Palermo, Sicily makes for a great weekend trip, and there are also great spots around the city that you can easily fit into your trip (like Cefalù) especially if you make your visit a long weekend.
I’m so glad that my friend Isabel and I planned for an extra day, which let us enjoy one of my favorite formats for 3-day weekend trips – a city day on each end with the middle day to spend outdoors or doing something active.
Visiting Cefalù involved an active morning followed by a relaxing afternoon swimming and lounging on the beach – and we were still able to be back to Palermo easily in time for dinner. And the hiking, the beach, and the sights in town and in the hills above Cefalù were all quite memorable.
Here’s what we loved doing on this day trip from Palermo:
Things to Do
Around Town
Cefalù Cathedral
The building itself is distinctive, and it looks like a cross between a fortress and a church, with some very unusual architecture. Once you go inside, the interior is like a traditional church, with some beautiful artwork.
A visit doesn’t take long, so it’s worth stopping in even if you only have a few minutes.
Beach
Reward after our hike – beach time!
After hiking up and down a mountain on a hot day, there’s nothing I like to do more than head to the beach and take a dip.
Cefalù’s beach is easily accessible from the center, and not far from where the hike lets you off in town. And since Sicily is further south than other parts of Italy, it was pleasant swimming weather and a refreshing water temperature already in mid-late June when I visited.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! There is a fair bit of beachfront, so walk a bit if needed to find a good spot. There are also many areas with lounge chairs that you can rent, so find one with spots available.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you’re lucky like we were, people will be walking up and down the beach offering massages at discount prices. Especially if you’ve been hiking, it’s a great way to relax tired muscles.
Shopping
Cefalù is enough of a tourist destination in summer that there are many shops lining its medieval cobblestone streets.
All sorts of Sicilian specialties are available, from the traditional blue and yellow tiles to culinary specialties like pistachio pesto and local wine. It’s a great spot to pick up some souvenirs.
Off the Beaten Path
Hike to La Rocca & Temple of Diana
Besides the beach, this hike above town was the main reason we visited. It is steep enough to have beautiful views at the top, but overall it was not too strenuous, taking around a half hour to reach the top.
Once you ascend, there are spread out ruins and sweeping views of the coast to appreciate as you linger as long as you like.
Where to Eat – Best Bites
Non Solo Pane
This is a great spot to pick up bites to go before (or after) your hike, as it has a lot of portable food and is located near the bottom of the stairs that take you to and from the first section of hiking.
I grabbed some of Sicily’s most portable food – arrancini – stuffed rice balls with different fillings, which are then coated in bread crumbs and fried. There is a reason this dish is a local one!
Ristorante Helios
There are savory food options as well, but I can only vouch for the pastries, which were a delicious snack. And let’s be real, the rest was breakfast the next morning.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Get at least one item with pistachios, which are grown locally in Sicily. You can taste the freshness and flavor of the nut so well.
Obviously with the morning hike and food on-the-go I didn’t end up having any sit-down meals, but there are quite a lot of highly-rated restaurants around town, especially for seafood.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! If you’re looking for an Italian seal of approval, I find Google reviews to be more accurate for places in Italy since locals are more likely to review a restaurant there than on one of the other review websites.
(More) Practical Tips for Visiting
Come by train
Trains run very frequently from Palermo and along the coast in between, and it only takes a little less than an hour to arrive. Unless you’re already renting a car for a road trip around Sicily, the train is the most convenient way to get to Cefalù, and the ride from Palermo is quite scenic.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Check the schedule ahead of time for your return trip to Palermo, so you have a sense of what your options are.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! It’s not unusual for trains to run late in Italy, so leave a bit of extra time if there’s a specific time you need to be back in Palermo.
Avoid August (if you can)
August is peak travel time across Europe, and you’ll have a far more crowded experience if you visit then.
I had a great visit to Palermo and Cefalù in late June – it was warm enough to swim and shops and restaurants were open, but it wasn’t super busy with tourists yet.
Are there any sights around Cefalù that I missed? What other trips from Palermo or around Sicily would you recommend?
Like this post? ‘Pin It’ for later on Pinterest!
Top 9 Things to do in the Le Marche region of Italy
East of Tuscany on the Adriatic coast is one of Italy’s lesser-known regions, Le Marche, where you can avoid the tourist hordes and enjoy some pretty incredible Italian experiences and cuisine.
I’ve visited many times, for relaxing long weekends and outdoor adventure, for wine tasting and relaxing on the beach, for hiking and exploring walled cities. The region of Le Marche is probably a destination where you’ll want to rent a car (and you can check out my Best Tips for European Road Trips), but you’ll be so glad to have the flexibility to explore off the main train line along the coast.
You may never have heard of Le Marche before – and travel guidebooks don’t help much – so I’ve compiled a list of the top things to do while you’re there. And once you’ve mapped out the attractions you’ll want to visit, I recommend finding a nearby guesthouse to stay, where you can chat with the owner for some insider information on the area and have an even better experience.
Top Things to Do
Relax on the Beach
Le Marche is a coastal region, with its eastern border along the Adriatic Sea, so there is no shortage of beaches for swimming, suntanning, and relaxing.
If you’ve been to Croatia you know that Adriatic beaches tend to have pebbles instead of sand, and Le Marche is the same for the most part. Which is why Senigallia is a popular beach destination, as one of the only sandy beaches in the region.
The other main attraction in terms of Le Marche beaches is the Conero Riviera, south of the regional capital of Ancona, with some absolutely stunning coastline.
I’m no expert on Marchegiana cuisine, and like all over Italy it varies from town to town, but Marche like other parts of Italy is known for its regional food specialties.
Probably the most well-known across Italy are the beloved olive ascolane, which are olives stuffed with a ground pork mixture, then breaded and fried.
Less likely to find in other parts of Italy are some of the primi, or first courses. Vincisgrassi is a local variation on lasagna, usually baked with chicken livers, and you’ll often seen passatelli pasta featured on menus, made by passing a breadcrumb dough through a shaper until it emerges in the shape of spaghetti.
Various sausages and game dishes are also common, as is brodetto, a fish stew made traditionally with 13 types of fish and seafood, to represent the number of people at the Last Supper. Whatever corner of Le Marche you find yourself in, one thing is guaranteed – you’ll eat well!
Caves & Undergrounds
Basically, there are lots of caves and undergrounds all over Le Marche. As long as you’re not scared of enclosed spaces, there are some great spots to check out:
Frasassi Caves. The largest cave system in Europe, these are a must-visit spot if you’re in Le Marche! The claim to fame here is that the initial chamber of the Frasassi Caves is so large that the Duomo di Milano, Milan’s Cathedral, could fit completely inside. There is a long, meandering path you’ll follow if you take basic tour (guides are mandatory for a visit) or if like me, you’re a bit more adventurous, there are 2 spelunking tours through these natural caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Although no pictures allowed =(I love going behind the scenes, so signed up for one of the “Speleo-Adventure” tours, and had a blast. You’ll change into coveralls and tall rubber boots, because you’ll get quite muddy along the way. And do ask ahead of time about language. My tour was in Italian (and fortunately my Italian is quite good), but if you don’t speak the language, be sure there’s someone who can relay safety instructions to you in English before you book.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! While you’re there, it’s a short car ride or a reasonable stroll from the entrance to the Frassasi caves to the parking lot where a leisurely path starts up the mountain and brings you to the Temple of Valadier, a church inside of a cave!
Camerano. Not nearly to the scale of Frasassi, and a bit different since this cave system is man-made, there is an excellent tour available in English that will take you through the passageways. At different points in time there were spaces used for religious worship, wine-making, and as a shelter during wartime. An incredibly interesting spot to check out if you’re nearby.
Wine Tasting
This is Italy, so of course there are incredible wines to sample. They are made from grapes local to the region, and meant to pair well with the local cuisine. This is just how Italy rolls.
The wines you’re most likely to encounter on a Le Marche menu are the Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno – two basic, local reds – and the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, a mineral-rich white wine meant to pair well with local fish and seafood dishes.
Antica Cantina Sant’Amico in Morra d’Alba
An absolute favorite though is the relatively unknown appellation of Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, A red wine made from lacrima grapes in (yep, you guessed it) the town of Morro d’Alba, this usually young red is very particular in taste, so you’ll probably love it or hate it. It is fruity and aromatic, while fairly dry.
The wine can vary greatly from year to year, so enjoy a tasting and then decide what to buy if you visit a winery. Otherwise, you’ll definitely see it on restaurant wine lists around the region.
Explore Walled Cities
A function of the rolling hills of Le Marche, the region is dotted with walled cities who built the structures as a means of defense. Today they are picturesque spots to visit, usually with an Old Town of centuries-old buildings and cobblestone streets inside.
My favorites:
Urbino. Urbino is definitely the largest walled city on this list, with the most to see inside. It is the birthplace of renowned artist (and Ninja Turtle) Raphael, and has quite a few museums and a Cathedral inside. It is well-lit in the evening, and has many winding cobblestone streets and various lookout points to see the surrounding countryside.
Gradara. Much smaller than Urbino, Gradadara is known for its castle, which you can explore along with strolling on the city walls. Supposedly packed in summer, my friend and I had a pretty solitary visit in September, enjoying the beautiful views of the countryside and the views inside this hilly town.
Corinaldo. Very teeny, Corinaldo packs in all you need from one of Le Marche’s walled cities. It has cobblestone streets, great views of the surrounding area, and delicious food. It also has 2 quirky claims to fame – a polenta well that according to legend fed the city during a siege & also a house with just a facade, built by a heavy-drinking father to send pictures to his son overseas that the money being sent home was being put to good use. Now there’s a plaque to mark the spot.The street to the right of the well is named Polenta since the well was filled with polenta and kept the villagers from starvation in hard timesThe street to the right of the well is named Polenta since the well was filled with polenta and kept the villagers from starvation in hard times
Take a Hike
There are a number of hikes throughout the region, but the main hiking destination in Le Marche is Monti Sibillini National Park. There are several biking and hiking itineraries available, including a vast loop that will take multiple days to complete. If you’re interested in a multi-day trip, there are accommodations available along the way.
Visit the Acqualagna Truffle Festival
The Alba Truffle Festival in Piedmont in northern Italy may be more famous, but Le Marche’s own fall Truffle Festival in Acqualagna has the same renowned white truffles and is definitely less crowded and easier to explore.
There are outdoor stands with various vendors of truffle products and whole white truffles for sale. There is also a large indoor area, selling nearly everything under the sun.
And since it’s the season of truffle, whatever restaurants you visit in the area in the October/November timeframe will have plenty of dishes with white truffle shaved over top.
No Italian event centered around food would be complete without wine as an accompaniment, so the festival also has wineries represented in various booths, and a whole stand just for wine tasting, with bottles from around the region.
