If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there

The Art of Road Trip Planning

Planning a road trip takes a lot more effort than the usual travel planning especially if you are travelling internationally. It requires careful planning around whom to travel with, budget limits, where to stay and all the attention to drive and handle the car. If you are going for a city break, you can pretty much get away with a list of top landmarks, booking a hotel in the city and even taking organized tours. This might not work for road trip planning when you also need to plan the best scenic routes, and drive that extra mile in unknown or less travelled roads. Hence, the first thing you need for a road trip planning is the inspiration and the wanderlust to fuel your heart to take the extra effort and get planning.

Road Trips and Me: My first international road trip was in 2015, mostly planned by a friend, which got me addicted to exploring the most scenic and remote areas. Years later, I am more than happy to call the road my home during vacations these days – I just love being on the road. This has also prepared me to plan a road trip very quickly – I am happily planning road trips during in my free time these days. I have a bucket list of road trips that I wish to cover around the world, and that is my biggest personal passion project to keep me going in the world.

Road Trip Planner Guide

This is my ultimate road trip planner guide to help you get started and prepare for your own road trips. This is a step by step guide that I will continue to improve as I take more journeys. I recommend approaching all the road trip planning in two main phases below.

• Road Trip Planner Phase 1: The first phase is to decide the destination or country you want to explore, find a group to travel with and booking a car, accommodation etc. This step involves lots of researching and it is the most trickiest.
• Road Trip Planner Phase 2: Second phase is to plan and prepare for the journey itself. This step involves practical steps during the trip.

I will first go through detailed items for each phases and in the end, I will also cover some top tricks to keep in mind for road trips in general.

How to Plan a Road Trip: Phase – 1

1. Pick a Road Trip Travel Group

Your road trip planning starts with finding a group of friends to go on the road with. You might have to consider the fact that you need to be with folks who are like-minded with similar interests as well as who can match your budget and lifestyle to a good extent as you have to stick with them for multiple days. What I have personally noticed is that unlike an easy city break, road trips usually need adventure minded folks who are willing to compromise schedules, love spontaneity and can be patient and deal with uncertainties.

READ: 3 Days Road Trip in Tromso in Winter

I personally don’t like planning too much and want to have flexibility, so much so I have even cancelled pre-paid accommodations to extend a day in a place I fell in love with during the journey. Some others like to stick to a schedule. So picking the right folks or at least agreeing to the style is a must for your road trip planning. Again, it is hard to find matches for all angles, but make sure you are at least with folks who are happy to adjust with what happens on the road, are flexible and have some adventurous or risk taking spirit.

2. Pick a Road Trip Destination & Duration

The destination and major routes to cover can be picked based on seasonal experiences like crossing some of the fun outdoor activities in winter, epic landscapes and scenic drives, crossing a bucket list activity item or even finding some cheap flights. I usually have a country, national park or scenic route in mind and start to check when are cheapest flights to places nearby and plan routes around the airports. You also need to pick a destination that your friend group would love to go to.

READ: Winter Bucket List for Travellers

I usually share some of the trips I have in mind with my friends or note a destination or experience they mentioned they would like to do and consult them as I start planning. Having friends like that helps, but these days there are also many travel communities where you can find travel buddies.

3. Agree on Budget

It is important to understand the budget limits of everyone first hand to make sure that everything you book- car, accommodation etc. fits the budget of all. Note that main expenses include calculating accommodation cost and food per day, total miles to be driven and gas costs, car insurance costs, finding tolls along the route, national park entrance costs at the minimum. Once you have a rough idea of the budget needed in the place, you can try to negotiate amongst the group for where to cut costs.

READ: Dog Sledding in Tromso, Norway

I usually plan the road trips for my friend groups, so this is what I generally do – I research the costs for these top things on an average in the destination and then consult the group before finalization.

4. Identify Top Stops with High Level Route- (Research)

Top Tip: Divide the top stops/cities identified into two categories- must-sees/dos and optional ones. This will help manage expectations of all.

READ: 2 Weeks Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Must-Sees: Must-sees or dos by your fellow travellers is non-negotiable and has to be covered. You have to hit this list 100% to make sure you are all happy with this trip and return back as friends I am exaggerating, but note that for many of us we get limited holidays in the year and we do want to get the most out of a costly holiday, and don’t want to have regrets.

5. Plan a Route using Google Maps

Now that you know all the top stops you would like to cover, use google maps to plan the route. Use the directions panel, add stops and examine the route the app suggests. Then comes the most important thing to do to make your trip worthwhile, for each route suggested, look for detours from the highways that can be done by adding a little more time, but goes along scenic landscapes- lakes, water, beaches, forest, you name it.

READ: Best Scenic Drives in the UK

As a landscape and nature lover, I normally study water bodies and green areas on the map and google a bit about villages and towns you see in the detours. You can do the same for pretty much anything like art galleries, restaurants, parks etc. For example, I learned about the Lochs in Scotland this way, otherwise I would have no idea. This map research will help find the less travelled but most scenic routes to take, which has always worked for me and brings lot of exciting destinations and adventures to the ultimate road trip itinerary.

Top Tip: Always try to take the scenic route when you can, only take highways when your goal is to quickly reach the next destination. Again, research about the road conditions and safety a bit too. I am leaving the common sense part as an exercise for the reader

6. Book a Rental Car

Once you have a rough plan of the route and know the time needed to cover your itinerary, it is time to find a car. Booking a rental car is an expensive ordeal, which definitely needs similar research as booking a flight.

Some things to note when booking a rental car are:

• With some extra money you can usually pick up and drop your car in different destinations. I normally do this unless I can plan an itinerary round trip taking loop routes. This is quite handy to cover as far as I could from where we started and not repeat the same route. Balance the budget and see what is best for you.
• Find good car insurance deals, and check with the companies directly if they have a deal they offer. I usually don’t go for a single approach as which deal or company is the best varies per location and circumstances.

7. Book Accommodation

Finding accommodations on a road trip can be tricky especially if you are traveling remotely. Note that some travel booking sites are popular in certain regions for accommodations and one size fits for all does not work for every country either. Some places are very safe and some are not, doing some proper research on places to stay is a must before you rely on same travel booking website. In developed countries, I usually try to stay with locals and explore more and in under-developed or not-so-tourist friendly places, I recommend sticking to popular hotel or accommodation provider chains. Researching the destination is a must to avoid complications.

READ: Fall Foliage Road Trip in Vermont

How to Plan a Road Trip: Phase – 2

8. Car Safety

Safety on the road should be the first priority for road tripping. Remember to learn the driving rules of your destination and even watch some YouTube videos, before your departure. Make sure that you always have plenty of fuel/gas during the drive, avoiding filling up gas at the last minute, just in case the fuel station you were banking on is closed for some reason. Another important thing is to check the route conditions when you drive and making sure your tires are ready for it, especially in extreme climate like heavy winter. You should also be aware of what to check in the car before and after the road trip.

Another thing to note is to check the emergency contact numbers along the route and keep them written in a book as well as in your phone and make sure you know how to contact highway assistance in the region you are going to be traveling, if you’re renting a car this may or may not be included. Carrying at least an extra tire or a breakdown kit is a must and the relevant car repair tools if possible.

READ: How to Check Your Car Before and After a Road Trip

9. Road Trip Entertainment

A big portion of road trip includes the time spent in the car, which can also be made super fun to create memories. Listening to your favourite music or podcast can cheer up the road trip vibe, including singing along with friends. There are also multiple games that can be played in the car. Make sure that you have sorted out a playlist for your trip, and even consult your group to mix everyone’s choices if possible.

Nowadays, playlists are mostly in smart phones, but make sure you carry the songs downloaded to reduce the usage of the data or to not be dependent on internet availability. Also make sure to carry the relevant cables and electronics needed to connect the phone to any car, especially if you are not sure which car will you get from the rental. Summary is, make sure you can play music and have entertainment options within the car. Driving can become monotonous and boring as every route you take wont be scenic either

10. Navigation Gear & Apps

Navigation is an important item for a road trip and it is must preparation for road trip planning. Make sure that you have a navigation device with you if possible, and don’t totally rely on a single smart phone just in case your phone was lost or the battery died. I usually carry an extra phone with me which I leave in the car. Even if you are using phone, remember to download the maps offline to not be dependent on internet availability. Also carry, printed maps of the place if possible and even buy guide books if you are travelling in remote areas.

Some of the top smart phone applications include:

• Google Maps
• Apple Maps
• Waze – This application can be relied more for up to-date traffic enforcement and speed limit alerts.
• Citymapper – Best to route within a city
• iExit – Find the best rest-stops on your route
• Viamichelin – Includes toll prices in a route, helpful to be aware of cost along a route
• Outdoorsy – Motorhome rental app (US).
• DYRT – Find camping sites (US)
• Parking apps (RingGo, PayByPhone, Parkopedia) (UK) – Attempt to make finding and paying for parking easier.
• Toilet apps (Toilet Finder, Where is Public Toilet) (UK) – When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.

12. Road Trip Packing

Documents: Driving license, passport, visa and other relevant documents.

Navigation: All items like navigation gear, maps, and guide books as mentioned above.

Itinerary: Printed list of itinerary and bookings.

Road Safety: Essential car repair tools, emergency kit and first aid kits.

Money: Carry some local currency.

Personal items: Clothes and comfort items for the car, especially if you have a back pain etc.

Electronics Gear: Carry all the photography gear including cables and other car accessories.

Food: Carry water, snacks and even a cooler for storing food.

13. Road Trip Food

Carrying some food with you is important during a road trip, especially when travelling to remote areas. You can’t always rely on restaurants and supermarkets being present along your route. Hit a super market whenever you find one and carry some snacks, fruits and easy to eat meals in emergency along with you. Remember to hydrate yourself regularly while being on the road, and keep multiple water bottles with you. One of my favourite food hacks for road trips is to carry Huel with me when I travel and with their latest hot and savoury line, it is also worth carrying a flask and boiled water as it can be made in 2 minutes which makes a perfect ready to eat meal. Energy bars, chocolates, crisps and juices are all good options to enjoy that long drive. I find it hard to reserve restaurants during a road trip due to the time commitment issues, but it is always good to note some restaurant options along the way. I usually check which are the main towns that have restaurant options and align the meal time to one of those to make sure there are options. Carrying breakfast items usually help to avoid time spent in the morning. Cooking is an option if you have such facilitates in your accommodation, all you need is a supermarket and there won’t be schedule issues. I try to have a balance of options during the trip- some days cooking, some days restaurants etc.

14. Connectivity

The world revolves around the internet nowadays and having cellular connectivity is important not just for data but also to communicate during emergencies. It is important to check whether your phone connection works in the country you are visiting and what limitations exist in terms of international calls etc. In the UK, I use Three mobile network which provides roaming free in 72 countries and is a life saver. There are other providers who will also provide good deals for roaming. Just make sure you have checked this before you leave, especially heading internationally.

15. Travel Finance

Travel banking is tricky sometimes depending on where you are visiting. Travel credit cards are plenty available and Visa/Master card should work internationally. But the major headache is in identifying the best options for saving a huge amount of currency exchange fee etc. Based in the UK, I use Starling bank which also allows currency conversion with very minimal exchange charges. WISE is a popular option these days and they also provide Master cards. I’ve never used travel specific cards, but there are plenty credit card options especially in America for good travel deals and points.

How to Plan a Road Trip without a Full Plan

• Leave Some Free Days : As road trips lead to many spontaneous and unexpected experience encounters, it is hard to really follow a schedule. I have sometimes returned without covering 25% of my planned itinerary, especially on a long road trip across countries. The trick is to add some free days and even to delay booking accommodations in some places to buy you the ability to be more flexible. Not only that, a break between long drives is good to re-energize if it is a multi-week road trip.
• Ask Locals: Do say hello to the locals whenever possible, and ask their recommendations. I usually do this in souvenir shops where I spend quite a lot of time. I adore such local craft shops and bring back lot of goodies to decorate my home.
• Hidden Gems for Photography: In a souvenir shop, I usually take a good look at the post cards on sale. I do collect post cards, but the display is the best route to finding epic photo opportunities and scenic places in the destinations. I have found a few places and clicked some top shots in a destination using this technique. As always I wish I had more time

Road Trip Guide: A Few More Tips

• Get on the road early and stick to daylight hours: If the route is scenic, do make sure you see them in the daylight. Getting on the road early is a myth in my case as I can’t open my eyes before 9, but you know don’t learn that from me. I have missed many epic routes being late on my trip. For early birds, you will rock it!
• Exercise or rest breaks: Take regular rest breaks to walk a bit or stretch to avoid long drive fatigue.
• Let your bank know you are travelling : Some banks block your card with suspicious activity if they suddenly see money being spent from an unusual location. Best way to prevent this hassle is to call your bank and let them know where you are going.

