Here are four far more interesting and adventurous ways to experience Newport, Rhode Island …

Adventurous Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island (RI)

#1: Parasailing with Island Style Parasail (Summer season)

I’ve long had a fascination with seeing new destinations from the highest vantage point possible. Skyscrapers, helicopter rides, tall bridges — whatever. So, parasailing has always seemed like one of the best ways to experience Newport. It took a little prodding to convince Kelsey to go tandem with me. But, she’s committed to trying one new experience every year that scares her. So — up we went with Island Style Parasail.

To our surprise, the company is the only parasailing provider in all of Newport. No matter though because Kevin and Andrew (the company’s founder and ride facilitator, respectively) probably wouldn’t have any competition anyway. They’re two guys from Hawaii who seriously love what they do, and I’m convinced they could get a boat full of people excited about watching seaweed float around Newport Harbor.

Our tandem ride with them was even more awesome then we expected! They offer three experience “tiers” depending on how high you want to go: a 600-foot line, 800-foot line, and 1,000-foot line. But, if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it all the way. So, we opted for the “top floor” 1,000-foot experience which allowed us to sail roughly 500 feet over the bay. That’s higher than the support structures of the Newport Bridge!

The views are, not surprisingly, fantastic. From the height of a 50-story building, we could practically see the entire state plus some of Massachusetts and Connecticut to boot. Once you get to the top, it’s pure bliss. It’s quiet, relaxing, exhilarating and just plain beautiful.

Island Style Parasail only operates during the short summer season, and slots fill up fast. Trips leave every 90 minutes between 9 am and 6 pm daily. 1,000-foot flights are $99 per person (plus gratuity if you’re a good person), but you can score a $20 discount on the first and last flight of every day.

#2: Rail Biking with Rail Explorers (May 12 through November)

This one isn’t technically in Newport. But, Rhode Island is so damn small, it sort of doesn’t matter, so long as you get close enough …

Rail Biking is all the rage right now. To be fair, this isn’t an “awesomely adventurous” experience in the sense that it’s a seat-of-your-pants thrill ride. But, Rhode Island’s own rail biking experience with Rail Explorers is a new and interesting way to see some lesser-visited parts of the state. If you’re unfamiliar, rail biking recalls the days of 19th-century rail workers who relied on pedal-powered vehicles to travel long distances of track. The latest incarnation is sleeker, lighter, more reliable … and a helluva lot more fun. Go it alone, with someone you (mostly) like, or bring a total of four passengers on the company’s “Cadillac” edition Quad Explorer.

The two Rhode Island tours track distinctly different sections of Aquidneck Island and beautiful Narragansett Bay:

• ‘The Northern Ramble’: a six-mile exploration of the historic railroad between Portsmouth and the Sakonnet River. One way tour with shuttle bus.
• ‘The Southern Circuit’: a six-mile round trip tour (3 miles out, 3 miles back). Bring a drink or a snack to enjoy during a 30-minute break at Bayside Station, an exclusive waterfront picnic area, before riding back to the station.

#3: Tour the Newport Mansions by Helicopter (Year-round)

Newport’s mansions are some of the most famous “summer homes” in the country. A proper tour of the Breakers is practically required for first-time visitors, and it does provide plenty of historical perspective on the city’s history. But, the surrounding Ocean Drive is wrought with tourists, particularly during the summer.

If you’re looking to sidestep the throngs of out-of-towners and take an exclusive mansion tour, you need to rise above the crowds — literally. The best way to do that? A proper helicopter tour with the aptly named Newport Helicopter Tours.

The company offers a variety of options from the entry-level 12-minute tour for just USD $75 per person. But, if you’re willing to splurge, the 20-minute Sunset Island Tour is the way to go. The views are ridiculous. Or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, take an Intro/Demo Flight where you can play helicopter pilot for almost a half-hour.

It’s worth noting the company even offers discounted helicopter tour / rail biking combo packages. So, if you’re considering both, you can save quite a bit with just one booking.

#4: Skydive Newport (Year-round, weather dependent)

Of course, if parasailing and helicopter flights aren’t disco enough for you, skydiving is the only way to fly. Skydive Newport has been launching jumps out of South County since 1999. The company specializes in tandem skydiving, so they’re an obvious choice for first-timers.

All-in rates start just north of USD $200 (with a discount for cash customers), plus a tip for your instructor. But … can you really put a price tag on sheer, unforgettable terror as you plummet to the earth at more than 100 miles per hour with a stranger strapped to your back?

What are your favorite things to do in Newport? Share with us in the comments below!

The post 4 Awesomely Adventurous Ways to See Newport, Rhode Island appeared first on Vagabondish.

If you’re a nerd through-and-through — someone who appreciates a good nuclear museum or the physics behind hot air ballooning, ABQ (as it’s known to locals) should be at the top of your bucket list.

Here are just five reasons why …

Things to Do in Albuquerque New Mexico

In just a few short days, we found so many amazing, adventurous, and geeky things to do in Albuquerque. Here are five of our favorites (and a few honorable mentions) in New Mexico’s most popular destination city.

#1: Hot Air Ballooning

Of all the things to do in Albuquerque, you probably already know that it’s the officially unofficial world hub for all things hot air ballooning. For three very good reasons. Firstly, the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is perhaps the world’s largest, most popular, and most fun hot air balloon launch party. Professional and amateur balloon pilots culminate from around the world to participate in this massive event. There are balloon rides, races, music, photo contests, food … it’s like Burning Man, but without all the hippies and insane desert heat.

Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, Albuquerque © Mike Richard

Second, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is ground zero for everything you’ve ever wanted to know (or didn’t even know you wanted to know) about ballooning. It tracks the history of the sport from centuries ago, right up through the manned, record-setting, trans-oceanic flights of today.

Hot Air Balloon Ride with Rainbow Ryders, Albuquerque © Mike Richard

Lastly, and most obviously, the area around ABQ offers some of the best conditions in the world for actually going ballooning. I highly recommend a ride with top pilot Troy Bradley of Rainbow Ryders. Bradley has flown more than 6,500 total hours, around the world in 45 states and 13 countries. He’s set nearly 60 world records and his stories will blow your mind, perhaps even more than the balloon ride itself!

#2: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Hardcore geeks — and honestly just about anyone — will find something of interest at Albuquerque’s National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Of all the things to do in Albuquerque, this has to be the nerdiest. As “the nation’s only congressionally chartered museum in its field,” it’s home to some of the most fascinating nuclear-related exhibits in the world. Everything from nanotechnology to nuclear medicine to the process and disposal of nuclear materials is explored. The museum also offers a variety of historic exhibits that show the science and aftermath behind the dropping of the world’s only-ever atomic bombs in Japan.

Bomber Plane Albuquerque's National Museum of Nuclear Science & History © Mike Richard

In addition, the museum’s large, outdoor Heritage Park is home to dozens of one-of-a-kind bits of aviation history, including decommissioned planes, rockets, missiles, and even a nuclear sub sail.

