Daily Passport writers have been seen in publications such as National Geographic, Food & Wine, CBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and Business Insider. They're passionate about uncovering unique destinations and sharing expert tips with curious travelers.
There’s a good chance that you’ve heard Minnesota’s state nickname, “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” or even seen the motto displayed on the state’s license plates. But curious minds want to know — is Minnesota’s claim to fame based in fact? Or, like many slogans that have caught on over the years, is it based on fuzzy math? Let’s delve in and see how many lakes Minnesota really has.
What Counts as a Lake?
Credit: John_Brueske/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
The biggest challenge of counting lakes is that no official lake definition exists. Size, depth, and volume of water are all possible criteria, but no one can agree on what the difference is between a pond, reservoir, basin, flowage (dammed water), or lake.
The various local, state, and federal agencies that pay attention to such matters use different criteria to define a lake, so we are comparing apples to oranges when we try to count lakes across agency boundaries. Agencies also collect their data at different times of the year, so even the same state might come up with conflicting numbers if it counts lakes during the wet season and again during the dry season. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), for what it’s worth, calls anything larger than a one-quarter acre a “lake/pond feature.”
Paul S. Welch, a University of Michigan professor who studies lakes, defines a lake as “a body of standing water completely isolated from the sea and having an area of open, relatively deep water sufficiently large to produce somewhere on its periphery a barren, wave-swept shore.” Ponds, on the other hand, are defined as “very small, very shallow bodies of standing water in which quiet water and extensive occupancy by higher aquatic plants are common.”
The short answer is “no.” The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources defines a body of water as a lake if it has a surface area of 10 acres or more. According to those definitions, Minnesota has 11,482 lakes, in addition to 124,622 lake/pond features. Of Minnesota’s lakes, 8,784 are named lakes (per the USGS).
So, where does the nickname come from? A professor who gave a speech touting Minnesota’s economic strengths during the 1874 Minnesota State Fair was the first to use the phrase: “Certainly, therefore, we may justly claim that we are the hub of North America. Then we have thirty-eight rivers in the State, six of which are navigable within the State… Then come over 10,000 lakes, abounding in delicious fish. (sic) and the paradise of myriads of waterfowl.” The speech was published in The Worthington Advance a few days later.
Tourism-related public relations publications picked up the phrase, especially during the early 1900s, to attract tourists and immigrants. The Ten Thousand Lakes of Minnesota Association (founded in 1917) pooled financial resources from 50 statewide communities and purchased ads in state and national media promoting the state’s attributes. The motto stuck, and the rest is history.
Even most, if not all, Minnesotans can’t say they’ve visited each of the state’s 11,482 lakes, but some stand out as top attractions due to their accessibility, size, beauty, and activities. Choosing which one(s) to visit depends on what you want to do.
Almost all offer good to excellent fishing. Countless lakes offer boating, sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, and camping opportunities. Calmer bodies of water or nook-and-cranny shorelines attract kayakers and canoers. More serene, secluded ones are best for wildlife viewing. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity, and many lakes offer fantastic on-the-lake amenities such as heated cabins and campers, some even equipped for overnight stays.
Island hopping takes on a whole new meaning here since many lakes contain dozens or even hundreds of islands and islets waiting to be explored via kayak or canoe. The moral of the story is: You can’t go wrong when choosing a lake to visit in Minnesota.
Fascinating Facts About Minnesota’s Lakes
Credit: John_Brueske/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
With so many lakes to choose from, here are a few facts that stand out:
• Minnesota’s three largest lakes that are entirely inside state boundaries are Red Lake (288,800 acres), Mille Lacs Lake (132,516 acres), and Leech Lake (111,527 acres).
• Among the most common lake names in Minnesota are Mud, Long, Rice, Bass, Round, Horseshoe, Twin, Island, Johnson, and Spring. Minnesota contains 201 Mud Lakes alone.
• Minnesota has 13.136 million acres of surface water (including wetlands).
• Of Minnesota’s 87 counties, only four lack a natural lake (Mower, Olmsted, Pipestone, and Rock).
• Minnesota’s Lake Superior shoreline stretches 189 miles and encompasses 962,700 acres of its 20.365 million total acres.
• Minnesotan Ralph Samuelson invented water skiing on Lake Pepin in 1922 using homemade skis he fashioned from 8-foot wooden planks.
• Lake Saganaga is the state’s deepest natural lake, with a maximum depth of 280 feet.
• Minnesota boasts 44,926 miles of shoreline, bypassing California’s 35,477 miles and Florida’s 30,672 miles (including ocean shoreline).
Michael is a staff writer for Daily Passport and film critic who writes the weekly newsletter Movie Brief. His writing and criticism have also appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Variety, and the Washington Post, among others. A native Angeleno, his favorite countries to visit are Norway and Japan.
Whether it’s coffee or alcohol, people enjoy various beverages all across the world. They do so in different ways, of course, and nearly every country has its own traditions. To avoid accidentally committing a social faux pas, here are a few interesting and unexpected drinking etiquette tips in five countries around the world.
As anyone who’s ever seen those viral videos of people breaking spaghetti in front of aghast Italians already knows, food is a way of life in Italy. This is equally true of coffee, which is unsurprising when you recall how many forms of it originated there: espresso, macchiato, and cappuccino, to name just a few.
If you try to order a cappuccino after 11 a.m. in Rome, however, you may get a funny look. It’s considered a morning drink due to the milk, and is usually consumed relatively quickly alongside a pastry or croissant. (Traditionally, breakfast in Italy is sweet rather than savory.)
Espressos and macchiatos, meanwhile, are meant to be savored and don’t have (much) added milk and sugar. This is rooted in practical concerns, as milk is considered difficult to digest — making it more suited to the morning, when your body has more time to process it.
Should you be lucky enough to find yourself sipping sake in Japan or soju in South Korea anytime soon, be sure not to pour your own glass. Instead, offer to pour for others — and expect that they’ll do the same for you.
This is a key part of etiquette in both countries, and it even has a specific term in Japan: shaku suru, also known as kumu. It makes drinking more social and interactive, ensuring that conversation flows as steadily as drinks. If you’re drinking with older people in South Korea, meanwhile, hold your drink with both hands while they pour for you and turn your body away from the elder when taking a shot.
