Whether you’re looking to taste some authentic, buttery croissants, see some magnificent sculptures and paintings, relax in the well-maintained gardens, or tour the sights, this city simply has it all. From famous galleries and museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay to the beautiful buildings of Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe ー, Paris stands out as an undeniably one-of-a-kind place. 

Lock Eyes with the Mona Lisa at The Louvre

The famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is currently housed in the Louvre Museum. This popular work of art draws large crowds, so if you want an unobstructed look at this portrait, a great option could be to book tickets for a last-entry tour that allows you to skip the line. 

If you’re hoping to make the most of your visit to the Louvre, there are countless other priceless works of art and artifacts that are worth seeing. The museum boasts an impressive collection consisting of the famous Venus de Milo sculpture, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa paintings, among many others. 

Hotel recommendation:

 Hôtel Moliere: Spas, massages, facials, and saunas are all on offer at this high-end, 4-star hotel option. The boutique hotel has an elegant design, as well as spacious rooms. 

Book Now

Be Dazzled by the Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel’s world-famous Eiffel Tower has essentially become synonymous with the city of Paris and is one of the most visited monuments in the world. However, seeing its photo on a postcard pales compared to witnessing its unique design in real life. You can climb the metal masterpiece from 9 AM until midnight, either going up to the second floor or straight to the top, using elevators or stairs. The prices vary depending on how far you wish to go up, how you want to go up, and your age. 

You can also visit one of the restaurants and bars on the different levels of the tower. Aside from the buffets found on the first two floors and the esplanade, there are establishments that offer incredible food, delicious drinks, and spectacular views, including Madame Brasserie by Thierry Marx, The Jules Vernes by Frédéric Anton (one MICHELIN star), and The Champagne Bar. 

Under the moonlight, the tower is illuminated by twinkling lights creating a magical, luminous display for onlookers. The 20,000 bulbs sparkle for five minutes every hour from dusk to 11:45 PM, giving you plenty of time and opportunities to enjoy the light show.

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Eiffel Kennedy: Staying near the Eiffel Tower often means that hotel prices will be much higher. However, this charming 3-star hotel will give you a comfortable, central stay without breaking the bank.  

Book Now

Admire Notre Dame

The famous cathedral has been at the center of multiple historical events, including the coronation of Napoleon as Emperor, and holds a special place in the heart of many Parisians. Tragically, whilst restoration work was being done in April 2019, the roof caught fire, causing significant damage to this beloved building. Nevertheless, most of the structure has stayed intact, and plans are to reopen it fully to the public in December 2024. 

It is still worth a visit, even if you plan to visit Paris before the official reopening date. Whilst the towers and treasuries are currently inaccessible to visitors, you can access the cathedral’s parvis and archaeological crypt. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Europe Saint Severin Paris: This 3-star hotel has rustic decor, a homely feel, and a lower price point than many hotels in the same area. It could also hardly be any closer to Notre Dame, making it a great location for those wanting to stay nearby.

Book Now

Stroll the Luxembourg Gardens

Walking through the Luxembourg Gardens provides a little bit of relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving you a chance to relax. Its charm draws both locals and tourists thanks to its calming atmosphere, exquisite flower beds, and manicured lawns. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy family time or take someone on a romantic date. 

The gardens themselves are overlooked by the regal Luxembourg Palace and were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, which can be seen from the well-maintained areas and outdoor sculptures dotted around. There are also greenhouses, areas to play pétanque (a French sport similar to boules), and beehives. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Le Six: This 4-star hotel has a more modern vibe to it and some stellar reviews from other visitors. You can enjoy getting pampered in the spa, relaxing in the steam room, and getting a drink at the swanky bar. 

Book Now

Take a Seine River Boat Tour

While walking along the river is a wonderful way to soak up the sights and enjoy a relaxing stroll, booking a riverboat tour makes a trip to Paris even more enchanting. There are countless companies offering their services, but most will take you past the main landmarks of the city and give you scenic views, which you can enjoy in style. Some also offer meals and champagne, adding extra glamorous detail to your day. 

Booking a trip during the day allows you to see everything in broad daylight, but the city truly comes alive at night.  For the most dreamy experience, you can book a dinner cruise where you can treat your tastebuds to some delicious dishes while being serenaded by violinists and pianists.

Hotel recommendation:

Juliana Hotel Paris: Another 5-star option with unique decor that has been meticulously designed. It offers a spa, a fitness center, and individually decorated rooms, so no two are the same!

Book Now

Enjoy the Artwork at the Musée d’Orsay

The Louvre may be the more famous museum to visit, but the Musée d’Orsay should be just as high up on your bucket list! The building itself was converted from a Beaux-Arts style railway station, creating an interior that looks so original. However, the museum is more than just that, given that it houses a huge amount of masterpieces from mainly French artists and is renowned for having a rich collection of Impressionist art. It houses twenty-four of Van Gogh’s paintings (including the stunning Starry Night), eighty-six paintings by Monet, and fifty-six pieces by Cézanne. 

The museum is open every day, apart from Mondays, and offers a variety of guided tours, workshops, and changing exhibitions. If you’re lucky enough, you may even be able to attend a concert during the evening or at lunchtime in this house of culture. Make sure to check the website and book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Montalembert: This 5-star option is located only an 8-minute walk away from the Musée d’Orsay. It offers spa services, babysitting for an extra charg, and ornately-decorated surroundings.

Book Now

Explore Montmartre

This bohemian area of Paris has historically captivated artists and creatives, creating an atmosphere that still inspires many to this day. The place is simply gorgeous, with its winding streets and cobbled surfaces, it feels distinctly like a quaint village. Here you can visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on top of the Montmartre hill, either by walking up 197 steps or, if your legs are tired from all of the exploring, you can take the funicular. 

This isn’t the only thing that the village has to offer, though.  There is the Place du Tertre, where you can look at the wonderful paintings and drawings of local artists. Also, the Moulin Rouge is located here, along with the “I Love You” Wall (Le Mur des Je t’aime). This piece of art has “I love you” written all over jet-black rock in over 250 languages.

Hotel recommendation:  

Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur: A reasonably-priced, 4-star hotel that is close to the Moulin Rouge, the metro, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. There is also a garden, fitness space, and terrace. 

Book Now

Experience the Atmosphere of The Latin Quarter

This area is one of the most ancient in the city, meaning that it is full of history and culture. The Pantheon can be found in The Latin Quarter, where honored men and women important to France are interred or commemorated, including the writers Victor Hugo and Emile Zola. 

Paris’ Natural History Museum is also located in this quarter, along with the attaching Jardin des Plantes, which is a botanical garden that is free to visit. The only thing you may have to pay for is entry to the zoo, where you can meet fascinating exotic animals. 

Aside from the endless exciting places to see, the atmosphere is second to none. There is a thriving jazz scene in this district, so you can’t miss out on going to one of the many jazz or cabaret clubs found here. 