#3: Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyphs — historic designs and symbols carved into rock — are among the most valuable pieces of written human history in the world. Petroglyph National Monument is among the largest sites of its kind in North American with more than 24,000 glyphs. The meaning behind the vast majority of them is a mystery to historians and archeologists, but they provide substantial clues to the way Native Americans and Spanish settlers lived between 400 to 700 years ago. The park’s geological formation is also found almost nowhere else in the world, making it all the more unique. A variety of dedicated hiking trails around the park lead to sites where visitors can view hundreds of different glyphs.

#4: The Darkest of Dark Skies

Ribbons and Stars of the Milky Way © Abdul Rahman

“Astrotourism” has grown exponentially in just the last five years. With little light pollution relative to similarly-sized cities, the area around Albuquerque offers excellent opportunities for dark sky parties. For amateur astronomers and photographers, it’s a stunning place to see the sky like our ancestors saw it. On a clear night, views of the Milky Way are quite literally breathtaking!

#5: Everything Breaking Bad

Heisenberg Parking Only Sign, Albuquerque © Mike Richard

I don’t really need to point this out, right? Albuquerque is home to everything Breaking Bad and, if you’re a hyper-obsessed fan of the show like me, it’s almost overwhelming just how many BB-related points of interest you can find throughout the city. Visitors can get their photo taken in front of the house where Jesse’s girlfriend overdosed, Walt and Skyler’s house (which is sadly, but routinely, peppered with whole pizzas on the roof), and, of course, The Candy Lady for a “Blue Ice” demonstration that reveals how the show’s prop meth was really cooked.

Honorable Mentions (or “Other Fun Things to Do in Albuquerque”)

Spaceport

© Spaceport America

Spaceport — home to Virgin Galactic’s WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo and the modern day private space race — isn’t technically open for public tours. But, the fact that the company’s home base is in New Mexico speaks volumes about the state’s long-standing dedication to hardcore science.

American International Rattlesnake Museum

© Mike Johnston

Albuquerque’s Rattlesnake Museum is a museum. Full of just rattlesnakes. How rad is that? Its goal is to explore how rattlesnakes, in particular, and other “less desirable” animals in general influence our lives. I don’t know for sure, but I’m going to assume that this is the only museum of its kind in the world.

Apothecary Lounge at Hotel Parq Central

Mixology and cocktail culture have exploded in recent years. Not surprisingly, one bar in Albuquerque puts a chemistry-centric spin on their affection for artisan tipple. Bartenders at the downtown Hotel Parq Central’s Apothecary Lounge could teach a masterclass in cocktail chemistry and they’re happy to share the knowledge and flare with hotel guests. As an added bonus, the bar’s rooftop terrace offers some of the best views in the city.

What are your favorite things to do in Albuquerque? Let us know in the comments!

The post (At Least) 5 Reasons Why Albuquerque Is America’s Coolest City for Geek Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

Where and What Is The Powder Highway?

Also known as Route 95A, in British Columbia, Canada, the Powder Highway loops between seven ski resorts that are guaranteed to deliver wintery adventures. In Part 1 we mentioned Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, and Panorama, here are the other four ski resorts that make up the loop on The Powder Highway …

Ski Resort: Kimberley

Sunny Kimberley ski resort, 140kms south of Panorama, is considered hugely underrated. It offers excellent, economical and family-friendly facilities whilst still offering challenging terrain. Similar to Panorama, it’s more of a local ski resort so it remains uncrowded compared to the bigger resorts such as Whistler. Lift infrastructure could be better but caters to the green, blue and black runs, all below the treeline, surrounding the resort.

Skill: Intermediaries love Kimberley, but beginners are bound to enjoy the runs as well given the magic carpet and t-bar area. Snowfall is around the 4metres/13ft per season. Kimberley is 400km from Calgary, 2.5hrs from Kalispell, Montana or just 20minutes from the Canadian Rockies Airport.

Accommodation: Accommodation is available in all styles at the resort and all budgets in downtown Kimberley, 4kms from the resort, which also provides more access to amenities, of which they are limited at the resort. Kimberley also offers other popular activities apart from skiing and boarding, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and scenic helicopter flights.

Ski Resort: Fernie

Fernie ski resort is a popular (yet still uncrowded) resort for being an all-rounder ski holiday destination, especially to local Calgarians. From Kimberley ski resort, Fernie is a 120km south-east and requires a detour off the ‘Powder Highway’, but is commonly visited anyway.

Skill: It’s relaxed and friendly and suitable for all ages, levels and abilities. There’s plenty of dry snow (9m / 29ft per season) and great terrain offering 1,000 hectares (2,500 acre) of playground, and 1,100 metres/3,600ft of vertical. Fernie ski resort’s international crowds keep away to a degree given its distance from cities (although a shuttle does run from Calgary International Airport, 3.5hours away). The town of Fernie is 5km from the resort, Cranbrook airport (Rocky Mountain airport) is 1.25 hours away, and Kalispell in Montana is 2 hours away.

Accommodation: Facilities on the mountain are limited, however, downtown Fernie offers more budget-friendly options and facilities including shuttle services up to the mountain. Similar to Kimberley other activities include snowmobiling, sleigh ride dinners, snow-shoeing, ice-skating, curling, and cross-country skiing and cat skiing is another highlight of Fernie.

Ski Resort: Whitewater

Back on The Powder Highway Whitewater ski resort is a 320km drive from Fernie or if you’ve skipped Fernie, it’s a 260km drive from Kimberley. Nelson the nearby town, sits on the shores of the stunning Kootenay Lake, and is well know for being the gateway to some of Canada’s (and North America’s) best skiing, at Whitewater. Whitewater is relaxed and mostly serves the local community of Nelson, but offers some of the best terrain and massive snowfall of around 12m annually. Whitewater is 19kms southeast of Nelson and is accessible via the nearby airports at Castlegar and also Spokane in Washington USA. Nelson offers cat skiing, heli-skiing and resort skiing at Whitewater. Cat skiing is sell out popular each season, so bookings well in advance are required. Cat skiing is recommended for getting to see the surrounding, incredible Kootenays.

Skill: The vertical drop is 620metres/2000ft and the terrain caters almost 50/50 to beginner/intermediate and advanced/expert. On-mountain amenities are basic, but adequate and food has a quality and taste to it, that other ski resorts catering to the masses, can’t provide.

Accommodation: is only available in Nelson, which is inexpensive and there are plenty of relaxed, friendly and affordable food options available.

Ski Resort: Red Mountain

Apparently, there are Scandinavians who came to Red Mountain in the 1890s for the gold rush and haven’t left. This is probably for a few reasons, but the skiing on the mountain was possibly a factor too! Pro’s of Red Mountain include uncrowded runs, plenty of snow (7.5m / 24.5ft), a great combination of challenging and family friendly, a friendly and laid-back attitude and most importantly, it’s affordable for all budgets. The only negatives really are that the ski lifts can be a tad slow and activities for non-skiers/snowboarders are limited.

Skill: Red Mountain offers 1,128 hectares (2,787 acres) of skiing, and 890 metres/2,919ft of vertical, with 18% of terrain being beginner, 31% intermediate and the rest mostly catering to advanced and expert. Located 76km southwest of Nelson and about 3kms from Rossland in BC, Red Mountain is also accessible from Kelowna International Airport (3.5hrs away), 30minutes from Castlegar Regional Airport or 2.5hrs from Spokane in USA.

