Got the travel bug? Now is the perfect time to plan your next vacation, and there’s never been a better time to make it one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” trips.
It’s a big, beautiful planet, and there’s so much to see and do in every corner of it. You may never be able to see it all, but these are some of those experiences you just can’t miss.
See the Northern Lights from Greenland
The Northern Lights are a phenomenon caused by solar wind passing through the Earth’s magnetic field, resulting in a light show of epic proportions. The entrancing emerald auroras are best viewed in high latitudes, away from cities and their light pollution, and in clear skies.
Western Greenland is one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of this unearthly display. Many expeditions and cruises launch from the town of Kangerlussuaq, located on a fjord in the Arctic Circle, and a place with an average of 300 clear nights a year. If you want to know when is the best time to see the Northern Lights, be sure to go between September and April. During that period, the nights are longer and the skies tend to be clearer.
Hike the Coasts of Scotland
Scotland is a land of lochs, castles, cliffs, and coasts. There are some incredible views to be enjoyed of rugged headlands, forests, and lighthouses all along Scotland’s coast, not to mention bed and breakfasts where you can lay your head after a long day of exploration.
Not sure where to start? These coastal walks of Scotland will point you in the right direction.
Camp Your Way Down the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest hikes in the U.S., and one of the greatest for scenic views, especially when the leaves turn golden and fiery red. If you want to enjoy “leaf peeping” without the traffic and peak season prices, it’s time to grab your camping gear and hit the trails. Some of the easier sections of the trail include Shenandoah National Park, which peaks for leaf colors in mid-October.
Sip Kona Coffee in Hawaii
Coffee is huge in Hawaii. The mountain slopes of Kailua-Kona are like the California wine region of coffee, as the only place in the world where Kona coffee is grown. All along a 20-mile scenic mountain road are 600 specialty farms that grow the Big Island’s signature roast. For coffee lovers, it’s the ideal destination for a self-made coffee tasting tour.
Disconnect in the Maldives
If you prefer your travel destinations to come with beautiful white beaches, crystal waters shimmering as far as the eye can see, and picture-perfect islands, it’s time to take a romantic getaway to the Maldives.
The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean consisting of over 1,000 islands. It’s the perfect beach destination with a wealth of all-inclusive resorts for those looking for a luxury, tropical destination. But it’s not all lounging beach-side! The Maldives is also a great place to go scuba-diving or island-hopping.
It’s a great big world. Make the most of your next trip.