Tag Archives: ireland

See Northern Ireland through Ancient Eyes in Belfast

Ireland’s low, viridescent plains and astronomical coastal mountains are cherished by locals and regular visitors of the peculiar island nation. While the largest island is well-known for landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cliffs of Moher, and the Blarney Stone, the lesser known Northern Ireland offers an experience beyond a typical study abroad excursion. Just a short drive from the main island, Northern Ireland offers a candid European getaway.

Belfast, the county’s capital, is now an impressive cosmopolitan destination with a growing population and enigmatic allure. You’ll find culturally conscious, award-winning restaurants, art, and theaters. It’s the birthplace of the famously destitute Titanic, and Jonathan Swift’s inspiration for Gulliver’s Travels. If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, Belfast is cool year round, with temperatures rarely reaching 80 degrees during its hottest months. It’s also home to Titanic Studios, where Game of Thrones is shot. Treat yourself to authentic Irish countryside and cuisine in Belfast for truly unparalleled stories.

 

Titanic Memorial Garden

Titanic Memorial Garden

This two-tier grassy terrace pays tribute to the 1,512 men, women, and children who lost their lives during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Featuring fifteen bronze plaques, this collection of names is the first time in history all who perished are memorialized in one place, including crew members, postal workers, and musicians. The garden features a collection of whites, silvers, and blues, the colors of ice and water, to encourage reflection and healing.

 

Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast Castle and Gardens

No trip to Northern Ireland is complete without a tour of traditional architecture. Built in the 12th century and recently remodeled, Belfast Castle and the region surrounding it, locally known as Cave Hill, are thought to be the inspiration for Gulliver’s Travels. Cave Hill Visitor Centre gives visitors a historical look at the castle and its contributions to Belfast throughout the years.

 

The Belfast Baking Company

Need to bring something to the office? Visiting a friend? We’ve got you covered, grab a box of 4 for £6!

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When traveling abroad, supporting local businesses, rather than international chains, is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture. With more than 100 years of baking expertise, Belfast Baking Company offers freshly made baked goods for on the go. Just a short walk from the Titanic Memorial Gardens, the smell of rosemary and potato bread permeate the block with mouthwatering buttery aromas.

 

Cafe Conor

For both modern and traditional European and Asian cuisine, Cafe Conor is open seven days a week with handmade ingredients and aesthetic. The restaurant, refurbished from a 1940s art gallery, features everything from pasta to Satay chicken and remains one of Belfast‘s most popular eateries.

 

Apartment Bar

City views 🏙🌆

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Capturing sleek, modern ambience in the city’s center, Apartment and Zak’s Restaurant is Belfast’s Little Manhattan. Overlooking Belfast City Hall and a parade of city lights, the bar offers award-winning cocktails with a splash of sophistication and classic dishes for doing dinner in style.

Window on Wildlife

Nature lovers will have a field day at Belfast’s coveted wildlife reserve. Home to more than a hundred species of birds and other wildlife in the heart of the Belfast Harbour Estate, the reserve offers trained staff to help guide your viewing experience.

 

Road Trip Your Way Through Ireland

It’s hard to resist Ireland. Between the lush green landscape, the friendly people, the history, the brews and spirits, and the music, it’s easy to be drawn into the island in the North Atlantic. And as of the luck of the Irish would have it, it’s a country that is easy to explore and made for road tripping.

While you could spend all your time in one of the major cities using public transportation, you’d be missing out on the best the country has to offer. Think breathtaking cliffs, sheep farms doubling as bed and breakfasts, 12th century castles, and more. Keeping your itinerary loose enough to allow for time to wander, the easiest way to see many of Ireland’s top sights is with a road trip through Southern Ireland. Plan to go in the spring or fall to avoid peak fares but remember to pack a raincoat and get an international driver’s license.