Accommodation: is available on mountain or in Rossland again with more amenities in Rossland than on mountain, but without the ski in/out ease of being on mountain. The relaxed feel of both Rossland and Red Mountain is both charming and comfortable. There are plenty of facilities provided catering to tourists, without the capitalising on tourists. A cat skiing day trip is highly recommended (as is booking in advance) whilst staying in Rossland.

Completing the Loop — Return to Kelowna

Once you’ve had your fill on Red Mountain, you can complete the loop by reaching Kelowna (depending on where you’ve started from, of course). If you haven’t had enough or need to break up the journey you can also call into smaller lesser known ski areas including:

• Baldy Mountain: Beginner and intermediate friendly, uncrowded and inexpensive, 135km south of Kelowna.
• Apex Ski Resort: Northwest of Baldy, off-the-grid Apex is 95km south west of Kelowna where crowds won’t be an issue.
• Big White Ski Resort: 55km east of Kelowna is another option, very popular with families as well as everyone else of all ages given its all round great amenities and facilities.

See Part 1 to read about the other destinations on The Powder Highway; Revelstoke, Kicking Horse and Panorama …

Ready to experience The Powder Highway? Chat with a travelcuts expert and start planning your next adventure!

The post The Powder Highway (Part 2) appeared first on Vagabondish.

Where and What Is The Powder Highway?

Also known as Route 95A, in British Columbia, Canada, the Powder Highway loops between seven ski resorts that are guaranteed to deliver wintery adventures. The loop is renowned for great mountains and an abundance of quality snow, and is also home to many cat skiing and heli-skiing operators. These seven ski resorts include Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Panorama, Kimberley, Fernie, Whitewater and Red Mountain. There are also a few others that are worth the detour if you have the time and haven’t had enough just yet! These include Baldy Mountain, Apex and Big White which aren’t far from Kelowna.

How to Get There

Anyone keen to drive the whole Powder Highway, or any part of it, could consider starting from Calgary in Alberta, Spokane in Washington USA or Kelowna in British Columbia. Renting a car and driving is popular if you are comfortable in snow conditions, alternatively, you might consider tour options, or shuttle services from airports and towns to the resorts.

What’s So Great About The Powder Highway?

One of the huge benefits of the Powder Highway, as opposed to some of the better-known ski resorts (thinking Banff, Whistler etc), is that everything is relatively inexpensive. There tends to be less infrastructure but the feel and facilities of these resorts give you a more authentic, local experience and are usually far less busy!

The Seven … the Key Details You Need to Know

Ski Resort: Revelstoke

Located 2.5-3 hours east of both Kelowna and Kamloops, Revelstoke ski resort serves up plenty of snow (9-14metres / 29-45ft per season) and fast and efficient lifts providing access to the 5,629 vertical feet (1700m) of slopes. The runs at Revelstoke are mostly below the treeline and are made up of long steep or mellow groomed runs, moguls, glades, and tree skiing.

Skill: The more skilled you are, the more you can do at Revelstoke, however, there are increasing facilities for those with intermediate skills as well as families and beginners, such as inexpensive kids’ lift tickets and beginners’ packages. Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing is popular for those with the skills and budget. You could easily spend a week at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and not get bored.

Accommodation: The resort has upscale accommodation options suited to ski in, ski out or there are many other options in downtown Revelstoke suited to all budgets.

Ski Resort: Kicking Horse

Kicking Horse ski resort just east of Revelstoke, has a better-developed village and has more alpine and expert terrain. The snow tends to be less (6.5m/21ft, but drier) and lift infrastructure isn’t as efficient as Revelstoke.

Skill: According to Kicking Horse Resort, which offers 1,260m/4,130ft of vertical runs, 45% are black runs and 15% are double black runs, testing the most skilled skiers and boarders.

Accommodation: The village at Kicking Horse is small but serves the number of visitors fairly well with a variety of accommodation options and eateries. Alternatively, Golden is the nearest more, affordable town, 14km away.

Ski Resort: Panorama

Heading South, Panorama ski resort quietly awaits as an impressive, but less known, ski destination. Located 3-3.5hours from Calgary, 2hours from Banff and a good day tripper from Kicking Horse (all accessible via shuttle), Panorama offers 1,225m/4000ft of vertical runs, all below the tree line.

Skill: The Extreme Dream Zone offers double black diamond tree skiing and there is also backcountry skiing, however much of the resort is suited to the intermediate skier. Snowfall isn’t as high as other resorts (5m/16ft), but is dry and keeps well.

Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodation options and amenities and you can’t resist a dip in the Panorama Springs Hot Pools. Families in particular love Panorama for amenities and activities, but 20-somethings also love the terrain, the parks and pipes and nightlife. In general, slopes are usually less busy than other resorts, allowing room for everyone. There is also heli-skiing on offer for those who are keen.

Up next: Part 2 to read about the other Ski Resorts, Kimberley, Fernie, Whitewater and Red Mountain on The Powder Highway …

Ready to experience The Powder Highway? Chat with a travelcuts expert and start planning your next adventure!

The post The Powder Highway (Part 1) appeared first on Vagabondish.

Which is how Kelsey and I have come to love the town of Stowe, Vermont for our semi-annual romantic weekend getaway. Just an hour from the Canadian border, this tiny mountain town is best known as a year-round mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winters offer some of the best skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and … well, you name it … in all of New England. And still, through decades of popularity amongst locals and tourists, it’s managed to maintain a picture-perfect small town feel.

Frankly, I’d recommend a visit any time of year. But here we provide a brief list of our favorite winter spots to visit in Stowe …

Day 1

Stowe is easily accessible by car from almost anywhere in New England or by plane with a quick stopover in a regional hub such as Logan or Manchester. With that in mind, plan to arrive by noon to kick off your 37-hour stay.

Lunch @ Cliff House

Start your long weekend with a breathtaking gondola ride up Vermont’s highest peak. Situated at nearly 4,400 feet above sea level, The Cliff House atop Mount Mansfield offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the town of Stowe below.

As you might expect, lunch is a variety of hearty soups (the onion soup is fantastic), stews, and entrees with a mix of apres ski-inspired cocktails, like their unique Mapletini. While I didn’t order this, I did steal a sip from my Kelsey and I’m not ashamed to admit that it was quite tasty.

2pm / Snowshoeing @ Wiessner Woods

If you’re looking for outdoor kit, you need only make one stop in Stowe: Umiak Outdoor Outfitters. This small, unassuming shop is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts, offering virtually any type of rental including snowshoes (rentals around $20/day), skis, extreme sleds ($5-20/day), and more. And, if you don’t know how to use it, the staff is more than happy to provide a primer so you don’t kill yourself!

There’s no shortage of outdoor adventure options in Stowe. I’d recommend grabbing a pair of snowshoes and a trail map from Umiak. Nearby Wiessner Woods is an excellent choice for your first outdoor fix in town, with a small network of relatively short paths, all perfect for a quick, “we’re only here for the weekend” jaunt. There’s no hunting and motorized recreation is off limits, so it’s an ideal spot for grabbing some peace and quiet and communing with nature.

