Dive into our slideshow to sample these unique experiences plus many more, spanning the country from the wide-open cattle ranches out west to the friendly fishing villages in the Maritimes.

Additional Reporting by Megan Johnson

1. Northern Lights Experience in Northwest Territories

You can see the northern lights in Canada’s remote Northwest Territories in several unique ways. Beck’s Kennels, based in Yellowknife, offers a five-hour excursion that starts with an exhilarating dog sled ride over the snow to a heated cabin where you can warm up and watch the colors streaking across the dark sky.

For an even more remote experience, head to the Blachford Lodge. Accessible only by bush plane (it’s a half-hour ride from Yellowknife), the lodge offers the chance to see the northern lights from an igloo you build yourself.

2. Walk on the Earth’s Mantle at Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park isn’t just a spectacularly scenic place to go hiking or camping; it’s also a geological landmark that helped scientists prove the theory of plate tectonics. The barren red rocks in the Tablelands section of the park were once part of the earth’s mantle (the thick layer beneath the crust), but they were pushed upward by a plate tectonic collision some 500 million years ago. Gros Morne is one of the few places in the world where you can walk on a rock that was once this deep inside the earth.

While it’s easy enough to hike the Tablelands independently, a Parks Canada guide can offer insight into the area’s complex geology. Two- and three-hour guided hikes are available.

3. Asian Night Markets in Vancouver 

As you stroll among bustling stalls, sampling fragrant street food like dim sum, stir-fried octopus and tteokbokki (a spicy Korean rice and fish cake), you could be forgiven for imagining that you’re in Hong Kong or Taiwan. But you can also savor a traditional Asian night market much closer to home in the Vancouver metro area.

About 30 minutes outside of downtown Vancouver, near the international airport, the city of Richmond offers two different night markets during the warmer months. The Richmond Night Market, located near the Bridgeport SkyLink station, offers live entertainment and hundreds of food stalls on weekends between mid-May and early October. 

4. Learn Indigenous Traditions on Manitoulin Island

For an intimate and authentic look into the cultural heritage of some of Canada’s indigenous peoples, head to Manitoulin Island, located on Lake Huron in northeastern Ontario. Here, the Great Circle Spirit Trail offers a selection of workshops and experiences celebrating the traditions of the Anishnawbek people (which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi tribes).

Visitors learn native drumming techniques, taste local teas, craft your own traditional torch or go on a hike in search of medicinal herbs and plants. 

5. Cycle Through the Laurentians in Quebec

For an exhilarating fresh-air journey through Quebec’s forested Laurentian Mountains, rent a bike and hit the P’tit Train du Nord trail. Once a rail line, this 144-mile, mildly graded path offers a taste of the region’s pristine rivers, lakes and mountain views. Many of the former railroad stations along the way have been converted into cafes, shops and other facilities where bikers can take a break.

The trail runs between Saint-Jerome, about 30 minutes outside Montreal, and Mont-Laurier. Operators such as Cyclo-Gites offer packages that include overnight lodging, breakfast, luggage transfers and transportation from one end of the trail to the other (so you don’t have to bike all the way back to get back to your car).

The full ride can be completed in three to five days, depending on your fitness level and how much time you want to spend exploring. For the most spectacular scenery, go in the fall when the leaves are turning.

6. Learn the Fisherman’s Life in Nova Scotia

During your stay in Nova Scotia, you’ll likely dig into a seafood dinner at least once or twice, whether your dish of choice is fresh lobster, grilled fish or buttery scallops. But did you know you can meet the fishermen responsible for bringing all that delicious, locally caught seafood to your plate?

The Living Wharves program in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores area has brought together active and retired workers from the fishing industry to meet with visitors and share their experiences. You can listen to stories of storms at sea, find out what a typical day is like and even learn to tie a knot or band a lobster. Daily talks and demonstrations are given at various wharves in and around Yarmouth.

7. Hike a Snowy Canyon Under the Stars in Banff

Imagine strapping on a pair of cleats and walking along the bottom of a deep, quiet canyon at night, with moonlight glittering off the frozen waterfalls and otherworldly ice formations around you. While most visitors explore Banff and Jasper National Parks during the warmer summer months, a nighttime “ice walk” is an unforgettable experience you can only have during the winter off season. (Just remember to bundle up!)

Discover Banff Tours offers a 2.5-hour ice walk in Johnston Canyon, where you’ll hike along catwalks built onto the canyon walls. At Maligne Canyon in Jasper, you’ll be right on the canyon floor during a three-hour tour led by Jasper Adventure Centre or Maligne Adventures.

You can even take a dip in the year-round outdoor hot spring bathing experiences. 

8. Live the Cowboy Life on a Ranch in Saskatchewan

The wide-open spaces in the Canadian West are the perfect setting to hop on a horse and live out that cowboy or cowgirl fantasy you’ve had since you were a kid.

At Saskatchewan’s Historic Reesor Ranch, which dates back to 1904, guests can join a cattle drive during the day and then sit around the campfire at night, exchanging “cowboy poetry” with the hosts. In British Columbia, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa offers a more indulgent experience, with Thai massages or yoga classes available in between horseback riding and panning for gold. Guests at La Reata Ranch in Saskatchewan can learn cowboy skills such as lariat handling and roping a dummy steer, then wind down their day in the hot tub under the stars.

9. Meet the Other French-Speaking Canada in the Maritimes

Mention francophone Canada, and Quebec is the region that most likely springs to mind. But what most visitors don’t know is that Canada has several other pockets of French culture, including the Acadian population of the Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island). Descendants of French colonists, the Acadian people have developed their own culture unique to this part of the world.

Get a taste of Acadian culture in New Brunswick at the Village Historique Acadien, which offers a collection of historical buildings — including farmhouses, a lobster hatchery and a grist mill — dating back as far as 1770. At the Theriault General Store, you can buy period items such as porcelain dolls and cast-iron frying pans.

Le Pays de la Sagouine, in Bouctouche, is a recreated Prohibition-era fishing village where visitors can tour the buildings, dine on traditional dishes, and enjoy musical and theatrical performances from a cast of Acadian characters. You may even learn to play the wooden spoons! (Note that performances run throughout the warmer months, and most are in French.)

10. Swim with Beluga Whales in Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba, is famous for polar bear sightings, but if you’re looking for a truly up-close-and-personal animal encounter, why not jump into the water and swim with the bears’ Arctic neighbor, the beluga whale?

Tour operators such as Sea North Tours and Lazy Bear Lodge will take you out on a boat to search for a pod of these gentle giants, which measure about 18 feet and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Then, wearing a thick Arctic wetsuit and snorkeling gear, you’ll lower yourself into the water where you can swim beside the whales and even hear the sounds they make as they call to each other.

11. Have a Foodie Adventure

Love to eat? On Prince Edward Island, you can get your hands dirty with a variety of experiences in sourcing local goodies. Local Jim Conohan offers an excursion in which visitors walk with him to find and dig for clams; afterward, they bring their haul back to his gazebo for good conversation and a good meal, which includes steamed clams — of course! — as well as bread, potato salad, cold drinks and dessert.  Vegetarian and turf options are available as well. 

The Table Culinary Studio offers cooking classes in which visitors can learn to prepare island favorites such as mussels, sheep’s milk cheese and artisan bread. Some workshops involve visiting local farms to harvest ingredients or learn how they’re grown.

12. Experience Ice Hockey in Toronto

We’d be remiss to not mention ice hockey when talking about Canada. For a true Canadian experience, head to Toronto, where you can catch the Maple Leafs play a game. Then, head to the Hockey Hall of Fame, where you can see the Stanley Cup, and learn about the history, and the best players. If you are feeling really daring, you can join a pick up game and see how the amateurs play. 

13. Go Whale Watching in Victoria

Victoria, situated on Vancouver Island’s southern tip, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Peak time for spotting a whale is May through October, where you should be able to easily spot Orcas. From June to September, the humpback whales are out, some measuring a whopping 50-feet in length! There are several different tours to choose from, from the classic catamaran, to getting up close and personal in a Zodiac Boat. 

You’ll want to book a morning tour, when waters are calmer and marine life is booming. Most tours last 3-4 hours and depart from Victoria’s Inner Harbor or Fisherman’s Wharf. 

14. Go to the Winter Carnival in Quebec City

If it’s going to be freezing cold with a lot of snow, you might as well make the best of it, and that is exactly what Quebec City has done by creating the world’s largest winter carnival. Be awed by the ice sculptures, enjoy music by Canadian artists, be dazzled by a night parade, and  play laser tag within the city’s citadel. Want to see something really different? Check out the ice canoe race! 