Road Trip Planner: Final Thoughts

Travel planning is an art, you can create your own itinerary that matches your interests and set out on a journey to interesting places that await epic experiences and discoveries. There is a lot to explore out there and by taking road trips you increase the chances of unique and special views of the world very often. Go Road Trip! Though a tedious process to plan, road trips are usually worth it and hope this road trip planner helps you get started.

Enjoy Your Next Road Trip!

Pin This Road Trip Planner for Your Adventures

“Despite the forecast, live like it is spring”

1- Tulip Fields, The Netherlands

Editors pick

Spring season is the best to visit Holland, or the Netherlands when thousands of visitors flock here to see the beautiful tulip fields. Dutch land is incredibly pretty during this season with not just tulips, but also many other flower fields that decorate gardens, fields, canals and even cities. Lisse in Holland and Keukenhof tulip garden attracts both natives and tourists equally every year.

READ ALSO: Spring Road Trip in Netherlands

Amsterdam and Utrecht are two cities that takes the scenic crown during this season. Apart from the very touristic cities, you can also free and open tulip fields in Holland if you drive up North. There is a whole route filled with flowers called Flevoland, which has acres of tulips fields to explore. Other regions that hosts a flower show include. Another hidden gem to explore in spring is the canal only operated village called Giethoorn in the north of Amsterdam, where you can also just travel by boat just like the locals. The vibe here is particularly amazing during spring, with nice weather and bloomed flowers adding to the already pretty village.

Top Places to Visit in Spring in Netherlands:

• Keukenhof
• Lisse
• Amsterdam
• Utrecht
• Giethoorn
• Flevoland

2- Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Japan

By Julia @ thecureforcuriosity

If you want a once in a lifetime opportunity, visit Tokyo during sakura (cherry blossom) season to take part in hanami.  Hanami translates as “flower viewing” and is a large social event surrounding the cherry blossom season in Japan.  As you explore the city, you’ll see thousands of trees bursting with bright pink flowers and equally as many families and friends hanging out eating and drinking under the beautiful trees.

To catch this famous spring phenomenon, you’ll need to head to Tokyo between late March and early April. This is typically when the cherry blossoms are at their peak bloom, which only lasts for about two weeks. Spend your days exploring the many things to do in Tokyo, as you take in the beauty of the sakura, and then take part in yozakura, the act of viewing cherry blossoms at night.  You’ll find many of the trees to be lit up with small lights and lanterns.   

Top Places to Visit in Spring in Tokyo:

The key places to admire sakura in Tokyo are Uneno Park, home to over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, museums, shrines, and ponds, Shinjuku Gyoen, a park perfect for hanami, and the Chidorigafuchi Moat near the Imperial Palace. You can even rent a boat to row around on the moat underneath the flowering trees. While the magical sakura season is the ideal time to visit Tokyo, everyone else thinks so too. You’ll find the number of tourists reaches its peak during this time, which of course comes with an increase in pricing as well.  Plan accordingly and book your flights and accommodations early!

3- Rocky Mountains, Canada

By Devin @deventuretime

One of the best places to visit in Canada during the spring is the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is a stunning area to visit as the weather warms up, flowers bloom, and waterfalls are at their peak power. It is a great time to hike through the mountains with great weather before the busy tourist season during the summer. Not to mention, it is a great nature escape after the cold winter!

READ ALSO: Outdoor Activities in Winter

With so many incredible places to visit in the Canadian Rockies, visitors can explore mountains, waterfalls, and amazing lakes all in one trip. It is popular to visit waterfalls such as Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls during the spring as the volume of water is at its highest after the snow melts and the surrounding trails open up. They make for really photogenic locations with tall mountains in the background!

It’s popular to camp during the spring in the Rockies at either Banff or Jasper National Parks. Here, campers wake up right in the middle of the mountains where the scenery looks straight out of a postcard and there’s quick access to amazing hiking trails. These parks are home to some of the most stunning lakes in the world like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Visitors frequently catch sight of different wildlife here including moose, elk, bears, and more during their visit to these parks!

4- Cherry Blossom & Tulip Fields, Washington DC

By McKenna Hurd @ One More Step Travels

Washington, DC, the capital of the United States, comes alive during spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The National Mall, which is the land that spans from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, is lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees. From about late March to early May, pink and white flowers can be found everywhere you go in the city. In fact, there is even a whole festival centred around these blossoms, called the National Cherry Blossom Festival. 

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is typically very busy, but the activities and sights make it worth it. In addition to thousands of cherry blossoms throughout the entire city, there are also cherry blossom sculptures, kite flying, and local petal decorations. Cherry blossom décor and souvenirs can also be found all over the city during this time.

Besides the festival, there are endless activities in Washington, DC. Smithsonian Museums hold incredible exhibits with artifacts from ancient mummies to rocket ships and even a zoo. The National Archives houses original documents that are foundations of the United States government system. The Tidal Basin is a beautiful pond surrounded by cherry blossoms and monuments. These just scratch the surface of things to do in the area.

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, consider visiting during spring when the weather is perfect, and the scenery is a delight!

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields

By Karee @ourwovenjourney

It may be surprising to learn that Washington State grows more tulips than anywhere else on the continent, making this flower festival a major attraction. With hundreds of thousands of tulip bulbs planted each year, along with daffodil and other flowers, it’s no wonder visitors come from all over the country to see them.

Almost all the flowers are grown in La Conner, Washington, a small town about an hour north of Seattle. There are two main growers, Roozengarde and Tulip Town, and both have large display gardens that visitors can pay to access. The bulbs are planted in stages so that there are always flowers blooming throughout the spring season.

READ ALSO: Winter Bucket List Activities for Travellers

The Tulip Festival runs from April 1st – 31st and there are many coordinating events happening throughout the month. The Salmon Barbeque is very popular, as is the Street Fair held in Mt. Vernon on the 3rd weekend in April. (Check the official calendar for updates and changes.)

Visitors coming to tour the Skagit valley tulip fields should be prepared to get a little muddy since springtime is a rainy season in Washington. It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella and even a change of clothes, but consider touring the fields even if the weather is less than perfect. Bright, sunny weekends in April bring the most visitors and traffic can get very congested. Consider visiting during the week, even on a cloudy day, for the least amount of traffic and crowds.

5- Cornwall, UK

By Eden @ Travels with Eden

One of the best spring holiday destinations in UK is Cornwall, the southernmost county in the UK. Cornwall is famous for its fantastic beaches, rugged coastline, ample attractions and family-friendly atmosphere. Visiting Cornwall in Spring, you’ll experience pleasant weather and fewer crowds for a more peaceful holiday. One of the best things to do in Spring is walking. The entire coast of Cornwall is part of the south-west coast path, a huge walk taking in Cornwall, Devon and some of Somerset. 

READ ALSO: Best Road Trips in the UK

Image by Andreas Senftleben from Pixabay

Scattered around Cornwall are a huge range of towns and villages, from small remote coastal villages to large coastal towns offering one of the top scenic drives in the UK. The town of St Ives is well worth a visit. Choose between relaxing on one of the five stunning beaches, learning to surf, going on a scenic walk or exploring the cobbled streets and winding alleyways. Padstow is another popular location. Perfect your cooking schools at world-famous chef Rick Stein’s cookery school, take in the picturesque harbour or have an animal experience at the national lobster hatchery. Just along the coast is Newquay, a popular tourist town where you can learn to surf, shop till you drop and relax at one of the 12 surrounding beaches. Cornwall is a fantastic place during the spring.

6- Moab, Utah, USA

By Daniela @foxintheforest.net

Filled with stunning red rock formations, jaw-dropping scenery, and adrenaline-pumping activities, Moab in Utah is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States if you’re looking for desert landscapes that look as though they came straight out of Mars. This beautiful region in south-eastern Utah is wonderful to visit any time of the year, but spring brings in snowmelt which makes it a prime spot for a rafting adventure down the Colorado River. Moab should definitely part of your North American Road Trip Bucket list.

Aside from rafting, spring is one of the best times to go on one of the most beautiful hikes in Moab (highly recommended are Delicate Arch trail, Devil’s Garden, and Fiery Furnace) because the weather is pleasant enough to spend a day exploring its national parks (plus, you will get to avoid the masses of people that summer brings in!).

READ ALSO: Best Road Trips in USA

If you are keen to go on a camping adventure in the desert, spring is a prime time to do that as it offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world (both Arches and Canyonlands national parks are world-renowned for their clear night skies, so that should clue you into how magical it is to spend a night or two in Moab!).

7- Madeira Island, Portugal

By Edyta @ SayYesToMadeira

Madeira Island, a small Portuguese Island on the Atlantic is a lovely destination all year round, but one of the best seasons to visit it is spring. This is when the magnificent Madeira Flower Festival & Flower Themed Parade take place.

Last year exceptionally, due to travel and health restrictions, it was postponed to September and merged with the Madeira Wine Festival. But usually, this beautiful spring celebration starts at the end of April and lasts a couple of weeks. There are concerts, folk dance performances, flower exhibitions and all sorts of flower-related attractions. One of the Funchal avenues changes into a colourful flower market selling flower bulbs, exotic fruit and local food and drinks such as Poncha. Everything is beautifully decorated with flower arrangements, some streets are even covered with carpets made of flower petals.

The highlight of the entire festival is however, and event called Cortejo Alegórico – the Flower Parade. It usually takes place on a Sunday afternoon. Adults and children alike parade through the main streets of Funchal, presenting their carefully prepared costumes, cars and choreographies. It is full of music, flowers, colours and dancing. The vibe is great, it is a wonderful event, and in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful parades in the world. If you love flowers & colourful spring vibe, Madeira Island is definitely a place to visit.  

8- Holambra, Sao Polo, Brazil

By Bruna @ Heart Brazil

If there is a unique place to experience spring in Brazil, that place has to be the little town of Holambra. This charming place in the countryside of São Paulo is a Dutch-inspired town with colorful houses, a windmill, and lovely tulip plantations. Oh, and Van Gogh’s replicas spread all over a park!

Whether you’re traveling to Brazil with your significant other or by yourself, a stroll around this colorful and friendly place is delightful. Besides, this place has the perfect combination of both countries: the cute architecture of the Netherlands and the tropical weather of Brazil. Isn’t it the ideal scenery for a vacation?

READ ALSO: Day Trip to Canal Only Village Giethoorn in Netherlands

Got hungry? So after marvelling at the beautiful flowers, head over to the centre of town to savour Dutch snacks and appetizers. So next time you start making plans for a spring vacation overseas, consider traveling to Holambra and experience the Dutch and Brazilian culture together.

Fun fact: The name Holambra is the junction of two half-words: Holanda (Brazilian Portuguese for The Netherlands) and Brazil.

9- Dubrovnik, Croatia

By Jürgen and Martina @ Places of Juma

Dubrovnik is a really popular destination in Croatia and a fantastic place for a trip in spring. Especially at this time of the year the so-called “Pearl of the Adriatic” has a lot to offer! First of all, the mild Mediterranean climate with around 15-25 °C make a visit in spring just perfect. Flowers are blooming and also the orange trees are opening their buds. You can enjoy long beach walks and if you are lucky you can even go for a swim! In generally, there are so many amazing things to do in Dubrovnik, and especially at that time of the year this city is just perfect for sightseeing with the crowds.

