes in slots with over one thousand options, along with unique gaming promotions. I’d probably enjoy some blackjack, then have a cocktail enjoying the breeze and the view.

Treasure Chest Casino

Kenner, Louisiana

Gorgeous, larger-than-life, and still floating near the Mississippi, the Treasure Chest Casino is a hit for travelers whether or not they want to play a game of poker. Best of all, this is one of the more accessible options for travelers. Located on Lake Pontchartrain, you can get to the Treasure Chest from New Orleans in around thirty minutes.

Amelia Belle

Amelia, Louisiana

If you want to be selective about which riverboat casinos you board, this should be your pick. The Amelia Belle is regarded as the epitome of riverboat gaming, and rightly so.

Not only is the riverboat preserved to showcase the grandest era of Mississippi steamboats, but it’s also owned by Boyd Gaming, which runs other successful casinos. That translates to a slightly more elevated experience. Located around 80 miles outside of New Orleans, you can easily reach the Amelia Belle by car.

Sam’s Town

Shreveport, Louisiana

You’ve got the best of both worlds at Sam’s Town. As you can see from the image, Sam’s Town lets you game on a classic riverboat, then head into a classic hotel-casino. That makes this a top choice for more experienced gamers who want access to a larger casino with added table games, card games, contests, and betting opportunities.

Top 5 US Cities for Solo Travel in 2025—No Car Rentals Needed

Solo travel in the US looks a lot different if you don’t have a car with you.

For the vast majority of travelers, that means sticking to cities. And not just any big city, but one that also has a functional public transportation system.

That already narrows down the list for travelers who want to stay in the United States for their next big solo adventure.

While cities like Naples, Sedona, and Boise are highly ranked by solo travelers, they don’t make it particularly easy for visitors to get around.

Aside from ease of transportation, topics like safety and entertainment are also high on the priority list for solo travelers. A city should be accessible via public transportation without leading tourists into dangerous zones.

Simultaneously, they should be ‘close to the action’ in terms of popular sites and activities.

So, which US cities come out ahead for solo travelers who won’t be driving into town? Based on metrics like walkability, safety, and entertainment, these hubs come out ahead.

Best US cities for solo travelers

Washington DC: Perfect for fans of museums and landmarks

From the outside looking in, Washington DC is a little sterile. Its hyper-clean streets lead from museum to landmark and back again, offering a prim look at America’s capital city.

That being said, there’s almost an endless range of activities to dig into—and many are free to the public. With dozens of free attractions and experiences, solo travelers can get more out of their trip without going over budget.

On top of that, it’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities for tourists, meaning you don’t need to worry about security. While its public transportation isn’t the most diverse, it’s still easy to use for newcomers.

Recommendations:

Chicago: Ideal for art and architecture lovers

Chicago doesn’t get enough love—likely because it’s located smack int eh middle of the Midwest. Though it’s on par with New York City and Los Angeles in terms of financial and economic power, it’s not overly expensive, letting solo travelers explore the city without emptying their pockets.

And it’s an interesting city to explore. From its architecture to its lakeside parks, there’s a cool surprise around every corner. There’s also an artsy underground in Chicago that can be felt in modern and historical spots alike, from its speak-easy jazz clubs to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. Also, the food. The food!

Recommendations:

Boston: A win for history buffs

Charm, history, and walkability converge in Boston to make it one of the top choices for solo travelers—year after year.

First and foremost, the city’s historic streets are easy to navigate, while its public transportation system is one of the most connected and navigable in the US.

But the true star here is history. Even the Boston Public Library offers a peak into the city’s ties to the Old World. Similar to DC, you can find world-class museums—and tons of monuments, landmarks, and more.

But don’t forget about the seafood. Like Chicago, this city stands out for its top-notch eateries.

Recommendations:

Seattle: Ideal for nature-lovers

Want a slice of nature with your big-city adventure? You don’t need a car to get a taste of the Pacific Northwest when you visit Seattle.

In fact, it’s got a highly unique and sought-after balance that blends technology, history, architecture, and nature into one very cool package.