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel d’Aubusson: Originally, this hotel was a 17th-century mansion and is the epitome of luxury. This 4-star hotel’s central location places you around many places of interest and welcomes you back with superb interior design and fantastic service after a long day of sightseeing.

Book Now

Do Retail Therapy at the Galeries Lafayette

This shopping mall is one of the most recognizable in the city thanks to its distinctively lavish interior design in the style of Art Nouveau. From an enormous glass dome to gilded features to illuminating lights, it is truly a breathtaking sight! If you’re a luxury fanatic, there are plenty of places to indulge and treat yourself to a designer souvenir. You can buy items from Dior, Chloé, Hermès, Chanel, Céline, and many more French and international fashion brands.

Once you’re feeling exhausted from carrying around all those shopping bags, there are lots of places to sit, enjoy a coffee or order a delicious meal. 

Hotel recommendation:  

Hôtel Excelsior Opéra: A 3-star hotel with a lot of character. All of the rooms are designed in a simple, contemporary style, with the comfort of their guests in mind. They also all have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. 

Book Now

Visit the Arc De Triomphe

This commemorative monument dedicated to the victories of Napoleon’s army is globally recognized for its distinctive arch and elaborate sculptures and engravings. Those wishing to climb to the top will get a staggering view of one of the most beautiful streets in Paris: the Champs-Élysées, as well as the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre. The top is also accessible by elevator, making it an activity everyone can enjoy. Remember to book tickets in advance so that you can skip the queue and keep your itinerary for the rest of the day on track!

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel EKTA: A lovely 4-star hotel with 70s-inspired decor, only a stone’s throw away from the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll love the funky fabrics and electric artwork that the hotel has chosen.

Book Now

The post The 10 Best Things to Do in Paris, France appeared first on SmarterTravel.

From swimming at Barton Springs and hiking up Mount Bonnell to the nightly bat show above Congress Avenue Bridge, check out our favorite things to do in Austin, Texas.

Stroll Around Zilker Metropolitan Park

Dubbed Austin’s “most-loved” park, Zilker Metropolitan Park sits on the banks of the Colorado River and spans over 350 acres. Some of the city’s most famous draws are here, including Zilker Botanical Gardens and Barton Springs. There are also trails and plenty of open space for strolling and picnics. 

Set aside a day to explore all this lovely park has to offer. Art lovers can browse the works of sculptor Charles Umlauf, and garden enthusiasts will love the scenery of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Kid-friendly activities include a ride on the miniature train encircling Zilker Park (free for kids). Make new friends when you watch a musical at the theater or during an afternoon volleyball game.  

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The Carpenter Hotel is 11-minutes from Zilker Metropolitan Park and offers contemporary rooms with red-brick interiors and private terraces. This prime location puts you close to downtown attractions.

Book Now

Cool Off at Barton Springs

Barton Springs Pool is a popular swimming spot that has brought Austin locals and tourists together for generations. Located in Zilker Metropolitan Park, this beautiful blue pool is fed by underground springs. The water temperature stays a cool 68 degrees year-round making it the best place to lounge on hot summer days. There are grassy areas to relax, bathhouses, and even an exhibit to learn about the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and the area’s history.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is a luxury hotel with upscale amenities and rooms that offer stunning views of the surrounding grounds. This lakeside property is pet-friendly and has a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy a romantic dinner.

Book Now

Coffee at Walton’s Fancy & Staple

A-list movie star Sandra Bullock owns Walton’s Fancy & Staple, a cute cafe on 6th Street with a rustic-chic interior. Enjoy a creamy latte and pastries here to take a break from exploring. 

There’s also a flower shop in the building, so you can pick up a bouquet for your partner if you’re on a couple’s trip. If you’re not quite ready to continue strolling the streets of Austin, grab a window seat to observe the people and activity around you.

Nearby Recommended Hotel:  Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown is an artsy hotel across from Walton’s in downtown Austin. Vibrant decor, modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and free bikes to explore Austin make Canopy a perfect stay.  

Book Now

Lady Bird Lake Trail

Lady Bird Lake trail (as locals call it) is a scenic 10-mile trail in the center of Austin that loops around Lady Bird Lake. This trail is perfect for walking, running, hiking, or biking. A mile-long boardwalk offers stunning views of downtown’s skyline and many scenic spots to relax and picnic along the water’s edge.

Pack a basket to spend a leisurely evening resting in the peaceful quiet of the trail, or rent a kayak for some time in the water. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Regency Austin faces Lady Bird Lake and offers a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a sundeck. The onsite eatery serves hand-crafted cocktails and locally inspired fare.

Book Now

Tour the Texas State Capitol

In the heart of Austin stands the Texas State Capitol—14 feet taller than the US Capitol building in Washington, DC. This historic landmark proves that everything really is bigger in Texas. Join one of the free official tours of the building, Mondays to Sundays, to learn about Texan history while admiring the grounds and ornate architecture. If you’d rather go at your own pace, pick up a brochure and take a self-guided tour of the Capitol. 

The Capitol was restored in the 1990s. Its intricate design, beautiful terrazzo floors, and star-crested rotunda will surely leave you smitten. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Austin at The University / Capitol is a 7-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol. This hotel also puts you in the city’s center and is close to popular live music venues and bars.

Book Now

See All of Austin From Mount Bonnell

Officially known as “Covert Park,” Mount Bonnell is home to the highest point in Austin—a 775-foot limestone outcrop. It offers sweeping panoramas of the city, Lake Austin, and surrounding hills. The path to the top is easy (you can do it in flip flops) and consists of 102 steps that you can scale in 20 minutes.

On clear days, Mount Bonnell is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the lake and share drinks with locals.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Moxy Austin – University is an eclectic-style hotel in the campus district less than 3 miles from Mount Bonnell. Share drinks with friends at the bar in the lobby.

Book Now

Visit the LBJ Presidential Library

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum pays tribute to the 36th president of the United States and is one of the most intriguing presidential libraries in the US. A 10-story tower on 30 acres within the University of Texas campus, the library houses historical artifacts and quirky exhibits from the ’60s and ’70s. 

Get a unique perspective of American history during President Johnson’s administration with exhibits like an in-depth study of the Vietnam War. You can also listen to LBJ’s recorded phone conversations, see a replica of his Oval Office, and laugh at jokes told by his life-size animatronic.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Austin – University Area offers easy access to attractions within the UT campus and 6th Street.

Book Now

Go Two-Stepping at the Broken Spoke

Ready to bring out the Texan in you? It’s time to go two-stepping. Two-stepping is a popular dance accompanied by country music and is one of Austin’s best pastimes. Head to the Broken Spoke to watch some live boot-scooting or try it yourself. They offer two-step lessons from Wednesdays to Saturdays so you can pick up a new dance skill to impress everyone back home.

After showing off your moves on the dance floor, enjoy an ice-cold beer and a plate of Spoke’s famous chicken-fried steaks.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Colton House Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel perfect for couples and solo travelers. Its rooms are spacious and modern and decorated with stunning artwork.

