Active volcanoes. Dancing northern lights. Gushing geysers. Massive glaciers. Thermal hot springs. Thundering waterfalls. Iceland is the ultimate adventure destination. How have you not been here yet? It’s finally time. Start in the northernmost capital in the world. Reykjavik is a hip, modern city. Then start exploring the wild coastline, the sheep-filled countryside, the icy interior, and the peaceful islands. There are plenty of black-sand beaches, small fishing villages, turf-roofed houses, and epic hikes along the way. Just remember to pack layers. Sometimes, the Gulf Stream provides moderate temperatures. Other times, it’ll feel like you’re in the Arctic. Also don’t forget the long, dark winters and the 24-hour daylight during the short summers. If you take advantage of Icelandair’s free stopover program—a great excuse to visit Helsinki, Copenhagen, and even Paris—you can keep returning to discover which season you like best. This detailed guide includes: Places: regions, cities, islands, peninsulas, towns, neighborhoods Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, food carts & trucks, food halls, ice cream, Michelin stars, pizzerias, restaurants, soup Drink: beer bars, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars Shop: beauty products, bookstores, Christmas stores, chocolate shops, clothing boutiques, flea markets, knitwear, outdoor wear, record stores, vintage clothing, wool products Do: art museums, bays, beaches, bridges, caves, churches, concert venues, cultural centers, fjords, geothermal areas, geysers, harbors, hikes, history museums, horseback riding, hot springs, lagoons, lakes, lighthouses, memorials, mountains, national forests, national parks, natural wonders, nature reserves, parks, peace stones, ponds, roads, rock formations, rocks, rootless cones, scenic drives, sculptures, shipwrecks, sports venues, squares, streets, swimming pools, thermal baths, tunnels, valleys, viewpoints, volcanoes, walks, waterfalls Transportation: airports, bus terminals, car rentals, ferries, parking lots, transfers Note: I travel to Iceland frequently, so this guide is updated often.

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It’s also the northernmost capital in the world. The city, on the southwest coast of the island nation, is home to less than 150,000 people (that’s 60% of the total population). It’s by no means sleepy, though. It has a thriving art scene (music festivals, independent record stores, pop-up exhibits) and foodie spots (Michelin restaurants, organic wine bars, coffee culture). A grand church towers over the city. Candy-colored houses line the streets. Thermal swimming pools are gathering spots for most neighborhoods. Northern lights sightings are a real possibility (seasonally, of course). It’s also the jumping-off point for exciting adventures all around the Land of Fire and Ice. Pack for all seasons, as the weather changes frequently throughout the day--no matter what time of year it is. And be prepared to fall in love. This detailed guide includes: Places: islands, neighborhoods Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, food carts & halls, ice cream, Michelin stars, restaurants Drink: beer bars, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars Shop: beauty products, bookstores, chocolate shops, clothing boutiques, flea markets, outdoor wear, record stores, vintage clothing, wool products Do: art museums, churches, concert venues, history museums, lakes, memorials, parks, peace stones, roads, sculptures, sports venues, squares, streets Transportation: airports, bus terminals, car rentals, ferries Note: I travel to Reykjavík quite frequently, so this guide is updated often.

It's time to get out of the city. New York City is always exciting, but it can be completely exhausting. You need to breathe fresh air and stretch your legs. You want to hike up a mountain, jump into a lake, search for waterfalls, sip seasonal IPAs, taste freshly picked veggies, and try to ski for the first time in, well, way too long. It's a good thing the Catskill Mountains are so close. The Catskills are part of the Appalachian Mountains. They cover nearly 6,000 square miles in southeastern New York and sit about 100 miles northeast of New York City. On the eastern edge, the mountains rise steeply from the Hudson Valley along the Hudson River. The area became a popular summer escape in the mid-20th century. All-season, outdoor activities--from fishing and hiking to cross-country skiing and snowboarding--are now the biggest draws. Old lodges and motels are being turned into boutique hotels. Plus, in the last few years, new bakeries, bike paths, bookstores, breweries, coffee shops, farm-to-table restaurants, ice cream shops, and record stores have been popping up on a seemingly weekly basis. The Catskills are cool again. Since it's impossible to see everything in the Catskills during one trip, this guide focuses on the Northern Catskills, including the towns of Catskill, Hunter, Palenville, and Windham. This detailed guide includes: Places: hamlets, towns, villages Stay: cabins, hotels, lodges Eat: bagels, cafes, pizzerias, restaurants Drink: breweries, cideries Shop: farm stands, record stores Do: forests, gardens, hikes, lakes, ledges, lookouts, mountains, rocks, trails, waterfalls Transportation: parking lots Note: I travel to the Catskills frequently, so this guide will be updated.

