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How to connect to nature in BC

When visitors travel to British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, they know to enjoy its cities and small towns, ski slopes and parks, ocean playgrounds and more. That is, they think they know what they’re going to experience, says Frank Antoine, an elected Chief from the Bonaparte First Nation (St’uxwtews). But “when they actually leave, they leave with something else.”

That “something else” is a deeper understanding of the natural world. Of how everything is connected, of our own links to each other and to the land. It’s known as The British Columbia Effect. And as it turns out, this phenomenon is beneficial to both our physical and mental health, a fact supported by growing evidence from the science of ecotherapy.

Many Indigenous Peoples — more than 200 First Nations and Indigenous communities have lived in what is now called British Columbia since time immemorial — have known this for generations. “Everything about our culture comes from the land, comes from the sea, comes from the mountains,” says Kwakwaka’wakw Community Leader K’odi Nelson. “It’s almost like science is catching up to First Nations knowledge.”

Many of the Indigenous communities in British Columbia are eager to welcome visitors who seek this understanding. Here’s how to tap into The BC Effect across the province’s varied natural spaces.

RAINFOREST REJUVENATION

British Columbia is home to almost a quarter of the world’s temperate rainforests — the biome covers its Pacific islands, runs up and down its almost 16,000 miles of coastline, and even stands right next door to downtown Vancouver in Stanley Park. Though rainforests account for less than 10% of the world’s land area, their vegetation produces almost one-third of our oxygen.

“When I go out into our forests, there’s something about it that rejuvenates the spirit, rejuvenates the mind,” says K’odi Nelson, whose Kwakwaka’wakw Nation resides in and around the Great Bear Rainforest along BC’s north and central coast. He explains that, when out in BC’s wilds, “you have an opportunity to let your worries escape your body for the time that you’re here. But, more importantly, you have an opportunity to educate yourself from local Indigenous people.”

That education includes the importance of conserving nature. “When we talk about our land, the sea, the air, our water, it is often the First Nations Indigenous peoples that are the first to protect those,” says Nelson. But it also involves understanding how nature can heal and protect us.

You have an opportunity to let your worries escape your body for the time that you’re here. But, more importantly, you have an opportunity to educate yourself from local Indigenous people.
-K’odi Nelson, Kwakwaka’wakw Community Leader

Taking cues from Indigenous knowledge, scientists are starting to understand that phytoncides produced by plants may boost humans’ immune systems and lower the risk of cancer, strokes, and other ailments. More and more doctors prescribe spending time in nature to help their patients reduce stress and improve physical and mental health. In four Canadian provinces, this prescription can include a free pass to Canada’s national parks via PaRx, Canada’s nature prescription program.

“I was quite pleased to see that they’re now prescribing nature walks for mental wellness,” says Nelson. “What I’ve witnessed as a tour guide, it’s not just my spirit [that is healed] — it uplifts all.” His guests at the Nawalakw Lodge often comment on the experience of walking for miles without any interaction with another human being. “Just the sheer beauty of our wildlife, our landscape…it’s an amazing place to come and rejuvenate your soul.”

Experience The BC Effect

“Tourists are wanting more than just a trip now. And we’re seeing that with Indigenous tourism. They want to dive a little bit deeper and they want to know the people and they want to know the history. And we can provide that,” says Nelson.

Discover more options at the Nawalakw Lodge or explore the trip options below to start planning your own Rainforest Rejuvenation in British Columbia.

Transformative Trip Ideas: RainforestScout for wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest with Sea Wolf AdventuresStay at the luxury Indigenous-led Klahoose Wilderness ResortTake a forest therapy walk with Talaysay Tours in Vancouver’s Stanley ParkMOUNTAIN MAGIC

You’ll likely gain a similarly uplifted perspective when visiting BC’s 10 major mountain ranges, whether you’re looking up to their skyward peaks or from an elevated viewpoint down to the surrounding valleys. Some of the province’s mountains are covered in rainforest, others capped by glaciers, and some are dry with few trees.

“There’s so much to see” in the province of BC, says Frank Antoine, whose nation is near Cache Creek, just west of the city of Kamloops. From here, you can hike to see hoodoo formations in the surrounding mountains. This part of BC is drier than the coast, slopes rising up from the Thompson River and its rapids that churn into Class V whitewater. “Tourism is giving us the opportunity now to showcase what’s in our own backyard — and it’s phenomenal,” says Antoine.

Tourism is giving us the opportunity now to showcase what’s in our own backyard — and it’s phenomenal.
– Frank Antoine, an elected Chief from the Bonaparte First Nation (St’uxwtews)

Using the lesson of the wind to illustrate, Antoine explains the importance of natural connection — connection with the land and with the greater whole — to many Indigenous people: “Wind to me means you’re alive. It means that you’re connected. You’re part of something even though you don’t see it. You hear him blowing through the trees; when you’re in the mountains, you sit and listen. The one thing that always comes up is the wind — it doesn’t talk to you, but you listen to it.”

Many Indigenous Peoples want to share this type of outlook and understanding. “For the visitors who come see us, I want them to know how unique we are as a community and the authenticity and stories that come with it,” says Antoine. “I’m very proud of where I come from, and that pride comes with responsibility. My purpose to my visitors is to respect and learn from the land and [show] what it offers.”

Experience The BC Effect

Just one day in the province’s natural spaces can bring about The BC Effect, but a longer visit means deeper transformation. Antoine describes taking guests to see the water, mountains, and sky in his territory: “When you take them down the second time, they see it in a fully different light,” he says. It’s not the view that changes, but the person — that’s the power of BC’s nature to transform and to heal.

Discover more ways to experience the outdoors with Moccasin Trails or explore the following options to access BC’s Mountain Magic on your trip.

Transformative Trip Ideas: MountainsWalk ancestral paths with Moccasin TrailsPaddle amongst the peaks along a traditional Secwepemc trade routeVisit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in WhistlerSTILLNESS OF WATER

Note: Francine Douglas wears a PFD belt pack while on the water.

Water is part of almost every visit to BC — whether it’s floating on BC’s ocean waves, smelling the saltiness of the Salish Sea, hearing the poof of a whale’s exhalation, admiring the endless variety of blues and greens of the province’s rivers and lakes, or tasting the freshness of BC’s seafood. But with The BC Effect, you can go further.

For Francine Douglas, a Community Leader from the Stó:lō (Sts’ailes) and Ts’msyen (Metlakatla) Nations, water is essential. “When I’m out on the water, I feel connected,” she says. Stó:lō means “people of the river,” and BC’s Harrison River truly is a lifeline for Douglas’s nation — Douglas herself raised her family on the river and “grew up on the canoe.”

To us, the waters are relatives. It’s a love story, really.
– Francine Douglas, Community Leader of the Stó:lō and Ts’msyen Nations

“The water is like a cleansing,” she says. “To be out on the water is to heal.” She points out how water is so powerful it can move mountains and carve canyons. For the Stó:lō people, water is a resource of many sorts — to this day, Douglas’s people visit and pray to the water for strength in times of need. Come winter, bathing in ice-cold waters is a traditional way to let go of pain. “To us, the [waters] are relatives. It’s a love story, really.”

Modern science is starting to catch up. As with forests and other natural spaces, more and more studies are showing the health benefits of being near water. One theory credits negative ions — they’re in abundance wherever air and water move and mix, such as near waterfalls and on beaches. Negative ions are said to increase oxygen flow to the brain, which aids alertness and may contribute to a biochemical reaction in the body that increases our levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps reduce depression and anxiety. It’s all part of The BC Effect.

Experience The BC Effect

“So many of us are ready for visitors,” says Douglas, and “ready to share, ready to tell our story, and talk about who we are and where we’re from.” She wants to give people the opportunity to “understand how the stories are connected to the land, and how the land is what is teaching us how to be and how to relate and how to connect.”

Discover more experiences with Stó:lō Tourism or let Indigenous tourism operators like those below be your guide to finding the Stillness of Water in British Columbia.

Transformative Trip Ideas: WaterRelax at Ainsworth Hot Springs, first discovered by people of the Ktunaxa NationVisit Gwaii Haanas National Park with Haida Style ExpeditionsSee “fire in the water” — ocean phosphorescence — at Tzoonie Wilderness Resort

Learn more about places that inspire purpose and connection to the natural world.

Discover The British Columbia Effect

9 best restaurants in Iowa

Thirty years ago, the “food scene” in Iowa existed in diners, spaghetti joints, supper clubs, and steakhouses. It was all prime rib off the cart, perfectly fried onion rings, chicken-fried steak, and French silk pie. If nothing else, it was visceral: You could try and hold together a sloppy Maid-Rite with no success; you could pace yourself, gratefully, through Pink Squirrels and 20-oz steaks; you could order a billboard-sized tenderloin — the only size available — and relish the leftovers for days.

And all that, actually, was quite good. But it wasn’t necessarily surprising; it was more like gathering around the same dinner table your family has circled for generations. It was your grandma’s best cherry pie, every day of the week.

Things have changed in Iowa.

Sure, you can still get your tenderloin fix when the mood strikes, you can still find complimentary appetizers to test your willpower, but now you’re also going to come across someone from a new generation of gastronomes quietly experimenting with what’s in their backyard. The foodies, chefs, and entrepreneurs listed below are some of those taking the richest farmland in the world and creating dishes that would (and do) make James Beard nod. Here’s where to go.