Even if you’re not there in fall, there are two Acqualagna black truffle festivals, one in February and the other in August (although I don’t recommend an August visit to Le Marche, see the ‘When to Go’ section below).
You probably don’t associate Italy with skydiving, but the region of Le Marche specifically is known for being a great spot for it. It even made #8 on this list of top skydiving sites in the world!
On my first trip to Le Marche, several of the other people in the traveling group went skydiving for the first time in Le Marche and absolutely loved it. Whether it would be your first time doing it, or you have a lot of jumps under your belt, Le Marche is THE PLACE to skydive.
Inhale the Aroma of Sunflowers
Even if you didn’t know that sunflower fields abound in Le Marche before your trip, any road trip in the region at the right time of year will inevitably drive past lovely yellow expanses.
Sunflowers typically bloom in early summer, with the exact dates depending on the weather conditions that year. If you love flowers, or sunflowers in particular, you can see beautiful fields of them all over Le Marche.
When to Go
There are lot of great times during the year to visit Le Marche. What will be best for you of course, all depends on which activities appeal to you most:
Sunflowers are typically in peak bloom in late June through July.
The Acqualagna Truffle Festival typically takes place in late October and early November.
Fall and spring are probably the most comfortable seasons for hiking.
And of course the beach will be most pleasant in summer, and less crowded before and after.
I visited in early July when I saw sunflowers, I did a road trip to walled cities and caves around Le Marche last September, and I went to the Acqualagna truffle festival and nearby towns in early November. All wonderful trips =)
The only thing I would caution against is visiting in August. Pretty much all Italians (as well as other Europeans) take vacation then, so the beaches and attractions are likely to be packed.
And for me, a big part of the appeal of visiting Le Marche is heading to a destination *without* the crowds.
The diversity of activities to do in Le Marche is quite amazing, and even if you’re looking for a relaxed itinerary, there are plenty of places to kick up your heels and enjoy the countryside or the coast. Just like most of my all-time favorite destinations, there are a lot of varied activities available and beautiful scenery along the way.
Have you been to Le Marche? Any things to do that I missed and should add? What activities are most likely to draw you to visit a new place?
Like this post? ‘Pin it’ on Pinterest!
Bucket List Adventure: Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
**While Nicaragua was a lovely destination when I visited in January 2018, it is currently not safe for tourists(as of December 2018). Be sure to do your research and keep safety as your top priority before booking a trip.**
“Lana?”
“Oh, hi dad.”
“Hi sweetie, I just wanted to call and make sure you were still alive. You know, because you said you were going to go volcano boarding in Nicaragua.”
“Yes, dad I’m fine.”
(That is pretty much our conversation verbatim after I got back. And my dad doesn’t even worry usually when I travel!)
Not only was I fine after my day volcano boarding in Nicaragua, this activity was one of the absolute highlights of my whole trip.
Yes, I knew I wanted to do this before I even went.
Yes, I knew that it was a possibly dangerous activity and to go you pretty much had to certify saying you had travel insurance before they’d sign you up. You know, just in case.
Yes, I was super excited to go anyway!
What is Volcano Boarding?
If you’ve never heard of volcano boarding, you may have all sorts of crazy images flowing through your mind right now.
First off, in order to board down the volcano, you have to reach the top. On Cerro Negro (black hill), where volcano boarding is in Nicaragua, it was about a 45-minute moderate hike to the summit. Then there was a bit of time to walk around, explore, and take photos before lining up to wait your turn to descend.
And of course anything you need at the top, including the board itself, was part of your pack as you climbed.
What goes up, must volcano board down. Maybe you’re picturing standing on a surfboard and headed down a volcano as the lava comes up behind you. Or someone flinging themselves face first like in the beloved winter sport known as skeleton. In reality though, volcano boarding in Nicaragua is somewhere between sledding and luge as you slide down the side of the volcano.
There is a rectangular board that you sit on to go down the side of the volcano feet-first. A rope handle comes up from the bottom of the board between your feet and a slippery surface mounted on part of the bottom of the board helps you glide over the gravelly side of the volcano.
After the 45-minute hike up, it’s about 2-3 minutes to volcano board down.
I know – who on earth thought up this crazy activity???
A few speed records later, the mountain biker was in a full body cast and a whole bunch of people in Nicaragua were inspired to find a way down the side of this volcano. People used to carry mattresses or any other object they could think of to use as a surface for going down, but over time the object of choice has evolved into a wooden board with a built in handle and slippery formica bottom.
Unlike the Mount Yasur volcano in Vanuatu – which actively spews hot lava that has killed people – the Cerro Negro in Nicaragua is actively hot, but has not erupted since 1999, making it a draw for volcano boarding tourists ever since the sport’s inception. Standing at over 2,300 feet (700+ meters), it is also twice the height to travel down compared to Vanuatu, making for a longer trip volcano boarding down.
Although extreme sports enthusiasts will go volcano boarding anywhere they can, the only place in the world where it’s organized as a regular tourist activity is at Cerro Negro in Nicaragua. The tour runs pretty much every day, as long as there’s a minimum of two people to go (usually there are far more).
How to Volcano Board
Some people supposedly stand up on the board to try and snowboard down the side of the volcano (although I didn’t see any of the ~100 people there the day I went try this), but the most standard way to descend on the volcano board at Cerro Negro is to sit down, lean back and enjoy the ride.
The guide will demonstrate the proper position for descending – basically sit on the wooden bar and grab the rope – and then you can lean back to go faster or sit up to create more wind resistance that will slow you down. The heels of your feet are in the gravel on either side of the board and you push them downward as your brakes.
Everything you hiked up with is in a tote bag inside of your jumpsuit for safekeeping until you reach the bottom.
Simple enough, right?
What the Volcano Boarding Was Like
I had a blast! There was that rush of hiking to the top while taking in the beautiful views and then a bit of fear at the top taking the first look over the edge where volcano boarding takes place. Mine was actually in one of the first groups to the top, so at that point you were just gazing down the steep incline in anticipation, not actually seeing what it looked like as people did it yet.
As my heart raced in my chest and I felt the effects of the adrenaline coursing through my body, I tried to take deep breaths and mentally run through the different steps of the process as everyone lines up along the lanes spread a bit apart so boarders don’t collide. I wasn’t first in line, so I watched carefully the take off maneuver to pick up speed at the beginning and was mentally comparing how each person approached it.
I noticed the line of people dwindling ahead of me and got ready to perch myself on the board. The wooden bar is pretty little, so I took a second to adjust how I was sitting and perch my feet ready to take off. When the signal came that the coast was clear I had a moment to take one last breath before taking off.
At first, hurtling down the side of the volcano, my mind was racing. Noticing how it all felt, feeling the air rush by, making slight adjustments in my position to stay balanced.
Then my focus shifted to trying to go faster. I had lost some of the initial momentum getting caught up in the decently sized chunks of black volcanic gravel and shifted my body position to leaning far back and lifting my feet to minimize friction and pick up speed.
The second half of my run was even faster and I still mostly stayed balanced as I sped to the bottom and came to a slow stop and quickly jumped up and out of the way for the next person coming down the volcano.
It was such a rush to go volcano boarding, and the whole time it felt so surreal to be able to do such a cool activity. On an active volcano, no less!
Choosing a Volcano Boarding Tour
There are two main tour operators that will take you volcano boarding from the town of León, Nicaragua – Bigfoot Hostels and Quetzaltrekkers. Volcano boarding with either costs around US$30.
From the research I did in advance, there were a few key differences that led me to choose Quetzaltrekkers:
Bigfoot tracks everyone’s speed down the volcano with a radar gun.
I didn’t want to feel the pressure to go faster than I thought was safe or found comfortable, or to be in an environment that focused on speed (and I definitely wanted to go twice). So between not wanting to go with Bigfoot Hostels for that reason and actively choosing to support local charities, Quetzaltrekkers was the right choice for me. If you go volcano boarding, choose the tour operator that works best for you.
Bigfoot Hostels and Quetzaltrekkers were definitely not the only tour providers. I saw plenty of signs advertising volcano boarding around the city of León, where most are based. However, for doing an extreme sport, I opt to go for a very experienced provider. It is my safety after all.
Who can go
There was a lot of diversity in the fairly large group the day I went. Many people were backpackers in their 20s or 30s, but there was also one family with two 8-12 year old children, a backpacker with his mother probably in her 50s, and several older couples who liked travel and adventure.
So basically, travel boarding is for nearly everyone!
What will be provided
Obviously this varies from tour operator to tour operator, so be sure to double-check that you have the correct information when you book volcano boarding. What is listed here is for the Quetzaltrekkers tour I went on.
The guide that will lead the way up the path to the top of Cerro Negro, explain a bit about the volcano range, and also demonstrate the proper technique and safety measures for volcano boarding down. My group was large so there was someone signaling at the top when it was time for the next person to descend and another guide partway down the volcano taking photos of everyone, which was later shared via their Facebook page.
In addition to a trained guide and a photo to make all your friends jealous, Quetzaltrekkers will provide for you:
a volcano board
a tote bag/backpack to hold any items you need on the way
1 large bottle of water
a jumpsuit
gloves
goggles
lunch afterward
a free t-shirt as a souvenir
What You Need to Bring Volcano Boarding
Honestly, you’re hiking up with a bit of extra weight from the supplies and the board itself, so there’s probably not much else you’ll want to bring with you.
The essentials:
A bandana (or t-shirt) to cover your nose and mouth as you go down. There is a ton of dust and gravel that gets kicked up that you want protection from.
Wear decent closed-toed shoes, since the shoes you wear are your brakes coming down.
Phone/Camera/GoPro or whatever device you want to use to record the experience.
I found volcano boarding in Nicaragua to be safer than it looks (or sounds). First, you control your own speed by your body position and braking with your feet, so your safety is essentially up to you. Which is basically what the tour disclaimer statements say, too.
Going down the side of the volcano, there are essentially multiple lanes down, which have been worn already and keep you on a path for the most part. You’re unlikely to veer or the path, and even more unlikely to collide with another boarder as you descend.
Between deliberately going slow or encountering friction on the way down, most people were not going terribly fast. The worst I saw was someone falling slightly sideways off the board, and then being able to immediately get back on and continue the rest of the way down. And the bottom of the volcano slowly levels off, so there is a natural arc that will slowly bring each volcano boarder to an eventual stop at the end of the run.
That said, for the occasional person who even begins to approach the top recorded speed of 97 km/hour (60 mph), there is definitely the possibility of more serious injury, which is not to be taken lightly.
But if you follow the safety guidelines, I would expect that volcano boarding is no more dangerous than other sports you’ve tried anywhere else.
What Wasn’t Scary
The volcano boarding itself. It was actually hard to go fast! Even with the bottom sanded smooth, there is quite a lot of friction between the board and the gravel. Plus your feet were in the gravel as well. Since you control your speed by sitting up to slow down (and can brake anytime you want with your feet) you won’t go any faster than you’re comfortable with.