From there, head to Marshall Hill at Stowe Elementary School for some extreme sledding. Once a beginner’s ski slope, it’s since been converted into a badass sledding hill with a nearly 100-foot drop. Beware: this slope is not for the timid! Bonus: the nearby playground at the school is a nice spot for the kids (or childlike grown-ups) to relax between sled runs.

If you need a post-sledding warm-up, PK Coffee serves great artisanal espresso drinks and their Logan’s Hot Chocolate is arguably the best in Stowe.

Dinner @ The Bistro at Ten Acres

The Bistro at Ten Acres is a fine-dining French-meets-American restaurant disguised in a casual and thoroughly unpretentious atmosphere. Everything from the burgers (and buns!), marinades, and steaks are made from scratch and the service is excellent to boot. Splurge on the Pan Seared Lobster — arguably their signature dish, splashed in bourbon, tarragon sauce, and polenta.

Overnight @ Stone Hill Inn

I’m hesitant to tout raw numbers but, as recently as a few years ago, Stone Hill Inn was ranked #16 among more than 21,000 (!) B&Bs by TripAdvisor readers. It’s a picturesque boutique property designed for couples in search of the perfect romantic getaway.

While I’m typically more a fan of budget/boutique hotels, Kelsey and I fell in love with Stone Hill Inn the first time we stayed there in 2012. With few rooms, it offers all the charm and intimacy of a traditional New England B&B but with plenty of space to ensure every guest has complete privacy. We like to think of it as a bed-and-breakfast for folks who don’t typically like bed-and-breakfasts (read: us).

Every room features a warm, beautiful design, unique floor plan, and modern appointments. Our Fiddlehead guestroom was a corner suite with almost 500 square feet to relax and spread out. A double-sided fireplace warms the bedroom and bathroom simultaneously — a luxurious feature we quickly grew to appreciate, particularly after coming in from the brisk Vermont cold. The adjacent, ensuite bathroom was almost as large as the bedroom itself with an oversized spa tub, walk-in shower, and dual vanities.

Innkeepers Todd and Kristie Roling ooze Southern charm, and get to know every guest personally. An hour after we checked in, they knew us and every other guest by name. They’re kind, gracious, and inviting.

Common amenities at the inn include free snowshoe use (with onsite trails), unlimited use of their DVD lending library, and a common area where guests can gather and relax around a towering fireplace. Plus, there’s local wine and beer available from the front desk, and the guest pantry is always stocked with free fresh-baked treats, coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

Day 2

Breakfast @ Stone Hill Inn

Wake up early for breakfast at the hotel where it’s prepared fresh daily by Todd, Kristie, and their family. In addition to a selection of fresh fruits, yogurt, cereals, granola, and muffins, hot a la carte dishes inspired by locally sourced ingredients are cooked to order.

The breakfast literally became the highlight of every day of our trip. The Roling’s herald from Texas, and there’s a distinct Southern-inspired flair behind every dish. Especially notable: the chicken and sweet corn waffles with maple butter and spicy maple syrup. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s are also available upon request.

9am / Zipline @ ArborTrek Canopy Adventures

It’s no surprise that, with so much varying terrain, Vermont offers some of the best ziplining in the country, and ArborTrek Canopy Adventures is the best in the state. At their Smugglers’ Notch location, you’ll spend upwards of three hours in the Green Mountains traversing up to 4,500 feet of zip lines, crossing sky bridges high above the forest floor, and rappelling from trees. It’s an ambitious trip for sure, but no experience is necessary making it perfect for kids or first-timers. (Note: due to road closures during the winter season, allow at least an hour to travel between the hotel to/from ArborTrek).

Noon / Wine Tasting @ Boyden Valley

Wine in Vermont?! Wait … what?? It’s true. And more surprising is that it’s pretty damn good. There’s a shorter growing season to be sure, but that just means the wineries must be that much more clever and work that much harder at making great wine.

Stop at Boyden Valley Winery for a tour and tasting with wine room manager Bridget Jones. Her endless energy, bubbly personality, and encyclopedic knowledge of all things wine make for an educational and fun tour. Don’t miss their Ice Ciders and Glogg (mulled wine served hot with a variety of added spices)! There’s also plenty of take-home bottles on offer, with the Big Red being their best seller.

2pm / Lunch @ Bench

Like most eateries in Stowe, lunch at Bench is a low-key, unpretentious affair. So come as you are, belly up to the bar, and be sure to sample a few things from their lengthy menu. It’s all about comfort food, so expect hearty fare like duck fat fries, wood-fired pizza, and homemade lasagna. Although, there are more “adventurous” specialties like wood fire roasted duck and salmon tacos. The beer list is solid and almost entirely local.

4pm / Massage + Relaxing @ Top Notch Spa

After a hearty meal, it’s time to unwind at Topnotch Resort & Spa. The award-winning spa at this five-star resort is routinely ranked among the best in the country. And with good reason: the changing rooms alone are the largest and swankiest of any spa I’ve ever visited, complete with large seating areas, flat-screen TVs, fireplace, and comfy couches. It’s a perfectly relaxed atmosphere akin to hanging out in your (rich) friend’s living room.

Opt for the uber-romantic, 90-minute side-by-side couples massage. You’ll enjoy a treatment room larger than some apartments I’ve lived in, complete with fireplace, couch, and chairs. And if you really love the person you’re with, splurge on an even longer treatment with optional accouterments such as sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries.

Treatments here include access to the spa’s numerous amenities: a sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor pools, and a hot tub with a waterfall (this last bit alone is worth the price of admission). Spend the rest of your afternoon by the pool, where you can order light snacks and adult beverages while relaxing in your robe and slippers.

Or, if you really love beer, abandon all that frilly nonsense and …

6pm / Stock Up at The Alchemist

There’s no shortage of breweries, brewpubs, and beer-related destinations in New England. But, The Alchemist might just be the pinnacle, the mecca. Beer lovers travel — in their words, pilgrimage — hundreds of miles to visit the brewery. The reason is simple: it’s among the only places on the planet to buy the beer fresh (the only other outlets are located in Stowe). Their Heady Topper is routinely ranked among the best in the world.

For a few four packs and a T-shirt, our bill in the taproom came to more than $70. And you can expect to wait an hour or more (on a good day) to cash out. But, it’s worth every penny!

Visitors are only allowed a few four-packs per beer variety. So, be sure to stock up before you …

Dinner + Overnight @ Stone Hill Inn

Once you’ve had your fill of several hours of relaxation, head back to Stone Hill Inn. I recommend planning a night in. Specifically: order a pizza from nearby Piecasso (the “Carcass” is among the best meat lover’s pizzas I’ve had anywhere in the States).

Then, grab your Heady Topper and head to the inn’s billiard room for a few rounds of pool before kicking back in your room where you can enjoy a movie (from the hotel’s free DVD collection) and one last glorious soak in your private hot tub.

It’s the perfect end to a busy weekend of outdoor fun, gourmet food and wine tasting, and a perfect trip to one of the most quintessential New England towns in the Northeast.

