Category: Travel

There’s a lot more to Moroccan cuisine than couscous and tajines. From cooked vegetable salads and slow-cooked meats to fresh fruits and flaky pastries, the traditional foods of Morocco are mouth-watering.

Midrange restaurant menus can often repeat the same old tajines, so to get more variety you need to feast on street food or dine at one of the growing number of creative fusion restaurants. Home-cooked food is also some of the best in the country, so eating at your riad (guesthouse) can be another good option. Here are the best things to eat and drink in Morocco.

Find your favorite tajine

The quintessential Moroccan dish is a stew cooked in a conical earthenware pot that keeps the ingredients exceptionally moist and tender. The most common tajines are chicken with preserved lemons and green olives, lamb or beef with prunes, and kefta (spiced meatballs of ground lamb and/or beef) interspersed with eggs in a zesty tomato sauce.

Where to try it: Dar Hatim in Fez.

Bite into a brochette from a street stall

Moroccan kebabs are a firm favorite, rubbed with salt and spices, grilled on a skewer, and served with khobz (flatbread) and harissa (hot chili paste), cumin, and salt. Among the most popular varieties are lamb, chicken, kefta, and the flavorful “mixed meat” (usually lamb or beef plus heart, kidney, and liver).

Where to try it: Djembe El Fna Food Stalls in Marrakesh.

Savor Morocco’s national dish, couscous

Morocco’s national dish – aka seksu – is traditionally served on Fridays; although some restaurants now dish it up every day of the week. The age-old process is time-consuming: durum wheat is ground into fine granules and then rolled by hand. Salted water and flour are added, after which it can take up to five hours to steam to light and fluffy perfection.

Couscous is served with an array of vegetables – seksu bedawi, hailing from Casablanca, includes cabbage, carrots, courgettes, onions, potatoes, pumpkin, and squash – or a mix of meat or chicken and vegetables, all accompanied by a flavorsome broth that soaks into the couscous.

Where to try it: Al Mounia in Casablanca.

Scoff down some slow-cooked tanjia

This Marrakesh dish has been dubbed the bachelor’s dish, as it was originally cooked by single men who would put chunks of meat, onions, preserved lemon, garlic, and cumin into a terracotta pot and take it to the local communal oven or hammam to slow cook in the hot coals. Nowadays, it’s a dish that everyone should try in Morocco.

Where to try it: Hadj Mustapha in Marrakesh.

Treat yourself to cornes de gazelle

Literally translating to gazelle horns, these small crescent-shaped cookies stuffed with almond paste and laced with orange-flower water are found across Morocco, and best served with a piping-hot cup of “Berber whiskey” otherwise known as mint tea.

Where to try it: Pâtisserie Bennis Habous in Casablanca.

Chow down on bastilla

A Fassi specialty, though now found across the country, this savory-sweet pie is made up of wafer-thin warqa (filo-like pastry) traditionally stuffed with pigeon, chicken, or vegetables as well as caramelized onions, lemon, eggs, and toasted sugared almonds – and then dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Where to try it: Ruined Garden in Fez.

Don’t miss melt-in-the-mouth mechoui

This traditional Moroccan dish consists of a whole lamb, marinated with spices and slow-roasted for hours in an underground oven until it falls off the bone and melts in the mouth. Perfect for groups in restaurants, although it’s possible to get a smaller portion from street stalls.

Where to try it: Mechoui Alley in Marrakesh.

Slurp up some budget-friendly bissara

This thick fava bean or broad bean soup is especially popular for breakfast, topped with a generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkling of cumin, and a freshly baked khobz (flatbread). It’s also often a filling, affordable option costing little more than a few dirhams.

Where to try it: Baissara Ansar in Chefchaouen.

Enjoy a refreshing maghrebi mint tea

This refreshing drink, affectionately nicknamed Berber whiskey, is ubiquitous across Morocco. Combining steeped green tea with a handful of fresh nana mint leaves (spearmint) and sugar, you’ll be offered some when you arrive at your riad (guesthouse) or you’re invited as a guest into someone’s home. Small tea shops are often found in the souqs, too.

Where to try it: Pâtisserie Driss in Essaouira.

Vegetarians and vegans

Despite the camel spleen sausages, sheep’s-head soup, and other nose-to-tail eating options, Morocco offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Dried fruit, nuts, and olives from the souq are solid snack options or grab some goat cheese with just-baked khobz (bread).

If you’re eating and drinking out in Morocco, you can load up on pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit, and fresh-squeezed juice for breakfast. Bissara is a delicious bean soup that’s typically meat-free, but steer clear of bubbling roadside vats – they may contain snails or sheep’s-head soup.

At lunch, try the mezze of salads, which come with fresh bread and may range from delicate cucumbers in orange-blossom water to substantial herbed beets laced with kaffir lime. Vegetarians can sometimes, but not always, order a vegetable tajine or couscous with seven vegetables – call ahead if you can.