The Carnival lasts for ten days in January and February. 

15. See Polar Bears in Manitoba

In October and November, you can take a 6-7 day  polar bear expedition tour out to Churchill, Manitoba. Natural Habitat Adventures has a packed itinerary that includes a chartered flight to Churchill from Winnipeg, heavy parkas, transportation i their custom Polar Rovers, and dog sledding. They also offer a special women-only departure. 

Churchill Wild offers walking tours to see the polar bears, and you’ll stay in a remote luxury ecolodge. Be warned, these trips start at $16,000 CAD per person! 

16. Northwest Passage Arctic Cruise

Take an adventure on the northwest passage with an arctic cruise. Adventure Canada offers a 17-day cruise that starts in Nunavut, the Canadian territory that takes up most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This small expedition cruise navigates through the northwest passage, stopping for wildlife views, a historical expedition site, archeological sites, immersive experiences with Inuit, and hiking. You’ll view the northern lights like never before, so make sure your camera is ready! It ends in Greeland, where you can fly nonstop to Toronto and connect to your home airport. 

Best Time to Go to Canada

Canada’s prime tourism season is summer, when temperatures are warm enough for outdoor adventures in the rugged countryside (this means the more popular destinations will be bustling with tourists). Canadian winters can be long and arduous, but skiers, of course, will want to head to the mountains when local temperatures drop and snow blankets the slopes. Fall in Canada is leaf-peeping time. Cruises along the Canadian coast, mountain hikes and train trips through the countryside are excellent ways to catch autumn colors. Spring rains often bring tons of mud to Canadian national parks, but this season is a great time to find local travel deals.

Canada on a Budget

Overall, Canada is a budget-friendly destination for the U.S. traveler due to proximity and a generally favorable exchange rate. Snag the best prices on hotel stays, tours ,and transportation — while avoiding frigid winter temperatures — by traveling during the spring or fall shoulder seasons (spring prices are likely to drop a bit lower than fall ones). To save money on restaurant meals, rent a house or apartment where you can cook for yourself. Traveling in the spring or fall will help save money, but keep in mind, everything may not be open, as many attractions and events operate seasonally, especially outside of major cities.

The post Canada Travel Guide: What to Do in Canada appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Beyond these security concerns, there are a few additional safety factors to consider when visiting Germany.

Driving

Although Germany is famous for its Autobahn highway system, which has no speed limits in many stretches, it’s still possible to get a ticket while driving in the country. Germany has thousands of speeding cameras positioned throughout the country, and if you’re clocked exceeding the speed limit, you’ll receive a ticket in the mail. Red light cameras are also common.

Germany’s drunk driving laws are also stricter than those in America, and having a blood alcohol level of over 0.05 percent can land you in legal trouble.

Safety

While serious violent incidents are uncommon in Germany, petty theft remains an ongoing concern, particularly in urban areas. The most vulnerable times tend to be late at night and early morning hours, especially around public transit hubs. Train stations, subway systems, and busy tourist spots create perfect opportunities for pickpockets and opportunistic thieves looking for unattended belongings. Large events like festivals, concerts, and Christmas markets can also attract criminals hoping to take advantage of distracted visitors.

Maintain awareness of your surroundings and closely monitor your belongings, especially in crowded spaces. Consider using a money belt or keeping valuables in inside pockets rather than external bags or backpacks that are easier targets.

Hate Speech Laws

Germany takes its historical responsibility seriously through strict laws governing Nazi-related content and hate speech. The nation’s legal code explicitly prohibits Holocaust denial and the spread of Nazi ideology in any form—whether in person or online. This includes displaying Nazi symbols like the swastika, wearing SS uniforms, making pro-Hitler statements, or possessing Third Reich memorabilia.

In recent years, Germany has further strengthened its stance against extremism, particularly in the digital realm. Social media companies operating in Germany must now actively monitor, remove, and report instances of hate speech and threats on their platforms. These enhanced regulations came in response to several far-right attacks that highlighted ongoing concerns about extremist ideologies.

The laws reflect Germany’s commitment to preventing history from repeating itself. Visitors should be aware that actions that might be protected speech in other countries—like giving the Nazi salute or questioning Holocaust facts—are serious criminal offenses in Germany that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Berlin Shell Game Scams

Among Berlin’s street scams, the classic shell game remains a persistent trap for unwary tourists. This age-old con features a seemingly simple setup: three cups, one ball, and what appears to be an easy chance to win money by tracking the ball’s location. However, the scam has a calculated twist—the operator works with an accomplice who poses as a fellow tourist, creating an elaborate performance to draw in real visitors.

The scene typically unfolds like this: The fake tourist plays the game and wins, making it look effortless and enticing to onlookers. When genuine tourists try their luck, they invariably lose their money, as the entire setup is carefully orchestrated by the scammer and their partner. Despite being illegal, these shell game operations continue to operate throughout the city, with teams of con artists constantly seeking their next target. Even if you think you’ve spotted how the trick works, remember—the only way to win this game is not to play.

Note: How to Be a Good Tourist

Many Germans speak English, and many Europeans speak several languages. However, Germans will appreciate it if you learn a few phrases in German. Learning a few basic phrases like “thank you,” “hello,” and “please” will go a long way. 

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Germany.

The post Tips on Germany Warnings or Dangers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Berlenga Islands

Located about ten miles off the west coast of Peniche, the Berlenga Islands are Portugal’s only marine reserve with crystal waters and an ancient fortress perfect for exploring. In 2011, UNESCO made it a World Biosphere Reserve, and it has been protected since 1465 when King Afonso V prohibited any action against nature there. Adventurers will love exploring the area, whether on a boat ride, snorkeling or diving, hiking or kayaking. Check out the Duque de Branganç Lighthouse, built in 1758, or the Fort of São João Baptista das Berlengas, dating to the late 17th century. The fort also is one of only three accommodation options when visiting the islands – and it is basic. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and hit as a shared kitchen. Your other option is camping, you can email campismo.berlenga@cm-peniche.pt to book your spot, fees are dependent on tent capacity. The only hotel on the islands is the Berlenga B&B, which houses the only restaurant on the island as well. 

Costa Vicentina 

It’s hard to find an untouched coastline anywhere in the world, but Costa Vicentina features wild beaches and fishing villages that are not as touristy as the other coastal areas of Portugal. Treat yourself to the stunning landscape of limestone cliffs or hit beaches that are only accessible on foot- all protected as part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. You’ll be able to snap photos of white storks, as it is one of the few remaining habitats for the birds; see what traditional Portuguese fishing villages look like when you visit Zambujeira do Mar and Porto Covo, and see the fishermen practice ancient fish-catching methods off of the cliffs. There are over 250 miles of hiking trails, surfing, and umpteen opportunities for cycling, photographs, and birdwatching. You’ll love the fresh seafood and quaint, smaller accommodations the area offers – no big-name hotels in site here! 

Recommended Hotel: Herdad Do Touril 

A restored farmhouse, Herdad Do Touril offers standalone houses and rooms, offers a breakfast featuring local ingredients, has a saltwater swimming pool with stunning views, and has both beach and countryside accessibility. 

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Comporta 

Located only an hour from Lisbon, Comporta offers pristine beaches and rice paddies, making for a unique landscape. Like Costa Vicentina, Comporta is minimally developed, and although is sometimes referred to as the “Portuguese Hamptons” – it has a laid-back atmosphere. The traditional cabanas de colmo (thatched-roof houses) dot the streets, creating a quaint, idyllic panorama. Creative types are drawn to Comporta, as evidenced in the artsy types it attracts. You can find locally made arts and crafts at the stores in the village, like Casa De Cultura, an old cinema-turned gallery and shops. Summer is peak season, but shoulder seasons offer spectacular weather without the crowds. 

Recommended Hotel: Sublime Comporta

This luxurious, secluded hotel built on a former rice farm is set within 17 acres of gorgeous landscape, with pine and cork trees creating a stunning umbrella effect. The hotel offers standard rooms or private villas has an organic garden, an on-site spa, and a rice restaurant featuring local ingredients. 

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Serra da Estrela

You’d miss out if you skipped Portugal’s highest mountain range with glacial valleys and unique cheese production. It’s the only place in Portugal where you can ski in the winter, too. There are plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. And, did somebody say cheese? Here, you’ll find the Manor House of cheese, where you can see how the famous Serra da Estrela cheese is made. Cheese not your thing? Head over to Museu do Pão, the museum of bread. (And, if you’re like me and love both of these products, you are in luck!) While in the area, try goat stew and wash it down with local wines. 

