Thanks to its appearance in numerous influential films over the years, Monument Valley has become synonymous with the American West. Officially known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, it’s not a US National Park,
Shortly after the collapse of sites like Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde, the unique Ancestral Puebloan city of Hovenweep arose in what’s now southeastern Utah. Hovenweep National Monument is mainly known for its
The Great Sage Plain, which encompasses southwest Colorado and southeast Utah, was settled between 500 and 1300 AD. In its heyday, it was the most densely-crowded part of the Ancestral Puebloan world. Today,
Despite having been occupied for a relatively brief period of time, the cliff dwellings of Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park make up what’s arguably the most breathtaking archaeological site in the United States.
Northwestern New Mexico is home to some of the most bizarre yet strikingly beautiful rock formations on the planet. Under ordinary circumstances, such unique landscapes would attract hordes of visitors year-round. But the
The American Southwest is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. But even with so much competition nearby, New Mexico’s bizarre Bisti Badlands is among the most breathtaking and
Situated in a remote corner of northwest New Mexico are what were once the United States’ largest manmade structures. Established by the Ancestral Puebloans over a millennium ago, Chaco Canyon (officially known as
Just about an hour outside of Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument is a unique archaeological site consisting of dozens of cave dwellings carved into the walls of the scenic Frijoles Canyon. In the
Texcotzingo, a former Aztec botanical garden, spa and royal palace, is one of Central Mexico’s most obscure archaeological sites. But it shouldn’t be. This fascinating hilltop site was founded by Nezahualcoyotl, the legendary
At some point when researching popular Mexico travel destinations, you’ve likely come across images of a giant monolith towering over a quaint colonial town. Easily accessible from the city of Querétaro, hiking Peña de Bernal is
Located in Izta-Popo National Park, about halfway between Mexico City and Puebla, hiking Mount Tlaloc is one of the region’s most unique outdoor adventures. At the summit, not only will you find beautiful
Despite being one of Central Mexico’s most popular day treks, hiking La Malinche volcano may not be for everyone. At 4,461 m above sea level, it’s the 6th-highest peak in Mexico. And the
Puerto Escondido is quickly gaining popularity as the new, less-developed alternative to the Riviera Maya. Intrigued, I spent over a week in the area to experience it for myself. And what follows is
Oaxaca’s Hierve el Agua is one of just several sets of travertine pools and rock formations that one can find throughout the world. Accordingly, the natural wonder is by far the most popular
The deep blue Montebello Lakes aren’t what most people expect when they picture Mexico, but the stunning National Park is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those visiting Chiapas. In the following guide,
El Chiflón Waterfalls are among Chiapas’ most striking natural wonders. And that’s saying a lot when Chiapas is already considered to be one of Mexico’s most beautiful states. As El Chiflón is a massive
The scenic Sumidero Canyon has long been a top destination for nature lovers visiting Chiapas. Yet few are aware of the unique ruins nearby – one of Mexico’s only publicly accessible Zoque sites. In
While it may be hard to believe, one of Mexico’s most beautiful waterfront towns remains at least somewhat off the beaten path. Bacalar and its stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors can still be
The are a few different ways to enjoy a day trip to Progreso from Mérida. One option is to relax on the beach, explore town and grab some food before heading back home.
Visiting Blagaj, Počitelj and the Kravice Waterfalls from Mostar is arguably Herzegovina’s most popular day trip – and for good reason. The excursion provides visitors with the perfect blend of history, culture and natural
For nature lovers and adventurers visiting Montenegro, hiking to Bobotov Kuk, the country’s highest peak, is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have. But the hike to the peak, located in
Filled with dramatic landscapes and interesting hiking trails, Durmitor National Park is one of Montenegro’s top highlights. Many visit to conquer Bobotov Kuk, the park’s highest peak. But for those looking to take
Situated 900 m above the Zeta Valley is the most sacred Orthodox site in Montenegro and among the most significant in the Serbian Orthodox world. Ostrog Monastery houses the remains of a 17th-century saint named
The Accursed Mountains, a mountain group shared by Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the Balkans. And one of the best ways to experience them is
The Rugova Valley, part of the Western Balkans’ Accursed Mountains group, is one of the most scenic parts of Kosovo. But few travelers make it out to this remote part of the country,
The Kokino Observatory, one of North Macedonia’s most impressive and enigmatic sites, is also one of its most overlooked. Recognized by NASA as one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, the
Picturesque Matka Canyon, home to numerous caves and monasteries, and Vodno Mountain, known for its towering Millennium Cross, are two of Skopje’s most popular destinations. But few visitors are aware that they’re linked
The imposing granite hill on which Marko’s Towers were built can be seen from all over the city of Prilep, North Macedonia’s fourth-largest. But while the towers date back to the Middle Ages,
Created in 1948, Pelister is North Macedonia’s oldest national park. Home to Baba Mountain and its eight peaks, the park was named after the very highest one, Pelister, which reaches up to about
