John Denver may have called it “almost heaven,” but WalletHub disagrees, ranking West Virginia as the least fun state in the U.S.

To determine the least and most fun states in America, WalletHub compared the 50 states across two key categories: entertainment/recreation and nightlife. The entertainment/recreation ranking considered criteria such as the number of attractions, quality of weather, number of restaurants, skiing facilities, beach quality, and more. Nightlife evaluated factors such as the average cost of beer and wine, access to bars, time of last call, number of casinos, etc.

The 10 Least Fun States

1. West Virginia
2. Mississippi
3. Delaware
4. Rhode Island
5. Arkansas
6. Vermont
7. Connecticut
8. New Hampshire
9. Kentucky
10. North Dakota

On the flip side, Florida was named the most fun state in the U.S. “Florida is the most fun state in 2024, leading the country when it comes to the number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita,” says Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “Florida has the third-most attractions per capita, and the sixth-best variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. Finally, Florida has the 12th-best weather overall, and the Florida government spends the eighth-most money per capita on parks and recreation.”

The 10 Most Fun States

1. Florida
2. California
3. Nevada
4. New York
5. Colorado
6. Illinois
7. Texas
8. Washington
9. Minnesota
10. Louisiana

Of course, the definition of “fun” varies from person to person, so don’t take this list too seriously. If you’re all about hiking, rafting, and climbing, West Virginia (home to America’s newest national park) could be an excellent destination for you.

The post The Least Fun States in the U.S. appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What is Set Jetting? 

Jet-setting, also called media or film-induced tourism,  is planning vacations around the filming locations of TV shows and movies worldwide. Whatever you call it, the concept is the same: you pick a destination to visit simply because your favorite TV show or movie was filmed there. (And likely inundate your Instagram and TikTok feeds with footage of the location). 

Set Jetting Tips

1. Research

Make sure you research the area before you plan your trip. Some locations get overrun with tourists flocking there thanks to movies and TV. Maya Bay in Thailand, made famous in the 2000 film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was severely damaged by tourists. Since 2018, the Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation has closed the beach down from time to time to ensure the environment can recover from any damage. The latest closure was from October 1, 2023, to July 30, 2024. Dubrovnik, Croatia, has seen a rise in tourists visiting thanks to Game of Thrones, implemented a tax for cruise ship passengers, and limits the number of cruise ships that can dock daily to two, so no more than 5,000 visitors will arrive in a single day. If the area would rather not have tourists visiting, be respectful and find another destination. 

2. Be Respectful

After you do your due diligence and ensure the area isn’t closed to tourists once you are there, be respectful.  If signs are posted telling you not to walk somewhere, don’t walk there. If there is wildlife in the area, don’t touch it. Remember that people call the surrounding area home and don’t appreciate loud tourists making a mess of their hometown. If you are in a city that may host numerous TV and movie landmarks, respect that people live and work in the buildings and are just trying to get through their day. If someone is coming home with groceries, just trying to get into their house, but it’s the house the character of your favorite movie lived in, let the people get their groceries in before you snap the photo and get out of their way. 

3. Don’t Be Stupid

Characters on TV shows and movies may do things in locations that look fun/cool/will get you a great shot, but remember it isn’t real. Chances are, they had all sorts of pulleys, cameras, different angles-you name it, that you won’t have. A character in a movie may run down a hill or easily navigate a cliff, but that doesn’t mean you can. Use common sense when visiting an on-location site. And, related to the above tip, please pay attention to any signage in the area- if local authorities don’t want you to go somewhere, it is for good reason. 

Now that we have discussed what set-jetting is and how to do it, it’s time to get into the good stuff: where to go. Here are some of the hottest spots for set-jetting. 

Best Set-Jetting Destinations

New Zealand 

Filming Locations: 

Movies: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mission Impossible: Fallout, The Hobbit, Mulan, Power of the Dog 

TV: Top of the Lake, the Luminaries, Sweet Tooth, The Rings of Power

New Zealand’s striking, diverse landscapes make it a popular spot for filming TV shows and movies. Lord of the Rings brings the most set-jetting visitors to the country. If you are one of the LOTR fans,  you won’t want to miss visiting Matamata, located on New Zealand’s North Island and home to Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Daily tours are offered for anyone wanting an up-close look at the place Bilbo and Frodo call home. You’ll find Middle‑earth™ locations scattered throughout the country, from Tawhai Falls in Tongariro National Park, Mount Victoria, to  Mount Sunday, which was used as Edoras. If ”Top of the Lake” is more your thing, you’ll see familiar sites in Queenstown and Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu, the lake used in the pilot episode. 

Where to Stay: Underhill Valley

If you’re searching for hobbits, you might as well stay in one of their houses, and Underhill Valley provides that experience. Located less than an hour from Hobbiton, this glamping retreat is built into the hillside, nestled within a farm. There is an outdoor bath, a wood-fired oven/stove, a composting toilet, and it is entirely off-grid (although there is cell phone service, you just won’t be able to charge your phone!) 