The post 37 Hours in Stowe, Vermont: A Perfect Winter Getaway for Outdoorsy Couples appeared first on Vagabondish.

Both the province of Quebec — and Quebec City, in particular — will always have a special place in my heart. It was the site of my first-ever international trip in high school, and where my paternal grandmother grew up on a rural farm without electricity many, many decades ago.

The simple charm, the soft French accents, and the endless idyllic countryside all feel worlds away from anywhere in the States. For many Americans, it’s the closest we can get to Europe without a transatlantic flight. All of which makes it the perfect place to getaway — and feel far, far away — for a bit of adventure. I joined up with Expedia.ca to share three of my favorite outdoor adventures in and around Quebec City.

Chill at Hôtel de Glace

Quebec’s Hôtel de Glace may no longer be the world’s only ice hotel, but it’s certainly the most famous. Every winter, the entire hotel is built from scratch with a different theme, a unique layout, and all-new amenities. The grounds most often include an ice-based movie theater and an intimate wedding chapel (who wouldn’t want to get married in a giant igloo?). Ideally, you’ll want to overnight here in one of its surprisingly luxurious suites. But, if your schedule or budget won’t allow it, it’s still worth stopping by for a day trip that includes taking a tour and lingering for a few hours at the Ice Bar where everything from the walls to the sculptures to the cocktail glasses is carved from ice. Opt for the Snow & Ice Tour to add on a host of bonus outdoor winter excursions — snow rafting, ice skating, and snow sliding — in the nearby Valcartier Vacation Village Winter Playground.

Bike to Montmorency Falls

Situated just eight miles (roughly 12 kilometers) from the heart of Old Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is arguably the province’s most stunning waterfall. At nearly 275 feet tall, it’s 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Tours Voir Quebec offers half-day bike tours that depart from the city and loop more than 15 miles (25 kilometers) to and around the falls. The guided tour rides past Beauport Bay and some of the most beautiful stretch of the Saint Lawrence River. Stopping at the base of the falls, tour-goers can also hop the cable car for a ride to the top of the falls which offers panoramic river views.

Explore the Plaines d’Abraham

There is no park more at the heart of Quebec City — historically, ecologically, and literally — than the Plaines d’Abraham. It’s as vital to the city as Central Park is to Manhattan. The lush, beautiful expanse of flower-covered fields, grassy plains, and woodsy valleys all serve as the literal “lungs” of Quebec City. The 1759 battle (aptly known as the Battle of the Plains of Abraham) that took place here was fought by less than 10,000 troops, but would become a pivotal moment in the fight between Britain and France over the future of New France, and eventually in the creation of the whole of Canada. Today, it’s best explored on foot or bike in the summer; when the city’s long winter sits in, it’s an ideal spot to snowshoe or winter hike. It’s also the city’s premier outdoor venue for concerts and numerous events during Quebec’s annual Winter Carnival.

This post was published in partnership with Expedia.ca.

The post 3 Best Adventures in and Around Quebec City appeared first on Vagabondish.

It seemed like an ambitious plan — maybe too ambitious. But, that’s essentially what Lady Egypt Tours promised us on our recent luxury tour of Egypt.

While our idea of vagabonding doesn’t usually involve organized tours, we knew that Egypt could prove difficult to explore on our own. The desert is vast, Cairo is notoriously chaotic, and frankly, with more than 5,000 years of history to explore, there’s just a lot of ground to cover. We read a lot of Egypt tour reviews — in particular regarding escorted tours in Egypt — and found that Lady Egypt came highly recommended as one of the best Egypt tours companies.

Best Egypt Tours

In total, our entire Egypt trip spanned 16 days. Because we were flying to Africa from Boston, it was important that we had two days on either end to settle in and a couple days of downtime where we would not be traveling, touring, or — doing much of anything really. We spent these last two days by the pool at the aptly named Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa sipping fruity cocktails and staring at the Pyramids of Giza directly across the street (yes, this job is tough work if you can get it …).

Assuming you have the time, I highly recommend you do the same. Our tour started in Cairo for a whirlwind trip around the city before flying to Aswan (a 90-minute flight south) and working our way back to Cairo for our flight home. Assuming you only have two weeks — including flying and travel days — here’s how you can explore 5,000 years of Egyptian history in just one week.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Cairo

Cairo is manic. The streets are chaotic, the traffic at any time of day is at a near standstill, and the air is heavy from the weight of its nearly 9.5 million people. But, it’s arguably Africa’s most vibrant and impressive city (rivaled only by Cape Town).

By day, hit the Egyptian Museum (a.k.a. Museum of Cairo) which boasts the largest and oldest collection of artifacts in the world. It’s an ideal place to get your bearings regarding the overwhelmingly long timeline of Egyptian history.

From there, head to the Citadel of Cairo and the stunning Alabaster Mosque (a.k.a. The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha), in particular. It’s arguably the most historically and culturally significant mosque in all of Egypt.

After dark, check out the Khan El-Khalili bazaar — the largest and oldest souk on the continent. Bring plenty of cash and be prepared to haggle like a boss.

Day 2: Onward to Aswan and Abu Simbel

Aside from The Great Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is arguably the most iconic landmark in Egypt. The temples are located some 300 kilometers (roughly 200 miles) outside of Aswan. So, a day trip there involves rising very, very early and a six-hour roundtrip drive into the desert. But, it is plenty worth it.

The temples were constructed in commemoration of Ramesses II tactical victory at the Battle of Kadesh that took place in 1274 BC. Interestingly, the ancient Egyptian architects built the Great Temple in such a way that twice a year (on October 22 and February 22), the sunbeams reach the inner sanctuary and lighten up three out of the four sculptures. The statue of the God of the Underworld Ptah always remains in darkness.

The Small Temple dedicated to Goddess Hathor and Nefertari is also unique. It was the first time in Egyptian architecture the statues of the Pharaoh and his wife were equal in size. In the evening, you can take another optional tour and enjoy the spectacular Sound and Light Show at the Philae Temple.

Interestingly, the impending destruction of the original temples (before they were moved, piece-by-piece to their current location) due to substantial erosion from Lake Nasser is what sparked the launch and ultimate rise of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites program.

Day 3-4: Nile River Cruise

Sail the Nile River to Edfu and Esna Temples

Few experiences in Egypt are more iconic than cruising the Nile River. We boarded a three-day cruise with Lady Egypt that allowed us to explore the river leisurely. But, many of its best sites can be seen in a quick 2-day/1-night “trip.”

Be sure to stop at the dual Temples of Kom Ombo, constructed during Egypt’s Ptolemaic Dynasty and dedicated to the gods Horus and Sobek. Continue on afterward to Edfu and Esna — two remarkably well-preserved temples.

At day’s end, you can head to the ancient city of Luxor with its ancient monuments that span more than 4,000 years of Egyptian history. Take the time to visit the massive, 200-acre Karnak Temple Complex (making it the largest religious building ever constructed). Once darkness begins to fall, head to Luxor Temple which offers stunning views particularly once it’s illuminated at night.

