Few things inspire more clickworthy internet rage than stories about tourists who suffer consequences after doing 鈥渟tupid鈥� things. Every summer, someone else is getting gored by something with horns, tossed by something with antlers, rescued from trails they had no business hiking, or causing a domino effect of river rescues. Often, there鈥檚 a phone and a selfie somewhere in the mix.

It鈥檚 hard to say whether the average tourist today is worse than ever before, or if there鈥檚 a higher proportion of “bad travelers” than there were in, say, the 1970s. There are certainly more travelers than there were back then鈥攖here were 1.4 billion global travelers in 2024, and this year will see even more. It鈥檚 easier, faster, and cheaper to travel today than ever before, which means travel and, therefore, rugged wilderness areas, are accessible to a much wider segment of the global population. That鈥檚 a good thing鈥攚e鈥檙e all about making it easier for people to connect with nature and have meaningful experiences outdoors. It also means that there are more people with less experience getting themselves into tricky situations because they haven鈥檛 been exposed to proper wilderness etiquette.

Thanks to our always-scrolling society, it鈥檚 harder for less-experienced travelers to make their embarrassing mistakes in private, away from prying phone cameras. Plus, no one makes headlines for not touching wildlife, or for not stealing artifacts from historic sites, or for not . Back in the 1800s, it was common practice to hack off pieces of petrified redwoods like those at , in Colorado, as a sort of DIY souvenir.

Before you write everyone off as a brainless tourist, consider that many 鈥渟tupid鈥� and high-risk mistakes could easily be made by any one of us. It doesn鈥檛 take much to fall, trip, or slide down a mountain. Most of the 鈥渂ad behavior鈥� I鈥檝e read about this summer broadly falls into five categories, and they鈥檙e mistakes anyone could make.

Here鈥檚 what we modern, overconfident, it-could-never-happen-to-me tourists have been up to this summer鈥攁nd how to avoid making headlines yourself.

Getting Too Close to a Cliff Edge or Riverbank

Far too many tragic accidents and near-death experiences start out this way: We just wanted a cool photo鈥� In July, a harrowing river rescue of three out of four Floridians in Glacier National Park was caused by one such group shot. It started when one member of the group fell into Avalanche Creek, then two of the others jumped in to try to save them. The domino effect of rescues involved two cardiac arrests requiring CPR from bystanders, plus a technical rescue team to save the third person. All are OK now, but it could have easily been much worse.

Ignoring Posted Warnings, Access Restrictions, or Clear Danger

This has been a shockingly deadly summer for hikers in Europe, with over 100 hiker deaths so far this year in the Italian Alps alone. This is partly because there are more people getting higher up into the mountains because of hotter temps at lower elevation, and partly because more of those people are less experienced.

Accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, but you won鈥檛 help your odds by ignoring closures due to known risks. In July, a British man attempted a via ferrata that had been closed because of rockfall. Well, he got stuck thanks to falling rocks, and had to be evacuated by helicopter. He was reportedly asked to , which cost the equivalent of about $16,000.

Overestimating Fitness, Ability, or Skills and/or Lack of Preparedness

We鈥檙e not trying to shame anyone for phone addiction鈥攕ome people (far too many people) would dive into a trailhead toilet to rescue their iPhone鈥攂ut we would like to state for the record that phones are replaceable, and your lives (and dignity) are not. Back in April, an international student from China was , both times outside the mountain鈥檚 official climbing season. He first got stuck when he lost his crampons and couldn鈥檛 descend the mountain, and a rescue team picked him up by helicopter. Then, a few days later, he hiked back up to retrieve stuff he鈥檇 left behind, including his phone, and needed a second rescue due to altitude sickness.

Getting Too Close to Wildlife

For some reason, we seem to believe bison are adorable, giant stuffed animals, no more dangerous than a cow (which can actually be extremely dangerous!). As such, there is never any shortage of stories about enamored tourists being gored by bison in Yellowstone, and there have been at least two so far this year. But here鈥檚 a new one: this spring, a 29-year-old guy climbed a fence to hop into a crocodile enclosure at a wetlands park in the Philippines, evidently intending to pose for a selfie with a 2,000-pound听reptile that he 鈥�.鈥� Lalay, a 15-foot crocodile, was not amused and spent half an hour thrashing around with the man鈥檚 leg clenched in her teeth, until the park owner clocked her over the head with a block of concrete to get her to let go. The man was able to retain possession of all of his limbs, and got away with just 50 stitches and some seriously traumatic memories.

Breaking Safety and Conservation Rules, Often for the 鈥楪ram (and Usually in Yellowstone)

Maybe there鈥檚 something that鈥檚 just so otherworldly about Yellowstone that our brains mistake its hot springs, geysers, bubbling mud pits, and plethora of animals with pointy extremities as manufactured amusements with some killer special effects. But whatever it is, its majesty inspires a fair bit of foolishness. In July, a teenager walked off-trail near the Lone Star Geyser and sustained serious burns to his foot and lower leg when he broke through a delicate crust into hot, hot water. The , a guy in flip-flops walked through Grand Prismatic Hot Spring to gather hats that had blown off people鈥檚 heads. Even more perplexing is the report of a man spotted on Instagram who appears to drink from a plastic cup he filled in a hot spring. Those waters are teeming with so much bacteria you can see it with your naked eye鈥攖hat鈥檚 what causes all those bright colors around Grand Prismatic鈥攁nd it is extremely not potable, to say the least. Also, it probably tastes horrendous. TL;DR: Do not do this.

How Not to be That Tourist

It鈥檚 so easy to be overconfident and to underestimate risk, to be 鈥渢hat guy.鈥� I鈥檇 venture to guess that, if you鈥檙e reading this, you鈥檝e probably taken an unnecessary risk at least once, too. I know I have. So, how can you be better?