Whether city trip, action or nature, this destination meets all requirements. The beachesare beautiful, the water is wonderfully clear and glows in the most beautiful colors. If you like, you can grab a kayak and paddle down the beautiful coast. You will discover beautiful sea caves and hidden bays. Or you go on a boat trip and explore the beautiful island pearls like Lokrum, Lovran, Korcula or Mlijet. Another highlight is the ride on the Dubrovnik cable car, from where you will have the most amazing view of the city, the harbor and the Riviera.

10- Wildlife Migrations in Cuba

By Carley Rojas Avila @Home to Havana 

One of the most wild and beautiful areas of Cuba, visiting the Ciénaga de Zapata – known as the Zapata Wetlands – is a perfect springtime retreat to explore nature. Located in the south of Cuba, this off the beaten path destination is one of the best destinations for hiking in Cuba, and home to some incredible excursions perfect for the spring weather. Here you’ll find cenotes where you can swim, kayaking excursions in the mangroves, and even the rare Cuban crocodile and flamingos in their natural habitats.

While this area is home to dozens of species of birds, many endemic to Cuba and even this specific region of Cuba, visiting in the spring time brings even more to see here. Flocks of migratory birds make their homes here in the drier seasons, making January through April some of the best times to see the migratory birds as they visit Ciénaga de Zapata. Coinciding with the nicest and sunniest season in Cuba, this makes for a perfect time to visit the island.

When visiting the Ciénaga de Zapata, most visitors stay in either Playa Larga, known for having some of the area’s best beaches, or Playa Girón, known for having some of the area’s best snorkeling and diving. Playa Girón – also known as the Bay of Pigs – plays a special part in Cuba’s revolutionary history, and visitors can see the museum honoring their victory in the invasion.

11- Spring Festival in Budapest

By Nina @ Lemons and Luggage

One of the best places for spring holidays around the world is certainly Budapest. The Hungarian capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe all year round. But the weather in spring is particularly good – not too cold and not too hot – making it easier to explore the city on foot. Budapest is a city where you can do many things outdoors, from hiking in the hills just outside the city center or picnicking in the city’s beautiful parks that are full of flowers, to simply strolling through the many gorgeous neighborhoods.

Visiting Budapest in spring also allows you to visit the various open-air food markets where you can grab a bite from many different food stalls. Vegans don’t have to worry either: The vegan food scene in the city is so enormous that aside from the various vegan restaurants in Budapest there’s even a fully vegan open-air food market.

Image by Jo Stolp from Pixabay

If you plan your trip to coincide with the Budapest Spring Festival you will be treated to several days of hundreds of events such as concerts, performances, and movie screenings both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re into dance, theater, opera, ballet, or contemporary music and art, there is something for you at the Budapest Spring Festival.

12- Spring Cheese Festival, Gruyeres, Switzerland

By Kat @wanderingbird

On the first Sunday each May, the beautiful medieval town of Gruyères holds a festival celebrating its famous cheese. Gruyères isn’t a big town, but the event has a very festive air. The main street is decorated and becomes full of stalls selling cheese and other local produce. There are also craft stalls and often some music to accompany the delicious smells of warm melted cheese which float over the entire town. In the centre (just follow your nose), you’ll usually find a huge vat of fondue which you can enjoy a sample from, complete with a variety of things to dip into it. 

It’s free to visit the festival- just turn up and wander around. There are plenty of places to stay overnight (although you might want to book in advance) or, if you’re campervanning in Switzerland, there are some great campsites near to Gruyères. 

It doesn’t matter whether you arrive early or late- the festival doesn’t get crazy crowded and the atmosphere as it gets busier adds to the charm, but if you’re a cheese connoisseur and want to chat to the cheese makers or stall holders about their produce, plus try a few samples, getting there early is a good idea.  

Image by Sarah Lötscher from Pixabay

13- Spring in Paris & French Riviera, France

Elisa @ France Bucket List

Paris is a lovely destination to visit in the spring. Paris in spring comes with many sunny days and pleasant temperatures, perfect for spending the day sightseeing or drinking a coffee with friends on a sunny terrace. From mid-March to the end of June, expect an explosion of colours in the parks and gardens. It is the perfect time for a Seine River cruise, a picnic in the park, or the first ice cream.

Paris in spring is also famous for its cherry blossoms. There are many spots to see cherry blossoms in Paris and the blooming season depends on the location but generally lasts from late March to mid-April. The best places to enjoy spring in Paris are the Seine River banks, the top of the Eiffel Tower, and of course the parks. Also, the picturesque neighbourhood of Montmartre is especially lovely in springtime.

Spring in Paris is also a good time for a day trip out of the city. There are many quaint villages not far from Paris, great for a day trip. However, the Royal castles are a favourite destination for a day trip from Paris, especially those with beautiful gardens like Versailles or the Loire Valley Castles.

Spring Road Trip in French Riviera

The French Riviera is an excellent destination for a spring holiday in France. This strip of coastline in southern France sees the sun 300 days a year, so there’s no need to wait until the summer to enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean Sea or your favourite drink in a beach bar. Actually, the French Riviera is especially crowded in summertime, so spring is the best season to visit this part of France.  

The best way to explore the French Riviera is on a self-drive holiday. A French Riviera road trip gives the freedom of traveling anywhere without depending on transport holidays plus if you like a place too much you can decide to stay longer.

International travelers can fly directly to Nice airport, which is one of the busiest airports in France. Then, cities like Nice, Cannes, or Monaco are well connected by TGV trains, which are the fastest trains in France.

The list of best destinations to visit on a French Riviera road trip includes Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Eze, Saint-Tropez, and the hilltop villages of Eze, Grasse, and Saint-Paul de Vence. Don’t forget the towel, hat, and sunscreen for the day, and be sure to pack a beautiful outfit for the French Riviera’s glitzy nights.

Guide To Chasing Northern Lights: Key Information

I spent a week road tripping in the north of Norway, Sweden and Finland, in January 2019, and had my first Aurora Borealis experience in Abisko National Park, Sweden. I will also share the Aurora experience from a group of my friends who visited Tromso one week after my trip, as well as tips and tricks to see them in Alaska, Finland and Scotland shared by other travellers. 

Why am I writing this guide?

Before we jump into the practical tips, let us first look into what causes the Northern Lights as a phenomenon we all die to experience and which are the top countries to see them in based on their location. If you know all this feel free to jump to the practical tips section.

What Causes Northern Lights or Aurora?

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, is a renowned magical light show in the night sky caused by solar particles/wind entering the Earth’s atmosphere in the north/south poles. When interacting with the magnetic field of earth, they get ionized creating shades of dancing light in the night sky- the usual color is green, but sometimes you can also see shades of purple, pink, orange and blue. I do not want to talk about the science of Aurora, which is fascinating by the way and can be watched shortly here. The focus of this blog is on identifying the best places to see the northern lights phenomenon in real life.  Let us get started (:waves:) 

There are four major questions to find answers for when planning a trip to see the Auroras- where to see the Northern Lights, the best time to see the Northern lights, how long to go for and how to increase your chances of seeing the Northern lights. Keep in mind that Aurora Borealis is a very unpredictable natural phenomenon and it is a good idea to be prepared as best you can to maximise your chance of seeing them, especially if you are travelling a long distance to fulfil this dream.

• You can see the Aurora only near the poles, so either the Antarctic Circle in the South or the Arctic Circle in the North. This is due to the earth’s magnetic field interaction in these places. The lights in the Arctic Circle are called the Northern Lights and the lights in the Antarctic Circle are called the Southern Lights.
• A clear night sky is must to see the Northern or Southern Lights with your naked eyes. If the sun is still up or there is cloud coverage then they won’t be visible. Additionally rural areas are best compared to cities as they don’t suffer from light pollution as much.
• The intensity of the lights you observe depends on the solar activity in the area, which is the acceleration of solar particles hitting earth’s atmosphere. This means, it is not guaranteed that you will see the dancing lights we ll love to see in all those cool videos. There will always be an element of luck to see them on any particular day.

Where to See Northern Lights?

Now that we know we can only see the Lights only near the poles, let us look at the  major countries on the planet which are close to the poles and gives you that best chance to see the lights. Let’s take a quick look at the countries that are closest to the poles: 

National Geographic lists the countries close to the poles as the top destinations for Aurora viewing, which matches the geography details above. Please don’t plan a trip aiming to see the Northern Lights by seeing pictures of Switzerland or other places with the lights photoshopped in.  So if you are chasing Auroras, countries in the Arctic circle are your best bet.

Top Countries to see Northern Lights

• Iceland
• North Sweden (Abisko, Kiruna)
• North Finland
• Northern Canada
• Alaska, USA
• Greenland
• Scotland, UK

Top Countries to see Southern Lights

• Antartica
• New Zealand
• Tasmania, Australia

Arctic Scandinavia Road Trip Planner

Doing the above studies, I planned a one week road trip to the north of Scandinavia to see the Northern lights aiming to cover Norway, Sweden and Finland, staying in their major cities, Tromso, Abisko and Lyngen. I chose some of the best places to see the Northern lights in Scandinavia,  not just to chase the auroras, but also to explore other Arctic adventures like dog sledding and whale watching during this time. We were so lucky to see the Northern Lights in Abisko National Park, Sweden. It was pretty cool to drive around in the twilight watching the stunning snow scenery throughout.  Here is the road trip route I took during my trip.

READ: Dog Sledding in Tromso Norway

In the world, there are only few places where you can really enjoy the northern lights. To see them, you have to be in a country or region that is near Arctic Circle- Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Scotland, Alaska and some parts of Canada. In this section we have a comprehensive list of all the top locations to plan a Northern lights viewing trip across major countries along with a overview of the highlights for that location.

For every top countries to visit to see Northern Lights I will cover best places to see Northern lights within Norway, Sweden, Finland, Alaska and Scotland. If you are going to Iceland, best time to see the Northern lights in Iceland is very similar to the locations covered below.

Best places to see Northern Lights in Norway

Norway is one of the top countries to see the Northern lights and below are the top locations situated in the North of Norway.

1. Lofoten Islands
2. Svalbard
3. North Cape
4. Kirkenes
5. Tromso
6. Geirangerfjord
7. Longyearbyen
8. Nordkapp (North Cape)
9. Andalsnes

The Lofoten Islands is a famous fishing village with some amazing mountains and houses, it is a very famous touristic destination in Norway during all seasons. Svalbard is the Northern most city and the hardest to get to, but that is where the polar bear lives- so one can go there to see the lights and the bears together North Cape is great for a wildlife adventure, again in the North close to Svalbard. Kirkenes is a little town close to Russia which is famous for northern lights viewing. Tromso, also known as the Arctic Capital, is a charming city and is very accessible and cheap compared to the others, with so many flight options to the international airport located here.  I decided to go to Tromso since I saw some videos of this pretty town in some travel blogs and I can easily say that the three days I spent in Tromso during the winter is easily one of the most charming winter wonderlands city experiences ever. 

Best Time to see Northern Lights in Norway

The best time to see Northern Lights in Norway is between the months of September and March when it’s dark all day and night long. Northern lights can be seen in Norway as early as September and as late as April. There’s a good chance to see northern lights in the sky at night from October, November and December. 

Chasing Northern Light Tromso Norway

In Tromso city, if you climb up the funicular you will get a great view of the city (best city view I have ever seen in my life so far, don’t miss it if you go) and the Northern lights view from here on a clear sky is unbeatable. I was not lucky during my visit, but I have seen plenty of dreamy pictures taken from here. 

READ: Road Trip in Tromso in Winter

There are so many Northern Lights chasing tours from Tromso from various tour operators. If you have a car and would like to try chasing the northern lights yourself, here are some of the top locations around Tromso to drive into. 

• Tromso City
• Kvaloya
• Ersfjordbotn
• Lyngen

The Lyngen Alps area is located a bit out of Tromso and is a very nice location in the country side to hunt auroras. This area is filled with Fjords and there are many activities here including dog sledding and snowmobiling. There are multiple day excursions from Tromso for all of these if you don’t want to travel to Lyngen yourself. You could also take part in winter adventures like dog sledding and whale watching combined with Northern Lights viewing. I have done both of these activities separately and I can only imagine how awesome it must be to see the lights in the midst of the Norwegian fjords.