Book Now

Take a Spooky Tour in a Hearse

Skeptics and believers in the paranormal alike will enjoy the dark and ghostly tours Haunted ATX offers. See the eerie side of Austin in style with your friends in a converted hearse or a van covered in spooky art. You’ll visit historic locations and hear tales of the paranormal activity detected in these haunted landmarks. 

The tours typically last 3 hours, so it’s a complete experience, and you can bring your own drinks. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Rooms at Sonder at East 5th are fitted with large windows and simple but tasteful furniture. If you love big, open spaces that catch lots of sunlight, book a stay here. 

Book Now

Snap a Pic With the I Love You So Much Mural

The famous green wall of Jo’s Coffee bears a simple but beautiful message—the spray-painted words “I love you so much.”  It is a great spot to take cute photos if you’re visiting with your partner or pet. 

Located on the bustling South Congress Avenue, it gets pretty crowded here. Still, even on the busiest days, you’ll only have to wait about 15 minutes for your turn with the wall.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hotel Magdalena has well-appointed rooms with a contemporary feel. The hotel’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, with bright southwestern-inspired decor, a poolside bar, and sundecks.

Book Now

Spend an Evening Watching Austin’s Famous Bats

If you’re visiting Austin in the summertime, don’t miss the magnificent sight of 1.5 million bats flying out from their home on the underside of Congress Avenue Bridge. One of its unique quirks, Austin is home to North America’s largest bat colony in an urban area. The Mexican free-tailed bats settled here after Congress Bridge’s 1980 renovation created crevices that made a safe bat refuge. Every evening at dusk, these nocturnal animals take off to rid the city of pesky insects like mosquitoes. 

Observe the bat show from the water on Lady Bird Lake for the best view, or watch safely from the Statesmen Bat Observation Center next to the bridge. The spectacle lasts about 45 minutes, but you can pair your viewing with other activities in the area. Downtown Austin is very lively, so there’s always something fun around.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The LINE Austin is set in a modernist mid-century building that used to be a jazz club. Fitness enthusiasts can take part in the free yoga and fitness classes.

Book Now

Go Shopping at Allens Boots

Get a whiff of rich leather and the old west when you walk into Allens Boots on South Congress Avenue. With shelves holding thousands of pairs of cowboy boots made from exotic skins and premium leather, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Find what complements your boots by browsing their cowboy hats, Wrangler jeans, leather jackets, belts, and jewelry collection. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, don’t be shy to try on one or two booties. A visit to this vintage store selling premium footwear is an experience in itself.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: South Congress Hotel is a trendy hotel on South Congress Avenue in Austin. It offers several dining options, including an upscale Japanese cuisine restaurant.

Book Now

Attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin City Limits (ACL), Austin’s biggest music fest, is held every October in Zilker Park over two consecutive weekends. This event brings together over 100 big names and local artists. Enjoy the best of rock, pop, and hip-hop in an electrifying atmosphere. 

If you’re not visiting in October, enjoy live music at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Home to the award-winning “Austin City Limits” series, this theater seats over 2,700 people and is known for superb acoustics. If you can’t get seats to a show, book a tour of the venue. You’ll learn about ACL history and visit the Jack & Jim Gallery on the balcony. Tours typically last 90 minutes.

Nearby Recommended Hotel:The Driskill Hotel is a 15-minute walk to Moody Amphitheater. The hotel was built in the 19th century, and some rooms feature unique architectural details and furniture. There’s a bakery and grill house onsite that serve regional fare.

Book Now

The post The 13 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note that most of the following tips apply to both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which tend to occur about two weeks apart. The two-week break makes it very tough to attend both, but the Paralympic Games are just as exciting and inspiring, so they’re worth consideration in and of themselves.

Getting Tickets to the Olympics

Buying tickets for the Olympics will look slightly different this year than in the past. Previously, event presales were handled by a single vendor depending on where you live — for example, in the United States, ticketing was handled by CoSport. For the 2024 Games, tickets are only available through the official ticketing website of the Paris Olympics. Tickets for Paralympic events are available through the same portal beginning October 9th.

Event tickets tend to be released in waves. The first round of tickets for the Paris Olympics went on sale via a lottery system in March, followed by a second wave in May. As of July 5th, the remaining tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

When choosing events, I have found this strategy to work well: First get something you really care about, and then choose something that seems interesting but you know very little about. For example, at one recent Olympic Games my family went to a tae kwon do event when our son was involved in the sport, and we even saw his teacher there working as a judge. The next day we went to mountain biking, which was wild and very cool, with attendees all running around the fields that connected one obstacle to the next.

Tickets to many events may officially sell out up to a year in advance but are often still available through package deals. A visit to the vendor’s website will tell you a lot about what is on offer.

Figure Out Your Lodging Next

Lodging is likely to be your biggest challenge and is the trip component you should research and lock down first. You can use your favorite search engines to get started, comparing your options to the venues you hope to attend. The venues are set years in advance, so you can start searching fairly early on. Brace yourself, as there is quite a bit of speculative pricing that can go on, and availability can be hard to come by; in fact, one 2020 Olympic hopeful I know booked their entire family into double rooms at a Tokyo “love hotel,” yikes.

The official Olympics ticketing site also offers all-inclusive travel packages that include a certain number of nights’ lodging with a certain number of event tickets—but those tend to be somewhat pricey compared to DIY lodging options. That said, purchasing from the official outlet does tend to ensure some level of quality as well as a centralized location, so it is always worth a look.

Finding Olympic Flights

Many Olympic host cities have more than one airport, and it is worth your while to research airfares to all of them. For the Paris Olympics in 2024, for example, you can choose between Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport.

Paris-Orly is smaller than Charles de Gaulle, but is less busy and located within easy reach of the southern side of the city. Charles de Gaulle offers more flight options from a wider range of destinations and is located to the north. For those flying budget, Beauvais–Tillé Airport may be your best bet.  

Weather, Transport, and Getting to Venues

You’ll want to prepare for extreme weather no matter which Olympics you’re attending—pack plenty of warm layers for the winter Games, and prepare for heat if you’re attending a summer event.

Transport to venues varies tremendously depending on the host city and the location of a given venue. As you get farther from the main venues, transport connections can become more tricky. Strong public transportation in past Olympic cities such as Tokyo and London has been essential. Rio was a different story, but taxis were so affordable that they were actually a preferable option in many cases (just be careful to use sanctioned taxi services).

It almost goes without saying that you should give yourself some extra time whenever you are headed to a competition; if you miss a bus, end up on a long security line, need some time to find the correct entrance, or can’t quite figure out where you are supposed to go, you could miss the most dramatic moments of the competition.

You should also be prepared to walk a bit; entrances may not be right in front of transportation spots, security might be purposely far from the competition area, and the venue itself may be spread out.

Find the Free Events

Even before you start attending competitions, every Olympic host city has some kind of massive public space for exhibitors and sponsors to put on shows, display wares, and more. These are often (although not always) right outside the main Olympic Stadium and have the host mascots running around, interactive games and exhibits, giant jumbotrons showing live events and highlights, and the like. These are worth seeing just to get the overall vibe of the Games, to people-watch, and to pick up (often free) souvenirs. This year, guests can even watch the opening ceremony ticket-free on the upper quays of the Seine.

