I’ve tackled sections of the Pacific Crest Trail—backpacking, day hiking, and trail running—but to think of taking months off to complete all 2,650 miles of this trail, which climbs mountain passes and traverses remote California, Oregon, and Washington, feels overwhelming. A long-distance walk, on the other hand, feels more manageable, like something any of us could pull off, given some time. They mostly involve days and weeks rather than many months, and are at more consistent elevations.

I’m not talking about a mountainous thru-hike where you plan out food caches and sleep on the ground. I’m talking about a meandering or purposeful walk that goes on for days, weeks, or maybe months. A big commitment, yes. A physical feat for sure. A mental and emotional pilgrimage of sorts. But not so strenuous that most people couldn’t do it, building up their mileage.

These long walks, on byways and moderate terrain, are more like scenic tours of spectacular landscapes, or adventurous journeys through cities and forests. They are not so much to be completed as experienced.

And I think they’re the most beautiful in the world.

1. Best Urban Trail

Empire State Trail, New York

It took four years to link up and complete the entire , one of the longest multi-sport pathways in the United States, officially finished in late 2020. The route runs 750 miles across the state of New York, from New York City north to the Canadian border and from Albany west to Buffalo. Three quarters of the trail is on off-road pathways. You can walk on converted rail trails through the Hudson River Valley, stroll beside the historic Erie Canal, or move through wetlands and fields along Adirondack Park and Lake Champlain. Eventually the trail will include a 200-mile greenway across Long Island; construction of the first 25 miles of that section begins this year.

Pick a section of this largely urban route, which is also popular with bicyclists, and walk it one direction, then hop on a train back to where you started—Amtrak stations are located in 20 towns and cities along the way. Find community with others traveling the trail or seek tips on good trailside lodging or camping from .

Don’t Miss:Ìę ÌęMore than 200 craft breweries dot the Empire State Trail, in an aggregate known as the . Get a brewery passport and pick up stamps at the places along the way to earn rewards like a T-shirt or cooler bag. In the Hudson Valley, spend a night at (from $195), which has cabins, canvas tents, and a cedar sauna just a short walk from the trail.

ÌęÌę

2. Best Pilgrimage

El Camino de Santiago, Spain

Each year, over 300,000 people embark upon sections of this legendary pilgrimage, on a network of trails dating back to pre-medieval times and roadways that vary from cobbled to paved. The most popular route is the Camino Frances, a 500-mile pathway that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and takes travelers about four to five weeks to walk, passing through the Pyrenees mountains and La Rioja wine region, La Meseta arid range, and through eucalyptus forests into Galicia and Santiago itself. The Camino Portugues, heading up the northern coast of Portugal is another top choice, stretching between 140 and 380 miles depending on your starting point, and crossing through fishing villages such as the UNESCO Heritage Listed cities of Lisbon and Porto. No matter which route you choose, all roadsÌęon the Camino lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, where the remains of the Apostle Saint James the Great are allegedly buried.

You can walk the Camino year-round—the most popular season is mid-summer—but aim for spring or fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds, and be aware that many lodges and albergues close in winter ). offers guided walks on the Camino through Portugal and Spain lasting from a week up to 22 days (from $1,436), or, if you’d rather go on your own, has self-guided options (from $718).

Don’t Miss: Once you reach Santiago de Compostela, head to the Pilgrim’s Office for your official stamp of completion, having received a pilgrim’s passport from your entry point to be stamped along the way. Bagpipes will be playing nearby as you enter the gates of the holy Santiago de Compostela.ÌęThe cathedral has a Pilgrim’s Mass at noon and 7:30 p.m. daily; go early if you want a seat. On , await the ancient ritual of the swinging brass Botafumeiro, or cauldron, which is filled with incense and coal and so heavy eight men are required to move it.

3. Best Waterfront Route

Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden

Opening in October 2023, the 167-mile connects new and existing pathways across 20 islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, the largest archipelago in Sweden and home to over 30,000 islands. To walk the whole thing, you’ll need to use a series of public ferries and private boat taxis. You can also pick a section and just walk a few islands at a time; each has an average of about nine miles of trails. You’ll travel along gravel roads, forest paths, and beaches, and through remote fishing and farming communities.

Along the way, camp or stay in hotels or B&Bs. offers a seven-day, self-guided journey on the trail (from $1,095) in spring, summer, or fall that includes lodging in locally owned hotels, luggage transfer, and daily routes that max out at about nine miles.

Don’t Miss: On the island of Tranholmen, a celebrated chef named David Enmark opens up his home to diners every Friday night—. Or visit the island of Furusund, which contains about five miles of trail and is site of a famed 19^th-century summer resort, now a 16-room boutique hotel: the (rooms from $121), which welcomes guests who arrive by boat or on foot.

4. Best for History Buffs

Lycian Way, Turkey

Traversing the rocky Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey, the 472-mile Lycian Way winds through the ancient maritime republic known as Lycia. Mountains rise from the turquoise sea as the route follows old roads, footpaths, and mule trails through long-gone civilizations. You’ll pass by lighthouses, beaches, historic sites like Roman amphitheaters and rock tombs, and lagoons over underwater ruins of sunken cities that can be toured by boat.

Most people take on just a section of the Lycian Way. has five- to 14-day guided tours (from $1,187) that include lodging and luggage transfer, or leads seven-day treks (from $995) with an English-speaking guide. Best to do this historical walk in spring or fall, from February to May or from September to November to avoid the high heat of summer.

Don’t Miss: °ŐłÜ°ù°ì±đČâ’s illuminates Lycia’s ancient capital city of Patara after dusk, making it a magical place to explore by night. Best lodging on the trail: the (from $240), built in 2005 on a hillside, has glass windows, viewing hammocks, and saunas overlooking the Aegean Sea.

5. Best for Conservationists

John Muir Way, Scotland

Not to be confused with California’s more demanding John Muir Trail, the is a relatively new route (established around 10 years ago) that stretches coast to coast across Muir’s home country of Scotland. This 134-mile walk begins in the western waterfront town of Helensburgh, where quotes from the famed Scottish-American environmentalist mark a commemorative stone bench. The trek ends around 10 days later in the eastern seaside town of Dunbar, where Muir was born in 1838.

On the way, you’ll walk through the cobbled streets of the capital city of Edinburgh, along the shores of , and by the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift in central Scotland. has self-guided itineraries (from $1,827) for the entire route, including accommodations.

Don’t Miss: Stay in (from $417), a restored 16th-century castleÌęjust off the trail 20 miles east of Edinburgh. The trail’s eastern terminus is at Muir’s birthplace, a humble three-story home in Dunbar that’s now a historic and free to visit.

6. Best for Self-Reflection

Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan

This circular walk across the Japanese island of Shikoku visits 88 temples and sacred sites where the Buddhist saint known as KĆ«kai is thought to have trained in the 9^th century. The entire route is about 745 miles—mostly using roads, but also on select mountain trails—and takes around six weeks to walk. Or you can choose just a section.

The traditional approach starts at the first temple, Ryƍzenji, in Tokushima prefecture and proceeds clockwise until you reach the last temple, ƌkuboji, in Kagawa prefecture. Many pilgrims dress in traditional attire, including a white cotton robe, scarf, and straw hat, and carrying a walking stick; they also carry pilgrims’ books, to be stamped after worshipping at each temple. leads an eight-day tour of the pilgrimage (from $2,303), where you’ll walk up to eight miles daily with an English-speaking guide, staying at guesthouses and temple lodging.

Don’t Miss: One of the hardest temples to reach is number 21, Tairyuji, or Temple of the Great Dragon. You can ride the tram to reach this mountaintop temple or hike to the site on a steep three-mile trail through limestone rocks and an ancient cedar forest. There you’ll climb a marble staircase leading into the temple gates and visit a bronze statue of KĆ«kai meditating.

7. Best for Wildlife Spotting

Yuraygir Coastal Walk, Australia

The 42-mile point-to-point leads through the beaches and bluffs of Yuraygir National Park in New South Wales. You’ll start in the village of Angourie and follow the sign-posted track, as trails are called in Australia and New Zealand, south to the red-tinted cliffs of Red Rock. Most people take four to five days to do the whole route. Along the way, you’ll spot turtles and whales, swim in the Pacific Ocean, and walk through coastal headlands and the biodiverse Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Spend your first night on the trail camping at the , which is only accessible on foot. Or if you’d prefer sleeping in a bed, book a guided walk that includes shuttles to trailside properties like (from $234) or (from $125). leads a guided five-day walk of the trail (prices vary according to group size and season) for private groups from November to April that includes luggage delivery, boat and bus transfers, national-park fees, and accommodations. If you’d rather go it on your own, you can base out of the family-owned in Wooli, and the owners will arrange for lifts to the trail each day (from $499, including lodging and hiker shuttles).

Don’t Miss: Stop into the beachfront , about halfway through your route, for a sausage roll or pizza. Spend some time at the and estuary, a breeding site for endangered shorebirds including the pied oystercatcher and beach stone-curlew. The trail along the Station Creek estuary is lined with scribbly gum and corkwood trees, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot an Australian crane or coastal emu.