Scotland 

Filming Locations: 

Movies: Harry Potter, James Bond: Skyfall, Trainspotting, Braveheart, 

TV: Outlander, Buccaneers, Rebus, One Day

Outlander has started a whole revolution on jet setting in Scotland, from 12-day driving tours to 1-day guided tours; exploring the world of Jamie and Claire is easy and Instagram-worthy, thanks to the gorgeous scenery. Travel like James Bond with a visit to Glencoe, seen in Skyfall and Braveheart. If you hope to see more spots from Braveheart, head to Glen Nevis, or Loch Levin. Edinburgh is home to several on-location spots, most recently to popular TV show Rebus. 

Where to Stay: Dunkeld House Hotel

Located in Perthshire, Dunkeld House Hotel is featured heavily in season four, although you may not realize it—it is the setting for the North Carolina wilderness. Nearby, you’ll find Kinloch Rannoch, Timbermore Parish Church, and Drummond Castle Garden—filming locations in seasons one and two. The 100 bedrooms are luxurious and comfortable, with rooms ranging from cozy doubles to family suites and deluxe rooms with balconies. There is an on-site restaurant and spa. 

BOOK NOW!

Croatia

Filming Locations:

Movies: Lee, Mama Mia: Here We Go Again, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi

TV: Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Succession, The Wheel of Time, 

It is no wonder UNESCO World Hertitage Site Dubrovnik has attracted so many location scouts- it looks like it comes straight from a fairy tale or other world. The spots that attract the most set-jetting tourists are from Game of Thrones, and for good reason – they are quite a site to behold. Top spots include Lovrijenac Fort, Jesuit Staircase by Saint Ignatius Church (scene of the famous Cersei walk). You may also recognize Dubrovnik as Canto Bight in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. Wheel of Time fans can head to Velebit Nature Park, or Ličko polje to see filming locations. 

Where to Stay: St. Joseph’s

Located in the center of old town, St. Joseph’s provides easy access to many movie location sties in Dubrovnik. It offers a complimentary continental breakfast and free airport shuttle. Rooms range from smaller attic rooms in the annex to large suites. 

BOOK NOW!

Italy 

Filming Locations: 

Movies: Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, Romeo & Juliet, Eat Pray Love, House of Gucci, Call Me by Your Name, The Talented Mr. Ripley

TV: The White Lotus, White Collar, Medici: Masters of Florence

Italy has been a cinematic muse for decades with its timeless beauty and rich history. From the romantic canals of Venice to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, the country offers a diverse backdrop perfect for storytelling. Rome is a must-visit for any film buff. Iconic locations include the Spanish Steps (Roman Holiday), the Trevi Fountain (La Dolce Vita), and the Colosseum (Gladiator). For a more modern cinematic experience, check out the Villa Necchi Campiglio, the stunning setting for House of Gucci. Fans of Eat Pray Love can follow Julia Roberts’ footsteps through Florence and Rome. White Lotus fans will want to head to Sicily, backdrop to season 2. Viator offers tours that will make you feel like you’re a character on the show (without the drama, I hope)- whether it’s on a Vespa ride, strolling Cefalù Beach, or visiting the Palazzo owned by Quentin. 

Where to Stay: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

Obviously, you need to stay at the hotel that serves as the White Lotus in season 2. The San Domenico Palace is a luxurious family-friendly resort nestled near the Church of San Domenico. This recently refurbished hotel offers stunning views, world-class amenities, and impeccable service. Guests can enjoy multiple dining options, a rejuvenating spa, and a refreshing pool. Each of the 111 rooms is thoughtfully designed with modern comforts and family-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for a memorable Sicilian getaway.

BOOK NOW!

Honorable Mentions

Other destinations worth visiting thanks to their filming locations include the Czech Republic (The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Last Kingdom), Ontario, Canada (Schitt’s Creek, The Handmaid’s Tale, Suits, Orphan Black, Suicide Squad), Iceland (Game of Thrones, Die Another Day), and of course, places like New York City, London, and Los Angeles, which not only have on-location spots, but house big studios where movies and television shows are filmed. 

The post Best Places for Set Jetting: Your Guide to Film Tourism appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You may think it’s easy to communicate when you’re visiting another English-speaking country, but think again! Certain words mean something entirely different on the other side of the world. Read on to see which eight words could cause you embarrassment across the pond or down under.

1. Pants

Be careful who you tell in the U.K. that you have to go pants shopping—across the pond, “pants” means “underwear.” When you’re talking about jeans and khakis, you should call them “trousers.”

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland

2. Fanny

Own a fanny pack? In most other English-speaking countries, they’re called “bum bags” because “fanny” is slang for a part of the female anatomy (and no, we’re not talking about the rear end). So don’t tell someone to stop being lazy and get off their fanny, either!

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

3. Pissed

In America, we may get “pissed off” when we’re angry, but the Brits and Irish who are “pissed” are extremely intoxicated. “Taking the piss,” however, means “to make fun of,” not “to get drunk.”

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand

4. Bangs

Prepare for weird looks if you’re bragging about your new “bangs” in England. A forehead-covering haircut over there is referred to as a “fringe” instead. Overseas, “bangs” is more commonly used as the somewhat vulgar slang that it is interchangeable with in America.

Avoid Using In: Anywhere outside of North America

5. Knob

Americans hear the word “knob” and think “doorknob” or “lever.” It has a much dirtier meaning in other countries, like Australia and the U.K., where it’s an insult or slang for a part of the male anatomy. Now you’ll know to be offended if someone calls you a “knob head.”