1. Reflect on Your Past Mistakes

I鈥檇 like to tell you I鈥檓 perfectly well-behaved, but reading these stories reminds me that I, too, have gotten too close to the edge of a viewpoint for a good photo. I鈥檝e had close calls with cars as a cyclist who thinks she is above traffic laws, and with cyclists as a pedestrian who acts like she has outgrown the First Commandment of walking outside: look where you鈥檙e going when crossing the street.

I鈥檝e found myself on icy trails with fading light and too few layers; in the desert with insufficient water; on rugged terrain with very wrong shoes; and within 20 or 30 feet of a bear without an ounce of bear spray. Have you done any of these things? If so, resolve to be more thoughtful in the future. It only takes one deadly mistake to put yourself permanently out of commission.

2. Know Your Limits听

It鈥檚 crucial to get comfortable with quitting, turning around, or avoiding a trail or experience all together if you鈥檙e not certain you have the skills and equipment necessary to proceed safely. Before you set off, ask yourself: Do I have the training, equipment, and resources necessary for this adventure?

3. Do a Buddy Check

Follow the lead of SCUBA divers and rock climbers who start with an essential buddy check before getting in the water or on the wall. Do you both have ample water, essential layers, a first aid kit, a map, and a clear plan for what to do when something goes wrong? Have you checked the weather, confirmed whether there are any closures or access restrictions, researched environmental hazards like flash flood or avalanche risks? Have you applied for necessary permits?

4. Let Go of the Need for a 鈥楶erfect Photo鈥欌�攁nd Watch Where You鈥檙e Going

Climbing out onto a ledge for a handful of hearts on Instagram isn鈥檛 worth risking your life. It鈥檚 also not fair to other hikers to block the trail while you try to make sure no one is blinking in the group photo. Always keep your eyes on the trail, and stay aware of who鈥檚 around you. Just think about how easy it is to trip in your neighborhood while you鈥檙e scrolling while walking. It would be so much worse to trip over the edge of a canyon.

5. Just Say No to DIY Wildlife Encounters

Even if you spot the tiniest, cutest, fluffiest baby mountain goat TikTok has ever seen, you absolutely should not touch or approach wildlife at any time, for any reason. Do not pick them up, do not touch them, do not take selfies with them, do not get between a mama and her babies, do not turn your back on nearby animals with horns, antlers, or teeth you don鈥檛 want to meet, and do not feed them. So many of the attacks and close calls you see on accounts like are devastatingly preventable. The keeping at least 25 yards between you and wildlife at all times鈥攁nd make that 100 yards if the animal in question is a bear, a wolf, or another predator much bigger and stronger than you.

6. Behave Like You鈥檙e Risking A Life鈥擝ecause You Are

Remember, a rescue doesn鈥檛 impact just you. Rescuers and first responders must take risks to save people, and sometimes even the best-trained people make deadly errors.

When in doubt, act like someone else鈥檚 life depends on it.

The post How Not to Be a 鈥楤ad Tourist鈥� in the Outdoors appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

If you鈥檝e been waiting to book a Northern Lights trip, it鈥檚 time to make it happen. This autumn is expected to kick off one of the strongest aurora seasons in decades鈥攖hink last year鈥檚 low-latitude displays, and potentially even better.

That鈥檚 because the sun has reached its roughly 11-year peak of activity, known as solar maximum. The bright star causes auroras by sending charged particles whizzing through space. When those electrons and ions crash into our atmosphere, they spark kaleidoscopic sky swirls that aurora hunters, like me, travel the world to see.

Solar maximum isn鈥檛 the only time to catch the lights, but it does bring above-average aurora intensity and frequency. According to , the sun entered this lively period in October 2024; the awe is expected to continue at least into this fall, and likely winter.

The TL;DR? There鈥檚 no time like the present to chase those colorful curtains. And I鈥檝e gathered tips and tricks from nearly a dozen of my aurora-chasing peers, including expert guides, space-weather scientists, and astrophotographers, to help you make the most of this once-in-a-decade Northern Lights season.

1. Know What You鈥檙e Looking for (Hint: It May Be Less Vivid Than Expected)

Northern Lights photos can be deceiving. Cameras are significantly more sensitive to light and hues than our eyes. The photos you see on Instagram, for example, are more vivid and saturated than what you鈥檒l see in real life.

鈥淚n the northern tier of the U.S., the aurora often appears as a translucent white or silver veil to the eye, until the sensitive lens of a camera reveals their full color,鈥� says , author and co-founder of the annual . 鈥淲atching for the structure, movement, and formations of aurora is just as important as watching for the color, if not more so.鈥�

That said, you can still see color with your eye, especially if you鈥檙e witnessing a show in a dark location that鈥檚 far from light pollution. I鈥檝e seen reds and greens that twist like corkscrews overhead, but that鈥檚 an exception, not the norm.

2. Monitor the Sky with Your Smartphone or Camera

Sure, it鈥檚 frustrating that our cameras get a better view of the aurora than we do, but savvy Lights chasers use that to their advantage. 鈥淐heck to see if the lights are out using your phone or, better yet, a DSLR/mirrorless camera,鈥� says astrophotographer, teacher, and author . 鈥淭ake test shots facing north, and if you see green along the horizon, it鈥檚 game on.鈥�

A subtle green glow can turn electric in minutes. The lights rapidly shift colors and shapes, and substorms鈥攁 stint when the aurora intensifies and expands southward, according to 鈥攃an make the lights exceptionally eye-popping. Catching these intense displays is about being in the right place at the right time.

鈥淚f you really want to see the aurora, travel to the darkest skies near you and spend at least three to four hours taking in the awe of the night,鈥� says Kaelin. 鈥淭his will increase your chances of being present for a powerful substorm.鈥�

3. Learn How to Read Space-Weather Forecasts

It鈥檚 helpful to download an aurora-prediction app before embarking on a lights chase, but it鈥檚 even better if you know how to read and interpret the data yourself鈥攁nd I鈥檓 not just talking about Kp index. Kp, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from one to nine, is a tiny piece of the ribbon-hunting puzzle. More important data points include solar wind speed and Bz (the orientation of the magnetic field). I use apps like to track this.