Unsurprisingly, Seattle has a highly functional public transportation system, along with a handful of walkable neighborhoods. There are even ferries ready to squire you off on day trips to coastal cities and national parks. For the truly adventurous solo traveler, Seattle has it all.

Recommendations:

New York City: Best for people-watchers

Want to watch the world drift by and possibly be swept up into its current? New York City is one of the best places to disappear.

If you aren’t sure whether you want culture, history, architecture, nature, or entertainment, you’ll have a little bit of everything. Yes—even nature. Central Park is almost 850 acres, my friends.

While New York City has a fast pace and is very crowded, you can go at your own speed—just make sure to stand to the side of the sidewalk to let others pass. And don’t be worried about traveling solo. Nobody in New York City will notice you, for better or for worse.

Recommendations:

Travel Advice: Don’t Sweat the Small Scams

There’s a time and a place for everything—including a little travel scam.

I know that dealing with scams can be brutal; I say that as someone who has lost thousands to a well-played Airbnb scam back in 2018.

Scams can be pricey and terrifying. They can dissuade us from leaving the safety of home, and I don’t want to be obtuse about that.

Scams are overwhelmingly negative and you should watch out for them.

But what if I told you that there are times when you’ll be scammed as an American, and it’s not the end of the world? Would you keep reading this article? (Please?)

If you’ve read my take on tipping, then you know that I like to dig into the culture behind common practices.

From the outside looking in, scamming is easy to clump into the criminal category—but when you’re being scammed out of $2 that could mean a lot more to someone else, it doesn’t seem so criminal to me.

Want to know my weirdest take on travel advice? It’s worth knowing whether or not you should be up in arms about a scam, especially when it’s for $5, $10, or $50. From overpaying for artwork to being overcharged for basic goods, you should know the harmless scams from the more dangerous ones.

Here’s the down-low.

The 3 small scams you don’t need to sweat

Let me reiterate: I’m not advising that you walk around with your wallet sexily hanging out of your back pocket or let a stranger into your hotel room.

Instead, I’ll put forth three instances in which I’ve technically been scammed but actually slept better at night because of it.

Overpaying for basic goods.

If you’re traveling to a destination where the local currency is worth a lot less than a dollar, you might realize that you’ve been overcharged for something basic, whether a coffee or sunblock.

I’ve seen these types of price hikes in places like Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia, and India. That being said, the price hike is usually equivalent to a few US dollars.

While you have every right to transparent pricing, it’s never a good look to get bent out of shape about a dollar. On principle, I understand wanting to defend yourself from scams. In reality, you might be arguing over two dollars.

Here’s my advice: Put your foot down if the price hike is high, but don’t make a scene or call the police. Haggle down to a more reasonable price, then call it a day and don’t give them anymore business.

Remember—I’m not here to encourage scams, but I want to point out that not all of them are worth fighting over.

Bartering at a market, especially for artwork.

Anytime you step into a street market or a bazaar, you’re bound to shop around for items with unclear prices.

In many places, those prices might not be listed for a reason. Sellers base their price on how much they think they can get from you. That makes it even more difficult to know when you’re being scammed and for how much.

A few years ago, my brother returned from Thailand with a painting he claimed was a steal for only a few hundred dollars. I had my doubts about the price, but he was thrilled and I’m sure the seller was, too.

Here’s my advice: Accept that you’ll be scammed at a bazaar or street market. Avoid losing too much money in these cases by setting a hard limit beforehand. If you tell a vendor that you only have $60 to spend, the price might mysteriously drop for you.

Giving money to beggars, then watching them continue on their begging journey.

Begging is common in tourist hotspots around the world—and it can be a difficult, heartbreaking thing to confront, even if we’re aware that some beggars are there by choice.

So, how do you know who really needs your help?

Unfortunately, you don’t. Again, that makes handing money to beggars a difficult choice. Are you supporting a larger and more organized criminal ring? Or are you helping someone sleep more comfortably for the night?

Here’s my advice: Never give a child a single red cent. Children are particularly vulnerable to begging schemes from larger criminal bodies and even family members, along with forgoing other opportunities like education to make money by begging.

That being said, a little trip to the grocery store lets you spend the same amount of money on that person while also letting them pick out what food they’d like. The money won’t go toward any criminal groups, too.