Pizza is another widely available and inexpensive vegetarian option, best when topped with local herbs and olives.

Foods worth trying

Nothing goes to waste in Morocco and those with a strong stomach should try these popular dishes, available from markets and food stalls across the country.

Snail soup

Pluck the earthy-tasting snails from their shells and then drink the flavorsome broth or opt for the broth sans snails; this mix of more than 10 spices is reputedly good for your digestive system.

Camel spleen

Think more camel sausage. The spleen is stuffed with camel meat, spices, and hump fat and then baked, sliced, grilled, and served up in a gamey-tasting sandwich.

Sheep’s head

Watching a sheep’s head being charred over hot coals isn’t for the squeamish, but Moroccans have their favorite parts, perhaps a soft chunk of the cheek. The brain is probably bubbling away in a rich sauce nearby.

A year in food

Morocco is the archetypal Slow Food destination, and there’s never a bad time to visit. Its myriad fruits and vegetables are often bound for Europe, but head to any medina market to find local, seasonal produce piled high on market stalls and wooden carts.

Spring (March–May)

It’s time for avocados, apricots, and oranges, as well as strawberries – delicious in fresh juices.

Summer (June–August)

Fruits, such as watermelon, tomatoes, peaches, figs, grapes, and prickly pear have ripened, and mid-June brings the Cherry Festival in Sefrou.

Autumn (September–November)

Autumn sees grapes and pomegranates (mentioned in the Quran as being one of the fruits of paradise), along with the date harvest – it’s said that Morocco has more than 100 varieties.

Winter (December–February)

The cooler months bring clementines, onions, beetroots, carrots, and potatoes, as well as omnipresent oranges.

Eating during Ramadan

During Ramadan, most Moroccans observe the fast during the day, eating only before sunrise and after sunset. Dinner is eaten later than usual, and many wake up early for a filling breakfast before dawn.

Although you will not be expected to observe the fast, eating in public is still frowned upon. Hence many restaurants are closed during the day until iftar, the evening meal when the fast is broken – though if you call ahead to restaurants in tourist areas, you may have luck. Plan ahead: load up on snacks in the market to eat indoors, make arrangements for breakfast or lunch in the privacy of your guesthouse and ask locals about a good place to enjoy iftar.

From its snowy ski slopes to its tree-lined hiking trails, it’s no secret that Aspen is a great base for outdoor adventurers.

But this scenic mountain town in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, great shopping, engaging museums and top-notch bars and restaurants, making it a crowd-pleasing vacation destination for just about anyone. Whether you’re visiting for the very first time or you’ve been coming here for years, don’t skip out on these quintessentially Aspen things to do.  

Jam out at a concert at Belly Up

Belly Up is an intimate concert venue with a big reputation – it’s been a downtown Aspen staple since 2005 and regularly attracts big-name artists in all sorts of musical genres (B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett, Snoop Dogg are among the many well-known artists that have played here). The Colorado venue’s small size is a major draw: fans can get up close and personal with their favorite musicians. With a diverse lineup and over 300 concert a year, you could attend a gig nearly every night of the week and have a different experience every time. 

Drive or bike over Independence Pass

Topping out at 12,095 feet, Independence Pass is a two-lane (and, at times, one-lane) highway that traverses the Continental Divide. It’s a scenic summertime drive, with vibrant orange Indian paintbrushes, lavender Columbines and other abundant wildflowers blooming along the side of the road in July and August. The pass is also popular among road cyclists, though it’s a challenging climb that requires a high level of fitness and constant vigilance for cars. Whether you drive or bike, stop for a break at Independence Ghost Town, where you can wander among restored miners’ cabins and the remains of abandoned buildings from the 1880s. 

Snap a sunrise photo of the Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells – a pair of 14,000-foot peaks reflecting in an alpine lake near Aspen – are some of the most photographed mountains in North America. Their natural beauty has made them incredibly popular, but you can ditch some of the crowds by waking up before dawn to reach Maroon Lake. Plus, sunrise is a stunning time to photograph the Bells, which become pink and sparkly as the sun hits them. You can also start one of Aspen’s best hikes from there.

Depending on when you go, you may need to make a parking reservation or take a shuttle bus, so be sure to read up on the latest seasonal requirements for visiting the Maroon Bells. 

Find the shrines on Aspen Mountain

Keep your eyes peeled while skiing at Aspen Mountain, aka Ajax, and you might suddenly find yourself immersed in a colorful shrine to Jerry Garcia or John Denver. There are dozens of shrines hidden among the trees at Ajax, as well as Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass, paying homage to everyone from celebrities to beloved deceased locals; there are even shrines honoring dogs who have crossed the rainbow bridge. Some are somber, others are lighthearted and fun – but they offer a window into Aspen’s unique culture and identity.

