Most travelers are used to sky-high prices at airports these days, but it’s not just overpriced snacks and souvenirs that add up. Parking can come as one of the biggest sticker shocks, even before you enter the terminal. Often, however, early flights, late returns, or limited transit options make parking unavoidable, even when the prices feel excessive. At some airports, those daily fees add up very quickly. Here are four airports with some of the highest on-site parking costs in the country, according to findings from a 2025 study from Casino.ca.

LaGuardia Airport – New York, New York

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of three main airports serving New York City. Given that the Big Apple has the highest cost of living in the country, it probably comes as no surprise that parking here is among the priciest of any airport in the U.S.

The most affordable option is prepaying for economy parking, which runs $40 per day, with free shuttles to Terminals B and C running every 12 to 15 minutes. Parking in the closer lots for Terminals A, B, or C puts you within a short walk of each terminal, with daily prepaid rates of $50, $55, and $60, respectively. (Drive-up rates are $75, $80, and $89 for the terminal lots.) Premium parking spaces, located closest to the terminals they serve, are available at each terminal’s parking lot for an additional $10 above the standard rate. 

LaGuardia allows you to prebook parking online and make changes or amendments to your parking reservation up to one hour before your scheduled time of arrival. All official airport lots are self-park only, and the airport does not offer valet parking directly. However, nearby private lots run by companies like ParkForU provide valet service with shuttle transport to the terminals.

San Francisco International Airport – California

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers several airport parking options, with prices ranging from $27 to as high as $68 per day. However, like at LaGuardia, travelers can also prebook their parking for lower rates, which start at $18 for long-term economy parking, the most affordable option. It’s connected to the terminal by the free AirTrain, which runs 24/7 and takes 13 to 20 minutes.

The most expensive self-parking option is ParkFAST at $60 per day, offering reserved premium spaces and a dedicated entry lane. With just 236 spots available, it’s a limited but highly convenient option, with walking access to all terminals in approximately two to 11 minutes. The domestic and international garages are closest to the terminals, with rates around $4 per 30 minutes and daily maximums between $34 and $39 per day, ideal for short trips or quick access. Valet parking offers premium service including curbside drop-off for $68 per day.

San Diego International Airport – California

At San Diego International Airport (SAN), parking is straightforward but expensive. The Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking plazas sit directly across from their respective terminals, with rates starting at $2.50 per 15 minutes up to a $38 daily maximum — ideal for short stays. The walk from the Terminal 1 plaza to Terminal 1 takes about five to 10 minutes, while the Terminal 2 plaza is just two to three minutes from Terminal 2. Complimentary shuttles connect each plaza to the opposite terminal for added convenience. Valet parking is also available curbside at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, providing a premium option for $60 per day. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance on the airport’s user-friendly website. 

Boston Logan International Airport – Massachusetts

Boston Logan International Airport is another U.S. airport known for its steep parking fees. The economy parking garage, the lowest-priced option, costs $37 per day and requires a free shuttle ride of approximately five to 15 minutes to reach the terminals. A limited number of spots are available to book in advance from $29 per day. 

For those who prefer to walk, the central parking garage, which charges $46 per day, is accessible on foot to Terminals A, B, C, and E in about five to 15 minutes, depending on the terminal. Travelers departing from Terminal B can also use the Terminal B garage, which offers similar pricing. Parking can sell out days and sometimes even weeks in advance, so booking early is strongly recommended. Valet parking is not offered directly through Massport, which manages the airport’s official parking facilities, but private valet services are available through third-party providers.

When traveling to another state, you may want to pick up a couple of keepsakes to bring back home. But heads up — the sales tax may be different from what you’re used to. There are currently 45 U.S. states that impose a statewide sales tax, with 38 that allow local sales taxes on top of that. The average combined sales tax rate across all states is 7.53%, but you may pay more or less depending on where you are. Looking to stick to a strict budget on your next domestic getaway? You may want to avoid souvenir shopping in these 10 states with the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates, according to data from the Tax Foundation (a nonprofit research group focused on tax policy).