8. Most Adventurous

Te Araroa, New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its stellar tracks, and , also called the Long Pathway, is the country’s most ambitious trail project yet. It’s a 1,900-mile journey crossing the length of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, from Cape Reinga at the north end to Bluff at the southern tip. The trail itself climbs mountain passes, crosses verdant plains, and travels through small cities and remote villages. Roughly 2,000 people walk the whole trail each year, taking between three and six months. Most hikers go north to south, starting around October, which is springtime in New Zealand. If you don’t have that kind of time, pick a section or a single island; the South Island is considered the more challenging of the two due to its more mountainous terrain.

While this video shows a Te Araroa thru-hike, some choose a section or decide to hike either the North Island or South Island. The South Island is more remote and considered more difficult, the North Island route longer but with more road walking. (Video: șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű TV) Ìę

Before you go, ($34) to receive the latest maps and a Te Araroa walker-information packet. Buy a (from $110) for access to over 70 Department of Conservation-managed backcountry huts and campsites along Te Araroa. The trail also has Ìęto help you plan and navigate, and the trail notes for each section give details on the route and where to stay and resupply. Or you can book a guided 12-day trip with (from $8,595) and let the outfit take care of the logistics, including hotel bookings.

Don’t Miss: On the North Island, you’ll climb the extinct volcano of Mount Pirongia and descend to the valley below, where you’ll walk by the glowworm-studded , which are worth a stop; you can see the illuminating glowworms in their grottos by boat. On the South Island, spend a night at the 12-bunk, first-come, first-served near Wanaka, which has stunning views from the porch overlooking the Motatapu Valley and a nice swimming hole in the adjacent creek.

9. Best Way to Explore Indigenous Cultures

Vancouver Island Trail, Canada

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a rugged and densely forested place, and the 500-mile is among the most challenging routes on this list. The trail goes from the capital city of Victoria on the southern end of the island to Cape Scott on the northern tip, crossing rocky beaches and through lush rainforests and territories sacred to First Nations tribes, including the Songhees in the south and the Tlatlasikwala to the north. The trail is broken up into seven distinct sections, from paved pathways through urban areas to logging roads, hiking trails, and rail trails. Each section takes around five to 10 days to walk—or you can spend two months doing a complete thru-hike. Some sections of the trail are still being completed and not well marked, so plan on some skilled route finding or that’s better delineated. If you’re walking the trail northbound, you’ll end in , where the Cape Scott Lighthouse has been shining light for mariners since 1960.ÌęÌę

Don’t Miss: Book a cabin or pitch a tent at the First Nations-owned , between the northern towns of Port McNeill and Port Hardy. At the center of Vancouver Island, you’ll walk through Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia’s oldest park, dotted with high-alpine lakes and jagged snow-capped peaks. The , on the outskirts of the park, has eight seasonal campsites and a sauna.

10. Best New Trail

Camino de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

You’ll walk from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean on the 174-mile-long , or the Costa Rican Way, which was inspired by Spain’s El Camino de Santiago. This relatively new trail—established in 2018 by the nonprofit Asociación Mar a Mar—travels through coffee plantations and rainforests, over the Continental Divide, and among tiny villages that rarely see tourists. Plan on around 16 days to hike the whole thing.

The trip starts on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in the town of Barra de Parismina, at the base of Tortuguero National Park, known as a nesting ground for leatherback turtles. It ends in Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park, filled with coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Stay in guesthouses, campsites, and hotels along the way. You will want to hire a guide, as much of the trail is sparsely marked. leads guided hikes ranging from eight to 16 days (from $1,675) that include meals and stays at local homes and guesthouses.

Don’t Miss: In the Orosi Valley, stay at the (from $59), which has private casitas and rooms close to the trail. In the town of Orosi, you can visit Iglesia de San JosĂ© Orosi, the oldest church in Costa Rica, dating back to 1743, and its Religious Art Museum, and the .

11. Best Paved Trail

Paul Bunyan State Trail, Minnesota

Most popular with cyclists, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is still a great long walk for those who want a paved, accessible pathway. The route begins at in Brainerd and ends 115 miles later at in Bemidji, home to a famous giant statue of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, Babe. This is the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country, moderate in grade throughout as it follows the former Burlington Northern Railroad, abandoned in 1983. You can camp at and Lake , or stay in hotels in the various trail towns along the way.

Don’t Miss: You’ll walk through the town of Hackensack, where every September chainsaw carvers turn hunks of wood into art in the annual Chainsaw Event. The (from $89) in the town of Nisswa has rooms and lakefront cottages steps from the trail on Lower Cullen Lake. In Pequot Lakes, stop into the trailside for a scoop of ice cream.

12. Best for Foodies

Cinque Terra, Italy

Cinque Terre or “Five Lands” refers to five coastal towns—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—over the the Ligurian Sea, all linked by about 75 miles of hiking trails. The most popular route is the Sentiero Azzurro, known as the Blue Trail, which is less than 10 miles and can be done in a day. You can start in Monterosso or Riomaggiore and work your way in either direction, passing through lemon groves and walking staircases directly down to the sea.

For a more expanded tour, consider five- or eight-day self-guided hiking trips in Cinque Terre, where you’ll stay in curated hotels, dine on pizza and gelato from locals’ favorite spots, and ride trains to reach new trails each day. If you’re hiking on your own, be sure to check the for updates on closures (landslides have closed sections of the trail), and grab a (from $7 a day) for access to the two paid hiking trails—from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia—and for use of the bus lines within Cinque Terre National Park.

Don’t Miss: Climb the stairs to Doria Castle, a medieval fortress near the village of Vernazza, to see the remains of one of the oldest surviving towers on the Liguria coast. The five-room guesthouse (from $208) in the Unesco World Heritage Site of Vernazza makes for a good midway stop on your hike.

13. Most Accessible

Cotswold Way, England

The is a quintessentially English experience, where you’ll walk from the historic market town of Chipping Campden, once a busy center for traders, to the steps of the Late Medieval church of Bath Abbey, crossing through farmlands, country parks, and beech woodlands. Stop and admire fields full of sculptures or study English Civil War sites. This well-marked 102-mile trail can be traveled in either direction, taking between seven and 10 days. has both guided and self-guided walks (from $1,154) ranging from between seven and 12 nights, where you’ll sleep in limestone cottages and guesthouses.

Don’t Miss: Climb the hill to the Broadway Tower, an 18th century tower within a 200-acre estate of parkland offering expansive views across the valley; enjoy afternoon tea at the Tower Barn CafĂ© afterward. The trail also passes by , home to some 30 species of endangered butterflies, and , a historic garden filled with seasonal flowers and a lavish mix of Classical, Gothic, and other architecture.

Megan Michelson is an șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű contributing editor and avid traveler who once lived in England for a year and went on a lot of long rambles through the countryside. She recently wrote about trips that may help you live longer and her favorite new backcountry hut in Colorado.

The post The 13 Most Magical Long Walks In the World appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

On the morning of Monday, May 6, the air on the Cumbrian Coast was 58 degrees Fahrenheit and very damp. ÌęThe tide was neither in nor out, and the surface of the Irish Sea looked like a restless version of the paved parking lot where my wife and I stood. Before descending to the beach, I loosened my shoelaces, jogged a few experimental steps, and tightened the laces again. Emma was stretching her quads and fiddling with the nozzle of her water bladder. We had giddy prerace feelings, though this was not a race, or even a run, and we’d come to England because we wanted to slow down.

Above the beach, a muddy path crept up a green sheep pasture to the top of St. Bees Head, a 300-foot sandstone sea cliff teeming with birds and mist. We knew from maps and books and online research that the Coast to Coast Walk, which we were there to do, traversed the mesa-like head for four and a half miles before veering eastward for another 188.

“How are they feeling?” Emma asked, nodding grimly in the direction of my feet.

“I’m hoping they’re just nervous,” I replied.

A fishing boat was humming alone in the sea fret. Beach pebbles clacked with fright, delight, or some other rocky emotion as they were tumbled by the waves. Because it’s a Coast to Coast tradition, we spent a few minutes on the shore picking among these oblate stones until one felt right—mine a mostly solid matte black, Emma’s black with green veins. Then we slid the rocks into our packs, dipped our feet in the sea, and clicked our Garmin watches on.

“I’ll race ya,” Emma said.

The post Our Coast to Coast Walk Across Northern England Was an Exercise in Hope and Joy appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Traveling to see Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour in 2024? Luckily, she’s headed to a bunch of badass places that happen to be outdoor-adventure meccas, too. Make the most of your fan-filled trip by adding these must-dos to your itinerary, all synced up with international and domestic dates on .

My wife and I flew to Chicago last June to see our favorite artist in concert, and had such a good time we almost immediately bought tickets to the next show we could find, which happened to be in Lyon, France, in June. Talking about getting tickets to a Taylor Swift show would take up an entire article on its own—it’s famously difficult and most easily navigated if, like us, you’re a super fan. But, if you are currently holding tickets for a future concert, that’s exciting, since it may be a reason to explore a part of the world you’ve never seen before.