Go mountain biking at Snowmass Bike Park

While there are hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, a good place to start is Snowmass Bike Park. In the summer and fall, the snowy ski slopes transform into lush, wildflower-speckled singletrack trails for all skill levels. The bike park makes it easy to spend all of your time going downhill, since you can hop on the Elk Camp Gondola with your bike for the ride up the mountain – no huffing and puffing required (unless you want to ride cross-country!). There are 25 miles of downhill trails spanning nearly 3,000 vertical feet, with terrain for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. If you want to beat the crowds on trails like these, September to November might be the best time to visit Aspen.

If you’re new to the sport, Snowmass Bike Park is also a great place to take a lesson or sign up for a skills clinic; you can rent gear there, too. Beyond that, there are more than 300 miles of mountain bike trails throughout the valley, which has been designated a gold-level ride center – the highest rating possible – by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

Enjoy music under the tent at Aspen Music Festival

In the summer, Aspen is brimming with music students and professional musicians from around the world, who travel to the Roaring Fork Valley for the renowned Aspen Music Festival and School (you’ll often hear and see students playing expert-level classical music downtown to make a little extra cash!). Since 1949, students have been able to rehearse and perform alongside principals from major orchestras, attend lectures, participate in masterclasses and listen to panel discussions.

Members of the public, meanwhile, benefit from the hundreds of public performances that students and professionals put on, many of them taking place in the open-air Benedict Music Tent on the Aspen Institute campus. Though the venue seats more than 2,000 people, many concert-goers  lounge on the grassy lawn surrounding the tent, with a picnic or a book to read, while listening to the world-class performances.

Stroll through the Aspen Art Museum

Designed like a woven picnic basket, the Aspen Art Museum is a great place to spend an afternoon, no matter the season. The museum, one of the many free things to do in Aspen, hosts rotating exhibitions featuring mostly contemporary art; there’s also a gorgeous, sunny cafe on the third floor that’s perfect for a light lunch or catching up on emails. Expect to spend about an hour here – it’s not a very big museum, but the architecture and building design are also inspiring. 

Go uphilling at Buttermilk

To work up a little sweat while you ski – or “earn your turns,” as some skiers say – try uphilling at Buttermilk, one of Aspen Skiing Company’s four mountains. Uphilling is exactly what it sounds like: skiing uphill. It’s a workout for sure, but also allows you to skip the lift lines and avoid many of the crowds, which can make for a more peaceful, serene experience on the snow.

To uphill, you’ll need some special equipment – chiefly, skins, which are grippy strips that attach to the bottom of your skis to prevent you from sliding backward as you glide uphill. There are special hours for uphilling to avoid getting in the way of fast-moving downhillers, and you’ll need to buy an uphill season pass for $69.

A popular route for uphilling is Tiehack, which climbs 1,600 feet to Buttermilk’s east summit. Once you get to the top, take off your skins, tighten your boots and let it rip to ski back down.

Eat pancakes at Bonnie’s

Take a break from skiing at Ajax to refuel and warm up at Bonnie’s a cozy, mid-mountain spot that’s known for its pancakes and apple strudel. On bluebird days, it’s also a great place to grab a beer and soak up the sun on the deck while skiers and snowboarders cruise by.

Another must-visit on-mountain restaurant is the Sundeck, located a few paces from the top of the Silver Queen Gondola (the main lift from downtown Aspen). It’s a cafeteria-style setup, but this is far from cafeteria food – perfectly cooked burgers, gourmet pizzas, creative sandwiches and other hearty, fresh foods prepared by the top chefs at the Little Nell, one of the most luxurious hotels in Colorado. Even if you’re not hungry, the Sundeck is worth a stop for the views of the surrounding 14,000-foot peaks. 

Walk back in time with Aspen Historical Society

Aspen’s active historical society keeps the city’s history alive and relevant with museums and ghost towns. The Aspen Historical Society also offers an array of informative and entertaining walking tours around town, including a Victorian West End walking tour that explores the historical characters and distinctive architecture of the West End neighborhood. The historians are highly knowledgeable and often wear period-appropriate clothing, helping you imagine what Aspen was like decades ago.

Ride an e-bike to Pine Creek Cookhouse

Cycling is a popular sport in Aspen, but the city’s already high starting elevation (8,000 feet) and even higher mountain roads can make it a challenge for visitors, particularly those coming from sea level. Enter the electric bike, or e-bike for short, which will give you a little extra oomph while you pedal and is one of the best ways to get around Aspen.

Rent an e-bike for the day from one of Aspen’s many bike rental shops, then begin the 12.5-mile climb toward Pine Creek Cookhouse, a popular lunch restaurant in a log cabin. Even with the electrical assistance of your bike, this ride is still a challenge, so you’ll be hungry by the time you arrive. The ride back to Aspen, however, is a breeze as it’s all downhill: don’t be afraid to eat every last bite of your massive Castle Creek Knife Burger.

In the winter, you can also cross-country ski or take a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride to the restaurant, which is just up the road from Ashcroft Ghost Town.