Additionally, at every Olympics there are a number of events that take place in semi-public places, allowing you to see significant parts of the event at no cost whatsoever.

These are usually distance events of some kind in which the venue is huge and can’t be entirely closed off, or even runs through the streets and public spaces of the host city. These typically include the following:

• Marathon
• Road cycling
• Rowing, canoeing, and kayaking
• Sailing
• Triathlon

I’d also throw in surfing; 2021 was the first year of surfing at the Games, so there is little history of how it is set up, but it seems like a candidate for being able to watch from near the event.

Then there are venues that back up to public spaces. In Rio, rowing was one of these; the lake on which the event took place was right in the middle of Ipanema, and you could see athletes competing from all over the place. The finish line was right next to a small skateboarding spot, and the crews headed right toward the kids skating there, while the start line was against the ring road around the lake at a spot where a small playground and picnic area remained open throughout the Games. The starting tower was surrounded by picnickers, and the local spectators were perhaps 50 to 80 meters from the athletes at the starting line.

These can be a bit tricky to figure out—for example, in London, you could not see rowing at all because the venue was surrounded by a huge moat that prevented anyone but ticket holders from getting anywhere near the course—but if you survey the venues and racecourses, you can usually figure out where you might hang out to see the athletes zoom past.

Consider Heading Home Early or Late

I have found that folks trickle into the Olympic host city over time, but everyone leaves over the same day or two. Leaving the day before the closing ceremonies, or staying on a few days afterward, can often help avoid the stampede as well as keep airfare prices down a bit.

More Olympic Travel Tips

Don’t Overpack

Travel light to each event. The biggest slowdown you will encounter will almost always be bag check lines when entering (this is a rule at almost all large events these days). If you can avoid backpacks and bags, you can save time and aggravation.

Explore the City

Add in some “regular” tourism. Most host cities are exceptional destinations with or without the Games, and can be even better during the Olympics when even the non-sports attractions will get caught up in Olympic fever and put their best foot forward. Definitely visit some non-Olympic events to get a feel for the host city and country while you are there.

Get Official Info

For details on transportation, venue locations, things to do and see, and more, the official site of the Local Organizing Committee is the place to start. Here are the sites for the next few Olympic Games: Paris 2024, Milan Cortina 2026, and Los Angeles 2028. For safety tips, you might also want to check the State Department’s country information and travel advisories.

Get Into the Spirit

The volunteers at most Olympics really bring it when they are out interacting with all of us visiting the Games, and the overall vibe on the ground can be exhilarating. Give yourself over to the whole thing and you can be a true part of the Olympic spirit.

Ed Hewitt has covered several previous Olympic Games as the publisher and founder of row2k.com. His writing and photography have appeared in dozens of magazines, newspapers, websites, films, and other media.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to See the Olympics appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The excursions, tours, performances, and other activities you experience on your travels can make or break a trip. No one wants to be disappointed when an activity booking doesn’t work out or turns out not to be what you though it was—so you’ll want to be able to search offerings, and preferably to compare ratings of them. Plus, it’s essential to make sure you’re booking with reputable ticket websites offering reasonable prices. 

The Best Excursion Ticket Websites for Travelers

Here are seven ticket websites and providers that won’t let you down. Click to read more.

Viator
GetYourGuide
Tripadvisor
StubHub
Airbnb Experiences
Atlas Obscura
Tiqets
Groupon

Viator

Owned by TripAdvisor, Viator is a vast activity and excursion ticket website; one of the largest out there. Travelers can book anything from airport shuttle service, to guided tours, to skip-the-line admission at attractions all over the world. And because it’s similar to TripAdvisor, travelers can also browse reviews of the activity they’re eyeing. Most listings include comprehensive details about the tour and a generous cancellation policy (usually 24-hours prior to the activity with no penalty).

Viator does not operate the tours it sells. Rather, it’s a search engine of things to do. As such, its offerings tend to focus on cities and better-known travel destinations, although that includes excursions out of those places into the surrounding areas; like tours from Boston to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, tours of the Dutch countryside from a departure point in Amsterdam, etc. This makes Viator a great option for travelers who want to headquarter themselves in one hotspot but still experience the broader region. 

GetYourGuide

Another day-tour-heavy option, GetYourGuide overlaps somewhat with Viator, but is focused more solely on experiences and tours (Viator includes services such as airport and in-town transportation services). Functionally, the sites aren’t very different; both offer an opportunity to compare tours and prices. And on that last note, it can be worth checking both: I found the exact same Niagara Falls day tour from Toronto on both sites. GetYourGuide allowed guests to book the base tour without the optional lunch and boat cruise for just $79, while Viator required guests to book the entire package for $138.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor leverages its massive inventory of user generated content to roll the research and booking process into one. Users can access all the standard tour information—such as age range, duration, start time, and language—while also browsing reviews and real-life photos from travelers who have actually booked the activity. The experience pages also feature what percentage of travelers would recommend a given activity, based on the “percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.” The authenticity of the one-to-one style recommendations and opinions of fellow travelers can help give users the confidence to book.

Travelers without a specific landmark or tour in mind can also search for activities organized into top destinations like Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington D.C.

StubHub

For more event-focused resale ticket website StubHub is a useful last-minute option for verified tickets to everything from sports and concerts to comedy shows and theater seats. For the uninitiated, StubHub is a resale marketplace for ticket holders (and, let’s be honest, scalpers) to unload tickets they can’t use. This means shopping on StubHub is a double-edged sword: You’ll likely pay well above face value for high-demand or sold out events, but you can also find great deals at the last minute if the opposite is true. In the former case, StubHub (or similar initial-sale and resale option Ticketmaster) may be your only viable option. And in the latter case, StubHub can be a savvy way to save or even make some money; keep that in mind if you’ve ever bought some event tickets and then couldn’t attend.

Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb is all about living like a local, and Airbnb Experiences is no different. The emphasis here is on small or even private tours led by locals rather than tour companies, with an eye toward unique experiences rather than traditional sightseeing. Sometimes these experiences can be tailored to your interests: I booked a private bicycle tour of Berlin through Airbnb Experiences a few years back, and the guide all but ditched his preset itinerary and improvised based on my interests. As a result I got to see parts of the city I might never have found on my own. 

One important consideration to remember: These are often regular folks, not full-time professional guides or tour operators, so it’s a good idea to bring a go-with-the-flow attitude on your excursion. Your experience may not be as polished or precise as a traditional tour, even if the host has been doing this for a while. Of course, the point of these experiences is to forgo those cookie cutter tours in favor of something different. AirBnB includes reviews and makes it easy to communicate with the experience host beforehand, so don’t hesitate to ask questions prior to booking.