Why Taylor? I was obviously introduced to her music through my wife (and sister-in-law), but it’s hard not to find stuff to like in her catchy, cleverly-written songs about female empowerment. If nothing else, standing in a stadium alongside tens of thousands of young women having the best night of their lives is something that’s hard to walk away from without having a good time.

Eras Tour Paris and Lyon, France

Show Dates: May 9 – 12 (Paris); June 2 and 3 (Lyon)

Flying all the way to Paris just to see Taylor would probably be worth it on its own, but because we’re going there at the nicest time of year, we figure we should make the most of it. So, we’ve booked a few nights at our favorite hotel on Île Saint-Louis, plan to visit my parents at their farm near Limoges, and will then rendezvous with family and friends in Lyon for the concert, plus a few nights of gorging ourselves on that city’sÌę famous culinary scene. After all that, we’ll be ready for some exercise.

A few years ago, we took the opportunity on a similar trip to visit France’s Écrin National Park, and spent two days backpacking through its high alpine backcountry. There, we slept under a 500-foot waterfall, watched wild ibex and chamois frolic while golden eagles soared overhead, and were positively swarmed by marmots. The best part? We saw zero other people. Compare the park’s 800,000 annual visitors to the 4 million who visit Yellowstone, and you can see why, with a little hiking, it’s not hard to find yourself a slice of the French Alps you can call your own for a night or two. And we’ll return to the park after June’s concert in order to recreate the experience.

If you want to do the same, the easiest way to make it work is by backpacking, and bringing what you would for any high-elevation summer trip. You’ll need to rent a car (either drive from Paris, or take the train to a nearby city), but as compensation for that additional expense, you’ll get to drive in the Alps, which includes some of the most fun and visually stunning roads in the world. (There will be no need to travel off-road, so a small, sporty car is fine.) Leave your nice clothes in the trunk, out of sight, and make sure you throw your passport and wallet into your pack while you camp—vehicle break-ins are a problem at trailheads in Europe, just like they are in America.

We like to stay another night in Paris before we fly out. Since driving in the city is a nightmare, I return the rental car to the airport on our way back into the city, then take the metro (RER) into town. While planning your route, don’t forget how small Europe is. On that same trip, we popped into Italy for lunch after hiking back to the car, and still made it into Paris in time to shower and head to a fancy dinner.

Here are outdoors tips for every other stop on Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour 2024.

Eras Tour Stockholm, Sweden

Show Dates: May 17-19

If you have tickets to see Taylor in Stockholm this May, you’re making me jealous. Late spring in Sweden is gorgeous. Take advantage of the spring weather by getting on the water. will rent you boats and other equipment, or take you on a guided tour of some of the 30,000 islands on the archipelago. Day trips start at under $95-a-person. Like other nordic countries, Sweden has a right to roam law that enables you to explore most wild places, so if you have time, rent camping gear from Get Out too, and enjoy a night under the stars on one of those islands.

Eras Tour Lisbon, Portugal

Show Dates: May 24-25

Portugal’s Atlantic coast is famous for its big waves. Even if you don’t surf, head over to watch people ride the famously huge waves in Nazare. More accessible (read: easier) surf can be found in nearby Coxos. Tours, lessons, and gear are available from . A day trip to Nazare costs $60-a-person if you just want to watch, while a rental board and wetsuit can be had for about $38.

Eras Tour Madrid, Spain

Show Dates: May 29-30

It’s going to start getting hot in Madrid in late May. The 125-acre El Retiro park in the city center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes expansive shaded gardens and a pond you can row boats in.

On the west side of the Manzanares river, you’ll find the even larger, 3,800-acre Casa de Campo. Use the city’s bike share service, , and pedal under the pine trees. Rates run just 50 cents per half-hour.

Eras Tour Edinburgh, Scotland

Show Dates: June 7-9

June in the Scottish Highlands may be marked by as much as one or two hours of clear skies. Pack rain gear and hike to the most remote pub in the country, which is 18 miles one way. Food at , in the Knoydart Peninsula, is said to be better than is typical in the country, but there’s no accommodations to spend the night. Rather than carry heavy camping gear, we’d rentÌęa room or house in the . You’ll appreciate having a roof over your head and a place to dry out your socks. Just make sure you book ahead of time.

Eras Tour Liverpool, England

Show Dates: June 13-15

The neatest thing about northwest England is the canals. Built before the advent of rail to connect British industry with ports sailing to America and elsewhere, the canals are now almost-forgotten byways that wind their way through the pastoral English countryside. You can stay on a Ìę(or plenty of places elsewhere), hike or bike paths that run along them, or to paddle them starting at under $40-a-day.

Eras Tour Cardiff, Wales

Show Date: June 18

Once there, skip town and make the drive to the for Pen y Fan, which at 2,910 feet isÌęthe tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons. Don’t worry, all road signs are in English, too. The United Kingdom’s Special Air Service famously conducts its selection trials on the mountain, but the 7.5-mile hike to the summit from Cwm Gwdi is much easier than their 22-mile trek. Don’t be fooled by the sub-3,000 foot elevation, terrain on Pen y Fan can be treacherous and Wales isn’t famous for its sunshine.

Eras Tour London, England

Show Dates: June 21-24; August 15-20

Take the tube out to Richmond and walk up the hill to Richmond Park, making sure you walk up the terrace for the views over the Thames. You can hike the park’s 7-mile trail that follows the perimeter while watching the 600 plus head of red and fallow deer that, unlike wildlife in the U.S., belong solely to the King. Head back down to town for a pint at , and make sure you entertain the locals with your best Ted Lasso impression.

Eras Tour Dublin, Ireland

Show Dates: June 28-30

Get away from the hokey tourist attractions (think: the Blarney Stone) and drive the two hoursÌęover to Galway on the west coast to hike the Cliffs of Moher. The most popular route runs 12 miles . You know what I’m about to say: pack rain gear and waterproof boots.

Eras Tour Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Show Dates: July 4-6

Rent a stand up paddle board from (from $16-a-day)Ìęand see the city from its most famous attraction. Amsterdam is also famous for its cycling. There’s plenty of places to rent one, or you can take advantage of the city’s for about $5-a-day.

Eras Tour ZĂŒrich, Switzerland

Show Dates: July 9-10

You’ll be 30 miles from the Swiss Alps, some of the most beautiful mountains on earth. Rent a car and drive into them, where virtually any activity is possible. From mountain biking to via ferrata to paragliding, you won’t go wrong. Heck, just driving around is about as good as it gets, too. For a basecamp check out , the highest campground in the country. There, you can (glamping tents start at $118-a-night) or bring your own tent or camper. Parking spots start under $10-a-night).Ìę

Eras Tour Milan, Italy

Show Dates: July 13-14

Rent a car (or preferably a motorcycle) and drive up to Lake Como. There, take one of the car ferry routes across the lake at sundown. For just a few bucks, you’ll get views Lake Como regular George Clooney might be jealous of. My favorite town on the lake is Mandello del Lario. Home to the world’s oldest motorcycle factory, you can , or simply enjoy the town’s working class heritage to enjoy an honest, affordable meal. Bring your hiking shoes and take the 5.6 mile loop up to Alp d’Era for stunning mountain views.

Eras Tour Hamburg, Germany

Show Dates: July 23-24

Taking a rowboat (from ) across the Alster Lakes is the definitive experience here, but Hamburg is also a great place to cycle. The city’s bike share program is everywhere and costs only 12 Euros per day.

Eras Tour Munich, Germany

Show Dates: July 27-28

Most people visit Munich to drink beer, but you can also do that after hiking. Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze, stands 9,718 feet tall, and takes most of the day just to climb the 14 miles, let alone descend. A faster option is the (tickets are about $67 per-person), and you can also for the same price to the plateau, about halfway up, where many shorter hikes are available.

Eras Tour Warsaw, Poland

Show Dates: August 1-3

Did you know that Warsaw is home to ? Located on the Vistula river, you can sunbathe, swim, or even enjoy a campfire. And visiting one won’t take you too far from the city’s stunning architecture and many historic castles.

Eras Tour Vienna, Austria

Show Dates: August 9-10

Vienna maintains 14 excellent hiking trails right inside the city. The free contains all the maps and information you’ll need, and you can fill it with stamps collected from each route. Earn all 14, and the city willÌęreward you with a commemorative pin.

Vienna is better known for . So you can unwind after all those hikes in a thermal pool or with a good massage. is the largest thermal pool in the city, day passes start at $22.

Eras Tour Miami, Florida

Show Dates: October 18-19

October is hurricane season in Florida, so I’d travel armed with backup plans. I’d also take the opportunity to go see the Everglades before they’re destroyed by climate change. There’s all sorts of ways you can do that, from self guided tours of the national park, to guided boat experiences. But if it was me, I’d help out with local conservation efforts by booking a guided python hunt. The species is invasive, and kills just about every native species of wildlife there is, and the hunting season is open year-round. You don’t even need to know how to shoot or hold a hunting license if all you want to do is tag along as locals catch their own. A goes for $1,800 for a group of three. Plus, you’ll get to experience Florida culture at its finest.