Go birding at Hallam Lake

Founded in 1968, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is a beautiful 25-acre environmental learning facility and nature preserve – and one of the best spots to go birding year-round in Aspen. Hallam Lake, located on the center’s grounds along the Roaring Fork River, is home to dozens of species of resident and migratory birds, including colorful waterfowl, delicate warblers and impressive birds of prey.

ACES hosts monthly group birding outings led by naturalist and writer Rebecca Weiss – and there’s even a bird club you can join to help support the center’s work. 

Sip an Aspen Crud at the Hotel Jerome’s J-Bar

The Hotel Jerome has been an Aspen landmark since 1889. For more than 130 years, the stately brick building has stood at the corner of Main and Mill streets, surviving the mining boom, the silver crash, the quiet years, the start of Aspen’s ski area, the Hunter S. Thompson years (when gonzo journalist Thompson ran for sheriff in 1970, he made the hotel’s J-Bar his unofficial office) and, finally, the glitz and glimmer of the present day.

The J-Bar, inside the hotel, was also a very popular hangout spot during Prohibition. According to legend, the bartender would surreptitiously toss a few shots of bourbon into a vanilla milkshake for those who asked for “that Aspen Crud.” The boozy milkshake is still on the menu today – and yes, it’s delicious.

Ride bikes along the Rio Grande Trail

This 42-mile “rails-to-trails” route connects the communities in the Roaring Fork Valley from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. It’s a popular trail for cycling, running, walking, jogging and rollerblading because it’s protected from vehicle traffic (except for a handful of well-marked spots where it intersects with roads) as it meanders through varied scenery along the Roaring Fork River. The trail, which is mostly paved and relatively flat, can also connect you with dozens of other trail systems, which means you can ride to your heart’s content without needing to rely on a car.

Get swept up in a Theatre Aspen show

Head to Hurst Theatre, a unique and elegant enclosed tent structure located right along the Roaring Fork River, to be transported to another time and place during a Theatre Aspen musical or play. The professional theater company puts on Broadway shows like Chicago and Guys and Dolls during its annual summer season.

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The week between Christmas and New Year’s can feel a bit like the twilight zone. The kids are out of school, your inbox is quiet, your fridge is full of leftovers, and you’re never quite sure what day it is. 

This delightfully disorienting period – which some people have dubbed “feral week” or “Twixmas” – is one of the best times to plan a trip. Many people have this week off work, meaning the office will be empty anyway, and you likely won’t have any big meetings or deliverables. Plus, by vacationing between the holidays, you can squeeze the most out of your PTO. (And, after the hubbub of December, you could probably use a calm break before you dive into New Year’s resolutions.)

Not sure where to go? Ditch the crowds and enjoy a stress-free, rejuvenating getaway with our round-up of the best laid-back destinations for a post-festive recovery.

1. French Polynesia

Best for tropical weather and gorgeous scenery

Vibes: Give the “winter blues” a whole new meaning by visiting this remote, tropical paradise in the South Pacific. As you explore the 118 islands that make up French Polynesia, you’ll be dazzled by nearly every shade of blue imaginable – turquoise lagoons, cerulean waves, azure skies and iridescent teal fish. French Polynesia is a little farther than Hawaii from the mainland US, and you’ll need your passport. 

Do: Water is the main attraction in French Polynesia. Go snorkeling, take a surfing lesson, enjoy a sightseeing cruise, watch for whales, learn to scuba dive or just lounge on the sand with a fruity cocktail. 

Eat: Pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and fish at the municipal market in Pape’ete, the capital of French Polynesia. This colorful, bustling spot is also a great way to immerse yourself in Tahitian culture and support local artisans and farmers. As you peruse the stands, snack on firifiri (a donut made with coconut milk) or poisson cru (marinated raw fish).

Stay: Wake up to views of Mount Otemanu from your private overwater bungalow at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. After coffee, take a dip in the aquamarine lagoon off your private terrace before wandering over to the beach to take advantage of the free standup paddleboards, kayaks and snorkeling gear. Or treat yourself to a few nights at The Brando, the eco-chic resort on late actor Marlon Brando’s private island. With just 35 bungalows, this secluded retreat is ideal for recharging your batteries for the year ahead.

Visit beautiful Montreux and warm up after a hike with some delicious fondue. Getty Images elvirkin/Getty Images

2. Montreux, Switzerland

Best for soul-warming fondue and serene lake views

Vibes: Montreux tends to be more popular in the summer – when it hosts famous cultural events like the Montreux Jazz Festival – but it’s just as dreamy in winter. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, this picturesque town is part of a region nicknamed the “Swiss Riviera.” Everywhere you look, you’re surrounded by beautiful views – of the lake, the snow-capped mountains surrounding it and terraced vineyards climbing the hillsides. 

Do: The skiers in your group can head to Les Rochers-de-Naye ski area, while the history buffs can take a tour of Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on an island in the lake that’s been standing since at least the 12th century. 