10. New York

Average sales tax: 8.54% 

The Empire State levies the highest average sales tax of any state in the Northeast. Statewide, the sales tax rate is 4%, though local sales taxes add an average of 4.54% on top of that rate. The highest local sales tax rate in the state is levied in New York City, where buyers pay a 4.875% city tax on top of the 4% state sales tax. However, if you’re shopping for clothing, you may be in luck — New York offers a sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear sold for less than $110 per item (or pair). This exemption applies to the state sales tax and any jurisdictions which have adopted it, which includes New York City.

9. Kansas

Average sales tax: 8.69%

Shoppers in the Sunflower State are subject to a 6.5% statewide sales tax on all purchases made in the state. Furthermore, local jurisdictions levy an average local sales tax of 2.19%. The highest combined sales tax rate currently sits at 10.25%; however, beginning April 1, 2026, tax rates are expected to change in Finney, Jackson, and McPherson Counties — resulting in new combined sales tax rates as high as 11.5%.

8. Illinois

Average sales tax: 8.96%

With a 6.25% statewide sales tax and local sales taxes that average 2.71%, Illinois has the eighth-highest combined sales tax rate in the U.S. In the city of Chicago, state and local taxes amount to a sales tax rate of 10.25% for each purchase. And in some jurisdictions in Cook County, such as Calumet City and Glenwood, combined sales tax rates climb as high as 11%.

7. California

Average sales tax: 8.99%

California’s 7.25% statewide sales tax rate is the highest in the country, though the Golden State has a comparatively low average local sales tax of 1.74%. While that averages out to a rate of 8.99%, some cities levy a sales tax a few percentage points higher. Lancaster and Palmdale, both located in Los Angeles County, charge a combined sales tax rate of 11.25%. Cities such as Alameda, Culver City, and Santa Monica aren’t far behind at 10.75%.

6. Oklahoma

Average sales tax: 9.06%

The Sooner State levies one of the lowest statewide sales tax rates of any state in this list, sitting at just 4.5%. But a 4.56% average local sales tax rate brings the combined total up to 9.06%, which is the sixth-highest combined average sales tax rate in the U.S. Local sales taxes reach 10.12% in parts of Oklahoma City and 11% in Clinton.

4. Alabama (tie)

Average sales tax: 9.46%

With a statewide sales tax of just 4%, Alabama is tied with New York for having the lowest statewide sales tax on this list. But Alabama also imposes the highest average local sales tax rate of any U.S. state (5.46%). Total sales tax rates balloon as high as 11.5% in the town of Shorter and the city of Tuskegee, while locations such as Camden and Jemison levy a combined sales tax of 11%.

4. Arkansas (tie)

Average sales tax: 9.46%

Arkansas has the ninth-highest statewide sales tax rate in the U.S. at 6.5%, coupled with a 2.96% average local sales tax rate. The highest combined sales tax is in Sevier County, which levies a 6.125% local rate on top of the 6.5% state rate, followed by Chicot County, where local sales tax rates come in at 6%.

3. Washington

Average sales tax: 9.51%

The Evergreen State charges consumers a 6.5% sales tax, while local municipalities levy an additional average sales tax of 3.01%. The local rate is highest in four jurisdictions in Snohomish County, which is located north of Seattle. Edmonds, Lynwood, Mill Creek, and Mukilteo all levy a 10.6% combined sales tax. Seattle comes in just below that figure, with a sales tax rate of 10.55%.

2. Tennessee

Average sales tax: 9.61%

Tennessee has the second-highest combined sales tax rate in the U.S. This is due to its 7% state sales tax (which ranks second in terms of highest state sales tax) combined with an average local sales tax rate of 2.61%. While some Tennessee counties levy a local rate as low as 2%, the vast majority impose a local tax of 2.75%, bringing the average combined tax rate in most parts of Tennessee up to 9.75%.

1. Louisiana

Average sales tax: 10.11%

The state with the highest combined state and average local sales tax rate in the U.S. is Louisiana. While its 5% statewide sales tax rate ranks 32nd overall, local municipalities in the state levy a 5.11% local sales tax rate on average — second only to local tax rates in Alabama. These taxes rose 0.55% in 2025 after a statewide overhaul of the tax system. The highest rate in the state belongs to Ouachita Parish, which includes the city of Monroe and is located in the north-central part of the state. In Ouachita, consumers pay 13.5% in combined sales tax.