Eras Tour New Orleans, Louisiana

Show Dates: October 25-27

Sure, y0u can visit to eat and drink like everyone else does, but New Orleans is another swamp town, and the best way to spend time in that unique environment in a or kayak. can be had for as little as $65 per-person. You can also fish for speckled trout in Lake Ponchartrain on your own; the cooler weather in October starts getting them active. Or, head to the marsh to for $805-a-day, per-boat.

Eras Tour Indianapolis, Indiana

Show Dates: November 1-3

Indianapolis isn’t exactly a mountain town. So if you want to have an adventure, you’ll need to get creative. offers four different outdoor paintball fields, with both public events and private rentals available. Games are run seven days a week, and start at just $28 per-person, including equipment rental. ÌęNearby Parke County is also , boasting 31 total. Those would make a great day-long driving tour. Hiking trails are available in Fort Harrison State Park. I’d take the 4-mile , which will offer the best odds for solitude. There should be plenty of fall colors left in early November.

Eras Tour Toronto, Canada

Show Dates: November 14-23

Add a few nights to your trip before or after the concert, and head to a cottage on one of the 250,000 lakesÌęnorth of the city. It’s the definitive Ontario activity. Fall on the lakes is particularly beautiful, and you’ll be getting dustings of snow by November. Make sure you rent a winterized cabin and pack warm clothes. Look for cabins in Muskoka or Georgian Bay if it’s your first time, those areas enjoy more facilities and services than more rural climes.

Eras Tour Vancouver, Canada

Show Dates: December 6-8

December is stormy in Vancouver. Sure, you could chase some early season snow in the nearby mountains, but I’d head for nearby Vancouver Island, and the many hotels and cabins located on its pacific coast. There, you can take in full might of the ocean, while staying safe inside facilities that run from basic to ultra luxury. The most famous hotel on the island is Wickaninnish Inn, where rooms during storm season start at $400-a-night. I’ve never not seen orcas on the ferry ride over.

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This isÌęThe Offerman Files, where actor, humorist, , and Nick Offerman shares tales ofÌęwild creatures,Ìęgassy adventures, and hitting his brother in the faceÌęwith a fish.

I grab my phone to check the channels for any fires that need putting out, only to discover that I have just the barest gossamer of cell service. I feel the same disorienting ennui I’ve experienced in ballparks when tens of thousands of fellow fans are trying to post blurry home run videos simultaneously, and all you want to do is text your dad in the concession line that you’ll have that third bratwurst after all.

In this case, I have actual business to attend to. I’m touring the UK and Dublin with guitar and backpack as a wandering humorist, performing seven shows in eight days. It’s 3 P.M. on a July afternoon, and at 8 P.M. I’m slated to tickle 1,800 souls at the O2 Apollo Manchester. I get a text out to my tour manager, who lets me know that a large tanker truck has crashed, dumping 5,000 gallons of milk—milk!—across the highway, along with a sizable quantity of diesel fuel.

When I heard this I thought, Why the hell are we sitting here? I’m willing to drive on a highway that is merely wet! Then I recalled from my teenage days on a blacktopping crew that we used diesel as a solvent for cleaning up asphalt and tar, because it dissolves pavement. Meaning that the crew now on the M6 will need to scrub up that diesel tout de suite, before it sinks its corrosive teeth into the roadway. At least I have plenty of time to get to the show.

About that Mercedes: it wasn’t my choice. For the third time in recent years, I have rented a car to convey myself around northern England and Scotland as I engage in multifaceted touring. These jaunts have me playing comedy gigs at gorgeous jewel-box theaters like the Drury Lane in London’s West End, as well as stickier old vaudeville houses in Brighton and Liverpool.

When I’m over here, I also film advertisements for Lagavulin single-malt Scotch and—best of all—visit farms, especially the one owned by my good friend the shepherd and author James Rebanks, who along with his wife, Helen, manages a traditional sheep operation in the Lake District, where I often spend the night.

To get around, I have always reserved a small SUV that gets decent mileage and has enough clearance to navigate rocky lanes. Except that, during each trip, a generous rental company employee has apparently recognized my name and thought, A sensible crossover? Oh no, my bacon-and-eggs-loving friend, I’m going to set you up with something considerably more flash. Then they proceed to “upgrade” me to a tiny, sexy kumquat of a James Bond car.

Three times I have arrived to face this revelation and said, “Oh, thank you. I’m grateful, but can I just get the Volkswagen Tiguan?” Three times I have been met with a sheepish, red-faced, open-mouthed stare telling me that actually, no, they have no replacement vehicles. Hence the Mercedes.

It’s 4 P.M. on the M6, and things are still not moving. To quell the first stirrings of anxiety, I take a deep breath and think back to a few days ago, at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh—basically the equivalent of a New England state fair, but with tastier fish and chips. The Rebankses maintain a herd of Belted Galloway cows, of which I own a few because raising the world’s finest grass-fed beef rates high among my remunerative hobbies: delicious fun that also earns me some income.

The three of us attended the Royal Highland for one reason—I mean, sure, amusement and also beer were factors—and that was to “help” our friend Helen Ryman show her exemplary Mochrum Estate Belties, which rightly earned four prize rosettes. I got to assist the washing of her gorgeous heifer, Cora, rubbing large handfuls of shampoo into her lush coat—a thick, layered pelt that kept her warm through the Scottish winter— then using a power washer to rinse before blow-drying her spanking-clean hair.

I adore the hands-on participation, especially since this breed of ruminant is such a brilliant piece in the larger conversation about regenerative agriculture—specifically, rotational grazing. Instead of force-feeding grain and antibiotics to beef cows, as is the practice in the horror-show setting of factory farms, these cattle graze on uncultivated high terrain that isn’t suitable for growing anything else (such as cereals), and they can turn thistles into the most delicious steaks I’ve ever tasted.

I settle back into my reverie. The previous morning at the Rebanks home, James woke me up at 6 A.M. Some sheep had escaped through a hole in a fence, so before we even had a cup of tea, we threw on jackets against the rain, collected his dogs Tosh, Meg, and Floss, and got on the quad bike in a trice, towing a little trailer down the road loaded with a few eight-foot-long two-by-fours and some substantial wooden posts.

We drove into a hilly pasture along a boundary fence, to the spot where the dozen or so sheep had slipped beneath the wire. James clambered over with the dogs, who were off like lightning in ranging half-circles, herding the errant ewes and lambs back through the breach. Then it was our turn to close the weak spot by pounding in a couple of posts and strategically nailing the two-by-fours across the gap. Each greenish, pressure-treated post was six feet tall and five inches in diameter, with one end sharpened like a pencil. With little discussion, we worked in tandem: I speared the post into the soil, then held it steady as James stood on the wet seat of his quad bike and pounded the top with a massive, ancient sledge. I’d never been happier.

My elation in physical labor always amuses James, who makes fun of me for staying with his family so that I can split firewood and stack stone walls and just be out in the weather instead of pursuing a more conventional vacation. But for me, being of even minor service to his efforts, especially when the task calls upon the tool skills and stamina that each of us learned from our fathers, feels like the best possible thing to be doing.

That allure has never been more powerful than it is now, as I sit on a hot stretch of blacktop, waiting to be released from this supposedly wonderful “time saving” three-lane roadway. As the hours roll on, I really start to fear that I won’t make it to Manchester in time to introduce the comedian who’s opening for me. Then I have an idea: I’ll record a voice memo on my phone and send it to the tour manager to play in case I’m not there. “Good evening, Mancunians, and welcome to the Apollo,” I say. “Our first entertainer is the charismatic Lou Sanders, and by the way I am recording this at 6:38 from my car, because a milk truck has gone arse-over-tit on the M6.
”

And then, just like that, the traffic begins to move. I kick the sprightly Mercedes into gear and race to the venue, pulling into the alley behind the theater at 8:07. As I enter by the back door, I can hear my recorded introduction just ending, and I am primed to turn my clown dial up to 11 for these fine people.

On one hand, the goose of nearly missing the show is part of the allure of the Road, with a capital R. On the other, I am forever yearning for a simpler existence, bereft of circus thrills. But just like you, I have little choice but to navigate our world of multilane motorways and mobile phones. Stuck in a traffic nightmare, I may dream of lathering cows and mending fences, but when the road opens up again, the show must go on.

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A United Kingdom court ruled on Monday that members of the public don’t need landowners’ permission to wild camp in Dartmoor National Park anymore. This decision reversed a lower court’s ruling and restored the park’s status as the only place in England or Wales where backpackers have the right to pitch a tent outside of the confines of a campsite.

Where American national parks are protected public lands administered directly by the federal government, parks in England are mostly a patchwork of private holdings, and often contain working farms, residences, businesses, and even towns. A hiker’s right to walk across privately owned land is governed by a 23-year-old law that allows hikers access to paths based on a history of public use. (At least in theory: As Brooke Jarvis reports in The New York Times Magazine, to prevent the public from accessing their property.) In most cases, however, visitors are limited to dayhikes, as the law doesn’t allow overnight access. For decades, Dartmoor National Park was the exception, thanks to a 1985 law that allowed hikers to dispersed camp based on historic custom.