• Whale Watching Tours in the Fjords
• Dog Sledding Northern Lights Tour, Tromso

 I was not lucky to see the lights in Tromso, but my friends saw them during their trip with the company Tromso Safari. I am sharing some of their best shots. They saw the lights around the Fjords, how cool! 

We both went with the company Tromso Safari as their Facebook page shows lot of pictures everyday. I would recommend taking an orgainsed trip by an agency as they know exactly where to go and have agents everywhere to try and maximise your chance to see the lights and conveniently you can board the Tromso Safari bus directly from the Tromso city center which is great, especiallyif you don’t have your own transport.

Best places to see Northern Lights in Sweden

Northern Sweden has one of the most magical locations and centers for Aurora viewing with a dedicated Aurora Sky Station in Abisko. The top cities in Sweden to see the Aurora include:

1. Kiruna
2. Abisko
3. Jukkasjarvi
4. Laponia
5. Karesuando
6.  Pajala

I visited Abisko and Kiruna during my trip, staying in Abisko National Park for two days where I had my first Northern Lights viewing experience. This national park is just amazing in winter.

Best Time to see Northern Lights in Sweden

Best time to see Northern Lights in Sweden is between December and March. Northern lights appear best at North Sweden during the winter months, from December through March. In Kiruna, you can see it as early as September too.

Chasing Northern Lights in Abisko, Sweden

Abisko is a very worthwhile location to target for Northern Lights viewing with the opportunity to see the lights as well as explore a completely frozen national park and lakes in winter. We saw the lights from the Aurora View point in the Kappas Cabin Village, near Abisko National Park.

 My first Aurora experience was in Abisko, Sweden on the second day of our ten day long road trip. My friends and I waited for over 4 hours before we had this experience as it was very cloudy initially and took a while for the skies to clear. I had attempted to capture pictures from when the sky started to clear to when the lights appeared and created a short video out of it to try and give you a feeling of the experience.

Best Places to See Northern Lights in Finland

Some of the most popular locations for northern lights in Finland are:

1. Rovaniemi – where Santa Claus resides
2. Ruka
3. Levi
4. Sariselka
5. Ivalo
6. Kevo, Finnish Lapland
7. Sörnäinen, Helsinki
8. Inari, Finnish Lapland (Enontekiö)

Finland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Considering the country’s extent, your chances of seeing this natural phenomenon increases significantly if you head north to Lapland. Although the northern lights are visible on numerous nights even from the capital, Helsinki, if you have a couple of extra days to travel more, you won’t regret it. The Lappish landscape is magical, especially in winter. You can observe the sky surrounded by gorgeous snow-covered trees, hike to the fells or see reindeer passing by.

The more north, the better. In case you try your own luck, dress warm and preferably stay close to parking lots not to get lost in the wilderness. The best is to choose a southern edge of a lake, so the horizon is well visible towards the northern pole. Although most of these settlements are relatively small, go outside of them to reduce light pollution. Numerous companies offer northern lights tours, for example, by snowmobiles, so if you don’t fancy winter driving or are concerned with orientation, pick one with an experienced guide. The best months to observe the lights are early fall or late winter to spring when the sky is less likely to be covered with thick clouds.

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland is from September to early March

Best Places to See Northern Lights in Scotland

Some of the top locations to see Northern lights in Scotland are:

1. John O’Groats
2. Orkney Islands
3. Shetland
4. Lerwick, Shetland Islands (Hollingsworth Bay)
5. Elgol, Isle of Skye

While Scotland isn’t an Arctic country it is far enough north that it is possible to see the northern lights from various locations.  In the south of Scotland the light pollution from Edinburgh, Glasgow and some of the larger towns can make seeing the lights difficult, but the further north you travel the more remote the landscape becomes and the more likely it is to have a proper dark sky.  

Unlike Norway, Sweden and Iceland, Scotland needs solar activity to be slightly higher for the northern lights to be visible.  A lot of the displays are lower intensity with low arcs and pillars being more common than the more intense displays.

One of the best places to see the northern lights is along the coast near to John O’Groats.  The low sea cliffs and views to the horizon across the sea maker for the perfect landscape. This gives a clear sky although Orkney can obscure lower intensity displays.  

Heading to Orkney or Shetland can provide the perfect conditions for hunting down the northern lights.  In Orkney the main island has a number of clear horizons that are perfect for viewing the northern lights safely.  Similarly, Shetland has some good viewing locations and given its latitude being similar to Bergen it needs a lower level of activity to see the northern lights.

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Scotland

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Scotland is from  October to March

Best Places to See Northern Lights in Alaska, North America

Best places to see Northern lights in Alaska include:

1. Fairbanks
2. Ester
3. Haystack Mountain
4. Murphy Domes
5. Wickersham.
6. Utqiagvik

Alaska is one of the major North American destinations to see Northern lights from and one of the places where the lights are visible for almost 7 months in a year.  

I witnessed Alaska’s outstanding northern lights display when visiting in late August on an Alaskan Cruise. While sailing the open seas off the western coast of Alaska, I stood in awe, staring up at the magnificent light show in the sky. In 2017 I returned to Alaska to the city of Fairbanks. While the northern lights I saw on the cruise were inspiring, nothing compared to what I saw in Fairbanks. The famous gold rush boomtown of Fairbanks is well-known as the best place for aurora viewing in Alaska. From here, I drove around 15 miles to Cleary Summit—an ideal spot offering a scenic view of the horizon. 

If you are planning on chasing the northern lights in Alaska, my top recommendation is Fairbanks. Countless tour companies in the area offer in-depth knowledge and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. The city of  Utqiagvik, Alaska is also home to the Top of the World Hotel which hosts excellent aurora tours and outdoor adventures.

The best time to see northern lights is during winter when northern state experiences long nights. While you may be able to catch glimpses of this breath taking phenomenon throughout the state, sticking between 65° N and 70° N latitude will maximize your chances. 

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Alaska, North America

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Alaska is from mid September to late April.

Best time to see Northern Lights

The best time to see the Northern Lights in all the countries is during winter time which is usually between the months of September and March in the Arctic Circle North. Winter is when the night skies are darkest and for the longest duration which maximizes your chances. I personally picked to go in extreme winter, January, when the Arctic North region only had about one hour of sun light per day.

Guide to Chasing Northern Lights: Top 3 Practical Tips

We have shortlisted the countries to go for and know the best time to plan our trip, let us now look into what are the best tips to see the Northern lights including how to maximize our chances of seeing the lights and which are the target top locations in a country. 

Northern Lights are very unpredictable. You can hardly predict when and where they will appear. They usually appear in the winter but it still depends on weather conditions such as cloudiness, rain or snow storms causing darkness at night. The temperature should also be low below -25 C for them to shine brightly!

1- Monitoring the Weather

From points 2 and 3 in the section What Causes Northern Lights?, it is obvious that this is a natural and unpredictable phenomenon and the Weather is the key determining factor for your experience- it can really be your angel or devil. There are two major players:

Solar Activity: (Your turn to be an Astronomer)

You can only see the Northern lights when there is solar activity in your area, which means when the solar particles hit the atmosphere and cause the light effects. For tracking this, scientists create something called an Ovation Map using real time data about the solar winds and forecast it regularly (thanks to advancements in technology). With this map, you can monitor locations from where the Aurora may be visible during a time period. The model also tells us the strength of the predicted Aurora with a metric marked by Kp.  Kp> 2 means there is high solar activity in a given area and you will likely see Auroras if the sky is clear.

Cloud Cover: (Your turn to be a Weather Expert)

We need a clear sky, as non-cloudy as possible to see the lights with naked eye as lights are far above the clouds. Clouds will block your view even if there is high solar activity (Kp>2 :wink:) so you will also need some Cloud-God blessing

I hope I have not scared you away with all these details, but don’t worry about all the science and details about being an astronomer or a weather expert, there are apps for everything these days

2- Use an Aurora Forecast Application

Keep Calm and download the Aurora app which gives you all the weather information in one place. My favourite application that I found handy is the My Aurora Forecast. The interface is easy and shown below. You can choose your location and it shows you the cloud coverage and solar activity in selected area. It shows the Kp value, cloud coverage and even the viewing probability. 

3- Stay for a Week

Try to stay in these places for a week to maximize your chances and rule out bad-weather days. Typically a week is good with at least 3 days dedicated to see the lights themselves.

4- Practical Tips to Find Top Northern Lights Locations

We now know where to book our flights to and also have the application installed and learned how the weather chasing works.  You still need to know which parts of the city should you choose to watch the Auroras. This was the biggest part of my research as I already knew I would go to Arctic Scandinavia. I found the following method the best during my own research.

1- Chase Hashtags and Pictures from Reliable sources

I spent some time looking at the top Aurora pictures posted on Facebook by travel companies that offer Northern Lights viewing tours and traced the location of their pictures. You can also check the Instagram hashtags #aurora or #northernlights, but note that many times they only have the main city name. What worked for me the best to spot locations was by  tracking pictures uploaded by top photographers in 500pix.com. Believe it or not, this was an epic idea, as many photographers had tagged locations and I pinned them all to check out. In my case, I was going to drive around Tromso, Abisko and through Finland and by doing this activity, I created a list of all the locations that I would try driving through to chase the Auroras (shared below).

2- Trust the Travel Agencies

The best advice for someone who does want to go on road trip by yourself is really to pay for the agencies if you can afford to. These agencies have so many different aurora viewing camps in different regions around a city and they have their agents constantly watching the sky. This network makes it easy for them to communicate if the Northern Lights are seen in one location and they will quickly take you to the right places. It is a bit expensive, approximately €100 or so per person, so if you can’t afford it you can try chasing the northern lights yourself by going to right locations.

Having said that, northern Arctic cities are very famous for Aurora and if there is a clear sky you can see them anywhere. Weather is really the key player.

Guide to Chasing Northern Lights: Final Thoughts

Northern lights viewing is definitely a once in a lifetime experience for those who are not lucky enough to live in the above destinations. If you have this on your bucket list and want to plan your dream trip, I hope this guide helps.

Both of the weather elements are not in our control and hence you can only hope for the weather to be in your favour for your visit. Given this, you still can maximize your chances if you stay in these places for a longer period of time to try and find some good  weather days. I did my trip for a week and unfortunately/fortunately only saw Aurora on one day as it was cloudy almost every other day (:unlucky:). However when my friends visited just after a week we did, they saw the lights beautifully with high solar activity in Tromso. Keep exploring!

Pin this Guide for Future Reference!

Where to Watch Dolphins in Scotland

• Moray Firth, Inverness
• North Kessock Village, Inverness
• Spey Bey Dolphin centre, Inverness
• Chanonry Point, Inverness
• Cromarty Firth- watch from the Cromarty bridge
• Aberdeen Harbour
• Staffa / Isle of Mull
• Isle of Skye (Mealt Falls)

Dolphins can be seen from the Scotland mainland as well as by taking boat tours both in Moray Firth and in the islands of Scotland. I recommend the land experience if you don’t want to spend money on a boat tour. It is not only very budget-friendly but purely an extraordinary experience.

Dolphin Watching in Scotland from Land

Out of all the top places listed above, the locations near Inverness are where you can see the dolphins swimming from the land. The Black Isle sea around Moray Firth, the east coast of Scotland, has lots of bottlenose dolphins, where you can watch the dolphins swimming and playing just from the shore, 10 meters in front of you.

Dolphin watching Boat Tours in Moray Firth and Islands

Islands where you can see dolphins include Isle of Mull and Isle of Skye. In these regions, you can take boat tours to see dolphins swim in the sea. Moray Firth in Inverness also offers boat tours for dolphin watching.

• Dolphin Watching Trip in Moray Firth : Dolphin spirit is a famour tour in this area
• Dolphin & Whale Watching in Scottish Highlands
• Black Isle Day Tour

Best Time To See Dolphins in Scotland

The best time to see dolphins in Scotland is the summertime from the end of May until September, though dolphins are here throughout the year. Best time of the day to see dolphins are in the low tide time in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. It is best to check the tide time of the day you are visiting to increase your chances of seeing the dolphins.