Overtourism is a growing concern across the globe, but nowhere is the issue more evident than in Europe. A number of European destinations that receive millions of visitors every year have grown impatient with tourists of late, as the influx of visitors can not only drive up local costs, such as housing, but also lead to noisy and unruly behavior. Aside from being a nuisance to locals, irresponsible tourism can pose safety risks and damage the old cobblestone streets and historic monuments that make these destinations so appealing to visit in the first place. As a result, a growing number of popular European destinations are implementing new fines to curb the negative effects of tourism. Here’s what to watch out for on your next trip.

Attenzione in Italy

Italy has had as much trouble with overtourism as anywhere — if not more. Cities like Venice have implemented new tourist taxes and day-visit fees to discourage crowding in the historic center, along with new fines. For instance, you’ll want to avoid swimming in the city’s historic canals, which could lead to a 450-euro fine and expulsion from the city for 48 hours. 

In recent years, Rome, too, has increased regulations around its countless historical monuments. Now, sitting, lounging, eating, loitering, or rolling your suitcase on or near the Spanish Steps can get you stopped by local authorities and result in a 250-euro fine because of potential damage to the monument.

You can also expect to be fined anywhere from 25 euros to 500 euros ($29 to $590) in Portofino if you linger in public spaces with your baggage, picnic equipment, or loudspeakers. And in 2023, for safety reasons, the city instituted a ban on tourists stopping at and clogging popular viewpoints in designated no-waiting zones (or risk a 275-euro fine).  

Be on Your Best Behavior in the Balearic Islands

Though famous party islands like Ibiza and Mallorca may seem like the ideal place to drink in public, the Spanish government would really prefer that you didn’t. As part of a crackdown on “excessive tourism,” visitors who drink on the street in those sought-after destinations can face up to 3,000 euros ($3,533) in fines.

“The rules, while they might sound rigid and punitive when listed out, are all about encouraging responsible and empathetic traveling,” Jessica Harvey Taylor, head of press at the Spanish Tourism Office in London, told the BBC. “They are designed to protect the holiday experiences of the vast majority of people who behave responsibly on holiday.” Other popular cities, such as Dubrovnik, Croatia, are also following suit with hefty fines (up to 700 euros) for public drinking.

Cover Up in Cannes

Another regulation in several cities is clear in its intent: Swimwear belongs on the beach, not in the city proper. Cities including Cannes, France; Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Split, Croatia; Sorrento, Italy; and Albufeira, Portugal, have instituted fines of up to 1,500 euros ($1,766) against tourists who aren’t dressed appropriately once they’ve stepped away from the beach. In Albufeira in particular, this is part of a larger code of conduct that’s meant to curb public nudity, drinking in the street, sleeping overnight in public areas, and other acts deemed against the spirit of the city.

The fines also extend to footwear — if you’re renting a car in countries such as France, Greece, Portugal, or Spain, make sure you leave the sandals in your beach bag, as you could face a fine for driving in flip-flops. 

Elsewhere in Europe

Barcelona’s siesta-loving government has instituted a 500-euro fine for violating the quiet hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. — one of a number of popular cities that are taking a stand against late-night drunken revelry and other noisy behavior. Other cities like Amsterdam and Prague have banned loudspeakers, bar crawls, and beer bikes, which can clog up traffic and damage old streets.

The next time you fly through a U.S. airport, you might be able to skip awkwardly searching through your bag for your ID and boarding pass in the security line. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its Touchless ID program, which uses biometric facial comparison technology (instead of physical IDs) to verify eligible travelers at checkpoints. This spring, the TSA rolled out the program to 65 airports — find out where you can use it and how to enroll in Touchless ID to save time at the security checkpoint.

How To Use Touchless ID

To be eligible for the TSA’s Touchless ID, travelers must first be enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a Trusted Traveler program that allows passengers to use dedicated screening lanes and skip removing laptops and other large electronics. Those who enroll in TSA PreCheck receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is used to opt into Touchless ID.

You’ll need to opt in directly with a participating airline and have an active frequent flyer profile with the carrier. Travelers must also hold a valid U.S. passport. There are currently six airlines participating in Touchless ID; you can click on the links below to find detailed instructions on how to opt in for each airline.