Love rock-and-roll? Stroll along the waterfront promenade and take a selfie with Freddie Mercury’s bronze statue (he absolutely adored Montreux), or visit the recording studio where Queen made six albums between 1978 and 1995. If you decide to come for Christmas, you can also catch the tail end of Montreux’s charming holiday market, called Marché de Noël.

Eat: No visit to Switzerland is complete without savoring a vat of warm, melty fondue. For a magical experience, head to the Mona Montreux hotel, which every winter opens a seasonal “Fondue Tube” – literally, a dining venue inside a glass-enclosed tube – where you can feast on traditional Swiss food under the glow of holiday lights.

Stay: You can’t beat the central location – nor the top-notch service and fascinating history – of Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. This belle epoque beauty has been standing guard over Montreux since 1906. If one’s available, request a room with a balcony overlooking the lake. 

Climb aboard the Leadville Railroad to keep warm after a day of skiing. Getty images Getty Images

3. Leadville, Colorado

Best for snowy landscapes and outdoor adventures

Vibes: While everyone else heads to Vail or Aspen, consider detouring to Leadville instead. This historic Colorado mountain town sits at 10,200 feet above sea level, which makes it the highest incorporated city in North America. It’s surrounded by towering, 14ft peaks – known as fourteeners – and the winter outdoor recreation options are virtually endless.  

Do: Shred the slopes of Ski Cooper, a small but mighty local mountain with fluffy white powder and epic views of some of the state’s tallest peaks. When you need to warm up, climb aboard the Leadville Railroad for a scenic journey through the snow-dusted Pike-San Isabel National Forest or wander the National Mining Hall of Fame to learn about the region’s history. Catch a show at the glamorous Tabor Opera House, built in 1879.

Eat: Dinner at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse is more than just a meal; it’s an adventure. To get here, you’ll need to strap on a pair of snowshoes or skis and then travel about a mile into the forest. Once you arrive, you’ll be ushered into a toasty yurt heated by a wood stove and illuminated by candles and lanterns. Fuel up with a hearty, multi-course dinner before you head back out under the stars. If you want to stay overnight, you can also reserve a sleep yurt.

Stay: Travel back in time to when Leadville was a booming mining town in the late 19th century with a stay at the Delaware Hotel. Built in 1886, this stately property has more than 130 years of history within its walls. It’s cozy, comfy and centrally located on Leadville’s main street, Harrison Avenue. And, according to legend, it even has a resident ghost named Mary. 

Get acquainted with all the rock memorabilia you can handle at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Pgiam/Getty Images © Pgiam/Getty Images

4. Cleveland, Ohio

Best for arts and culture and urban adventures

Vibes: You don’t have to battle huge crowds to get a much-needed dose of arts and culture. Perched on the southern edge of Lake Erie, Cleveland rivals much bigger cities when it comes to museums, performing arts venues and entertainment offerings. This friendly, mid-sized city in the Midwest also has a thriving culinary scene – perfect when you need a much-needed break from all the holiday cooking.

Do: Get in touch with your inner naturalist at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, which is fresh off a $150 million renovation and expansion. Admire masterpieces at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, then contemplate the legacies of some of the greatest musicians who ever lived at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And though Christmas itself may be in the rearview, you can keep the spirit alive by visiting the house where A Christmas Story was filmed.

Eat: Cleveland’s dynamic, multicultural food scene is bringing punchy, international flavors to the Midwest. Hit up LJ Shanghai for Shanghainese, Ginko for Japanese, L’Albatros for French, Amba for Indian or Batuqui for Brazilian.

Stay: Check into Hotel Cleveland, a landmark property overlooking Public Square that recently got a $90 million makeover. Look for subtle nods to Cleveland’s history throughout the space, including vintage photos and murals.  

Keep the festive spirit going with a visit to Salzburg’s beautiful streets and Christmas Market. JJFarq/Shutterstock © JJFarq / Shutterstock

5. Salzburg, Austria

Best for keeping the holiday magic alive

Vibes: Not ready to kiss Christmas goodbye just yet? In Salzburg, you don’t have to. This captivating Austrian city keeps its Salzburg Christkindlmarkt open until January 1st, so you can sip mulled wine in the warm glow of twinkle lights to your heart’s content. This year is also extra special because it’s the market’s 50th anniversary.

Do: See where renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 and learn about his life and legacy at the Mozart’s Birthplace Museum. Then bundle up and take yourself on a self-guided tour of filming locations and historical sites depicted in The Sound of Music.

Eat: Become a part of the city’s culinary history and snag a table at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. It’s been welcoming diners for at least the last 1200 years, which makes it Europe’s oldest restaurant. 

Stay: You’ll feel like royalty when you retreat to Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, a real-life castle that’s been transformed into an upscale hotel. It may be chilly outside, but there are plenty of places to warm up – including the spa, which has a steam bath and a Finnish sauna. 