Explore the West Bank (Valley of the Kings & Valley of the Workers), plus Karnak and Luxor Temples

Exploring the West Bank of the Nile is best done by arising early on your first day to avoid the oppressive midday heat. Early morning is also the best time to take a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings.

Upon landing, head to the Valley of the Kings to explore 15 of the 63 tombs that are currently open to the public. These include Tutankhamun, Thutmose III, Ramesses I and Seti II. All are extremely well preserved and each was uniquely designed and architected for its respective pharaoh.

Day 5: Hurghada by the Sea

Much of Egypt is “rough around the edges”. It’s rugged, vast, and impossibly old — all of the things that make it one of the most bucket list-worthy destinations in the world. By contrast, the sea side town of Hurghada is a demonstration of the best luxury that Egypt has to offer.

In short, it’s the resort town that well-heeled vacationing and honeymooning Egyptians head to when it’s time to relax. It’s modern, beautiful, and touristy — home, in fact to the country’s most exclusive resort, The Westin Soma Bay.

It also happens to be one of the best places in Egypt to experience Bedouin life. Lady Egypt can coordinate a desert tour — including ATV rides in the desert, hiking amid Egypt’s highest peaks, and a visit to a traditional Bedouin village including a traditional (and practically required) camel ride.

Day 6: Fayum and the Valley of the Whales

After visiting ancient temples, cruising the Nile River, escaping to Egypt’s most beautiful seaside resort town, what’s left? Two things actually.

First, not far outside of Cairo lies the tiny fishing village of Fayum. For tourists, it’s an ideal opportunity to see how many non-urbanite Egyptians currently live. It’s rough around the edges, but it’s impossible to say you’ve really visited the country without seeing how much of its population actually lives.

Second is the Valley of the Whales (known locally as Wadi Al-Hitan). This relatively new historical park is one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets — we were surprised to learn many of the country’s well-informed tour guides have never even heard of it.

Located amid a vast swath of open desert, the park is the site of a recent, but incredibly significant archeological find — fully intact whale skeletons. It’s proof that the Egyptian Desert was once an ocean. To find indisputable evidence of marine life embedded in the harsh, bone dry desert landscape is surreal to say the least.

Day 7: Return to Cairo to See the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

You didn’t honestly expect to visit Egypt without seeing the Great Pyramids, did you? Think of it as “saving the best for last.”

This goes without saying, but The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest and oldest of those in the Giza pyramid complex. It is officially the oldest of the World’s Seven Wonders and the most intact. (Hot tip: save your money and skip the interior tour. It’s claustrophobic, impossibly hot, and it’s essentially just an empty room)

You can experience everything above in roughly seven full days, plus a few days of travel in the middle. We went with Lady Egypt Tours — voted among the best Egypt tours particularly for luxury providers. From landing in Egypt to ground and intra-country flights to the moment we returned to Cairo to fly home, they provided us with every last thing we needed. While they offer a wide variety of amazing packaged tours, they’re 100% flexible and, in fact, encourage travelers to customized their trips to experience exactly what they want to experience.

The post Best of Egypt: How to Explore 5,000 Years of Egyptian History in Just 7 Days appeared first on Vagabondish.

After two weeks in the country, talking with plenty of locals and doing way more research than I should have about our trip … here’s everything women (solo and otherwise) need to know — from clothing to customs to safety — for an unforgettable trip to the land of the Pharaohs.

Solo Female Travelers: What to Pack for Egypt

Clothing

Egypt is more sand than streets, so you’ll want to pack for spending a week in the desert, even if you plan on being mostly in Cairo or any of the other cities. Deserts get insufferably hot during the day and surprisingly cold at night, meaning layering is key.

Pack lightweight items that are either moisture-wicking or 100% cotton or linen. (This goes double for your underwear!) I opted for linen pants and cotton shirts over cotton tank tops.

For the chilly nights, I wore jeans and cotton sweaters with open weaves for breathability. I went for versatility, packing items that I could hike in during the day and dress up for fancy dinners at night.

I’m the queen of flip-flops so it was hard to be without them, but it’s best to leave them at home for this trip. Everything in Egypt is dusty and open-toe shoes mean you’ll be left with filthy feet at the end of each day.

I used a pair of no-name, cushion walk slip-ons. They ended up being perfect — the rubber soles let me climb a desert mountain and comfortably walk through sand dunes. The cushion walk kept my feet comfy even on the longest of days, and the canvas top breathed easy, allowing my feet to stay cool, and more importantly dry, on the hottest days (which is a miracle because I have the sweatiest feet on the planet!).

Best Accessories for Egypt

A scarf is the most important item you can bring, period. (OK, after your passport …) When visiting religious buildings, women are required to cover their hair. Scarves are also key for desert excursions, protecting your hair and mouth from the dust. Along with the scarf, be sure to pack plenty of bobby pins. They aren’t just great for keeping flyaways out of your face, they’ll help hold your scarf securely in place all day.

For days when you’ll be exploring the cities or ancient temples, you can opt for a sun hat instead of a scarf. Of course, you’ll lose the cooling, moisture-wicking effect by not wearing a scarf, so sun hats are better options for cooler days.

Sunglasses are the second most important accessory. Not only is Egypt a sunny country (obviously) in general, but the glare of the sun bouncing off the sand dunes can be absolutely blinding.

SPF Lip Balm & Makeup

There are few things more miserable than dry, cracked lips from too much desert sun. Be sure to always have a conditioning lip balm that contains SPF and reapply often.

Along with the lip balm, try a loose powder foundation that contains SPF. I normally don’t wear makeup on days when I’ll be hiking, but the SPF powder makeup felt much cooler on my face (it was probably psychological, but I definitely prefered it over caking on sunscreen!).

The Perfect Purse

For me, one of the biggest issues when traveling is knowing which bag to bring. I always pack as light as possible and limit myself to either a backpack or a purse. Backpacks for adventurous excursions and purses for staying in cities. This trip was a little different though. It combined both city exploration and desert adventures.

One week before we left, I got my Hedgren Carina purse and it was a game-changer. It has a million compartments like my backpack but it is also a stylish cross-body that’s perfect for going out on the town. I fell in love and it’s officially the only bag I’ll ever travel with from now on.

Always Carry

My list of “always carry” items for female travelers tends to stay the same for every trip, but there were a few extras I made sure to have on hand for Egypt. Obviously, you should always keep your passport on you. Try to keep it in a spot that is not easily accessed by pickpockets, like an interior pocket.

After a traumatic road trip emergency years ago, I learned to always have toilet paper with me, no matter where I go. The majority of public restrooms do not stock TP. You’ll need to get it from a bathroom attendant so be sure to always have small Egyptian coins on hand for tipping. Actually, you’ll be doing a lot of tipping in Egypt, so it’s good to keep a supply of small bills on you as well.

But along with the emergency TP, I also carry a small bottle of Poo-Pouri spray. It’s not just for covering your own embarrassing odors, it works great at covering up existing odors in the questionable restrooms you’ll encounter. Egypt is one of the countries where you shouldn’t flush the toilet paper so odors definitely tend to linger. Poo-Pouri has saved my nose on more than one occasion.