Russia: Don’t Put a Glass on the Table Until It’s Empty
Vodka is an intrinsic part of Russian culture, where the average person drinks an average of more than 17 shots per month — more than any other country in the world. As you might expect, there are a number of customs to go along with all that history. For starters, Russians don’t actually say, “Na zdorovye!” when toasting. They don’t have a single equivalent to “cheers” at all, instead saying different phrases on different occasions.
Just as importantly, proper etiquette is to down your entire shot in one go. Don’t put a glass on the table unless it’s empty, and put empty bottles on the floor rather than on the table. And for as harsh as some consider the taste of vodka, in Russia, it’s almost always consumed neat rather than mixed.
Chinese drinking culture can be summed up by the famous proverb “jiǔ féng zhījǐ qiān bēi shǎo,” which translates loosely to “with a close friend, a thousand cups of wine is far too little.” Another important term is “ganbei” — it means “empty cup” and is used for toasting.
As in many aspects of Chinese culture, respecting one’s elders is of the utmost importance when drinking. Never raise your own glass higher than theirs when clinking your glass against theirs during a toast. And if you’re toasting several people during a special occasion, start with the oldest person first.
Advertisement
More from our network
Daily Passport is part of Inbox Studio, an email-first media company. *Indicates a third-party property.
The Histories of 10 Classic East Coast Vacation Spots
By
Marissa Kozma
Read time: 11 minutes
July 1, 2025
Updated: July 1, 2025
The Histories of 10 Classic East Coast Vacation Spots
History •July 1, 2025•Updated: July 1, 2025
By Marissa Kozma
Author
Marissa Kozma
Marissa is a cheap airfare aficionado who loves exploring offbeat destinations with her husband. Based in Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, Marissa has been featured in publications such as San Diego Magazine, Palm Springs Life Magazine, 303 Magazine, and Mountain Living.
For more than 100 years, cozy coastal hamlets and beachfront boardwalks from New England to the Carolinas have welcomed countless summer vacationers. When summer rolls around, these East Coast vacation spots are as treasured now as they were during the 19th and 20th centuries, offering some of the same familiar haunts and historic accommodations frequented by families and couples long ago. Here’s a glimpse into the histories behind 10 of the most iconic East Coast vacation destinations.
America’s first seaside resort destination was established in Cape May, New Jersey, in 1761. Attracting visitors by horse-drawn wagons, stagecoaches, and sailboats from the nearby cities of Philadelphia and New York, Cape May became popular for its stunning shoreline — especially during the Victorian era, when people began to promote the benefits of bathing in natural water.
In those days, members of high society — including former U.S. Presidents Franklin Pierce, Benjamin Harrison, James Buchanan, and Ulysses S. Grant — were frequent visitors to Cape May. (Harrison even called the seaside resort his “Summer White House.”) Lawn tennis and croquet were popular pastimes on the manicured grasses of the Victorian gingerbread homes painted in bright hues, many of which still stand today.
Credit: Gary Tognoni/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
Hailed in 2014 as one of the “Last Best American Beach Towns” by National Geographic, Wrightsville Beach became a bustling summer retreat after the Ocean View Railroad (also known as the Sea View Railway) connected the city of Wilmington, North Carolina, to the seaside in 1887.
The coastal community, which was originally accessible only by boat, was also home to the Carolina Yacht Club founded in 1853 (the third-oldest yacht club in the nation) and became a pioneer for surfing on the East Coast. Its organized surfing activities date back to 1909, when resident Burke Haywood Bridgers introduced surfing to his friends after reading about the sport that was becoming popular in Hawaii. The iconic wooden Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier and Crystal Pier were built in the 1930s, and by the 1940s, Wrightsville Beach became a premier beach vacation destination and surf spot.
Known for the Catskill Forest Preserve, with its abundant network of hiking trails and stunning fall foliage, the Catskills Mountains have long been a treasured destination for New Yorkers. Originally inhabited by the Munsee and other Indigenous peoples, and later by Dutch settlers, the Catskills saw tourism take off in the 1820s.
After the Catskill Mountain House opened in 1824, artists and writers such as Thomas Cole and Washington Irving were drawn to the area to be inspired by the region’s natural beauty, fueling the Hudson River School art movement — a reflection of American identity and transcendentalist thinking. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the area became known as the Borscht Belt, as it was a popular destination for Jewish families leaving the summer heat in New York City for resorts such as Grossinger’s and Kutsher’s, which served kosher meals and offered religious services.
Just south of Cape Cod, the island of Martha’s Vineyard has long been touted as a summer playground for Boston’s elite — but the New England retreat didn’t always have an extravagant past. Today, the picturesque island paradise is dotted with lighthouses, farmsteads, and sandy stretches, but it was originally inhabited by the Indigenous Wampanoag peoples for thousands of years before it became a prominent port for whaling and fishing.
The whaling industry brought wealth to Martha’s Vineyard, particularly between 1820 and 1865, but the island later became a popular summer destination for Black travelers, especially in the town of Oak Bluffs during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs became a gathering place for Renaissance luminaries, while Shearer Cottage, established in 1912, was one of the first inns in the area to welcome African American guests. (You can still visit the cottage today.)
Famous for its casinos, glitzy high-rise hotels, and iconic boardwalk, Atlantic City is still the beating heart of the Jersey Shore. Originally advertised as a health resort in the 1850s, the town boomed in popularity by the early 1900s, when it welcomed upwards of a million visitors each year.
By the Roaring ’20s, the resort community was bustling with concessions, carnival rides, and candy shops selling the famous saltwater taffy (invented in Atlantic City). Entertainment also took center stage — the Miss America Pageant was founded there in 1921. The opening of the Garden State Parkway in 1954 made travel to the seaside resort town even easier.
The Hamptons, located on eastern Long Island’s South Fork, has long been revered as a summer destination for affluent residents of the Big Apple. Indigenous Montauk and Shinnecock tribes first inhabited the area, and in 1640 the British settled in Southampton. For centuries, the settlement was primarily used for farming and fishing, but the extension of the Long Island Rail Road to the town of Sag Harbor in 1869 marked a new era of wealthy New Yorkers seeking salty breezes away from the bustling city in the summer.
This stretch of Long Island became a popular haven for wealthy business families such as the Vanderbilts and Carnegies during the Gilded Age, but it didn’t become a fashionable retreat for the cultural elite until around the 1970s and ’80s, when it began attracting artists and writers such as Jackson Pollock, Truman Capote, and John Steinbeck.