Are you looking for an escape from New York City? Do you want to enjoy nature but still sleep in a comfortable bed at the end of the day? You don't have to go camping to enjoy the beauty and the fresh air around the Catskill Mountains. Here are 14 hotels--from the Northern and Eastern Catskills near the Hudson River to the Southern Catskills along Pennsylvania's border--to help you start planning your trip. The list ranges from pretending you're roughing it (cute little cabins) to serious pampering (awarding-winning restaurants, relaxing spas). Once you find your comfort level, you'll be ready go hiking, jump into lakes, search for waterfalls, sip IPAs at breweries, taste freshly picked veggies at farm stands, or try to ski in no time. Note: I travel to the Catskills frequently, so this map will be updated.

Tórshavn is the largest city in the Faroe Islands. That doesn’t mean it’s big! It’s actually one of the smallest capitals in the world. Plus it’s utterly charming. The city on the southeast coast of Streymoy was founded by the Vikings and named after Thor (the Norse god). It’s still filled with turf-roofed houses, a sea-facing cathedral, and a fort to guard against pirates. Tórshavn isn’t stuck in the past, though. Coffee shops, design boutiques, record stores, a hip brewery, and minimal restaurants keep popping up around the harbor. The Faroese capital is about to become everyone’s favorite little Nordic city. This detailed guide includes: Stay: hotels Eat: cafés, coffee shops, restaurants Drink: bars, craft beer Shop: design boutiques, music Do: churches, historic sites, sailing

Introducing the next great adventure destination: the Faroe Islands. Despite being part of Europe and (loosely) governed by Denmark, many people have never heard of these eighteen islands about halfway between Iceland and Norway. Those who make the journey will be greatly rewarded with deep fjords, pop-up waterfalls, and bright green valleys. A stunning coastline is never more than five kilometers away. Sheep outnumber hikers on wind-blown trails. While Tórshavn is one of the smallest—and cutest—capitals in the world. Go now. Nonstop flights recently started from New York, so these remote islands won’t remain under the radar for long. This detailed guide includes: Places: islands, cites, towns, villages Stay: hotels Eat: cafés, coffee shops, food trucks, restaurants, takeout Drink: bars, craft beer Shop: design stores, music Do: beaches, churches, cliffs, gorges, hikes, historic sites, lakes, mountains, sailing, scenic drives, tunnels, viewpoints, waterfalls Transportation: airport

Ljubljana is the capital and largest city in Slovenia. The Dragon City, which straddles the Ljubljanica River, survived Roman, Habsburg, and Yugoslavian rule to lead the mountainous country into independence. Slovenia has become the Green Heart of Europe, while Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals on the continent. This charming city is home to less than 300,000 people. It's a university town, a tech center, and an artist's haven. The Old Town is full of Baroque buildings with red-tiled roofs, detailed bridges, and lively squares. Cafes with terrace seating line the river, which is used by kayakers and sightseeing boats. New hotels, restaurants, and wine bars keep popping up in this car-free area. While Ljubljana Castle stands on a hill overlooking it all. The compact city is a central base for adventures all over the small country. But best of all: Ljubljana still feels like an under-the-radar destination. Go fall in love with this enchanting city before everyone else catches on. This detailed guide includes: Places: neighborhoods Stay: hotels Eat: cafés, pizzerias, restaurants Drink: lounges, wine bars Shop: antique markets, toy stores Do: bridges, castles, cathedrals, churches, city models, fountains, funiculars, monuments, parks, puppet museums, rivers, sculptures, squares, statues

Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores. "Thin Cape" sits on the southwest shore of São Miguel Island, the largest island in the autonomous archipelago. The city was a small fishing village until a 1522 earthquake destroyed Vila Franca do Campo, the island's original capital. Ponta Delgada quickly got an upgrade. Its economy and size grew with the citrus-exporting business. Black-and-white basalt buildings--a bell tower, churches, squares--still fill the city's historic core. New gourmet restaurants and waterfront bars do, too. It's easy to get to know Ponta Delgada by walking, as the narrow streets all eventually lead down to the large marina. Let your Azorean adventure begin! This detailed guide includes: Places: neighborhoods Stay: hotels Eat: coffee shops, ice cream stands, restaurants Drink: rooftop bars Do: botanical gardens, churches, fountains, gates, marinas, public parks, roads, squares, statues, tourist offices

São Miguel Island is the largest--in both size and population--of the Azores. The Green Island was discovered and claimed by the Portuguese in the early 15th century. Mild climate and fertile volcanic soil made the island appealing for settlers. It quickly became an export hub for in-demand sugar. A fishing industry eventually followed. Now it's tourists who are flocking to the island. They're lured by black-sand beaches, hidden hot springs, lake-filled craters, Europe's only tea plantations, quiet hiking trails, volcanic hills, and whale-watching tours. Be sure to spend some time in Ponta Delgada, the easy-to-navigate capital, as well. This detailed guide includes: Places: cities, neighborhoods, towns, hidden villages Stay: hotels Eat: coffee shops, ice cream stands, restaurants, teahouses Drink: beach bars, rooftop bars Do: abandoned hotels, aqueducts, bamboo groves, beaches, botanical gardens, bridges, chapels, churches, fountains, fumaroles, gardens, gates, hikes, lakes, marinas, nature preserves, public parks, roads, sculptures, squares, statues, tourist offices, viewpoints Transportation: airports, car rentals, parking lots

Hobart (nipaluna) is the capital and largest city of Tasmania. It's also Australia's southernmost state capital. The city sits at the base of Mount Wellington (kunanyi) and on an estuary of the River Derwent along the island's southeast coast. It's home to about half a million people (that's 40% of the total population). This land was occupied by the Aboriginal Tasmanians before the British founded a penal colony 1804. Whalers, miners, farmers, and, eventually, Antarctic explorers, followed. Tourism has only recently begun to dominate the economy. Hobart's historic waterfront has cobblestone streets and sandstone warehouses. They're now full of new hotels, exciting art galleries, and locally sourced markets. Battery Point has colonial cottages and cute cafés. The eery Convict Trail starts here. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is just a quick ride up the River Derwent. Mount Wellington hikes offer a great lay of the land. Craft breweries and distilleries keep popping up inside the city; wineries lie just outside. While the restaurant scene is booming. Hobart is more than just a stopover. You should plan to spend at least a few days getting to know Tassie's capital. This detailed guide includes: Places: cities, neighborhoods, towns Stay: hotels Eat: cafés, restaurants Drink: cocktail bars, distilleries Shop: bookstores, local produce Do: art museums, bridges, coves, cranes (really!), docks, gardens, memorials, parks, piers, rivers, sculptures, squares, stairs, trails, wharfs Transportation: airports, ferries, highways

Are you considering Iceland as your next destination? Do you need a little extra motivation to actually book that flight? Though motivation comes in many forms, a great hotel can easily tip the scales. Here are 14 hotels around the country--from Reykjavík to a remote island to the far north--to help you envision your trip. You'll be ready to search for active volcanoes, gushing geysers, massive glaciers, the northern lights, thermal hot springs, and thundering waterfalls in no time. Note: I travel to Iceland frequently, so this map will be updated.

