The first step is to choose a safe and exciting destination. There are many places in the world where you can have an adventurous holiday, but not all are equally suitable for a group of friends. For example, if you're looking for a place to go hiking and camping, you'll want to avoid places with large populations of dangerous animals. On the other hand, if you're more interested in exploring new cultures and meeting new people, then a big city might be a better option. Whatever your interests are, make sure to do some research before choosing your destination. Then, once you've found a few places that seem like they would be suitable, talk to your friends and see which one they would be most interested in visiting.
Create an itinerary.
Once you've chosen your destination, it's time to start planning your itinerary. This is where things can get tricky because you'll need to ensure that everyone in your group is happy with the activities you've planned. The best way to do this is to sit down together and brainstorm a list of potential activities. Once you have a good selection, look at each activity and see if there are any safety concerns that need to be considered. For example, if you're planning on going white-water rafting, ensure that everyone in your group knows how to swim. Once you've made sure that all activities are safe and suitable for your group, it's time to start planning your days. Again, it's essential to involve everyone in this process so that everyone is happy with the final itinerary.
Going on a trip this summer and fall? Remember to carry these digestive remedies.
The COVID travel restrictions have been lifted, and Americans are eager to get back on the road. Some estimates say that 75% of us will travel within the United States this summer, and new data shows that international travel from the United States was more than twice as high in May 2022 as it was in May 2021.
However, keep your digestive health in mind while you pack your bags. Travel companions with stomach issues, including diarrhoea, constipation, and indigestion, are all too prevalent.
The COVID travel restrictions have been lifted, and Americans are eager to get back on the road. Some estimates say that 75% of us will travel within the United States this summer, and new data shows that international travel from the United States was more than twice as high in May 2022 as it was in May 2021.
Travel messes with a lot of the body's natural cycles, including digestion, according to Dr. Kyle Staller, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard. Time shifts changed eating habits, and a lack of sleep are all likely to blame, particularly in people with sensitive gastrointestinal systems.
Here is a closer look at three typical digestive problems, along with advice on how to avoid and treat them.
Travel tummy: Diarrhea
The easiest approach to preventing diarrhoea when travelling is to avoid contaminated food and drink and to practise excellent hygiene by often washing your hands.
Why go? Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum's beaches appear to be in Neverland, with beautiful turquoise water and sand as fine as powdered sugar. However, this authentic Caribbean paradise provides a romantic getaway from the throngs of popular tourist destinations like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. The town's laid-back atmosphere draws backpackers, eco-tourists, and celebrities looking for the ideal hammock and yoga fix on the beach. It is a well-known honeymoon destination, full of lovely beachfront hotels. Tulum's Mayan ruins are the true attraction, and getting up early is definitely justified even if you just want to laze around with a coconut in your hand under your cabana. In the scorching tropical heat, take in the rich history before cooling off in the water. Try your hand at paddle boarding, kitesurfing, or a 4x4 jungle drive for a little adventure.
Tulum, Mexico
Don't pass up the opportunity to go snorkelling and cave diving at a nearby cenote; these natural sinkholes are teeming with marine life, particularly turtles. You can choose from the boutique and inexpensive lodging options in town or treat yourself to a coastal hotel, perhaps with wellness or a green theme. No matter where you stay, renting a bike is a great way to move around and take advantage of Tulum's fantastic food scene, which offers a wide variety of vegetarian alternatives in addition to tacos, seafood, Italian, and Argentinian steaks. Following a few days of leisure, you may quickly travel to the magnificent Cobá ruins or the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, where you can swim with dolphins and take in the Mayan Riviera's breathtaking scenery.
When to go to Tulum, Mexico?
November and December bring the best weather
Where to stay in Tulum, Mexico?
The Beach Tulum – Tulum, Mexico
Beach views at The Beach Tulum, Mexico
Azura Boutique Hotel – Tulum, Mexico
The relaxing terrace at Azura Boutique Hotel, Mexico
Nordic winters are unlike any other, with mountains of fresh snow crunching under your feet and the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky. And what better way to experience them than with a cosy stay in an igloo, covered in a warm blanket and a heated sleeping bag? Here are our picks for the coolest snow winter hotels in Europe.
Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Icehotel
The rooms at Jukkasjärvi's Icehotel are entirely constructed of ice sculpted from the nearby Torne river and contain exquisite frozen sculptures by foreign artists. There's also an à-la-carte restaurant and a lounge with board games, perfect for a relaxing evening. For those who want to explore more of the Swedish countryside, Luossavaara mountain and ski resort are only 20 kilometres away.
Sinettä, Finland: Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos
Arctic Snow Hotel
The Arctic Snow Hotel is a secluded resort in rural Finnish Lapland with suites made completely of snow and ice. Visitors can unwind in the outdoor hot tub or snow sauna and ask for a wake-up call to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis. For those who want to exchange vows in a really unique setting, there is even an on-site ice chapel and bridal suite. Or, if you'd like, you can spend the night in a glass igloo under the stars. These contemporary igloos have insulated glass roofs that provide unobstructed views, so you may admire the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. You can try native pursuits like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and eating at the ice café for a truly realistic Arctic Circle experience.
Rockaway Beach, Pacifica
Rockaway Beach viewed from the coastal bike path
Pismo Beach, Oceano
Pismo Beach pier on a sunny day
Visitors can enjoy Pismo Beach's towering sand dunes and scenic shoreline by riding a horse or riding an ATV across them. Additionally, vehicles are permitted to set up camp in their RVs directly on the sand and spend the night with a view.
Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach
The Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach
The Pirate Tower is without a doubt Victoria Beach's best feature. The tower, which rises 60 feet and has a spiral staircase in the form of a mediaeval stairway, was constructed in 1926 to provide the man who lived above the beach access to the sea from his clifftop home. The tower got its name because one of the tower owners used to disguise himself as a pirate and bury candy and coins for the neighbourhood kids amid the rocks. Oh, and Bette Midler formerly owned it as well.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach is one of the more secluded beaches in Big Sur
Glass Beach, Fort Bragg
Sea-smoothed, multicoloured glass pebbles at Fort Bragg
One of the most well-known dump sites in California used to be at Fort Bragg's Glass Beach. The beach has been reclaimed by nature decades after this practise was banned, and the sea has smoothed out the glass that was dropped on the shore, resulting in a vibrant, fantastical tiny piece of coastline.
Bowling Ball Beach, Mendocino
The bowling balls at Schooner Gulch Beach
Another of California's most bizarre natural sights, the "Bowling Balls" on the Pacific coast near Mendocino are a part of the poetically titled Schooner Gulch Beach. The mudstone that covered them started to dissolve, exposing compressed balls of much harder rock beneath, which is how the spherical, bowling ball-shaped rocks (nicely arranged along the shore) came to be. When the boulders are shrouded in mist and backed by a pink sky at sunrise, the sight is particularly eerie and fascinating.
Black Sand Beach, San Francisco
The Black Sand Beach is also a popular spot for surfing
Some claim that mountains exist to be climbed. Others counter that slopes should not be scaled but rather should be used to accelerate down in a cloud of stones and dust. We've compiled a list of the six top mountain bike locations on the planet in honour of individuals who enjoy things swift and furious.
Riva del Garda, Italy
Mountain biking in Riva del Garda, Italy
Moab, USA
Mountain biking in Moab, USA
There are routes for every skill level, but if you're looking for something difficult, try the Slickrock Trail, which is filled with exhilarating drops and breathtaking valley views. Check out Red Cliffs Lodge for the total Moab experience; it has its own winery and a hot tub for stargazing soaks at night.
Winterberg, Germany
Mountain biker riding through woods
Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, UK
After 18-holes of golf head to the health club
After spending the day in nature, treating yourself to high-end spa treatment is even more delightful. At the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, you can do just that. Visitors may take advantage of the great outdoors because of their amazing location just close to the River Tweed. Hiking, biking, shooting, fishing, golfing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities are all close by. You can also get facials, makeovers, and yoga classes at the luxurious spa.
The Southcrest Manor Hotel, UK
Enjoy the 10 acres of stunning private lawns and woodland after your treatment
The Southcrest Manor Hotel is one of the rare places that can offer both serene surroundings and a quick commute to the nearby town centre. This opulent hotel, which is surrounded by 10 acres of forest, features a spa centre, infrared and Swedish saunas, a gym, beauty services, a hot tub, and an acclaimed restaurant. And Redditch is just four minutes away if your idea of luxury involves shopping.