Being on an active volcano. Toting a volcano board is actually one of the safest ways to hike an active volcano. If anything goes wrong, you are already hiking with the fastest way to get to the bottom of the volcano and away to safety – sliding down on the volcano board!
What Was Scary
How windy the hike was. Pretty much every account I’ve read of volcano boarding in Nicaragua mentions how windy it is. And nearly every video you watch of volcano boarding has the wind whistling in the background (mine included – see above).
When you get to the top and are traversing the ridge to get to the volcano boarding area, the giant volcano board you’re carrying often catches the wind like a sail and the gusts can be so strong you’re really digging your feet into the gravel with your leg muscles to not get blown away.
At this point, some people started to carry their boards vertically in their hands to not catch the wind – it really felt strong enough to blow you off the top of the volcano. Not to worry though, we all made it there safely.
Standing at the top looking over the edge. I didn’t start skiing until my late 20s and I still get a bit of fear in me when I glance over the edge of a steep ski slope. Standing at the top of the volcano boarding area looking down was the same sort of feeling for me. Then I realized I’d be sitting down and it all seemed way more approachable. Plus, it’s those butterflies inside that tell me I’m on an adventure =)
Why the Hike Alone Was Worth It
If someone had said, “hey, there’s a beautiful hike up an active volcano with lovely views,” I would have said “yes” in a heartbeat. The fact that this scenic hike just happens to be the way up to the volcano boarding area was a bonus for me.
There are plenty of volcanoes in a row to explore (this is on the volcano ‘Ring of Fire’ after all), and hiking up Cerro Negro you get a view of much of the nearby volcano range. In fact, some people who arrived with me and the Quetzaltrekkers group were beginning an extended trek and overnight stay in the area. The El Hoyo 2-day trek is on option to book along with your volcano boarding, or you can always opt just for the hike and overnight trip without volcano boarding if you wish.
The hike up Cerro Negro itself fell somewhere in easy to moderate difficulty. The only struggle for me besides the wind (see ‘What Was Scary’ above) was that it was not so comfortable hiking with the board between the backpack and your back. Plus, mine kept sliding off-balance and needing to be readjusted. (Although really, a small inconvenience for the fun of volcano boarding.)
And despite my visits to many volcanoes during my time in Nicaragua – including several other active ones – the hike up Cerro Negro was the only part of my volcano exploring in Nicaragua when I got to touch the hot sand and feel the warmth of the volcano coming up through the ground.
The initial hike up actually took a bit of time because the views were so incredible that we all kept stopping to take pictures and video. I would have done the hike even if there wasn’t the option to volcano board down, although that was definitely a great excuse to see this part of the volcano range.
I already did! One of the reasons I chose to do the tour with Quetzaltrekkers was for the opportunity to do it all a second time that same day.
As far as I know, they are the only provider to offer that option, so if you’re thinking about going twice, be sure to book with them. Apparently my experience the day I went is similar to every day when the run the tour – most people say they will go a second time, and then almost no one does!
In my group of ~40 people, only 8 of us (6 men, plus me and 1 other woman) opted to go a second time. I think most people didn’t want to do the hike again to arrive at the top.
Since there were just a few of us going again, we were able to swap out our jumpsuits (mine was very large for my first run) and also to switch boards to one of the lesser damaged ones. I didn’t realize how mangled the board gets going down just once.
→ Because the boards all get damaged the first trip down the volcano, it turns out to be a lot harder to go fast on the second run!
I thought I was being clever to try and go moderately fast the first run and really let loose with my speed the second time once I got the hang of it, but I should have just thrown caution to the wind at the beginning when my board was fresh. If you do opt to go a second time, any experience you’ve gained will probably be outweighed by the degradation of the board you’re using. But it’s still fun.
The second trip overall is definitely quicker than the first round of volcano boarding, though. The hike actually takes less time since there is less picture-taking on the way. The slowest hikers in the group typically don’t opt to go up again. And there are much fewer people.
I was glad I went. And went again.
Would you ever go volcano boarding? Anything you’d still like to know after reading this post? What’s the craziest activity you’ve ever done in your travels? (Let me know, I might have to do it next.) Share away in the ‘Comments’ below!
Enjoyed this post? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!
Note: This post was not sponsored in any way. I just had a great time volcano boarding with Quetzaltrekkers and was happy to put my money toward a good cause and do my tour with them for the reasons above. My opinions, as always, are entirely my own.
Top 13 Reasons to Make Nicaragua Your Next Tropical Destination
**While Nicaragua was a lovely destination when I visited in January 2018, it is currently not safe for tourists(as of December 2018). Be sure to do your research and keep safety as your top priority before booking a trip.**
I honestly didn’t know a ton about Nicaragua before my recent 9-day trip besides there being warm weather and beaches, the perfect combination for a winter getaway.
Nicaragua wowed me on so many other levels, though, with lots of outdoor adventures and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
More than other destinations I’ve visited recently (including others in Central America, like Belize), friends and colleagues warned me to “Stay safe!” and “Watch out for Sandinistas!”
Like with much of the travel I’ve done though, the reality on the ground is quite different from those pre-conceived notions. Of course, use common sense like you would even in your home city – don’t wander aimlessly with all your luggage or intoxicated late at night – but beyond that your safety is not something to actively worry about.
As I was told numerous times during my trip, Nicaragua is the safest country in Central America.
Which was great, because it meant that I could relax, let my guard down (mostly), and soak up all of the culture and beautiful natural surroundings.
Here are the highlights of my time in Nicaragua, the top 13 reasons that you should head there next:
Go outside of rainy season (which runs from May until November) and there is no shortage of great places to watch the sun set. You’ll get a show of lovely pink and orange hues every night, with the color changes lasting a half hour or more. It’s great to watch sunset from wherever you are – whether over the water on Nicaragua’s lakes and beaches or atop one of the great viewpoints in the cities.
The main cities of Nicaragua were founded by Spanish explorers in the early 1500s, and it shows. Spanish influence is apparent in the red tile roofs, interior courtyards, and covered walkways you’ll see all around. Buildings also have incredible architectural details in the woodwork and designs that have been preserved throughout the centuries. You’ll get an even better sense of it all with the many towers or roofs to climb for sweeping views of surrounding city and almost always, volcanoes in the distance.
Yup, Nicaragua lies right on a fault line between tectonic plates along the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Ring of Fire’ and there are loads of volcanoes to explore and ways to enjoy them. During my visit I hiked Volcán Maderas, peered at the bubbling lava of Volcán Masaya at night, and boarded down Cerro Negro – all standout activities from my time there! There are also plenty of other hiking and camping opportunities at Nicaragua’s volcanoes, including the opportunity to watch sunrise or sunset (or both!) from the slopes of a volcano.
The water of Nicaragua’s many lakes doesn’t always look inviting, but fortunately there are plenty of natural springs for some pristine swimming. Close to the city of Granada, I spent a leisurely day at the Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake at the site of an extinct volcano where you can swim and relax as waves lap the shores. On the island of Ometepe, there is the Ojo de Agua, a spring that is fed by an underground river from a nearby volcano. Although these are not hot springs, the water is said to possess the same healing properties.
#5 | Bright Colors
Granada in particular rivals Burano Island in Venice, Italy in terms of the bright and varied colors you’ll see street after street, block after block. It’s something I’ve noticed throughout my Central American travels, but especially in Nicaragua from iconic bright yellow churches to hues of turquoise and magenta on residential homes and local businesses.
#6 | Wildlife
There are plenty of nature preserves in Nicaragua where you can see large mammals like jaguars and cougars, but you’re also likely to encounter quite a bit of wildlife just walking around. Some of my sightings were on hikes in nature, but my best monkey encounter was along a paved road. In addition to the monkeys, I also spotted many cows and horses and donkeys, bluebirds and parrots, and an armadillo.
Nicaraguans have a pretty dramatic history, and this is reflected in the wide variety of scenes you’ll see depicted in various murals, mostly in the cities. There was a mix of narrative scenes and political statements, all in bright colors to catch your eye walking around. For me, it was a great way to understand a bit more about the Nicaraguan people and mindset.
#8 | People
Nicaraguans are so nice and helpful to tourists, even if you don’t speak any Spanish. I had wonderful encounters with locals myself and also heard many stories from fellow travelers like one who ran out of gas on a motorcycle in a rural area and managed with hand gestures to get directions to the local spot to buy emergency fuel by the liter. Especially as a solo traveler, I appreciated the warm welcome I received everywhere I visited.
#9 | Delicious Food & Drink
Food in Nicaragua consists of some Latin American staples like rice and beans and plantains, mixed in with some specialties specific to Nicaragua. Cuajada is a locally-made cheese you’ll find as part of most typical breakfasts, either served fresh or pan-fried like you would do with Greek haloumi cheese. Quesillos are probably the most common street food, and is like a vertical version of a Salvadorean pupusa with a thicker cheese and liquidy crema along with pickled onions inside a tortilla. And if you can find it, there is a special flavor to the pelibuey type of goat that thrives in hot climates. All this can be washed down from the ubiquitous batidos (fruit shakes) or an ice-cold Toña or Victoria, the local beer options.
#10 | It’s Cheap!
Many people commented to me that Nicaragua is like what Costa Rica was ten years ago, and I can’t disagree. It’s just starting to see an uptick in tourism, which will likely lead to higher prices down the road, but for now Nicaragua is eminently affordable. Staying at a top-tier hotel was around US $100 per night, while I stayed in comfortable accommodations with hot showers and a pool for a mere $30/night in the cities. And food is quite inexpensive, with most meals costing between $1 and $3 at local comedores, and not much more than $10-15 at upscale spots.
#11 | Coffee
There is a rich flavor to Nicaraguan coffee, grown in local volcanic soil. You’ll find good coffee everywhere, including espresso and espresso-based drinks like the Spanish cortado or cortadito, with just a touch of warm milk. Several coffee plantations are open to visitors, including tours of the property and demonstrations of the coffee-making process. Even if you’re not a coffee lover like I am, it’s a wonderful window into local production, with more land area in Nicaragua devoted to growing coffee than any other crop.
With long stretches of both Caribbean and Pacific coastline, there is a beach for everyone in Nicaragua. From surfing meccas to protected enclaves to plenty of islands, isletas, and cayes, you can find the right size wave to match your picture of paradise. And even on some of the more popular beaches, you don’t have to stroll far to have a stretch of sand all to yourself. And if you’d like luxury – even for a night or two – there are plenty of luxury resorts out there.
**While Haiti was a lovely destination when I visited in February 2018, it is currently not safe for tourists(as of December 2018). Be sure to do your research and keep safety as your top priority before booking a trip.**
Since returning to the US from time living abroad a year ago, I’ve been to quite a few destinations in the Caribbean for vacation. I just didn’t expect Haiti to be one of them.