The Proof

While every Iowa town has somewhere worth sitting down and spreading that napkin, here are nine chefs — and the restaurants they head — who are raising the bar, putting Iowa smack-dab in the center of the country’s foodie map.

Kevin Scharpf | Brazen, Dubuque

Photo: Gigantic Design Co./Brazen

The Historic Millwork District, a cluster of stunning 20th-century warehouses adjacent to downtown Dubuque, has an unmissable dining experience hiding in all that brick: Brazen Open Kitchen, led by head chef Kevin Scharpf. A competitor on Bravo’s Top Chef — just one of many of his impressive accolades — Scharpf shines brightest in his small plates, with a “come as you are” elegance uniting his menu.

Always featuring seasonally fresh, local ingredients (there are no freezers at Brazen!), his simple dishes are done right, from leek fondue and vegan gnudi to fried chicken and pork shoulder with chile, white bean, onion, apple, and cilantro. (And by “done right,” we mean James Beard-nominated.)

Sam & Phoebe Charles | Rodina, Cedar Rapids

In the Czech Village/NewBo District of Cedar Rapids, Rodina calls its menu “Midwest comfort food” — but in true Midwestern fashion, that’s too humble. A rare delight, Rodina will bring hot baked madeleines to your table, plate you a cast-iron tofu you didn’t know was possible, and present a vegetarian chorizo dip that will leave you simultaneously transfixed, perplexed, and grateful.

Rodina translates to “family” in Czech, and mementos from the Charles’ childhoods are scattered across the restaurant. The bread is baked by a local friend (the James Beard-nommed Aaron Hall), while their ingredients are sourced from local farming families, often just 10 to 15 minutes away. This is “Midwest comfort food” in its newest, truest, and loveliest definition.

Benjamin Smart | Big Grove Brewery, Iowa City

Photo: Rob Miller/Big Grove Brewery

On the outside, Big Grove in Iowa City is a pretty classic American brewery. Inside, meanwhile, Benjamin Smart and his team experiment with off-the-wall cooking methods and master niche techniques. One of Plate Magazine’s chefs to watch, Smart utilizes his experience at Seattle’s Herbfarm to flex his culinary muscles over Big Grove’s exquisite salads and house-made pizzas and flatbreads. One of his go-to ingredients? Alliums. (Google it!)

Here, award-winning ales and IPAs, cornhole tournaments, river views, and live music on the dog-friendly patio are paired with dishes you don’t typically associate with brewpubs — think smoked salmon with house-made pancetta and cous cous or flat-iron ribs with buttermilk mashed potatoes and glazed parsnips.

Suman Hoque | HoQ Restaurant, Des Moines

Bangladesh-born and Switzerland-educated, Suman Hoque helped turn the ultra-hip East Village in Des Moines into what it is today. Some 90% of all ingredients used at HoQ Restaurant come from Iowa farms, resulting in a menu that evolves roughly every six weeks.

“Local farms, global flavor” is exactly what diners will delight in here, with dishes like grass-fed goat with kalijira rice, apricot jam, and wasabi yogurt or acorn pudding with made-in-Iowa La Quercia chipped ham and microgreens. Rivaling the uncommon dishes, the combination of concrete and white tablecloths creates a surprisingly stylish ambiance. Definitely grab a reservation for this one.

Oscar Hernandez | 712 Eat & Drink, Council Bluffs

A hundred years ago, the Union Pacific Railroad had to decide between Omaha and across-the-river Council Bluffs, and Omaha got to chug full steam ahead. But Council Bluffs is now coming into its own, with 712 Eat & Drink helping anchor its foodie renaissance.

Headed by Oscar Hernandez — formerly of Omaha’s Pig & Finch and The Market House — the restaurant stays true to its 712 roots (that’s the area code) but with a modern twist. Think fried pickles with house-made, herbed creme fraiche or tater tots with braised pork belly, fontina, and ancho-chili mayo. Sit across from the 44-foot mural by Gerard Pefung to get the full 712 experience.

Tim Howard | Cafe Dodici, Washington

Photo: Linda Drish/Drish Photography/Cafe Dodici

The southeastern community of Washington, population 7,000, proves Iowa’s food scene isn’t limited to a few lucky big cities. Case in point: Cafe Dodici, co-owned by Lorraine Williams and Alessandro Scipioni from Pesaro, Italy. The first thing you’ll notice on entering is the global decor — paintings from Iowans hang alongside those of international artists, chandeliers come straight from Italy, and the rest? An eclectic mix of carpet and brick, maps and statues, hiding inside a small town’s 20th-century main drag.

But then you’ll get to the food. Head chef Tim Howard started at Cafe Dodici 14 years ago as a dishwasher — now, he’s plating up ball tip penne with crema di silken tofu and pistachio bruschetta, he’s whipping mascarpone inside his goat cheese torta. Yes, you could order a burger, but we wouldn’t recommend passing up the Iowa-Italian masterpieces on the menu.

Jesse Miller and Scott Salem | Table 32, Sioux City

Housed inside an old creamery — a stunning brick juggernaut in Sioux City’s up-and-coming Virginia Square — Table 32 repurposed its digs to repurpose Midwestern cuisine. Its guests will sit down to a menu that emphasizes local ingredients and features plates like filet mignon, fennel-roasted scallops, and poached pear and gorgonzola salad. More approachable items like “The Animal” shift gears entirely (a half-pound burger, basil aioli, caramelized onions, mushrooms, white cheddar, bacon, and an over-easy egg). Like its architectural mix of old and new, Table 32 pulls off upscale dining without sacrificing notes of Midwestern comfort.

Nab the “Chef’s Table” and Jesse Miller and Scott Salem will inundate you and your party with tastes off-menu. While you may not know what to expect on your plate, your glass is another story — Table 32’s craft selection showcases Iowa’s best spirits.

Joel and Jill Mahr | Primrose Restaurant, Corning

Set in the tiniest town on this list (coming in at 1,500 residents), Joel and Jill Mahr’s Primrose Restaurant in Corning begs the question: Isn’t it small towns, close to farms and gardens, that should offer the best, freshest food?

Truly farm-to-table with a menu that changes weekly, Primrose draws diners from hours away, with weekends usually seeing a packed house. They come to be part of the family affair — Jill’s parents provide plenty of the produce from their nearby farm, while friends supply everything else from roughly 20 minutes away. If you can get a reservation, look forward to dishes with classic Midwestern roots turned upside-down, like their hot beef sandwich — served open-face on sourdough with slow-roasted brisket — and house-made ricotta doughnuts.

Andy Bonnet | Rubaiyat, Decorah

Photo: Andy Bonnet/Rubaiyat

When you arrive at Rubaiyat in Decorah, expect to spend the majority of your evening there. Chef Andy Bonnet has created an experience that’s as close to food meditation as it gets — you’re invited to sip, savor, and sit back, one course at a time, letting each bite be its own mindful experience.

That’s the reason behind the name: The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam was written nearly 1,000 years ago in Persia, a testament to enjoying life through food and wine. But it’s not Persian fare you’ll be savoring — instead, picture noshing on local oyster mushrooms or duck bacon and sweet-corn wontons. You could call it American, but truly, it’s Iowan.

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The MSC Yacht Club Can Make Even the Most Hesitant Traveler a Cruise Ship Fan

Taking a luxury cruise in my mid-30s was something I would have scoffed at pre-pandemic. Yet I instantly felt my travel anxiety ease with the invitation to sail with the VIP MSC Yacht Club on a journey that started in Miami and went through the Caribbean.

I’m an over-seasoned traveler, but after three years anchored in the UK, the thought of leaving the security of my village and being close to strangers felt crippling. The experience blew my presumptions of what a cruise is completely out of the water with exquisite customer service, fine dining, and a packed (and safe) itinerary. MSC’s luxury ship showed me that cruising can be the epitome of a relaxing, stress-free vacation. So much so that I am now, at 36, 100 percent converted.

Arriving at MSC Yacht Club

MSC Seashore.
Photo: MSC Cruises/Michel Verdure

Before joining the MSC Seashore, I booked a couple of nights at The Goodtime Hotel, a property from Pharrell Williams and David Grutman that opened last year. One of the joys of taking a cruise that departs from Miami, after all, is Miami itself.

No longer was I in my sleepy Scottish hamlet. The Goodtime Hotel is unforgivingly loud and playful. The over-the-top Art déco design aesthetic melts seamlessly into the backdrop of South Beach. The colors and lively ambiance were a wake-up call — one I had been craving for three years. It also forced me to shrug off my sweats and slip on my patent pink slippers and short white shift dress.

Photo: The Goodtime Hotel/Alice Gao

As my driver, Eduardo, dropped me off at PortMiami, I nervously asked, “Are you sure we are in the right place?” my voice trailing anxiously. “Look up, Miss,” he replied, as we passed through the security gates and under the shadow of the looming MSC Seashore. My chic, hours-of-thought outfit was no longer my amour, and I was sweating in my slippers.

“Are you Yacht Club?” said a man in a pressed MSC shirt. “Yes, I am,” I replied. I didn’t, at that moment, understand how the statement, “I am a Yacht Club Member,” would fill me with so much pride by the end of our week at sea.

Checking into MSC Yacht Club

The specious Yacht Club suite. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

Suite bathrooms are black marble with large walk-in rain showers. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

Many of the suites in Yacht Clubs come with a private hot tub. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

There are many benefits to booking MSC Yacht Club (which is described as a “ship within a ship”), but one of the overriding perks is that there is no getting in line.