This January, however, two of the parks’ largest landowners, Alexander and Diana Darwall, , arguing that camping fell outside of the protections of the law. High Court judge Sir Julian Flaux agreed, ruling that there was “no local custom of camping which [had] the force of law,” and the Darwalls could legally ban campers from their 4,000-acre estate.

While park authorities quickly reached an agreement with most of Dartmoor’s landowners to continue allowing wild camping in exchange for an undisclosed payment, some advocates bristled at the deal, which they saw as paying tribute to the small number of disproportionately aristocratic property owners who hold much of England’s land. Speaking to , Guy Shrubsole, one of the leaders of the pro-access group Right to Roam, called it “a ransom note from landowners who will be allowed to revoke permission at any time.”

The country’s National Park Authority and another nonprofit, Open Spaces Society, appealed the decision. At issue was whether sleeping inside a tent counted as an “outdoor” activity, with lawyers for the Darwalls arguing that erecting a structure, even a temporary one, fell outside the auspices of the law. On July 31, the court disagreed, with Lord Justice Nicholas Underhill saying that “the fact that a tent is closed rather than open cannot convert the wild camping from being an open-air recreation into not being one.” With this, the right to dispersed camp without landowner permission returned to the public.

While land-access advocates in England celebrated the decision, some said the ruling didn’t go far enough in protecting backpackers’ right to camp at large. In a tweet, Shrubsole said it was time for England to pass , which would create a presumed right for the public to access unbuilt, uncultivated land. On his own Twitter account, Luke Pollard, a Labour member of parliament who represents nearby Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, posted that, and challenged the current Conservative government to do the same.

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Consider the opening scene of Yellowstone’s pilot episode, which depicts a bloody car crash, but in the background of all that chaos is an expansive ranch glowing with the soft yellow leaves of autumn in Montana. I wanted the camera to pan wide and expose more of that beauty.

With most TV shows today, location plays a large part in the storyline. Sure, The White Lotus is complex and groundbreaking, and the Game of Thrones’ prequel, House of the Dragon, is epic, but their locations are equally enticing, from the glistening waters of the Mediterranean in season two of White Lotus to the moody beaches near King’s Landing, shot in Croatia, in Game of Thrones.

Yellowstone spends the next several seasons delivering on that initial tantalizing sample, offering sweeping views of cattle grazing in broad pastures, characters fishing in idyllic streams, and massive log ranches framed by snowcapped peaks.

Such scenery has sparked a tourism trend, as superfans seek out the beautiful and adventurous locales on their screens. A February produced by American Express noted that 64 percent of the 3,000 people interviewed in an online survey were inspired to travel to a destination after seeing it on TV or in a movie.

This movement isn’t entirely new. Remember the brilliant series Breaking Bad, which ran from 2008 to 2013? It launched national awareness of Albuquerque, New Mexico, gave rise to tours and merchandise, and was embraced by the city’s visitors bureau, which still offers information. Croatia, the primary filming location for the fictional city of Westeros in Game of Thrones, reported a $200 million bump in tourism during the show’s five-year run, according to the country’s tourism bureau. And both of the hotels featured in the first two seasons of The White Lotus enjoyed a boost in bookings after each aired—in fact, web interest in the Four Seasons Resort Maui jumped 425 percent after the first season, according to the property.

About ten years ago, busloads of hikers on Hunger Games tours descended on the trailheads of DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest, in my home state of North Carolina, where waterfalls and caves were shot to serve as the setting for the resourceful archer Katniss. At the peak of the movie’s popularity, Joe Moerschbaecher, owner of Pura Vida șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍűs, led tours to sites in the film and even offered a survival-skills package, teaching participants tasks like shelter-building and fire-starting before having them compete against each other in the wilderness.

“These shows and movies give people a chance to escape, and being able to visit the place on the screen gives fans a chance to connect with those characters or that story even more,” Moerschbaecher says. “It’s a model we’ve seen for a long time. That’s what Disney World is based on, right? Everyone can go and live the dream.”

Want to plan a visit to the dream? We’ve mapped out how to see the most dramatic locations for five irresistible TV shows.

Yellowstone: Montana

This hourlong soap opera on Paramount+ follows the Duttons, led by the patriarch, John (played by Kevin Costner), as they try to hang onto their family ranch. Violence and drama ensue, but there’s nothing more dramatic than the location, which Costner has called a “postcard for Montana.” The show, now in its fifth season, has been filmed in multiple locations in Montana and Utah, but the Bitterroot Valley, south of Missoula and flanked by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Ranges, is the true star.

See It for Yourself: The Dutton’s Yellowstone Ranch is an actual working cattle ranch in the valley called Chief Joseph Ranch. Since Yellowstone premiered in 2018, the ranch’s owners have allowed fans to rent cabins featured in the show and given tours of the property. Sadly, the family is taking a break from visitors in 2023, so you’ll have to get your dude-ranch experience nearby. We suggest the , also in the Bitterroot Valley, with views of Trapper Peak and access to the Bitterroot River (from $1,800 a night, all-inclusive). You can ride horses or take part in a cattle drive. Or sign up for a guided float and casting adventure down the Bitterroot with the outfitter (from $480).

The White Lotus: Sicily, Italy

This HBO series follows wealthy guests as they travel to luxury White Lotus–branded resorts and wrestle with issues of class, privilege, and desire. Each season has been set at a Four Seasons property—the first in Maui, the second in Taormina, Sicily. Rumor has it that the next season will be set in Thailand, but where exactly hasn’t been revealed yet.

See It for Yourself: Why not bounce around the island of Sicily as the characters in season two did, by foot, boat, and Vespa. Book a room at the in the coastal community of Taormina (from $2,620). The stunning property, formerly a convent, is perched on the edge of a cliff, boasting views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. A few companies offer comprehensive White Lotus tours, including the LGBTQ+-centric , with a nine-day exploration that takes in featured locations like the towns of Noto and Palermo ($7,550, including two nights at the Four Seasons). Or be your own guide. Rent a Vespa and cruise the serpentine streets of Taormina, just like the distressed Tanya in her better moments. Definitely make a detour to , which features prominently throughout the second season.

House of the Dragon: England, Portugal

±á”ț°żâ€™s House of the Dragon is the prequel series to Game of Thrones, taking place more than a century earlier but covering similar territory: medieval characters fighting over power and, ultimately, the throne. The original GOT was filmed in Ireland, Croatia, and Iceland, and House of the Dragon follows the same pattern, bouncing around walled stone towns and wild lands in Spain, Portugal, and England.

See It for Yourself: There’s not much opportunity to mimic the lifestyle you see on House of the Dragon because, you know, swords and dragons aren’t really part of our day-to-day, but there are a number of set locations that you can—and should—visit. Try an inexpensive of Monsanto, Portugal, a city whose houses are built around massive boulders; this setting is home to the fictional House Targaryen’s ancestral home.

In Cornwall, England, the dramatic coast factors into a number of scenes throughout the first season. Check out , a sandy strip of coast marked by crags and caves that serves as the backdrop for a crucial scene involving Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon. The surfing here is pretty good, too. For more adventure, head into Derbyshire to , and hike the area you might recognize as the Vale of Arryn, a rugged expanse of peaks ruled by the show’s House Arryn.

Alone: Saskatchewan

While the other shows on this list offer up fictional characters and storylines, the drama on History Channel’s Alone is very real. This reality show pits ten contestants against each other in a game of survival in extreme locales; whoever can stay alive by themselves the longest wins $500,000. Over the past nine seasons, the contestants have been dropped off everywhere from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to northern Mongolia and Patagonia. Season ten premiered on June 8 and has contestants attempting to survive on the shores of Reindeer Lake in Saskatchewan.

See It for Yourself: The 2,568-acre Reindeer Lake straddles the border of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and is surrounded by a lush boreal forest. It’s known for its world-class pike fishing and robust black bear population (with more than 40,000 of them in the area). The exact Alone filming locations haven’t been disclosed, but viewers saw the contestants get dropped off by seaplane at a lakeside lodge and camp out in canvas tents for a week before starting the competition.

Book a cabin at the and you’ll be navigating the same terrain as your favorite contestant but without the suffering (four-day packages start at $5,395, all-inclusive). Cabins at the lodge are hand-built, with woodstoves and hot showers. Instead of trying to trap wild game for dinner, you’ll be fed generously by a chef. Spend your days fishing Reindeer Lake with a guide (cost included in your stay), who will put you on pike, walleye, or lake trout, and prepare a fresh shore lunch with your catch.

Succession: Norway

OK, Succession has officially ended, but our enthusiasm for the show endures. We were emotionally invested in watching members of the Roy family vie for power within the Waystar RoyCo empire. Most of the show was filmed in New York City, but because we’re talking about mega millionaires, the show featured plenty of jet-setting to remote British castles, Iceland, Croatia, and Italy. Oh to be a media mogul.