This was not my first visit to Haiti. Technically, anyway.
I did visit Labadee peninsula on Haiti’s northern coast for a day once, while on a Caribbean cruise with my family. But all I really saw that day was a beautiful beach.
This time I came to Haiti on a work trip over ten days, with about half the time spent in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and the other half to the north outside of the city.
I know Haiti does not top most people’s bucket list destinations, but I wanted to write about my experience anyway. For those of you who may never visit Haiti, it’s a bit of a glimpse into the culture and sights of this vibrant country. Or for the more adventurous readers out there, maybe you’ll consider taking a trip someday.
There’s only one way to know – read on!
Things You’d Never Guess to Expect on a Trip to Haiti
Finding travel information about Haiti was a bit of a challenge, as you might expect, with no Caribbean travel guide I perused even including it. First-hand accounts of people who had visited were few and far between. So other than a couple of friends-of-friends that I connected with, I was a bit of a blank slate going in.
I’m not exactly sure what I expected, but certainly there was plenty that I was surprised by.
Haitians take being presentable very seriously
I know enough French people to know that being oh-so-proper is typically French, I just didn’t realize how many French sensibilities had been internalized in Haiti. In my business meetings, men were always in long-sleeved dress shirts. Even when it was 32 degrees C/90 F outside and we were in rooms without air conditioning. Often there where blazers or suit jackets worn by both men and women. Plus, as you drive around you’ll see no shortage of shoe shining happening on the side of the road.
Speaking French only gets you so far in Haiti
I prepared to speak French. I don’t speak French particularly well, but with my Spanish and Italian language skills I understand a fair amount of both written and spoken French. Outside of business meetings though, everyone speaks Kreyol.
The main mode of transportation is the “tap tap”
I’ve seen collective taxis from the sherut service in Israel to the collectivos you’ll find in Latin American countries. What I’ve never seen before? Trucks that only know to stop when you bang the side of the vehicle – the “tap tap” sound that is also the name of the mode of transport.
People get their cars washed on the side of the road
Driving around and during my limited wanderings on foot during the day, I saw plenty of people getting pop-up carwashes on the side of the road, especially in Port-au-Prince. Usually there were several people offering car washes lined up on the shady side of the street (it is tropical and hot there, after all) and no shortage of people waiting in line for their turn.
Churches are beautiful
Although many of Haiti’s churches sustained damage in the 2010 earthquake, the ones still standing that I visited were absolutely lovely. For a moment it felt like being a tourist in any church anywhere else.
Bougainvillea at every turn
I saw a bit of bougainvillea peeking out over a wall and thought about how lovely it was. After seeing bougainvillea for the 10th time, I realized just how ever-present this flowering vine is all around Haiti, in bright shades of pink, purple, and orange.
There are so many Dominicans
Okay, sure, so both Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola. However I wasn’t expecting to encounter many Dominicans, although I met quite a few and got in a good amount of Spanish conversation during my trip.
Street food vendors have very fresh ingredients
Markets are central to Haitian commerce, as I can attest to after sitting through many a traffic jam driving through a town on market day. Even the vendors walking around with a basket on their head are carting around the food of the day. When I heard about the spicy Haitian peanut butter called mamba, I expected that it would come slathered on some square white bread out of a package and was instead delighted to have incredibly fresh boat-shaped mini loaves of bread, sliced and spread with the mamba to order, and served with a banana for a bit extra.
Armed guards at every hotel and restaurant
I actually didn’t even consciously notice this at first. I used to live in Israel and have been back often to visit, and they take their security pretty seriously there. Israel aside though, it is quite unusual to have armed guards posted at the door everywhere you go.
A parking spot can be anywhere
This is another thing I didn’t even take note of! Reading restaurant reviews (yes, I did, you know how I roll) I picked up on the fact that most people commented either that an establishment had plenty of parking or not enough. On the street, there are few and often no marked parking spots so the Haitians do the one thing I am all-too-familiar with from my time living in Italy – they jump the curb and park half on the sidewalk and half in the street.
The toilet situation was not as bad as I expected
I packed lots of tissue packs for my purse, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer, to be prepared for any bathroom situation that might arise. While I used all of these things at some point, in general I did not have nearly as many issues as I planned for, even at restaurants frequented mostly by locals. In fact, I used far more tissues as toilet paper in Naples, Italy than I ever did in Haiti.
Mountains. Stunningly beautiful mountains.
You may have heard of the book [easyazon_link identifier=”0812980557″ locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]Mountains Beyond Mountains[/easyazon_link] about Dr. Paul Farmer, but that doesn’t even begin to describe how many lush green mountains you’ll encounter in Haiti. Every time you think you’ve reached the end of a range or are too close to the sea, another mountain pops into view.
You know something is a tourist attraction when you’re in a foreign country and the first person who approaches you to give a tour speaks to you in English. This is what happened to me when I arrived at Fort Jacques outside of Port-au-Prince, and it was just like colonial forts I’ve visited elsewhere in the Caribbean. Although I didn’t have time to see it all, there are plenty of similar attractions throughout the country to explore.
From mosaics to street art to paintings for sale, Haitians are all about their art. You’ll also see sculptures, wood carvings, and designs in metal without even seeking them out. I wish I had more time to explore the art scene during my time, it’s all absolutely lovely.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf0l3unHNuO/
Latin Dance nights
Nope, I’m not confused about which blog post I’m writing, I went to a fabulous Latin Dance night during my time in Port-au-Prince, dancing salsa, bachata, merengue, and copa. The most unusual part – and I’ve gone Latin dancing in many places – was that almost none of the salsa music was Spanish! Instead it was salsa versions of popular tunes across a wide range of genres, from “Love Potion No. 9” to “Redemption Song” to “Wrecking Ball.”
Really nice restaurants
Port-au-Prince has some great dining destinations, and I was fortunate to explore many of them during my stay. I enjoyed delicious escargot at Brasserie Quartier Latin, some of the best goat of my life at La Plantation, and Middle Eastern delights like kibbeh at Magdoos along with a glass of excellent Viognier.
I spent an inordinate amount of time at my hotel the night before my departure being sure to print out hard copies of my boarding passes for my flight back to the US. And then I arrived at the airport in the morning to find that it’s a very automated check-in procedure with scanning machines just like in any modern city I’ve visited. With some very serious airport security. Just know that anyone who comes to help you with your luggage or check-in is really there for a tip.
Should You Visit?
As I traveled to Haiti for work, I didn’t intend to write a post about going as a tourist – but you might want to visit as one!
There will be plenty of natural beauty and friendly people to appreciate if you do go.
The travel warnings out there are legitimately scary and fear-inducing – and sadly exist for a reason – so if you do decide to visit Haiti, there are some key guidelines to follow to do it safely.
What You’ll Need
A Trustworthy Driver or Tour. It is not recommended for visitors to transport themselves anywhere. I’m normally the type of traveler who dives into public transport, however even taxis aren’t recommended as they can be part of crime targeting foreigners. All of my transport was either with the driver from work or the hotel shuttle. Find a driver you can trust or go on an organized trip.
→ The only company I’ve seen doing organized tours of Haiti is G Adventures. While I have never traveled with them, other travel bloggers have, and they recommend them as being a responsible tourism provider offering quality trips. You can learn more about their Haiti trips HERE.
→ I didn’t know about this company at the time of my visit, but thanks to a recent Essence magazine article, I found out about the Haitian Nomad, which does many types of day tours around Haiti. Get more information about possible tours HERE.
Mental preparation for airport chaos. This was the biggest thing I was told in advance of flying to Port-au-Prince, and you will need to keep your wits about you in the airport before you even find your trusty driver! There will be lots of people swooping in to help and expecting tips before you even get to the person who will usher you through your trip.
Lots of immunizations and health precautions. Haiti has both malaria and zika, plus has a fair number of communicable diseases you can catch, including from the water and food. You’ll definitely want a whole host of immunizations before you go as well as to be taking many precautions while in country. I was lucky to not have any health issues, although I also came prepared and used my heavy-duty bug spray liberally.
An openness to adventure. Haiti is definitely a destination I’d recommend for the more seasoned traveler, who is flexible and open to the unknown and adventure. For most visitors, the local culture will be quite different from what is typical at home, and having an open mind will be key to enjoying a visit.
Limitations on Your Visit
You can’t drink the water. I also avoided fresh salads that might have been washed in water and drinks with ice, except at higher-end restaurants.
You can’t walk on your own at night. Even if your hotel is a 5-minute stroll by foot. Even if you will walk fast. Even if it’s just around the corner. It’s just not safe.
Walking on your own during the day is fine, but might get uncomfortable. When I was in Port-au-Prince walking around during the day, I was on my own. I was the only white person that I saw on the street and was very obviously and immediately identified as a foreigner. I encountered people begging for money with every step. Someone tried to swindle me for gas money by saying, “Don’t you remember me? I’m the security guard from the restaurant you ate at on Monday.” (He wasn’t.) And there are signs of poverty everywhere you look and of people who are out on the streets all day that you’re probably not accustomed to (like a woman peeing on the sidewalk crouched next to a truck).
There are very long transit times to drive between places. Don’t just look at how close things are on a map of Haiti, and assume you’ll be able to get there quickly. Most “highways” in Haiti only have a single lane in each direction and often questionable road conditions. And that’s even before taking into account the traffic. I encountered traffic at rush hour, traffic on market days, traffic from animals crossing the road, and the worst traffic delay of the trip when there were student protests blocking the road and a 40-minute trip instead took 2 hours.
Benefits of a Trip to Haiti
Natural beauty. The mountains are stunning. My day hiking was one of my favorites from the trip. The beaches are idyllic, with the same clear turquoise water you’ll see across the Caribbean, and far fewer crowds. You could quite happily park yourself at a beach resort for a week and be thrilled.
Historical sights. I got to visit Fort Jacques and Fort Alexandre outside of Port-au-Prince, and only wish that I had more time to explore in other parts of the country. Although I was geographically close to other spots, the driving time did not allow for a visit to the Citadelle or Sans-Souci Palace or Fort des Oliviers, all of which look incredible. Read a recent tourist’s account of visiting Haiti, including these notable sights, HERE.
Amazingly flavorful, spicy food and local specialties. I had delicious dishes in Haiti that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the Caribbean. There was the spicy peanut butter called mamba that would come spread on fresh bread, the dish known as accra made from a grated root vegetable called malanga that’s fried into patties, and the djon djon mushroom from the north that’s used to flavor rice or chicken.
I even got to savor the juice of local cachiman (different apparently from the custard apple the internet pulls up) that you probably won’t be able to sample anywhere else. I only ordered this because I picked the one thing whose name I didn’t recognize on the juice list, and it turned out to be delicious – like a fabulously light and creamy (almost) coconut milk.