Dolphin Watching in Inverness, Scotland

Inverness is a perfect base to plan your dolphin-watching adventure in Scotland. Located in the starting point of the famous North Coast 500 route, this town has a lot of attractions to offer like the Inverness castle and many scenic drives including around Loch Ness. Most of the land watching spots for dolphins are located in this area. Many of these locations are within 1-hour walking distance within the Inverness city center.

In Chanonry Point in Fortrose and in the North Kessock village, you will find lots of photographers and locals waiting for few hours at the beach around the tide time to capture the dolphins. Bring your binoculars and tripods during your trip.

Map of Inverness, City in Scottish Highlands

If you would like to get hold of a map of Inverness, you can download it from the 4umaps. com.

READ: Scotland road Trip Itinerary for 2 weeks in Scottish Highlands

Dolphin Watching at Chanonry Point Inverness

Chanonry Point is one of the most popular spots in Inverness to see the dolphins swim from the land. Land watching dolphins is a prime activity here. Chanonry Point has a lighthouse and is popular for lots of sea activities for example kayaking, sailing, etc. You can also take your water sports equipment and head out into the sea to see the dolphins up close to here. It is perfect for families to take kids and pets here and they can play at the beach, watch the sea and ships while waiting for the dolphins. Chanonry Point is located between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle and has its own car park. You should not miss the perfect chance to see the dolphins here – One of the Free Scottish Wildlife Experience.

Best Time to See Dolphins in Chanonry Point

Dolphins in Chanonry point appear around the rising tide time and the best time to see them is 1 hour after the low tide time. One can check the tide time for a given day on WillyWeather and time your visit to 1 hour afterward. I would recommend getting there early to make sure to get a parking spot, we were so lucky to have gotten the last spot.

Checking the Tide Times for Dolphin Watching

On the willyweather website, you can enter the region and find the tide times as in the screenshot below. Look for the low tide time in this area and then aim to get to Chanonry point around 1 hour after.

Planning and Reaching Chanonry Point

We checked the WillyWeather site before the night for the low tide time and reached the point at about 10 am when the low tide time was marked 9 am. We were traveling by car as we were on a road trip and initially when we arrived it was disheartening as all the parking spots were taken, but then a couple left and we managed to get a space.

Top Tip: Go early to secure a parking spot, this is a free experience in demand.

Public Transport to Chanonry Point: Dolphin Shuttle Bus

If you don’t want to be bothered about parking or are not visiting by car, or don’t want to walk far, you can take a Dolphin shuttle bus to Chanonry point.

Chanonry Point Coast: Lighthouse and Beach

Chanonry Point is a great place to hang out in Scotland with lots of water sports activities ongoing and a stunning lighthouse. We first roamed around the lighthouse, where you will also see lots of folks reading a book and having brunch. It is a great idea to grab a bite here by the sea.

READ: Best Scottish Towns and Villages

There are plenty of sea activities here with multiple ships and yachts sailing by and there were also folks enjoying a kayak here. A great way to keep entertained is by waiting for dolphins to arrive.

This below ship when emerged which reminded me of many stories including the Norwegian Vikings, Copenhagen, Portugal, and even India.

Chanonry Point Dolphin Watching Experience

After waiting for almost two hours, we started to see dolphins appear.

Vow, the excitement was real and almost felt like seeing the whales when they were far away, but as promised they came really close to the land in their pods. This is an unbeatable experience to see dolphins swim so close to you, playing and throwing salmon fish around. They were swimming close by for over 1 hour while we were there and we had to leave to see other attractions but trust me, I wished I could just watch them all day.

The weather was really bad and windy, and I still curse myself for not taking an action camera with me as getting stable footage was nearly impossible. Here is a simple video we compiled with all our footage. It is a bit long, but we have managed to catch the dolphins throwing the fish in this video.

Top Tips for Dolphin Watching in Scotland

• Check Tide Time: Check the tide time and go this is really important to go close to a time when dolphins appear.
• Photography: Carry a tripod, binocular and a zoom lens. Set your camera and be ready to click some amazing shots. GoPro or any other action camera will be great to get some action shots here both the dolphins when they arrive as well as the water sports etc.
• Be Patient: If you have gone in the specified time after checking for the time of low tide, there is a big chance you will see them. Going at the right time is important and then not giving up too. I saw lot of folks waiting for only half an hour before leaving and missing their chance to see which it is a shame.
• Dress appropriately: It can be pretty windy and cold, so it’s best to go all prepared in windcheaters etc. so that you can stay longer without being frustrated.
• Go with food or other things to do at the beach to not give up easily as you might end up waiting for 1-2 hours. Trust me it is worth it, so why not turn it into a picnic and plan a meal there.
• Bring your kids: If you got kids, they will be more than thrilled to have this experience. The big me, was jumping up and down watching the dolphins swim. I almost thought my kids are getting a treat in Scotland one day

Types of Dolphins in Scotland

Some of the popular Dolphin species to see in Scotland include:

• Bottlenose dolphin
• Orca (killer whale)
• Minke whale
• Risso’s dolphin
• Common dolphin

Bottlenose dolphins are the most popular native wild animals to see in Scotland, these are almost 5 meters in length and are grey in color. They are always found in groups called dolphin pods and are renowned for being playful. These dolphins are hence the fattest in the world as they have extra fat to help them survive the cold. Though the water is cold here and dolphins usually prefer warm water, they are here for the Scottish Atlantic salmon. The North sea area of Scotland is filled with Salmon. You can see dolphins out during the tidal times as the salmon fish gets caught in tide and dolphins pods come to catch them. The most exciting sight is to see the dolphins throw the fish in the water. And you can see all that just from the land in some of these spots.

Other Things to do in Inverness

Inverness city has a lot of Scottish attractions and landmarks that are worth a visit. Some of my top recommendations include:

• Inverness Cathedral
• Inverness Castle : one of the best castles in Scotland
• Ness Islands
• Ness Walk

Inverness is also a major location for those who are aiming for their ultimate Scottish highland experience, seeing as many lochs, driving the scenic NC500 route, or even chasing some of the top Harry Potter destinations. For those who cannot drive, here are some of the top guided tours in this area:

• Chase the Jacobite train and live your Harry Potter Dream
• Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle
• Loch Ness, Whiskey and Outlander Tour

Pin this post to plan your dolphin watching adventures!

Fun Outdoor Activities in Winter for Your Winter Travel Bucket List

Here is a collection of top winter adventure ideas to add to your winter bucket list for when you visit different parts of the world during this season. Most of them are fun outdoor activities in winter that are also normally available as guided tours in all the suitable countries mentioned below.

1- Northern Lights Chasing

The famous natural magic show in the sky, also known as the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights, ranks number 1 on the winter bucket list. The best places to see the Northern Lights fall in the Arctic regions of the planet. For more details on planning your Northern Lights Chasing dream trip and increasing your chances of seeing them, checkout the guide to chase the Northern Lights which covers the best time to go and the top locations in the world to see the lights.

2- Dog Sledding / Reindeer Sledding

Image by badamczak80 from Pixabay

Dog sledding is a must do outdoor winter activity in the Arctic regions that is undoubtedly a great fun day out with the huskies. It is one of the best winter activities to experience in Arctic Scandinavia, Iceland, Alaska or Canada and I recommend adding it to your winter bucket list from my own personal experience of a dog sledding adventure in Tromso Norway.

In Arctic Lapland, north of Scandinavia, you can even do reindeer sledding in the snowy woods which is as close as you can get to experiencing part of the ancient Sami culture, the society that was the centre of this region for over 5000 years.

3- Snowmobiling

If you want to take a motorised ride in the snow, you can go for a snowmobiling safari into the Arctic wilderness in the north of Scandinavia- Finland, Norway and Sweden. Snowmobiles are an integral part of life in this region during the long winters and are used by the local communities extensively for transportation. It is a fun ride and a great outdoor winter activity not to miss.

4- Snow Sledding

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Snow sledding is a very popular local activity in snowy countries and you can often see kids being pulled by parents on the sleds along the roads. This is a fun activity I feel everyone should try in snow and I would totally recommend adding it to your winter bucket list. It is equally fun for adults and kids.

5- Stargazing

Picture Courtesy: John Howard

Stargazing is again a magical experience possible in regions with clear skies. Arctic regions are definitely popular for this and some places are so free of light pollution that you could even capture Milky way. Isle of Cull in Scotland was recently ranked as one the best stargazing locations in the world.

6-Ice Skating

Ice skating is very popular even not during winter with artificial ice rinks. An adventurous outdoor activity to try during winter is to skate on a frozen Ice lake, however be careful attempting this and make sure to check the region for the thickness of ice and any local guidance before you embark on this adventure. Most destinations have established ice skating trails to try this. Look at that picture, go winter bucket list!

7- Ice Fishing

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Ice fishing is a very fascinating style of fishing that you can experience in winter heavy Arctic regions. Those who do ice fishing are called Ice Anglers. The idea is to make some deep holes in the ice and then wait for fish to take the bait. It sounds simple, but there are techniques and equipment needed to master this art making it a very special item for the winter bucket list. I would love to try this, just not sure I have the patience to sit outside in the frozen temperatures waiting for the fish

8- Snow Hiking

A simple winter bucket list item to add is challenging yourself to climb a snow mountain during winter to enjoy a white panoramic view from the top. Many countries have short hikes to try on a snow hiking holiday in winter.

9- Snow Shoeing

Snowshoeing is an alternative way to hike in the snow, snowshoes are a type of outer footwear that feature a wide frame to distribute the weight of the person over a larger area. The reason for this design is to achieve something called “floatation”, a quality that prevents the foot from sinking into the snow. This was an essential way of transportation in the past and is a popular recreational activity today. This is a simple winter outdoor adventure that can be added to a winter bucket list for easy hiking in the snow.

10- Skiing

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports and has lot of variations. Different types of skiing include downhill skiing, back country skiing, ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing among others, with the most popular being downhill skiing. Skiing is usually easy to learn but hard to master, and is one of the most addictive fun adventure ever. Skiing is possible in many different places wherever there is snow and mountains, but Alpine mountains in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy are the most exotic in Europe and Canada of course in North America.

11- Snowtubing

Snowtubing is almost like sledding but with an inflated tube used to slide down the snow. It is rather easy for anyone to try but a bit more adventurous than sledding due to less control in steering and increase in the speed which makes it easy to go faster than a usual sled.

12- See Ice Caves

Some countries like Iceland have natural ice caves which are a must see and looks so magical. Did you know that ice caves are formed by winter storms that transformed the rocks and cliffs to form caves? You can find tours that help you get to the ice caves via snow shoeing or other means in popular areas. The top ice caves in the world are in Switzerland, Russia, Slovakia, Iceland and Canada.

13- Walk on an Ice Glacier

Ice glaciers are another magical natural formation, consisting of a large body of ice and walking over them can be a unique experience amidst the stunning scenery. Popular countries that have ice glaciers include France, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Argentina and Canada.

14- Fat Biking in Snow

Biking in the mountains is already a great adventure, how about doing the same in the snowy mountains and add a bit more challenge? I see the winter pros in Canada do this as a popular winter outdoor activity. If you are into mountain biking and feel more adventurous, you may not want to miss adding this your winter bucket list adventures.

15- Winter Horseback Riding

If you love horse riding, winter is a great time to enjoy a trail ride. This reminds me of some Game of Thrones scenes and some Hollywood movies indeed. Both the scottish islands and Canada offer great opportunities to try this winter bucket list item.

16- Frozen Waterfall Climbing

Who would have thought that an ice climbing adventure was a thing? There are guided tours in some regions in Canada and Scandinavia where you can learn to cut through ice and climb frozen waterfall for a great view from the top after this endeavour. Ontario Canada boasts one of the best ice climbing destinations in the world. Another place I have experienced some brave souls trying this was in Abisko National Park in Sweden.

17- Christmas Markets

Christmas is one of the most heart warming seasons of the year in many countries involving family reunions and other traditions to bring people together to share love and joy. Christmas markets are one of the major events hosted in winter cities where you can find lots of outdoor activities like fairground rides, food and drink stalls and shops hosted by locals selling local produces as well as souvenirs. In these markets, you can also find festive special drinks like mulled wine. Some of the best christmas markets are in Germany, especially in major cities like Munich and Berlin , Austria, Poland and other eastern European countries like Estonia.