Recommended Hotel: Casa das Penhas Douradas

You’ll enjoy mountain views from the indoor pool at this hotel, which offers direct access to hiking trails, has an on-site spa, and an on-site restaurant. Choose from standard rooms and suites, many with balconies and mountain views. 

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Aldeias do Xisto

You may recognize the quintessential schist stone buildings that make up the twenty-seven villages in Aldeias do Xisto. These ancient villages not only provide quaint views, but also come with culture, art, and more. While exploring these villages, you may come upon communal fountains and bread ovens and observe the traditional, unique building techniques passed down for generations. While the buildings provide awe-inspiring views, the area is an astronomical destination thanks to its impeccable dark skies. Visit the Geoscope of Fajão, an astronomical observatory “for observing the dark sky and for teaching and pedagogy about astronomy.” Standout villages not to be missed include Talasnal, Piódão, Foz do Cobrão and Janeiro de Cima. 

Gerês National Park

From ancient oak trees to waterfalls and even wild horses, Gerês National Park is not to be missed. Portugal’s only national park, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, has natural beauty and a Roman road with original mile markers, medieval bridges and castles, and traditional stone villages like Campo de Gerês and Celtic ruins. Swim in a natural swimming hole, get lost in the ancient oak forest Mata da Albergaria, and hike one of the many trails. If you are there during a drought, you may get a glimpse of Vilarinho da Furna, a village completely submerged in 1972 after an electric company built a dam. You’ll even get a glimpse of traditional mountain communities. 

Recommended Hotel: Gerês Inn

This historic inn has stunning views of the mountains and will serve as the perfect basecamp for your Geres National Park stay.  There is an onsite restaurant. 

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Guimarães

Guimarães was the first capital of Portugal and has a preserved medieval center, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cobblestone streets and fifteenth-century buildings will make you feel like you have gone back in time. History buffs will love exploring the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, or Guimarães Castle, considered Portugal’s birthplace. Guimarães perfectly combines the old and the new, as not only are there medieval buildings, but you’ll also find venues like Platform of Arts and Creativity, a modern art space in a converted market, and Centro Cultural Vila Flor, where you can take in a music or dance performance. Guimarães is truly unique, and since it is lesser-known to tourists, you will be able to really immerse yourself with the locals. 

Recommended Hotel: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães

When visiting somewhere historic, you might as well stay somewhere historic, too, right?  Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães is  located in a 12th-century Augustinian monastery, perched on Monte de Santa Catarina offering views of the city. There is an on-site restaurant, gardens, and pool.

Book Now!

The post Hidden Gems in Portugal appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Be sure, before you visit Iceland to take the Icelandic Pledge. 

Additional reporting by Megan Johnson

Essential Planning Information

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Iceland is a year-round destination, with something to offer visitors every season: from endless days and balmy weather during summer to the northern lights and winter sports in the coldest months. Summer is Iceland’s most popular tourism season — that’s when the crowds descend. But budget travelers and winter-sports enthusiasts should consider an off-season trip to the country, as accommodations and airfare to Iceland are generally less expensive during the winter. 

Key things to consider for each season: 

• Summer (June-August): Peak season with endless daylight and mild weather
• Winter (November-February): Northern lights viewing and winter sports
• Shoulder Seasons (March-May, September-October): Fewer crowds and moderate weather

Budget Considerations

It can be tough to tour Iceland on a budget, but the best strategy for finding great deals is to travel outside the summer high season. To save on accommodations, look for guesthouses and farm stays, which offer low-priced lodging and a unique way to experience local culture. (You can find a list of farm accommodations in Iceland at FarmHolidays.is). Icelandair regularly offers affordable vacation packages, which bundle hotel and airfare for a reasonable price.

• High Season: Expect premium prices for accommodations and activities in the summer
• Budget-Friendly Options:
  • Travel during off-season (October-April)
  • Stay in guesthouses and farm stays
  • Look for Icelandair vacation packages
  • Consider self-catering accommodations

Natural Wonders

Glaciers and Ice Formations

Vatnajökull and Jökulsárlón

If you look at a map of Iceland, you’ll notice a large white blob in the island’s southeast corner. The icecap Vatnajokull is enormous; at more than 3,100 square miles, this glacial expanse covers more than 8 percent of the island.

Iceland’s cloudy weather means it’s often difficult to get more than a glimpse of the upper reaches of Vatnajokull, which is mainly encompassed by a national park. The best way to explore is by heading to one of its 30 glaciers that flow down from the mountains.

One of the most accessible is Jokulsarlon, located off the Ring Road between Vik and Hofn. You can ride a boat through a lagoon laden with icebergs until you reach the glacier face. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a chunk fall off the face — or the even more stunning sight of watching a new iceberg emerge from the deep with a resounding crack.

Waterfalls

The consonant-heavy Icelandic language has been called one of the most difficult to learn. While that’s true, one word came up so many times as we traversed the Ring Road that we couldn’t help learning it: foss, meaning “waterfall.”

For such a small island, Iceland goes big with its waterfalls: tourists flock to some of the best, including Godafoss, Skogafoss, Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. But it’s remote Dettifoss, located down a bumpy gravel road in Iceland’s north, that wins the title “awe-inspiring.” At 147 feet high and spanning nearly 330 feet, the falls thunder into the canyon below with a force that’s supposedly the most powerful in Europe.

Volcanic Experiences

You can’t visit Iceland without picking up a healthy respect for the country’s volcanoes. Eyjafjallajokull disrupted air travel for weeks in 2010 with a massive ash cloud, and Bardarbunga has been burning for much of autumn 2014. Parts of the country’s landscape have been rendered lunar-like from constant lava flows, and the beaches all have black sand.

Flightseeing is one way to see volcanoes in action. But a far less expensive choice is to go underneath the earth to explore the lava “tubes,” caves left by volcanoes long dormant. Guided tours provide you with necessary equipment, including hard hats and flashlights; bring your own gloves and dress warm, as it gets chilly down below.

In his 1864 novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” author Jules Verne used a lava tube on Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula as the gateway for his characters’ tunneling through to Italy. Follow in their footsteps at Vatnshellir, an 8,000-year-old lava tube now run by Iceland’s park service. A steep circular staircase brings you nearly 115 feet underground, where you’ll see rare and delicate lava stalagmites and stalactites, as well as evidence of a one-time river of fire.

Cultural Experiences

Traditional Cuisine

Iceland’s famed geothermal resources, visible around the country in explosive geysers and bubbling hot springs, are used for everything from producing electricity to heating water (yes, that’s why hot showers here always smell like rotten eggs — it’s the sulfur). But did you know that you could also use geothermal energy to bake bread?

At the Fontana thermal baths in Laugarvatn, you can take a walk to a geothermal “bakery” where rye loaves are slow-baked for 24 hours, just a few inches under the surface of the sand near the lake. After the bread is dug out, visitors can try a fresh, warm slice or two topped with butter.

As you might expect from an island nation, Iceland’s native cuisine has been limited by what can be grown, raised or caught in such a northern environment. That means a lot of lamb, served in various guises; hothouse vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers (greenhouses in the country are powered by geothermal energy); and seafood.

Perhaps the most notorious local fish dish is Hikari, fermented rotten shark. Served with a shot of Brennivin, a strong spirit flavored like licorice, the dish is served in small cubes and is not for the faint of heart. 

Shark is available on numerous menus around the country. We sampled ours at Narfeyrarstofa, a homey bistro in Stykkisholmur on the Snaelfellsnes Peninsula. In Reykavik, you can try it at Islenski Barinn (the Icelandic Bar), which also serves whale and puffin.

Literary Heritage

Iceland’s most significant contributions to world literature are its 13th- and 14th-century sagas, which recount the adventures of the country’s earliest Viking settlers between about 870 and 1000 A.D. Modern-day Icelanders are carrying on the story-telling tradition; the country’s adult literacy rate is a sky-high 99 percent, and the BBC reported last year that one in 10 Icelanders will publish a book in their lifetime.

If you want to delve into Iceland’s rich literary history, you can take a Dark Deeds walking tour that begins at the Reykjavik City Library and wends through the city, stopping in relevant places for readings of Icelandic ghost stories and contemporary crime fiction. Tours, organized by the library, run on Thursdays throughout the summer months.

Also fun is the Bedtime Stories experience at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura. Guests gather in a small auditorium on Thursday evenings to hear a local actor read selections from Icelandic literature, which could be anything from tales of elves and spirits to the work of novelist Halldor Laxness, who won Iceland’s only Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955. Speaking of Laxness, his home-turned-museum, Gljufrasteinn, makes for another intriguing literary experience. It’s about 20 minutes outside Reykjavik.