It’s wayyy off-the-beaten-track for tourism. No one I encountered was in Haiti for vacation. Which may be why you want to go!
TIP! Yes, Haiti is a lovely country, but there is also a lot to be wary of in order to stay safe. I would only recommend a visit to Haiti for the seasoned traveler prone to being over-cautious and not taking any unnecessary risks.
Recommended Haiti Reading
Are you curious about Haiti now? Well good. There are plenty of fiction and non-fiction books out there that will help give you the flavor of life in Haiti and also a bit more about the challenges the country has faced. I blew through these books, which was a great accompaniment to my visit.
[easyazon_link identifier=”1841629235″ locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]Haiti: Bradt Travel Guide[/easyazon_link] by Paul Clammer. Last updated in 2017, this is pretty much the only current travel guide out there for Haiti and has a wealth of information about visiting and Haitian culture.
[easyazon_link identifier=”0812980557″ locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World[/easyazon_link] by Tracy Kidder. Tells the story of a doctor revolutionizing rural health care in Haiti and also impacting global health efforts.
[easyazon_link identifier=”1551524988″ locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]The World is Moving Around Me: A Memoir of the Haiti Earthquake[/easyazon_link] by Dany Laferrière. A first-hand account of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake by a Haitian author who has lived in Canada for decades but just happened to be in Haiti on the day of the quake.
[easyazon_link identifier=”1610390989″ locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]Haiti: After the Earthquake[/easyazon_link] by Dr. Paul Farmer. Written by the doctor who is the subject of the first book on the list, he tells his account of treating the injured in the earthquake’s aftermath and gives context for the scope of the disaster.
[easyazon_link identifier=”0307472272″ locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]Claire of the Sea Light[/easyazon_link] by Edwidge Danticat. Fictional story set in Haiti by one of its most famous authors, who has a range of other books as well. I always love reading fiction set in a place for giving me a sense of the destination without it being the central point of the story, and her other books also come highly recommended. [easyazon_link identifier=”161695700X” locale=”US” tag=”travelsavvyga-20″]Krik Krak[/easyazon_link] is next on the list for me.
Where is the most off-the-beaten-path place you’ve been in your travels? What surprised you most about Haiti from this post? Would you ever consider a visit to Haiti for vacation? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below!
Enjoyed this post? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!
At a short, direct plane ride from Milan, going never seemed urgent during the three years I lived in Italy. Which meant that I never went!
Fast forward to an autumn European trip I was planning after moving back to the US, and I knew Malta was a destination I definitely wanted to include on my visit.
The biggest question I got – “Why are you going to Malta?”
Apparently most people know very little about this small group of islands south of Sicily, so I wanted my first blog post about Malta to be filled with all the incredible reasons to go!
Top Reasons To Visit Malta
It’s Affordable
Even though Malta has become popular as a cruise ship port and with other European tourists, it is still quite affordable. You can get a pretty good tasting menu at a restaurant for around €30 or less, which is always a great marker for me of how much things cost. Street food is dirt cheap.
It’s even affordable to get there, with many discount flights arriving from all over Europe. Plus, there are plenty of reasonable accommodation options for your stay.
The islands of Malta, once part of the British Empire and now part of the Commonwealth, have held strategic importance in the Mediterranean for millenia. So it’s not surprising that it is a country with plenty of fortifications you can still visit today dotting its coastline, from massive forts to fortified lookout towers.
You know I’d go pretty much anywhere if I heard good things about the food! As an island nation that changed hands many times in history, Maltese cuisine includes Spanish, French, Italian, and other Mediterranean influences.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoeF0g8FrAz/
Rabbit is considered to be the national dish and another local favorite is pastizzi, a palm-sized flaky pastry typically filled with cheese or a pea mixture. And the desserts will make you swoon – my favorite was imqaret, an Arabic-inspired pastry filled with a date spread.
Coastline Dotted with Caves and Pools
St Peter’s Pool
The rocky coast of Malta lends itself to caves that have been carved out by crashing waves, or indentations in the rock that form natural pools.
Blue GrottoBy the Ta Kalanka Sea Cave
These are worth the effort to seek out as they are often not as crowded as the beaches and are beautiful places to explore and swim.
Ancient Stone Cities
Entrance to Mdina
Part of Malta’s heavy fortifications mean that there are also walled, stone cities throughout. Most famous are the coastal capital Valletta and Mdina in the center, which served as Malta’s capital through medieval times.
Valletta’s Wall
The results have stood for centuries and are beautiful to visit today.
Even without going to a winery, you’ll be able to sample a variety of Maltese wines by the glass, half-bottle, carafe, and bottle at your meals each day. While familiar grapes are grown in Malta, there are also some delicious indigenous grapes like Ghirgentina (a white) and Gellewza (for red wine), both delicious varietals blended or on their own.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bowop_JFNIl/
Beaches
Ghajn Tuffieha Beach
The archipelago of Malta is composed of islands, so there are plenty of beaches to enjoy nearby wherever you decide to stay. Since the landscape is inclined toward creating natural harbors, all of the beaches I visited had stunning and dramatic views of the Maltese coastline.
St. George’s Beach
The swimming was lovely too, of course.
Impressive Archaeological Sites
Exploring the Tarxien Temples
From the 6,000 year old prehistoric burial site known as the Hypogeum to ancient temples and catacombs, archaeological sites are located all over Malta, and provide an interesting window into this region’s past.
St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat
If you like history or are fascinated by ancient cultures and traditions, there are plenty of spots to explore all over Malta.
Sunsets
There have been some places I’ve seen in my travels where the sunset is gorgeous and colorful nearly every night. And Malta is one of those places.
Wherever you are on the island, know when the sun will be going down so you can plan to be outside and watch the show. Malta had some of my favorite sunsets of the whole year!
The landscape of Malta is both dramatic and beautiful, and there are many way to take advantage of the great outdoors. There are interior hiking trails and also rocky coastal walks that link different beaches.
Malta is also known for one of my favorite sports, rock climbing, and has incredible limestone to climb on both Malta and Gozo. There are plenty of other outdoor adventure opportunities like cycling and diving as well.
Boats, Boats, Boats!
I love seeing boats and traveling by boat, and being on Malta with its many harbors provides plenty of chances to do both. There is a functional ferry to get between Sliema and the capital Valletta, as well as ferries and tours departing from many main spots around Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Even if boat travel is not your thing, plenty of boats will be docked and provide beautiful views along Malta’s coast.
Top Tips for When You Go
Transportation
The main thing you’ll want to know about getting around Malta is that there is lots of traffic! Traditional rush hours are the worst, but there always seem to be a lot of vehicles on the road and often bus delays.
If you decide on taking public transit (like I did), it is easy to purchase your bus pass from the public transit stand next to the Costa Coffee and by the exit from the airport – either from a person or the machine.
There is an Explore Card that is just for the bus and an ExplorePlus Card that also includes a round-trip ticket on the Valletta ferry and either a day on a hop-on hop-off bus around the island or a boat to the Maltese island of Comino. More details and prices are HERE.
TIP! The two downsides for me of riding the bus were the delays that made it hard for transferring bus lines and also when rush hour buses from Sliema to Valletta were so crowded they did not stop to let additional passengers on.
If you don’t love walking as much as I do (or are not as patient) you’ll probably want to rent a car for your time in Malta.
TIP! Be aware that if you’d like to take the car to one of the other islands, ferry space for a car can be quite limited and you’ll want to arrange this in advance or arrive very early to queue.
In either case, when you first arrive, a taxi is likely your easiest option to arrive at your accommodation, and there are set prices for each destination. My taxi trip from the aiport to Sliema (across the water from Valletta) was €20.
Traveling Solo
Malta is a great destination for traveling solo, especially since pretty much everyone speaks English, as a former British colony and now part of the Commonwealth. I was there for 5 nights on my own and had an easy time navigating and taking advantage of the different sights and activities around Malta, including getting a reservation for 1 at many of the restaurants. Malta is also very affordable, so even when you’re not splitting the cost of a room, it doesn’t break the bank to make the trip.
For whatever reason, tasting menus are plentiful around Malta, which was wonderful for me as a solo traveler who likes to try as many dishes as possible when I travel!
TIP! A lot of restaurants have a small capacity, so be sure to reserve ahead of time, even if it’s just earlier in the day for that same evening.
TIP! Making a reservation is necessary, even as a solo traveler!
While you might not be able to pick out the small archipelago of Malta on a map (you should go look!) there is so much see, do, and enjoy on the various islands. Now, go plan that trip!
Happy travels!
Lana
Have you been to Malta? What were the highlights for you? What types of activities do you look for most in your travels?
Enjoyed this post? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!
The sun is starting to set over Ha Long Bay, one of the most picturesque spots of coastal Vietnam, with floating houses and local boat traffic intermingled with dramatic rock formations jutting out of the bay.
I’ve lifted my oar out of the water, and have paused for a moment, listening to the rhythm of the water lapping next to the kayak.
It should be one of the most peaceful moments of the trip, enjoying golden hour out on the bay. But instead, a deep panic is tightening its grip.
How It All Began
“Just perfect,” I had thought, as I made the booking in person the evening before. I like to rock climb when I travel, even though I don’t always travel with people who do. Luckily I was able to convince my travel buddy in Vietnam to come along for the full day of adventure – a morning of rock climbing followed by an afternoon kayaking around Ha Long Bay. For me, the perfect vacation itinerary.
The day started off typically enough. We boarded a boat with our guides and a large group, then split off based on which outdoor adventure came first. There were several activities available, and everyone basically mixed and matched different half-day components to enjoy.
The morning was picture-perfect as a group of us were dropped on a white sand beach overlooking the turquoise water, with rock formations towering overhead.
The surroundings were absolutely breathtaking, and the hours flew by meeting fellow travelers and scaling the limestone. Even now, that morning in Ha Long Bay was some of the best outdoor climbing I’ve ever done in my travels.
At mid-day the various groups returned to the boat for a communal lunch and some swimming in between the two halves of the day.
Setting Off Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
The afternoon of kayaking in Ha Long Bay involved a different mix of people than the first half of the day, and there were 7 kayaks full of people that set off.
Of course, what was a minor footnote at the time became critically important later in the afternoon. The rock climbing guide from the morning was not feeling well, and couldn’t go out with the afternoon climbing group. So the tour operator did the logical thing and had the ill staff member stay on the boat, and the original kayaking guide went with the climbing group instead.
Which meant that our kayaking group would be without a guide.
But it was simple enough: “Just keep turning to the left as you kayak, and you’ll get back to the boat.”
This made sense to all of us, so we grabbed kayaks and oars and set off into the sunshine.
The first few hours of kayaking in Ha Long Bay were glorious. It involved leisurely jutting back and forth ahead of one another as we took turns stopping off at random beaches on the many islands dotting Ha Long Bay, weaving in and out of the rock formations along the way.