18- Catch a Winter Festival or Winter Wonderlands

Some places also host winter festivals like light festivals with decorations throughout the city or winter celebrations in closed spaces like a winter wonderland with multiple attractions like rides, stalls and games. London Hydepark’s winter wonderland is very famous and attracts tourists from around the world. Eindhoven in Netherlands is very famous for hosting an annual light show called Glow in Winter, where the city is lit up with a themed light exhibition along a route with light constructions designed by artists around the world. Folks can either bike or walk the entire exhibition route to observe at their leisure.

19- New Years Eve Celebrations

Many cities host grand New Year’s eve parties with music concerts, fireworks and shows available for the public. Most of these celebrations have their own specialities, often tied to the most popular landmarks in a city. I personally recommend experiencing the New Year’s eve celebrations of another location at least once, as I am so addicted to these types of celebrations that I aim to attend a different one of these every year. Some of the top cities are London, Paris, Las Vegas and Dubai.

20- Make a Snowman or Engage in a Snowball Fight

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Finally a very simple and fun thing to do in the snow is to make a snowman, and should definitely be on your winter bucket list if you don’t usually have snow where you live. My first snow was in Holland when I moved to Europe and I still remember that initial excitement. I built my first snowman only very recently in my backyard in England during lockdown. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but hey it is a fun thing to do outdoors.

Best Winter Vacation Destinations Around the World

Now that we have seen some really fun and exotic winter outdoor activities for your winter bucket list, let us look into some of the top winter vacation destinations in the world where you can experience some of these winter outdoor activities. We will look into each continent and popular travel destinations as suggested by some travellers in my network and based on my own experiences.

Canada

Banff, Canada

Highlight Activities: Wild ice skating in frozen lakes, Snow hiking, Snow mobiling, Skiing.

By Kat @endlesswander

Banff National Park in Alberta is a popular winter destination in Canada and is very famous for its scenic mountains. Aside from snow sports such as skiing, wild ice skating in Banff is an incredible outdoor activity in winter to explore in this area! The perks of wild skating in Banff is that you are always surrounded by fresh mountain air and stunning mountain views!

Some of the most popular lakes to visit here for ice skating are listed below:

• Lake Louise
• Two Jack Lake
• Johnson Lake

The most popular place to skate in the national park is, of course, Lake Louise. This stunning,
iconic lake freezes for skating by mid-December, making it the perfect place to visit for
Christmas (they even build a mini ice castle on the lake!). The Fairmont Hotel is located right on
the lake, which means the hotel maintains the lake for skating which is very helpful. Because of its
beauty and popularity, it can be booked early and get busy very quickly.

Two Jack Lake is another beautiful lake to skate on in the national park and perfect for a winter
adventure. Only a 15 minute drive from downtown Banff, Two Jack Lake is huge, which allows
for skaters to spread out and skate comfortably. If you find the parking lot full at Two Jack,
Johnson Lake is just down the road and is another great option.

Even though lesser known, Johnson Lake still offers incredible mountain views and awesome skating conditions. All wild ice skating lakes are free to enjoy! Please be careful though – ice thickness is not
monitored closely and skating is at your own risk.

Yellowknife, Canada

Highlight Activities: Cross Country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing.

By Tina@thetinalifestyle

When you want to bundle up and head for the great outdoor activities in winter, Yellowknife in Canada offers a perfect wintertime fun you might expect from a northern location in Canada. Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories and is a perfect place to fulfil some of the winter bucket list ideas. Best winter activities here include:

• Chasing Northern Lights: Because of its geographic location, Yellowknife is one of the premier viewing destinations in the world. The Aurora dazzles visitors nearly 240 days out of the year.
• Cross-Country Skiing: Shoosh across well groomed trails with views of the aurora borealis/northern lights.
• Ice Skating: Enjoy prepared ice on Frame Lake near City Hall or at the Snowking Castle.
• Snowmobiling: Tour operators know the best spots for frozen water, powdery trails, and wildlife viewing.
• Snowshoeing: Blaze your own path or choose a guided tour.
• Dog Sledding: Plenty of companies offer dog sledding fun, from rides to taking the reins yourself.

Winter in Yellowknife brings frozen rivers and lakes with the ice thick enough to be out on, which also makes it a perfect location for experiencing the ice related winter activities.

• Ice Fishing: Grab a pole and wrap up for the coolest fishing ever. Find a guide to take you to a cozy fishing shack on the ice. 
• Ice Roads: Be like the Ice Truckers and take a drive over frozen water to reach locales not usually accessible.

Europe

Iceland

Highlight Activities: Ice Cave, Northern Lights, Sledding, Glacier Walking.

By Michelle @MoyerMemoirs.com

Iceland is perfect for most of the winter arctic adventures including winter hiking and seeing frozen waterfalls. One of the top winter adventures to put on your winter bucket list is seeing an ice cave in Iceland. The Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is home to many huge glaciers covering hundreds of miles of the country’s landscape with icy cliffs, crevices, flowing ice lagoons and ice caves.

Iceland’s glacier ice caves are only accessible during the winter months of November through March when it is colder and the glacier ice water that formed the caves freezes, leaving behind beautiful tunnels and caverns in an array of blue colours. The glacier only reflects blue light and absorbs all other light wavelengths giving the glacier ice caves it’s stunning deep blue hue. The exact shade of blue depends on the thickness of the ice and the amount of earth and rubble the glacier has entrapped on its move around Iceland.

The answer to the question of where to find an ice cave in Iceland in winter is never going to be permanent. The caves are constantly changing each year due to the melting and re-freezing of the glaciers, but several of the larger glaciers, like Vatnajokull, have repeatedly been producing cavernous spectacles year after year. To access a glacier ice cave, you will need a tour guide in order to ensure your safe travel across the glacier and into the depths of the cave. You will be rewarded on this ultimate outdoor winter adventure with magnificent views that will last you a lifetime.

Norway

Highlight Activities: Northern lights, Dog/Reindeer Sledding, Skiing, Winter fishing, Snowshoeing.

By Kat@wanderingbird

If you’re looking for a great winter adventure, you have to head up to Norway. Norway has a range of attractions whatever the season, but in winter it offers a very wide range of activities. The top cities to visit in Norway include:

• Tromso
• Lyngen
• Oslo
• Lofoten Islands

The region around Tromso is perfect for a road trip in the arctic to go on a Northern lights chasing trip in the country side and explore the majestic Norwegian fjords landscape in this season. And I almost forgot to mention how cute the cabins in this area are.

Tromso in Norway, also known as the Arctic capital, is a famous winter vacation destination with lots of tour operators organizing many of your winter bucket list adventures. It is a great location to target in Eruope to check off lots of the outdoor winter activities on our bucket list.

TOP TIP: Get out of the city to see the lights at their finest. Light pollution dulls the colours and you won’t get the same vibrancy as you will out in the countryside. Of course, if you have a camper, campervanning in Norway is the perfect way to sleep in the middle of nowhere and have them all to yourself or there are tours that take you on chasing northern lights in vans.

Related Reading: Dog Sledding Experience in Tromso Norway

Finland

Highlight Activities: Visit Santa Claus, Northern lights, Dog/Reindeer Sledding, Snowmobiling.

Courtesy of Catherine@passportsandadventures

Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland covered in snow during December and this makes it ideal for enjoying many of your winter bucket list items. It is the perfect place to enjoy a husky safari (dog sledding) through wintery forests and across frozen lakes. It is also the best place for a reindeer sleigh ride with one of Rudolph’s friends. Moreover, it is one of the best places to chase the Northern Lights.

Apart from the top winter attractions in the Arctic regions, one of the best winter activities to try in Finland is to visit Santa Claus in his hometown of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland in December. Whether you are visiting Lapland with kids, or going as a couple, going to see the big man in Lapland before Christmas is a truly unforgettable winter adventure and definitely a unique winter bucket list item.

Santa’s official hometown is the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi and there are two places to go and see Santa to give him your Christmas wish list.

• Santa Claus Village
• Santa Park

Santa Claus Village is where his official office is, and Santa Park is his underground cavern. At both places you can meet him, see his elves and even cross the Arctic Circle. Make sure to get your certificate wherever you do this! As well as all these activities, Rovaniemi also has some great museums, which are kid-friendly, dedicated to the Arctic Circle and its inhabitants, the forest around the region and contemporary art too. They are a great way to learn about the region in which Santa Claus is from.

Sweden

Highlight Activities: Northern lights, Dog/Reindeer Sledding, Snowmobiling, Ice sakting.

Sweden is a perfect winter vacation destination filled with many of our winter bucket list items and spending time in the nature. Swedish Lapland is as equally as charming as Finland and Norway, with great chances to see the Northern lights. Top cities for a winter staycation include:

• Abisko National Park: Great for northern lights viewing
• Kiruna
• Stockholm
• Swedish lapland

Abisko National Park is very famous for its Aurora Borealis station and hiking this park in winter is a great adventure with opportunities to try ice skating, snowshoeing etc. I am still awestruck when I think of time spent in Abisko National Park in winter chasing Northern lights in extreme winter and days having only 1 hour of daylight.

French Alps

Highlight Activities: Skiing and snow hiking.

Courtesy of Elisa@travelfrancebucketlist

The French Alps is an excellent destination for a fun winter outdoor trip in France. The French Alps are located in Eastern France, at the border with Italy and Switzerland, and it is an area easy to reach from the airports of Lyon or Grenoble. The French Alps is famous for its breath-taking views, pretty villages, and great food.

The French Alps are one of the top winter vacation destinations in France for skiing. There are various ski resorts in the French Alps, built to suit every traveller and ski-level. Some of these ski resorts are world-known, while others have a more local feeling.

The resorts in the French Alps are great for skiing, but non-skiers will find other fun activities to keep them busy as well. Besides, these resorts offer great shopping and various good restaurants perfect for getting a taste of the regional cuisine: raclette, fondue, and other cheese-based meals.

For a more relaxing holiday, stay in Chamonix instead. Chamonix is a picturesque alpine town with many exciting things to see and do. You can combine your winter vacation stay in Chamonix with a trip to Annecy, one of France’s most beautiful cities located by the lake of the same name.

Italian Alps

Courtesy of Giacomo, my Italian friend <3

Italian alps is very popular for skiing and has many skii resorts. Some of the popular ones are:

• Corvara
• Selva di Val Gardena
• Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Courmayer
• Stelvio

Corvara, Selva di Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Courmayer are all best to visit in winter time between December until February. Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most famour skii resort amongst these. Stelvio/Livrio glacier is famous for a visit during summer time too.

Austria

Highlight Activities: Skiing, Christmas Markets, New Year’s Eve

Austrian alps is famous for skiing with many resorts in the alps. I personally love Innsbruck. Some top places to skii in Austria include:

• Mayrhofen
•  Sölden
• Ischgl and the Silvretta Arena
•  Zell am See
• Alpbach

Apart from skiing, Austria also host stunning winter decorations and Christmas markets in its cities. New Years eve celebrations in Vienna is particularly noteworthy with open music and dances, even an opportunity to watch live opera.

Germany

Highlight Activities: Christmas markets, Ice Stock Curling

Courtesy of Rachel&Nico@averagelives

Germany is a paradise when it comes to Christmas markets. I would say experiencing at least one Christmas market in Germany should find a place in your winter travel bucket list. Some of the world famous markets in Germany are in cities like:

• Cologne
• Dresden
• Dusseldorf
• Stuttgart
• Nuremberg

Out of all these christmas markets, Cologne’s (Köln) Christmas Markets are very popular and generally rated the highest. These markets are all around the city, and each one offers a unique experience. Head to Heinzels Wintermärchen in Cologne’s Old Town to experience a magical wonderland. Not only are there all the characteristics you would expect from a German Christmas market, such as cinnamon biscuits, mulled wine, food stalls, and an incredible atmosphere, there is also the chance to go Ice Stock Curling – a team sport for everyone to have fun. To play each player slides an ice stock so that it can reach the puck at the end of the alley. It is so much fun, and afterward, you can cheer the champion of Ice Stock Curling in the historic barn next door with a traditional beer. 