Music Scene

Festivals

Iceland has a relatively big music scene for such a small country. Acts from a few decades ago — like the Sugarcubes and Bjork — have paved the way for contemporary names like Sigur Ros and Of Monsters and Men. Who will be the next big thing? Find out at one of the country’s many music festivals.

The most famous is Iceland Airwaves, which started in 1999 in an airplane hanger and has since become a five-day celebration of new music from bands worldwide (including plenty of homegrown favorites and up-and-comers). It runs each autumn in venues around Reykjavik.

Another alternative for music lovers is Aldrei for eg sudur (“I never went south”), which runs for a few days around Easter on the Westfjords peninsula. Focused mainly on lesser-known Icelandic acts, this small but growing festival is free and well-attended by locals.

Secret Solstice is a relatively new festival in Reykjavik that happens around the summer solstice in June when the skies are light 24 hours a day. It features acts from around the world.

Authentic Local Experiences

Thermal Pools and Hot Springs

Want to meet Icelanders in their favorite relaxation spots? Don your bathing suit. Nearly every city or town in Iceland has at least one swimming pool, and because they’re warmed by geothermal energy, the pools — even the outdoor ones — are used year-round.

The most famous (and expensive) is the Blue Lagoon near the international airport in Keflavik, with its milky-blue waters and otherworldly setting amidst volcanic rocks. It’s an absolute must-do, but tourists visit it almost exclusively. If you’re looking for a more local experience, consider Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik, which has various indoor and outdoor pools, a water slide, hot pots, a steam bath, and even massage therapists. (It’s one of many public pools in the city.)

Pools and hot pots offer beautiful views and a soothing soak in the countryside. Hellulaug, near the Hotel Flokalundur, is a natural rocky pool overlooking a bay in the Westfjords. The fishing village of Drangsnes, also in the Westfjords, is home to three small hot tubs on the shoreline — a sweet spot to hang out and watch for northern lights.

Farm Stays

Whether you’re looking to help herd sheep, ride a friendly Icelandic horse, or simply sleep in a quiet rural setting, visiting a local farm can make an unforgettable addition to your itinerary. Iceland has dozens of farms that open themselves to visitors; come in September and you could take part in rettir, when sheep and horses are brought back to the farm from their summer grazing grounds in the highlands. Nupshestar, near Selfoss, offers a three-night rettir experience in which guests herd sheep on horseback.

On the west coast, Bjarteyjarsandur invites visitors to learn about lambing, sheep shearing and other aspects of farm life, with overnight accommodations in two cottages. Efsti-Dalur II hosts travelers in clean wooden cabins on a farm with horses and cows; there’s a restaurant and ice cream shop featuring products sourced directly from the farm.

Seasonal Traditions

What do you get when you combine Viking history with a landscape so extreme only mythical creatures could live there? In eastern Iceland, tales of trolls, elves, and fairies are still told to this day (and people in Egilsstadir still give the Lagarfljot Lake a wide berth due to a large worm monster that allegedly dwells there).

Far more benign are the Yule Lads, folkloric figures who cause mischief around Christmastime. Bearing whimsical names such as Spoon Licker and Pot Scraper, the 13 trolls are generally good-natured and will leave presents for good girls and boys in their shoes during the nights leading up to Christmas (naughty children receive rotten potatoes instead).

The eerie lava formations of Dimmuborgir, on the shores of Lake Myvatn, are considered the traditional home of the Yule Lads. The lads appear at local festivals and events every December and even hold an annual soaking bash at Myvatn Nature Baths. If winter weather isn’t your thing, cute ornaments illustrating Yule Lad antics are sold year-round.

Basic Travel Tips for Iceland

Getting Around

Renting a Car

A great way to see Iceland is by renting a car and taking the Ring Road. The Complete circuit takes 7-10 days for a comfortable pace, and connects major attractions and towns. It is mostly paved, but some sections are gravel. A pro tip: it’s best driven clockwise to maximize daylight for major attractions. 

When renting a car, book early during peak season (June-August). If you are planning on exploring the highlands, consider renting a 4×4 vehicle. Be sure to get comprehensive insurance coverage, including sand and ash damage. Also, ensure you acquire the required permits for driving on F-roads (mountain roads). 

Public Transportation

Strætó operates long-distance buses between major towns. If staying in Reykjavik for an extended time, consider the Reykjavik  City Card. It not only will give you free rides on public transportation but also gives you free entry to select museums and galleries. 

Accommodation Options

Budget-Friendly Choices

If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodations, there are several options available. The cheapest options include: 

• Hostels (average 4,000-6,000 ISK/night)
• Guesthouses with shared facilities
• Camping (summer only, 1,000-2,000 ISK/night)

Our recommendation: Kex Hostel

You’ll get hotel-like accommodations at hostel prices at Kex Hostel. Located in a former biscuit factory, this hotel has chic decor, free wifi, communal kitchen facilities, and an on-site gastro pub. Centrally located in Reykjavik. 

Book Now!

Mid-Range Options

There are several mid-range options when you have a little extra to spend on accommodations. These include: 

• Farm stays with breakfast
• Boutique guesthouses
• Airbnb apartments
• Mountain huts (book well in advance)

Our Mid-range Recommendation: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Get four-star accommodations at a mid-range price at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. This 125-room hotel boasts stunning views, an on-site spa, and an on-site restaurant in the secluded countryside. 

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Luxury Accommodations

When you want to spend more on accommodations, Iceland has a number of luxury options, including: 

• High-end hotels in Reykjavik
• Luxury lodges with northern lights views
• Private cottages with hot tubs
• Exclusive farm retreats

Our Luxury Recommendation: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Imagine an underground spa, private lagoon, world-class restaurant, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Blue Lagoon. You’ll find all of that and more at the Retreat. 

Book Now!

Language in Iceland

English is widely spoken throughout the country, but basic Icelandic phrases are appreciated when used. These include Góðan daginn (Good day), Takk (Thank you), Já (Yes), Nei (No).

The post Iceland Travel Guide: Best Activities, Tips & Budget Advice appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, choosing the wrong group tour company can quickly turn your dream vacation into a disappointment. It’s critical that you select a tour operator that aligns with your travel style and goals. Do you prefer a small, intimate group or a larger, more social setting? Does the price match your expectations—luxury or budget-friendly? Is the itinerary packed with the destinations you’re eager to see?

We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best group tour companies for 2025, tailored to every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend).

These small group tours operate with only 8-16 people per trip and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by activity (walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) and type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all,” European wilderness, and more) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 
Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour.

Best Bucket List Group Tours: EF Adventures

In 2024, the renowned tour operator EF World Journeys launched a new brand: EF Adventures. True to its name, this division focuses on adventure travel, offering a variety of biking, hiking, walking, and multi-sport tours across Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands.

EF Adventures makes planning complicated tours easy, taking care of flights, transfers, guides, equipment, optional tour extensions, and more—so all you have to do is show up.

After an action-packed day of outdoor exploration, guests can unwind in luxurious accommodations, ranging from 3-star to 5-star properties, each selected to reflect the unique charm of the destination. Whenever possible, EF Adventures chooses hotels with pools or spas, ensuring travelers have the perfect place to relax and recover.

Want to stay motivated in your fitness goals pre- or post-trip? Join EF Adventures’ Strava Group for some friendly competition.

Top Trip: Connections mean everything on a good tour group, and EF Adventures has the ultimate hookup—the brand’s parent company owns a men’s and women’s pro cycling team. Experience the behind-the-scenes perks on EF Adventures’ Tour de France trip, in which participants will get to ride iconic sections of the Tour de France, experience insider access to the EF Pro Cycling team, and watch the thrilling race finish from a VIP section on the Champs-Élysées.

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave the communities and places where it operates tours better than it found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight-day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route. 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

G Adventures offers cheap group tours for travelers on a budget, making dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $979, crisscrossing India’s Golden Triangle for $594, or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $700.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers, as most trips don’t have a single supplement. You can share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler or pay extra for a private space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals and making certain activities optional (for an additional fee). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

Best Private Group Travel: Vaya Adventures

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Vaya Adventures will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. Vaya’s team of experts has spent years living and working in the destinations that they handle, so they have the insider knowledge to make a trip truly special. 

On a Vaya Adventures trip, you won’t find yourself stuck in a soulless chain hotel—accommodations are thoughtfully selected to showcase the local culture and include boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and historic homes. 

Top Trip: Hike the Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela, recovering each night in beautiful boutique hotels or traditional Paradores. 