 

Galway

Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Ireland
Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, Ireland

Fly into Shannon, pick up your car rental and hit the road. Drive through rolling green hills and little towns as you make your way to Galway, one of Ireland’s most popular cities and most charming. Plan to spend a couple of days here taking in the many sights like the Spanish Arch, which dates back to pre-medieval times, the medieval Kirwan’s Lane, which includes architecture dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries and now is home to many pubs and restaurants where you can indulge in the food and listen to music, and Quay Street, home to shopping, restaurants, pubs, and nightlife. Slightly further afield is Connemara National Park offering views of the Bay of Galway and Menlo Castle, a ruin of a 16th century castle with beautiful surrounding scenery.

 

Cliffs of Moher

cliffs of moher ireland
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

After a night or two in Galway, travel south to the Cliffs of Moher. The stunning green cliffs rise up from the sea, often shrouded in fog, giving an end of the world experience. Walk along the paved pathways near the cliff’s edge, take in the many sea birds, marvel at the surfers down below and find a local to share some of the legends of mermaids, witches and monsters the Cliffs of Moher have inspired.

 

Limerick, Ireland’s first City of Culture

Dromore Castle, Limerick, Ireland
Dromore Castle, Limerick, Ireland

After breaking away from the mesmerizing heights of the Cliffs of Moher, plan to spend at least a night in Limerick, leaving room for more time if you want to explore more of the medieval town. Sign up to do a food tour from cookbook author Val O’Connor. The tour will give you an overview of the town while indulging in eats that include everything from pizza to oysters to herring. After the food tour, take in some of Limerick’s most well-known sights, including the 13th-century King John Castle, or the medieval-era St. Mary’s Cathedral.

 

Dingle

Dingle, Ireland
Dingle, Ireland

For proof Ireland has the whole charm thing down, look no further than the Dingle Peninsula. Quaint and adorable are the words that come to mind as you drive through. You’ll pass several towns along the way but plan to spend most of your time in the capital of the peninsula, the little fishing town of Dingle. Wander up and down the streets stopping in the shops and enjoying a Guinness at the pubs.

(*Featured image is of Dingle, Ireland.)

 

Cork

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland
Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland

End your road trip in County Cork, where the county is truly your oyster. If you want a bustling, youthful city full of artisan coffee bars and restaurants you’ll find it in the city of Cork. For more history and legend, head just outside the city limits to the Blarney Stone. For more food, head to the English Market, a covered 18-century era food market where you can meet some of Ireland’s farmers. And further afield there are more parks to hike and castles to see.

5 Vacation Swaps to Avoid the Crowds this August

Vacationing at the end of the summer can sometimes mean being stuck in a crowd of other August travelers trying to squeeze in a trip before the season is over. Instead of picking a stereotypical summertime hot spot, consider some of these  alternatives that are less crowded with tourists this time of year, including winter destinations that offer discounted deals in the summer months, small cities that lie in the shadows of larger neighboring locales, and spots that are simply too gorgeous to overlook.

Here are five alternatives to popular summer destinations for a unique, uncrowded, and memorable vacation.

 

Popular vacation destination: New York City

Amazing alternative: Providence

If you want to visit the east coast, why not try Rhode Island’s capital? Unlike NYC, Providence is a college town that gets a little quieter as it empties of students during the summer.

Providence Rhode Island skyline.
Providence, Rhode Island skyline.

Known as America’s Renaissance City, Providence is certainly historical, but it is also eclectic with everything a tourist can want. One thing that is for sure is you won’t go hungry during your visit. Not only is it home to Johnson & Wales University, globally recognized as one of the best institutions for culinary arts and whose graduates oftentimes stay in the area to work, but the entire city is a foodie’s dream come true. Downtown is peppered with dining options from pizza places and fast food restaurants to a smorgasbord of diversity in the form of Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern, European and New American restaurants that are both family and singles-friendly and alive with musical entertainment. And if Italian food is among your favorites, hop over to Federal Hill, the city’s Little Italy.

providence rhode island
Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock.com

As one of the oldest cities in the US (and one of the 13 original colonies), many of the historical landmarks that reflect 19th and 18th century architecture are open to the public for tours. Among these is the John Brown House, a mansion that was once the home of John Brown (a major benefactor of the Ivy League Brown University) and visited by prominent historical figures like George Washington and John Quincy Adams. Providence also boasts cute boutiques, remarkable sculptures and nationally-renowned theaters that showcase a strong performing arts culture.

Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.
Castle Hill Lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.

If you want to break your time between sightseeing and the seaside, head to one of the many gorgeous beaches on the nearby Rhode Island and Massachusetts coasts.  Skip over Cape Cod, which is a sardine-can tourist-packed alternative, and try any one of the several little beach-side towns, like Little Compton, that are the area’s lovely little secrets.

Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.
Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.

And don’t miss the chance to experience Water Fire, a public event that blends artistic expression with spiritual and community symbolism. During this event, 100 fire lanterns flow along the river through the city’s downtown area. Keep in mind that there are only a couple of these showings in August (it is mostly a fall event), so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy this experience.

 

Popular vacation destination: London

Amazing alternative: Ireland

Are you craving a taste of Europe, but are unsure whether you’re mentally prepared for the crowded August peak vacation season? While droves flock to England, why not head to Ireland? This is the perfect place to go for cool weather, luscious landscapes, thousands of castles, cathedrals, and more charming pubs than you can imagine.

Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Doonagore castle, Co. Clare, Ireland.

While the well-known cities like Dublin, Galway and Belfast are must-sees, make your trip memorable by adding some unique stops along the way, like the breathtaking 2,000 year old Cliffs of Moher, whose landscape inspired centuries worth of Celtic folklore, myths, legends and witch stories, and where bird watchers and photographers spot over 20 species of seabirds. Or, jump back in time while visiting Kilkenny, home to Ireland’s Medieval Mile, which extends from the 13th-century St. Canice’s cathedral (and its 9th century tower) to the 13th-century Kilkenny castle and 16th century Rothe House and Garden.

Ocean and O'Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
Ocean and O’Briens Tower on Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Known as the Marble city due to the natural limestone that makes up many of the shiny pavements and buildings, Kilkenny is also chock full of pubs, including the Kyteler’s Inn Pub which was originally owned by Alice Kyteler, the woman whose story instigated the first witch trial in Irish history. .

ireland

In addition to immersing you in history, Ireland will also tickle your nerdy side. Do your best impression of a Hogwarts student while visiting the library at Trinity College (and sneak a peek at the Book of Kells), or spend a day acting as a member of your favorite Westeros clan during a Game Of Thrones tour in Belfast and Dublin.

ireland

And the summer is a time riddled with festivals: boat festivals, cultural festivals, horse races and drinking fests are on the agenda throughout the country all season long. Guinness, anyone?

 

Popular vacation destinations: Finland, Norway, Denmark

Amazing alternative: Iceland

Are the Nordic countries on your bucket list? While much of northern Europe is breathtakingly beautiful, few places in the world are as ethereal as Iceland. In fact, parts of the countryside feel so otherworldly that fantasy movies and TV shows are consistently filmed there.

Thingvellir National Park. Southern Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, Southern Iceland.

August is one of the best times to visit and though it’s also the country’s busiest season, the crowds may seem minuscule for tourists from most American or European cities. In Reykjavík, the capital, you can enjoy striking architecture, late-night clubs, and adventurous expeditions through nature, not to mention a diverse assortment of museums. The days are also long and you can expect between 16-18 hours of sunlight to help you see as much as possible.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, Iceland.

Unparalleled natural landscapes are the main magnets that attract tourists to Iceland and its three major national parks. To the southeast is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a mixture of fresh and salt water covered in chunks of floating ice. These glass mirrors of calm water reflect surroundings that include a painter’s palette of colors from blue and pink skies to black ice and sand, and turquoise glaciers.