As I looked down the terminal to lines of passengers shuffling into the check-in location, the cruise crew tagged my bags and privately escorted me onto the ship. Although strict COVID-19 safety measures are in place, the process took a mere 15 minutes.

Before boarding, they ushered me into a comfortable waiting room with refreshments and introduced to the team of dedicated butlers, who help facilitate the cruise experience for Yacht Club Members. I met Mary from the Philippines, whose smile instantly made me feel at ease. She kindly brought me a welcome package, set up my onboard WiFi for my two devices, and explained to me a little about what to expect from day one.

The only sweating I would do from here on out would be poolside with Champagne and Aperol.

Yacht Club on MSC Seashore

MSC launched Yacht Club in 2008 and it’s now available on more than half the company’s fleet. It feels like a luxury boutique hotel. It’s not until you open the suite door onto the private balcony, hit the exclusive pool deck, or visit the Panoramic Top Sail Lounge with its floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the fabulous bow that you’re reminded you’re on a cruise ship.

The iconic Swarovski crystal staircase leading to the Top Sail Lounge in Yacht Club.
Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

MSC Yacht Club members can, of course, explore the rest of the vessel. And although I loved doing so, I found my step quickening as I approached the glass Club doors on level 16. I was happy to retreat into the opulent luxury. One I quickly became accustomed to.

Yacht Club Members get priority check-in and check-out, as well as and priority ushered departure and return on excursions. Each cabin has its own butler and personal concierge. Room service is available 24 hours a day. There is a room service menu, but believe me, if you want something not on the menu and it’s on the ship, the crew will do their utmost to get it for you. A premium extra drink package that includes drinks up to $15 covers most refreshments, including high-end cocktails and wine. Members can also access the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa, which separately costs $18 per day.

Yacht Club Members have access to the privet pool deck. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

Cabanas on the pool deck are quiet places to read, sleep and enjoy an Aperol Spritz. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

On the pool deck you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner from a fresh buffet and made-to-order plates. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

The Club spreads over three levels and is accessible only by Club Members and staff with a wristband. The privacy is boundless behind the Club doors.

The lobby is immaculate with the ship’s iconic signature glass staircase leading to the overhanging level above the restaurant. Pools, whirlpool baths, and the pool bar and buffet are on the pool deck, which is dotted with private cabanas and freshly rolled towels. For me, the cabin was the pinnacle of the experience with its huge balcony, tasteful art, free minibar, newspaper menu, and Egyptian cotton sheets. As the heavy door slammed behind me, I slipped on my Yacht Club embroidered fluffy slippers and robe, poured a glass of complimentary chilled Champagne, and bit into a strawberry from the beautiful arrival fruit platter. I was in heaven.

You are welcomed to your Yacht Club cabin with a bottle of Champagne, artisan chocolates and fresh fruit. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

I lived in my Yacht Club slippers for the duration of the cruise. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

I overuse the word “seamless” when talking about the service, simply because it’s the perfect description. Service looked more like a choreographed ballet than a restaurant floor. Not once during my week onboard did I see a crack — not even a fracture.

Although I thought before a vacation like this I didn’t need a butler, they gave me their internal phone number and this quickly become a big part of my MSC experience. The entire staff is personable, yet professional. All are exquisitely well-trained and knowledgeable. And although I presumed I would feel uncomfortable having a personal butler, the pride and professionalism quickly diminished any unease.

Excursion on MSC Yacht Club

Ocean Cay MSC Reserve is MSC's private island playground where guests can enjoy activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, diving and a twilight lightshow. Photo: MSC Cruises/Conrad Schutt

Colorful old streets of San Juan, Puero Rico during guided walking tour. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

Horse in stables after beach horse riding excursion near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

Boat trip to Nassau, on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

Our eight-day cruise sailed from Miami down through the Bahamas and then to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Ocean Cay (MSC’s private Caribbean Island), and back to Miami.

I booked all of my port excursions from the wide range that MSC Seashore offer before embarking, but the concierge can organize these on arrival. An informative catalog of activities for the entire trip is available on the first day. Another pleasant touch is the daily planner, which is delivered to your suite during dinner service.

As mentioned, the key perk of booking Yacht Club is that you don’t have to queue when disembarking to ship. For each of my excursions, my butler, Manoj Pereira, met me. Pereira escorted me down through the main section of the ship, past those waiting in line, through security, and into the capable hands of the land butler.

Food and drink packages on MSC Yacht Club

MSC Yacht Club restaurant set for dinner service. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

The Yacht Club restaurant offers guests panoramic views, which are stunning throughout the day, but especially at sunset. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

Dining options are opulent at the Club, in MSC’s signature restaurants, and on MSC Seashore. An additional benefit to Yacht Club is the private restaurant where you can order à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Throughout the week, I filled my breakfast table with towers of buttermilk banana pancakes, Canadian bacon with maple syrup, and eggs Benedict with smoked Norwegian salmon. You can order any style eggs you desire. In fact, you can order anything your heart desires.

On the second day, I met a lovely couple from New Orleans. The gentleman requested macadamia nuts for his chocolate chip pancakes. I smugly amused, “good luck.” The couple received their request within 10 minutes. The chef tracked the nuts down in a galley in another section of the ship.

Seafood extravaganza on the private pool deck. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

Afternoon tea does not disappoint on the pool deck. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

The pool deck is a somewhat more casual buffet affair, but the food retains Yacht Club standards. Bowls of fresh crunchy salads, slaws, seeds, and dressings are available along with a verity of steamed vegetables. There are platters of roast meats and fish, rice dishes, and an array of pastas.

Afternoon tea starts at 3:00 PM. Not having a sweet tooth, I bypassed the stunning patisseries and colorful cream cakes and opted for the mini cucumber sandwiches and prosciutto baguettes.

Outside of Yacht Club, you can enjoy any restaurant on the boat. There are also five specialty restaurants which are not included in the all-inclusive ticket. These include Hola! Tacos & Cantina, which serves Mexican-inspired street food, Kaito Teppanyaki, Kaito Sushi Bar, Ocean Cay, a luxury seafood restaurant, and Butcher’s Cut.

The wellness and spa facility on MSC Seashore

Indoor Cycling is one of the many gym classes you can enjoy on MSC. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

Free weights section in the open-planned gym. Photo: Katie Scott Aiton

I took advantage of the wellness facilities every morning. The state-of-the-art gym and Asian-inspired spa on Seashore are on the sixth deck. The ship has a varied list of gym classes, from sunrise stretch and yoga to indoor cycling. Other services include personal training sessions, body composition analysis, and foot balance analysis.

During opening hours, Yacht Club members can also access the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa. The high-tech spa includes saunas of varying temperatures. There are also treatments such as cold rain and warm breeze showers, a salt room, and a snowroom. Coming from winter in Scotland, I opted out of the latter.

One of the many massage rooms on MSC Seashore in the tranquil Aurea Spa. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

The beauty spa on MSC offers a range of services from brow and lashes to waxing and nails. Photo: MSC Cruises/Ivan Sarfatti

Aurea Spa offers 12 different massages, two signature facials, body scrubs and wraps, and dry floatation experiences. I dozed through a relaxing 50-minute Balinese massage, which topped off a luxurious week with MSC — one that has convinced me that it’s never to late to get into taking cruise vacations.

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You Could Win Exclusive Experiences on Palau’s New App — but Only if You’re Eco-Friendly.

If you’re planning a low-impact vacation this year, consider thinking small. Not small in terms of your trip, but in terms of the destination’s size. The Pacific island nation of Palau (population 18,000) is rich in beaches, waterfalls, and tropical rainforest that beckon outdoorsy travelers seeking deep natural immersion. In Palau, you can take a coastal hike along deep blue lagoons and dive in the world’s first shark sanctuary, where you’ll spot some of the nearly 1,500 species of fish swimming through more than 500 types of hard and soft corals.

This is The Climate Win, highlighting sustainability news and experiences throughout the world of travel

Now, Palau is highlighting – and protecting – its natural wonders through a new sustainability initiative that invites travelers to both be mindful of their footprint and participate in conservation. Dubbed Olau Palau, the initiative is different from your typical sustainability initiative in that it makes having an eco-friendly travel experience into a game. Visitors can download the new Olau Palau app to track the impact of their travels, learn about eco-friendly activities, and collect “points” based on the overall environmental impact of their journey. With a blend of familiar initiatives like carbon offsets and fresh ideas (including immersive wildlife viewing experiences), the Olau Palau app makes eco-friendly travel the hip thing to do for modern travelers in Palau.

The app provides is an interactive way to see how the 500-island nation is progressing in its conservation initiatives. It’s a first-of-its-kind program that could – and should – be replicated by other destinations. Matador spoke with Jennifer Koskelin Gibbons, co-founder of the Palau Legacy Project and Palauan local, to get the rundown on the program.

Photo: Ethan Daniels/Shutterstock

Matador: The Ol’au Palau initiative “gamifies” sustainable travel. Give us the rundown on how that works.