Honestly, there was no clear left with how irregular it all was, but we were all making what was generally a counter-clockwise loop around the area.
And Then…
We were supposed to be back at the boat by 5pm to reconvene with the other afternoon groups and head back into town. So around 4:30pm, when there was no end or break in the rock formation in sight, what earlier had been a fairly spread out swath of kayaks started to cluster closer together to figure out where we were and how much farther there was left to go to find our way back.
At 4:45pm, with no left turn still available, we all started to simple paddle harder, assuming that we had been a little too leisurely earlier. And that if we just went a bit faster, we would shortly find the boat.
By 5pm, and the island’s edge extending far into the distance, I think we all realized that we were lost. And in trouble.
We didn’t know where we were.
We didn’t know where the boat was.
We didn’t see anyone else in sight besides our group of kayaks.
We didn’t know exactly how we arrived to the spot we were currently.
We didn’t know if it was closer to try and retrace our path or keep going forward.
We didn’t know if the boat was looking for us. Or waiting for us, even.
The only thing we did know, was that we had to stick together, and that we’d make the situation even more dangerous by splitting up as night was about to fall.
We also realized at some point around this time that we were only 6 of the 7 kayaks that had gone out, and were just hoping the other kayak had somehow made its way back to the boat, and wasn’t even more lost than we were – and alone!
The consensus was to continue on and hope that we came across the boat, or even someone (anyone!) who might be able to help
With each stroke of the paddle, the situation seemed more and more hopeless.
We didn’t know where we were. No one had a phone. And no one had much of a plan other than to keep moving.
At the beginning of what felt like a possibly dangerous situation, I was trying to stay calm and keep a clear head. With each passing minute though, the calm was being replaced by progressively more and more dire panic.
All of the worst case scenarios started to surface . . . We could be lost for days . . . How would anyone find us? . . . What if the weather turned bad?
We had minimal fresh water left and no food.
And my arms were feeling exhausted.
The several hours of morning rock climbing and the escalating pace of our paddling was weighing my arms down with each stroke. Somehow the adrenaline of the situation was carrying me forward, but it was starting to feel like my arms could not continue at this pace for all that much longer.
After what felt like an eternity of Herculean paddling effort – and was probably more likely a half hour or so – finally the horizon changed when a large freighter boat faintly came into sight in the fading light of the day.
Hope
Frantically we all started paddling toward the boat while also trying to dramatically wave our arms and oars to get the attention of someone on board. Luckily it was a pretty large vessel that was moving relatively slowly, so our paddling efforts allowed us to approach closer even as the boat continued to move, and finally get someone on the ship to notice us.
Of course, being well out of the touristy part of Ha Long Bay at this point, no one on board spoke any English (and no one in our group spoke Vietnamese).
The only thing that made what came next possible was that someone on another kayak had a waterproof digital camera, and I’ve never been so grateful for a piece of technology in my life.
He had taken a picture with the side of the boat in it earlier in the day. Which just so happened to also have the ship’s markings – with the name and phone number of the tour company emblazoned in bright yellow paint on the dark brown background. And thank goodness he had the clarity to think of this and pull it up!
Despite no common words or language, the boat crew fortunately could figure out that we were looking for the boat in the photo and to call them. And that calling the phone number might lead to someone who spoke Vietnamese and could help sort out what all of us were doing this far out on the water, with night falling rapidly.
The next few minutes were a blur, with my usual focus clouded by the all-encompassing anticipation of maybe, just maybe, being able to get back to our boat.
There were enough hand motions happening to indicate that this boat found our other boat by phone, and even that alone was a source of great relief. Even more amazing in that moment we somehow were able to figure out that our tour boat was still waiting on us.
And by a great stroke of luck, the giant freighter boat (that hadn’t even been headed that way!) was willing to take us back to our boat. Which otherwise would have been a very long paddle – probably lasting the approximately 4 hours it had taken us to reach this spot.
Savoring One of My Luckiest Travel Moments Ever
The freighter being so high off the water, there was no real way for us to board, but they tossed us a rope. With the panic subsiding, clear thought seemed to take over as we all methodically tied our kayaks to one another, and then to the sturdy-looking rope they had tossed to us off the back of the boat.
Secure and never more relieved, we flashed each other giant smiles as the freighter started to move.
All of the kayaks were bunched together, so as the boat picked up speed, we actually started to bang horizontally into one another. Which was entirely unexpected.
On another day, we might have considered this to be just another part of the adventure. But in this moment, still emotionally charged, the collisions presented what felt like a lethal danger. The last thing we needed was for one of the kayaks to get damaged or ropes to snap off, given the afternoon we’d had.
So we each pushed the end of our oars horizontally into the side of the adjacent kayak to create a consistent bit of space as we bounced in all directions in the wake of the boat rushing forward. Hitting the water, but no longer hitting each other.
Once we got our configuration stabilized, it all started to sink in. How close we had been to being lost and stranded. In the dark. Without anything to eat or drink. And along with those emotions, also reveling in the sheer joy that comes with relief of that magnitude after a crisis. Especially with the beautiful surroundings of Ha Long Bay at sunset rushing by.
One of the most serious terrors I’ve experienced first-hand transformed into being overtaken by a sense of deep, meditative calm. Which then morphed into joy and exhilaration as my adrenaline response faded and I could be again fully present in the moment. Feeling the breeze of being dragged along, the fun of bouncing on the water, and the absolute humility and gratitude at the mysterious ways of the universe that led to our improbable rescue.
Although this wasn’t my most recent time getting rescued by a boat after being stranded, this was definitely one of the most dangerous and terrifying situations I’ve encountered in all of my travels – even though it all worked out in the end. (Including that 7th kayak not with us, who had never gotten lost, and made it back to the boat on time.)
Had things gone even just a bit differently, I am not exaggerating when I say that I might not be here to share this story.
Thinking Back On It Now
Even with all the chaos and panic, there was so very much I was grateful for that day:
We were 6 kayaks lost together.
Someone had a waterproof camera and had taken a picture of the side of the boat with the phone number.
That the camera still had battery charge to pull up the photo.
That we even found another boat to flag down.
That the freighter stopped for us.
And was willing to try and figure out what was going on.
And call.
Then was willing to go off course and tow us along.
That the original boat waited for us, even before they had heard from us about where we were.
That we were able to make it safely back into port.
Especially since unbeknownst to us at the time, tourist boats on day trips are not allowed to return to the bay after sunset.
Which led to us – and everyone else out on a tour that day – ducking down as we re-entered the bay after sunset. I would have happily done whatever crazy thing was being requested to ensure our safe return to dry land, and fortunately we made it back without being stopped by the Ha Long Bay harbor patrol.
I could have bent down to kiss the ground, I was so elated to finally step off the boat after such a long ordeal out on the water.
I couldn’t tell you any of their names, but I made some friends for life in that shared life-threatening afternoon.
There is this indescribable bonding that comes with shared calamity – especially while traveling. After a much-needed shower to restore a sense of normalcy and wash away the drama of the day, we came back together to relive it all, sharing a meal together at a local spot in town.
And of course back on land and with a WiFi connection at the guesthouse, we were finally able to pull up a map of where we had been.
It turns out that there was an inlet about 15-20 minutes into kayaking that was meant to be the left turn that would lead back to the boat. Once we missed that turn, it probably would have taken days of kayaking in Ha Long Bay to propel ourselves around the giant island that kept going and going and going.
It was so lucky that we encountered that other boat. By the time the freighter picked us up, we were only a small fraction of the way around the giant mass. Although of course we had no way of knowing that at the time.
I’m not sure if it was there when I took this trip back in 2012, but now the FAQ on the tour outfitter website warns that “Even with a compass, it can be extremely difficult to navigate among islands. For this reason, all of our kayak trips are guided.”
Lessons Learned
So, would I do it all again? Is there anything that I would do differently next time?
Honestly, I would still go kayaking in Ha Long Bay. But even if it was with a guide (like this trip was meant to be!) I would definitely be more prepared. Because really, anything can happen.
TIP! If you’re doing any water activities (or even just think you might), get a waterproof bag you can take with you. this clear one that comes in many color options but is clear enough to see the contents.
TIP! Have a phone with a local SIM card with credit or an international plan to be able to call for help if you need to.
TIP! Always have the phone number of any tour company you use in your travels.
TIP! Use a map program to save any group meeting point to your cell phone.
TIP! Check in at the halfway point before you need to make your way back to your tour group, to be sure there is enough time to return.
TIP! Trust your instincts! If a situation starts to feel dangerous, treat it that way and act accordingly. I talk about trusting that intuition in my post on Solo Travel, but really, it’s an important tip to keep in mind whenever you are on the road, alone or not.
Nothing is foolproof when you travel – and the unexpected can always happen – but a bit of preparedness will go a long way in keeping you safe.
Have you ever been lost in your travels? How did it turn out? Any things you would do differently the next time around? Any other tips I missed?
Enjoyed this post? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!
It’s a new year with endless travel possibilities. So which travel destinations should you seek out?
Don’t get overwhelmed with the unlimited options, instead think about your travel goals for the year or even just what type of place you’d like to get to. And then pick one place for your first trip.
Maybe you want a warm beach escape during winter? Or a place that is very different culturally from where you live? Or somewhere off-the-beaten-path that won’t be overrun with tourists? Or finally make it to the top item on your Bucket List?
Regardless of your desires, this list has a little bit of something for everyone, with destinations all over the world. It’s a mix of places I’ve been and loved and spots with timely reasons to go in 2018, in alphabetical order.
Read on, get inspired, and then book that trip!
Belize
Within my first day in Belize back in May, I knew it would be my new 2017 destination that I’d be screaming from the rooftops about. Not only is a beautiful country with a wide range of adventures, historical ruins, and opportunities to relax, it is just so easy to travel there.
As a former British colony and still part of the Commonwealth, English is widely spoken. For those traveling from America, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere and interchangeable with the local Belizean dollar at a simple 1:2 exchange rate. And everyone is so friendly and helpful anytime you need to get somewhere. Which leaves you free to focus on enjoying all of the amazing things Belize has to offer!
Yes, 2017 was a rough year for some parts of the Caribbean that were devastated by hurricanes. Which makes 2018 a great year to support islands undergoing hurricane recovery as well as checking out some other islands that escaped hurricane season mostly unscathed (over 70% of them!). There is a Caribbean Travel Update website that has the latest information, island by island. Check it out HERE.
And even on some of the islands most affected by last season’s hurricanes, cruise ports were some of the first parts to re-open for tourism. A Caribbean cruise will let you island hop and ships have already adjusted their itineraries to ensure that you are getting the best vacation experience in the region.