Icelandic Ponies
Icelandic Ponies

Then, located 40 km east of Reykjavík, is Thingvellir National Park, the location of the oldest Parliament in the world, as well as one of the only spots where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen on land. Last, but certainly not least, is the 700,000 year old volcanic site built atop alternating lava and ash, known as Snæfellsjökull National Park. Located on the west coast, Snæfellsjökull is a spot for discovering caves, bird watching, and hiking.

Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.
Skyline cityscape of Reykjavik, reflected in lake Tjornin.

In Iceland, you can also go swimming in a geothermal beach or the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, check out local festivals, drive around the perimeter of the country on its Ring Road for more photographic opportunities, and ride on Icelandic horses.

Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Summer is also the only time the roads open to the Highlands, the center of the country. More glaciers, volcanoes, nature reserves, mountains, deserts and hot springs than you can fathom are all part of the ecosystems in this virtually untouched part of the world.

 

Popular vacation destination: South Florida

Amazing Alternative: Mexico

In a hotspot with over 40 miles of beach lined with turquoise blue waters, the south of Florida is muy caliente (bienvenido a Miami), but don’t overlook the 6,000 miles of coastline in Mexico. The temperatures will scorch, which is why winter is a popular time to visit, but those who can handle the heat may appreciate the reduced airfare, hotel prices and decreased tourism.

Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun in Mexico
Norten beach on colorful Isla Mujeres island near Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun will answer the prayers of party-seekers, but in August it also attracts families with thoughts of water parks, day and dinner cruises, and zoos. For a bit more sophistication, visit Playa del Carmen, and those who want to submerge can find one of the best snorkeling and Scuba diving sites in the world in Cozumel.

The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel
The lagoon of fresh water just next to Caribbean Sea in ecological park on Cozumel, Mexico.

Then again, maybe snorkeling followed by yoga and exploring old ruins are more your pace? In that case, head to Tulum, which is also among the smallest and quietest beaches on the Mexican coastline. This relaxing little getaway might make you want to curl up on a hammock with a book and is filled with relaxing spas, but don’t overlook the hiking opportunities through Mayan archeological sites.

People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.
People swimming in Dos Ojos cenote, located 20 km from Tulum.

 

Popular vacation destination: Los Angeles

Amazing alternative: San Francisco

California conjures thoughts of summertime, convertibles, surfers’ waves, and beautiful, friendly people, so considering it as the location for your summer vacation is a no-brainer. And while it’s true that Los Angeles is where you will find both the happiest place on Earth and some of the best Mexican food without going to Mexico, the smog and traffic may be enough reason to avoid it and skip right on over to San Francisco.

The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.
The Painted Ladies of San Francisco, California.

The Golden Gate City is home to miles of waterfront, beautiful yet underrated beaches, and weather that is much cooler than in its southern counterpart. While it is the most densely-populated city in the state,and the second most densely populated city in the US, the vibe is welcoming and relaxing. Don’t let the jaw-dropping 10,000+ people per square mile make you overlook the countless and assorted neighborhoods that offer distinctive experiences from ritzy hotels and hipster bars to quieter “small town” streets. And no matter which part of the city you choose to visit, bring a camera as there is lots to see. One of the more popular spots is North Beach, the second “Little Italy” on this list, filled with cafes and restaurants. Here you can climb to the top of the 210-foot Coit Tower for panoramic views, picnic on the luscious green Washington Square, and absorb the beauty of the 19th-century Saints Peter and Paul Parish.

View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.
View of North Beach and the San Francisco Bay from Coit Tower, in San Francisco, California.

And don’t forget to enjoy the winding streets over the rolling hills, traversed by bright cable cars, that are as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise
Famous Lombard Street in San Francisco at sunrise.

While the Mexican food may not compare to what you can find in LA, the other cuisines are widely known for their excellence and authenticity. Culinary diversity is strong in San Francisco and the area is especially known for delicious Filipino and Caribbean food. You can also find plenty of farmer’s markets (like Ferry Building Marketplace), where locals and tourists enjoy spending their days.