Jennifer Koskelin Gibbons: Ol’au Palau gamifies responsible visitor behavior by unifying Palau’s ecotourism touchpoints in one easy place. Travelers can then earn points from participating in these activities that allow them to unlock unique experiences and places that aren’t easily available to the average traveler. The initiative incentivizes visitors to sustain, regenerate and contribute to Palau during their trip. It creates a new type of tourism value exchange – one where visitors are invited to accumulate points for demonstrating responsible and regenerative behavior. In return, they can use these points to access money-can’t-buy experiences that aren’t available to visitors who don’t participate in the scheme.

The aim was to create a simple, fun way for visitors to help them keep Palau pristine. The hope is that after they leave Palau, this will also make them think of their own country’s future and how they can make different choices back at home.

How are the carbon offsets verified?

Palau partners with The Ocean Foundation to collect funds from its new offset calculator. It will channel these funds into a carbon offset project that concentrates on regenerating marine environments – specifically seagrass beds in Puerto Rico. In the long term, Palau is working with its international partners to investigate the establishment of a carbon offset project of its own.

What are some of the activities that travelers can do to boost their score on the app?

Visitors to Palau will soon be able to download the Ol’au Palau app, which they can use to track actions and earn points for interacting with Palau’s sustainable initiatives and cultural customs. From signing the Palau Pledge and using reef safe sunscreen to offsetting your carbon footprint using Palau’s world-first personal carbon calculator, visiting culturally-significant tourism sites, eating sustainably-sourced local food and participating in regenerative tourism projects, Ol’au Palau makes it easy for visitors to be sustainable and respectful during their visits.

The points visitors earn can be used to become a friend of Palau, which then allows visitors to unlock special places, spaces and experiences that have previously not been accessible to tourists.

Photo: jbutcher/Shutterstockv

Why is it important for travelers to be active and engaged regarding the carbon footprint of their travel?

People travel to beautiful places precisely because they are pristine, unique, and offer something that they can’t see at home. Since tourism occurs in environmentally fragile areas rich in biodiversity (like Palau), its impact on the environment is significant. But guests to Palau – and any other country – need to be respectful of the environment and culture they are visiting, to ensure they leave each place as they find it for future visitors and future generations to enjoy.

To help visitors do this, Palau has created the world’s first destination carbon offset calculator which gives visitors the ability to calculate and offset their personal carbon footprint from their trip. This also earns them points to redeem in the Ol’au Palau initiative.

Palau aims to become the world’s first carbon-neutral destination and the launch of the new calculator marks Palau taking its first step on this journey.

Olau Palau and the Carbon Calculator are in line with Palau’s high-value, low-impact tourism strategy which aims to attract more like-minded travelers who share Palau’s conservation values. As prevention is more cost-effective than enforcement, this strategy will also help keep Palau pristine for the next generation.

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How To Make the Most of an Orcas Island Day Trip From Seattle

Orcas Island, Washington can easily be crowned one of the most beautiful places in the world. Situated amongst the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is a remote, truly wild wilderness. Dotted with hikeable mountains and scenic state parks that offer camping, fishing, and swimming, Orcas Island is a paradise for people whose idea of a good time is spending all day outdoors – playing on the pebbly beaches or exploring hiking trails enveloped in emerald green forests.

Orcas Island restaurants source most of their ingredients from around the San Juans, so expect fresh salmon and briny oysters served on well-worn picnic tables. The hiking trails lead to majestic bluffs dotted with trees, and the water will call you onto it for all sorts of activities – from fishing to whale watching to sailing at sunset. If you yearn to be on the water in a boat, you will fit right in on Orcas Island. And if you arrive in summer all the way into fall, you will likely catch a glimpse of the San Juan Islands orca pod residents gliding by the shoreline – an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience you’ll never forget.

The Orcas Island hotels – well, they are more like rustic cottages and cabins in the woods, and primitive campsites where you will likely need to refresh your survival skills, because there aren’t a lot of amenities available on these patches of Earth. But that’s what life on Orcas Island is all about: reveling in the mostly untouched beauty of the natural world, and getting as close to it as you can.

If it’s your first time exploring Orcas Island, you’re bringing along kids, or just need a getaway from Seattle, a day trip to the island isn’t exactly easy – but it’s totally possible (especially if you have a car). Here’s exactly how to do it, and what to do once you get there.

How to get to Orcas Island

Photo: Moarly/Shutterstock

Most people interested in a day trip to Orcas Island, Washington will likely be beginning their visit to Washington State in Seattle. Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry from Seattle to Orcas Island.

The Orcas Island ferry runs from Anarcortes, so first you need to get to Anacortes, 80 miles from Seattle, and the easiest way to do that is by car though there are other options. There you can board the Washington State Ferry to Orcas Island. The Orcas Island ferry arrives at the ferry terminal in Orcas Village. You can also charter a plane to Orcas Island via Kenmore Air or San Juan Airlines, which departs from Lake Union, Lake Washington, and Seatac Airport.

How to get around Orcas Island

Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock

To cover the most ground during a day trip to Orcas Island, Washington, you need a car. However there are a few other ways to get around the island. During the summer months, San Juan Transit offers a shuttle bus service that serves the island on the weekends, which stops at Deer Harbor, Eastsound, Moran State Park, and Rosario Resort. You can also rent a bike at Wildlife Cycles, but the best option is an electric bike because of the island’s hilly terrain.

What to do on an Orcas Island day trip

Photo: Monika Wieland Shields/Shutterstock

If you have a car, follow the Scenic Byway, which takes around three hours to complete. The island is shaped like a horseshoe so no matter where you are you’re going to get a stunning view of the ocean.

Orcas Village

Since most people take the ferry from Anacortes, the first stop on your trip will likely be Orcas Village. Known as the Landing by Orcas Island locas, here’s where you can rent a car if you don’t already have one, book a boat tour or a whale watching trip, or a guided kayaking tour. But this Hamlet is tiny, and aside from picking up a couple snacks for your road trip you probably won’t spend much time here.

West Sound 

Another small village on Orcas Island, first settled by the Coast Salish peoples, West Sound is closest to Orcas Village on the byway route.

From West Sound families can paddle or motorboat out to Victim or Skull Island, which are totally uninhabited and ripe for exploration. Orcas Island Historic Yacht Tours also disembark from Westsound, offering daytime sightseeing tours and sunset wine tours for adults. Kingfish at West Sound is a chic and modern inn that features four suites and a restaurant where every ingredient is sourced from San Juan Island purveyors – but if you’re looking to have dinner there, be sure to make a reservation beforehand.

Deer Harbor 

A twenty minute drive from Ferry Landing, Deer Harbor is known in particular for its fishing culture,  and visitors and locals alike stop into Deer Harbor for Dungeness crab, rock crab, and shrimp.

Life in Deer Harbor centers around the marina, where you can schedule a whale watching trip or kayak trip, or book a sailing excursion. Some people think Deer Harbor is home to the best beaches in Orcas Island, because the shores are sandy rather than rocky. Head to the Dock Store to pick up snacks for a beach picnic or drop in for dinner at the Deer Harbor Inn, a series of cozy and rustic cottages just six miles from the Turtleback Mountain trailhead.

Photo: Lisa ParsonsGirl/Shutterstock

Doe Bay Resort & Retreat 

The Doe Bay outdoor soaking tubs, which overlook the bay, should be on your travel bucket list. Available to be privately booked for groups up to eight people, the spa is just one aspect of Doe Bay Resort you’ll want to experience. Not only does the property offer cabins and camping if you want to extend your stay, Shearwater Adventures offer guided 3 hour guided kayak tours twice a day Memorial Weekend thru Labor Day. One of the best restaurants on the island is undeniably Doe Bay Cafe, where all the dishes are sourced from local farmers and fishermen.

Moran State Park is connected to Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, where you can camp, swim in one of many freshwater lakes, hike Mount Constitution, fish for trout, paddle board, or go bird watching.

Eastsound Village 

Considered Orcas Island’s downtown, Eastsound Village is a quaint walkable area where you can take a break from driving. Explore the island’s history at Orcas Island History Museum, or browse through a selection of organic produce, flowers, pottery, and pastries at the Orcas Island Farmers Market.

Venturing away from the main town center, you’ll also find Orcas Island Winery where visitors can sip wine in the farmhouse tasting room, as well as Once In a Blue Moon Farm, which offers by appointment only tours of the pastures and orchards, plus lots of opportunities to interact with the farm’s animal inhabitants.

There are also several state parks that are only accessible by boat from Eastsound if you’re up for an adventure: Jones Island Marine State Park, Sucia Island State Park, and Blind Island State Park.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, start your journey at Brown Bear Baking for an array for baked goods and the (purportedly) best coffee on the island. For a more casual lunch, Hogstone Pizza is a popular choice, but for an upscale dinner where you can take in the stunning ocean views and locally caught seafood, opt for an evening at The Inn at Ship Bay.

Photo: StompingGirl/Shutterstock

Olga

This hamlet is just 20 minutes away from Eastsound, on the shore of Buck Bay, where fresh and saltwater mingle, attracting salmon, osprey, and an abundance of shellfish. The reason to visit this picturesque community is Buck Bay Shellfish Farm, where visitors can sit at outdoor picnic tables overlooking the bay, and munch on seafood that is as fresh as you can get anywhere in the world: oysters, grilled salmon, shrimp, crab, and more.

Just one mile from Olga is Obstruction Pass State Park, where visitors can traverse a short path to the beach. Far more peaceful than the usually crowded Moran State Park, Obstruction Pass offers quiet beaches for crabbing, kayaking, and rustic camping without many amenities.