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Once you check in, make sure you have the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator on your boarding pass and follow signs to the dedicated lines for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

How It Works

Instead of presenting a physical ID and a boarding pass at the security checkpoint, passengers in the Touchless ID lane will look into a biometric camera, which uses advanced facial comparison technology to match their live photo against their stored passport in around 10 seconds or less. 

According to the TSA, “Facial comparison technology and digital IDs improve the performance and security of TSA operations by increasing the accuracy and reliability of passenger identity verification. Facial comparison technology automates part of the current manual procedures and allows professional screening personnel to leverage their training and experience to focus more on alarms and error resolution.”

On its website, the agency indicates that all images and personal data are processed securely and will be deleted within 24 hours of each passenger’s scheduled flight departure. The TSA also says the images are not used for surveillance or shared with law enforcement or other entities. 

Lastly, an important note: The TSA still requires that all travelers, even if they’re enrolled in Touchless ID, always carry a physical REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to present if asked by a TSA officer. 

Where Is Touchless ID Available?

Since beginning with a pilot at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in 2021, TSA PreCheck Touchless ID has expanded to more than 65 U.S. airports. Check the handy map on the TSA website for an up-to-date list of participating airports.

Travelers should take note that Touchless ID lanes are not available at all security checkpoints, and they may be available only when traveling with specific airlines at a participating airport. As the rollout continues, you should also check with your airline for participating airports at the following links before your travel:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Featured image credit: Image courtesy of the TSA

Still searching for the perfect vacation to book for 2026? Tropical getaways are seemingly on everyone’s radar, especially in the midst of a particularly harsh winter for much of the U.S. A sunny, tropical location sounds like a dream to us, but if you’ve already taken a Caribbean cruise or gone snorkeling in Mexico, you may want to consider the islands that have been named the top trending destination in 2026 in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations. 

The “Hawaii of Europe”

Hawaii has long been a favorite getaway spot for Americans, but across the Atlantic, there’s an archipelago that has a similarly dramatic volcanic landscape, plus sunny weather and spectacular beaches. The Macronesian archipelago of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, comprises four islands in the North Atlantic, off the northwestern coast of Africa, about 250 miles north of the Canary Islands. 

Similar to the Aloha State, these islands have volcanic origins that reveal Earth’s dynamic geological processes. Roughly 5 million years ago, volcanic eruptions expelled rocks, ash, and lava from deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of the four islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, Selvagens, and Desertas. But like Hawaii, the islands of Madeira aren’t made of just black lava rock; instead, peaks are carpeted in lush greenery and endemic flora such as exotic orchids and proteas.    

The island of Madeira also boasts the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world. Covering around 58 square miles, it’s a 15 million- to 40 million-year-old relic of the larger ancient subtropical rainforest that once covered much of Southern Europe. The forest is home to a unique network of more than 200 irrigation channels or aqueducts called levadas that were built in the 16th century and today serve as nature trails. The paths traverse tunnels, lush forests, and waterfalls, earning Madeira its other famous moniker, “Island of Eternal Spring.” Popular scenic levada routes include Levada do Rei (PR18) and Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9).

You could easily spend multiple days taking in the gorgeous natural beauty of the islands by hiking the levadas, wandering the landscaped lawns at Madeira Botanical Garden, sunbathing on the golden sand at Calheta Beach or Machico Bay, or taking a dip in the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz (which were formed by volcanic rocks). 

Historical Traditions

If you’re looking to experience art, food, and culture, Madeira has plenty of that, too. The birthplace of famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira is a melting pot of European, African, and South American cultural influences due to its history of trade and colonization. During the 15th century, the island of Madeira was cleared for agriculture in order to become a major European producer of sugar cane and wheat, but later it became more popular for its vineyards, which cultivated grapes to make the famous Madeira wine. (Blandy’s Wine Lodge is an excellent spot to try it.) 

In addition to fortified wine, Madeira is famous for poncha, a cocktail featuring honey, sugarcane spirit, and citrus, typically mixed with a traditional wooden stick called a caralhinho. There are also colorful festivals such as Carnival, the Flower Festival, and the Atlantic Festival. Bordado Madeira (Madeira embroidery) — a world-renowned craft passed down through generations — is another cultural highlight. 