And, of course, I always have hand sanitizer for cleaning up when I’m done. A few of the public restrooms didn’t have running water so my sanitizing gel was the only option.

The drinking water is questionable in Egypt. Only drink bottled water (or carry a SteriPen UV Water Purifier which we love) and only buy bottles that have the plastic seal on the cap. You should also make sure you have a supply of preventive Cipro from your doctor. I got horribly sick for a few days and had to rely on an antibiotic that is not approved in the US. It all turned out fine for me but Egypt does not regulate antibiotics the way we do in the States, so it’s best to bring a reliable stash of medicine from home.

Egyptian Customs

Egypt is a mostly Islamic country, but the guidelines for women aren’t nearly as strict as I imagined they would be. I did a lot of research prior to heading there. I wanted to be sure I was respecting their culture but nothing I found online seemed to tell me exactly what to expect.

After speaking extensively with men on their customs and how women are viewed: they are a strict society that is working to be much more open-minded. Women don’t have to walk behind their husbands, but some still do. They don’t have to cover their hair and faces, but some still do. They can go to school and work, but some still chose to stay home.

What does that mean for tourists? It means you won’t be harassed on the streets for walking next to your boyfriend or wearing a tank top. It means you don’t have to fear for your safety if you wear a skirt. I was told prior to going that I should always keep my shoulders and knees covered but once I arrived I saw that rule doesn’t seem to apply anymore.

Your best bet is to travel the country with a tour guide and they will let you know if you should cover up depending on how “touristy” each town is. In Cairo and Aswan, I covered up while in Hurghada I walked around the resort in my bathing suit.

As far as public displays of affection, I recommend keeping them to a minimum. While Mike and I held hands in public, we never kissed. I also never hugged my tour guides (… and I’m a hugger, folks — I hug everyone!). When posing for photos, my male tour guides always made sure to keep space between us and not get too close.

You’ll notice that men are very affectionate with each other in public, often walking arm in arm and kissing on the cheek. You’ll hear them call each other “habibi” (“my darling”). But men and women rarely have physical contact with one another in public. Of course, there’s no law saying you can’t smooch your sweetie at the pyramids, but the respectful thing to do is to save it for the privacy of your hotel room.

Safety in Egypt

Despite the horrific attacks against Coptic Christians in early 2017, statistically, Egypt is very safe, especially for tourists. The country’s main source of revenue was always, and continues to be, tourism. After the revolution in 2011, tourism dropped drastically which severely impacted their economy. Egyptians know that tourists are their bread and butter and they want to do everything in their power to make sure the industry picks up again.

The Ministry of Tourism tracks the location and movement of many visiting tourists, often providing police escorts for day excursions to remote sites like Valley of the Whales and Abu Simbel. I never once felt “unsafe” while traveling the country and often the policemen who accompanied us would check on me to be sure I felt safe in crowded areas.

Egypt is no different than any other foreign country you might visit. Be aware of the United States travel advisories (although take them with a grain of salt) and always be alert when you are in an unfamiliar area.

Do’s & Don’ts for Traveling to Egypt

And finally some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind before you embark on your own trip to Egypt:

Do: Research before you go

A week before I was set to leave for Cairo, the bombings in Alexandria and Tanta happened. Rather than freaking out and canceling the trip, I hopped onto forums to talk to actual Egyptians living in Egypt to get their thoughts. All assured me that the country is safe and security had been greatly increased. The only advice I was given was to be cautious around the Coptic Churches. Since that wasn’t in my itinerary anyway, I felt reassured that I would be perfectly safe on my trip – and I was!

Don’t: Worry

Egypt isn’t only safe, but the people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. I came down with a bad stomach bug one day into our three-day Nile cruise. Not only did our tour guide call the room to check on me daily, but the head chef of the ship heard I was sick and sent me a fruit platter.

Do: Try the local cuisine

Now is the time to be adventurous and try *everything*. Each region of Egypt has its own unique specialty dishes. In Cairo we sampled traditional coffee and koshari; in Aswan, we feasted on an amazing Nubian lunch; and in the desert outside of Hurghada, we dined with the Bedouins.

Every meal featured new foods and I happily dug right in, devouring everything in sight! And without any guilt too! Egyptian food is super healthy, featuring mainly vegetables and lean meats.

Don’t: Go alone

Just like in any foreign country with crowded marketplaces, you should have a companion with you, even if it’s just your tour guide. In the tourist towns, there are touts that will harass and follow you trying to get you to buy from them. Most are polite and will leave you alone if you wave your hand with a dismissive “la shukran” (“No thank you.”).

However, there are pickpockets in some areas so you need to be alert. Traveling with a companion or a group makes you less likely to be a victim of harassment or petty crime.

Do: Use a tour company

Traveling from town to town in Egypt can be a logistical nightmare for solo travelers. The Ministry of Tourism must be kept informed of the movements of tourists traveling through the country. This means constant check-ins and often an armed police escort — something that even us well-traveled folks at Vagabondish just don’t want to have to deal with setting up on our own.

By using a tour company like Lady Egypt Tours, did all of the important details were taken care of for us and we were able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip.

Don’t: Kiss the baby goats

… no matter how cute they are! My stomach bug most likely was from drinking unfiltered water. But I also kissed a baby goat that day, sooo … we can’t actually be sure what got me sick. Just learn from my mistake and leave the livestock alone =)

The post The Adventurous Gal’s Travel Guide to Staying Safe, Sane, and Comfortable in Egypt appeared first on Vagabondish.

We learned that, with some advanced planning, it’s possible to see most of the country’s highlights in just two weeks. OR you can opt for the easier, more relaxed route and book a guided tour with a provider like Lady Egypt and their Egyptian Legacy Tour. While we’re not typically fond of guided tours, we *highly* recommend going with them, especially if you’ve never been to the country. Egypt is wild, rugged, and frenetic — all good things in our opinion. But, it can make independent trip planning a bit complicated.

We’re not talking “off the beaten path” travel here. Instead, ours was a guided tour geared toward first-timers looking to explore the highlights — all the best things to do in Egypt.

Best Things to Do in Egypt

Explore Cairo

Cairo is manic, congested, loud, dirty, amazing, and crazy fun. If you’re arriving by plane, it only makes sense to allow for a few days to explore the city before jetting off to the rest of Egypt.

See the Skyline of Cairo

To fully appreciate the breadth and sprawl of Cairo, you need to get above it. And the best place to do that is to see it from atop the viewing platform inside The Citadel.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali (aka “The Alabaster Mosque”)

The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha (also known as Alabaster Mosque) at the peak of the Citadel of Cairo is among the most sacred, beautiful, and important in all of Egypt. The ornate trimmings in the foreground bush spell out “Allah” in Arabic.

Look Up Inside the Alabaster Mosque

The inside of the Alabaster Mosque is every bit as stunning as the exterior. Be sure to look up from the center of the mosque — the ceiling is amazing.

The Complex at Giza

The complex at Giza — including the Great Sphinx and the three pyramids — needs no introduction or caption. It’s hands-down Egypt’s most iconic site. It’s just as awe-inspiring in person as your high school history books promised.