Rosario Resort and Spa

Built in the historic Moran Mansion, first erected in 1909 by one of Seattle’s former mayors, Rosario Resort sits on the edge of a cliff overlooking Cascade Bay. The 30 acres of idyllic property is a secluded oasis. On top of two pools, a hot tub, and a  full spa, the resort also offers wildlife tours, wine cruises, sunset sailing, and kayak tours at Rosario Marina. The Moran Mansion Museum is open to the public, and spotlights the region’s nautical history.

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Canadian small towns near Seattle

Taking a long weekend from Seattle to get “oot” and “aboot” in Canada is as easy as pie. But why stick to the well-trodden paths of Vancouver and Victoria when you can give some Canadian small towns a try, eh?

Get to the best Canadian small towns via a drive over the border; by ferry to Victoria (it’s under three hours aboard the Victoria Clipper from downtown Seattle) and then onward; by Amtrak Cascades train to Vancouver and beyond; or by air.
From Seattle, the hour-long flight to Vancouver’s international airport (YVR) opens up connecting flights by Canada’s big and small carriers. Kenmore Air has several flights to Canada from both Seattle/Lake Union and Kenmore/Lake Washington. You can also fly by seaplane from Seattle to downtown Vancouver via Harbour Air, the world’s first carbon-neutral airline, and then on to some of the province’s most attractive small towns.
Once in Canada, there are a few other seaplane options, such as Sunshine Coast Air that takes you between the Sunshine Coast’s Sechelt and Nanaimo, Tofino, Victoria, and Vancouver’s harbor and YVR’s south terminal, which is a free 10-minute shuttle from the main terminal. And don’t forget Alberta — Alaska Airlines and WestJet/Delta fly nonstop between Seattle and Calgary in 100 minutes and then you’re just an hour away from the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.

Long weekends often fall on different dates for Canada and the US, so check both countries’ calendars to get a sense of the crowds you can expect. Count on the long weekend covering Canada Day (July 1) and the Fourth of July to be extremely popular with everyone wanting a getaway. Vaccinated travelers no longer need a COVID-19 test to enter Canada, but don’t forget to provide required info within 72 hours before your arrival via the ArriveCan app.

Whistler

Photo: Klara_Steffkova/Shutterstock

The mountain town of Whistler and the Whistler/Blackcomb resort cohosted the 2010 Olympic games with Vancouver. Whether you’re coming with kids or without, mountain biking in summer or skiing/snowboarding in winter, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Whistler. Take your pick from soaking in Scandinave Spa’s Nordic baths while admiring the mountain views; soaring in the air by zipline or the Peak 2 Peak gondola; or watching wildlife like black bears, whistling hoary marmots, and tiny pikas.

Where to stay in Whistler: The most luxe stays are at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, right at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, and Four Seasons Whistler. At Pan Pacific Whistler’s Mountainside resort, you can watch people zoom down the mountain from the heated rooftop pool. In the quieter Whistler Creekside neighborhood, Nita Lake Lodge and its spa are right on the lake. If you’re traveling with your pup, Summit Lodge loves pets as much as you do.

How to get there: Get to Whistler from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky highway (by car or shuttle, including directly from YVR), by Rocky Mountaineer train, helicopter, or floatplane (with either Whistler Air or Harbour Air).

Tofino

Photo: chrisdonaldsonphotography/Shutterstock

Surf town Tofino is in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere and within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Come here for beachcombing, storm watching, hiking and biking in the rainforest, kayaking, and surfing. Book the Tofino Adventure Centre’s Ultimate Adventure and you’ll go whale or bear-watching and crabbing, and then chefs at 1909 Kitchen will cook up your catch for a dinner feast.

Where to stay in Tofino: For a beachfront chalet complete with hot tub, it’s hard to top Pacific Sands Beach Resort on Cox Bay. For a little zaniness, choose Hotel Zed with its bike path through the lobby, secret 1980s arcade, physic’s den (complete with visits from a tarot card reader), and mini disco.

How to get there: Tofino is on Vancouver Island’s west coast and can be reached by car from Victoria or Nanaimo after a ferry ride from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay terminals, as well as by air. Pacific Coastal Airlines and Harbour Air’s seaplanes are the biggest options.

Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Photo: 2009fotofriends/Shutterstock

These two neighboring beach towns on Vancouver Island’s east coast have views of the Salish Sea and its treed islands plus the occasional cruise ship on its way to Alaska. With some of the warmest ocean waters in Canada and big tides that call for barefoot explorers of all ages, Parksville Beach hosts an elaborate sand sculpture competition in mid-July (until the end of August) and Qualicum’s has a paved promenade for high tide. Admire 800-year-old Douglas firs (including one with a nine-yard circumference) at Cathedral Grove or ride a cave slide to see fossils, and even rappel down a seven-story underground waterfall at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park. Your tastebuds will enjoy farmers’ markets, microbreweries and distilleries, and local cheeses. Don’t miss stopping in nearby Coombs to see the goats on the roof of the Old Country Market and pick up gourmet products, old-fashioned toys, inventive doughnuts, ice cream, and more.

Where to stay in Parksville and Qualicum Beach: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort has log cabin rooms plus a grotto spa (spa packages include unlimited tapas, eaten decked out in your spa robe). At Free Spirit Spheres, you’ll sleep in a wooden ball suspended above the forest floor.

How to get there: A two-hour drive from Victoria or just 40 minutes from the Departure Bay ferry dock in Nanaimo (the Vancouver Horseshoe Bay ferry docks here; the Tsawwassen ferry brings you to Nanaimo’s Duke Point and adds a couple minutes to the drive). Vancouver to Nanaimo flight options include Harbour Air, Seair, and Helijet helicopters.

Salt Spring Island

Photo: Roxana Gonzalez/Shutterstock

Salt Spring Island is known for the large proportion of working and retired artists and artisans — from potters and cheesemakers to musicians and poets — among its population of 12,000. Visiting Salt Spring means the opportunity to sample their creations.

The island’s largest village is called Ganges and it’s home to the very popular Saturday farmers’ market (April to October). Wander around town and hike just outside of it, check out the local products for sale at Mouat’s Trading Company, or catch a show at the ArtSpring Theatre. Take the self-guided Salt Spring Studio Tour to visit galleries, shops, and farms throughout Salt Spring plus sample the island’s cider, wine, and beer.

Where to stay on Salt Spring Island: Hastings House is a luxe Relais & Châteaux property with the cuisine and hospitality the brand is famous for (including fresh muffins delivered to your door each morning). Most of the rooms at Harbour House Hotel have views of the sunrise over the Salish Sea.

How to get there: Salt Spring Island is the most accessible of the Gulf Islands. From Vancouver it can be reached by seaplane (with Harbour Air and Seair) and by ferry from both Vancouver’s Tsawwassen terminal and Victoria’s Swartz Bay (come as a foot passenger; efforts are underway to reduce traffic and make it easier to visit Salt Spring without a car).

The Sunshine Coast

Photo: EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock

BC’s Sunshine Coast has several charming towns including Gibsons (featured on the 1972-1990 TV show The Beachcombers), Sechelt, and Halfmoon Bay.

Basing yourself near the town of Egmont, 80 minutes from the ferry terminal, means you’re close to the twice-daily tidal phenomenon at Skookumchuck Narrows. Here, the reversing tide forms massive rapids, whirlpools, and a standing wave that can be surfed, kayaked, and paddeboarded — or just watched from the safety of shore. Go biking, hiking, beachcombing, or perhaps take a zodiac tour to the “Grand Canyon of BC,” Princess Louisa Inlet, where you’ll see ancient Coast Salish petroglyphs, waterfalls, and perhaps seals, sea lions, eagles, cormorants, osprey, and grizzlies.

Where to stay: In Egmont, West Coast Wilderness Lodge offers ocean and forest views from your own deck. In Halfmoon Bay, you can stay in a tenthouse hidden along a forest boardwalk at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort.

How to get there: While part of BC’s mainland, the Sunshine Coast is not reachable by road. Seaplanes from Victoria and Vancouver (with Harbour Air and Sunshine Coast Air), as well as the 40-minute Horseshoe Bay-Langdale ferry will get you there.

Nelson

Photo: Max Lindenthaler/Shutterstock

This southeastern BC town rewards with more restaurants and cafes per capita than San Francisco (including fave gathering spot Oso Negro Coffee), amazing second-hand clothing shops like Strutters, and art galleries showcasing the work of local makers. For those who want to take in the spectacular scenery of the region, you can go mountain biking, swimming in hot springs at Ainsworth or off sandy beaches at Lakeside Park, ski in 40 feet of powder at Whitewater Ski Resort, or take the world’s longest free ferry ride. Don’t forget to dedicate some time to people-watching – Nelson is a fun and quirky little town with an attitude to match.

An hour away is the town of Rossland, with more powder at RED Mountain Resort, plus 20,000 backcountry acres accessible via Big Red Cats’ snowcats.

Where to stay: The Hume Hotel & Spa, first built in 1898, has modern amenities, heritage charm, and an on-site spa for all your relaxation needs. Or go for more Nordic minimalism at The Adventure Hotel. In Rossland, the Josie hotel is right at the base of RED Mountain.

How to get there: You’ll need an eight-hour drive or an Air Canada flight to Castlegar from Vancouver to get to Nelson.