6 Countries to Visit Now (While They’re Still Here)

When the United Kingdom abruptly elected to Brexit its way out of the European Union last month, it showed us just how quickly our world and the lines that divide it up can shift and heave.

In recent years we’ve seen everything from melting permafrost in Alaska to pulverized world heritage sites in Aleppo reshaping the face of our planet. When physical geography and political borders change, so do the countries they delineate: Shifting borders can signal shifting laws and even shifting attitudes toward foreign visitors.

Forces like conflict, secession, and climate change don’t make special exemptions for tourist favorites, which means your dream itinerary can’t wait for “one day.” Here are six places to book a trip to today, because they might not be there tomorrow.

 

#1: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Not So United?

Although the Brexit vote isn’t likely to topple the rocks at Stonehenge or wash away the stunning seaside of Cornwall, it’s prompted a series of reactions that could lead to a much less united kingdom and a series of new hurdles and headaches for travelers.

Old Harry Rocks, located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England, United Kingdom; the downlands of Ballard Down were formed approximately 66 million years ago
Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England, United Kingdom. The downlands of Ballard Down were formed approximately 66 million years ago.

As soon as the UK’s plans to divorce Europe became clear, leaders in the Scottish and Northern Irish governments announced their intentions to investigate leaving the United Kingdom and remaining EU members. That would mean heavy revisions to the destinations listed on the official Visit Britain tourism site.

Cranfield Beach, Northern Ireland
Cranfield Beach, Northern Ireland

The dissolution of the United Kingdom won’t make the countries that currently comprise it dangerous or any less attractive tourist destinations, but it could shuffle up visa requirements and even flight prices, leaving travel to and between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland more complicated. In a couple of years Hadrian’s Wall, the historic line separating England from Scotland, could renew its status as official border, joining the likes of Niagara Falls and other border-straddling attractions whose exploration require a trip or two through customs.

hadrians_wall
Hadrian’s Wall | Photo via Pixabay under CC0

 

#2: Jordan: Hospitality in the Heart of the Middle East

When travelers are confronted with generalizations about the dangerous Middle East, Morocco and its many hidden gems may be the standard counterexample; but there’s another peaceful and historically rich country right in the heart of the region many avoid out of misguided fear. Jordan is a pillar of stability in a region that usually makes headlines for the wrong reasons, and today it’s your best opportunity for exploring the cradle of civilization.

jordan petra
Petra, Jordan | Photo via Pixabay under CC0 (public domain).

Some say that we’re living through a rebirth of the Arab World, and others argue for a more pessimistic interpretation; but everyone agrees that it’s the world’s most unpredictable region today, and the Syrian Civil War is proof enough that neither cosmopolitan cities nor world heritage sites are immune to the fallout of social struggles. Seize the day with a trip to backpacker favorites like Petra and the Dead Sea, or take a camel-back tour of the Valley of the Moon.

Jordanian desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan viewed from Lawrence's Spring. Wadi Rum is known as The Valley of the Moon and has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wadi Rum in Jordan is known as The Valley of the Moon and has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dead Sea
Dead Sea

#3: Hong Kong: Counting Down the End of “One Country, Two Systems”

Unlike most of the others on this list, the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong is virtually guaranteed to disappear in 21 years with the expiration of the “one country, two systems” policy in 2047 and its reabsorption into China.

hong kong
A temple in Hong Kong | Photo via Pixabay under CC0

Hong Kong currently maintains its own immigration system, independent of the notoriously difficult-to-navigate visa laws of mainland China, allowing most residents of North America and Europe up to 90 days of visa-free travel. But it’s not just the formalities of coming and going that separate Hong Kong from the mainland: Everything from the language to press freedom and censorship contribute to Hong Kong’s distinct identity and unofficial status as “Asia’s World City.”

Hong Kong harbor
Hong Kong harbor

There’s no telling how much of traditional Hong Kong culture will survive its looming reunification with the mainland, but the kind of budget shopping tours Hong Kong is famous for seem unlikely to stay after Beijing jumps back into the driver’s seat.