And I also turn to the experts. Twice per day, the NOAA鈥檚 Space Weather Prediction Center provides three-day forecasts, with insights to help amateur Lights chasers better understand what to expect. 鈥淔or a bit more detail about confidence levels or uncertainty, and a description of what is actually the causal phenomena in the forecast, check out our , which is also issued twice daily,鈥� says Shawn Dahl of the NOAA鈥檚 Space Weather Prediction Center.

Monitoring real-time updates from other Lights chasers can be especially valuable. Dahl recommends the citizen-science platform , which plots sighting reports from around the world. I also use and Facebook groups like to keep tabs on what other lower-48 swirl-seekers are seeing.

4. But Don鈥檛 Obsess Over Lights Predictions

While apps and data are helpful aurora forecasting tools, the best way to chase the aurora is to actually go outside and look up. 鈥淎urora predictions are useful, but local weather is just as important,鈥� says Adriel Butler, president and founder of Fairbanks-based , an astrotourism getaway with sky-view igloos, stargazing cubes, and northern lights wake-up calls. 鈥淎 clear night with a low aurora prediction can beat a cloudy night with a high aurora forecast.鈥�

Even with all the best tracking technology in the world, space weather remains largely unpredictable. 鈥淎 low aurora forecast doesn鈥檛 mean a no-show,鈥� Butler says. 鈥淏e patient, check often, and don鈥檛 give up. A break in the clouds at 3 A.M. could be the best show ever.鈥�

That鈥檚 why I always choose dark-sky accommodations during my aurora hunts. It鈥檚 easier to pop in and out of the warmth, or peek out of my tent flap, than driving back and forth to a sky-watching lookout.

5. Get Strategic with Your Location

Traveling to northerly latitudes like Iceland or Alaska will increase your sighting odds. These destinations lie within a donut-shaped zone of Lights activity known as the auroral oval, which hovers around 65 to 70 degrees latitude. The shape swells and moves further south during periods of strong geomagnetic activity, like last year鈥檚 May and October shows, where the Lights danced across nearly every state.

Low-latitude auroras are a rarity, but some contiguous U.S. locales do see lights quite regularly during solar maximum, including the northern Great Lakes region (I swear by Michigan鈥檚 Upper Peninsula) and many northern-border states.

6. Know When to Lights Chase

Certain times of the month are better for chasing than others. 鈥淪kip full moon nights,鈥� says Jason Makela, co-founder of , a remote getaway on Michigan鈥檚 far-north Keweenaw Peninsula. 鈥淭he bright light can wash out the show. Also, aim for clear, dark skies away from city lights.鈥�

Even strategizing the hour of your aurora hunt can improve your luck. 鈥淭he best aurora displays often occur between midnight and 3 A.M.,鈥� says Shaw. 鈥淟eaving before then robs you of the opportunity to experience these beautiful events.鈥�

Finally, consider traveling around the equinoxes. The fall and spring equinoxes are known to see 鈥渁n improved chance of geomagnetic disturbances and thus a possible improved chance of aurora development,鈥� says Dahl. Of course, nothing is guaranteed with auroras. But anecdotally, I鈥檝e had a ton of luck with fall-equinox-timed lights pursuits. And according to the Michigan tourism board , the likelihood of aurora displays around the equinoxes nearly doubles.

7. Embrace the Challenge, and Pursue Non-Aurora Activities, Too

If your sky-watching itinerary focuses solely on the aurora, you鈥檙e setting yourself up for disappointment. 鈥淗ead out with the goal of spotting constellations, a satellite, or maybe even a shooting star,鈥� says Makela. 鈥淭hat way, if the auroras do show up, they鈥檒l be the icing on an already sweet evening鈥攁nd if they don鈥檛, you鈥檒l still head home with a successful night under your belt.鈥�

And remember that the chase is all part of the fun. 鈥淒on鈥檛 get discouraged,鈥� says Saskatchewan-based astrophotographer . 鈥淭he best part about the aurora is also the worst: It鈥檚 unpredictable and cannot be planned for. Even the most seasoned chasers have many failed attempts.鈥�

8. Build in Buffer Days for Weather and Aurora Activity

Weather plays a major role in chasing the Northern Lights. 鈥淵ou could have the strongest aurora forecast, but that will mean nothing if you have clouds that night,鈥� says Indigenous aurora hunter and guide , founder of Yellowknife-based .

Building in extra days will increase the chance of strong auroras and minimal cloud cover on the same night. 鈥淪tay three or more nights [during your aurora trip],鈥� says Butler. 鈥淕iving yourself multiple nights greatly increases your chances of catching a show.鈥�

In fact, the says Fairbanks Lights seekers who actively seek the swirls for at least three nights have a 90 percent success rate. This goes for many northerly locales like Yellowknife, although in places notorious for moody weather like Iceland and Greenland, I like to give myself at least one week.

9. Hire a Local Guide

From tracking forecasts to scouting locations, a lot goes into chasing the Northern Lights. That鈥檚 why I always tell first-timers to book a guide. 鈥淟ocal guides can help you maximize your limited aurora-chasing time by knowing where the best locations might be, or when to stay up for a late-night show,鈥� says , expedition leader for adventure outfitter , which hosts sky-watching trips to remote and northerly Churchill, Canada. 鈥淕uides can also help you if you’re traveling to an area much colder than your normal, and keep you safe from the elements while you’re focusing on the beauty of the lights.鈥�

And as I learned firsthand last year, it鈥檚 especially powerful to book a chase with an Indigenous aurora tracker like Buffalo Child. 鈥淭his is our land,鈥� he told me of his home in popular aurora getaway, the Northwest Territories. 鈥淭hrough tourism, I show people that we can be ourselves and make a living.鈥�

10. Learn to Use Your Camera Beforehand鈥攁nd Know When to Put It Down

These days, it鈥檚 almost instinctual to respond to a beautiful scene by grabbing our smartphone camera. But taking photos of the aurora on an iPhone, or any kind of smartphone or camera, does require a bit of practice.