Banff

Photo: RuthChoi/Shutterstock

You can also take a long weekend in the province of Alberta — the drive from the prairie city of Calgary into the towering Rocky Mountains alone is almost worth the trip. The town of Banff is the most popular to stay. There are plenty of interesting stops on the way: admire hoodoos and turquoise glacial lakes, hike to petroglyphs and waterfalls, and potentially see elk and other wildlife near the highway. Once in Banff, visit the hot springs, ski at Norquay, Sunshine, or Lake Louise, ride the gondolas, explore the cave under Grotto Mountain, or take a hike in the fresh mountain air.

Where to stay in Banff: The iconic stay is at the “Castle in the Rockies,” Fairmont Banff Springs. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, book a meal (perhaps the fondue experience at Waldhaus) or a treatment at Willow Stream Spa (it includes soaks in the indoor mineral pool and waterfalls and outdoor hot tub with mountain views), and be sure to leave time to take a wander around this historic building and grounds. Alternatively, check out Matador’s list of the best Airbnbs in Banff.

How to get there: Both Alaska Airlines and WestJet/Delta will get you from Seattle to Calgary in under two hours. Then, rent a car or take the Banff Airporter into the mountains; without stops it takes about 90 minutes to get to Banff. Note that Banff is inside the national park, so to stay in Banff you’ll need a National Park Pass, which can be purchased from your car at the park gates.

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9 of the Best Wyoming Hiking Trails for Amazing Views and Small Crowds

Wyoming has some truly bizarre landscapes, from sand dunes that sounds like they’re singing (really!) to freakish volcanic monoliths that tower over the surrounding desert or grassland flats. It also has some of the most epic backcountry views where rows of jagged peaks bite into the sky and prairie disappears over the distant horizon. While you can drive to a few of the state’s dramatic overlooks, the best way to experience Wyoming’s landscapes is to slip on your hiking boots and hit the trail.

Here are nine of the best trails for doing a little Wyoming hiking while you’re visiting the Cowboy State, ranked from shortest to longest. While some may be quicker than others, they all have amazing views, so you’ll still get some awesome photos even if you pick one of the shorter trails.

Killpecker Dunes and Boars Tusk

Photo: Flystock/Shutterstock

Distance: 1.4 milesType: LoopElevation gain/loss: +/- 140 feet

Killpecker Dunes doesn’t have any trails, exactly. But what it does have is miles of towering sand dunes so you can explore to your liking, as long as you’re not in a motorized vehicle.

But to enjoy the most mystifying parts of the dunes, you’re going to want to get away from the buzz of ATV engines and listen — because Killpecker Dunes is one of seven locations in the world with “singing” sand dunes.

Killpecker Dunes is part of Wyoming’s Red Desert, a 9,000-square-mile high altitude desert and sage-dotted grassland. The Dunes cover about 109,000 acres, making them the largest living dune system in the US. “Living” dunes are ones constantly being shaped and reshaped by the wind, often blowing from one direction during part of the year, then reversing to keep the sand largely in one place. The Dunes seem to stretch into infinity, save for a few bizarre rock formations like the 400-foot Boars Tusk.

Because of the shape of the sand, the Killpecker Dunes create a sound when the sand shifts; it’s equal parts spooky and relaxing. Imagine a long, low cello note floating over the otherwise-silent desert. The sound can also be caused by animals moving across the sand — which is a pretty common occurrence as the area is home to the largest migrating antelope herd in the US.

The Boars Tusk, a 400-foot monolith, is the core of a volcano exposed by the erosion of the surrounding layers of rock. There aren’t set hiking trails around Boars Tusk either, but hiking the three miles to the spire is a good idea. You can also walk along the road as there’s never very much traffic. If you’ve got a high-clearance vehicle, and if the road isn’t wet, you can drive the three miles to the Tusk. And feel free to bring your dog — the whole area is open to dogs. More information.

Red Beds Trail to Devils Tow

Photo: Sulae/Shutterstock

Distance: 2.8 milesType: LoopElevation gain/loss: +/- 442 feet

Most famous for being an alien landing zone in the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Devils Tower is a volcanic spire that rises 1,200 feet over the eastern Wyoming prairie. It’s also called Bear Lodge Butte, a name given to the rock formation by the local Indigenous peoples. There’s some debate as to whether Devils Tower was formed by an igneous intrusion below layers of rock or a volcano that exploded on the surface. Either way, it’s hard not to be awed by the near-perfect hexagonal columns of rock.

Both the unimaginatively named Tower Trail (1.3-mile paved loop) and the Red Beds Trail (2.8-mile loop) leave from the visitors’ center of Devils Tower National Monument. They both circumnavigate the tower, but Red Beds is less crowded and has better views since it goes a bit further from the tower, giving you better views and less neck strain. With a little distance, you can really get a sense of Bear Lodge Butte’s place within the prairie and rolling ponderosa pine-covered hills.

Wildflowers are abundant, especially in the spring and summer. Even with the crowds, chances are you’ll see deer, wild turkeys, prairie dogs, hawks, and the occasional blue heron; this is a top Wyoming hiking spot for wildlife. On that note, watch for rattlesnakes.

Around the halfway point, you’ll hit the vibrant red badlands that give the train its name. The heavily eroded siltstone hills and cliffs hug the Belle Fourche River and look nothing like the rest of the park. There are a few steep, rocky sections, which could be challenging for little kids — and might be almost impassable during one of the area’s frequent afternoon rainstorms.

Indigenous people of the Northern Plain have considered this area sacred for centuries. You’ll probably see small bundles or cloths tied to tree branches along the trails, left by local Indigenous people. Respect the spiritual nature of the cloths by not touching or moving them, and try not to photograph them as it’s considered disrespectful.

This isn’t a Wyoming hiking trail for your pup; dogs aren’t allowed on any of the park trails. The area can be brutally hot in summer, so don’t leave your dog in the car, either. More information.

Dubois Badlands

Photo: Romina Schwaiger/Shutterstock

Distance: 3.8 milesType: LoopElevation gain/loss: +/- 500 feet

The Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area is small area with just seven square miles of multi-colored desert. But what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in otherworldly landscapes. It’s one of the best places to go hiking in Wyoming if you want people to see your photos and say “wait, where was that?” The Dubois Badlands trail is the best Wyoming hiking route in the study area if you’re looking for views of colorful cliffbands.

Maybe it’s the fact that you’re almost guaranteed not to see another person out there that gives the place its alien feel. There are no signs to indicate you’ve reached the study area, and even many locals don’t call it by the BLM’s official name. Most instead call it Mason Draw, Byrd Draw, or just “the hills east of town.”

The hiking here is as easy or as hard as you want to make it. If you keep to the seemingly endless flatlands, you won’t have much elevation change. But you can also climb the steep, eroded hillsides for views of the surrounding areas. Summers can be scorching, so checking the area out in the morning or evening will be ideal, especially since the red-and-orange hillsides appear like they’re on fire at sunrise (and there’s not much water in the park to relieve the mid-day heat). If you’re lucky, you’ll see antelope, mule deer, or the occasional bighorn sheep down from the nearby mountains. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, though, especially if you’re hiking with your dog. More information.

Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn

Photo: Randall Runtsch/Shutterstock

Distance: 6.7 milesType: Out and backElevation gain/loss: +/- 1,390 feet

Mount Washburn stands sentinel in the heart of Yellowstone National Park. At 10,223 feet above sea level, it has a commanding view of almost every inch of the landscape, including the Tetons to the south, the Madison Range to the northwest, and the Absaroka Range to the northeast.

At the top is one of Yellowstone’s three fire lookouts, as well as a small visitor center, restrooms, and one of the best observation decks in the national park system. There’s a 360-degree view of one of the biggest volcanic craters in the world: the Yellowstone Caldera. (Yes, the whole park is a caldera!)

The best and most scenic trail to reach the lookout starts near the crest of Dunraven Pass five miles north of Canyon Junction (off Grand Loop Road). The trail wanders more than three miles through lodgepole pine forests and open, grassy slopes. The trail also passes through areas burned by a wildfire in the 1980s, and the burn scars seem to be covered in wildflowers nearly 30 years layer.

From the top, you can see the faint edge of the calder as well as Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. At almost 40 miles across, the caldera spans almost the whole center of the park, bisecting Yellowstone Lake. It’s hard to imagine what the cataclysmic eruption that lay waste to much of the continental US would have been like 640,000 years ago, but being in the center of a crater almost the size of Rhode Island gives you some idea. More information.

Heart Mountain

Photo: Melanie Hobson/Shutterstock

Distance: 7.8 milesType: Out and backElevation gain/loss: +/- 2,490 feet

Heart Mountain sits like an island in a sea of sagebrush several miles off the eastern edge of the Beartooth-Absaroka ranges. Tourists often overlook Heart Mountain in favor of more well-known Wyoming hiking destinations, but locals love it. The 360-degree views from the top are extraordinary, taking in the whole of the Bighorn Basin including the Beartooth, Bighorn, and Pryor mountain ranges, plus the dry folds of the McCullough Peaks to the south.

The trail begins in the arid sagebrush foothills nearly equidistant from the towns of Powell and Cody. Most of the mountain is owned by the Nature Conservancy and you need to sign in at the Heart Mountain Ranch building near the trailhead, but there’s no fee to hike the trail.