Positioned where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, the coastal city of Virginia Beach is famous for its 3-mile boardwalk along the oceanfront and First Landing State Park, where British colonists arrived at Cape Henry in 1607. These were the same colonists who founded Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Indigenous Chesepian peoples lived in the area for millennia.
In the 1880s, tourists began to flock to the area after the construction of the Virginia Beach Railroad, the Princess Anne Hotel, and a wooden boardwalk. The iconic boardwalk became a hub for entertainment with the Peacock Ballroom, which hosted famous performers such as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. In the Roaring ’20s, the Cavalier Hotel became a landmark venue for big bands and hosted many presidents and celebrities.
Credit: Barry Winiker/ The Image Bank via Getty Images
Coney Island has many claims to fame — its boardwalk, the kitschy amusement rides at Luna Park, its legendary hot dog stand, the Circus Sideshow, and its 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Located at the southern tip of Brooklyn near Brighton Beach, the area was initially home to the Coney Island House, a seaside resort established in 1829.
But it became a major resort destination after the Civil War, when streetcar lines reached the area for the first time, followed by the Iron Steamboat Company ferry to Manhattan in 1881. Coney Island’s three main luxury hotels — Corbin’s Manhattan Beach Resort, the Oriental Hotel, and Brighton Beach Hotel — were the place to be during that era, with evening fireworks and live music by bands including John Philip Sousa’s Sousa Band and Patrick Gilmore’s 22nd Regiment Band.
Three competing amusement parks (Steeplechase Park, Luna Park, and Dreamland) attracted even more beachgoers, and when the boardwalk and the Cyclone roller coaster opened in the 1920s, Coney Island reached its peak as a popular summertime destination just outside the Big Apple.
Many of the original rides ceased operation after World War II, but the Coney Island History Project is working to preserve and promote the area’s rich history, and Luna Park reopened to the public in 2010. Several historic landmarks remain, such as the Cyclone, Parachute Jump, Wonder Wheel, Amphitheatre, Riegelmann Boardwalk, Shore Theatre, and New York Aquarium. Visitors can learn more about Coney Island history at the Coney Island Museum.
The historic harbor town of Newport has been attracting American vacationers since the Revolutionary War. During the Gilded Age, wealthy families such as the Vanderbilts and Astors built enormous, opulent summer residences along the seaside — the most famous of which is known as the Breakers. The Victorian-style Ocean House in Watch Hill was also a luxurious escape, perched high on the bluffs above the Atlantic, and lucky guests can still enjoy its signature suites today.
Credit: rmbarricarte/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
A historic getaway for New York City residents seeking a summer escape with cooler climates, the Adirondacks has been a buzzing camping (and glamping) destination for nearly two centuries. William H.H. Murray’s Adventures in the Wilderness: Or, Camp Life in the Adirondacks guidebook, first published in 1869, encouraged readers to explore the great outdoors, contributing to the region’s popularity.
By 1875, wealthy industrialists including the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and Rockefellers built “Great Camps,” or private luxury estates for fishing, sporting, and hunting. Some people even consider Lake George, part of the Adirondacks, to be the birthplace of the American vacation; the word “vacation” was derived from the desire to “vacate” the city.
Browse a map of the world and you’ll probably notice that many cities and towns are located close to rivers. This is not some strange coincidence: From the smallest villages to the world’s largest metropolises, rivers are a vital source of water and means to facilitate trade. They are the arteries of the Earth, making it possible for humans to reach and connect with the remotest of places. The United States alone is crisscrossed by some 3 million miles of rivers, displaying centuries of history and culture along their shores. These are America’s 10 longest rivers.
Flowing nearly a thousand miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to its confluence with the Mississippi River in Illinois, the Ohio River is often called the “Gateway to the West.” It crosses or borders six states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
The river supports 160 fish species and provides drinking water to over 5 million people. Moreover, the Ohio River Basin is home to approximately 30 million people, and more than 184 million tons of cargo are transported annually on the river. Several major bridges cross over the Ohio River, including the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, once the longest in the world with a central span of 1,057 feet, and the pedestrian-only Purple People Bridge.
The Snake River winds through the Pacific Northwest, starting in Wyoming’s Yellowstone region and eventually converging with the Columbia River in Washington. On its 1,000-plus-mile journey, it also crosses Idaho and Oregon, with a drainage basin of approximately 108,000 square miles. The Snake River has helped shape a number of famous natural landmarks, such as the 8,000-foot-deep Hells Canyon and Grand Teton National Park’s Oxbow Bend.
An estimated 300 fish species thrive in the Snake River region (it’s the Lower 48’s largest freshwater salmon habitat), as do other wildlife such as deer, elk, grizzly bears, and moose. In Twin Falls, Idaho, you’ll find the Evel Knievel Jump Site, where the legendary motorcycle daredevil made his final jump, a failed attempt at crossing the Snake River Canyon (which he survived).
Starting in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia River meanders through the Pacific Northwest to the Pacific Ocean. Acting as a natural border between Washington and Oregon, it’s marked by a landscape of canyons and waterfalls. The Columbia River was once the site of the world’s largest salmon runs, and, in its heyday, spawned 30 million salmon annually. The river also provides irrigation for 600,000 acres of farmland and is home to 19 hydroelectric farms. Notable cities located on the Columbia River include Portland, Oregon; the British Columbia mountain resort of Revelstoke; and Vancouver, Washington.
Originating in the Texas Panhandle, the Red River (also known as the Red River of the South) zigzags across Texas, along the Texas-Oklahoma border, and into Arkansas. It then enters Louisiana near Ida, north of Shreveport, and converges with the Atchafalaya River near Baton Rouge. The river’s name is a reference to the red soil of its bed. As the water flows, it lifts the soil to create a reddish hue.
Varied wildlife species call the river and its basin home, including alligators, beavers, and numerous fish species. With the Chisholm Trail having crossed the river, it was historically connected with Native American trade and frontiersmen settlements. Established in the 19th century, this trail was frequently used for cattle runs between Texas and Kansas.