鈥淲hile some viewers like to watch with their eyes only, using a smartphone or DSLR to capture the moment is often a great way to take a trip memory home with you,鈥� says Edye. 鈥淣ewer smartphones can be very successful with aurora photography, while older models may not be able to capture the Lights or may leave you underwhelmed. DSLRs are a great way to capture the lights, but be aware of the cold and dark鈥攌nowing how to adjust your camera settings and change out batteries in the dark will save you a lot of frustration in the moment.鈥�

And while it can be tempting to spend your whole aurora hunt photographing, it鈥檚 also important to step back and look up. 鈥淒on鈥檛 forget to watch the show itself,鈥� says Edye. 鈥淧ut the camera down and enjoy the moment.鈥�

The post This Fall Could Bring the Best Northern Lights in Decades. Here’s How to See Them. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

As I stumbled over rocks through pitch darkness, following a guy I had just met online, I began to question my life choices. It was the middle of the night, and I was wandering through a remote desert in Mexico. A thought popped into my mind: this is the setup to a cheesy horror film. But as the night unfolded, the experience changed my life in ways I couldn’t predict.

This scene played out in 2021, when a photo tour operator asked me to scout locations in Baja for a night sky photography workshop. At the time, I knew nothing about astrophotography; my life was centered around the ocean. I spent my days working in conservation storytelling, shooting images of marine apex predators and megafauna such as sharks and whales. Ocean photography led me to explore many of the more remote regions of southern Baja looking for new wildlife encounters. It was these remote areas that they were interested in. Not for the marine life, but for the pristine dark skies that can be found there.

I loved showing others the remarkable beauty found along that rocky peninsula I called home. But what I didn鈥檛 know was how that crazy evening in the desert would spark my interest in the night sky and send me on this epic side quest to learn how to photograph听the stars. There was something so beautifully polar opposite to the underwater wildlife photography I was used to. Time slowed from the rush of capturing shots underwater in mere milliseconds to having an entire evening under the stars in the stillness of the night to create.

It鈥檚 been years since that fateful night veered me from the ocean to explore the night sky. Now I structure my weeks around lunar phases, chasing stars during the dark half of the month, and working on other projects during the bright half. What began as pure curiosity has grown into nearly an obsession. It鈥檚 changed how I look at photography and has even led me to teach night sky photography classes and workshops around the world.

Night sky photography is its own animal and can seem daunting at first, but it鈥檚 actually simpler than you might expect. To help you get started, I鈥檓 sharing this quick introduction into the art of night sky photography. Ready to rock? Let鈥檚 go.

Grab Your Gear and Get 国产吃瓜黑料

Contrary to popular belief, you don鈥檛 need a ton of crazy equipment or fancy gear to shoot the night sky. Grab a sturdy tripod and a headlamp with red light to help your night vision. Pack a wide lens with an aperture of f2.8 or faster for your camera. Then you鈥檙e ready to go.

Only have an f4 lens? Don鈥檛 stress it; you鈥檒l still be able to get some decent shots until you can upgrade down the road. Like any good outdoor activity, there are, of course, tons of toys you can add on, like a or an . But they鈥檙e not required. They definitely can help to improve your shots, but you don’t need them just to get started.

Finding that Perfect Spot

With our gear prepped, the next step is to find a dark area away from light pollution. Apps like Gaia offer awesome to help you identify the darkest skies nearby. Another excellent option is to check out . This dedicated non-profit works tirelessly worldwide to help preserve and protect our night skies from light pollution. Their website features an interactive map to help locate accredited , which are definitely worth exploring.

Once you鈥檝e found your zone, the next step is to scout your shots. Trust me, doing this during the day is much easier. I recommend using an app called , which has an augmented reality mode to show the Milky Way’s position in the sky as it moves through the night. This can help you to visualize your composition during the day.

But best of all it allows you to听plan shots out days, or even years, in advance. Once I鈥檓 happy with my composition, I鈥檒l snap a screenshot of it and drop a pin in Gaia so it鈥檚 much easier to locate the exact spot later in the dark. The last thing you want to be doing later is walking around in circles trying to find where that epic shot was.

What About the Moon?

Depending on what you鈥檙e looking to shoot, the moon can be your best friend or annoying adversary. The fuller the moon is, or the higher it is in the sky, the brighter the ambient light will be at night. This makes the moon a bit similar to light pollution. In other words, the brighter it is at night, the fewer stars and details we will see in the sky.

For capturing the most stars or a lot of detail in the Milky Way, I鈥檇 recommend shooting around the new moon. Or expand this period from the last quarter through the new moon until the first quarter. Make sure to note the moon鈥檚 rise and set times, but this will give you a solid couple of weeks to play with. A smaller moon positioned low in the sky can illuminate your foreground, cast shadows, and add depth to your photos, all while allowing you to still capture epic skies.

A (Very) Brief Intro to Camera Settings

First, we want to change a few base settings. Always shoot in RAW rather than JPEG to allow greater editing flexibility later. Next, turn off auto noise reduction and switch your camera to manual focus. I also recommend avoiding auto white balance.

Instead, select a different option to ensure consistent white balance across the images. I like using the custom white balance option and setting it to approximately 4300K. This gives a moonlight-esque color balance to the images, but with slightly less blue. Finally, turn on your camera鈥檚 self-timer and set it for 2-5 seconds. This brief pause after pressing the shutter helps reduce camera shake in your shots. If you have an external shutter release, a remote, or a smartphone app to control the shutter, that鈥檚 even better. Now all that is left is figuring out our exposure.

Exposing images at night is a balancing act. To keep it simple, you鈥檒l want to open up your aperture to gather as much light as possible. Choose a shutter speed slow enough to let in sufficient light, but not so long that stars begin to trail or appear as dashes instead of points. Increase the ISO to a relatively high level, but not so high that we can鈥檛 fix the additional noise it adds with photo editing software later. A good starting point for a 20mm or wider lens would be: aperture at f2.8, shutter speed at 13 seconds, and ISO at 3200. Apps like PhotoPills can also help you determine the best shutter speed for your specific camera and lens configuration. Now, let’s move on to the fun part.