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours. EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers and feature unique educational experiences. EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing for a bucket list trip, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers, where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification earned by companies demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company’s own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35. (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience a foodie trip of a lifetime on Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure, which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Arctic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for trips to the polar regions, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll adore For the Love of Travel. All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and, of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekend trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your stuff from point to point.) The solution: DuVine Cycling, a luxury small group tour company specializing in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure—no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name-brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises.

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families, and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip.

The post The 11 Best Tour Group Travel Tour Companies for 2025 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, you don’t want the waterproofing to weigh you down. Too-heavy boots can strain your feet and legs, tiring you out faster. Lightweight boots can help keep you nimble and are also ideal for hiking trips where you’re worried about a weight allowance while packing. 

These six hiking boots combine the best of both worlds, offering waterproof protection in a lightweight package.

Asolo Falcon Evo Jacquard GV Hiking Boots

Asolo’s Falcon Evo Jacquard GV Hiking Boots offer a perfect blend of toughness and style in a surprisingly lightweight package. Weighing just over a pound per shoe, these boots are completely waterproof and capable of withstanding the harshest trail conditions.

Asolo, a family-run European hiking brand, has earned a cult following among serious trekkers for their ultra-durable footwear, all of which can be resoled to extend the lifetime of the boot. The Falcon Evos, their lightest model, uphold this reputation while incorporating features like a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining to keep you dry even if you face water crossings or heavy rain on your hike.

I tested these boots straight out of the box, tackling a long, rocky hike without experiencing any blisters or discomfort. The Asolo/Vibram Omega soles with MegaGrip compound particularly impressed me, providing exceptional traction and grip even on steep, slippery terrain.

These boots combine the best of both worlds: the robust features of a heavy-duty hiking boot with the comfort and agility of a trail runner. They deliver excellent ankle support, superior traction, reliable waterproofing, and impressive durability in a surprisingly lightweight package.

Weight: 17.28 ounces per shoe (women’s).

Merrell Antora 3 Mid Waterproof 

Merrell’s Antora 3 Mid Waterproof feels like a sneaker but offers the support of a hiking boot, and for good reason—it’s designed off of the company’s best-selling women’s trail running shoe. I’ve worn these boots on hikes of over 12 hours without a single blister, which is impressive.

The shoe got upgraded to a boot with a more durable upper for added foot protection, trademarked FloatPro Foam pods under the heel and forefoot for extra cushioning, and an extra-grippy Vibram sole. 

The waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry no matter how many puddles you slog through, and these boots are comfortable without needing to be broken in.

Weight: 10.23 oz per shoe (women’s)

Saloman Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX

Stay light and nimble with Saloman’s Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX boots. Featuring a unique Quicklace system, these boots can be on an instant—and they won’t come untied at inopportune moments. 

A higher cut adds additional ankle support and protection, which combined with the Gore-tex exterior and deep lugs on the sole, help keep you surefooted even on the muddiest of trails.  

Available in a sleek all-black design, these boots can pull double duty for post-hike adventures in town.

Weight: 14.56 oz per shoe (men’s)

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Mid

Synthetic materials are generally better than leather when it comes to keeping things light. Lowa’s Innox Pro GTX Mid are 100 percent vegan, using man-made technology to provide an airy feel that’s sturdy enough for tough trails. 

The built-in Gore-tex lining is breathable to keep your feet dry (and not sweaty) even on hot or rainy hikes. 

Weight: 15.87 oz per shoe (men’s)

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX

Made from recycled materials, Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX  boots are kind to both the environment and your feet. Using the brand’s popular trail running shoe technology, the Speedgoat adds in Gore-tex waterproofing and a higher cut with a flexible collar for extra ankle support.

On the sole, Vibram’s Megagrip with Traction Lug keeps your footing stable even on loose soil or rocks. 

Weight: 10.30 oz per shoe (women’s)

Keen NXIS Explorer Waterproof

Feel a little cramped in regular hiking boots? Keen’s NXIS Explorers feature extra room in the front, giving your toes plenty of space to spread out. The Explorers are protected with Keen.Dry technology, a waterproof (yet breathable) membrane that will keep you dry no matter what. 

Not sure if these are the right boots for you? Keen has a great 30-day trial policy which lets you wear their shoes (even outside) for up to a month to see if you like them. 

Weight: 16.30 oz per shoe (men’s)

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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Whatever your reason for riding, it’s important to know how to stay safe and comfortable on two wheels. Follow these bike safety tips to protect yourself.

Stay Visible

Drivers can’t avoid you if they can’t see you, so make yourself (and your bike) as visible as possible. I love Knog’s Blinder 1300 Set, a powerful light set that allows you to be seen from far away. The set includes a front light with a 1300-lumen road-focused beam that lights up the road up to 390 feet away, along with a 150-lumen rear light that keeps you visible from both sides. 

The Knog set is my go-to for commuting since the lights have a super long run time (1.5 hours on full brightness and 120 hours on Eco flash mode for the front light and up to 50 hours for the rear light) and are waterproof. My favorite feature is the intelligent button LEDs, which show the battery level at a glance. 

The compact light set is also great for travel since it can be attached in seconds without any tools. You can pack it and use it on a rental bike.

Communicate Your Actions

Unlike cars, you don’t have turn signals or brake lights on your bike, so you must communicate your actions to drivers with hand signals for biking. This National Highway Traffic Safety Administration chart is an excellent graphic depiction of what to do.

However, signals can be hard to see in the dark (and confusing for drivers who might not know what hand signs mean). To make your intentions even more visible, you can also buy turn signals for your bike or cycling gloves with light-up indicators.

Let People Know You’re There

As someone who’s frequently both a pedestrian and a cyclist, I hate being startled while walking on a path by a cyclist screaming: “on your left” at full volume. And as a cyclist, I don’t want to scare someone by sneaking up behind them.

Knog’s Oi Classic Bell pleases me as both a walker and a rider—a light press on the bell’s level delivers a sound that’s much more pleasant than other bells yet still loud enough to get people out of the way in a polite manner. 

Prevent Theft

According to one study, an average of 2 million bikes are reported stolen each year. Prevent theft by following these tips:

• Park your bike in a busy, well-lit area
• Lock your bike to something secure
• Lock your wheels and frame together
• Avoid leaving your bike outside overnight
• Take any easily removable components with you
• Use a U-Lock

Stay Comfortable

Once you start racking up the miles on your bike, you may also start racking up some physical complaints—like chafing, saddle sores, and calloused hands. Here’s what I recommend to stay comfortable while riding:

Bodyglide Cycle Glide

Preventing chafing takes just five seconds with Bodyglide’s Cycle Glide. Simply swipe this deodorant-style applicator over your skin or shorts, creating a dry, invisible barrier that protects your skin while riding. The small container and solid formula make it great for travel.

Hestra Bike Short 5-Finger Gloves

If you dismount with sore wrists or callused palms, try Hestra’s Bike Gloves. These lightweight gloves feature a silicone print on the fingers for reinforced grip and shock-absorbent gel padding on the palm to combat tiredness and numbness in the hands and wrists. Best of all, they’re machine washable so that you can clean them after sweaty rides.

Backcountry MTB Liner Shorts

If you want the extra comfort and padding that chamois shorts provide but hate how they look, check out Backcountry’s MTB Liner Shorts. These sleek spandex shorts conform to your body and have barely noticeable low-profile padding, especially when layered under other shorts. I love the silicone leg grippers, which actually work to keep the shorts from rolling up while riding. 

Wear a Helmet

If you only follow one piece of advice from this list, let it be this one: Always wear a helmet while cycling. Your bike helmet should have a sticker indicating that it meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards for cycling.

For my everyday commuting, I wear this stylish helmet by Thousand. I like it not only for its looks, but for the secret pop-lock that safely locks the helmet to your bike, so I don’t have to carry it around all day.

The sleek design is lower-profile than most helmets and comes in a range of fun colors (like rose gold or striped).

The post Bike Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe and Comfortable While Riding appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Although fall means fewer crowds (and perhaps the chance to more easily spot wildlife) in popular parks, the weather can be unpredictable, and some facilities even close up after the summer season. Be sure to contact your park for details on what’s open and what’s not before planning your trip.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia might be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fall colors at national parks—the destination attracts thousands of leaf peepers in autumn, so be prepared for some crowds. But it’s totally worth it—traverse the park’s more than 125 miles of hiking trails to discover amazing views, take a ranger-led bird-watching walk among the changing leaves, or rent a kayak and take in the scenery from the water.