Visit the sunken garden at Victoria’s Butchart Gardens for a preview of spring. Engel Ching/Getty Images Engel Ching/Getty Images

6. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Best for beautiful architecture and gardens

Vibes: With its mild climate, waterfront views, cozy spaces and Victorian architecture, the capital of British Columbia is an ideal place to mellow out between Christmas and New Year’s.

Do: The summer blooms may be gone, but that doesn’t mean the Butchart Gardens are any less stunning. Take a contemplative walk in the fresh air along the 55 acres of winding paths, then head inside the Blue Poppy Restaurant for a warm preview of spring – complete with tropical flowers and waterfalls. 

Eat: Spend at least one afternoon sipping tea at elegant spots like Abkhazi Garden, the Fairmont Empress, and the Pendray Inn. Grab a casual bite on the waterfront at Red Fish Blue Fish for lunch, then warm up with a savory bowl of pasta at Zambri’s for dinner. 

Stay: Ever dreamed about selling your possessions and living on a boat? See if the fantasy lives up to the hype at Fisherman’s Wharf Floating Bed & Breakfast, a tiny but efficient floating home with a front-row seat to the harbor – and the swans, seals and other creatures who call it home. 

Blow the winter cobwebs away on a whale-watching trip in Newport Beach. Visit Newport Beach Visit Newport Beach

7. Newport Beach, California

Best for mild temps and whale-watching

Vibes: No snow, no problem. Trade in the white fluffy stuff for mild temperatures, Pacific waves, palm trees, sunny hiking trails and sunset beach strolls in Newport Beach. You’ll miss the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (which runs Dec 18-22), but you can still take a holiday lights cruise to see the bedazzled boats of Newport Harbor.

Do: In late December, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of gray whales heading south toward the warmer climes of their breeding grounds in Mexico. (You may spot sea lions, seals, dolphins and sharks, too.) There are lots of different tours to choose from – check out Newport Coastal Adventure because they use speedy, inflatable Zodiac boats that put you closer to the water and the action.

Eat: The light, fresh seafood at The Cannery is the perfect palate-cleanser for all those rich holiday meals. Plus, this 103-year-old repurposed fish cannery is a part of Newport Beach’s history.

Stay: With its coastal, nautical theme, Lido House provides the perfect backdrop for reliving the day’s adventure. For a bit more privacy and room to spread out, try to snag one of the five on-site cottages – be sure to sip a cocktail at Topside, the only rooftop bar in all of Newport Beach.

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Electric-green palms stretching above glinting backwaters that empty into rippling lakes. Honey-colored beaches washed by the tropical surf dotted along an almost 600km(370-mile)-long coastline. Fragrant coconut-laced stews mopped up with fluffy appam (rice-flour pancakes). 

This is just a taste of what awaits discovery on a trip around India’s magical, laid-back southwesternmost state. 

Kerala is defined by its vast network of canals, lakes and rivers, which together make up those fabled backwaters. All along the coast, relaxed beach towns deliver palm-fringed sands, seafood shacks and ayurveda centers, while inland waterways thread past spice-growing farms and palm trees heavy with cococuts. Heading into the cooler hills, the mist-wrapped mountainscapes of the richly biodiverse, UNESCO-protected Western Ghats stop everyone in their tracks.

Then there’s Kerala’s rich arts scene, from centuries-old Kathakali dance-drama to a flourishing wave of contemporary art in evocative Kochi (Cochin). Like most of India’s other southern states, Kerala has its own official language, Malayalam, along with a packed calendar of colorful regional festivals. 

I’ve been spending time in Kerala regularly for over a decade (often on Lonely Planet assignments), and have explored all the way from the beaches of southern Kovalam and northern Kasaragod to the jade-green tea gardens of the lofty Western Ghats.

Tempted yet? Here’s how to get started. 

Time your visit to Kerala with one of the many lively festivals that take place throughout the year, such as New Year celebrations in Kochi. Dmytro Gilitukha/Shutterstock Dmytro Gilitukha / Shutterstock

When should I go to Kerala? 

Kerala’s main tourism season is November to April, when the weather is tropically pleasant all along the coast, with highs of around 31°C (88°F) in Kochi. Things feel busiest (and priciest) during the peak months of December to February, when it pays to book well ahead for accommodation, trains and houseboats. There’s also an array of wonderful cultural events around this time, including the vibrant Kochi–Muziris Biennale and the International Film Festival of Kerala, held in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). 

The Western Ghats make for a cool retreat any time of year, especially around tea-growing Munnar, which sits at an elevation of 1500m (4921ft), with daytime temperatures only climbing to the mid-20s°C (70s°F) during high season. 

The July and August monsoon months have long been the traditional time for ayurveda in Kerala, though many centers offer retreats and therapies year-round. If you’re here in August/September, you’ll catch the fabulous festivities for Onam – with traditional arts on show and onam sadhya feasts served on banana leaves – and the famous snakeboat races in Alappuzha (Alleppey) (expect things to be busy around both events). It’s worth keeping in mind that landslides and flooding have occurred during rainy months in recent years. 