A destination where I’ve lived, but have also been again several times recently, continues to astound me with how much it changes and evolves with each visit. As a clueless 18-year old, while I traveled nearly every weekend, most of my meals on the road were with friends and family, or from the bakery section of a supermarket. On my last few trips I’ve savored one of the best (and most memorable) tasting menus of my life, inhaled the latest trendy street food, & sipped cocktails at a speakeasy. Not to mention some pretty fabulous wine tastings.
There are so many sites with religious and historical significance in Israel that . . . I can’t even come up with a good way to end this sentence to do the country justice, history is simply everywhere – retracing Jesus’s footsteps on the Via Dolorosa of Jerusalem’s Old City and hiking through coastal Roman ruins, palpably feeling the millenia of history that have touched this land. You’ll just have to come explore yourself!
I’m not the first person to wax philosophical about all the reasons to visit small town Italy, but after 3 years of living in Milan, I can attest to how worthwhile a visit can be. While the big cities in Italy are draws for a reason, there is endless charm and authentic interaction with locals that you’ll only get when visiting one of Italy’s smaller towns.
A day trip from a major city will give you a taste of small town living, but for the real fairy tale life in the Italian countryside or seaside, carve out at least a night or two of your vacation – you won’t regret it!
Malta has been on my bucket list for a while, and with its capital Valletta being named a European Capital of Culture for 2018 and hosting a range of festivals and events, there is no better time to plan a visit. An archipelago south of Sicily toward the northern African coast, it also boasts mild weather in winter and a hot but not scorching summer.
Whether you’re interested in historical sites, beautiful beaches, or adventure – or all three like me! – there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. Plus, almost everyone speaks English, so you’ll have an easy time during your stay.
Another 2018 accolade is in store for Mexico City, which has been named the World Design Capital of 2018, the first city in the Americas with this designation. I last visited the sprawling metropolis known locally as D.F. (Distrito Federal, or “federal district”) nearly a decade ago and even then it stood out for the culture, art, design, and of course, the foodie culture that has since exploded all over the city.
With over 20 million people, there is no shortage of bustling areas to explore. There are tons of reasons for a visit in 2018, just remember with the high elevation, always wear sunscreen 😉
Most people think of the Seychelles as a luxury beach destination like the Maldives, which it is, but this African nation of islands also has a variety of AirBNB properties available at a much more reasonable cost for those looking for a value escape.
It’s a large enough destination that there are a variety of activities from visiting a nature preserve to water sports to a tea plantation. And it’s unknown enough that the beaches don’t tend to get crowded and you can have a whole stretch of pristine white sand all to yourself.
Singapore
For many, Singapore is a spot to stop briefly for a layover or a day or two en route to another Asian destination. I came for a full week, and never ran out of things to do and eat. English is spoken all over Singapore, which makes it an easy place for foreigners to get around, whether you’re shopping in Chinatown or strolling through Little India. Certainly, if you get a chance, pop in and explore!
Singapore is known for its food culture, recently taking over the title of cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world from Hong Kong and featuring street food in informal hawker stalls located just about everywhere. Plus, it has one of my favorite breakfasts ever, you’ll get addicted, too!
Not everywhere I visited and loved in 2017 made my list of top spots, but there are plenty of other posts up on the blog as well from my past year of travel, including some off-the-beaten-path US destinations like Detroit, Michigan and Charlottesville, Virginia.
What destinations are inspiring you for 2018 travel? Anywhere I missed with something timely happening this year? What’s the biggest trip you’re planning for 2018? Let me know more in the ‘Comments’ below!
Enjoyed this post? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon: Day Trip from Las Vegas, Nevada
Perfectly situated for an ideal city escape, Las Vegas has the casinos, restaurants, & attractions you’d expect, but even standing among the bright lights of the Strip you can still see the desert beyond. And fortunately, natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon are just a short drive away.
How do you escape the tourist hordes that flock from the city to Red Rock Canyon? By going rock climbing of course!
There are so many climbing spots that you can escape the main paths and get up close and personal with the red rock formations all around, and there are climbing routes for every ability level – even if you’ve never climbed before.
I knew before I even booked my trip to Vegas that I wanted to rock climb in Red Rock Canyon while I was there (I’ve been climbing over 20 years & climb whenever I can in my travels!) so sought out a guide for the day who knows the area and could provide equipment for the day.
In the end I went rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon with Mountain Skills, a small company accustomed to providing a personalized experience. They connect you with a local, knowledgeable guide whose goal is for YOU to have an incredible time.
After my rewarding full day out on the rock with guide Taylor, I can definitely say, “mission accomplished.”
Rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Rock climbing was the first thing I knew I wanted to do on a trip to Las Vegas – and yes, this is even before any of the casinos, restaurants, or shows on the Strip! Red Rock Canyon is stunningly beautiful, and my day rock climbing there was a definite highlight of my time in Vegas.
Of course I knew the canyon was named after the red-colored rock you find there, but I was still taken aback by how the rocks and dirt are just so red. If you’ve ever been to Australia’s ‘Red Centre,’ you know what I’m talking about. Plus, throughout Red Rock Canyon there are really interesting rock formations that extend for miles – a rock climbing dream!
It was just me and the guide rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon, so I had a completely personalized experience tailored to what I had discussed with Mountain Skills when booking the day and also with guide Taylor that morning. I did a bunch of easier long climbs, then after warming up moved on to some challenging sections.
Even though I’ve been rock climbing a long time, it’s always exhilarating when I reach the top of a climb – muscles pumped, heart racing, the satisfaction of hitting my target – and then taking a pause at the end of the climb to let my body and breathing catch up. The whole experience is magnified being outdoors in beautiful surroundings, soaking up a breathtaking view from the top.
The satisfaction of rock climbing outdoors is just as good if it’s your 1st climb or your 1,000th climb.
Of course, what goes up must come down, and I also had a blast rappelling down several of the climbs.
Usually when there is someone belaying you on the rope, that person would just lower you down. My guide, Taylor, was great about asking about whether I wanted to rappel and setting up the ropes so I could lower myself – which meant going at a speed of my choosing and also being able to stop at various points and just take in the amazing views.
Sure, it’s nice to hike around Red Rock Canyon (which plenty of visitors were doing) but there is just a different, satisfying perspective that you get hanging off the edge of a giant rock face.
When my hands were tired and my muscles were sore, I also had a chance to explore some of the red rocks on foot, and take in some pretty incredible landscapes.
And the road that runs through Red Rock Canyon is a 13-mile one-way loop, so there’s a scenic drive through the entire area on the way out at the end of the climbing day.
Why I seek out a rock climbing guide when I travel
If you were reading closely up until now, you may have caught the fact that I have been rock climbing for over two decades. Even though I started many years ago, I still enjoy it so much that I go several times a week when I’m at home.
I also seek out rock climbing when I travel as much as I can, and so far have rock climbed outside in 7 countries! (Australia, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Thailand, Vietnam, & the US for those of you keeping track.)
You might be thinking at this point – “Lana, you sure sound experienced, so why do you rock climb with a guide on the road?”
For me, there are a few factors that tip the scales. Unless I am rock climbing close to where I live with climbing buddies I trust, I always seek out a guide.
If you’re not already familiar with rock climbing, unless you engage in the nail-bitingly dangerous (and often lethal) sport of free climbing with no safety gear, you tend to climb with another person.
If you are ascending with a rope, you’ll want a skilled person on the other end of the rope to serve as your “belayer,” holding onto the rope and ready to catch you if you fall at a moment’s notice. Even if you’re “bouldering” – doing shorter sections that don’t go as high off the ground – you’ll want someone to spot you and help break your fall if needed.
My travel these days is about half solo travel and half traveling with someone else or a group. Even on those trips where I have a traveling companion, it’s very rare though that I am traveling with a fellow rock climber.
Which means I’ll need someone else to rock climb anyway. A guide.
Benefits of a guide
For me, there are a few key benefits of having a guide for outdoor rock climbing, which is why I seek out guided rock climbing in my travels again and again.
Access to the rock climbing route.
Depending on where you are in the world, it’s not always so obvious or accessible to get to the area with rock climbing routes. For climbing on an island in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam or far away from the tourist hubs in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt or inside a cave in northern Thailand, going with a guide typically means they will transport you to what may be a hard-to-find or hard-to-access climbing locale. And you don’t have to worry about getting lost on the way!
Knowledge of rock climbing areas.
When I’ve climbed outdoors without a guide it’s only been in countries I was living in (the US and Italy) because I went often enough to be familiar with the routes or had a guidebook or went with a local friend who knew the climbing areas – or all three!
If you have a thorough guidebook with reliable information, you may be able to find climbing areas on your own, but in the end nothing beats local knowledge of climbing areas from the people who rock climb there regularly. Books can be out of date and storms can rearrange landscapes, so even with a good source, a person to serve as a guide is still the best bet.
Rock climbing equipment.
First off, if you’ve never rock climbed before or have only tried it a few times, you probably don’t have any rock climbing equipment of your own. Which is fine, because your guide can provide this!
For any frequent rock climbers out there with their own gear like me may encounter some of the other challenges I’ve faced. Several of the trips when I’ve gone rock climbing have been part of 2-4 week journeys of me backpacking around, meaning that luggage space was tight. It is both bulky and heavy to bring climbing equipment with you on the road if you’re not traveling by car. You may not want to lug it around for your whole trip.
On my most recent trip to Vegas when I climbed in Red Rock Canyon, I flew a discount carrier that only allowed one small bag of luggage. And just imagine how bulky and heavy 70 meters (over 200 feet) of rope can be!
Usually I’ll bring my own climbing shoes that I’ve already broken in – and sometimes my own harness – but leave it up to the guide to provide the majority of the gear needed for a rock climbing excursion outside.
Arranging rock climbing with Mountain Skills
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve done a fair bit of guided rock climbing in many countries, and Mountain Skills was one of my all-time easiest experiences from start to finish. It was easy to arrange through the website, the team was communicative and clear about what was needed and included, and the day itself went smoothly.
The model of Mountain Skills is to have a bunch of potential guides in all their locations, including by Red Rock Canyon, so they were able to accommodate my first choice of date. I received detailed instructions to the meeting point and about what was needed as well as prompt communication when the original guide was sick and someone else came in her place.
My office contact discussed my ability level beforehand so that my ultimate guide Taylor knew in advance which areas would be best for the day. This is the time to communicate what you’re comfortable with or interested in doing for the day, so don’t be shy!
Even if you’re not going to Las Vegas any time soon, Mountain Skills also has experienced guides in other parts of the US, like upstate New York and New Mexico, as well as international rock climbing opportunities in Mexico and Thailand.
There is the option for half-day or full-day climbing, as well as multi-pitch for more advanced climbers, with the price per person depending on the number of people in your group. Groups are kept deliberately small to give you personalized attention and keep everyone safe.
In Las Vegas, summers can get very hot, so peak rock climbing season is during the spring and fall.