Remember to reserve your space in advance because it books up fast and you won’t want to miss out on such a special opportunity. The market is an absolute joy and after you’re done with curling, you can enjoy the ice rink, the carousel, and the magical atmosphere that makes a visit to this christmas market in Cologne one of the best winter activities in the world.

Poland

Highlight Activities: Christmas markets, Skiing, Thermal pools.

Poland is also an amazing winter vacation destination with very cold winters, both cheap and an ultimate cultural experience apart from the top winter outdoor activities including thermal pools. The best ski resort in Poland, Szczyrkowski, is located in Szczyrk. Some famous mountains for a peaceful winter vacation in Poland include:

• Izerskie Mountains
• Chocholowska Valley
• Izerskie Mountains
• Five ponds valley

Christmas markets in Poland are my personal favourite and I think they are a hidden gem. I have visited both Wroclaw and Krakow Christmas markets during winter during the New Years and had a great time. The decorations are very traditional which makes it so vintage like and living in a winter wonderland.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Highlight Activities: Christmas Markets, Ice Skating

Courtesy of placesofjuma

Slovakia is another winter vacation destination very popular for skiing and winter traditions like Christmas markets. The most popular place to go in Slovakia in winter season is mountain skiing in Tatras. If you are looking for a city for winter vacation, then you definitely should check out Bratislava – the main city of Slovakia. Especially in December this city is full of winter wonders! People are amazed by the many picturesque Christmas Markets and the unique atmosphere when visiting Bratislava in Winter Time! The best Christmas markets are in can be found at Hlavné und Hviezdoslavovo námestie – where you will also find plenty of excellent accommodation like the beautiful APLEND CITY Hotel Perugia. 

During winter the city is full of local specialties, delicious food and charming goodies. Families come together for having some kinder-punch or mulled wine and enjoy the true atmosphere of a traditional Christmas Market. Some really delicious food to try here is the Loksa, a salty pancake or the traditional Strudl, a crisp cake filled with apple and raisins. Also the mulled wine in Bratislava is very tasty – probably because it comes from local wineries nearby the city. In addition to amazing food you will find plenty of home-made products and traditional souvenirs – perfect to bring home some souvenirs for your beloved.

A real adventure, that should not be missed is ice-skating in Bratislava. Not only for the kids, adults also love to make some rounds in this incredibly beautiful old town atmosphere. Skates are available to hire, so you don’t have to bring your own. Later, in the evening, local artists – singers and dancers perform directly at this Christmas Market and make each visit to an extraordinary experience.

USA

New England

Highlight Activity: Snowboarding, Skiing

Courtesy of Nicole@theabroadblog

New England is perfect for a winter holiday, full of some of America’s best ski resorts. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “Ski the East”? Well, the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are home to 40+ ski resorts, perfect for families and adventure-seekers alike. The largest ski resort in New England is Killington, with a total slope length of 116.8 km. Killington is located in central Vermont, about 4.5 hours from New York City and 2.5 hours from Boston.

Some of the other major ski resorts in Vermont, are:

• Stowe
• Jay Peak
• Stratton

Stowe was recently bought by Vail, so its quaint village and multiple gonoladas will remind you of skiing out west. Jay Peak is famed for its fresh powder and Canadian views, while Stratton’s unique downtown will leave you feeling like you were transported to Europe.

The state of New Hampshire is home to 19 ski resorts, with some of the most well-known being Cannon, Loon, and Bretton Woods. Be sure to check out the candy bar at the top of Bretton Woods mountain! Looking for accommodation? The Mount Washington Resort is a dream.

Last but not least is the state of Maine, home to 15 ski resorts, including Sunday River, Shawnee Peak, and SugarLoaf. All wonderful ski mountains for families. Next time you’re looking to hit the slopes, check out New England and #skitheeast!

Pro-tip: Be sure to visit New England during the holidays and I also recommend a New England Road trip in the Fall season and winter season!

United Kingdom

Scotland

Highlight Activity: Northern Lights, Horse Riding, Snow Hiking, Snowboarding, Skiing

Northern Scotland is a winter heaven being the close to the Arctic Scandinavia. Many islands in Scotland have clear dark skies in winter making them a perfect a destination for Aurora watching and star gazing, making it a unique winter vacation destination. Some of the top locations include:

• Galloway Forest Park
• Orkney Islands
• Isle of Cull
• Moffat- known as Dark Sky Town

READ: Ultimate Guide to Chasing Northern Lights

Courtesy of JohnHoward@Scotlandinpictures

Skiing is very popular in some of the national parks and mountain ranges like Glencoe Valley and Cairngorms National Park among others. For folks in United Kingdom, Scotland is an easy winter getaway for experiencing some of the top outdoor activities in winter.

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland is renowned worldwide not just for their summer festivals, but also for Christmas Markets and Hogmanay celebrations. Needless to say, Edinburgh holds one of the best Christmas Markets in UK. The festive vibe kicks in during the middle of November when the Christmas lights are switched on, and the markets are opened. Set against the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, the Christmas Markets in the East Princes Street Gardens hosts light studded wooden chalets that offer handmade crafts, traditional kilts, food and drink stalls, and plenty of festive rides for adults and kids. Christmas is also the time to indulge in theatre and arts, as plenty of pantomimes takes place across the city, setting the entire city into festive mood.  If you are looking for adrenaline rush, put on your ice skating shoes and skate in the gorgeous ice rink., Or head to Hillend Sports Centre to indulge in skiing. 

Courtesy of Anuradha@CountryHoppingCouple

England

Highlight Activity: Winter Wonderland in London

By Charlotte @charsfootsteps.com

London is one of the best cities to visit during winter, with an abundance of things to do during the festive season. From outdoor pop-up ice skating rinks, West End pantomimes, Christmas lights, markets and carol services, there’s something for everyone. 

However, the pinnacle of London’s Christmas celebrations are found at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. With over 100 rides, Santa Land, ice skating, Christmas markets and a Bavarian Village, filled with live music and beer gardens, this is a must-do when in London. 

Held from mid-November to early January, Winter Wonderland takes over the entire east side of Hyde Park. The alpine market stalls and plentiful food vendors are great for catching up with friends or spending an afternoon Christmas shopping. The atmosphere around the event is heightened by the incredible bars dotted all over offering different types of alcohol, food and music. The largest and most popular among these is the Bavarian Village. With cosy chalets, you can expect high-quality Bavarian Gold beers, mulled wine, decadent hot chocolate and traditional Bratwurst, just to name a few. 

Winter Wonderland is also a great place to enjoy a day out with kids, with Santa Land and many children friendly rides. Additionally, families can enjoy the dedicated entrance to minimise any waiting times getting into the event. Given its popularity, the best time to visit is on weekdays, as queues can be fairly long during evenings and weekends. There’s no better way to celebrate the festive season in London than visiting Winter Wonderland.

Other Best Winter Activities for your Winter Bucket List

Winter is definitely a unique experience especially for travellers who are not from winter regions. I had no idea about all these winter sports to try until I started exploring winter in Arctic regions and European Christmas markets. The more I travel, the more I started discovering unique sports and traditions around the world. I hope you add some of these winter bucket list activities to your winter travel and experience some of them.

Apart from the outdoor activities listed above, here are a few other winter bucket list items to experience during winter with families and friends wherever you are:

• Hot Chocolate: Sipping and making your own hot chocolates. There are not only cocoa based chocolates, you can also try toffee and milk chocolate drinks to your winter bucket list.
• Watch Winter Holiday or Christmas Movies: Classic movies like Home alone, Love Actually etc fit perfect for a winter night show.
• Make Snow angles and Decorations for Christmas Tree
• Play Christmas Music: Definitely puts you in a winter mood.
• Wrap and make your own Christmas gifts like cards
• Journal your year in the end of the year and prepare for next year. Practice gratitude

Pin the Best Winter Activities and Winter Destinations

This blog post will give you an ultimate road trip packing list, with everything your need to pack for a long-distance journey by car or a motorhome. We’ll start with road trip essentials like documents to carry, navigation tools, car accessories and road trip gear and then move on to clothing, toiletries and electronics. We’ve also included some of our favourite accessories for those special moments that deserve capturing!

If you are just interested in the road trip specific information, you can read our exclusive road trip essentials and road trip planner guides.

Road Trip Planning and Packing

Before we talk about packing, do you love road trips or do they terrify you? If the latter, don’t worry, I have been there once but now can easily plan and pack a long road trip without hassle. When you plan a long road trip, leave nothing to chance and take the stress out of planning by following my detailed step-by-step road trip planner guide.

The packing process has never been an easy task for me. Now the next question is who packs for their tips well in advance? Not me! I usually start off packing mostly one or two days before the trip. Being a full time professional, I go on long holidays taking the short annual leaves. Nowadays being organized is always key when you’re trying not to stress yourself out over your vacation plans. I fully rely on the ready-made packing list I have prepared that acts as the final check list to pack quickly to save time and still be fully ready for a trip. For any trip, I only think about destination or weather specific needs in advance, but everything else just gets picked up from this ultimate road trip packing list I have prepared filled with all the must-have things to carry on a road trip. Once you’ve checked off everything on this list shared below, I promise it will be smooth sailing from here out. Happy travels!

Road Trip Essentials Packing List

Road trips require extra attention because they involve remote traveling as well as preparing everything from clothing to food if necessary. Road Trips need extra packing compared to a destination break, as you need to pack extra for the vehicle and personal care for remote travelling. This section offers advice about all those road trip essentials before embarking on a journey anywhere or anytime soon.

Travel and Car Documentation

The road trip essentials checklist starts with the must-have some road trip specific information like your car and driving related documentation to carry on a road trip.

• Driver’s License: Most fundamental thing for your road trip
• Car registration/manual
• Car rental contract details if you are renting a car
• Car insurance
• Personal Travel insurance
• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Credit Cards
• Emergency phone numbers along the route
• Printed accommodation details
• Cash – Sometimes you would need to pay in cash on the way, For example: state park entrance fees

Navigation Tools

All the road trippers should have these essential road trip navigation tools to carry on a road trip. You cannot find your way through the destination without these devices and printables!

• Smart Phone
• Car phone mount
• Navigation Apps
• USB chargers for the phone
• Guidebooks
• Printed maps

Road Trip Packing List For the Car

A road trip can’t start without a fully functioning vehicle – you need to pack specifically for your car journey to be smooth and safe. When you are planning for a road trip with several people in the car, it’s always better to travel prepared rather than risk losing your plans if anything happens.

• Navigation tools (Listed above)
• Locking wheel nuts
• Spare tyre / breakdown kits
• Breakdown cover
• Foot pump
• Wheel jack
• Spare fuse
• Spare light bulbs
• Warning triangle
• Catalytic Converter
• Blind spot mirror

Road Trip Gear or Accessories

For your own personal care and wellbeing and to help keep up with the pace of a road trip, it’s worth adding a few accessories and comfort items in the car.

Car Accessories

• An offline music playlist and headphones : Sometimes the driver or passengers wants to listen to their choice of music
• Reading material: Kindle/iPad /Tablets
• Writing materials : Journals, Pens
• Portable charger
• Car Trash Bin
• Car trunk organizer
• Travel pillows
• Seat Cushion
• Throws / Blankets
• Sun Glasses
• Hand Cream
• Chewing Gum
• Motion Sickness Tablets for the passengers
• Reusable shopping bags
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• Car tissue paper
• Car freshener
• Car games
• Hot water bottle

Travel Photography

If you are into travel photography, it’s always better to prepare your road trip kit including photography equipment and other electronic accessories.  

• Dash Cam
• Camera
• Go Pro
• Camera Tripod
• Extra batteries
• Memory Cards
• Card reader
• Charging Cables

Productivity Tech/ Electronics

Some road trippers prefer to document their road trip experience through writing, while others would rather do it digitally. Photographers and content creators might want to regularly work with their content on the go. Some of the electronics gear to carry include:

• Chromebooks/Laptops
• Chromecast
• Google Home/ Amazon Echo
• Speakers
• Battery pack
• USB Car Charger
• USB charger
• USB cables + spare

Road Trip Apps

Download helpful applications from the App Store or PlayStore on your smartphone. You can also find range of applications to help you on the way including road trip planners, parking space allocators etc.