Raw. Remote. Untamed. Tasmania is just waiting to be discovered. Clean air. Dense rainforests. Deserted beaches. Dramatic sea cliffs. Fascinating wildlife. Glacial valleys. Gorgeous national parks. Hidden caves. Deep lakes. Multi-day hikes. Rugged islands. Wild rivers. Windswept coastlines. Are you curious yet? Add emerging cities, award-winning wineries, straight-from-the-ocean seafood, and gorgeous lodges. Australia's smallest and least-populated state is starting to command attention. It's about time. The island is beautiful. Historic Hobart is now luring artists and foodies. While road trips move through diverse landscapes within relatively short distances. Tassie is not an accidental destination. But those who make the long journey will feel both at home and surprised at every turn. The Tasmania Guide focuses on Hobart, wine country, and three national parks. This detailed guide includes: Places: regions, cities, neighborhoods, towns, peninsulas Stay: hotels Eat: cafés, farms, food stands, restaurants Drink: breweries, cocktail bars, distilleries, wineries Shop: bookstores, local produce Do: art museums, bays, beaches, bridges, city parks, coves, docks, gardens, hikes, lakes, lookout points, memorials, mountains, national parks, piers, rivers, sculptures, squares, stairs, trails, waterfalls, wharfs, wine tours Transportation: airports, ferries, highways

There are secret islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Nine of them, actually. The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, even though they're nearly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon. Mount Pico, on the island of Pico, is actually the highest point in the European country. The volcanic archipelago is covered with farmland. Small fishing communities line the coasts. Travelers were first introduced to the remote islands when they became a refueling stop for flights between Europe and North America. Direct flights from Boston and New York eventually followed. The Azores are finally being discovered by North Americans without Portuguese heritage. It's about time. Ponta Delgada, the little capital, mixes historic buildings with modern hotels and restaurants. São Miguel, the main island, is full of hiking trails and hot springs. Pico Island is famous for its wine. While seven other islands are just waiting to be explored. With mild climate, thanks to the jet stream, the Azores are a year-round destination. Go before the secret gets out. This detailed guide includes: Places: islands, cities, neighborhoods, towns, hidden villages Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, coffee shops, ice cream stands, pizzerias, restaurants, teahouses Drink: beach bars, rooftop bars, tapas bars, wineries Do: abandoned hotels, aqueducts, bamboo groves, beaches, botanical gardens, bridges, chapels, churches, fountains, fumaroles, gardens, gates, hikes, lakes, marinas, mountains, natural swimming pools, nature preserves, public parks, roads, sculptures, squares, statues, tourist offices, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, viewpoints, windmills Transportation: airports, car rentals, ferries, parking lots

Emerald rivers. Glacial lakes. Hidden karsts. Historic cities. Snow-capped peaks. Sun-drenched beaches. Undiscovered wine regions. Untouched forests. You don't have to traipse all over Europe. The little country of Slovenia features everything you love about the continent in one place. So it's even been nicknamed Little Europe. Start in the Dragon City. Ljubljana survived Roman, Habsburg, and Yugoslavian rule to become one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Then start exploring hidden caves, medieval towns, scenic drives, and a tiny sliver of coastline. There are adventure sports, award-winning restaurants, grand castles, and stunning views along the way. You'll quickly wonder why it's taken you so long to get here. The Slovenia Guide works as a great circular road trip through Western Slovenia. Start in Ljubljana, drive north toward the Austrian border, head west toward the Italian border, circle through wine country, and end up back in the capital. This detailed guide includes: Places: cities, neighborhoods, towns Stay: hotels, resorts Eat: cafés, ice cream, Michelin stars, pizzerias, restaurants Drink: lounges, wine bars, wineries Shop: antique markets, toy stores Do: bell towers, boat tours, bridges, castles, cathedrals, chapels, churches, city models, fountains, funiculars, hikes, history museums, information centers, islands, lakes, libraries, monuments, mountains, mountain ranges, national parks, parks, puppet museums, rivers, roads, squares, statues, streams, ticket offices, valleys, viewpoints, waterfalls Transportation: airports, parking lots