See It for Yourself: As wonderful as it would be to follow the family’s travels and hit every hot spot, we don’t all have an inheritance to burn. So focus on Norway, where the Roys experience some of the country’s most iconic and luxurious highlights. Reserve a room in coastal Valldal at the , whose all-glass exterior walls expose a wilderness of mossy boulders, hardwoods, and rushing rivers (from $436 a night, including breakfast and dinner).

The Juvet will also put you close to Trollstigen (“the troll ladder”), a crazy-beautiful mountain road that climbs almost 3,000 feet via 11 hairpin switchbacks, passing waterfalls and rocky outcroppings. While the Roys traverse this road in a car, it would be more fun on two wheels; this is a classic road-bike climb (or you might ride it on an now) but one that comes with risk, as you’re sharing the road with motorists enjoying the scenery.

Another must-see site from Succession is the 22-mile Atlantic Road, dubbed the world’s most beautiful drive, as it connects Averoy Island with mainland Norway via a series of bridges and islets. Grab a drink at , a restaurant atop Nesaksla, the mountain where negotiations for the media empire take place. You can either take the Romsdalen gondola to the summit (like the Roys) or hike two hours to the top.

And then come back down to earth.

Graham Averill is șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű magazine’s National Parks columnist. He watches way more TV than he probably should, so it’s nice to justify it for work. Traveling to the locations of his favorite shows sounds nice, but if it’s at all possible, he’d rather just hang out in the van from The A-Team.

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If you’ve been to a yoga festival, you know the hum that takes place. Everywhere you look, there’s activity. Attendees are unrolling their mats on the grass, lecturers are offering insights, vendors are sharing artisanal wares, and food trucks are dishing out their creations. As the sun goes down, the live music becomes louder and the learning shifts to dancing. It’s an unparalleled experience.

In recent years, yoga festivals have evolved to appeal to those of all experience levels and interests. Some focus on traditional practices while others are more new age-y and “glittery.” Whether you’re just starting yoga or are years into your practice, there is a festival that will vibe with you.

Although each yoga festival has its own distinct personality, they all share the common threads of connection, presence, and celebration. The following list explores 11 annual yoga festivals along with some of the history and highlights of each.

11 Yoga Festivals You Need to Know About

1. Bend Yoga Festival

Bend, Oregon | June 8-11, 2023

Explore the majesty of the Cascade Mountains at . Situated in the beautiful mountain town of Bend, Oregon, this festival features a focused mix of world-class presenters, wellness sessions, and outdoor adventures.

This year, the Bend Yoga Festival moves to Riverbend Park, offering direct access to the flowing Deschutes River, stunning mountain views, and more than 15,000 square feet of lawn. During the festival, attendees can explore nearby natural attractions, such as the lava caves and . Join a guided hike to the top of Smith Rock, followed by a yoga practice and local brew tasting, or take to the river in an open paddle class.

Throughout the weekend, you can join international and locally loved presenters including and for afternoon yoga sessions at participating local yoga studios, all within walking distance of the main venue. You can also schedule your own yoga photo shoot with acclaimed photographer . Lodging isn’t included, so you’ll want to find a stay at a local Airbnb, campsite, or hotel.

2. Telluride Yoga Fest

Telluride, Colorado | June 22-25, 2023

For a fully immersive yoga experience, the is not to be missed. The four-day event offers more than 100 classes, including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, wellness talks, and social gatherings. The event takes place amid the intimate setting of a small village nestled at the base of the Telluride Mountains, surrounded by rugged peaks, mountain air, and crisp blue skies.

Start your day with a mountain-top meditation, hike the fan-favorite Jud Wiebe memorial trail, practice standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga on Elk Lake, or simply sleep-in. With its new campus in Mountain Village,Ìę connected to the historic Town of Telluride via a free gondola, the festival provides a unique gathering that’s entirely removed from the hubbub of everyday life. The festival has hosted some of the most well-seasoned yoga teachers, including , , , , and .

Telluride offers a selection of hotels, condos, and private residences that cater to every budget.

3. LoveShinePlay

Asheville, North Carolina | July 20-23, 2023

The , formerly known as the Asheville Yoga Festival, is a four-day event held in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The festival offers an expansive schedule that includes more than 70 styles of offerings, including Bhakti and anatomy, Kundalini and Yin, and everything in between.

Asheville is considered the wellness capital of the South, and the festival takes advantage of its surroundings, allowing attendees to expand their knowledge and practice in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout the weekend, attendees can experience lectures on practical astrology, Ayurvedic yoga classes, “yin yoga and story time,” plus classes and concerts from and .

Classes are dispersed around Asheville in hotels, community centers, and outdoor stages, all walkable from the marketplace. The central hub for the festival, the marketplace features 60-plus hand-selected vendors offering high-quality wellness products. You’ll also find food trucks, free community events, and outdoor spaces to rest.

LoveShinePlay started in 2016 as the Asheville Yoga Festival and has since grown to include partnerships with Lululemon and Yoloha. In 2024, the festival will expand and offer a similar incarnation in Charleston.

4. OM Festival

Manchester, Vermont | July 26-30, 2023

Dance, flow, and play your way to wellness at the annual , a summerfest held on 150-plus mountainside acres overlooking the Battenkill River. Also known as the Vermont Yoga Festival, it offers five days of yoga, meditation, dance, and flow arts classes where festival-goers can flow, play, and groove.

The OM Festival combines natural beauty and historic charm. Classes take place in a 200-year-old barn on the expansive private grounds and in the perfectly coiffed meditation garden. At night, the festival comes alive with music and embodiment celebrations, including kirtan, bhakti yoga, and ecstatic dance DJs.

Most guests stay on-site, either at , the hub of the festival, or camp in a private field or alongside the river (river camp sites are limited and sell out quickly). Those staying at the inn can expect romantic, antique-y rooms, mountain views, and farm-fresh dining.

5. Soul Circus

Elmore, UK | August 17-20, 2023

somehow manages to be both healthy and hedonistic. And somehow it works. Spearheaded by the charismatic founders, Roman and Ella Wroath, Soul Circus is a holistic yoga, arts, and music festival set in the rural countryside of Cotswold, United Kingdom. The combination of yoga asana, wellness workshops, and live music is undeniably more glittery wellness rave than traditional yoga festival. With its world-renowned DJs and afterparties that last until 2 am, Soul Circus wants to help you tune in and let loose.

By day, stretch out in yoga tents dotted along the countryside or join sought-after yoga instructors and wellness practitioners in any of the 300-plus wellness sessions, including cacao ceremonies, astral projection, lucid dreaming, and ecstatic dance. It’s a chance to indulge your woo-woo side.

As the light fades, the festival takes on an entirely different vibe. DJs set the skies alight with exhilarating music and dance. Those who need a reset after a marathon dance session can settle into a wood-fired hot tub or sauna at the on-site Soul Spa, which also offers daytime holistic therapy sessions.

Soul Circus is an undoubtedly energetic and unique yoga experience.

6. Dirty South Yoga Festival

Atlanta, Georgia | August 25-27, 2023

The , held at the end of August, is a homegrown celebration that’s all about promoting community and mindfulness in a way that embraces the “rough around the edges” energy of the South.

Founded in 2013 by a group of Atlanta-based yoga teachers, Dirty South Yoga arose from a need for authentic connection in the wellness community. The group cites the Zen Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh and his famous saying “No mud, no lotus” as a foundational inspiration and will be the first to admit they’re not prim and proper. They regularly practice falling and try to show up to themselves, their practice, and each other as best they can.

The festival takes place at The Loudermilk Conference Center in downtown Atlanta, where participants can revel in an entire weekend of workshops, classes, and activities. Founder has said she knows what it’s like to long for connection in the yoga world, and with Dirty South Yoga, she hopes to provide a place of support, guidance, and friendship. It’s yoga, real and raw.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYRp9NPMgR/

7. Mammoth Yoga Festival

Mammoth Lakes, California | September 14-17, 2023

is a getaway for those seeking adventure, growth, and connection in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Every September, it offers “yoga and meditation for every body, every age, and every ability,” making it accessible to all who wish to make the pilgrimage.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a yoga teacher seeking to expand your understanding of how to share the practice, Mammoth Festival shares an array of classes to help you develop your practice. Anyone can attend early morning sessions on creative yoga sequencing, the power of cueing, and decolonizing yoga. And every night, the Vendor Village Market lights up with performances from mystically-minded musicians, which included , , and in recent years.

Weekend asana and meditation classes from teachers such as and will help you settle a restless spirit and immerse yourself in the present. Also, presentations from yoga and health institutions such as Mammoth Hospital and the work trade and job opportunity website, , allow instructors to diversify their teaching tools beyond advanced asana. The festival is recognized as an approved Continuing Education Provider by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, making it an excellent opportunity for yoga and fitness professionals to gain needed continuing education credits.

8. Lamu Yoga Festival

Lamu Island, Kenya | October 25-29, 2023

From sunrise yoga sessions on pristine beaches to moonlit meditations beneath the stars, emphasizes total, undisturbed bliss. This celebration of yoga, culture, and tranquility happens in the coastal region of Kenya and immerses in a world of serenity, culture, and mindful exploration.