When to Go: Peak fall colors generally pop up around mid- to late October. Check out recommendations for the best times to visit and see past foliage reports at Maine.gov.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Texas

You might be surprised to learn that the Texas Hill Country is a prime place for leaf peeping down south. Head to Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, where you can get a side of American history with your foliage. The park is home to the LBJ Ranch (also known as the Texas White House), which is surrounded by wild brush country. Here, sumacs, oaks, and haw hollies become awash with intense fall hues during autumn.

When to Go: You’ll likely find the best foliage from mid-October through November.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

This park’s famed cave system—more than 400 square miles of explored underground caverns that make up the world’s longest—is the reason most visitors make the trip. But don’t overlook the scenery aboveground. Forests of oaks, hickories, gum trees, and dogwoods on rolling Kentucky hills become a mosaic of fall colors this time of year.

When to Go: Early to mid-October is the best time to check out the foliage in this park. Cave tours run less frequently in the autumn, so make sure to book in advance if you want to explore underground as well.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

We love the sweeping views of water and the eyeful of beautiful fall colors that Sleeping Bear’s sky-high dunes afford during this time of year. Visitors can get even better views from the air: Board a helicopter or hot-air balloon and view fall foliage on an aerial tour.

When to Go: You’ll find peak colors in the region from late September through mid-October. Check Michigan.org’s Fall Color Map to see the status of local foliage.

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

Just a short drive from Philadelphia, Valley Forge is the site where General Washington and his Continental Army camped during the Revolutionary War. Here, visitors can learn about life in the 18th century as well as explore an expanse of lush parkland, including more than 3,000 acres of grassland, wetland, and deciduous forest, which become awash with rich colors in autumn.

When to Go: Peak foliage in Pennsylvania will hit around mid-October. Plan a weekend trip to take advantage of the in-park bike rentals.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

There are about 100 native tree species in America’s most-visited national park, most of which turn kaleidoscopic come fall. Changing leaves are complemented by autumn wildflowers: delicate asters and other varieties furnish pops of color.

When to Go: Check out the Smoky Mountains’ 2024 Fall Foliage Forecast, or check leaf status via live feed from the Smoky Mountain webcams.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Since Shenandoah’s more than 300 square miles of parkland are so heavily forested, it’s a gorgeous place to be when the seasons change. Look for oak and chestnut trees, which are abundant in the park, as well as splashes of autumn pigment from sassafras, sumac, and poison ivy. (Yes, poison ivy leaves change color in the fall. Just don’t get too close.)

When to Go: Take a peek at the park’s Mountain View Webcam for a real-time look at the changing leaves. Expect the best colors in early October in more elevated parts of the park and late October to early November in more low-lying areas.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Fall foliage in this enormous, wild expanse of alpine forests and Rocky Mountains in Montana is quite the sight. But fall is a wonderful time to visit if you want to see wildlife, too. The National Park Service website says that there are fewer people in the park and more animals—including grizzlies, wolves, and eagles—out and about during autumn.

When to Go: Early-changing trees like aspens and cottonwoods start donning their autumn colors in September. A “second autumn” begins when the deciduous trees in the more mountainous regions of the park start to change in mid-October.

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park’s jaw-dropping sky-high cliffs provide the perfect points for seeing miles of mesas and forested land decked out in reds, oranges, and golds. Climb to the top of Zion’s massive sandstone cliffs to get sweeping bird’s-eye views of the autumn scenery.

When to Go: Fall colors in Zion begin at higher elevations, showing the best colors in late October and early November.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia

Peep the leaves in well-tread Harpers Ferry, where 70 percent of the land is covered with forest. Fun fall activities sweeten the deal: Visitors can explore living-history museums on Shenandoah Street or join in on an interactive 19th-century skills workshop.

When to Go: The best time to catch the fall colors is mid-October through early November. Follow Harpers Ferry on Facebook for the latest foliage updates.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Close to Cleveland and hugging the winding Cuyahoga River, this national park is a Midwestern sanctuary for fall foliage seekers. There’s so much to do: Hike along more than 125 miles of trails, take part in a Canalway Questing adventure, or go bird-watching (look out for the bald eagles). One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the fall colors is to hop onboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which rolls through the park past lush woods, meadows, the Cuyahoga River, and historical small towns.

When to Go: The best colors flourish in mid-October. Check the National Parks Service for the best times to plan a seasonal trip.

Yellowstone And Grand Teton National Parks, Wyoming

These parks are so close that they almost touch, and they offer amazing autumn colors against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, forests, and lakes that reflect the changing leaves. Hikes, horseback rides, and ranger-led treks are fabulous ways to see the foliage. Or get a bird’s-eye view with a hot-air balloon ride or a trip on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram.

When to Go: Head to Wyoming in September and early October to see the foliage.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 12 National Parks You Need to See in the Fall appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Table of Contents

Click to explore the most beautiful places in each region.

1. Alberta
2. British Columbia
3. Manitoba
4. New Brunswick
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
6. Nova Scotia 
7. Ontario 
8. Prince Edward Island
9. Quebec
10. Saskatchewan
11. Northwest Territories
12. Nunavut
13. Yukon 

Alberta 

Banff National Park     

Perhaps the most obvious place to start when discussing the most beautiful places in Canada is Banff National Park and its magnificent Lake Louise. Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an incredible view of some of the world’s most dramatic mountain scenery, then explore the park’s stunning waterfalls, forests, and glacier lakes, including vibrant Lake Louise, an unlike-anywhere-else oasis in the Canadian Rockies. 

Where to stay: Elegant Mount Royal Hotel has a Banff-themed library, rooftop hot tubs, a lobby museum, and modern decor that echoes the destination. 

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Jasper National Park   

Jasper is the Canadian Rockies’ biggest national park, and it’s packed with snow-covered peaks, translucent lakes, roaring waterfalls, inspiring highways, and large populations of wildlife including moose, caribou, wolves, and grizzlies. Step out onto the kilometer-long, 918-foot-high, glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk—if you dare. 

Where to stay: Airy Glacier View Lodge opened in summer 2019 and offers tours of the Athabasca Glacier, tall windows with views of icefields and steep mountains, gourmet dinners, and live musical performances every evening. 

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Abraham Lake  

When considering beautiful places to visit in Canada, don’t overlook Abraham Lake, on the Kootenay Plains’ North Saskatchewan River. Peer into its crystalline surface to see eerie methane bubble formations trapped in frozen bright blue water. These underwater oval towers of gas turn the manmade reservoir into a bucket-list destination for any Instagrammer worth his or her salt.

Where to stay: It may be about 80 miles from Abraham Lake, but the epic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is worth the drive. This gilded resort showcases one of the prettiest places in Canada by way of lovely accommodations right on Lake Louise. Guests get to borrow bikes and canoes for a discounted rate. 

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British Columbia 

Victoria  

Victoria is British Columbia’s fairy tale-like capital—easily one of the most beautiful cities in Canada—and Butchart Gardens is the jewel in its flowery crown. Besides touring these enchanting gardens, things to do in Victoria include visiting the expansive Royal BC Museum, strolling salty Fisherman’s Wharf, and exploring idyllic Beacon Hill Park.

Where to stay: Victoria’s stately Fairmont Empress is famous for many things, including its classic afternoon tea chief. Service and accommodations are as regal as you’d expect. 

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Vancouver Seawall 

The 17-mile Vancouver Seawall allows for one of the most exhilarating bike rides you’ll ever take. Ride (or walk) the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path for wide, glittering views of the Pacific and plenty of entry points into dynamic Stanley Park. Stop to enjoy the beaches and other fun surprises along the way. While in Vancouver, you may as well visit a couple more of the prettiest places in Canada: the immersive Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and 4,100-foot-high Grouse Mountain.

Where to stay: At the impressive Fairmont Waterfront, service is so bespoke that even your shampoo bottle is personalized with your name on it. 

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Whistler 

If you’re aiming to see the most beautiful places in Canada, you could do far worse than Whistler in winter. It’s got sheer white mountain peaks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, an inviting apres-ski village, zip-lines through snow-covered trees, and fantastic places to eat and sleep.   

Where to stay: For magical views, book Nita Lake Lodge, which has luxurious guest rooms, a spa, three restaurants, and a shuttle that takes you to the base of Whistler Mountain.

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Glacier National Park  

Amid the massive Canadian Rockies is Canada’s own Glacier National Park and its jaw-dropping beauty. The namesake geographical features take the form of icefields, waterfalls, and brightly hued lakes, making for some of the most resplendent natural scenery on Earth.  

Where to stay: In the park, you can camp, use an RV, or book a hut or cabin. There are no hotels in Canada’s Glacier National Park, although the town of Revelstoke is nearby, and its Poppi’s Guesthouse hostel gets high marks for coziness, friendliness, and affordability. 