When you head east from Reykjavík, it doesn't take long to leave the Capital Region and enter South Iceland. The city immediately feels quite far away. This area is home to the Golden Circle and Vatnajökull National Park. It's filled with picturesque waterfalls, black-sand beaches, thermal hot springs, iceberg-filled lagoons, stunning hiking trails, and fascinating historic sites. There's a lot to see within relatively short driving distances. It's a good place to start your real Icelandic adventure. This detailed guide includes: Places: towns Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, food halls, pizzerias, restaurants, soup Drink: breweries Shop: wool products Do: beaches, caves, churches, geysers, hikes, history museums, hot springs, lakes, national forests, national parks, nature reserves, roads, rock formations, rocks, swimming pools, valleys, viewpoints, volcanoes, waterfalls Transportation: parking lots

There are two major reasons to visit Pico Island: hiking and wine. Though there are trails all over the island, Ponta do Pico is the biggest (literally) draw for hikers. Mount Pico, a dormant stratovolcano, is the highest mountain in not only the Azores, but in all of Portugal. The wine is equally impressive. The vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the basalt stone walls that surround them. So the two reasons to visit Pico Island are very good ones. Pico Island is in the Azores' Central Group of islands. You can see and easily visit two others, Faial and São Jorge, from here. The Black Island (the black volcanic soil says it all) was discovered in the 14th century, though it wasn't settled until the 1480s. Volcanic eruptions kept deterring people, though. It wasn't until the 18th century that the lava flow ceased, Verdelho grapes started thriving, and whale hunting became popular. Pico found its groove. Similar to São Miguel, tourists are now flocking to Pico. They're lured by the humid and mild climate, rarely exported wine, bucket-list hikes, and whale-watching trips. Madalena, the tiny main town, blends history and nature on the west coast. While Pico's east coast feels like it's still waiting to be discovered. This detailed guide includes: Places: towns Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, pizzerias, restaurants Drink: tapas bars, wineries Do: churches, mountains, natural swimming pools, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, windmills Transportation: airports, car rentals, ferries

When you head north from Reykjavík, it doesn't take long to leave the Capital Region and enter West Iceland. The city immediately feels very far away. This area is home to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Snæfellsjökull National Park. It's filled with sleeping volcanoes, receding glaciers, thundering waterfalls, lupine-covered valleys, small fishing villages, black churches, and isolated lighthouses. There's a lot to see within relatively short driving distances. It's a good place to start your real Icelandic adventure. This detailed guide includes: Places: cities, peninsulas, towns Stay: hotels Eat: cafés, coffee shops, food trucks Do: beaches, bridges, churches, fjords, horseback riding, lagoons, lighthouses, national parks, natural wonders, rocks, sculptures, shipwrecks, viewpoints, waterfalls Transportation: ferries

North Iceland is home to the Arctic Coast Way (a 550-mile coastal road) and the Diamond Circle (Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and Húsavík). It's filled with rolling farmland, rugged mountains, retreating glaciers, roaring waterfalls, deep canyons, isolated fishing villages, and bubbling hot springs. Akureyri is the largest town outside of the Capital Region. Grímsey straddles the Arctic Circle. Life revolves around the midnight sun and the (nearly) polar night. While nothing is remotely close together. It takes planning and patience to travel around North Iceland. But those with both will be rewarded beyond their wildest dreams. This detailed guide includes: Places: peninsulas, towns, valleys Stay: hotels Eat: bakeries, cafés, restaurants Shop: Christmas store Do: bays, bridges, churches, fjords, geothermal areas, harbors, hikes, lakes, mountains, natural wonders, ponds, rootless cones, scenic drives, thermal baths, tunnels, viewpoints, volcanoes, waterfalls Transportation: airports