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

6. Root

Americans may “root around” looking for a lost object, but Australians and New Zealanders use the term to refer to having sex.

Avoid Using In: Australia, New Zealand

7. Bugger

If you affectionately call your child or pet “little bugger,” you might want to reconsider doing so in pretty much any other English-speaking country. In most other places, from Canada to Australia, it is commonly used as an expletive similar to the f-word.

Avoid Using In: Most places outside of America

8. Pull

If someone “pulled” last night in the U.K., they’re probably not talking about pulling a muscle or drawing something apart. It’s commonly used as slang for successfully picking up someone while out on the town. Likewise, “going on the pull” means that someone is going out with the express goal of getting some action.

Avoid Using In: The U.K., Ireland

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 8 English Words You Should Never Use Abroad appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note that all trips and single supplement discounts were available at the time of publication, but they could sell out at any time. If you’re interested in these solo vacations, it’s best to book early.

Explore Madeira, Portugal, on Foot

Sweeping coastal views, sleepy fishing villages, and sheltered forests await on one of Exodus Travels’ Madeira walking tour itinerary. The eight-night trip includes leisurely walks of up to nine miles a day along some of Madeira’s most breathtaking hiking trails. The trip ends with free time to explore Funchal, the island’s historic capital. Exodus will match you with a roommate, or you can pay a modest single supplement for your own room. Departures are available every month throughout 2024.

See Morocco from the Mountains to the Desert

Overseas Adventure Travel is one of the best tour operators for solo vacations, thanks to free single supplements on most trips. That includes one of its most popular tours, the 15-night Morocco Sahara Odyssey, which takes you through the narrow streets of ancient medinas, over the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, and through the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Unique experiences include lunch in a Berber home and a couple of nights under the desert sky in a private tented camp. This trip has available departures in May and between August and December 2024.

Camp in Utah’s National Parks

Join REI on a stunning eight-day journey through the national parks of Utah. Hike and camp in Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks as you learn about the nature, geology, and cultural history of the region from REI’s experienced guides. The package includes access to group cooking gear and first aid kits, a tent, and a sleeping pad. Check out their gear list for more information on what to pack.

Explore Northern India’s Icons

See the Taj Mahal and much more on this dedicated solo trip to India from Intrepid Travel. The seven-night itinerary starts and ends in bustling Delhi, where you’ll discover the city’s oldest mosque and have free time to explore on your own. Then you’ll head to Jaipur to visit royal palaces and soar above the city in a hot air balloon before visiting the 14th-century village of Karauli and touring the magnificent Taj Mahal. Intrepid will match you with a same-gender roommate so you can avoid paying a single supplement. This trip departs on select dates between May and December 2024.

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

A bucket list trip for many avid hikers, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro can seem like a hefty task to undertake by oneself. However travelers partaking in World Expedition’s Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route will feel anything but alone. With dozens of experienced guides, porters, and chefs to support you on the trek and a group of like-minded adventurers by your side, travelers are sure to come out of the 10-day experience with new friends and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Discover Ireland Your Way

Not big on group tours? Consider Great Value Vacations’ Irish B&B Getaway package, which includes airfare, a rental car, and accommodations at bed and breakfasts around Ireland, allowing you to wend your way through the countryside at your own pace. Highlights include dramatic coastal roads, lively villages, and historic castles. The itinerary can be customized for six to twelve nights, and you may depart any month of the year.

See Japan by Train

Hop on a bullet train to speed between destinations around the country on G Adventures’ Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo tour. Travelers can visit shrines in Kyoto, explore the Harajuku district of Tokyo, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko where, weather-dependent, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Mount Fuji. Some G Adventures tours offers a single supplement option, however on most tours travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same gender.

Spot Rare Wildlife in Madagascar

Keep an eye out for lemurs, chameleons, boa constrictors, and numerous rare birds as you travel with Explore! through Madagascar: The Lost Continent.  In addition to wildlife-watching treks through the island’s national parks, this itinerary also features a walk along a spectacular canyon, a visit to Madagascar’s oldest palace, and a stay in a local community guesthouse. Explore! will match you with a same-gender roommate if you don’t wish to pay a single supplement. This trip has departures between May and November 2024.

Enjoy Nature in Costa Rica

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica with Road Scholar’s nine-night Taste of Costa Rica package. Highlights include river rafting in the Sarapiquí River, Latin dance lessons, a walk through a cloud forest, and a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Road Scholar is currently offering single rooms at no added cost on this itinerary. This trip has several departures between May and December 2024.

Discover the Best of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

There’s a reason Tuscany and neighboring Umbria are two of Italy’s most beloved regions. Discover them for yourself on Insight Vacations’ Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany tour, an eight-night voyage to destinations such as Florence, Assisi, Siena, and San Gimignano. You’ll enjoy a pasta-making demonstration in Baschi, then learn about traditional textile weaving in Perugia and visit a family-run olive mill in Assisi. If you do not opt for a single supplement, you will be matched with a roommate of the same gender. Departure dates are available in April, May, June, August, and September 2024.