From the trailhead, the trail climbs 2,400 feet above the basin floor in just under four miles. The trail is rated at moderate, but there are steep sections especially the further up you go. Make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen because there isn’t much shade along the route. Also bring along a native plant guide or plant ID app as the area is home to many rare plant species. In spring and early summer, the wildflower blooms can be almost as impressive as the views from the top.

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence throughout the summer, so check the forecast before you head out and start your hike early. You don’t want to be caught at the summit when a lightening storm rolls in. More information.

Static Divide Peak

Photo: Serge Skiba/Shutterstock

Distance: 16.8 milesType: Out and backElevation gain/loss: +/- 5,420 feet

The Tetons are the state’s most famous mountain range by far, as well as the most popular destination for Wyoming hiking. The Cascade Canyon Trail is nearly as famous as the Tetons themselves, and rightly so. While Cascade earns its reputation with blankets of wildflowers and great views of Teewinot Mountain, it’s also one of the most crowded backcountry trails. The Static Peak Trail offers arguably more spectacular views with far fewer people to share them with.

Make no mistake: this trail is hard. It’s a 17-mile hike that climbs over a mile of vertical gain over grassy meadows and through steep-sided canyons and along alpine lakes (and across some challenging switchbacks).

Static Peak is one of the few mountains in the Tetons you can summit without mountaineering skills and equipment. While the hike may take all day, you get all of the beauty of a Teton vista without having to hire a guide. The views from the top are nothing short of magnificent, with glaciated peaks to the north and west and the endless expanse of Wyoming’s deserts to the south and east.

The best time to attempt this Wyoming hiking trail is July through September, as those months have the longest days (and best wildflowers). But those are also the months when the Teton’s legendary late afternoon thunderstorms often roll through, and Static Peak gets its name from how often lightning strikes the summit, so get an early start.

While you can turn this into a backpacking trip, the logistics of overnighting within Teton National Park’s boundaries are a bit complicated, so make sure you have your various permits in order. Make sure to bring a water filter and bear spray. More information.

Cloud Peak

Photo: Realest Nature/Shutterstock

Distance: 22.5 milesType: Out and backElevation gain/loss: +/- 5,320 feet

The Bighorn Mountain Range is considered by some to be one of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets, which seems hard to believe, considering the mountains loom one of the most traveled roads in the state. With all of the drivers that pass by, it’s surprising that this Wyoming hike trail is rarely crowded, even in the height of summer.

Cloud Peak is the highest summit in the Bighorns at 13,171 feet above sea level. It has the epic views Wyoming hiking is famous for, including chunky glacial peaks, alpine meadows full of wildflowers, and views for days across the wide-open prairie. It also has the highest topographic prominence in the state, towering 7,077 feet above the valley floor.

The hike starts at the West Tensleep Trailhead. You’ll follow the Misty Moon Trail to a stream crossing, then begin a gradual climb past ponderosa and blackjack pine forests, narrow mountain streams, and several lakes. At 10,200 feet above see level, you’ll reach Misty Moon Lake, one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the state. No one would look down on you for stopping here, rather than picking your way to the summit of Cloud Peak.

You can hook up with the Solitude Loop Trail at Misty Moon Lake and follow it to where the Cloud Peak Trail cuts north. From there, the climb becomes a 3,000-foot boulder scramble to the top, with a ridge that drops away hundreds of feet on both sides. It can feel like a never-ending slog at times, but the majestic view from the top makes the scramble worth it. Expect to see alpine lakes and gleaming snowfields tucked between sharp ridges for miles in every direction. While most of Wyoming’s visitors are fighting traffic in Yellowstone and the Tetons, you’ll be alone at the top of the world. More information.

Cirque of the Towers Loop

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Distance: 24.5 milesType: LoopElevation gain/loss: +/- 3,900

While the Tetons get most of the front-page glory in magazine articles about Wyoming hiking, the Wind River Range’s Cirque of the Towers is the answer most Wyomingites will give you when you ask for the most picturesque location in the state. And the range’s sheer remoteness keeps the crowds at bay.

The first six miles climb at an easy grade along the Big Sandy River valley through forests to Big Sandy Lake. From there, you’ll begin to see some of the upcoming high country. The trail then gets steeper and rockier as you begin to climb through the treeline. It’s quite beautiful, and many people turn around once they get above the trees.

The trail then crosses Jackass Pass and Texas Pass, each bringing a whole new set of craggy peaks more beautiful than the last. But nothing really prepares you for the view when you make that last push into the Cirque. It’s like standing in the lower jaw of a gigantic dinosaur, with jagged teeth jutting upward hundreds of feet on three sides.

In good weather, you’ll see teams of climbers dotting the granite faces. But the area is so big that you’ll feel like you have the whole thing to yourself no matter how many cars you saw in the parking lot. You can camp in the Cirque without a permit as long as you’re more than a quarter-mile from Lonesome Lake, and if you’re overnighting, this is one of the most spectacular places in the country for night photography. More information.

Gannett Peak via Titcomb Basin

Photo: mgwilmoth/Shutterstock

Distance: 48.8 milesType: LoopElevation gain/loss: +/- 11,023

No list of Wyoming hikes would be complete without Gannett Peak. What makes it so well-known among mountaineers isn’t the skill level needed to bag the peak, but the multi-day approach just to get to the mountain.

Gannett Peak is hunkered deep in the Wind River Range. The Winds are considered the most remote place in the continental US, and Gannett Peak is in the most remote part of the range. There may be whole days where you see no one on the trail. Fortunately, it’s also the most beautiful part of the range, filled with grassy meadows tufted with colorful wildflowers, alpine bowls, towering mountains, and wildlife like moose, bear, fox, and elk at lower elevations.

Hiking Gannett is a 50-mile round-trip hike with 9,000 feet of elevation gain before you hit the summit at 13,810 feet above sea level It’s the longest round-trip approach of any state highpoint in the nation, including Denali in Alaska. To add to the challenge, there’s no camping on the mountain your base camp is 3,000 feet below the summit since camping on the glacier is too dangerous.

Be prepared for a 20-hour push from basecamp to summit and back. There’s no route to the summit that doesn’t involve glacier travel and climbing on snow, so important to never hike along and ensure you’re comfortable moving across snow and ice, potentially with traction devices and ice axes.

Even though the view from Gannett Peak is arguably one of the best in North America, with glaciated spires, turquoise lakes, and the largest glacier in the lower 48, the climb to get there isn’t for everyone. For a less intense outdoor adventure, just do a quick 15-mile hike into Titcomb Basin. Even though Bonney Pass separates you from the massif of Granite Peak, you still get most of the beauty that you see from the top, just from the perspective of looking up.

Titcomb Lake is at the bottom of a steep-sided bowl with jagged peaks vaulting into the sky on all sides. Even though Titcomb Basin is the most popular of the routes to Gannett Peak, it’s also the most scenic, and worth it despite the extra foot traffic. And don’t worry — it’s not Yosemite. “Crowded” may just mean seeing one or two other parties during the course of a day. Sometimes, you won’t see anyone. More information.

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No Trip To Philly Is Complete Without Trying These 10 Reading Terminal Market Food Stalls

No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to Reading Terminal Market. The food and goods market is one of the oldest and largest in the country, and it has been continuously operating since 1893. It is no wonder that it is a well-known Philly must-stop destination. Locals and tourists alike love it.

When visiting Philly and Reading Terminal, your first instinct might be to grab a cheesesteak. However, upon entering Reading Terminal Market, you’ll be taken aback by how lines wrap around the corner for many of the businesses. Also, you may be hit with the aroma of hot nuts or chocolate —depending on which entrance you use. That’s because the city boasts a diverse food scene, which is reflected in the more than booths packing into the market. Offerings range from Asian to Amish to an old fashioned meat counter.

Those who live within an hour or two of the city also make treks to Reading Terminal Market occasionally, either for a bite before exploring or to stock up their pantry and take home their favorites for a picnic or dinner party. Here are 10 must-try places that locals love for your next visit to Reading Terminal Market.

Photo: Katherine Jianas/Shutterstock

Herschel’s East Side Deli

The name alone should set off a spark of rengoition and lead you to this famous deli counter, which is considered the best Jewish deli outside of New York. Herschel himself was a chef for 40 years at Katz’s Deli, and he knows his way around a pastrami. Herschel’s has been making food good enough to share with your own family since 2000.

What to order: Try various Jewish deli classics, including a reuben (turkey or pastrami), matzo ball soup, or a knish dog.

Beiler’s Bakery

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

Pennsylvania Dutch culture is deeply embedded in Philadelphia’s food scene, and most people, no matter their background, have indulged in this community’s legendary baked goods. This bakery joined Reading Terminal over 30 years ago as one of its first Amish businesses, and has since branched out to other locations in the city.

What to order: It would be remiss to skip a Beiler’s donut. All of the flavors are memorable, but caramel apple and peanut butter cream are so delicious you might find yourself returning to Philadelphia just to get your hands on another one. Also, make sure that you load up on the pumpkin flavored cookies with cream cheese icing and the apple or blueberry fritters.

Little Thai Market

Keep your eye out for the multi-colored neon sign, then brace yourself to wait in line. Make sure you grab cash first, though, and enough in case you decide you come back for more. Little Thai Market is a booth that tourists may walk by without a second glance, but the place is mobbed by locals – so you know it must be good.