In Madeira, visitors can experience these traditions firsthand, as well as wander the colorful capital of Funchal, which is named after the Portuguese word for the sweet-smelling fennel herb. Be sure to take the cable car to Monte to visit the historic, 18th-century church; see the large collection of African sculptures and koi ponds at Monte Palace Tropical Garden; and take a ride in the famous Monte Sledges, a 19th-century tradition in which passengers ride downhill in wicker toboggans maneuvered by two carreiros (drivers) wearing traditional white uniforms and straw hats.

Other Top Trending Destinations in 2026

With so much unique history, natural beauty, and culture, Madeira is destined to be an adventurous holiday to remember, which is why it’s gaining so much popularity among travelers. But why stop there? Check out the full top 10 list of the trending destinations making waves in 2026, according to Travelers’ Choice reviews on TripAdvisor:

• 1. Madeira, Portugal
• 2. Tbilisi, Georgia
• 3. Chicago, Illinois
• 4. Quy Nhon, Vietnam
• 5. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
• 6. Milan, Italy
• 7. Glasgow, Scotland
• 8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• 9. Recife, Brazil
• 10. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Featured image credit: © Rulan/stock.adobe.com

There are certain destinations so captivating that they’re worthy of a repeat visit — or two, or three, or 10. Perhaps it’s a relaxing lakeside cabin that you go to with family each year, or maybe it’s a bustling city that provides endless opportunities to try new flavors, experience new sights and sounds, and embark upon new adventures. Everyone has a different answer about the places they keep going back to, so we asked the members of our editorial team for a few of the locations that hold special significance to them. Check out the travel destinations that our editors can’t get enough of.

Livingston, Montana

Several years ago, a close college friend of mine moved to Livingston, a quaint city in southwestern Montana, north of Yellowstone National Park. Before then, I’d never heard of the place, but over the last three years, I’ve found myself visiting Livingston and the surrounding area on multiple occasions. Now, I’m always looking for an opportunity to return to this idyllic Rocky Mountain locale. Despite its small size, Livingston boasts a thriving art scene, eateries that rival those back in my home of New York City, and awe-inspiring natural attractions as far as the eye can see.

One of my favorite things to do is to take a stroll along the powerful Yellowstone River, which runs adjacent to town. I’ve also seen shows at the Blue Slipper Theatre, a small community-run performing arts space that adds to Livingston’s reputation as a destination for creative types. For breakfast, I recommend the “Trû Jam Sammy” at Tru North Cafe — an English muffin topped with egg, maple sausage, cheddar, and house-made blueberry compote. As for dinner, nothing beats linguine and meatballs at the Italian eatery Campione, which made The New York Times’ list of the best U.S. restaurants in 2023. 

Lastly, you can’t visit Livingston without driving an hour south for a day trip to the gushing geysers and plentiful wildlife of Yellowstone National Park, which is among the most incredible natural wonders I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.

–Bennett Kleinman, Staff Writer

Kraków, Poland

I may be biased (my maiden name is Pudloski, after all), but Poland really does have it all. I’ve traveled there on three occasions — twice to Kraków and once to Warsaw. It’s extremely affordable compared to other European destinations, the food is comforting and delicious (give me a plate of pierogi and a bottle of Żywiec and I’m in heaven), and the museums and heritage sites are among the most profound I’ve ever visited. 

While Kraków is a marvel in its own right (the historic city center was among the first places to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site), I recommend taking a few day trips out of the city to the Bochnia Salt Mine, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, and the mountain resort town of Zakopane — which, even as a reluctant hiker, I thoroughly enjoyed. In Warsaw, the standouts were the Warsaw Rising Museum, the Praga neighborhood (home to one of my all-time favorite dive bars, W Oparach Absurdu), and the sprawling Łazienki Park. Next on my Polish travel bucket list is the Baltic city of Gdańsk. 

–Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor

Portland, Oregon

I visit Portland, Oregon, at least once a year — three times last year! — because my brother and a few other close friends live there. Though it’s the people that bring me out to PDX, I also love the city, especially in summer when it stops raining. (July in Portland is near-perfection in my opinion.) 