Yoga, breathwork, and meditation are taught at a dozen unique venues and studios. Discover the allure of Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its charming architecture and captivating history. With no cars in sight and donkeys and boats instead dotting the landscape, the scene creates a true escape from the everyday. Experience the local culture and traditions through an awe-inspiring opening ceremony on the beach, a traditional Kenyan dinner, a scenic sailing trip, and a mesmerizing bonfire to close your journey.

9. International Yoga Festival

Banks of Ganges River, India | March 2024

A week-long celebration of yoga and meditation, the in Rishikesh, India, attracts thousands of people from around the world to the birthplace of yoga. Nestled among the Himalayas on the banks of the holy River Ganga, the festival takes place at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of the largest interfaith yoga institutions in India. It’s a tranquil environment where participants can connect with themselves and their spiritual practice.

The aim of the International Yoga Festival is to “expand global consciousness and bring healing back to the planet, one person at a time.” In support of that, it hosts some of the greatest teachers from both eastern and western lineages of yoga, making it an ideal pilgrimage for dedicated students looking to connect with the origins of the practice.

The extensive schedule includes a mind-boggling array of activities, from early morning kundalini sadhana to evening kirtan and everything in between, including asana classes and talks. It regularly draws more than 2000 participants from 80 countries, offering a unique opportunity to come together and share in the transformative power of yoga. The festival’s emphasis on the origins of the practice is a testament to yoga’s enduring spirit, influence, and ability to unite people in the pursuit of growth and well-being.

10. Sedona Yoga Festival

Sedona, Arizona | April 2024

Many believe that certain locations on the planet experience a higher vibrational energy than others. With its seven vortices, or energy centers, Sedona is one of those places. The , now in its tenth year, draws on this enigmatic energy to foster community and spiritual growth.

Billed as a “consciousness evolution conference,” the festival boasts an impressive roster of speakers and rich coursework and continues to be a pioneer of large-scale mindful events in the United States. Workshops and immersions take place amid Sedona’s mystical landscape and world-class performing arts facilities and offer opportunities to explore all eight limbs of yoga.

Attendees can gather in the mornings for a communal ceremony before dispersing into lectures or desert excursions. There are more than 100 sessions to choose from, including yoga practices amid the red rocks. Evenings feature keynote addresses from top-tier spiritual minds, lectures, sacred chanting sessions, and live entertainment.

11. BaliSpirit

Ubud, Bali | May 2024

If practicing yoga in Bali is your dream, the in Ubud may be the ultimate destination. Held annually at the , this three-day “spirit festival” encompasses yoga, dance, martial arts, breathwork, personal development, and more, making it a catalyst for transformation.

A magnet for conscious travelers and spiritual seekers, BaliSpirit has grown considerably since it was founded in 2008, bringing economic growth and evolution to the town of Ubud. Held in a traditional Balinese open-air venue surrounded by wildlife and flanked by a sacred river, the fest offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with themselves, others, and the surroundings.

The holistic approach of the festival is reflected in its more than 150 workshops representing different styles of yoga (including Hatha, Yin, Anusara, and Ashtanga) as well as other types of movement (Capoeira, Qi Gong, Silat, Poi, Laughter, and hula hooping). Each night ends with a musical lineup of global performers, creating an intimate concert experience leading to deeper connections and sacred celebration.

About Our Contributor

Sierra is a writer, yogi, and music lover living in the Pacific Northwest. She’s been practicing yoga for nearly a decade & got certified to teach in 2018. She writes and teaches all about connection: connection to the body, to nature, and to the universal love that holds us together. She’s also the author of , a moon magic journal and witchy workbook.

For free yoga and witchy wisdom, find Sierra at , on Instagram , and on .

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Ever traveled somewhere just to stay in lodging that made you go “Wow!” as soon as you saw it? I have, charmed by the architecture or the amenities or the once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a night in a treehouse or a castle or a location I recognized from a movie. With that in mind, Airbnb has a category called OMG, featuring what it calls “unique abodes”—and indeed, there are dozens to choose from that will make you marvel. I picked out nine from around the world that are weird, wonderful, and might make your next trip one of the most adventurous yet.

1. Sleep in a Tower Above the Sea, Panama

You’ll have amazing views of the Caribbean from this four-story structure, located in the tropical Panamanian archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Explore area mangroves, surf the nearby Carneros point break, birdwatch—you’ve got the ideal hideout—for the more than five dozen native species, or just gaze downward into waters frequented by fish, stingrays, and dolphins. Head inland to catch a glimpse of anteaters, sloths, monkeys, and bats. A dinghy will transport you the short distance offshore to this unique tower, which sleeps up to five people. Plan to visit during the drier months, typically January through May and September through October, and pack quick-dry clothing for any surprise showers.

2. Snuggle Up in a Snow Igloo, Finland

Immerse yourself in the landscape of Lapland with a stay at this igloo, located adjacent to a lake and PyhĂ€-Luosto National Park, and created winter after winter by the family that rents it out. You and up to three others will have your own bed—but come prepared for the cold, with your own sleeping bag and adequate thermal wear, because below-zero temperatures are the norm here much of the year. (Although a nearby shared, heated house for visitors to use is available with a kitchen, toilets, and a shower.) The flip side of feeling the chill is getting to admire the northern lights, not to mention nearby cross-country trails, a downhill ski resort, and owners who work as adventure outfitters and can arrange activities in the surrounding area, including fat biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and ice fishing.

3. Get Grounded in This Earth Conker, Wales

It’s a metal soccer ball, a space orb, a copper conker, as Brits call it (that’s a buckeye to you and me). However you think of it, this innovative outpost offers simple pleasures amid the moors of central Wales. When the weather is wet—something that happens on the regular—you’ll need four-wheel drive to navigate the terrain. But if off-grid is what you’re after, and a routine of daily walks in the woods, past grazing sheep, and down to the small nearby town and its pub, followed by a campfire and a homemade pizza, and maybe a bath in the outdoor tub, then this remote, for up to two people will aid what ails you.

4. Play Out the Apocalypse in This Bunker, New Mexico

Step back in time, and below ground, with an overnight visit at this historic bunker outside Roswell. The site is one of hundreds around the nation built to defend the U.S. from what were perceived as serious foreign threats during the Cold War. Unfamiliar with that period and its weapons? The owners offer a full tour of the grounds, which include a 186-foot-deep missile silo and a launch-control center, the upper level now renovated to serve as lodging for two, with kitchen essentials, a grill, and shared green space above ground. Spend your evening paging through old instruction manuals and emergency operation procedures or perusing related memorabilia—one guest compared it to staying in a museum, with time to explore and gawk at points of interest like an escape hatch and blast doors—and step outdoors come nightfall to enjoy the immense starry skies, or bring your binocs to birdwatch for owls.

5. Live in a Yellow Submarine, New Zealand

Now you can sing the Beatles’ song in a place nearly perfect for the lyrics. You won’t be underwater, but the coast is a quick 30-minute drive away. Instead, this cheery North Island sub is surrounded by a sea of green: forested farmland 100 miles north of Wellington. From its Beatles-themed bathroom and porthole windows to the bunk-bed quarters for four and more dials and levers than you’ll know what to do with, these creative confines have charmed many an overnight guest.

6. Hang Out in the Belly of a Snake, Mexico

Likely one of the most popular picks on Airbnb, this half-serpent, half-bird, designed to resemble its eponymous Aztec god, is typically booked out months in advance. One look at its imaginative and organic design will explain why: its shape, detailed mosaic tilework and ceramic details, colored-glass windows, an open-air shared deck in the snake’s mouth, and thoughtful landscaping (both inside and out) make this a mythical, one-of-a-kind experience, as many visitors have attested. Located within a 40-acre gated community west of Mexico City, Quetzalcoatl’s Nest consists of ten residences—you’ll be staying in one in the belly of the beast, which can sleep up to six people. Getting there requires a car or an Uber, but the property’s expansive natural surrounds, open spaces, and native wildlife will tempt you to just hang out on-site.

7. Float Your Campsite, the Netherlands

Motor your platform raft around a lake and canals until you’ve found just the right spot to moor for the night. You and a partner can fish, swim, birdwatch, and enjoy as much of a hermetic natural getaway as you like, far from any and all annoying campers, with this raft setup. What’s provided: a tent, a small camping kitchen and a makeshift table and chairs, a portable toilet, and a buoyant pallet with an attached outboard engine. The rest is up to you. Just 30 miles north of Amsterdam, this region is an ideal respite for a quiet weekend, with opportunities to explore nearby windmills, tulip fields, and the dunes of Bergen aan Zee, ten miles west on the North Sea coast.

8. Embrace a Box with a View on the Riviera, Italy

Such simplistic quarters are not what you’d expect to find on the Italian Riviera. But we can’t all afford to stay in a pastel-colored palazzo overlooking the sea. Small and bare-bones, this is. But how much time will you stay holed up in your StarsBox, when the beach is just minutes away by foot and you’ve got an adjacent (albeit shared) swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna at your disposal? We’d argue that, if anything, these digs will prompt you to make the most of your outdoor time. After all, you didn’t come to this part of the Mediterranean to stay indoors.