The Colorado River carves its way through dramatic gorges and arid plains in seven U.S. states and Mexico. It begins in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of 11 national parks through which it flows. For approximately 6 million years, the Colorado River has been shaping the Grand Canyon, which reaches depths of over 6,000 feet. Aside from being a paradise for outdoor adventurers — hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting are among the river’s plentiful recreational activities — it also provides water to major cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Like the Colorado River, the source of the Arkansas River is in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. For centuries, this waterway has been associated with exploration and westward expansion. The Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples relied on it for sustenance, and Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto traversed the waters on his 1541 journey into what is now the U.S. Southwest. The Santa Fe Trail, a trade route that gained fame during the California Gold Rush, follows the river through large parts of Kansas. In Pueblo, Colorado, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk offers boating activities, boutique shopping, and public artworks.
From the San Juan Range of the Colorado Rockies, the Rio Grande travels through the states of New Mexico and Texas, in addition to Mexico. Prior to emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, it skirts a section of the U.S.-Mexico border. With a catchment area of 336,000 square miles, the Rio Grande provides natural habitats for bighorn sheep, river otters, and various other wildlife.
Within its span is the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, a 196-mile stretch protected by the National Park System. Distinguished by desert expanses and canyons of stratified rock, it’s an ideal spot for float trips, stopping at popular tourist areas like Big Bend National Park and Boquillas Canyon Trail.
Alaska’s mightiest watercourse, the Yukon River has played a significant role in the human history of the region for thousands of years. Evidence suggests that the earliest settlers traversed the Yukon’s watershed some 10,000 years ago. Between 1896 and 1899, it was one of the principal means of transport during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Starting its journey in British Columbia, Canada, the Yukon flows across the wild and remote Yukon Territory, through Alaska, and into the Bering Sea. One of the best ways to experience the river and its breathtaking surroundings is through camping, canoeing, and rafting tours. Not to be missed is Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve: Protecting 2.5 million acres of untamed wilderness, it offers a fascinating snapshot of life during the Gold Rush years.
The second-largest river in the United States, the mighty Mississippi travels through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. For thousands of years, everyone from Native American peoples to European explorers, fur traders, and garrisoned troops have benefited from its riches. The Mississippi provides a natural habitat for 50 species of mammals, 145 species of amphibians and reptiles, 260 fish species, and 326 bird species.
It also holds a special place in American culture, playing a central role in novels such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Highlights along the river include the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum and Trail of Tears State Park, both in Missouri. The Mississippi Blues Trail explores the history of Delta Blues, which was nurtured in the Mississippi Delta region.
Snaking from the Rocky Mountains to Missouri, where it converges with the Mississippi River, the Missouri is one of the world’s longest rivers. Its current course dates back approximately 115,000 years, when mountain streams were diverted by glaciers. Well before Lewis and Clark navigated the river on their westward journey, the river provided a vital source of food and water for the Missouri and Otoe peoples and a natural habitat for hundreds of native animal species.
Rachel is a Washington, D.C.–based travel and lifestyle writer with roots in the Great Lakes region. When she’s not writing for publications such as The Discoverer and Interesting Facts, you’ll find her wandering through museums or exploring destinations off the beaten path.
When we think about travel hygiene, most of us focus on places like airport restrooms, hotel remote controls, and airplane tray tables. But there’s a frequently overlooked place that deserves a spotlight: the rental car. With over 108 million Americans expected to rent vehicles annually by 2027, these cars may be teeming with germs from countless travelers. Sure, that freshly vacuumed floor and pine-scented air freshener might suggest cleanliness, but looks can be deceiving. Beneath the surface, rental cars can harbor unwelcome souvenirs — hidden pockets of grime and bacteria — sometimes in places you’d least expect.
Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.
Myth Busting: It Isn’t the Steering Wheel
Credit: SeizaVisuals/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
The steering wheel is a high-contact zone, so it’s only natural to assume it must be one of the dirtiest places in a car. According to a consumer survey, U.S. drivers believe the top three germiest places in a car are the steering wheel, driver’s door handle, and gear shift. However, this isn’t entirely accurate.
Researchers at CloroxPro found 408 germs on the steering wheel, while another study from the microbiology team at Aston University in the U.K. identified 149 bacteria. This might sound like a lot, but it’s less than half the amount of bacteria and other germs found in the dirtiest parts of a rental car. So, what are the germiest spots? Let’s take a look below.
According to the University of Aston, the dirtiest locations in a car had a bacterial contamination level equal to or exceeding what you’d expect to find on the average toilet seat or handle, and there is one spot that is a bacterial bullseye: the trunk. In the university’s study, 1,425 bacteria were identified in the trunk, the most of any place swabbed. The Clorox team found that the trunk had the second-highest levels of contaminants, with 1,180 germs. (The driver-side floor mats were found to have the most germs in their study.)
Other highly contaminated areas in the Clorox study were the front seat cup holder (1,179 germs) and the dashboard air vent (1,082 germs). Aston University also found similar issues with the dirtiness of dashboards due to their high-touch controls. The university further revealed that the driver’s seat had twice the levels of bacteria as the back seat (649 vs. 323).
Surprisingly, the gearshift had nearly three times the amount of bacteria (407) as a steering wheel (146), suggesting that while steering wheels are cleaned often, gear shifts are overlooked.
While it’s not cause for significant concern, the microscopic dangers potentially lurking in your rental car might be something you consider during your next trip. “Based on our research, almost everyone agrees that a clean and sanitized car makes you feel better, but consumers rarely think about the germs in their cars and the impact they can have on their health,” Lynda Lurie, director of marketing at CloroxPro, said in the study.
When in doubt, take a few minutes before you start driving to sanitize high-touch zones in your rental car using travel-friendly disinfectant wipes. Along with wipes, you may wish to pack hand sanitizer and a small trash bag to create a rental car hygiene station.
As far as deep cleaning goes, major rental car companies such as Enterprise and Hertz guarantee that their cars are cleaned between every customer. Enterprise, for instance, has a “Complete Clean Pledge,” which promises to sanitize more than 20 high-touch points, including all the dirtiest areas we already mentioned, such as control buttons, gear shifts, cup holders, and more. But if you’re concerned about the cleanliness of your rental car, don’t hesitate to reach out to your rental agency directly before you hit the road.
About the data: To determine the grossest parts of a rental car, we looked at two studies. The first was conducted by a team of U.S. researchers at CloroxPro, whose swab tests measured levels of bacteria, yeast, and mold — all of which can impact your health while traveling. The second study was conducted by a microbiology team from Aston University in the U.K., who swabbed only for bacteria, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus.
Daily Passport writers have been seen in publications such as National Geographic, Food & Wine, CBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and Business Insider. They're passionate about uncovering unique destinations and sharing expert tips with curious travelers.