Let鈥檚 Take Some Shots

I like to start by first aiming my camera at a bright star and manually focusing on it. Use your camera鈥檚 focus magnification to get a close-up of the stars. As you adjust the focus ring back and forth, you鈥檒l notice the stars go from points of light to kind of glowing, blurry disco balls. This isn鈥檛 the seventies听so we鈥檒l want them to be as close to tiny points of light as possible. Enabling focus peaking in your camera can also make it easier to get them tack sharp.

Once your focus is dialed, set up the tripod with two legs facing you and one aimed at your subject. This gives you some space to work and reduces the chance of bumping into the tripod legs while shooting. Attach the camera to the tripod and begin lining up that beautiful composition you found while scouting earlier in the day. Some cameras, such as those from Sony and Nikon, feature a setting that makes it much easier to compose in the dark. Sony calls theirs Bright Monitoring, Nikon鈥檚 is Starlight View. If yours doesn鈥檛 have this feature, you can easily use a headlamp to illuminate the foreground while arranging your shot.

Once everything is set, fire off your first test shot and boom! We are rocking. You鈥檒l want to check that your stars are in focus and the exposure looks good. I highly recommend getting to know your camera鈥檚 histogram and using it to verify exposure at night. Camera screens can be misleading in low light, but the wise old histogram never lies. From here, it鈥檚 tweak, test and repeat. Once you鈥檙e happy with your shot, it鈥檚 time to get creative and start searching for that next one.

What About Editing?

Due to the challenges of shooting at night, post-processing or editing can play a significant role in night sky photography. We don鈥檛 really have space to dive into it for this article. However, there are some great tutorials online, or even better, I鈥檇 recommend signing up for a to learn it even faster.

The Most Important Tip

I will leave you with one crucial tip. Get outside, have fun, and enjoy every moment. Bring along some snacks or hot cocoa, grab a friend, and explore under the stars.

Astrophotography lets us see a side of the world most people never get to experience. There’s something both magical and humbling about being out in the middle of the night under billions of stars. From witnessing waves of pink air glow wash across the heavens, to curious wildlife encounters, or strange phenomena I can鈥檛 quite explain but would make for a fantastic X-Files reboot. The memories I鈥檝e made under the stars are unforgettable.

Plus, even the busiest national parks are empty at night鈥攏o crowds or traffic. It鈥檚 incredibly beautiful and an experience that will keep drawing you back. So why are you still here? Get out there and start capturing the night.

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Check out our astrotourism column to find the best stargazing road trips in North America, dark sky retreats, and more.听

The post How to Capture Stellar Night Sky Photos, Top Tips From a Pro Photographer appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Think about the person you鈥檙e closest to. Does your friendship date back to childhood? Maybe you met in school, at work, or through mutual friends? Maybe over many years, meals, nights out, and days on the trail you forged a bond. There are inside jokes. You even texted on the side of the group chat. You grew so close you began referring to them as your best friend. You started thinking they might be in your wedding party.

Then you planned that big international trip.

The next thing you know, your friend is arriving at the airport 20 minutes before boarding time because 鈥渙nly losers show up two hours early.鈥� Then they fumble their way through customs and ask if you remembered to visit a bank for currency exchange. Oh, you did? Nice. Now can you spot them a few hundred? They promise to Venmo. Before long, they鈥檙e waving your cash around, bartering for Moroccan rugs while you鈥檇 rather be on a boat back to Spain, or Portugal, or any place else, for that matter. This one鈥檚 going to cost you.

Travel has a way of pulling back the curtain on a person鈥檚 habits and tendencies. Just because you get along perfectly at home, doesn鈥檛 mean you greet the world in the same way when you鈥檙e out of your comfort zone. You might want to relax for a few days; they might want to go clubbing until dawn. You might want to plan your days carefully; they might surrender to the flow. You might want to visit a local market and cook meals; they might want to eat out three times a day. Contrasts can add to any relationship, but on the road they can become painful sticking points.

For the most part, there鈥檚 no wrong way to travel, but there are different ways of doing it. And while you and your bestie get along easily when you鈥檙e not making collective decisions, it might be worth asking a few travel-related questions before hitting enter on that ticket purchase. After all, once the wheels are up, it鈥檚 a lot harder to turn that plane around.

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We pulled into the Crescent City KOA around 10 P.M. After a long day exploring the nearby , my travel partner and I were beat鈥攁nd pretty sure we had to be the last people awake in this quiet seaside town.

Wrong. Rounding the corner into the rows of campers and tents, we were greeted by a light show, arrays of colorful LED strips illuminating big RVs, covered dining canopies, and even strung into bike wheels. The whole world still seemed to be at play, with twangy country music wafting down the lane and glowsticked, sugar-high kids running to and fro.

My friend looked at me in a state disbelief; this was a far cry from the nature experience she鈥檇 expected on her visit from San Francisco. But I knew the rest of our road trip to Seattle would be far more off the grid, and honestly, there鈥檚 something to these kinds of established campgrounds鈥攖he sound, the randomness, the sheer chaos鈥攖hat is hard to replicate.

It didn鈥檛 take long to fall asleep, especially after our full day and an end to the music just a half hour later. We curled up in our tent and threw some eye masks on, blocking out the neon light and fading into Dreamland.

The next morning, we took advantage of the campground鈥檚 free pancake breakfast. Sliding up with our coffee and thick stack of hot cakes, we sat next to a smiling older couple dressed in matching flannel pajamas. If there was any reminder we weren鈥檛 in the woods, or anywhere close, they were it. Randy wore a mustache over a morning smile. Wendy, tucked by his side, looked at us with eyes shining, nodding in approval before we鈥檇 even said a word. They both spoke with excitement, curious about our plans and eager to share about their RV trip up the coast of California.