Have an Adventure with Fellow Women

If you, like many female travelers, feel safer and more comfortable in the company of other women, consider booking a trip with Adventure Women, which offers active, women-only tours to destinations around the world. Most of the company’s clients come alone, so you’re sure to find common ground with your fellow travelers. Solo vacations for 2024 with availability at press time include a biking and boating tour through Vietnam, an active adventure in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, a Serengeti wildlife safari, and more. You can choose to be matched with a roommate or pay a little extra for your own room.

Sarah Schlichter wants to take every one of these solo vacations. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 11 Amazing Solo Vacations to Take in 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Best Mother-Daughter Trips

By the time your mom or her mom reaches her golden years, you really start to appreciate the chance to travel together, because it’s easier to recognize the moments passing. Though there may be some comical generational differences in travel style, there’s no better way for women young and old to bond than traveling together on a mother-daughter trip.

Here are some of the best mother-daughter vacations to delight moms and daughters of all ages, no matter when you travel together.

Jolly Trolleys and Golden Gates: San Francisco, California

Everyone should see the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge at least once, and a mother-daughter trip to San Francisco is the perfect excuse for doing so. Bike or walk across the bridge to get out of the fog, and have lunch with a view in the whimsical town of Sausalito.

Pair a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with a CityPASS, which includes admission to some of the most popular Bay Area attractions, like the California Academy of Sciences and the Aquarium of the Bay, and the option to add on a cable car pass.

While roaming around Pier 39, have a bread bowl of clam chowder at Boudin Bakery, made with San Francisco’s famous sourdough bread—you won’t regret it. Nor will you regret the decadent chocolate sundae you’ll have at Ghirardelli Square after.

Where to stay: Book a room at Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf for a memorable stay central to the city’s most famous attractions.

Book Now

Vinos and Velos: Cycling from Dijon to Beaune, France

For an active vacation paired with exquisite wine and a whole lot of grandeur, try a mother-daughter bicycle tour through the Burgundy region. Explore the French countryside at your own pace while stopping along the way to taste a sampling of France’s finest fermented grapes.

Start in the historical town of Dijon at the Place de la Liberation. Pedal past rolling vineyard hills and storybook chateaus on your way to the charming town of Nuit-Saint-Georges. Take a break while you’re there to appreciate a taste (or two) of the region’s Premier Cru red wines, made from Pinot Noir grapes, and go truffle hunting at one of the local farms.

End your bike tour in the fairy tale town of Beaune. Its main square has been hosting an unmissable Saturday market since the early 13th century.

Where to Stay: Kick off your stay at La Cour Berbisey, a hotel built inside a 17th-century building in the heart of Dijon. After you’ve had your fill of biking, end your journey at Abbaye De Maizieres, a 12th-century cistercian Abbey converted into a boutique hotel.

Sipping, Sampling, and Shopping: Denver, Colorado

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Denver is becoming such a popular destination for mother-daughter trips. If you want to shop, dine, partake in a libations tour, take in the arts, or do all of the above, you can do it in Denver.

The city’s most popular area for strolling and shopping is the neighborhood around 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square. You can dine your way around Denver with stops at Rioja, Tamayo, Avanti, and North Italia, and then drink your way around on a boozy tour. There are plenty of guided tasting tours that will take you to places like Laws Whiskey, The Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery, Colorado Cider Company, and Denver Beer Company.

Where to stay: At the MOXY Denver Cherry Creek, you’ll enjoy a fun and modern stay. The space encourages guest interaction with a full bar and an impressive assortment of lobby games, from shuffleboard to Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Book Now

Relax and Rosé All Day: Calistoga, California

While Napa may get all of the shout-outs, the best place to stay in California wine country is Calistoga. It sits at the base of Mount Saint Helena, about 25 miles northwest of the town of Napa. In Calistoga, you can do all of the iconic things mothers and daughters daydream of doing on a mother-daughter trip, like getting daily spa treatments and drinking Rosé all day.

Volcanic ash, mud, and mineral baths are the specialty spa treatment of this town. What better way to celebrate the unique bond between a mother and daughter than taking a mud bath? You can also get a proper massage treatment at Calistoga Spa and Hot Springs and the recently renovated Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa. Basically, you can walk from one end of town to the other in spa flip-flops, getting one treatment after another, and no one would blink an eye.

Take off your shoes and get stomping at Grgich Hills Estate, which offers daily grape stomping during the harvest season. Go for a royal tour and wine tasting at the Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-inspired Tuscan castle that features barrel-tasting and a torture chamber. No trip to Napa would be complete without taking a ride on the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. Book the Vista Dome for one of the most memorable meals you’ll ever have. The three-hour journey includes a gourmet meal and wine, of course.

Where to stay: You’ll find a stay at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort to be reasonably priced and wonderfully retro.

Book Now

Shamrocks and Smiles: Road Tripping Around Ireland

Haven’t you always wanted to take a mother-daughter trip to Ireland? Want to kiss the Blarney Stone, drive the Ring of Kerry, or perhaps behold some sheep roaming lush green hills of the countryside? Take a road trip from Dublin that passes through Cork, Killarney, Dingle, and Galway, and you’ll delight in exploring these sights.

Visit the nearby town of Kinsale and take the easy hike to Charles Fort. Spend a day in Killarney National Park, and make time to visit the historic sites of Dingle before heading to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, which is known for its traditional pubs and live Irish folk music.