Thinking of visiting Spain soon? You won’t be alone. In 2024, the European country welcomed a record 94 million tourists — making it the second-most-visited country in the world behind France. From stunning Moorish palaces to world-class museums and gastronomic capitals, check out eight of our favorite places to visit in Spain.
Like so many of Barcelona’s iconic sites, Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudí — the city’s resident design visionary and one of Spain’s most famous architects. Constructed between 1900 and 1914, the 45-acre urban utopia is located on a hillside with sweeping views of the city below. The area was originally conceived as a subdivision of 60 private villas for wealthy Barcelonians, but the neighborhood never took off, and only two structures were ever constructed — a model home and a guard’s house. The land was turned over to the city and opened as a municipal park in the 1920s.
While the views, plantings, and pathways of the park are undoubtedly lovely, what makes this place truly special are Gaudí’s whimsical installations. Highlights include the scalloped and tiled perimeter fencing, a monumental bench built to resemble a giant sea serpent and encrusted in bold ceramics, and a colorful salamander sculpture at the entrance known as “el drac” (“the dragon”). The main terrace is surrounded by winding paths, curving viaducts, formal gardens, and specimen trees — with a warren of palm-like columns supporting an amorphous tiled roof.
The park’s original model home ended up being Gaudí’s family home, and the bright pink villa is now a museum — another must-see in a city park brimming with his wonders. And don’t leave Barcelona without visiting another one of Gaudí’s most famous and enduring landmarks, the (still-unfinished) La Sagrada Família — which finally has a completion date.
Credit: Maremagnum/ The Image Bank Unreleased via Getty Images
When it opened in 1997, this curvilinear titanium masterpiece by architect Frank Gehry may not have technically put Bilbao on the map — the city’s position on the Nervión River near the Bay of Biscay has assured the port’s significance for centuries — but the museum quickly exerted what experts termed “the Bilbao Effect.” It refers to the ability to turn a once-overlooked city into a tourist hotspot with trophy architecture.
In the case of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, more than 1.3 million visitors arrived in 2024 to behold the waterside museum’s famed swirls and the galleries therein. The permanent collections include major works by Jenny Holzer, Richard Serra, and Jeff Koons, among many others. But perhaps the most recognizable sculpture, which accessorizes many a shot of the museum’s exterior, is the spindly spider known as Maman, by Louise Bourgeois.
Old Town of Segovia and Its Aqueduct
Credit: VitalyEdush/ iStock Editorial via Getty Images Plus
A relic of the Roman Empire, the Aqueduct of Segovia has balanced over its namesake Spanish province for nearly two millennia. Made from 24,000 granite blocks and not an ounce of mortar, the aqueduct (situated an hour north of Madrid) still fetches water from the Frío River, located 10 miles away. Its above-ground section measures almost 2,400 feet long, stretching across about 165 perfectly composed arches; in some places, the aqueduct soars more than 93 feet high in two tiers of arches. Along with Segovia’s beautiful old town, the aqueduct has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
While historians estimate that the aqueduct was built during Emperor Trajan’s reign, sometime around 50 CE, folklore disagrees. According to a popular legend, a Segovian servant wanted to eliminate her daily journeys to the mountains to gather water, so she offered her soul to the devil if he could engineer an alternative by morning. Allegedly, a rooster crowed just before he put the final brick in place.
A dazzling display of the wealth that emerged in this southern Spanish city (now the capital of Andalusia) after the Reconquista years, Seville’s cathedral remains the largest Gothic building in Europe. Following the defeat of Moorish rule in the 15th century, Seville city leaders ordered the construction of the cathedral (officially named Cathedral of St. Mary of the See) to show off the expansion of Christianity throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
The cathedral stands on the site of a former mosque, and upon its completion in 1506, it overtook Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia as the world’s largest cathedral. (While it no longer holds that title, it’s still the third-largest cathedral in Europe.) One of the cathedral’s most distinctive architectural features — a 343-foot-tall minaret called the Giralda — is a nod to its former purpose. Another famous feature lies deep within: The cathedral is also the final resting place of explorer Christopher Columbus. Together with Seville’s Alcázar royal palace and the city’s ancient merchant exchange, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
In a city of around 180,000 residents, San Sebastián’s restaurants have amassed 12 Michelin stars, as of 2025, making it one of Spain’s (and Europe’s) most exciting culinary destinations. But before this coastal city evolved into a foodie haven, this region of northern Spain’s Basque Country — known in the local Basque language as “Donostia” — served as a 13th-century seaport on the Bay of Biscay, dispatching cargo to both the Americas and greater Europe.
Although the city was badly damaged in 1813 during the Peninsular War, in the following decades, Queen Isabella II adopted San Sebastián as a summer home. And it’s easy to see why: Located about 15 miles from the French border, San Sebastián’s landscape flaunts multiple coastlines — including Playa de la Concha, arguably Europe’s most exquisite urban beach — and three verdant mountain peaks: Monte Igueldo, Monte Ulia, and Monte Urgull.
Towering above the city of Granada, in Spain’s southern Andalusia region, is the stunning Alhambra, whose name translates to “Red Castle” in Arabic. Named for its red-colored walls, Alhambra stands atop the Sabika hill alongside the Darro river. The fortress, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was placed there strategically to overlook the city and meadow beyond.
Early records of the Alhambra date back to the ninth century, but it was Mohammed ben Al-Hamar (Mohammed I) who had the royal residence constructed within the fortress during the 13th century. Today, the spectacularly well-preserved palace, which features a distinctive watchtower and water canals fed by the nearby river, welcomes more than 2.6 million annual visitors.
The Prado Museum is home to the world’s greatest collection of Spanish art, featuring masters like Picasso, El Greco, and Goya. The museum was built in 1785 and was originally intended to be a showcase of natural history, but King Ferdinand VII later decided to make it a museum of art. It went through several name changes, before becoming the Museo Nacional del Prado in 1868. The name translates to “National Museum of the Meadow,” a reference to the meadow on which the museum was built. Around 3 million people visit the museum each year, one of the three museums to form Madrid’s “Golden Triangle,” along with the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza art museums.
Though it’s considered Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide is exponentially closer to Africa than to Europe. Positioned about 200 miles off the southwest coast of Morocco and 800 southwest of Spain, this volcano — one of the tallest in the world — rises almost 12,200 feet from the heart of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory.