Atlas Obscura

Speaking of forgoing the cookie cutter experience, Atlas Obscura focuses, as its name implies, on all things obscure: The bizarre, forgotten, and hard-to-reach corners of a given city or destination that you wouldn’t normally find on excursion ticket websites. While nowhere near as robust as the other entries on this list, Atlas Obscura also offers a curated selection of tours and experiences. It’s currently in a half dozen U.S. cities, with more to come. Think: A guided wine-and-bug (yes, insects) pairing experience in Los Angeles, or a trip inside a holographer (maker of holograms) laboratory in New York. The tours are offered through Atlas Obscura, but AirBnB handles the booking. After all, anyone can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right? So why not be different and check out a … Sewage Garden? 

Tiqets

Launched in 2014, Amsterdam-based company Tiqets is a comparatively newer ticketing platform that emphasizes flexibility and convenience. Optional free cancellation polices are available on all bookings, allowing travelers to cancel tickets up to 11:59PM the night before the event. Tiqets also offers last minute deals on activities and events like palace tours, broadway shows, and city sightseeing tours. Browse by location or get inspired by their list of Most Popular Places to Visit. Tickets can be managed through their app (iOS | Android).

Groupon

With a broader focus than the other sites on this list, Groupon can find great deals on everything from guided tours to restaurants at your destination. To search specifically for event tickets and travel activities, enter your destination in the search bar and browse their Things to Do category, which includes subcategories like Kids’ Activities, Nightlife, and Sports & Outdoors. From there, travelers can filter by price range, distance from the main destination, rating, and season.

Users can also browse via their Hotels & Travel section to book an entire trip via Groupon Getaways.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The 8 Best Ticket Websites for Booking Day Tours and Travel Activities appeared first on SmarterTravel.

After heading to Dublin for a first-hand look at the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, I finally have an answer—and it’s not the one I expected. Yes, there’s plenty of beer, and just as much of the debauchery we have in the States—but there’s also plenty of family-friendly fun, and far fewer tourists than I anticipated. Here’s what St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is like, and how you can make the most of the travel-worthy holiday.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

“Paddy’s Day,” as the locals call it, is indeed a religious holiday in Ireland, but not in the way it once was. Beer company campaigns transformed it from a church-going holiday to a pint-raising one in the 1980s—but the day is still one most locals enjoy with their families. Having a beer with your kids in tow is common at most Paddy’s Day festivals, like the famed Guinness Storehouse’s four-day St. Patrick’s Day Festival. I saw lots of children and babies enjoying live music with their parents at the Storehouse on St. Paddy’s—kids are part of the fun.

St. Patrick’s Day marks the death of Ireland’s fifth-century patron saint, who, according to folklore, introduced Christianity to the Irish and banished snakes from the island. Until the 1980s, most businesses (pubs included) closed for the holiday, which meant Irish families would go to church and enjoy company at home for their day off. Advertising by beer companies helped create the festivities that exist today—beer is one of many things the Irish do well, after all.

Local families in Dublin flock to O’Connell Street around 11 a.m. to see marching bands and local officials march alongside community arts’ groups, dancers, and festive floats depicting mythical beings, animals, and more. The event is much more eclectic than its American counterparts, and kids as well as adults march in the parade. The spectator crowds are massive, and people show up rain or shine.

Despite warnings about what a touristy mess the events would be, it became clear to me at the parade that the celebration wasn’t exactly for me—and the crowd was mostly made up of locals. Floats and songs recall Irish folk stories, and some locals were generous enough to explain them to me. For example, one swan-shaped float told the tale of the Children of Lir, who, as the story goes, were turned into swans by a sorceress. The intricate displays are an incredible sight for everyone watching, but elements of Irish pride will be lost on most tourists.

But, like most popular cities, Dublin has the perfect neighborhood for tourists, as well. Temple Bar is overrun with visitors year-round, and Paddy’s Day is of course no exception. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, though, note that most pubs and festivals outside the Temple Bar area will have plenty of locals happy to chat with visitors.

Two things are certain in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day: The pubs will be packed, and the beer isn’t going to be green. Don’t expect American celebrations to hold true here: there will be no river dying or tinted beer. Instead, enjoy the company of a crowded, music-filled bar, and down a pint that’s too dark to be dyed green—like a Guinness.

Dublin hotel markets certainly take advantage of the surge in visitors around St. Patrick’s Day, so book early or take advantage of vacation rental listings. Locals told me it’s wise to book Paddy’s Day accommodations by Christmas, and that renting a local apartment will get you the best deal. This year in particular has seen unprecedented demand, with the majority of accommodation in Dublin for March 2023 booked up months in advance and the remaining going for upwards of $1,700 per night.

St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, especially in Dublin, is going to be packed no matter what you do. That’s why tickets to an organized event are worth the small price—you’re sure to be able to get a drink at the bar, see some live entertainment, chat with locals, and have enough elbow room to raise your pint. Events usually end by 7 p.m., leaving plenty of time in the evening to find a Dublin pub that suits you.

The Guinness Storehouse’s biggest annual celebration is its four-day St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which includes live music, a pint of Guinness and paired snacks like donuts, and entertainment like Irish step dancers and music troops. Guests will experience seven floors of beer history and the chance to pour your own pint from the source. Guinness is Ireland’s most-visited attraction—over 1 million people flock to the Storehouse each year—and it does Paddy’s Day right.

This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect most current information.

Author Shannon McMahon visited Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day as a guest of the Guinness Storehouse, with additional support from Failte Ireland. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for more travel advice.

The post What St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland Is Really Like appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Water Bottle Refill

Ever since I discovered that water fountains are one of the germiest places in airports, I’ve been inclined to avoid them. In the past, the alternative to a water-fountain refill is usually an absurdly expensive bottle of Fiji. But an increasingly large number of airports is now offering hydration stations where you can fill up reusable water bottles via automatic hands-free sensors. San Francisco International, Chicago O’Hare, London Heathrow, and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson are among the many major airports that offer this perk.

A Tour

Why sit at the gate when you could see something new instead? Several airports offer complimentary tours for travelers passing through. There are free tours of Singapore that operate out of Changi Airport (temporarily suspended due to COVID), and travelers stopping in Seoul’s Incheon International Airport can hop aboard one of a variety of tours to temples, markets, or even a cave. Additionally, Turkish Airlines offers free Istanbul tours for flyers stopping in Istanbul Ataturk Airport, but you must be traveling on that airline to be eligible.

A Book

You don’t necessarily have to shell out full price at the airport bookstore in order to find something good to read during your layover or on your flight. Several airports have installed libraries where you can borrow a book or drop off one you’ve just finished. Helsinki Airport offers a book swap point in its Kainuu Lounge, while Tallinn Airport has a library that “operates purely on trust,” with passengers expected to return borrowed books on their return flight or “some other time.” Amsterdam Schiphol also has a library, complete with books, iPads, and cozy seating areas.

Religious Services

Whether seeking ceremony or just a quiet space to sit, flyers will find free facilities for doing just that at numerous airports. Various religious and spiritual services, from interfaith chapels at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to a quiet meditation room at Albuquerque International Sunport, are available in terminals around the world. These services are almost always free, but donations are usually welcome.