Where to stay: Stop by the Hayfield Manor in Cork for a quintessentially Irish stay, complete with gourmet dining and afternoon tea service.

Book Now

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Melissa McGibbon’s travel accomplishments include circumnavigating the globe on a ship, having dinner at Fidel Castro’s house in Havana, skiing steep chutes in Canada, and downhill mountain biking in Peru. Follow her on Twitter @mcmliss.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 5 Incredible Mother-Daughter Trips You’ll Always Treasure appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Stonehenge, England

This group of mystery stones has been described as mystical and magical. But what you rarely see in the postcards is that Stonehenge is wedged between two very busy roads—and that you’re not even allowed to get close to the stones. You’ll pay an admission fee, of course, but you’ll only be able to view the site from afar. (Tourists used to chip off pieces of the ancient rocks as souvenirs. This is why we can’t have nice things, people.)

Instead: Check out Avebury, about 25 miles away from Stonehenge, where an entire town is set inside a stone circle.

Blarney Stone, Ireland

Legend has it that kissing this rock will give you the gift of gab, but judging by how many people smooch the stone every day, we think you’re more likely to come away with a communicable disease. You’ll also have to brave long lines and a vertigo-inducing climb, and you’ll be unceremoniously tipped backwards and headfirst over a ledge by a worker in order to get your peck.

Instead: Skip the long lines and spend your saved time exploring the Blarney Castle grounds, which are definitely worth the visit … and (probably) won’t infect you with anything.

Mona Lisa, France

Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa painting is quite possibly the most recognizable piece of art in the world. So upon seeing it in person, you might be surprised that your first impression is… “wow, it’s small.” Measuring just 2′ 6″ x 1′ 9″, the Mona Lisa seems even tinier when it’s surrounded by the usual hordes of tourists, all fighting for a glimpse.

Instead: The Mona Lisa may be overrated, but the museum that houses it, the Louvre, is definitely not. Spend your time admiring the other lesser-known art rather than fighting the crowds at the Mona Lisa.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

After you’ve taken the obligatory photos “pushing over” the tower (and accidentally photo-bombed the background of many strangers’ photos), there’s not much to do here except be hounded by the many hawkers who patrol the area. It’s a long journey, especially if you’re coming all the way from Rome, just to see that the tower does, in fact, live up to its name.

Instead: The Duomo di Pisa, a Romanesque cathedral full of artwork, will give you something else to do besides stare at the tower, waiting for it to tip over.

Prague Astronomical Clock, Czech Republic

Sure, it’s the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. But unless your idea of a good time is staring at a giant glorified cuckoo clock while being jostled by fellow tourists, there’s not much else to recommend it. If you must see it, be sure to time it so that you arrive right as the show is starting (every hour on the hour), so you don’t have to waste 50 minutes standing around staring at the clock, waiting for it to perform.

Instead: Catch the time at Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, which houses multiple beautiful clocks inside a beaux-arts railway station that’s been converted into a museum.

Times Square, New York

Flashing advertisements, obnoxious peddlers selling knockoff DVDs, chain restaurants, and hordes of lost tourists looking at maps await you in the five famed blocks of Times Square. Residents of the city go out of their way to avoid this area where personal space goes to die. We’ll never understand why visitors travel all the way to New York City to buy grocery-store candy at the M&M’s World store, dine at an Olive Garden, and gawk at billboards.

Instead: Check out New York’s Museum Mile, a stretch of eight museums along Fifth Avenue. Less crowds, more unique things to gawk at—and there will still be hot-dog carts for you to buy from.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, California

If you’re reading this, you clearly have access to the Internet. So why not just Google famous people’s names instead of traveling to see those names etched into a sidewalk?

Instead: Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum‘s Hollywood location. There, at least you’ll be able to take pictures with inanimate celebrities and briefly fool people on Facebook with your star-studded vacation.

Manneken Pis, Belgium

Yes, the name of this statue in Brussels pretty much translates to “Little Man Pee.” No, we don’t know why tourists flock to look at a statue of a naked child peeing. If you insist on going, time your visit for when the statue has been dressed up by a city employee—you’ll feel a little less like a creep. (Or come during one of the occasions when the fountain’s water is replaced with a keg of beer, so you can at least get a free drink out of it.)

Instead: Visit the Zinneke Pis, a lesser-known sculpture in Brussels of a dog doing the same thing as the Manneken Pis. At least that one is cuter.

Equator, Ecuador

Don’t bother visiting this house of lies. Tourists snap photos at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City), a park featuring a monument and a painted line that claims to be the middle of the world—0 degrees latitude. Too bad it’s all a deception, and the actual equator is hundreds of feet away in a pretty inaccessible spot. In the park’s defense, it was built before the advent of GPS.

Instead: If you enjoy posing for pictures while straddling lines, head to England and stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line, which is at least in the right place. (You’ll be marking a longitude, not latitude, of 0 degrees, however.)

The Little Mermaid, Denmark

This famous sculpture in Copenhagen, based on The Little Mermaid fairy tale, is actually a copy. The real statue is kept at an undisclosed location, which is probably for the best since the replica has been defaced, vandalized, decapitated, and blasted with explosives. You may feel the same destructive urges if you seek out this site, as visitors on TripAdvisor call it “hard to see, given it’s so small,” “a discredit to Hans Christian Andersen,” and “not a must-see” and say it is “in the middle of nowhere.”