Nestled between the tourism hotspot of Lake Ohrid and the tranquil Lake Prespa, scenic Galičica is one of North Macedonia’s three national parks. The park’s main highlight is Magoro Peak, which offers views
No trip to North Macedonia’s lakeside city of Ohrid would be complete without visiting Sveti Naum Monastery. Also known as St. Naum, the scenic monastery is situated about 29 km south of town,
Few foreign visitors have heard of the southern Albanian town of Përmet, nicknamed the ‘City of Roses.’ But as small and remote as it may be, Përmet is home to some unique attractions
The small coastal city of Sarandë is arguably Albania’s most popular tourism hub. But aside from making a great base for the ruins of Butrint, does Sarandë live up to the hype? Perhaps
An easy day trip from Tirana, Krujë Castle was the base of operations for Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. As fantastical as it may sound, the military commander went undefeated against the Ottomans throughout his
Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most popular travel destinations, is an enormous site comprising of two main sections: the travertine pool terraces and the Roman spa town of Hierapolis above them. In the following
A sunken city, ancient sarcophagi, a Byzantine fortress and scenic turquoise bays are all part of the Kekova Island boat tour, an easy trip from Kaş or Demre. The excursion shouldn’t be missed
Olympos is one of Antalya Province’s most popular tourist towns, albeit with an altogether different vibe from your typical beach resort. Instead of highrise hotels, you’ll find simple rustic accommodations, while the town
Just outside of Turkey’s summer tourism capital Antalya is a wholly unique and often overlooked archaeological site. Termessos, built at over 1,000 meters above sea level, was just one of two Anatolian cities
Even with a full week in Cappadocia, there’s no way to see it all. And as most visitors only spend three or four days in the region, planning out your trip can be
When most people think of Cappadocia, the image of colorful balloons floating over a dreamlike landscape is often the first thing that springs to mind. But there are numerous other ways to experience
As exciting as hot air balloons and group tours can be, the best way to explore Cappadocia is on foot. And for those staying in Göreme, there are a surprising number of scenic valleys
Hiking Cappadocia is arguably the best way to take in the region’s surreal landscapes. And it’s also completely free. In this guide, we’ll be covering what’s possibly Cappadocia’s very best loop trail. Starting
One of the best ways to take in the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia isn’t with an expensive balloon ride or a group tour. Hiking Cappadocia is not only completely free, but it gives
The image of an ancient church on a small island in the middle of a bright blue lake looks like something out of a fairytale. But while Akdamar Island is indeed a real
Turkey’s northeastern Black Sea region, known for its green alpine landscapes, has a look and feel quite unlike anywhere else in the country. The region is rife with scenic lakes and mountain villages to
Built on a slope of Karadag Mountain in the Maçka district of Trabzon, Sumela Monastery is one of the defining images of eastern Turkey. The monastery appears to hover in the air at
Egyptian civilization is responsible for many of the world’s greatest stone sculptures. But deep in the remote White Desert, some 500 km west of Cairo, stand hundreds of unique sculptures shaped by nature
Hiking from Sanahin to Haghpat monasteries is one of northern Armenia’s most popular day treks. I set off on a crisp, clear autumn day and was surprised to find myself alone for the
Lake Sevan and Dilijan are some of Armenia’s most popular weekend getaways. But what about visiting both in a single day? If relaxation is your goal, don’t bother. But if you’re hoping to
The hike from Mestia to Ushguli, which takes four days, is arguably Georgia’s most popular long-distance trek. And it’s easy to see why. The scenery is stunning and the trek doesn’t get too
The four-day hike from Mestia to Ushguli is arguably Georgia’s most popular long-distance trek. And it’s easy to see why. The scenery is stunning and the trek is approachable for beginners. Furthermore, trekking
Mountain trekking and scenic monasteries aside, one of the best things to do in Georgia is visiting its ancient ‘cave cities.’ And the most famous among them is Vardzia, a large complex first
The climb to Gergeti Glacier is arguably the most challenging, but also most scenic, day hike in Georgia’s Kazbegi region. Standing at over 3,000 meters above sea level, the glacier can be reached
Georgia’s main tourist attractions can pretty much be summed up in two words: mountains and monasteries. It’s no wonder then, why the mountaintop Gergeti Trinity Church has become an icon of the country.
Walking up the steep dirt path, I stopped to look at a vulture flying over the otherworldly desert landscape. Meanwhile, a large lizard, seeking shade, dashed across a nearby pile of rocks. I
Dehang translates to “beautiful valley” in the Hmong language, and it’s easy to see why. Located about 20km west of the city of Jishou, the village has been open for tourism since the
The Fenghuang Ancient Town area has plenty to do and see. One can spend several days in town, exploring its hidden spots and cobblestone backstreets. But if you purchase Fenghuang’s ¥168 ‘through ticket,’ you’ll
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of China’s, and the world’s, most breathtaking natural scenic areas. As China’s first ever national park, Zhangjiajie first opened its doors back in 1982. The huge sandstone
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of China’s, and the world’s, most breathtaking natural scenic areas. First opened in 1982, it’s the country’s first ever national park. Zhangjiajie is known for its huge
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of China’s, and the world’s, most breathtaking natural scenic areas. Situated in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, the massive park takes up over 11,900 acres. The