A Pet Potty Break

More and more airports are offering animal-relief facilities for those traveling with four-footed friends; this is often a fenced-in patch of outdoor space reserved especially for pets. Some are nicer than others. At Miami International Airport, look for the handful of dog parks surrounded by white picket fences and featuring both grass and dirt surfaces as well as waste-disposal stations. (Note that you’ll have to go through security after visiting Miami’s outdoor pet-relief areas; indoor restroom spaces are available post-security.) Other airports just have a patch of grass surrounded by chain-link fencing; still, that’s better than nothing. For a more complete list of airport pet-relief areas, see this helpful roundup on Dog Jaunt.

Luggage Tags

Luggage tags might not be the most exciting freebee on this list, but, as many experienced travelers know, they’re available for free at almost all airport ticket counters. And they’re very useful—especially if you’ve forgotten to affix your own luggage tags. You should fill out and attach a bag tag to each checked piece of luggage—and carry-ons, too—so that airline staff can identify your bags in case they get lost. Either you’ll find the free luggage tags sitting on the check-in counter, or you’ll need to ask for them.

A Little Help When You Need It

Disabled travelers will find special assistance at airports around the world. But they’re not the only ones who need a little help sometimes. Many airports have programs that offer assistance to virtually anyone who needs it, such as young travelers, flyers who don’t speak the local language, or even lost or confused passengers—for free. For example, at New York’s JFK and Newark Airports, a nonprofit program called Traveler’s Aid exists to provide support to kids traveling alone, people who have lost their tickets, or those who have gotten separated from travel companions. Similar setups are available at many airports, from Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare Airport to Customer Care Counters, which can provide information in up to 170 languages, at Vancouver International Airport.

Fragile Stickers

Safeguard breakables with a free “fragile” sticker affixed to your bag. Some travelers buy these in advance, but they’re offered at most airline check-in counters free of cost. Just ask your airline customer-service agent to slap a few on your suitcases. Although we can’t promise that the baggage handler tossing luggage onto the plane is going to read and also heed that sticker, it’s worth a try.

Wi-Fi

Keep yourself entertained during long layovers without burning through your phone’s data, thanks to an increasing number of airports offering free Wi-Fi—including Atlanta, Denver, Toronto Pearson, London Heathrow, Sydney, Charlotte, Boston, Los Angeles, and many more.

Some Exercise

It all started in Northern California. The Yoga Room at San Francisco International Airport was, according to many reports, the world’s first airport yoga room. Since that amenity opened, it’s become much more common to see travelers folding into downward dog or working up a sweat via jogging trails in airports. There are free yoga rooms at the Miami, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Burlington, and more. Meanwhile, Baltimore/Washington has a two-kilometer Cardio Trail that flyers can access free of charge.

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

The post 10 Free Things You Can Get at Airports appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Gifts That Keep on Giving: Best Subscription Boxes for Travelers

These 15 easy-to-gift subscription boxes are perfect for travelers.

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

Apollo Box Surprise Box

Look forward to the mail every month, with Apollo Box’s Surprise Box. Simply fill out a short survey about your likes/dislikes, and Apollo Box will deliver a fun box full of unexpected treats to your doorstep. Sign up for a monthly or quarterly shipment, and get ready to be surprised!

Shop Now

Vegancuts Beauty Box

Discover new, cruelty-free skincare and makeup brands through Vegancuts’ Beauty Box. This monthly delivery sends you 100 percent vegan and Leaping Bunny certified brands (which means absolutely no animal testing) to try. Each box includes a minimum of $60 in skincare, makeup, and other fun beauty items.

Shop Now

Horti

Know someone who just can’t keep a plant alive? Help them grow a green thumb with Horti’s subscription box. Horti’s boxes start at just $28 a month, and will send you a hard-to-kill plant, along with a pot, and simple instructions for planting and caring for your new greenery. You can even choose to receive pet-friendly plants, for households with curious cats or dogs.

Shop Now

Simplicity Teas

Help the globetrotter in your life unwind after their last trip with a soothing cup of tea. Simplicity Teas boxes come in two sizes, Mini and Deluxe, with each featuring a selection of loose leaf teas, a reusable tea infuser, and brewing and tasting instructions. Subscribers can opt for a mix of caffeinated and non-caffeinated teas, or choose to make their box totally caffeine-free. Each package, depending on the size, is good for roughly 20 to 40 cups of tea per month!

Shop Now

Spice Madam

Gift your favorite foodies the Spice Madam subscription box so that they can bring culinary travel home to their own kitchens. They’ll receive a curated box of global spices, recipes, a downloadable soundtrack to cook to, and fun facts every month.

Shop Now

Scentbird

For a taste of travel-sized luxury, you can’t go wrong with gifting a Scentbird subscription. Each month, Scentbird sends subscribers a generously-sized tester bottle of a perfume or cologne of their choice. Users can start with a quiz to narrow down their fragrance preference and see top suggestions, or browse the entire catalogue. Best of all, the tester bottles are TSA-compliant, so they can throw them in their carry-on.

Shop Now

Universal Yums

Not every foodie is a master chef. For the subset of snackers on your list, Universal Yums is the perfect way to get international treats delivered to their door. Each box contains several snacks from the featured country of the month along with a booklet of trivia and games. Spring for the Super Yum Box for an additional drink, recipes, and more. Prices range from $17 to $45 per box, so there’s an option for every budget.

Shop Now

VINEBOX

Send the vino-lover on your list a package from VINEBOX. This one-time package includes three or six 100ml glass vials of wine, sourced from small vineyards across the world. This lets your recipient taste each wine without committing to a full bottle. VINEBOX then will recommend full bottles for purchase based on favorites.

Shop Now

Cruisin’ + Campfires Box

This is one of the best subscription boxes for travelers who love the outdoors. Designed “by an RVer for RVers”, each box contains items based on the monthly theme such as “Elevated Campfire Dining” and “(Not So) Wet and Wild.” Subscribers will receive anything from snacks to keep them energized as they hit the road to gear and accessories to make their outdoor adventures safer, cleaner, and more comfortable.

Shop Now

Target Beauty Capsule

For a one-time box or stocking stuffer, the Target Beauty Capsule is the way to go. Available at the beginning of the season, Target offers products for everyone, from skin care to clean beauty, with seven to ten travel-sized products. And at $14.99, it’s one of the more affordable boxes to gift travelers.

Shop Now

FabFitFun

For the trendy traveler on your list, this is one of the best subscription boxes to give. Delivered quarterly, each FabFitFun box contains beauty, wellness, and “just for fun” products. Each box (priced at $54.99) contains more than $300 worth of full-sized products. You can purchase a gift card for any traveler to put towards their membership.

Shop Now

The Wordy Traveler

If you have a bookworm on your list, then consider this subscription box. Choose between options like The Backpacker, the Full Suitcase, and the Overflowing Suitcase, each featuring a different number of books and other small items such as coffees, teas, fine art prints, and more. Subscribers can choose to receive fiction books, non-fiction books, or a mix of both.