Navigation

• Waze/Google Maps/Apple Maps
• Offline maps: Don’t miss downloading maps to be not stuck when there is no data
• Maps.me App and other offline maps also helps with trails
• Weather forecast apps – Sometimes you would have to change plans according to weather on a road trip
• Toilet Apps like Flush, Find Public Toilets etc to find public toilets on the route
• Mobile payment Apps like Apple Pay, google Pay, Samsung Pay etc
• Bank app updates to authorize transactions
• Rental Car Apps for managing bookings if you are renting a car in your destination
• Accommodation Apps: Booking.com, Airbnb, Hotels.com and other last minute booking apps.

Road Trip Entertainment Apps

Long journeys do call for some entertainment, as not all the roads are scenic Do make sure to download some music and organize the playlist to create that ultimate road trip vibe while in the car. You could also listen to your favourite podcasts or audio books.

• Spotify / YouTube Music / Apple Music etc with offline songs
• Podcasts
• Audio Books
• Smart phone games for passengers

Road Trip Food

It is not always easy to find restaurants during a road trip. The best way to prepare for a long road trip is by stocking the car with snacks and easy food that can be eaten while driving. This also helps with saving time sometimes.

Snacks

Some of the snacks that can be carried in car include:

• Granola Bars
• Protein bars
• Chips/Crisps
• Juice boxes
• Dried Fruits/nuts
• Crackers
• Cookies
• Candy
• Cereal/porridge for breakfasts
• Juice Boxes
• Soft Drinks
• Fresh Fruits- my favourite are oranges as they don’t need washing
• Cheese sticks/Pretzels
• Popcorn

Meal Replacements

Some easy meal replacement options include:

• Sandwich Items (Bread, Meat, Cheese)
• Burgers
• Huel

Food or Camping Gear

If you plan to camp or might cook at your accommodations, below is a list of essential utensils that can be carried separately for cooking or eating in the car:

• Cooking set for those who plan to cook on the way
• Cooler – to store food like milk, frozen vegetables, meat slices etc if you are cooking in your accommodations or on the road. I usually store milk and left overs in the cooler.
• Flask with hot water – To make some tea or coffee or even cup noodles
• Reusable travel water bottle 
• Reusable travel coffee mug

A list of cutlery items to carry as needed include:

• Reusable Cup/Plates/Cutlery – for picnics or eating in cars
• Zippered Plastic Baggies or Sandwich Bags
• Plastic Food Containers
• Paper Towels
• Toothpicks
• Utensils 
• Butter Knife
• Sharp Knife
• Paper Plates
• Plastic Bowls
• Swizz knife or Corkscrew/can opener/bottle opener
• Reusable Shopping Bag

Road Trip Safety Essentials

Road trips are all about having fun, but it’s also important to be safe and cautious at all times. Road trippers should prepare their vehicles with emergency roadside kits just in case of any emergencies. Here is a good list of things to carry in your car for road safety.

• Roadside Emergency Kit
• First Aid Kit
• Air Compressor
• Jumper Cables
• Tow Rope
• Window Hammer
• Booster Cables
• Flashlight
• Spare Tire
• Tire Jack
• First Aid Kit (Pain Reliever, Band Aids, Antibiotic Cream, Benadryl, Tums)
• Candles
• Lighter
• Tool Kit
• Duct Tape
• WD40
• Empty Portable Gas Can
• Washer Fluid
• Transmission Oil
• Brake Fluid
• Rags and an Old Blanket
• Extra Car Key
• Gallon Jug of Water

General Travel Packing List

Whenever you travel, it is important to pack accordingly for the trip. You need to choose perfect travel clothing that will help you stay comfortable on your travel journey as well as look great when you travel. A travel packing list should have all the essentials including garments and accessories like travel shoes, travel pants, travel tops and travel dresses according to one’s destination.

Clothing

The travel clothing packing list depends on the travel destination, travel season and travel style (casual or formal). A generic list items look like:

• Tshirts
• Shirts
• Leggings/Jeggings
• Jeans
• Dresses
• Socks
• Under garments
• Bras
• Pyjamas/sleeping clothes
• Running/Sports wear
• Swim wear
• Rain coat/ Wind cheater/ Waterproof
• Sweatshirts/ Jumpers/ Cardigans/ Fleece (helps for flight)
• Shoes

Winter Clothing

• Gloves
• Snow boots
• Thermals
• Pantyhose
• Scarfs
• Winter Hat/Beanies
• Warm Coat
• Fleece lined leggings

Summer Clothing

• Bathing suit/ Beach towels
• Sun glasses
• Sunscreen
• Sandals/ Flip flops
• Sun hats
• Shorts
• Short sleeved/tank tops
• Summer shirts

Toiletries & Personal Care

Personal travel care products are important during travel to ensure that you stay clean and fresh all day long.

• Body Wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Tooth Paste
• Tooth Brush/Floss
• Tooth Brush Charger
• Deodorant
• Brush
• Nail clipper
• Comb/Hair Brush
• Hair Straightener
• Makeup essentials – (I dont make up, no list, sorry)
• Lip Balm
• Sanitary Products
• Face Wash
• Moisturizer
• Razors/Tweezers
• Basic medicines
• Bath towel

Road Trip Bags and Luggage

With all those items to pack for your road trip, you’re going to need a place to store them. Choose a duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack for your clothes, a toiletry bag for your bathroom needs, and a smaller road trip backpack and/or purse for use during the day. You might also want to bring along a laundry bag to separate your used clothes from your clean clothes and a couple of extra bags to organize your sweatshirts, snacks, and anything else you want to keep on close to hand in the car.

• Duffel Bag, Suitcase, or Backpack
• Small Backpack
• Day Pack
• Purse/Neck Wallet
• Small Bags for the Car
• Toiletry Bag
• Laundry Bag
• Camera Bag

Ultimate Road Trip Packing List

Think about the adventure that awaits you and what kind of things might make it even more special. A lot can happen on a trip, so be sure to pack an extra toothbrush or two just in case! Pack all your basic toiletries plus any extras like contact solution for those times when something comes up unexpectedly (or if you forget) as well as anything else that will provide comfort during travel- such as your favorite snacks to keep your energy levels up while driving long distances. You’ve got this, after all; start packing and enjoy your journeys!

Travel Gear & Road Trip Accessories Check List

• Dash Cam
• USB Car Charger
• USB cables
• Car Phone Mount
• Battery Pack
• Phone Charger
• Water Bottle
• Rucksack
• Foot Pump
• First Aid Kit
• Spare Money
• Sun Glasses
• Camera Charger
• Camera
• Spare Batteries
• Spare Memory Card
• Phone
• Offline Maps (Google Maps)

Travel Photography Gear

Travel photography gears including cameras lenses are essential travel gear in this day and age. Most phones can take good photos but a travel camera provides greater flexibility when you want to capture the sound of a waterfall or get up close on that highly detailed photo of some fine artwork. While they are heavier than smartphones, travel cameras are also less prone to theft as it takes another device to upload your photos which means if you lose or damage your travel camera, all your photos are still safe on their memory cards!

Next section, we will take a look at some of the travel cameras and lenses that we have tried in the past.

Travel Camera: Canon EOS M100

A compact mirrorless camera that is perfect for taking on a trip. With the adapter mentioned below it opens the opportunity for a wide selection of EF/EF-S cannon lenses in addition to the compact EOS M range. It has a folding screen to help getting those awkward shots.

The Canon EOS M100 is a great camera for travel photography. It’s small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. The camera has a 24.2-megapixel sensor and can shoot 1080p HD video. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi connection, which allows you to easily transfer photos and videos to your smartphone or computer.

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Travel Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III

If you’re looking for the best camera for travel photography, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a great option. This camera is large and heavy, but it offers excellent image quality and features a durable design. It also shoots 1080p HD video.

Camera Zoom Lens: Canon EF-S 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

A fantastic versatile zoom lens suitable for taking everyday shots as well as getting up closer to your subject.

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Travel Camera Lenses: Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

The Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is a great addition to the Canon EOS M100 camera. This lens is compact and lightweight and offers a versatile zoom range. It also has a built-in image stabilization system, which helps to reduce the effects of camera shake.

Telephoto Lens for Travel Photography: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens

If you’re looking for a telephoto lens to use with your Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera, the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens is a great option. This lens offers a versatile zoom range and features an image stabilization system that helps to reduce the effects of camera shake

Camera Portrait Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

A 50mm prime lens, perfect for taking portrait shots. It also features a large aperture great for action and night time shots.

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Camera Ultra-Wide Angle Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22 mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens

A high quality ultra-wide angle lens perfect for taking stunning landscape and architectural shots.

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Camera Lens Adapter Ring: Meike MK-C-AF4 Adapter Ring for Canon EF and EF-S to EOS M

The adapter to allow using the above EF lens with the M100 camera with the EOS M mount. The Meike version does the exact same job as the official cannon adapter but at a much low price so I would have no hesitations recommending this version.

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Lens Hood: Canon EW-83H Lens Hood

If you’re using a telephoto lens for travel photography, it’s important to use a lens hood to protect the lens from damage. The Canon EW-83H lens hood is designed specifically for the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens and helps to protect the lens from accidental damage.

Memory Cards: SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC Memory Card

When traveling, it’s important to have plenty of memory cards to store your photos and videos. The SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC memory card is a great option, offering fast data speeds and ample storage space. This card also comes with a built-in write-protect switch, which helps to keep your photos and videos safe.

Memory Cards: SanDisk Ultra 128GB SDXC Memory Card

A good brand SD is required to try and keep all your pictures stay safe but disasters do happen so it’s a good idea to keep 1 or 2 spares with you.

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Camera Bag: Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Camera Bag

When traveling with your camera gear, it’s important to use a camera bag that offers protection and convenience. The Lowepro Flipside 400 AW camera bag is perfect for this purpose. This bag features a durable design and ample storage space and has a built-in rain cover to protect your gear from the elements.

Camera Tripod: Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W Aluminum Tripod

A tripod is a must-have for any travel photographer. The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W aluminum tripod is a great option, offering a lightweight design and sturdy construction. This tripod also has a quick-release system that allows you to easily attach and remove your camera.

Remote Shutter Release: Canon RS-60E3 Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release is a handy tool to have when shooting photos and videos. The Canon RS-60E3 remote shutter release is an affordable option and allows you to trigger the shutter without having to touch the camera. This is ideal for long exposures and time-lapse photography.

If you have any questions about travel photography or would like to leave a comment, feel free to post a message below. Thanks!

Road Trip Accessories

Dash Cam

A good dash cam is always a a good item to have with you for any road trip. This dash cam has both a front and back cameras to capture footage both views of the road.

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Car Mount

If you’re using your smartphone for navigation, which tends to be more reliable and up to date than inbuilt car systems, a reliable phone mount is key. If your phone uses a case using a magnetic mount make it easy to dock and un-dock your phone.

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First Aid Kit

It’s always a good idea to have basic first aid kit supplies with you just in case sa you never know what can happen. This car first aid kit should have everything you need.

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Anker Car Charger

If you’re on a road trip you’re likely going to be in a car for long periods of time and what better way to keep topping up all you other electronic devices.

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Foot Pump

A useful addition to any car boot, useful for topping up your tyres on a long trip, especially when garages can be few and far between.

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Multi Charger Cable

To connect your devices you’ll need some charging cables, this multi charger cable should let you charge as it caters for all the usual connectors.

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Travel Packing Gear

Cabin Luggage

Aerolite Lightweight 55cm Hard Shell Cabin

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Tripp Graphite Style Lite Hard Cabin

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Check-in Luggage

American Tourister Bon Air Spinner Suitcase

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Tripp Banana Holiday 6

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Luggage Set

Aerolite Lightweight 4 Wheel ABS Hard Shell Travel Trolley 3 Piece

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