Behold the Scale of The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three ancient pyramids within the Giza Complex. While most photos show the view from afar, we couldn’t help but marvel at the size, scale, and intricacy of the stonework while standing right up close to it, looking up.

Find Shisha in Cairo’s Khan el Khalili Bazaar

Khan el Khalili Bazaar is a microcosm of Cairo as a whole. It’s frenetic, loud, busy, bustling, and pulsing with energy day and night. Once you’ve had your fill of Africa’s largest and oldest souk, duck into Naguib Mahfouz Cafe for coffee and a bit of shisha. It’s another iconic experience for visitors to Egypt as a whole and Cairo in particular.

Explore Egypt’s “Lesser Known” Temples

There are no “hidden gems” in the world of Egypt’s temples. They’re pretty much all squarely on the beaten path. But some, like Edfu, are slightly lesser-known but every bit as beautiful as, say, Luxor.

The Temple of Horus at Edfu

The entrance to the Temple of Horus at Edfu is just massive. For a sense of scale, the two tiny, barely visible dots near the base of the entrance are people.

The Pillars at Edfu Temple

The scale of Ancient Egyptian architecture is almost literally unimaginable. The Temple of Edfu took more than 100 years to build and remains one of the best preserved relics of its kind. Before the desert stripped the walls and columns bare, the entire structure was painted in brilliant blues, reds, and whites (look closely at this photo and you can still see traces of color left near the ceiling).

Exploring Edfu Temple

Visit Luxor, Egypt

Luxor (the modern city and the temple) are among Egypt’s top five destinations, particular for new travelers. Allow for at least a day or two explore the modern city of Luxor proper, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor temple, and the massive Karnak Temple Complex.

Hop a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor, Egypt

We awoke at an ungodly hour to arrive in time for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings. It’s one of the most iconic experiences for travelers to Egypt and worth every hour of missed sleep.

The Imposing Colossi of Memnon Near Luxor, Egypt

After our hot air balloon touched down near Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, we paid a short visit to the imposing Colossi of Memnon. These two massive statues of Pharoah Amenhotep III are part of the few remnants of the original Theban Necropolis near modern day Luxor.

Visit Luxor Temple at Night

It’s almost impossible to pick a favorite temple or site in Egypt. But, Luxor Temple is right near the top of our list. All lit-up at night, it’s just beautiful!

Marvel at Abu Simbel

Egypt’s pyramids may get all of the love in travel guides and history books. But, Abu Simbel was the “big get” for us. It’s a long, three-hour trek each way through the desert but it did not disappoint.

Approaching Abu Simbel

Approaching Abu Simbel from the outside, the temple is every bit as stunning as we hoped …

The Towering Sentries of Rameses II Inside Abu Simbel

… and the view inside Abu Simbel is every bit as amazing too!

They pretty much don’t let tourists leave without having their photo snapped holding the Key of Life at Abu Simbel. So we did!

Get Lost in the Desert

Egypt is, of course, best known for its deserts. Rightfully so, given that the majority of the country is a vast, uninhabited expanse of sand. So, it’s only fitting you spend some of your trip getting lost in the desert …

Hike the Desert Near Hurghada

Many of the towns and cities in Egypt exist as virtual “islands” amid a sprawling desert landscape. The borders of civilization are often clearly defined, giving way to a seemingly endless expanse of sand. Turning off the road to Hurghada, we discovered just how quickly you can find yourself “in the middle” of nowhere.

Hop an ATV Ride Outside Hurghada

An ATV ride in the desert is almost obligatory for travelers to Hurghada. The town is well-known for its seaside resorts, but the sands on the outskirts are also a playground for adventurous travelers looking to explore on foot, by camel, or via ATV.

Chat with a Happy Bedouin Camel

We found this rather happy looking camel chilling with the Bedouins in the desert outside Hurghada. If we didn’t know better, we’d think he was smiling!

Take a Camel Ride in the Desert

In addition to feeding us, the Bedouins were kind enough to take us on a camel ride in the desert. Again, it’s practically an obligatory experience for visitors to Egypt.

To see all this, including the most amazing highlights of Egypt, check out a package tour of Egypt from Lady Egypt Tours!

The post The Best of Egypt: A Photo Tour of Cairo, Luxor, and Beyond appeared first on Vagabondish.

Which is how we found ourselves aboard a helicopter sunset flight with Viator (yet another great tour that was part of our participation in Viator’s Ambassador Program). Last year’s flight over the Canadian Rockies was, in a word, unforgettable. Our latest flight provided an altogether different, but every bit as memorable, experience.

Pulling into the tiny Marathon Airport, we found it closed. Every day at six o’clock sharp, they lock the doors. There is no air traffic control tower. One can only surmise this is due to the lack of, ya know, traffic. Pilots instead rely on the skill and judgement of their fellow pilots to keep everyone abreast of their plans (fingers crossed …). All of which is to say: it’s small and pretty laid back.

But our pilot, Mike (no relation), met us at the reception area with his dog, Shane Dog. In keeping with the no-frills Florida Keys ethos, prior to our tour, there was no paperwork to fill out, no lengthy check-in process, no safety briefing … no real briefing at all actually.

From there, we walked a few hundred feet to our waiting chariot. The bright, canary yellow bird seated only four people, including the pilot, and was every bit as low-key as Marathon itself.

In-flight amenities included two cupholders, an ashtray, and seatbelts (“Please don’t let the straps flap around outside the door or they might dent the fuselage.”). There was no AC and there would be no in-flight meal service.

Fortunately, we had the chopper all to ourselves. Pilot Mike provisioned us with two fanny-pack-esque flotation devices, assuring us that we wouldn’t need them. I suppose, if you have to drown, there are worse places to do so than the Florida Keys. We hopped aboard for a three-minute intro that included rudimentary seat belt instruction and letting the engine properly heat up. And up we went …

Almost immediately, the view was stunning:

From the ground, the sea, the Florida Keys never disappoint. But, this was the first time either of us had experienced the island chain from the air.

In a few short minutes, we were gliding over the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Mike pointed out schools of eagle rays, a turtle, and either a manatee/dolphin/small submarine — we’re still unsure — all loitering around the bridge.

Circling over Pigeon Key, we spotted a tour group who couldn’t grasp why this tiny whirlybird was hovering so close above them. After a few quick twirls downward, we were close enough to wave and smile at them, which the group immediately returned. Because, really, who doesn’t like helicopters?

Even at low altitude (500-ish feet), it’s amazing just how far we could see. The Keys are a sizable archipelago but, from the air, they seem so compact as if you can capture the entire chain in a single photograph.

After a few more rounds over the bridge, we headed back for the airport. Thankfully, our “ground crew” (read: my aunt) spotted our chopper from the ground and snapped this X-Files-esque photo of us overhead in silhouette:

It’s easy to see why the Pigeon Key folks were apprehensive at first.

Time flies when you’re, well, flying and it’s amazing how quickly twenty minutes go by. Viator also offers a 60-minute flight and I think we’d opt for that next time. While it might seem like a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience, Kelsey and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

The post Bucket List Adventures: Getting (Pretty) High in the Florida Keys appeared first on Vagabondish.