For insurance reasons you need a vehicle to access Red Rock Canyon from the city, but I found it quite reasonable to rent a car for the day – and I even got a free upgrade from my basic economy option to a blue Mustang convertible.
TIP! Many hotels have car rental places inside, so even if you’re staying on the Las Vegas Strip, you may have some good nearby options for this.
TIP! If you can’t find what you’re looking for at your hotel or a nearby one, it’s a quick ride to the airport to rent a car from the wider selection there.
I had a wonderful experience and would definitely climb with Mountain Skills again, and hope to make it make to the dramatic landscapes of Red Rock Canyon for some more rock climbing!
What activities do you seek out in your travels? Have you every tried rock climbing? What gets you into the great outdoors when you’re visiting a city? Let me know in the ‘Comments’ below!
Enjoyed this post? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!
Note: I received a discount in exchange for sharing my rock climbing experience with Mountain Skills on my blog. My opinions, as always, are entirely my own.
Travel Superlatives of 2017: To Inspire Your Next Adventure
This year has involved quite a lot of transitions. I started my first full-time job in quite some time (hint: it’s not blogging) and have been slowly figuring out how to balance it with my passion for blogging, travel, and you know – life, the universe, and everything!
This also marks a full year spent back in the US after five years abroad, and it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I was shocked at how much my post on moving “home” resonated with readers, and continues to resonate with many others experiencing the same challenging transition. It is the post when I felt the most vulnerable clicking that “Publish” button, but such a lesson to me that it is when you really put your authentic self out there that you connect the most with those around you.
And that’s really what my travel superlatives come down to. It’s a collection of moments in far-flung places and spots close to home when I connected with those around me. Sometimes through an experience and sometimes a meal, but all were opportunities for wonder with some excellent company to share it all with. And a bit of adventure.
I hope you enjoy my stories from the road and perhaps even find some travel inspiration for the year ahead. Here are the moments resonating with me from the past year:
Best Nature Adventure: Belize’s ATM Cave
I love caving and adventure, plus the tour to Belize’s ATM Cave (you must be on a tour to enter) was touted by every operator as the top day trip to do from San Ignacio, Belize. The tour itself was absolutely incredible, involving plenty of strolling, swimming, and even a bit of rock climbing to navigate the internal passageways of the cave, including ancient Mayan sites. Wow, just wow.
The Dam Tour is limited to 20 people every half hour and can only be purchased in person on the day. But it is worth an early start to guarantee a spot on one of the coolest tours I’ve ever been on. Due to security concerns, the insider tour no longer includes a trip to the Power Plant floor, but in its place you get to wander behind the scenes through the inside of the dam itself in areas that were never intended for visitors. There is amazingly cool graffiti and other markings along the way, plus some killer views through vents peering from the inside out!
I spent the weekend before my birthday on a getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia, a pretty easy drive from the Baltimore/Washington, DC area. I had been a few times before and one of my fondest memories from a weekend I spent in 2007 was of a barrel tasting at a winery up a gravel road a bit outside of town. My return visit to DelFosse Vineyards a decade later was just as memorable, with a personable and delicious journey through their wine collection during the tasting. Both their whites and reds are something special. And yes, there’s still a gravel road for those last few minutes.
I’ve always liked hiking and mixed it in with my city escapes, but this is the first year that I’ve headed into some weekends with an intense desire to get out in nature – at which point I hunted down a hiking buddy or headed out on my own. Maybe it’s my mentality shifting with age, but nothing helps to reset my mind than exploring nature’s beauty with my own two feet.
Most Memorable Bites: Cambridge, MA & Charlottesville, VA
Let me start by saying that I had some pretty epic meals this year. From cooking my first-ever rack at lamb at home to savoring meals at high-end restaurants serving up 20+ course tasting menus, there have been some very delicious bites (yes, I’m a lucky lady!). But the two most memorable dishes of the year for me are the ones that were unique and flavorful and even months later stand out in my mind.
The first is a a crab and kimchi stew that I enjoyed at The Table at Season to Taste in Cambridge (Boston), Massachusetts. It was such an incredible overall (solo dining) experience that I boldly wrote a whole blog post about it as my best of 2017 all the way back in March and it still rings true all these months later.
The other most memorable dish is a crispy scallop appetizer that I enjoyed at Brasserie Saison in Charlottesville, Virginia. It doesn’t sound like all that much but it stands out in my mind both for being something I have never seen before (Crispy scallop outside and smooth-as-silk inside? Amazing!) and also because it was so perfectly executed that every bite was a piece of heaven.
I first saw Yayoi Kusama’s art in Stockholm, Sweden and was so in awe of her unique style that I waited in a crazy line to get access to another exhibit of hers this year in Washington, DC. This latest exhibition included multiple ‘infinity rooms’ that were basically giant cubes you could step into with mirrors on all sides and see incredible lights and designs reflected all around you. Check out my blog post for more on the mesmerizing art, plus details on how to get access and when this exhibit may be headed your way – in 2018 it will be in Los Angeles, Toronto, Cleveland, and Atlanta!
Best Way to Experience My New Home City: On the Water
Part of my adjustment back living stateside has been to express gratitude and focus on all of the benefits of being back after time abroad. Certainly the convenience of American life and access to ethnic food top my list, but being in the city of Baltimore specifically means that I live quite close to the water. I can walk there in around 5 minutes and there’s even a free commuter water taxi stop nearby that will take me to a few different spots across the harbor. And my running route takes me along the water’s edge by Fort McHenry, where the Star Spangled Banner (the American national anthem) was written. Some of my favorite Baltimore water views from the past year:
When you think of ‘Motor City’ you’re probably imagining car production or dangerous neighborhoods, but the Detroit of today is so much more. My highlights from a long weekend there included fancy cocktails bars, craft breweries, apple cider mills, some delicious bites, and all sorts of notable art and architecture. Detroit’s revitalization is still a work in progress, but it is already soaring and a spot I’d return to in a heartbeat!
My first flight of the year was in January to visit my dad who now lives in Florida. Of course, the primary goal of the trip was to spend some quality time together, so I specifically refrained from doing too much research. Even the lovely stroll we took through an ecological preserve was something I spotted in a brochure after I arrived, not a bucket list item I had planned in advance.
So when we ended up taking a detour to Sanibel Island, I innocently took a stroll only to encounter loads of people with buckets and walking with their eyes glued to the beach. As it turns out, Sanibel Island is considered by many to be the best shelling beach in all of North America! Even though I’m no expert, it was exciting to see so many beautiful shells and even some of the sea creatures that had washed ashore.
Favorite Getaway: Staying with Friends by the Beach
I could pretend I had some posh chalet in the mountains somewhere, but let’s be real, I’m not that fancy. The place that I spent the most weekend getaways in 2017? With friends by Bethany Beach in Delaware. It’s been a perfect haven and relaxed getaway on many a weekend, with great food and wonderful company. Thanks for hosting and for all the great experiences this year!
Most Random Visit: Berlin Wall in a NYC Office Building
When I visited Berlin, Germany for a long weekend, I of course made it a point to see several sections of what remains of the Berlin Wall, including the open-air East Side Gallery. Across the ocean in New York City, the Berlin Wall was the last thing I expected to see in a random office building, and yet there are several panels that can be visited in the lobby for free!
Biggest Bucket List Item: Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Starting with my college years, plenty of friends have talked up Las Vegas as a site for gambling and debauchery. And the ones who really know me well touted the foodie scene there. But the biggest attraction for me has always been the rock climbing I’ve been hearing about for ages in the nearby Red Rock Canyon. My guided trip there was just as wonderful as I had imagined, with incredible scenery and a lot of fun on the rock.
Best Travel Experience: Hitching a Ride on a Boat in Bermuda
I was excited at having bought the Bermuda-exclusive loquat liqueur at the Goslings store in downtown Hamilton, the Bermudian capital that was half an island away from my cruise ship. The feeling of accomplishment slowly melted into apprehension as I realized that because it was Sunday, the ferry turned out to be on a truncated schedule and the last one had already left back toward the dock where my cruise ship was anchored about 20 minutes before.
I was quite annoyed at this point – Why hadn’t I checked the schedule properly beforehand? Why didn’t I realize it was a sign taking a taxi into Hamilton from the beach was a bad idea when no one else was headed that way? – I probably should have seen the signs ahead of time, given that I’m an experienced traveler. But fortunately we had another day in Bermuda, so I wasn’t exactly in a rush. At least the cruise ship wouldn’t leave without me if I didn’t get back by a certain time.
I started running through possibilities in my head. There seemed to be a local bus station nearby, and many buses had passed through the main street downtown. Surely it would be cheap to take the route to the far side of the island, although the trip might take a while and who knows how long it would be before the next bus. A taxi was an option, but probably a $60 one. So it wouldn’t be a cheap mistake, but at least I’d make it back to the ship for dinner.
One consolation was that I wasn’t alone, there were actually 4 of us from the cruise strip stranded at the now-closed ferry terminal. But as possibly the most assertive one of the bunch, I was tasked with asking around and trying to figure out our best option to get back.
It was at this point that I noticed a boat crew at the far side of the dock that seemed to be cleaning up for the night. There was a decent chance they were locals and could hopefully point us in the right direction, maybe even let us know if buses were still running or if our best bet was to hail a taxi to get back.
I couldn’t tell you exactly what I said in my first thirty seconds of talking, but the guy who seemed to be the head of the crew approached as I was chatting with one of the deck hands and said, “Actually, we have to get this boat back over to the Dockyard for a tour in the morning, do you want a lift back?”
What?!? By opening myself up and asking strangers for help did I really just score all of us a free ride back to our cruise ship?
“As long as you don’t mind loud music and will buy drinks on the way, you can ride back with us.”
Um, YES PLEASE.
The older couple in the group was a bit skeptical if this was some sort of scam, but this was not only super convenient and generous, the crew explained that this was what your typical everyday Bermudian hospitality was all about. Plus, they were headed that way anyway.
Within minutes we had dark-and-stormy’s in hand (the local cocktail) and were cruising through the harbor on a catamaran with music blasting. I would have called it the best private boat tour of my life, but it was just locals helping out some clueless tourists and letting loose at the end of a long work shift.
Along the way, the crew pointed out a few famous Bermudian houses on the water, but mostly we sang and danced together the whole way. We pulled up and docked just a short distance from the cruise ship, as the catamaran was part of an organized tour the next morning. And when we tried to pay for our drinks, they just shrugged and wished us well.
This is how close the catamaran got us to the cruise ship.
What were some of your highlights from the past year? Or your most memorable travel experience? Anything from my round-up that you’ll seek out in the year ahead? Let me know in the ‘Comments’!
Enjoyed this post? ‘Pin it’ to share on Pinterest & save for later!
Privacy/Disclosures
Travel Savvy Gal is a participant in several affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Read the site's full Privacy/Disclosure policy here.