Instead: Pay a better tribute to the author by visiting the Hans Christian Andersen statue in New York’s Central Park, where you can climb on the sculpture for photos.

The post 10 Most Overrated Tourist Traps appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Dingle Peninsula

Consistently voted one of the most beautiful places on earth, the Dingle Peninsula wins the hearts of so many with its lush landscape, which includes narrow cliff-side roads, mountain ranges, and sandy beaches. Jutting 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland’s southwest coast, the peninsula offers unmatched sightseeing, surfing, swimming, and walking trails. The small market town and fishing port of Dingle provides a great place to listen to live music, grab a pint, and rest your head for the evening.

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Located in Downhill Demesne near Castlerock, the Mussenden Temple is precipitously perched atop a 120-foot cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Originally built in 1785 as a summer library, the temple forms part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol, and its dramatic setting offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area. Visitors are welcome to explore the 18th-century ruins of the mansion, take a cliff-side walk, stroll along the gardens, or learn about 17th-century life in one of Northern Ireland’s oldest surviving buildings, the Hezlett House.

Giant’s Causeway

The only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the world’s truly must-see destinations. Once said to have been built by giants, the 40,000 or so hexagonal columns were actually formed by volcanic eruptions. The legends that surround this area run deep, however, and visitors may get swept up in the myths of massive men and shipwrecks—Girona of the Spanish Armada foundered here in 1588—by walking among the stones.

The Burren

Located in County Clare, the Burren is an explorers dream, featuring more than 100 square miles of natural limestone and offering ancient stone structures, grassy fields, caves, and jagged countryside. Among the top sites to see while visiting are the Poulnabrone Portal Dolmen, an ancient stone tomb dating between 2,000 and 2,500 B.C.E.; Leamaneh Castle, with its 15th-century residential tower and 17th-century fortified home; and Caherconnell Stone Fort, a nearly perfectly preserved structure dating back between 400 and 1200 C.E.

Glendalough

About an hour south of Dublin, Glendalough, or Valley of the Two Lakes, houses the ruins of what was once one of the leading monastic settlements in Ireland. A hermit monk named Saint Kevin founded the monastery before his death in about 618. The settlement flourished for the next 600 years. Today, visitors can explore stone structures, churches, a cathedral, a round tower, and a cemetery.

Cliffs of Moher

One of the most photographed places in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher ascend more than 700 feet above the water and cover nearly five miles. The dramatic cliffs are home to several species of sea birds, including the only mainland colony of Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, and Choughs. Visitors are welcome to climb the stairs leading to O’Brien’s Tower, which provides panoramic views. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the Aran Islands.

Ring of Kerry

Medieval ruins, sandy beaches, lakes, mountains, a lush forest, and a jagged coastline all call the Ring of Kerry home. Part of the Iveragh Peninsula, it’s 110 miles of pure beauty. The drive takes place in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland, and begins and ends in the town of Killarney, which makes a good base camp for a trip. It’s easy to travel the circuit in one day, but seeing some of the sites off the beaten path, such as Valentia Island and the Gaeltacht area around Portmagee, requires a bit more time.

Aran Islands

Located in Galway Bay, the three Aran Islands provide a perfect glimpse into some enduring Irish traditions—Gaelic is still spoken and most people get around by horse and buggy or bike. The largest of the three islands, Inis Mor, is the most well-known and offers the greatest amount of modern-day conveniences. Inis Meáin, or the middle island, is the least visited and clings proudly to its Irish cultural tradition. On a clear day, Inis Oírr, or the East Island, provides unparalleled views of the Cliffs of Moher.

Skellig Michael

Just eight miles off the coast of Portmagee and towering more than 700 feet above the water, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael, which houses a well-preserved sixth century monastic settlement. Visitors are welcome to walk in the footsteps of the monks who once inhabited this island by climbing the 670 steps leading to the now abandoned beehive-shaped huts. Puffins make the island their home in the late spring, while gannets consume every ledge on the nearby Little Skellig.

Cobh

Once briefly named “Queenstown” in honor of a visit from Queen Victoria in 1849, Cobh reverted to its original name in 1921. Located on the Great Island in Cork Harbor, the town’s streets climb a hill crowned by a cathedral overlooking the water. As the embarkation point, including the Titanic’s last port of call, to America, Cobh was the last glimpse of Ireland for many people.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Jewish Museum  

Founded in 1904, the Jewish Museum offers a look at Jewish art and culture throughout the centuries, and offers exhibits and programs designed to engage and inspire. 

Location: Museum Mile, 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St

New Museum 

Get a look at true, visionary contemporary art at the New Museum. It is the only museum in the city dedicated strictly to contemporary art.

Location: 235 Bowery

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is dedicated to preserving the LGBTQIA+ identity, and not only showcases the work of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also fosters their creativity through their fellowship program. 

Location: 26 Wooster St

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

Striving to reflect the diverse community of the Bronx, the Bronx Museum of the Arts is a free museum featuring contemporary and 20th-century arts by American artists. 