Must-dos include trying the food cart pods (the food in general gets an A-plus, and that’s coming from a New Yorker), catching a view of Mount Hood backdropping the city on a clear day, soaking in the pool at the Kennedy School (or any number of soaking spots), and visiting the Columbia River Gorge, whether it’s a swim at Rooster Rock State Park or venturing all the way out to White Salmon and Hood River. I’m a climber, so I make sure to get that in on my Portland trips, too. Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of this unique city, which often goes underappreciated compared to its neighbors on the West Coast — though I’m sure the locals are happy to keep it that way.

–Meg Neal, History Facts Editor and Deputy Managing Editor

Holmes County, Ohio, and Waxhaw, North Carolina

I’m a big fan of weekend getaways in the country, and my two favorite spots I’ve found so far are Holmes County, Ohio, and Waxhaw, North Carolina. The rolling hills and wide-open spaces of the latter make it a great place to slow down, but it also has a unique claim to fame: It’s home to the highest concentration of Amish people in the world. The locally made food is a highlight, too. For those who love fine dining as much as I do, check out Tarragon at the Inn at Honey Run and 63 Corks in nearby Strasburg. 

Waxhaw, meanwhile, feels akin to Stars Hollow, the fictional town from Gilmore Girls. I love finding bookstores anywhere I go, and Kimbrough Booksellers is a small but mighty shop tucked away in Mule Barn Mercantile, which is a great stop for those who love shopping and antiques. As for restaurants, I recommend Virtuoso Breadworks, Maxwell’s Tavern (some of the best burgers I’ve ever had), Gréco Fresh Grille, and Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub. Also be sure to hit up A Cause for Tea in the neighboring town of Monroe for the coziest tea house you’ll ever find. My personal favorites are the cherry almond and Corsican pear flavors.

–Brooke Robinson, Interesting Facts Editor

Nashville, Tennessee

There’s something about a midsize Southern city that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. I keep an eye on my favorite musicians’ tour schedules because I’m always up for a long weekend in Nashville. The capital of country music pairs Southern hospitality with the sophistication of a metropolitan city, though it has acquired a reputation as a mecca for bachelorette parties (yes, I did have mine there). Personally, I keep returning to Nashville for the attractions outside of the honky-tonk scene. 

I’ve attended multiple shows at the Grand Ole Opry, taken a tour of the Ryman Auditorium (which has hosted countless musicians), traveled for the opening of the Dolly Parton Broadway musical, eaten at James Beard-nominated restaurants, and shopped at local boutiques. With a few extra days, I’ve paired it with a drive down the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway to spend some time in an Appalachian Mountains cabin.

–Jennifer Freeman, Word Smarts Editor

Kauai, Hawaii

Choosing one favorite repeat destination might seem like an impossible task for a travel editor. But the truth is, with limited vacation days and an endless appetite for wanderlust, I don’t find myself returning to many places, when there are so many others on my bucket list to explore. Sure, I can’t resist hopping on a flight for a long weekend in Paris or New York City — two of my favorite cities on Earth — but growing up in Southern California, Hawaii was one of our family’s favorite getaway spots. I’ve visited the Aloha State many times, but as an adult I find myself returning to one island in particular: Kauai. 

The Garden Isle gets its nickname from its frequent rain showers that result in its famously verdant landscapes, but don’t let the threat of rain deter you. Showers are often quick to pass and tend to be isolated to a few locations. The North Shore is typically wetter than the South Shore, but it’s also home to two of the island’s must-visits: Hanalei (the state’s best small town) and its gorgeous crescent-shaped bay and the rugged Napali Coast. If the latter looks like something out of a movie, that’s no coincidence — it has starred in flicks including Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park. 

On Kauai’s southwest side, you’ll find Waimea Canyon, and with a nickname like the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” it’s clear why it demands a visit. If you’re staying on the North Shore, be sure to break up the drive with a stop for fresh poke (Fish Express is a no-frills local favorite near Lihue Airport) or a classic Hawaiian shaved ice at JoJo’s. 

–Peter Vanden Bos, Daily Passport Editor