The surrounding national park, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends volcanic boulders with petrified lava rivers, steaming vents, and gaping craters, among other surreal elements. But one of the most otherworldly natural attractions is in the air: Every so often, a so-called “sea of clouds” moves in, enshrouding the peak in an extra layer of drama.
Julia is a U.K.-based travel writer whose work has been featured in The Independent, The Telegraph, The New Zealand Herald, and Culture Trip, among others. She’s an enthusiastic advocate for independent travel and a passionate geographer who has had the privilege of traveling to more than 130 countries in search of a story.
Heat waves during the summer months are becoming increasingly common, and as a traveler, you’re more likely to find yourself vacationing in extreme heat than ever before. While extreme weather of any kind shouldn’t be taken lightly, with careful planning, exceptionally high temperatures don’t have to ruin your vacation. Here are seven useful tips for traveling during a heat wave, to help you still enjoy your trip no matter the temperature.
Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.
Drinking plenty of water is essential whenever you travel, but especially if you intend to be out and about during periods of sustained high temperatures. It’s a good idea to avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol, which have a dehydrating effect. If you need to replace fluids quickly, consider drinks containing electrolytes or rehydration salts, which help to restore levels of sodium, magnesium, and potassium that have been depleted as you sweat.
Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen can feel more comfortable during a heat wave because they tend to be breathable and allow air to circulate close to the skin. In general, lightweight fabrics are better at hanging loosely, so avoid heavyweight clothing such as denim, as well as synthetics (except those that are designed to wick away moisture from the skin).
Interestingly, choosing whether to wear black or white clothing may not matter as much as you might think, according to the BBC. Though we’re conditioned to opt for white because of its reflective properties, some of the heat we’re trying to cope with comes from our own bodies. So while white clothing does reflect some heat from the sun, it also absorbs heat from our own bodies. If you’re trying to beat the heat, first make sure your garment is loose-fitting.
While you might have planned to save your sightseeing until after you’ve enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, if you find yourself traveling during a heat wave, this might not be the most prudent move. Instead, you may want to get up early and sightsee in the early morning, when it’s cooler, and then head indoors as the temperatures rise for a restorative, Spanish-style siesta. You can head out again in the late afternoon when the heat starts to dissipate. If members of your group might be vulnerable to extreme heat, consider postponing or canceling all or part of your trip to avoid putting them at risk.
Even making small changes such as walking along sidewalks on the shady side of a city street or remaining under an awning while eating lunch can help you avoid the worst of the heat. In some countries, such as Japan or South Korea, it’s common to see people carrying parasols or umbrellas as they walk around to protect them against the sun, so you may want to pack one in your suitcase. If you’re traveling in a heat wave, seek out shade wherever possible in order to avoid sunburn or heatstroke, and act quickly if you begin to feel uncomfortable.
Just as you might head indoors on a rainy day, an air-conditioned museum or other indoor attraction can be a blessing in a heat wave. Alternatively, seek out coastal spots where you might benefit from an onshore breeze or attractions at higher elevations. For example, in Palm Springs, the temperature at the top of the aerial tramway is typically 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than at the bottom, allowing you to trade the desert heat for refreshing mountain air.
Choose Your Accommodations Carefully
Credit: Fishman/ ullstein bild via Getty Images
When researching potential accommodations for a summer trip, think about how effective it will be at keeping you cool if there’s a heat wave. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should rule out places without air conditioning or ceiling fans, though. In some places where inner courtyards are the norm, such as Morocco’s traditional riads, the building’s architecture will help keep things cool. Before you head out to explore, draw your room’s curtains during the day to keep heat from warming the room and, if there’s no A/C, open windows at night when the temperatures fall to let cooler air in.
Instead of taking a vacation where you may need to cope with a heat wave, you may be able to avoid it altogether with some careful planning. In 2024, a report from the MasterCard Economics Institute noted a growing trend to avoid peak season travel in Europe. As summers become increasingly hot, months such as May and September become an attractive proposition for a vacation. This strategy also has an added benefit — you’ll encounter fewer tourists (at least for now) compared with during peak season, meaning popular visitor attractions should be less crowded.
Advertisement
More from our network
Daily Passport is part of Inbox Studio, an email-first media company. *Indicates a third-party property.
With around 19 million Americans expected to embark on a cruise in 2025, the cruise industry is booming, and so are the global ports that make it all possible. These bustling getaways are the beating heart of a growing travel trend, from which millions of cruise passengers set sail on unforgettable adventures. Check out 10 of the busiest ports around the world by passenger volume in 2024.
Port of Marseille is France’s busiest port and one of the most popular ports in the Mediterranean. It was the first in the region to introduce shore power facilities, allowing vessels of all types to plug into a local electric grid in order to reduce emissions. The port is split between the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal, on the western side of the bay, and the Port de la Joliette (also known as the J4 terminal), close to the city’s historic Vieux-Port district. Both cruise lines and passenger ferries set sail regularly from Marseille, with Corsica, Sardinia, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco among the most popular destinations.
Ports de Balears is the collective name for five ports situated around Spain’s Balearic Islands. It includes Port d’Alcudia (Mallorca), Port d’Eivissa (Ibiza), Port de Maó (Menorca), Port de Palma (Mallorca), and Port de la Savina (Formentera). These ports welcomed 774 cruise ship arrivals in 2024, which was around 16% of Spain’s total cruise calls. Port de Palma is the biggest and busiest of the five, welcoming around 1.8 million passenger arrivals in 2024.
Located on the southern coast of England, Southampton Port is the U.K.’s busiest hub for passenger cruises. Operations span five modern terminals — City, Mayflower, Ocean, Queen Elizabeth II, and Horizon — which together handle approximately 85% of the U.K.’s cruise traffic. Southampton Port receives an estimated 500 port calls annually, and is also the departure point for regular high-speed catamaran ferry services to the Isle of Wight.
Designed by Roman architect and engineer Apollodorus of Damascus and built under Emperor Trajan, Port of Civitavecchia has been a key seaport since the second century CE. As Italy’s busiest port today, it still plays a vital role in transporting passengers and cargo around the Mediterranean.
The cruise terminal has six docks and a separate ferry terminal welcoming ships from Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, and North Africa. Several monuments and architectural landmarks surround the Porto Storico (Historic Port), including the 16th-century Fort Michelangelo, built to protect the coastline from pirate attacks, and Civitavecchia Market, which buzzes with the activity of local fresh produce vendors.