9. Commune with Animals at a Biosphere, Bolivia

Just outside one of Bolivia’s most populated cities, Cochabamba, is a beetle-shaped structure set in an agricultural area and backed by the Andes mountains. The owners provide breakfast and then leave to you go about your day—you can hike the foothills, hop the bus into town, or organize a day trip to explore nearby Tunari National Park. But La Biosfera, with its clean, white, modern design and laid-back vibe, tends to keep guests lingering around the property. Wake up to birdsong, do some yoga by the lake, and wander the grassy grounds to encounter free-roaming llamas, peacocks, geese, and other domesticated animals. Shop the local market and then wind things down by the fire pit. Or bring friends for a trip that combines relaxation with high-altitude trekking. That’s how we’d do it.

Tasha Zemke has traveled extensively around the U.S. and the world and has outgrown her desire to camp on a thin blow-up mattress. Airbnbs have become her accommodation of choice, and she spends hours looking for those with notable architecture.ÌęShe recently stayed at a shotgun-style home in New Orleans, where the city’s famous chicory coffee was stocked in the pantry, the nation’s oldest continually functioning streetcar was steps from the front door, and a favorite local shave-ice stand was two blocks away.

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, founded by , aims to inspire Muslim people to find joy in the outdoors. What started as an Instagram account has boomed into a community of more than 70 hikers taking on trails around the world. Muslim Hikers Inaugural Trek captures scenes from the group’s first expedition,Ìęup the highest peak in the United Kingdom, Mount Snowdon, in North Wales.

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It began with a rainy day in a moat.

The idea of a long swim through Britain came to the naturalist Roger Deakin in a period of personal sadness and isolation. The year was 1996: at the age of 53, he found himself alone, at the end of a long relationship. Besides that, he missed his son, Rufus, who was off surïŹng and adventuring on the eastern coast of Australia.

Though breaststroking across the moat near his home in a downpour might seem to be the very picture of misery, the act lent Deakin a sense of buoyancy and purpose. Watching the bright plash of raindrops dancing across the surface of the water animated him: “I grew convinced that following water, ïŹ‚owing with it, would be a way of getting under the skin of things…. In water, all possibilities seemed inïŹnitely extended.” That day set him in motion, leaving frustration and stasis behind. He would embark on an aquatic journey to ïŹnd something new—and surprising, and beautiful—in his country’s wild waterways.

He spent much of the next two years swimming and writing what would become the bestselling . First published in the UKÌęin 1999, the book quickly became the bible of a modern wild swimming movement, a word-of-mouth guidebook for those who wanted to dip into the waters he described. Though it’s now a celebrated classic of the nature-writing canon, Waterlog has never been available in the U.S.—. Its arrival to our shores couldn’t come at a better time.

Water, of course, connects us all. Planning his swimming travels made Deakin feel closer to his son, so many thousands of miles away but immersed in the same ocean. (We may give names to different parts of that ocean, but any map will show you that it’s all the same water.) In a funny kind of serendipity, during the time that Deakin was making his iconic swims across Britain as documented in Waterlog, I myself was in Australia, swimming and adventuring during a semester abroad. Perhaps I even crossed paths with Rufus in Byron Bay. All I know is that I, too, was moved to journey toward water, by a period of my own melancholy.

I was a 19-year-old college kid, and I knew next to nothing about the world. It was sophomore year; the only international travel I’d done was summer visits to my grandfather in Canada. I was twitchy with unhappiness: my parents’ marriage was about to end, my relationship with my boyfriend was imploding, and I couldn’t ïŹx either one of them.

“Proposed place of study.” I’d examined the study abroad application on my desk closely, rolling the words around in my mouth. Proposed place of study. I asked myself the question that heartsick young people everywhere ask themselves: What’s the farthest place I can get to from here?

The answer, it turned out, was Australia. And so I decided to go swimming in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Like Deakin, I knew, even in the planning stages of my adventure, that I wanted magic: immersion in a world outside myself. I would learn how to breathe underwater. In the process, I would learn how to give myself over to possibility.

I’ve always been a swimmer, so it follows that I’ve always been a seeker. Even as a child, I often felt there was something more to see, and that water could take me there. I’ve spent much of the last several years seeking out the global swimming stories that became the book . Over many hours of research and reading, I got to know Roger Deakin, the bard of British open-water swimming, through the eloquent, watery words he put down.

What I ïŹrst loved about his writing on swimming was the otherworldliness he so keenly discerned. In Waterlog, the bewitching, Alice In Wonderland quality comes through: “When you enter the water, something like metamorphosis happens. Leaving behind the land, you go through the looking-glass surface and enter a new world…. You see and experience things when you’re swimming in a way that is completely different from any other.”

This passage ended up in my own book. “Your sense of the present,” he added, “is overwhelming.” Time itself could be altered; how awesome that was! What’s more, this was accessible magic, ready to be felt by anyone who made the plunge.

Upon rereading Waterlog this year, I noticed the shifting moods of a character as reïŹ‚ected in place. Of visiting the Norfolk coast—“close to home, yet remote”—Deakin observed that there was “no anti-depressant quite like sea-swimming.” Holkham was the place he usually went when he was feeling blue: “Striking out into the enormous expanse of cold sea, over the vast sands, I immerse myself like the fox ridding himself of his ïŹ‚eas. I leave my devils on the waves.”

I leave my devils on the waves. I am writing this, it must be said, in a time when our peripatetic ways have been profoundly changed, perhaps forever, by a global pandemic with no ïŹrm end in sight. So many of the days can feel dark and disconnected. But there are little joys, escapes, pinpricks of light. Even though the radius of our travels is smaller and closer to home, there is so much to notice, and appreciate.

Deakin, expounding on the sensory pleasures of his environment, reminds me to pay attention. He rendered the pulse of life in exquisite, granular detail: the rolling squeaks of starling birdsong, hairy tangles of seaweed, innocent tadpoles decanted from an aquarium into the wild. Plunging into an alpine rock pool caused one to spring out “on the knife-edge between aching and glowing.”

He reminded his fellow Britons of the rich swimming history embedded in their everyday. He communed with eel ïŹshermen in the Fens, traced limestone swimming holes in the Yorkshire Dales, observed (with a touch of concern) bridge-jumping traditions in Norwich. At the edge of an icy, high-altitude lake in Wales, he trembled, naked, pondering the geologic age of the surrounding rock, and saw the humor: “I was a prehistoric creature in my glistening wetsuit, ready to be fossilised unless I kept moving.”

Deakin was a traveling salesman for outdoor swimming; I mean that in the best way. His was the eye that noticed, and noted—the way a certain river with its salmon runs and shoreline barbecues, say, combined “the play of wild life with the play of human life.”

I, for one, was sold.

When I swam my way around Australia as a student, I saw immediately that the country’s obsession with swimming was something I could get behind. I landed in Sydney, a beautiful, sun-spackled city, so shiny and exhilarating to me. I spent more time sampling the public pools and glorious beaches than I did studying. I left, months later, my skin browned from the sun and marked by jellyïŹsh stings and other marine-life love bites.

I made trips to points west, along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, and north, to Byron Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Eventually, I worked enough to earn passage all the way up to Cairns, the jumping-off point to the most famous coral reef in the world. I remember the moment I ïŹrst sank into a pool with a scuba tank and made myself take a breath underwater. My body tensed, resisted. Not once had it ever been fully submerged and told to breathe in at the same time. It took deliberate thought, a conscious wrestling with primal, instinctive fear. That ïŹrst inhale through the scuba regulator in my mouth was deafening to my ears. It opened the portal to the undersea universe.

I spent two weeks on the reef, learning how to manage myself safely in the water. Eight of us travelers from all points on the planet had come together to live on a boat with our captain and our divemaster. We logged dives twice a day and wrote cryptic messages to each other underwater. We saw eagle rays, puffer ïŹsh, nurse sharks, massive mountain ranges of thriving coral. We learned to be gentle with the reef and the ïŹshes, and with each other. By the end we were no longer strangers.

It has been 25 years since I ïŹrst set off on what has become a career of writing and swimming and, more recently, surïŹng. What I have learned from this period of global swimming lessons—from being immersed in the wild, the world—is that water cannot wash away your troubles. But being in it can buoy you, long enough for you to register a fresh perspective.

I never met Roger Deakin; I wish I had. But I feel that reading his words, and discovering our parallel journeys, brings the world a little closer, draws the swimming community a little nearer, in a time when so many of us are feeling isolated and deeply alienated from our fellow humanity. More than two decades later, during a year-plus period of pandemic that closed most pools, open-water swimming has a ïŹerce new appeal for Americans. So many letters have come my way describing the writers’ elation at the freedom and magic that swimming in the great outdoors has lately granted them.

To cope with loss, pain, grief, we keep moving. We seek something new and beautiful to propel us to a different way of being. In the ïŹrst U.S. edition of Waterlog, Roger Deakin, one of our wisest watermen, guides the way.

Excerpted from WATERLOG: A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain by Roger Deakin. Published with permission from Tin House. Copyright (c) 2021 by Bonnie Tsui.

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