Randy and Wendy made a point of staying exclusively at established campgrounds along their yearly road trips, favoring the KOA chain for its on-ground swimming pool and, of course, the free breakfast. They had started their own jerky company decades before (in fact, did we want some?), and were settled into semi-retired life on the road. They loved camping, but said one of the best parts of travel was meeting new people everywhere they went.

During my decade pitching tents around the West, the point had mainly been to get away from everything and everyone. But, as I stayed at the campground chain, I saw a different side to camping: the communal one. Camping isn鈥檛 a singular box. For many people, the joy of just getting out of the house for a night or two is an adventure in and of itself. I always thought that was a good thing to remember鈥攅ven if it didn鈥檛 feel natural right away.

As Wendy welcomed more people to the table鈥攁 small family from San Jose鈥擱andy returned with two bags of cured meat. We stayed a little longer before clearing off our plates and heading back to pack the car. It wouldn鈥檛 be long before we were back on the road, winding up the Oregon coastline and into the depths of Washington鈥檚 Olympic Peninsula. Over the next few weeks we would swim in the Pacific, climb mountains, skinny dip in hot springs, and sleep deep in the woods. It was, in many ways, the trip of our young lifetimes. Years later and states apart, we still reminisce about it like it. But we rarely recount the off-path adventures or the wild serenity of the Pacific Northwest. We talk about Randy and Wendy.

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There鈥檚 a reason stargazers love the Perseids. The meteor shower can spark up to 100 shooting stars per hour at peak during prime viewing years, with numerous sightings of eye-popping fireballs鈥攖he name for especially vivid and colorful meteors that can reach the same luminosity as Venus.

The Perseids, which peak in August, do come with a slight hitch: the 86-percent illuminated moon will hinder the shower鈥檚 view. But that鈥檚 no reason to skip it. Instead, rethink your Perseid-viewing plan.

Read on for your 2025 strategy to catch the buzzed-about Perseids, along with other interstellar marvels that will join them, from concurrent meteor showers to the year鈥檚 best views of the Milky Way.

What鈥檚 the Best Time to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in 2025?

This year鈥檚 Perseids runs from July 17 to August 23 and will peak overnight from August 12 to 13. Typically, it鈥檚 best to view a meteor shower during the stretch of highest activity, but that鈥檚 not the case this year. The meteor shower crescendos just three days after the full moon. Since lunar light pollution will hide the milder meteors, only the brightest shooting stars and fireballs will be visible.

That鈥檚 why many backyard astronomers are switching gears and watching the Perseids off-peak, in the nights and weeks leading up to that August 12 to 13 timeframe. July 29 into 30 is particularly promising, as the moon is only a quarter full, it sets around midnight (right when the Perseids action kicks into gear), and this coincides with other active meteor showers.

Improve Your Perseids View with Other Meteor Showers

While the Perseids won鈥檛 produce a flurry of 50 to 100 shooting stars in late July and early August, the timing does provide the chance to watch for four meteor showers in one night, including two that will peak from July 29 to 30.

Here are the four coinciding summer meteor showers, including when to watch, what to look for, and where you鈥檒l see them in the sky (also known as the radiant). I recommend downloading a stargazing app for night-sky navigation.

• Alpha Capricornids: July 3 to August 15
  • Peak: July 29 to 30
  • Look near: Capricornus constellation low in the southeast sky
  • You鈥檒l see: A mild shower with only around five meteors per hour during peak, but the potential for some dramatic fireballs.
• Southern Delta Aquariids: July 18 to August 12
  • Peak: July 29 to 30
  • Look near: Aquarius constellation low in the southern sky
  • You鈥檒l see: Around seven meteors per hour under dark skies. To note: This one鈥檚 best viewed in the southern hemisphere and the southern part of the northern hemisphere.
• Perseids: July 17 to August 23
  • Peak: Aug 12 to 13
  • Look near: Perseus constellation in the northeast sky
  • You鈥檒l see: Up to 100 meteors per hour under pristine conditions, although fewer are expected in 2025 due to the bright moon. Watch for fireballs, too.
• Eta Eridanids: July 31 to Aug 19
  • Peak: Aug 7 to 8
  • Look near: Eridanus constellation low in the southeast sky
  • You鈥檒l see: A minor shower with about three fast meteors per hour at peak.

How to Watch a Meteor Shower: Tips and Tricks

Admiring a meteor shower requires a bit of planning, from choosing a strategic viewpoint to pinpointing red flags to avoid.

1. Avoid light pollution.

Just like with aurora hunting, you鈥檒l want to avoid light pollution when chasing meteor showers. The show gets most active and brilliant under inky skies; that鈥檚 why I鈥檓 planning to watch the sky confetti from an inky lake in New York鈥檚 Adirondacks, followed by Quebec鈥檚 Mont-M茅gantic, the in the world. Try a resource like this to find a dark-sky viewing place close to home.

2. Shield the moon.

If you do choose to pursue the Perseids at peak, use something鈥攜our hand, a folder, a blanket鈥攖o shield your eyes from the moon. It won鈥檛 fix the situation, but it will help you retain your night vision.

3. Use a red-light flashlight.

Speaking of night vision, it鈥檚 important to dim your phone (or use this ) and either wrap your bright-white flashlight in red cellophane or invest in a red-light lamp. Red light is easier on our eyes at night; after exposure to white beams, or a full-glow smartphone screen, our eyes require around 30 minutes to readjust to the dark.

4. Look for wide-open vistas.

Since the shooting stars could appear all over the sky, it鈥檚 wise to choose a lookout point with minimal overhead obstructions. Instead of a thick forest, for example, scout for a hilltop, desert, or field with clear sky views.

5. Consider air quality.

Unfortunately, wildfires have wreaked havoc on the Southwest鈥檚 national parks this summer. The correlating smoke is bad for your health, and its haze can obscure your night-sky views. Keep an eye on air quality updates and consider another viewpoint if thick wildfire smoke is in the forecast.

Where to See the Perseids

In most cases, like with the Perseids, stretches from around midnight until dawn. That means you鈥檒l be out and about into the wee hours of the morning鈥攗nless you strategize your sleep. I aim for campgrounds, glamping sites, and even low-light hotels located within an area with minimal light pollution.