Port de Barcelona has seven passenger terminals. In 2024, 83% of cruise passengers passing through the port either started or finished their voyage in Barcelona, one of the most popular cities for tourists in Europe. From the quays, passengers are just steps from emblematic city sights such as La Rambla, L’Aquàrium de Barcelona, and the Port Cable Car. The port authority is committed to becoming a fully carbon-neutral port by 2050, with plans to electrify docks and supply docked ships with renewable electrical energy.
5. Port Everglades – Fort, Lauderdale, Florida
Credit: Jodi Jacobson/ iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
Total passengers in 2024: 4 million
Port Everglades is one of three Florida cruise ports to make the list of the world’s busiest cruise ports. In 2024, Port Everglades notched a new record with 4 million annual passengers. This mixed cruise and cargo port has eight passenger terminals, each adorned with public art installations as part of the Broward County Public Art and Design Program. A standout installation is Jonathan Russell and Saori Ide’s Songs of the Everglades — a collection of eight kinetic wind sculptures depicting the birdlife of Everglades National Park.
4. Port of Cozumel – San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico
Credit: Nancy C. Ross/ iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
Total passengers in 2024: 4.6 million
Situated along Cozumel’s sun-soaked western coast, the Port of Cozumel consists of three terminals: International Cruise Terminal Cozumel, Puerta Maya, and Punta Langosta. While each works independently, they contribute collectively to the port’s status as Mexico’s busiest embarkation point; over 1,200 ships docked on the island in 2024. The port stands out for its commitment to protecting Cozumel’s marine ecosystem — all visitors are given an educational leaflet about marine conversation upon arrival, and there’s an exhibit showcasing the history and importance of the island as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
3. Nassau Cruise Port – Nassau, Bahamas
Credit: Strekoza2/ iStock Editorial via Getty Images Plus
Located a little over a quarter of a mile from downtown Nassau, Nassau Cruise Port is the biggest tourist gateway to the Bahamas. Of the 9.1 million visitors who came to this Caribbean archipelago in 2024, 61% of them arrived at the port. A recent multimillion-dollar renovation program increased the terminal’s capacity to six daily ships and saw the opening of 60 retail, food, and drink outlets; a 3,000-seat amphitheatre; and a 700-foot megayacht dock. Before heading to Nassau, visitors can explore the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo adjacent to the port.
2. Port Canaveral – Cape Canaveral, Florida
Credit: JodiJacobson/ iStock via Getty Images Plus
Total passengers in 2024: 7.6 million
Port Canaveral is the closest cruise port to the theme parks of Orlando (roughly an hour’s drive away). It was established in 1953 as a modest fishing harbor, with oil and newsprint cargo ships arriving a few years later. Today, the port’s millions of annual cruise passengers travel on ships operated by Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises, among others. The seven terminals are designed to host some of the world’s largest ships, including the 1,188-foot-long Wonder of the Seas.
Nicknamed the “Cruise Capital of the World,” PortMiami reigns as the busiest cruise port on the planet. It features 10 passenger terminals; Cruise Terminal AA is the world’s largest, occupying 450,000 square feet and capable of processing 36,000 daily passengers. Ships depart daily to destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean, Key West, Mexico, and South America. PortMiami is also the base for the Icon of the Seas, currently the world’s biggest cruise ship. Linked to downtown Miami via the PortMiami Tunnel, the port offers easy access to attractions such as the Wynwood Walls.
The TSA Has Now Banned These Items in Checked Bags
By
Peter Vanden Bos
Read time: 4 minutes
June 26, 2025
Updated: March 13, 2026
The TSA Has Now Banned These Items in Checked Bags
Tips •June 26, 2025•Updated: March 13, 2026
By Peter Vanden Bos
Author
Peter Vanden Bos
Peter is a Toronto-based journalist, editor, content strategist, and self-professed avgeek with 15 years of experience covering all things travel. Prior to joining Daily Passport, he oversaw newsletter publication for Travelzoo. His favorite destinations to explore include Japan, France, Chile, New Zealand, and his adopted home country of Canada.
If you’re heading out on vacation this spring or summer, you’ll want to pack carefully. Last year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a ban on several common items that are no longer allowed in checked bags. Find out more about the TSA’s new policy and why it was implemented — along with other packing tips to help you speed through airport security.
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is commonly used in personal tech devices such as cellphones and laptops. As of March 1, 2025, TSA rules prohibit passengers from packing portable chargers, power banks, and cellphone battery charging cases that contain lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage. This rule also applies to spare external lithium batteries.
That means you must now pack your laptop charger in your carry-on, not a checked bag. While personal electronic devices that contain such batteries — e.g., laptops, tablets, cellphones — are still permitted in checked bags as long as they are powered off, the TSA recommends that they be carried on board with you.
Why is the TSA restricting these items? The move follows a string of recent incidents in which devices containing lithium batteries have overheated on commercial aircraft, including one that caused a fire and forced an evacuation of an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea in January 2025. According to the FAA and an analysis by CBS News, there was a 42% rise in incidents concerning lithium batteries between 2018 and 2023.
“All lithium ion batteries are capable of overheating and undergoing a process called thermal runaway,” the FAA states on its website. “Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects.”
Such fires would be difficult to extinguish if they were to happen in the cargo hold, but the TSA says that flight crews are trained to respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin and that “passengers should notify flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning.” For more information on lithium battery size and quantity limits, check out the FAA’s PackSafe guide.
While power banks and portable chargers are the latest items to be banned, they’re far from the only products on the TSA’s list. In fact, the organization lists nearly 500 items that are either prohibited entirely or restricted to only carry-on or checked luggage.
If you plan to bring anything unusual on your trip — say, bear spray, tent spikes, or even bowling pins — you’re bound to find it on the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page or the similar feature in the MyTSA app. Be sure to consult the agency’s helpful guide before heading to the airport, so you don’t risk running into any security delays and possibly missing your flight — you might find that some of the items banned by the TSA will surprise you.
During the busy summer travel season, travelers should also be aware of another important change that went into effect at airport security checkpoints this year: As of February 1, passengers who present to the security checkpoint without a REAL ID or an equivalent acceptable form of identification will have to pay a $45 fee for identity verification if they still want to fly. If travelers don’t choose to pay for the service and don’t have any other form of permitted identification, they won’t be allowed to fly.