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Great Bear Rainforest 

Into wildlife adventures? The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the best places in Canada to see grizzly bears catching salmon in wild rivers, whales breaching, eagles soaring, and wolves roaming. In Klemtu on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you’ll find mossy forests, untamed fjords, and natural hot springs. As the name implies, ursines frolic everywhere, including the rare white “spirit bear.”

Where to stay: The indigenous-owned Spirit Bear Lodge offers exclusive access to wildlife-viewing areas and cultural sites within the Kitasoo Xai’xais territory. Accommodations are homey and dinners are communal. 

Okanagan Valley

It seems like no list of beautiful places would be complete without a wine country. Okanagan Valley lies to the east of Vancouver is home to over 100 wineries, and accounts for more than 80% of the wine produced in British Columbia. Gorgeous lakes, vibrant green landscapes, and warm temperatures make for ideal scenery and climate for grape growing. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Covert Farms Family Estate and Silver Sage Estate Winery. 

Where to Stay: The Spirit Lodge at Silverstar will be your haven when visiting the Okanagan Valley. You’ll get a complimentary breakfast, access to a fire pit, and a spa tub for the ultimate relaxation. Stay cozy with heated floors,

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Yoho National Park 

The Kootenay Rockies’ Yoho National Park is named for the Cree word meaning “awe,” and it’s easy to see why—its imagery seems out of a movie. You’ll see intense blues and greens, dramatic peaks, the immense Takakkaw Falls, and gem-colored Emerald Lake, making this park one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Hiking trails and scenic drives let you take in the full force of this stunning wilderness. Don’t miss Yoho’s Burgess Shale, a paleontological jackpot containing 500-million-year-old fossils of more than 120 types of marine animals.

Where to stay: The historic, cabin-style Emerald Lake Lodge has balconies and wood-burning fireplaces right on the shores of the famous lake, amid towering mountains.  With just three rooms, this rustic lodge provides you with the luxuries of a major hotel with the intimacy of a bed and breakfast.

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Manitoba 

Cape Churchill  

Cape Churchill, Manitoba, is the polar bear capital of the world. If your idea of impressive scenery involves endless stretches of ice and dozens of polar bears striding across it, head up to the Arctic to experience one of the most beautiful places in Canada. In October and November, Hudson Bay freezes over and thousands of polar bears migrate to its ice, although climate change is already taking effect. Local tour guides in tundra rovers get you up close to see the endangered white creatures.  

Where to stay: At Churchill’s Lazy Bear Lodge, accommodations are simple but comfortable. It’s a rustic log cabin with a huge stone fireplace and a location that’s walking distance from town. The lodge’s beluga whale tour is highly recommended. 

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New Brunswick 

Fundy National Park  

Fundy National Park, on the Bay of Fundy, has the world’s highest and lowest tides. This means that you can walk out onto the ocean floor during low tide, then kayak alongside landforms like the must-see Hopewell Rocks when the Atlantic refloods the bay. Elsewhere in the park, hike through the Acadian Forest to see dozens of lovely waterfalls, explore sea caves, attend festivals and outdoor concerts, or drive Fundy Trail Parkway to see some of the prettiest places in Canada.

Where to stay: Fundy National Park has three hip campgrounds, as well as Fundy Highlands Motel, which offers simple, comfortable, dog-friendly chalets right on the bay. 

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Newfoundland and Labrador

Gros Morne National Park  

The iconic image of Gros Morne National Park is Western Brook Pond, whose name makes it sound small. It’s actually a massive freshwater fjord around which dramatic cliffs plunge into a glacier-formed gorge. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Tablelands, a geological rarity where earthquakes have forced the earth’s mantle up for all to see. There’s also Green Point—sheer cliffs full of ancient sea fossils—as well as waterfalls, dwarf forests, moose and caribou, and Gros Morne Mountain, which is among the planet’s oldest peaks.

Where to stay: Neddies Harbour Inn, a boutique property in the national park, provides unbeatable views over the Bonne Bay fjord, as well as a peaceful atmosphere and an excellent restaurant.

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Nova Scotia 

Cabot Trail  

Nova Scotia’s 185-mile Cabot Trail loops around Cape Breton Island, making for one of North America’s most memorable drives. In addition to providing gorgeous coastal views, the highway takes you to small fishing villages, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, golf courses, museums, galleries, and artisan boutiques. It also passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where moose, bears, and eagles roam, and where autumn’s vivid colors secure Cabot Trail’s spot among the prettiest places in Canada.

Where to stay: Keltic Lodge is a historic, well-appointed resort right on the Atlantic in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Amenities include in-room fireplaces, verandahs, a golf course, a heated swimming pool, and a satisfying restaurant. 

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Ontario 

Niagara Falls 

Niagara Falls isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Canada—it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. And though Americans tend to think of it as a U.S. attraction (of course), the Canadian view of the famous falls is actually even better. Come in summer to be treated to nightly fireworks over the mist.

Where to stay: The city around Niagara Falls is pretty touristy, so it’s worth the effort to drive about 13 miles north to a charming little town called Niagara-on-the-Lake and its elegant Charles Hotel, where guest rooms have fireplaces, private verandahs gaze over Lake Ontario, gardens bloom with flowers, and service is superlative. 

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CN Tower 

Those in search of Canadian urban wonders can look no further than the CN Tower, the defining feature of Toronto‘s skyline, punctuating postcards all over Ontario. The tower’s observation deck has glass floors, its 360 Restaurant rotates, and its heart-pounding EdgeWalk lets you strap in and hang off a five-foot-wide ledge more than 1,000 feet high. This iconic structure is prettiest when it illuminates after dark.

Where to stay: The Shangri-La Hotel, set in a 66-floor glass-encased skyscraper, epitomizes modern luxury with its artistic decor, high-tech amenities, and hammam-inspired spa. And it’s within easy distance of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. 

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Prince Edward County  

Prince Edward County, a detached peninsula on Lake Ontario’s north shore, is ideal for both beach lovers and oenophiles. The region’s limestone bedrock makes for great wine grapes, which is why there are more than 40 vineyards here. There are also expansive fields of sunflowers and lavender, more than a dozen breweries, hundreds of farms, and plenty of talented chefs who put all this local bounty to good use. PEC was relatively unknown until recently, when it gained something of a buzz among urbanites, artists, gourmands, and hipsters.  

Where to stay: The colorful Drake Motor Inn opened in spring 2019, full of whimsy and modernized nostalgia. Its 12 rooms are all retro-chic, and the entire property pays playful tribute to the bygone days of road travel. 

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Prince Edward Island 

Prince Edward Island National Park  

Prince Edward Island National Park is easily one of the most beautiful places in Canada, especially its windswept Greenwich section. Visitors can explore red sand beaches, wavy dunes, mystical forests, boardwalk trails, and the idyllic places that formed the setting for L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. While the hurricane in 2022 damaged the iconic dunes, Canada and PEI have done a lot of work to preserve and rebuild what was lost, and it is still a sight to behold. 
Where to stay: Dalvay by the Sea, a national historic site on the north shore, was built in 1895 in Queen Anne Revival style. Its 25 rooms—each one unique—remain furnished in antiques from that ornate era. 

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Victoria-by-the-Sea  

Victoria-by-the-Sea is a storybook village full of small-town seaside charm, including a photogenic lighthouse, red sand beaches, and artisan shops and galleries. Historically known for its fishermen, it’s now more populated by artists and creatives who leave an inspired mark on their lovely municipality.  

Where to stay: The historic Orient Hotel is an inviting bed and breakfast that provides wonderful views of the water from almost every guest room.

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Quebec 

Old Montreal  

Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada—and one of the most interesting, too, what with its amalgam of European and North American culture and engaging attractions like Olympic Park’s Biodome and Botanical Garden. The prettiest part of the city, however, is Old Montreal, founded as a French colony in 1642, with intricate architecture to match. If you ever feel like going to Europe without crossing the Atlantic, visit Old Montreal’s resplendent Notre-Dame Basilica, browse its stately Bonsecours Market, gawk at its colonial-era mansions, and watch the St. Lawrence River’s dynamic Old Port at work. 

Where to stay: The newish Four Seasons Montreal puts forth its brand’s usual level of service and comfort—which is to say, it’s an excellent place to stay. Adding to the appeal is its central location in the Golden Square Mile, its fine cuisine, and its proximity to high-end shopping at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. 