Location: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Housed within the Andrew Carnegie mansion on Museum Mile, the Cooper Hewitt is the only museum in the US dedicated to showing historic and contemporary design. Try out their immersion room, where you can design your own wallpaper and see it on the walls around you. 

Location: Museum Mile, 2 East 91st Street

National Museum of the American Indian New York 

Another Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, houses native artifacts and offers performing arts programs, research, educational opportunities, and exhibits. Kids will love the imagiNATIONS activity center, where they can “explore scientific principles behind Native innovations and technologies that are so ingenious, many remain a part of our daily lives.” 

Location: 1 Bowling Green 

Tenement Museum 

Get an inside look at what living as an immigrant in a tenement in New York City was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries at the Tenement Museum. They also offer neighborhood walking tours. 

Location: 103 Orchard St

Museum of the City of New York 

See what makes New York the great city it is – through its past, present, and future. Home to over 250,000 items from New York’s past, and featuring on-going exhibitions, it is New York like you have never seen before. 

Location: 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St.

The Morgan Library & Museum

The Morgan is home to rare manuscripts, books, music, drawings, photography and more. Here you can see rare items like one of the few copies of the Declaration of Independence, works by Albert Einstein, a handwritten score by Mozart and other awe-inspiring works. 

Location: 225 Madison Avenue

9/11 Memorial and Museum 

For a more sobering experience, check out the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Through artifacts, personal stories, and interactive displays, you get a somber look at the fateful day in 2001. The memorial pays a stunning tribute to those we lost. 

Location: 180 Greenwich St

El Museo del Barrio 

Dedicated to preserving the art and artifacts of Caribbean and Latin Americans, El Museo del Barrio was founded in 1969 by Puerto Rican artist Raphael Montañez Ortiz. 

Location: 1230 5th Avenue at 104th Street

Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) 

Look inside the Chinese communities in the U.S. through artifacts and oral histories at MOCA. Be sure to check out their special events, including performances and classes. 

Location: 215 Centre Street

Merchant’s House Museum 

See how the other half lived in the mid-19th century at the Merchant’s House Museum—once home to a wealthy merchant family and their servants. Check out their ghost tour in October- some believe the family never left. 

Location: 29 East Fourth Street

Rubin Museum of Art

Dedicated to the ideas, culture, and art of the Himalayan culture, the Rubin Museum of Art is home to over 3,000 objects from over 1500 years. See what makes this culture truly unique. 

Location: 150 West 17th St

Fotografiska New York

Fotografiska is a museum in Stockholm that holds the world’s best photography collection, and in 2019, opened its New York location.  This location features five floors of “mind-expanding photography.”

Location: 281 Park Ave South

Louis Armstrong House Museum 

Get an intimate look at the house Louis Armstrong lived in with his wife from 1943 until he died in 1971. Learn about his personal life in the house and his public life the attached museum. 

Location: 34-56 107th Street, Queens

Queens County Farm Museum 

Dating back to 1697, Queens County Farm Museum is home to one of the oldest continuously farmed lands in New York State. Guests can stroll through 47 acres and visit with the sheep, alpaca, steer and hens. 

Location: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park

The post 17 Best Museums in New York City appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Eating 12 Grapes

In Spain, the last moments of each year are spent eating grapes—one for each chime of the clock during the countdown. These final seconds are often filled with laughter as Spaniards struggle to chew and swallow one grape after another, a task made even more difficult depending on how many drinks they’ve already celebrated with.

Make a Wish on Your Suitcase

Hopeful travelers can learn a lot from this tradition that occurs in many Latin American countries, most notably Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico. Many believe that taking an empty suitcase for a walk around the block (or even leaving one by the door) will bring travel in the coming year. You might feel a little odd when your neighbors see you taking your suitcase for a walk, but they’ll be totally jealous when you’re on your way to the airport.

Baking a Coin into the Bread

In Greece, New Year’s Eve is celebrated by baking a traditional bread known as Vasilopita that comes with a special surprise: a “sweet coin” baked into the bread (or cake in some cultures). It’s a coin wrapped in tin foil and dropped randomly into the bread; whoever gets the lucky piece will have good luck for the next year. The tradition honors St. Basil, who came up with the idea to bake coins into bread when he knew the poor people of his church would be too proud to accept charity.

Throwing Stuff Out the Window

Heads up! If you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in Italy, you might want to find some cover because Italians like to ring in the new year by chucking dishware, appliances, and sometimes even furniture out the window. But it’s not just a lot of ruckus; the act symbolizes letting go of the past. By chucking their possessions out the window, Italians cast out the old troubles and welcome hope for a new year.

Wearing New Underwear

If you intend to welcome the new year in Brazil, you’ll have to follow a dress code. Brazilians traditionally wear white on New Year’s Eve, but that’s not all. They also believe you should wear brand new underwear and that the color of the underwear will represent what you wish to attract in the new year—yellow for money, green for health, and red for love.

Breaking Dishes

This tradition is best celebrated in its native countries, as it involves breaking plates against your neighbors’ doors. In countries like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, it’s popular to throw dishes against other people’s homes as a sign of good luck and camaraderie. In fact, the more pieces of broken glass you have on your door-step, the more well-liked you are!