What to order: Without a doubt, the salmon curry. This is the most popular dish, and it consists of grilled fish, a fragrant curry broth, broccoli and rice. The stall is also known for its coconut soups and shrimp pad thai. The wins don’t stop there, since the booth has an adjoining marketplace where you can pick up supplies like Thai basil and galangal to take home.

Termini Bros Bakery

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

After 94 years, Termini is still a South Philly favorite, and it is considered among the best Italian bakeries in the city (and some would argue the best). The bakery’s specialities are their Sicilian desserts, in particular, the cannoli.

What to order: First things first, decide on your cannoli filling, because there’s no way you’re leaving that counter without one. Consider the ricotta cream with the chocolate chips. While you’re at it, grab a pound of the butter cookies and maybe a sfogliatelle – leaf-like layers of thin pastry filled with cream.

Beck’s Cajun

If you close your eyes and bite into a po’ boy from Beck’s, Reading Terminal will suddenly feel like Bourbon Street. The stall brings a taste of New Orleans to Philly with spice and style.

What to order: The jambalaya topped with etouffee or gumbo, or even by itself is always a good choice. Their shrimp and vegetarian po’ boys might also have you skipping back for a to-go order.

Luvh Vegan Deli

Vegan food never tasted better, and even folks who love a good capicola will venture over to Luhv’s to try their meat-free version. The passion project of the Argentine Lucci family was born out of wife Sylvia’s health scare at 49. Since husband Daniel was a chef, they decided to transition to a plant-based lifestyle.

What to order: Daniel’s background paid off, because the owners have really captured the flavor profiles that we love from a good meat-filled sandwich. With that being said, you can’t go wrong with anything here. The deli offers more than just meat-free cold cuts, but the biggest hits are its reuben, the bagel and lox, and the Italian hoagie.

Tommy DiNic’s

Photo: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock

Philly natives know that the cheesesteak isn’t the only must-try sandwich in the city, and some may argue that it is actually the inferior sandwich. DiNic’s has a very small, straightforward menu, but the stall is best known for the roast pork and roast beef sandwiches.

What to order: The roast pork Italiano topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. Don’t forget to ask for a side of horseradish. Also, the roast beef can be ordered the same way, with a long hot (a type of mild, sweet pepper) on top. Their meatball sandwich with provolone is also delicious.

Flying Monkey

Flying Monkey opened in 2010, and has since earned a reputation as one of the most creative bakeries in the city. Owner Elizabeth Halen has been making both traditional and decadent treats as well as those with modern, nuanced flavors before it became hip to think about dessert that way.

What to order: The whoopie pies, especially the lavender flavor, are popular, as well as the vegan chocolate chip banana cookies. If you make it during the holidays, try the Pumpple Cake, which is a pumpkin pie baked into a layer of chocolate cake and apple pie baked into a layer of vanilla cake, then frosted with vanilla buttercream.

Fox and Sons

Visitors with dietary restrictions have plenty of options at the market, too. Fox and Sons offers 100% gluten-free (and occasionally vegan) country fair-style foods. This booth is a godsend for someone who’s missing the fried comfort foods they might have given up in the name of health. However, everyone in line isn’t avoiding gluten––the offerings are tasty enough for anyone who craves carnival foods.

What to order: Fried cookies and cream is similar to a fried Oreo, and the classic corn dog can be made vegan if you desire. The vegan banana funnel cake is the perfect chaser to the cheeseburger fries.

Famous 4th Street Cookie Company

This award-winning cookie booth has been serving goodness for over 40 years. The company has grown quite a bit, and it now operates in four locations, including at the Jersey Shore.

What to order: You can’t go wrong no matter what you order here, but the most memorable flavors are the cranberry macadamia oatmeal cookie, chocolate chip cookie, white chocolate macadamia, and the peanut butter cookie.

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Name a City and This Search Tool Will Tell You Which Books Are Set There

Looking for some book-themed travel inspiration? The website Crossword-Solver produced an interactive search for users to see where books are set closest to whatever zip code you choose.

While there may be cities in the United States you have yet to visit, if you’re a regular reader, you might already be familiar with the the cities that most books are set in. Crossword-Solver pulled data from Goodreads to find which cities books are most commonly set in the US.

Photo: Crossword-Solver

New York and California wrestle to be the state with the most book settings, with New York winning with a slight uptick — 4,887 books for New York versus 4,505 books for California. When it comes to cities, though, New York City wins by a much larger margin with 2,609 books set in the Big Apple alone. Hollywood follows with 984 books. And Chicago has slightly fewer, with 984 books set in its city. It makes sense why Hollywood and New York placed so high on the list. These cities attract dream chasers, which makes for a great plot.

Top 10 cities where books are setNew York, New York — 2,609 booksHollywood, California — 984 booksChicago, Illinois — 953 booksNew Orleans, Louisiana — 671 booksBoston Massachusetts — 636 booksSeattle, Washington — 636 booksDenver, Colorado — 478 booksLas Vegas, Nevada — 414 booksAtlanta, Georgia — 296 booksPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania — 291 books

To find what cities in each state books are set, Crossword-Solver used location tag data from Goodreads. It then grouped locations into their respective states, calculated the total location tags for each, and then grouped them to find the city with the most location tags.

The next time you’re looking for something to read, just know your next adventure can be as close or far away as you choose.

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The 10 Most Stunning Zion Airbnb Rentals Near the Park’s Top Attractions

Whether you want to stay in unique cabins, immersive lodging properties near Zion, or other Airbnb Zion National park rentals, we have you covered here with the best properties that put you right in the middle of all the best attractions. No matter what size group you have or what kind of trip you’re taking, these are the best Zion Airbnb options.

We hope you love the Airbnb Zion National Park rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Luxury glamping tent

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Experience the peaceful nature of Zion with the exclusive luxury camp. The Desert Rose camp has safari-style dwellings and comes fully furnished with electricity, heat, A/C, and comfortable beds. There is an indoor and outdoor shower and a wrap-around deck with a grill and hammock.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $608 per night

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The Bridge Mountain House

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This Airbnb near Zion National Park is 1,308 square feet of luxury. This fully remodeled home with an all-new modern design. A lavish property, you’ll enjoy a new full-sized kitchen with all new appliances, a spacious living room, and a private patio.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $795 per night

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Zion village townhouse with lazy river and heated pool

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This luxury townhouse is 20 minutes away from Zion National Park, your new home away from home and features a cozy living area and a spacious and fully equipped kitchen. There is a private upper deck and a brand-new finished heated pool with a waterslide and lazy river.

Fourteen guests, three bedrooms
Price: $276 per night

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Traveling to Zion? Check out Matador’s Zion National Park lodging guides:Where to stay near Zion National ParkThese Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park BasecampThe best hotels in Utah for a national parks road tripThe ultimate ‘work and play’ road trip through Utah’s canyon country

King Solomon tiny house

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Check out this Airbnb Zion National Park tiny home situated right in the heart of the desert. This King Solomon tiny home is old wold themed and named after the wise King in the classical biblical story of ancient times. The tiny home features king and queen chambers, a kitchen, a full bathroom, a loft, and a washer and dryer combo. There is also a spacious patio area and hot tub outdoor area great for sitting out and watching the stars at night.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $759 per night

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Two-story high-end townhouse with private pool

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Bring your friends or family to this fancy Airbnb Zion National Park property and create an unforgettable experience. This sophisticated townhouse has a spacious living room with a sofa bed. The kitchen is fully equipped, has high-end appliances, and features a large island. There is a balcony overlooking the Copper Creek golf course, and it has a grill, outdoor seating, and a pool and hot tub.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $623 per night

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The Blue Peach home with mountain views

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This spacious and cozy Zion Airbnb is the perfect home base for your Zion trip. This home features a large living room with games and tv for entertainment, a fully equipped chef-like kitchen, and a six-person dining area. There is also a furnished patio where you can sit out and enjoy meals or relax. The home does have various games to choose from and a golf cart to enjoy a nice ride through the neighborhood or to the Davis Farmers Market.

Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $254 per night

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Western-themed tipi 20 minutes away from Zion

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

This Zion Airbnb takes a modern approach to historic western accommodations. This western tipi has a king bed and a loft, a full bathroom, and heating and air. The kitchen is outside and has a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a gas grill, and a gas fire pit. There is also a private hot tub on the patio with a pond view, and Zion National Park is just a 20-minute drive away.

Six guests, one bedroom
Price: $517 per night

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Modern and chic suite with private balcony

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Look at this other luxury Airbnb Zion National Park stay. This contemporary 856-square-foot villa is one mile from Zion National Park. This villa features a modern design, a full living room with a queen sofa bed, a new full-sized kitchen stocked with all appliances and kitchen tools, and a private covered balcony with a grill and stunning views of the red sandstone cliffs.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $525 per night

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The Apple Valley House

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Perched upon a quiet hill with stunning views is this modern cottage. It features a spacious living room and a fully equipped kitchen. Behind the home is a rustic stone path that leads to a hill behind the house where guests can enjoy smores, a fire pit, and Zion National Park views.

Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $234 per night

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Dreamy Desert Dome

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Nestled in the desert is this secluded dome that is only fifteen minutes from the entrance to Zion National Park. This dome truly gives guests the remote feel with the sounds of the Virgin River just feet away and a gorgeous view of the desert around them. The dome has a private water trail to cool off, a private porch, a stargazing spot, a bathroom stall, and a modern outdoor shower a few feet away.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $419 per night

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