Shop Now

Little Passports World Edition

Give the gift of travel to any kid on your list. The Little Passports World Edition subscription box starts with the “Explorer Kit” and continues monthly, every 6 months, or every 12 months. Items include a wall-sized map, activity sheet, passport, souvenirs, and access to online games. It’s recommended for ages six to 10.

Shop Now

Explore Local Box

Travel the U.S. without leaving your house. The Explore Local Box provides the perfect inspiration to those who are always itching to go on their next trip. Subscription boxes are sent monthly and include locally made and sourced food and specialty items from that month’s city. The box also includes a fact sheet about the city and the products in the box.

Shop Now

BloomsyBox

Make being at home a little brighter for your favorite traveler, with a subscription from BloomsyBox. This floral subscription company will send a beautiful bouquet to a loved one’s doorstep on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. Choose from the original box, Bloomsy Deluxe, or Bloomsy Premium.

Shop Now

For more of the best subscription boxes for travelers, check out Cratejoy.

Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

The post 15 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Caobao Road Subway Station, Shanghai, China

Next stop: nightmares. If you’re ever taking the subway from Shanghai’s Caobao Road Station (nicknamed “Ghost Station” for a reason), keep an eye out for fellow passengers who might not be what they seem. Ever look around at your fellow morning commuters and think you’ve stumbled onto the set of The Walking Dead? You might not be so far off! At this station, which is located near a mortuary, witnesses have claimed to see an otherworldly spirit drag a waiting passenger off the platform and onto the tracks in front of an oncoming train. Other spooky reports have included the appearance of a girl in red and the sound of a woman laughing in a supposedly empty station.

St. Andrews Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland

Missed your putt? At St. Andrews Old Course, you can blame it on a ghost. The Martyrs’ Monument, built in memorial of five Protestants who were burned at the stake, sits behind the course’s 18th hole, and is allegedly haunted. It’s also rumored that the ghost of golfer Tom Morris, who died after falling down a flight of stairs at the New Club, lingers around the course.

The White House, Washington, D.C

Former Presidents and White House staff have reported that 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is haunted. Famous deceased souls such as Abraham Lincoln, Abigail Adams, Andrew Jackson, and Dolley Madison have all apparently been spotted hanging around the property. Even the formidable Winston Churchill reportedly refused to sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom out of fear that the former President would return to reclaim his room.

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, Gasparilla Island, Florida

Stick to visiting the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse in the daylight, as workers have claimed to see ghosts here after dark. A young girl reportedly plays and laughs inside the lighthouse, while outside, the headless ghost of Josefa (a Spanish princess decapitated by a pirate) enjoys long romantic walks on the beach.

HMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

The HMS Queen Mary was launched in 1936 as a luxury liner, but she was commissioned into a troopship known as the Grey Ghost during World War II. After making more than 1,000 transatlantic crossings, the ship was retired in 1967. Unfortunately, it seems that some ghosts decided to buy only a one-way ticket for this cruise and refuse to disembark. Spirits in old-fashioned swimsuits are seen wandering the pool decks, leaving wet footprints from a pool that no longer holds water. Unexplained sounds are often reported as well. See for yourself, if you dare, on one of Queen Mary‘s paranormal tours.

Moon River Brewing Company, Savannah, Georgia

You’ll never drink alone at the Moon River Brewing Company—because there will always be a spirit there to share a spirit or two with you. This beer house’s building dates back to 1821. In its early days as a hotel, men were reportedly killed in bar fights (including a Yankee who was allegedly beaten to death by unsympathetic Southern locals), and their ghosts are still hanging around their favorite old haunt. Barflies (the most reliable story source) report seeing bottles fly through the air and being touched or even punched by apparitions. Keep an eye out for Toby the ghost, who hangs out in the billiard room waiting for a bar brawl.

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California

Sarah Winchester, heiress by marriage to a rifle fortune, lost her daughter and spouse to disease. With $20 million in the bank, Winchester poured her efforts into building a house that would become one of the creepiest in the world. Via nightly seance, Winchester enlisted the help of friendly ghosts to design the house and protect it from evil spirits. With no blueprints or building inspectors, the house became a twisted labyrinth of rooms and endless hallways. Winchester was never satisfied and had rooms torn down and remodeled for 38 years. Don’t wander off on a tour, or you could get lost in the house for hours. Visitors have claimed they temporarily went blind, felt icy breezes, and saw ghosts.

Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India

Want to really get off the tourist track in India? Pay a visit to the Bhangarh Fort—after dark. It’s rumored that anyone who ventures out to the fort at nighttime never returns. Legends abound about this haunted place—including one that claims an evil sorcerer put a curse on the site’s former residents, dooming them to haunt the area for eternity.

Wreck of the Alkimos, Australia

Does a cursed ship’s bad luck sink with it when it capsizes? Apparently not, according to those who claim the wreck of the Alkimos is haunted. The boat had a run of bad luck even before it sank, including a murder-suicide, a crash on a reef, and allegations that unfortunate welders were accidentally sealed between hulls during the boat’s construction. Now the wreck (a popular diving site) is supposedly haunted, and believers blame the Alkimos for a plane crash that killed a wreck visitor, near-drownings close to the boat, unexplained engine failures on boats sailing by, and, of course, plain old ghost sightings.

Quarantine Station, Manly, Australia

Until 1984, The North Head Quarantine Station operated as a forced holding area for passengers arriving in Australia who were believed to harbor contagious diseases. Sound romantic? You can have your wedding here. Not in the mood? Spend the night in the former doctors’ and nurses’ rooms, which are hot spots for spirit activity. Tour the hospital, morgue, and shower block before bunking down to never sleep again.

Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania

After a shepherd and his flock of 200 sheep supposedly disappeared here, the forest became the setting for many a spooky tale. Some locals are afraid to venture into the forest, fearing that they will never return. Other brave souls who have gone in claim to have returned with unexplained sicknesses and rashes. UFOs, glowing lights, and apparitions have all been reportedly seen inside the forest.

The Old Bailey, London, England

Judges, lawyers, and policeman have reported seeing a ghostly figure appear during important trials in London’s main criminal court. The figure wears a black cloak and is believed to be the spirit of a wrongly accused person who was executed on-site. It’s not surprising that this place would be haunted. The court was built on top of an old prison, which was the site of public beatings, mutilations, burnings, hangings, and deaths by crushing.

Eastern Air Lines Planes

Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades in 1972, killing 101 people. The airline salvaged parts from the broken plane and reused them on other planes—which could explain why employees then claimed to see the ghosts of the doomed flight’s crewmembers sitting onboard their flights. The rumors were so prevalent that airline management allegedly warned employees that they could be fired for repeating them. Eventually, Eastern Air Lines removed all the salvaged parts from operating planes, and the haunting claims stopped. You can still see parts from the original flight in a Miami museum.