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Quebec City  

Ask Canadians which is the most beautiful city in Canada, and most will respond the same way: Quebec City. It’s hard to overstate how magical this French-speaking town is—its fairy-tale charm pervades every cobblestone street. Quebec City, the only fortified city north of Mexico, also features colonial-era architecture, the bustling St. Lawrence River, and a rich, palpable history. It boasts four distinct seasons, each more beautiful than the next. Just outside of town, Montmorency Falls is almost 100 feet taller than any of Niagara’s three falls, making for a truly underrated natural wonder.

Where to stay: The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is the world’s most photographed hotel for good reason: Its legendary castle-on-a-hill look makes it an icon of Old Quebec. The elegance continues inside, in terms of both decor and hospitality par excellence. 

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Mont-Tremblant 

A popular ski destination, Mont-Tremblant has a European flair that, outside of Europe, you can only find in Quebec. Eighty miles northwest of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is one of the top ski destinations in North America. There is something for everyone at Mont-Tremblant, you can shop, ski, ride a gondola, ice skate- all while taking in the glorious scenery around you. You must be sure to visit le P’tit Caribou, which is considered one of the best apres ski spots in the world. 

Where to Stay: Le Grand Lodge is a Scandinavian-style log hotel that has everything you need for the perfect vacation to enjoy the mountains: a restaurant, bar and spa for when you want to wind down, a free shuttle to the ski village, ski rentals, and more. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate daily from 4-5 after a day of skiing.

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Saskatchewan 

Grasslands National Park  

Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada, but in a bit of an unexpected sense: The grandness here isn’t so much village charm or even distinctive nature attractions. It’s more the vast golden prairies, the open country, the huge skies, and the roaming herds of bison that provide their own type of wild gorgeousness. One great way to take it all in is via a brand-new scenic road called the Badlands Parkway. Perk up your Instagram feed with photos of the park’s iconic red Adirondack chairs, or scour the hoodoo spires for dinosaur fossils.

Where to stay: Sky Story Bed & Breakfast in nearby Val Marie earns high marks for its warm hospitality, delicious breakfasts, and friendly cats. 

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Northwest Territories 

Great Slave Lake  

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, plan to visit Yellowknife and Great Slave Lake, in the Northwest Territories. In winter, this remote Arctic region transforms into one of the most beautiful places in Canada, thanks to its position north of the 60th parallel, placing it firmly inside the aurora oval. This, plus a flat landscape far from the ocean, makes Yellowknife one of the world’s best places to see nature’s most spectacular light show. Prepare to see deep, glowing greens and purples dominating the skies over North America’s deepest lake.  

Where to stay: The Explorer Hotel is an eco-conscious hotel with stunning views of the aurora, with two restaurants and a polar bear exhibit for your enjoyment in the lobby.

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Nunavut 

Baffin Island  

Baffin Island, above the Arctic Circle, is Canada’s largest island—it’s bigger than Great Britain. But it’s among the prettiest places in Canada because of Auyuittuq National Park, where icy fjords and glaciers dominate the landscape with their intense blues and bright whites. This surreal expanse of tundra is home to wildlife like you’ve never seen: narwhal, ringed seals, snow geese, Arctic foxes, caribou, and, yes, polar bears.  

Where to stay: The Frobisher Inn is the largest full-service business hotel in the Eastern Arctic, and is also the perfect family hotel—with two restaurants, a cafe, and a fitness center.

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Yukon 

Whitehorse Region  

The Yukon is full of beautiful places to visit in Canada, and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a thrilling way to take them in. This scenic narrow-gauge railway was built in the late 1800s for the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it still connects Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital city. The memorable ride takes passengers, many of them on shore excursions from Alaska cruises, into wide expanses of rugged scenery, over and through impossible bridges and tunnels, and past wildflower-packed meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers at a speed that allows appreciation for the sheer magnitude of it all.  

Where to stay: Northern Lights Resort & Spa, true to its name, is well positioned to see the winter aurora borealis. Book a glass chalet or a log cabin and enjoy this much-loved B&B’s saunas, warm hospitality, and highly personalized service.  

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The post The Most Beautiful Places in Canada appeared first on SmarterTravel.

No matter which option you choose, a good weekender bag does double duty; as both an optimized travel bag that fits everything you need for a weekend-long adventure, and an all-purpose personal item that has a place for everything you need on the plane. 

These are the weekender bags that the SmarterTravel editors swear by for short trips, along with the reasons why we love them.

Samsonite Better Than Basic Weekender

We’re obsessed with Samsonite’s Better Than Basic Weekender because of its genius design. This duffle-style bag has a large compartment on the bottom that’s perfect for shoes or anything else that you want to keep separate from everything else. (It also works great for dirty laundry!)

This weekender also solves many of the packing problems that a regular duffle presents. It has plenty of interior pockets to keep everything organized, including a laptop compartment.  The adjustable, padded shoulder strap makes the weekender easy to carry, even if you’ve overstuffed it. 

Dimensions: 18.9” x 14.2” x 9.8” 

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Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack

Can’t decide between a duffle and a backpack? You don’t have to choose with Lululemon’s 2-in-1 Travel Duffle Backpack. The duffle has hidden straps that can be used to convert it to a backpack or cross-body bag in a snap. 

Made from a water-repellent fabric, this bag will keep your stuff dry (even if it gets abandoned on the tarmac in a rainstorm). Othe helpful features include an exterior zippered pocket with a hidden key clip, a water bottle pocket, and a padded laptop pocket.

Dimensions: 20.5” x 12.6” x 9.3”

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Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Calpak’s Hue Mini Carry-On is a miniature version of a spinner suitcase that’s sized to fit under most airplane seats. The Hue fits all of the features of a regular suitcase into its small size, including a TSA-lock, interior zippered divider, and multiple pockets for organization. 

We’ve found that this bag can hold enough for a long weekend trip, if you’re selective about what you pack. 

Dimensions: 16” x 14” x 9”

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag

When you’re checking into a five-star hotel, and you want to look the part, reach for Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Weekend Bag. This all-leather bag and upright construction lends a stylish, structured look to your travel ensemble. 

The Palissy can hold enough clothes for a weekend, and is small enough that it can easily fit under your seat on an airplane, so you can use it as a personal item on longer jaunts.  

Dimensions: 19.1” x 10” x 9.7”

Away’s The Weekender

A duffel that will protect your laptop and still fit in the overhead bin, Away’s The Weekender packs smart features like its hidden exterior shoe compartment and outer sleeve packed with electronics pockets. The shoe compartment is lined to resist dirt and grime, and the diminutive dimensions fit most airlines’ carry-on luggage requirements.

Our favorite feature is the full wraparound zip opening, which allows you to open the bag and pack it suitcase-style. 

Dimensions: 20.9” x 11.8” x 9.4”

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Samsonite Wheeled Underseat Bag

If you prefer to roll your bag rather than hauling it on your shoulder, Samsonite’s Wheeled Underseat Bag is for you. This favorite among travel experts combines portability with packing power. It will fit neatly under the seat in front of you but still holds everything you need for a weekend away under its clam-shell opening top, which lifts to reveal not one but several clear, zippered pouches for super-organized packing.

Dimensions: 14.17” x 13.38” x 9.05”

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JenniBag Jenni Backpack

When you’re not using the Jenni Backpack on a weekend trip, we’ve found it pulls triple duty as the perfect gym and work bag. This roomy backpack can hold up to four days’ worth of clothes, plus two laptops. 

The separate shoe compartment keeps the rest of your clothes clean and odor-free. The bag even has a built-in USB port, so you can charge your gadgets on the go. 

Dimensions: 11.8” x 5.9” x 16.5”

Beis The Convertible Mini Weekender

Whether you’re packing light or carrying a lot, Beis’ The Convertible Mini Weekender is the ideal size. Bring it as your personal item along with a carry-on, or use it as your sole bag and stash it under the airplane seat—this miniturized version of Beis’ popular Convertible Weekender is small enough to fit practically anywhere. Despite the small size, it’s surprisingly roomy inside and has a 33 liter capacity. 

This ultra-versitile bag has a bottom compartment that can be zipped off completely, so you can downsize the weekender even further, or so you can use it as a packing cube or shoe bag in your suitcase. 

Dimensions: 16” x 16” x 8”

Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

No matter where you’re traveling for the weekend, keep your stuff secure with Pacsafe’s EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack. This backpack is loaded with anti-theft features including an RFID-blocking pocket, lockable and puncture-resistant zippers, cut-resistant straps, and a lockable anchor strap.

Use it as a backpack, or tuck away the straps to carry it like a duffle bag with the front grab handle or like a suitcase by the side handle.  
Dimensions: 21.7” x 13” x 7.5”

The post The 9 Best Weekender Bags for Short Trips appeared first on SmarterTravel.