You can tell if you have a REAL ID by a star or flag symbol (or both), along with the label “Enhanced.” It contains security features that make the document more difficult to counterfeit. If you don’t have one, make an appointment with your local DMV before traveling, and in the meantime, you can always use a passport instead.
Bennett is a New York City-based staff writer for Daily Passport. He previously contributed to television programs such as the Late Show With David Letterman, as well as digital publications like the Onion. Bennett has traveled to 48 U.S. states and all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums.
Some campers enjoy roughing it with no more than a simple tent and a sleeping bag, but others aren’t as fond of such a rugged experience. If you fall into the latter camp (pun intended), glamping might be the ideal alternative. Glamping — a portmanteau of “glamourous” and “camping” — is a way for nature lovers to connect with the great outdoors in style. These luxurious accommodations boast features that are lacking from traditional campsites, such as Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and king-size beds to crash in at the end of a long day of hiking. Take a look at 10 of the best glamping spots that combine the serenity of nature with the comforts of a resort.
Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.
Treebones Resort is perched along Big Sur, one of the world’s most famous coastlines, about a five-hour drive north of Los Angeles and a four-hour drive south of San Francisco. In order to ensure a quiet, restful experience for all guests, the yurt village at Treebones Resort is reserved for ages 13 and older. The resort’s full- and partial-ocean-view yurts come with king-size beds, hot and cold running water, and a scenic deck with Adirondack chairs for lounging.
But the true pièce de résistance is the Autonomous Tent Collection, each of which provides private views of the Pacific Ocean right from your doorstep. These tents offer other elevated amenities such as leather seating, tiled showers, and more, to create an unforgettable glamping experience.
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbour
Terramor Outdoor Resort is located on the outskirts of Acadia National Park, a 10-minute drive west of the park’s main visitor center. This popular destination features canvas tents with amenities such as plush bedding, portable heating and cooling devices, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Enjoy a cup of coffee on your screened-in porch or spend evenings by the premade fire pit — you won’t have to lift a finger like you would at a traditional campsite. Tent capacity ranges from two to five people, making this an ideal destination for both couples and families.
Photo credit: George Apostolidis via Baillie Lodges
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge sits on 600 isolated acres on Vancouver Island. Some of the 25 glamping tents look out on the Pacific Ocean, while others overlook the lush British Columbia forests. Either way, you’ll have quiet views from the comfort of your own private balcony or while relaxing in a comfy king-size bed.
Inside the tents, you’ll find furnishings designed by local artisans and artwork created by members of First Nations tribes. Also keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife roaming near the resort, as the region is home to black bears, whales, and bald eagles. To reach Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, guests can fly to Vancouver and take a 45-minute seaplane from there, which provides more epic views during the journey.
The Gobi Desert may not be at the top of your bucket list, but perhaps it’s time to reconsider — especially because of the Three Camel Lodge. This isolated glamping resort, located a nine-hour drive south of the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar, offers traditional Mongolian accommodations called gers, which feature hand-painted furniture, stone showers, and a wood stove.
The wide range of activities also makes this part of the world unique. You can traverse nearby sand dunes, go horseback riding, take a nomadic archery lesson with trained experts, or simply take a few steps outside and gaze up at the night sky, as stargazing opportunities in the Gobi Desert are difficult to beat.
Camp Sarika is situated among several popular U.S. national parks, including Zion (roughly two hours by car) and the Grand Canyon (roughly three hours by car). But for all of that nearby natural beauty, Camp Sarika is a must-see attraction in itself.
This luxury glampsite is located on 900 acres of southwest terrain in Canyon Point, near the Arizona-Utah border. Each tent comes with a private pool, so you won’t have to go far to beat the heat. The site also comes equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, private outdoor showers, and canvas overhangs to provide shade while you sit and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine on your private patio.
Uluru is one of the most incredible natural landmarks in Australia. The larger-than-life sandstone monolith is both beautiful to look at and sacred to the country’s Aboriginal peoples. And there’s arguably no better place to gaze out upon this stunning rock formation than from the comfort of your private tent at Longitude 131.
This luxurious resort in Australia’s Northern Territory features 16 tented pavilions that offer direct views of Uluru from private decks, where you can lay back in a plush recliner and enjoy the serene beauty of the Australian Outback. Each tent is located just a few feet from the spa, which offers outdoor showers, massages, and other amenities.
When you think of spending a night in New York City, you might envision staying inside a skyscraper right in the heart of the action. But over on Governors Island — just an eight-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan — you’ll find the Collective. These luxury accommodations, consisting of 29 glamping tents on 6 acres, are unlike any hotel in the city, offering beautiful views of the Big Apple skyline and the Statue of Liberty. If you feel so inclined, you can also join fellow guests for nightly s’mores around the communal fire pit. Collective Governors Island is open seasonally from May to October.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is home to hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and other fascinating wildlife. It can also be your temporary home if you book a stay at Jack’s Camp, a serene glamping experience in the heart of the park. There are nine tents, each of which measures more than 2,900 square feet in area, allowing you ample space to relax. The tents feature green canvas walls, African and Persian rugs, mahogany furniture, plush couches, and air conditioning. The dining tent has a 36-seat communal table that once served as an officer’s mess table in the 1820s.
Located a 70-minute drive south of the Grand Canyon, Backland is a luxury camping site just outside the town of Williams. The climate-controlled tents are situated on 160 acres of land with panoramic views of the surrounding Arizona wilderness.
Part of what makes each room so special is the 16-foot skylight that allows for stargazing right from your very own bed. There’s very little light pollution in that part of the country, which means you should have crystal-clear views of the sky above. Backland also provides access to a nearby pond with a beach, which can help you cool off during those hot Arizona summers.
Located a 40-minute drive south of the resort town of Montreux, Whitepod Original offers a stunning glamping experience in the heart of the Alps. While guests can choose to stay in more traditional cabin-style accommodations, the pods are what makes this resort truly special.
Each pod features a stove, private en suite bathroom, and terrace where you can gaze out upon the Rhône Valley below from an elevation of nearly 4,600 feet. The colder months are a particularly appealing time to visit, since the entire valley and nearby mountains are typically blanketed with a picturesque layer of untouched white snow — which can be enjoyed from under the covers in your comfy bed.
Advertisement
More from our network
Daily Passport is part of Inbox Studio, an email-first media company. *Indicates a third-party property.