The post 13 Unexpectedly Haunted Places Around the World appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

When: September 16th–18th
Where: Newport, Rhode Island

With the incredible Newport mansions as your backdrop, you’ll feel like Jay Gatsby for a weekend at the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. Events include a guided Vintner Dinner and a Sunday Buffet Wine Brunch at the Rosecliff, seminars on everything from the wines of South Africa to Pinot Noirs around the world, and a Newport After Dark party complete with dancing and DJ. Several area restaurants are hosting wine dinners as part of the event—make sure to reserve your spot at the table before they sell out.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair

When: October 15th
Where: Santa Rosa, California

Set in wine country U.S.A., this festival hosts tastings from over 100 wineries. Their Professional Wine Competition is the largest regional competition of its kind in the country, and their Amateur Wine Competition allows hobbyists and newcomers to demonstrate their skills. But the can’t-miss event is the famous World Championship Grape Stomp. Teams of two compete for the grand prize—and major bragging rights. Tickets are available here, and all ages are welcome (but attendees must be 21 and over to enter the Tasting Pavilion).

National Apple Harvest Festival

When: October 1st-2nd and 8th-9th
Where: Arendtsville, Pennsylvania

Celebrating its 58th year, the National Apple Harvest Festival is annually held over the first two weekends in October and includes hay rides, antique cars, contests, crafts, food stands, live music, orchard tours, and other attractions. Don’t miss the apple-pancake patio or apple-syrup making. Call ahead for advance ticket sales; all ages are welcome.

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival

When: October 13th-16th
Where: Manhattan, New York

Perhaps the top culinary destination in the U.S., NYC hosts its fifteenth annual festival benefitting hunger relief by bringing together food legends from around the world and America’s favorite TV-personality chefs. The four-day affair offers ticketed events such as intimate dinners, walk-around tastings, master classes, brunches, late-night parties, demos, and a variety of family events. Featured personalities include Jet Tila, Rachel Ray, Antonia Lofaso, Carla Hall, Duff Goldman, and more. Tickets are available here.

Wellfleet OysterFest

When: October 15th–16th
Where: Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Nothing says small town like this two-day shellfish festival on New England’s coast. Traditionally, locals and visitors gather for tennis, a road race, an arts-and-crafts fair, various family activities, sustainability seminars, and the famous Oyster Shuck-Off. The winner must shuck 24 oysters in the shortest amount of time, while still maintaining aesthetic presentation. As this year is the first time the event has been held in person since 2019, daily attendance is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

When: November 5th-6th
Where: Lockhart, Texas

In Texas, the barbecues don’t stop with summer. The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest celebrates all things BBQ, with dozens of vendors firing up the grill. While the event itself is free, attendees can purchase a VIP wristband ($50 for Saturday’s event and $120 for Sunday’s BBQ World Fair) for access to exclusive tastings, free food, drink tickets, and more. A portion of the proceeds from all wristbands go to Feeding Texas, an organization dedicated to decreasing food insecurity in the state.

Harvest on the Harbor

When: October 27th-29th
Where: Portland, Maine

Harvest on the Harbor has been featuring the finest local food and drink in Maine since 2007. With a focus on independent and local restaurants, this event offers festival-goers a chance to sample cuisines that they won’t find anywhere else. From the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition, where seafood lovers can meet the chefs duking it out for the coveted title, to a Halloween themed cocktail making class, there’s plenty to do (and eat!) at this three day coastal celebration.

Carol McPherson contributed to this article.

The post The 7 Best Fall Food Festivals in the US appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Whether you’re new to the e-books world or consider yourself a Kindle pro, you’ll want to make sure you’re utilizing these nine Kindle tips and tricks. Note that these Kindle tips and tricks are for Amazon’s Kindle e-readers, not Amazon’s Fire Tablets (formerly known as Kindle Fire).

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

How to Get Free Kindle Books

There are a few ways to get free Kindle books. One option is borrowing e-books through your public library. More than 11,000 libraries in the U.S. have this as an option. Borrowing e-books through Amazon is typically done online via your library’s website, where you check out with your Amazon account. A library card is required, and to return the book you go to the Manage Your Content and Devices section on your Amazon account.

Pro tip: If you load up your library books and then turn off Wi-Fi, the books will stay on your device even after the loan has ended, until you turn the Wi-Fi back on.

Another option for borrowing e-books is via Prime Reading. To access this feature, you need an Amazon Prime account (it’s one of the secret benefits of Amazon Prime membership). Prime members have free access to thousands of books, magazines, Kindle Singles, and more on their device.

Another Prime member perk is Amazon’s First Reads program, which gives members a free pre-released book each month.

You can also typically get a free month-long subscription to Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service for unlimited reading and listening. Check out the Kindle app to download and read on any device.

Read Anywhere, Anytime

Unlike other tablet devices, Kindles are glare-free and the latest versions even come with a built-in front light. The Kindle Oasis model has an adjustable warm light and is waterproof. All Amazon content is stored free on the cloud.

All Kindle models have week-long battery lives, but this can last even longer if you turn the Wi-Fi off, with some models able to last six weeks on a single charge.

Add Notes and Take Screenshots

Whether you’re reading a book for school, your book club, or just like adding your own thoughts to your books, you can highlight sections of text or add a note by touching your finger on a word and dragging it across the screen. Your notes and highlights are stored if you turn on the Annotations Backup feature. You can even directly share them to social channels.

Note that Amazon saves other users’ highlighted sections, which can be somewhat intrusive when you’re reading. To turn this off go to Menu > Settings > Reading Options and toggle the button to deactivate Popular Highlights.

You can also read personal documents on your Kindle by sending them to your Send to Kindle email address.

Use It to Read Online Articles and Documents

Come across a long article or essay on your commute that you want to read on your Kindle instead of your phone? With a browser plugin or the app, Instapaper, you can save these links for later to read on your Kindle.

Share Your Favorite Books with Others

If you want to borrow a book from a friend or share a book with others, you can loan eligible books that you’ve purchased to someone else. (Note that you won’t be able to access the book during the loan period.)

To do so, go to Manage Your Content and Devices and select the Actions button. From here, select the book title and hit “Loan this title” (if you don’t see this as an option, it means the book is not able to be shared). Enter the recipient’s email address and send. They’ll have access to the title for up 14 days; return the book to the original owner by deleting the title from your library.

Prevent Eye Strain with Inverted Mode

With most versions of Kindle, you can use inverted text mode to make your screen dark and the text light. Many prefer this since it’s less straining on your eyes. You’ll find this feature in the accessibility section.

Listen to Audiobooks 

With the latest Kindle devices, you can pair Bluetooth-enabled headphones or speakers to your Kindle and switch between reading and listening to a book with Audible.

Save on Used Kindles  

If you don’t have a Kindle but are looking to purchase one at a discount, check out Amazon’s certified refurbished section. Here you can buy a returned Kindle that has been tested, refurbished, and certified by Amazon with the same limited warranty that comes with a new device.

Go beyond the Kindle with the highest-rated Amazon travel products.

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

The post 8 Secret Amazon Kindle Tips You Probably Don’t Know About appeared first on SmarterTravel.