New Bath Hotel & Spa, UK
Pamper yourself with Afternoon Tea and Prosecco
Best city plus beach trips
South Korea’s second-largest city also boasts miles of idyllic coastline
The 100-year-old Santa Monica pier and the adjacent length of ivory sand are probably the greatest parts of Los Angeles. This seaside town's expansive beach, powder-blue wooden lifeguard towers, and iconic Ferris wheel stand in stark contrast to Los Angeles' urban sprawl.
There is also a well-liked farmers' market nearby, brimming with delectable fresh local flavours. If staying in is more your thing, though, Santa Monica is awash in enticingly trendy eateries—and we don't just mean your standard LA salad and green juice combo. Compared to downtown, this tranquil coastal village has a different vibe. You can take the Metro to find a ride between Santa Monica and LA or rent a car to experience the freedom of the open road.
The outdoor pool at Casa Del Mar is virtually on the beach, making it a great option for a peaceful getaway. Sit back in your vintage lounger and watch as the beach carnival lights come to life in the evening.
Busan is a great choice for a city-beach getaway due to its booming art scene, active nightlife, and kilometres of sandy coastline. Thanks to monuments like Gamcheon Culture Village, a neighbourhood noted for its steep steps, twisting alleyways, and rainbow-hued buildings, this port city, which is surrounded by lush mountains, cascades down the shoreline like a sea of colourful concrete.
The best pubs, cafés, and restaurants in South Korea may be found in Busan. You can discover some of the freshest seafood on the planet here thanks to its proximity to the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. Experience Jagalchi Market's artful chaos by getting up before the sun. The largest fish market in South Korea is here, and many of the nearby eateries provide food that is fresh from the sea.
Busan is made even more dynamic by its large multinational community and active student culture, in addition to its delicious cuisine. However, Haeundae Beach, where the boardwalk is dotted with bars and restaurants, is the perfect place to escape the neon-lit streets and soak up some sun. Looking for a more relaxed atmosphere? See the famous Gwangan Bridge, which is on the calmer Gwangalli Beach and is lit up in a rainbow of colours every night.
Given that Busan has an international airport, getting there by plane is simple. A high-speed rail that runs often and takes three hours can also be taken to get to Busan if you're coming from Seoul. Stay at Hotel Kyungsung to be close to Haeundae Beach.
San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián is a city found in the lovely Basque Country, on the rocky coast of Northern Spain. This historic port city's Gothic-Basque architecture produces a lovely cityscape of gorgeous landmarks bordered by idyllic beaches. The crescent-shaped shoreline of La Concha beach is divided from the forested hills on each side by the deep emerald waters of the Bay of Biscay.
San Sebastián served as the summer capital of Europe during the reign of Queen Regent Maria Cristina. Thousands of people used to come here to enjoy the sun, surf, and some very delicious local fare. Foodies continue to go to the city decades later to dine at any of its nine Michelin-starred restaurants and enjoy some of the finest culinary treats in the world. However, you won't have to spend a fortune to eat well here. Enjoy a dish of pintxos, a form of regional tapas, together with a cool glass of Txakoli, a sparkling white wine from the area.
Stay at Pension Alameda in the centre of the Old Town, just a short stroll from La Concha and other iconic squares brimming with delicious restaurants.
The best way to unwind on a vacation is to reserve a room with a private pool. From in-suite swimming pools to romantic, panoramic plunge pools just outside your window, we've discovered the top villas, hotels, and cottages with enchanting private pools around the globe.
The plunge pool at Hunter’s Country House, South Africa
Although travel broadens the mind, what about the body and spirit? A growing number of spa hotels now provide customers with personalized wellness experiences. We've produced a list of the greatest spa hotels from around the world, whether it's steaming away your worries in a Swiss sauna or floating in a heated infinity pool with a view.
The Peninsula in Bangkok, Thailand
Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa in Hévíz, Hungary
Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa in Hévíz
Jumeirah Al Qasr – Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE
Jumeirah Al Qasr – Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai
The expression "oasis in the desert" is frequently used in the Middle East, yet few words can adequately convey the Jumeirah Al Qasr's aquatic grandeur. Every bedroom in this opulent, classically decorated hotel overlooks the Persian Gulf, and it was designed to look like a Sheikh's summer house. The hotel grounds have an extensive network of canals that are great for meandering through, inspired by traditional Islamic gardens. The Talise Spa carries on the water motif with overwater treatment rooms that offer a bespoke menu of therapies for the mind, body, and spirit.