Pedestrians and traffic in Kowloon District at night on December 21, 2013 in Hong Kong, China.
Pedestrians and traffic in Kowloon District at night on December 21, 2013 in Hong Kong, China. Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

 

#4 Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Country That Was Never Supposed to Be a Country

Of all the countries that emerged from the former Yugoslavia in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Bosnia and Herzegovina is probably the one with the least staying power. The Dayton Accords that brought peace to the region left the country divided into three autonomous federal entities governed somewhat chaotically by three presidents, leading to frequent and unsurprising separatist movements that may one day lead to further fragmentation in the Balkans.

bosnia starimost
The Stari Most bridge in Mostar, Bosnia | Photo via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Stari Most bridge in Mostar is both one of the country’s most popular tourist sites and a symbol of the tenuous unity between its disparate groups, spanning the river that marks the boundary between the Catholic Croat-majority western side and Bosniak Muslim-majority eastern side of the multicultural city. The bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Yugoslav Wars, but reconstructed in 2004, and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site the following year.

Kravica waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kravica waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina

When you visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, give yourself plenty of time to explore the starkly contrasting yet peacefully harmonious west and east sides of the city, each offering different but stunning views of the Stari Most.

People walking through the Old Town with many shops and cafes on July 20, 2014 in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River.
The Old Town with many shops and cafes in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River. Nightman1965 / Shutterstock.com

 

#5 Turkey: Anatolia’s Complicated Conundrum

The crossroads of East and West is a favorite among travelers worldwide, probably because Turkey’s unique geographic situation assures its landscapes and the people who inhabit them are different than those of anywhere else in the world. With pressure from conflicts in neighboring Syria and Iraq, tensions inside Turkey may in the future lead to a violent civil war and the possible separation of long-marginalized Turkish Kurdistan, yielding a messy situation for travelers.

Mardin, Turkey
Mardin, Turkey

Be sure to visit the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, enjoy rich Mediterranean cuisine, and explore the area around Lake Van, the region of the country most vulnerable to being cut off to travelers in the coming years.

turkey lake van
Akhtamar Island in Lake Van in Eastern Turkey | Photo via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 3.0
Remains of Christian frescoes in the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island (Akdamar) in Lake Van, Turkey
Remains of Christian frescoes in the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island (Akdamar) in Lake Van, Turkey steve estvanik / Shutterstock.com

#6 The Maldives: The Country that’s Literally Sinking

An island vacation in the Indian Ocean sounds like a dream come true for many, but in a matter of years your choices of islands may be drastically narrowed.

The capital of the Maldives from above
The capital of the Maldives from above
Aerial view on Maldives island, Raa atoll
Aerial view on Maldives island, Raa atoll

Of the many island nations whose very existence is threatened by climate change and rising sea levels, Maldives stands high on the list. Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that “If carbon emissions continue at the rate they are climbing today, my country will be underwater in seven years”, a humanitarian disaster for the archipelago nation’s nearly half million citizens.

Water villas in the Maldives
Water villas in the Maldives
maldives sunset
Sunset in the Maldives | Photo via Pixabay under CC0 (public domain)

To enjoy Indian Ocean sunsets without contributing to the Maldives’ climate struggles, consider soaking up the sun at one of the country’s growing number of eco-friendly resorts.

 

At the same time as other countries and regions teeter on the brink and close their doors to tourists, others like Cuba and Myanmar are opening up and pitching woo to international travelers.

Part of travel is getting to see and live the world as it is right now, because the world of yesterday will never be the same as the world of tomorrow.

Don’t let the possibility of social unrest or seismic events in the near future scare you out of your dream itinerary. If you’re unsure about security conditions but still inspired to carpe diem, you can check the US State Department’s country-specific travel advisories, or consult with other experienced travelers via communities of travelers like Couchsurfing or the Lonely Planet forums.