Be sure to leave time on your Kerala itinerary to explore the misty Western Ghats. Vihang Ghalsasi/Shutterstock Vihang Ghalsasi / Shutterstock

How much time should I spend in Kerala? 

You could spend months traveling around Kerala and still be discovering new corners. For India-based travelers, places like culture-packed Kochi and beachy Varkala make for ideal short-break escapes, with handy transport, great food scenes, inspired accommodation and plenty to explore in the immediate vicinity. 

A trip of around two weeks should thoroughly immerse you in Kerala’s palm-studded beauty. Perhaps combine a few days of history, food and monuments in Kochi with south-coast hubs like Varkala, Kovalam and Alleppey, then add on a spin up into the Western Ghats for hiking in Munnar and wildlife-spotting in Periyar Tiger Reserve. An alternative itinerary could take in the joys of Kerala’s less-touristed north coast (more on this below) and the ethereal Wayanad region of the Ghats. Or combine Kerala’s north and south in a multi-week adventure at a more relaxed pace.

Ferries in Kerala operate rain or shine. Getty Images Getty Images

Is it easy to get to and around Kerala? 

Kerala has excellent transport links, starting with well-connected international airports in both Kochi and Trivandrum. Smaller airports at Kannur, Kozhikode (Calicut) and Mangaluru (Mangalore; in southern Karnataka) now make reaching northern Kerala a breeze, too.

Trains conveniently connect most lowland destinations, letting passengers soak in all those lush landscapes along the way. Since 2023, fast new Vande Bharat trains run from Trivandrum to Kerala’s far north in just 8 hours. (Check out this guide for tips on booking train tickets in India.) For day excursions and longer trips, many travelers hire a car with a driver, which works particularly well if splitting the cost between a few passengers. Budget travelers can take advantage of frequent local buses. Bus and car are the only way to reach the mountainous Western Ghats. (Though a train does trundle up their eastern side, from Tamil Nadu.)

Local ferries are a great, budget-friendly way to travel around the backwaters – especially state-run ferries across vast Vembanad Lake, such as the popular Alleppey–Kottayam route. Or jump on the Kochi Water Metro for quick ferry hops between the city’s islands and mainland Ernakulam. 

Top things to do in Kerala 

A stay a houseboat in immerses you in the backwaters’ calm charm. iStock © iStock

Cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters 

An unforgettable, low-impact way to explore the famous backwaters is on an expert-led kayak or canoe trip, which typically travel along small offbeat canals and visit secluded villages for lunch. The main hub for backwaters adventures is lively Alleppey (Alappuzha), but for a quieter experience it’s well worth the journey north to the lesser-known Valiyaparamba backwaters near Kannur. 

Backwaters trips aboard pretty “rice barge” houseboats can also be spectacular (with a little planning), though in recent years concerns have emerged about their impact on this fragile environment. To find a responsible houseboat operator, it pays to research and book well ahead. 

For a truly special backwaters experience, conservation-driven The Blue Yonder runs fabulous sunset canoe tours, culminating in a dinner on a repurposed fishing-net platform just outside Kochi. Or stay a few nights at a waterfront property and catch pink-woven sunrises over the quiet waterways: we recommend the boutique feel of Kayal Island Retreat near Kochi, or a spice-growing homestay at Philipkutty’s Farm on Vembanad Lake. 

Fort Kochi, Kochi’s historic heart, is a dream to explore on foot or by bike. Dmytro Gilitukha/Shutterstock Dmytro Gilitukha / Shutterstock

Soak up arts, architecture and gastronomy in Kochi

Set on a meandering estuary, Kochi is Kerala’s cultural capital and one of South India’s loveliest cities to wander. It was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, then by the Dutch and British, and has recently emerged as one of India’s creative hubs. Leafy Fort Kochi – Kochi’s flat main historical district – is a joy to explore on foot or by bike, as you weave past landmarks such as the Portuguese-built St Francis Church and timeworn streets now adorned with bright murals. Many heritage buildings here have been reborn as arty cafes, creative galleries and soulful hotels. Kashi Art Cafe is a pioneer of the scene, going strong since the 1990s. 

In neighboring Mattancherry, explore relics such as the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace (decorated with exquisite Hindu murals from the 17th to 19th centuries) and the tile-filled Pardesi Synagogue, which give you a taste of this richly multicultural district’s past. Kochi Heritage Project runs amazing food walks through Mattancherry, allowing you a (literal) taste of its many different communities. 