Eating Seven Times

New Year’s Eve in Estonia never ends on an empty stomach. In this small Baltic country, they eat seven times to celebrate the new year. Eating so often is a wish for abundance and strength in the coming year, and seven is one of the country’s lucky numbers.

Dropping Ice Cream on the Floor

If your ice cream falls to the floor in Switzerland, there’s no need to be upset. In fact, the Swiss purposefully drop their ice cream on the floor on New Year’s Eve to bring on a year of abundance and (hopefully) more ice cream.

Ringing a Bell 108 Times

In Buddhism, it’s believed that there are a total of 108 earthly desires that cause suffering. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve in Japan, temple bells will toll 108 times—one for each desire. This ritual is called Joya-no-Kane, it’s all about purification and encouraging a fresh start for the new year.

Everything Is Round

In the Philippines, the new year is celebrated with roundness. Part of the fun of the day is coming up with 12 different round fruits—one for each month of the year. For Filipinos, roundness is a symbol of health and also signifies prosperity and wealth (because coins are also round). Women will often wear polka-dot dresses to add even more roundness to the big day.

Predicting the Future

On New Year’s Eve in Finland, people have a tradition of fortunetelling. They’ll melt small tin horseshoes in a pan and then pour the liquid metal into a bucket of cold water. The tin solidifies instantly when it hits the water, resulting in random shapes. The shapes are then interpreted to predict their future for the coming year.

Hitting the Walls with Bread

In Ireland, bad luck must be driven out of the house before midnight, and the quickest way to get bad spirits out of the house is apparently with a loaf of Christmas bread. The Irish will smack the walls and bang on the doors with bread to chase out the bad and welcome in the good spirits.

The post 12 New Year’s Traditions from Around the World appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Mexico is a vast country, with heaps of beautiful and interesting places to see, and some 28 million Americans safely travel there each year. To help you plan your own trip, I’ve gathered some of the safest places to visit in Mexico, complete with information on why you should go and where to stay.

The Safest Places in Mexico

Keep in mind that incidents can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that don’t appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. No matter where you go while traveling abroad, you’ll want to follow common-sense rules such as drinking only in moderation, getting a cab instead of wandering around after dark, and leaving your valuables at home.

Mexico City

Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitors—including street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums.

Where to Stay: The small, beautifully decorated Nima Local House Hotel is one of the best luxury hotel options in the city. For a more affordable option, consider the Chillout Flat Bed & Breakfast, which earns plaudits for friendly service and homemade granola.

Nima Local House

Chillout Flat B&B

Tulum

As Playa del Carmen has been the site of some troubling violence in the past, the coastal town of Tulum to the south may be a safer alternative. It is also less touristy than other resort towns on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering well-preserved ruins of the former Mayan city walls and other historic structures right in town. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road.

Where to Stay: Guests appreciate the clean, comfortable rooms and fast Wi-Fi at the centrally located Posada Luna del Sur.

Book Now

Huatulco

A beach town located in Oaxaca to the southwest of Puerto Escondido, Huatulco offers tons of water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, some nearby surf spots, and tours of coffee farms to boot. Huatulco is considered one of the safest places in Mexico.

Where to Stay: For an indulgent resort experience you can’t do much better than Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, where amenities include multiple swimming pools and tennis courts, yoga classes, watersports, and nine restaurants.

Book Now

Merida and Valladolid

Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, Senior Account Executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. “A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers won’t regret visiting them,” he says.

Merida is a walking-friendly town that is connected to Chichen Itza by a toll road, which is considered the safest way to travel in Mexico if you are driving. The Mayan influence remains strong here, and the area has its own style of cuisine that diverges considerably from what you will find in other parts of Mexico.

Midway between Merida and Cancun is Valladolid, a colorful and friendly city that’s within easy driving distance of several beautiful cenotes.

Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan. In Valladolid, you can’t go wrong at the centrally located Hotel Posada San Juan.

Luz En Yucatan

Hotel Posada San Juan

Bacalar

Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is “an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.”

Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. Like Todos Santos mentioned below, Bacalar holds the official designation as a “Pueblo Magico,” or Magical Town, due in large part to the lagoon. In addition to being one of the safest places in Mexico, Bacalar is also very affordable.

Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana.

Book Now

Campeche

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a walled Spanish colonial city that has been superbly restored. The walled center is somewhat of a museum piece, but the life of the town surrounding it might even be the main attraction. There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these aren’t as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such they’re less crowded.

Where to Stay: Try for a balcony room or suite at the modestly priced Hotel Socaire.

Book Now

Queretaro

Queretaro’s streets are a wondrous mix of old and very old, as grid-like Spanish streets connect to the pre-Hispanic winding lanes from the time of the Otomi. From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city.

Where to Stay: La Casa del Atrio, across from the Museo de Arte, is both popular and affordable.

Book Now

Todos Santos

This surf town in Baja California Sur features world-class waves and lots of natural beauty—and it’s just far enough north of touristy Cabo San Lucas to offer respite from the crowds. Todos Santos is slowly becoming more popular, but its stone streets and uncrowded beaches have earned it the official Pueblo Magico designation.

Where to Stay: La Poza Boutique Hotel & Spa has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates.

Book Now

The post The 8 Safest Places in Mexico for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.