In the nature preserves of the Western Ghats, you may spot an elusive wild elephant – and even a tiger. Paddy Photography/Getty Images ©Paddy Photography/Getty Images

Spot rare wildlife in the misty Western Ghats

The serene Western Ghats provide a refuge for all kinds of wild creatures, with many of its untrammeled areas protected as national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Catching a glimpse of a wild elephant hidden in the greenery, a langur whirling through the forest canopy or perhaps a great hornbill whooshing high above could well be your most memorable Kerala moment. A few very lucky visitors might even spy an elusive tiger. Chances for wildlife-spotting are fairly good from November to April, with the best months March and April, when animals congregate at watering holes. 

Periyar Tiger Reserve, a 777-sq-km (300-sq-mile) wonderland in Kerala’s southern Ghats, is the state’s most-loved wildlife haven. Its game-changing ecotourism program offers overnight wildlife-watching excursions led by retrained poachers, in addition to day walks within the park itself as well as family-friendly lake cruises. In northern Kerala, the beautiful Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a sprawling network of biodiverse, interconnecting nature reserves that also includes Bandipur and Nagarhole in neighboring Karnataka. You can easily visit a couple of these over a few days in Wayanad. There’s also great hiking through the region’s spice-producing hills and across its lush tea plantations.

Backed by dramatic red cliffs, the beaches at Varkala are the center of Kerala’s burgeoning surfing scene. Shutterstock © andrijosef / Shutterstock

Catch the south-coast surf waves

India’s now-flourishing surf scene revolves around its southern coast, and several beach towns in Kerala have grown into wave-riding hubs. Laid-back Varkala, just north of Trivandrum, is leading the way, with a string of surf schools catering to both beginners and more-advanced surfers. Soul & Surf helped kick things off here and now runs small-group surf sessions at locations up and down the surrounding coast, as well as a boutique-flavored guesthouse and yoga classes in a breezy rooftop shala. Varkala’s setting – with rust-red cliffs rising from honey-coloured beaches and a revered ancient temple just inland – only adds to the appeal. 

Stay at a family-run homestay

Kerala is India’s homestay capital, and spending a few days based in the home of a local family will hugely enrich your understanding of this region while also supporting local communities. The best hosts will welcome guests with freshly cooked breakfasts, cups of steaming South Indian filter coffee, local stories shared over communal meals and the chance to learn classic Kerala recipes in the family kitchen. A few favorites? Rosegardens, a green-powered heritage home near Munnar; organic spice farm Varnam Homestay in Wayanad; and The Bungalow (a two-room 1930s house with popular cooking classes); and Reds Residency (a contemporary-style family home) in Kochi. 

Dreamy Thottada Beach lies on the less-visited northern coast of Kerala. Daniel J Rao/Shutterstock ©Daniel J. Rao/Shutterstock

My favorite thing to do in Kerala 

On every visit, I find time to wander around Kerala’s quiet northern Malabar Coast, which has miles of often-empty gold-sand beaches backed by endless palms and some of the most delicious food I’ve tried anywhere in India. I love staying at the rustic seafront homestays in Kannur (perhaps Kannur Beach House) and starting days with walks along Thottada Beach. This is also the best place to see Kerala’s ancient theyyam ritual at local temples during the December-to-February season. 

For a treat, I add on a few days at the heavenly Neeleshwar Hermitage near Bekal, a responsibly run beach-and-ayurveda retreat that lets guests enjoy early morning yoga, wonderful Malabar cooking and stylish thatch-roof cottages. 

How much money do I need for Kerala? 

• Hostel dorm bed: ₹400 (US$5) 
• Kochi food tour: ₹2000 (US$24) 
• Homestay room for two: ₹3500 (US$42) 
• Masala dosa: ₹50 (US$0.60) 
• Car with driver per day: ₹3000 (US$36) 
• Filter coffee: ₹10 (US$0.12) 
• Backwaters canoe or kayak tour: ₹1000 (US$12) 

Be sure to dress respectfully at places of worship, such as the extraordinary Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi. Shutterstock NCREATIVES / Shutterstock

More tips for enjoying Kerala 

Follow local dress etiquette

We always recommend following locals’ example in terms of what to wear. You’ll see bikinis on the beach in some places, like Kovalam, though many people in Kerala wear a t-shirt and long shorts when in the sea. Light, breathable fabrics are most comfortable for Kerala’s tropical climate. Dressing conservatively is appropriate for visiting places of worship; some of these welcome respectful visitors, while others may only be open to devotees. It’s best to ask before you enter. 

Take care with the tides 

Strong, dangerous currents can occur all along Kerala’s coast, including in popular beach towns like Varkala and Kovalam. Be careful if you’re swimming in the sea, and heed local guidance about potentially risky currents.

Check about hiking and trekking practicalities

Taking in the Western Ghats’ landscape on a hike is a unique thrill, though organizing walks can feel slightly complicated as regulations on which areas are open for trekking change often, particularly if there are wildlife-related concerns in a particular region. Many walks also require a permit of some kind, which you usually have to arrange only once you’ve arrived. It’s best to enquire locally, or join a guided trek with a reputable operator, such as the well-established Muddy Boots.