And there are plenty of prime meteor-shower accommodations still available (as of publication) throughout North America, whether you鈥檙e heading out for the July 29 to 30 timing, the August 12 to 13 Perseids peak, or both.

1. ULUM Moab, Utah

In late 2023, light pollution authority DarkSky International launched a new program to certify accommodations that protect their pristine nightscapes. , a glamping getaway set 40 miles south of Arches National Park, is one of the organization鈥檚 first DarkSky-certified lodges. This stamp-of-approval means you can catch the night sky marvels, from the Milky Way to the dimmer Perseids, right from camp. Or, watch the wonder nearby at Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. Suites run from $549 per night; for a less-expensive option, try (from $199), another DarkSky-certified glamping location in Moab.

2. H茅bergement aux Cinq Sens, Quebec

In 2007, Quebec鈥檚 Mont-M茅gantic National Park became the world鈥檚 first International Dark Sky Reserve, and it鈥檚 become one of Canada鈥檚 best-known astronomy spots. (from $98), a collection of tiny homes and yurts, lies in the heart of this pine-dotted park, which offers dozens of hiking trails for daytime adventure. It鈥檚 a great Perseids basecamp, with wide-open gathering spaces from the hotel grounds and quick access to the park鈥檚 sky-watching hub, the ASTROLab, just 16 miles away.

3. Hell Creek Campground, Montana

Nabbing a campsite in Glacier National Park may be trying, but out east, Montana鈥檚 remote and inky-sky campground options abound. Try (from $37.50 per night), located in a scenic recreational area along angling haven Fort Peck Lake. The property offers dozens of campsites with virtually zero light pollution and wide-open sky views above the still water and distant peaks.

4. Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho

Camp in southern Idaho鈥檚 Bruneau Dunes State Park, a DarkSky-certified destination with an onsite public observatory and North America鈥檚 tallest single-structured sand dune. The park has with unobstructed celestial views: Broken Wheel and Eagle Cove (from $25). Both have plenty of availability for the mid-August Perseids peak, with the chance to enjoy shooting stars by night and under the sun.

5. Buffalo National River, Arkansas

The Buffalo National River draws paddlers with 135 scenic miles of undammed water. Come dusk, this DarkSky Park is also a favorite among astronomy enthusiasts, with pristine nightscapes and plenty of to admire the heavens. Thick oak and hickory forests do make it tough to watch for meteors in some overnight spots, but Tyler Bend Campground (from $20) is a smart option with relatively minimal forest cover and plenty of summer availability.

6. Beaver Island Retreat, Michigan

Last year, State Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island became Michigan鈥檚 first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the Lake Michigan getaway has a host of potential sky sights on offer. Pass your pre-shower hours with birding, paddling, or lake snorkeling. When it鈥檚 time to catch the show, stay overnight just north of the sanctuary, at glamping hub (from $249), where guests have ample space to spot shooting stars, fireballs, and, on lucky nights, the northern lights.

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The only thing better than sleeping under the stars is camping beneath the Milky Way鈥檚 glittery galactic center, and now is the best time to do that.

July and August provide dazzling, nearly all-night views of the core of our spiral galaxy, a luminous bulge of stars, dust, and gas. But seeing the Milky Way does require a bit of planning鈥攕omething I鈥檓 currently in the throes of as I plot summer astrophotography expeditions from New Mexico to Maine.

Here鈥檚 how and when you can spot the Milky Way this summer, plus seven of the country鈥檚 best destinations for galaxy gazing.

When Is the Best Time to See the Milky Way?

You can technically see a portion of the Milky Way all year, but you can鈥檛 always admire the photogenic core. That鈥檚 due to our solar system鈥檚 location, as well as Earth鈥檚 rotation around the sun.

The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy, and our solar system lies on its outer fringes. From late November through January, the sun hovers between the galactic center and Earth. We can still our galaxy鈥檚 outer reaches鈥攁 spray of bright stars and space dust鈥攂ut the real treat hits in spring, when we move far enough around the sun for the Milky Way鈥檚 galactic center to come back into view.

The core is visible in the early morning hours from spring into early summer, and for a few hours after dusk in the fall. But July and August deliver eye-popping, and nearly all-night views of our galaxy鈥檚 interior鈥攊f you鈥檙e in the right place at the right time.

How Can I See the Milky Way?

Darkness is a must if you hope to see the Milky Way core. You need inky skies, and that starts with avoiding artificial light. I use 听and scout DarkSky International鈥檚 to plan my stargazing outings.

Timing is also important. Schedule your Milky Way pursuits for around five nights before and after a new moon to avoid lunar light.

And consider the light you produce out in the field. It takes our eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark after exposure to bright white light. That includes your phone. Once you鈥檙e safely in your stargazing spot, switch to a red-light headlamp to help preserve your night vision (or ditch light entirely), and turn off your phone. If you do need the latter to check stargazing apps or weather and safety alerts, use for a shortcut to turn your phone鈥檚 screen red.

Where Can I See the Milky Way in the U.S.?

Northerly destinations may get the best aurora views, but the Milky Way core, which travels above the southern horizon near the Sagittarius constellation, is much more visible in the lower 48 states. That鈥檚 why I focus my domestic stargazing trips on the contiguous U.S.

Here are seven of the best places to see the Milky Way across the country, as well as where to sleep beneath the stars while you鈥檙e there.

1. Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, Texas

This more than nine-million-acre reserve from Fort Davis to the Rio Grande is about as dark as skies can get in the contiguous U.S., and it鈥檚 packed with picturesque spots for galaxy viewing. Big Bend National Park is among the best of them, with beneath pristine nightscapes (permit required; from $10 per night) or the popular and peak-flanked Chisos Basin Campground (; from $16 per night). For a national park alternative that鈥檚 also within the reserve, try stargazing at Big Bend Ranch State Park, particularly along .

2. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Remote is an understatement when it comes to Capitol Reef National Park, a destination that鈥檚 almost 100 miles from the nearest traffic light. The 242,000-acre park offers numerous night-sky , including the primitive and pinyon-dotted Cathedral Valley Campground (free), Slickrock Divide on the Scenic Drive, and Panorama Point. Overnighting in the park provides the best stargazing, but you can also stay just outside its boundaries for a night of stargazing in a retro wagon at (from $199).

3. Chaco Canyon Natural Historic Park, New Mexico

Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico has long allured space enthusiasts with its dark skies and millennia-old astronomical history. Ancestral Puebloans incorporated astronomy, particularly the solar and lunar cycles, into and culture. Today, light pollution measures have preserved the skies above this UNESCO World Heritage Site and DarkSky-certified park. Pitch a tent beneath our galaxy鈥檚 glowing core at (from $20 per night); it鈥檚 located 1.5 miles from the visitor center. And don鈥檛 miss the Pueblo Bonito Overlook to see ancient ruins beneath a sea of shining stars.

4. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine

As one of the darkest places in the eastern U.S., Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is another stargazing destination for your bucket list. It鈥檚 an International DarkSky Sanctuary, with numerous views toward the heavens, including the Lunksoos picnic area and the Loop Road overlook. Given the getaway鈥檚 remoteness, camping is the easiest way to admire the Milky Way. The only caveat: you need a campground with as little forest cover as possible. For that, try (from $8 per night) on the park鈥檚 southern end for relatively open views to the night sky.

5. Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

Michigan鈥檚 Upper Peninsula is one of my favorite lower 48 aurora-hunting perches, and it鈥檚 also a great spot to catch the Milky Way core, particularly in the Keweenaw Peninsula鈥檚 remote northern fringes. Admire our spiral galaxy from Brockway Mountain or visit the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, located at the . You can overnight at the latter (from $225 per night) for easy stargazing access, or book a stay at lakefront (from $135), where you could catch both the northern lights and the Milky Way core in one night.

6. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Light pollution plagues much of the eastern U.S., but you can easily dodge it at Pennsylvania鈥檚 DarkSky-certified Cherry Springs State Park. The stargazing hub, located 180 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, provides several options for admiring the heavens. There鈥檚 a public viewing area for hobbyist stargazers craving a few hours beneath the cosmos, or an overnight observation field with for astronomers and astrophotographers with telescopes and camera equipment; it requires a permit ($25 per night). You can also find just outside the park (from $179 per night).

7. Sinks Canyon State Park, Wyoming

Glacier-carved Sinks Canyon State Park is Wyoming鈥檚 first DarkSky-certified park. The getaway is best known for its disappearing waterway鈥攖he Popo Agie River, which seemingly stops in a limestone cavern, then reappears a quarter-mile later in a rainbow trout-filled pool. But the nightscapes are just as mind-bending in this mosaic of limestone. Enjoy the Milky Way views by camping (from $10 for Wyoming residents and $18 for nonresidents) or (from $79). Sinks Canyon lies in the Wind River Range, around 165 miles southeast of another stargazing favorite, Jackson Hole.

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On June 11, the 1,000-plus-foot lava blasts of 碍墨濒补耻别补, one of the world鈥檚 most active volcanoes, nearly lured one visitor to his death. A 30-year-old Boston man fell 30 feet from a steep cliff after venturing off a trail to get a closer look at the volcano after dark at Hawai鈥檌 Volcanoes National Park. Luckily, a tree broke his fall, preventing him from plunging another hundred feet or so to the lava-strewn caldera floor. The听impact of which could have resulted in his death, according to .

The man, who did not have a flashlight or headlamp, sustained only minor injuries after the park鈥檚 search and rescue team performed a high-angle rescue.The mission听involved rappelling down the steep, heavily vegetated cliff face and hoisting the man to safety.

碍墨濒补耻别补’s recent eruption began on December 23, 2024. It’s the highest level of volcanic activity the park has seen in about 40 years. The result has been 听a 鈥渉uge uptick鈥� in visitation to Hawai鈥檌 Volcanoes National Park, according to park public affairs specialist, Jessica Ferracane. Park ranger Luke McNair says the June 11 incident was the second听 search-and-rescue mission since the eruption started.

I live part time on the neighboring island of Maui, and I admit I hopped a flight earlier this year so I could witness the glowing lava flows and billowing clouds of ash first-hand from the park trails. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the earth come alive before your eyes. I know not alone in this fascination. Ever since travel industry pioneer Thomas Cook took the first group of tourists to see Mount Vesuvius in 1841, volcano tourism has been a thing. And the onset of social media has fueled the rise of so-called 鈥渓ava chasers,鈥� says Dr. Adam Kent, a professor of geology at Oregon State University.

So far, there have been more than 50 volcanic eruptions worldwide in 2025. But while that may seem like a lot,听Dr. Kent says that鈥檚 on par with the global average. 鈥淭he most spectacular eruptions just so happen to be at some of the world鈥檚 most-known volcanoes,鈥� he adds.

On May 15, Sakurajima volcano in Japan sent a nearly 10,000-foot plume of ash into the air. And Mount Etna, Europe鈥檚 most active volcano, erupted in spectacular fashion on June 2, sending a group of as ashy clouds formed behind them. Other active volcanoes worldwide, including Nicaragua鈥檚 Concepci贸n, Iceland鈥檚 Fagradalsfjall, and Chile鈥檚 Villarrica, are popular tourist lures.

Alex Bradshaw, of , a cultural-focused tourism agency in Japan, says that since the eruption, he鈥檚 seen a remarkable surge in demand for hiking expeditions across the Kirishima Mountain Range and cycling tours on Sakurajima. 鈥淚t鈥檚 clear that travelers aren鈥檛 just coming for the dramatic scenery鈥攖hey鈥檙e seeking a deeper connection with these living, breathing volcanoes,鈥� he says.

That’s a feeling I can identify with. I skied to the smoldering summit of Chile鈥檚 Villarica, just months after its last consequential eruption in 2015. I鈥檇 booked the experience through a local outfitter, , and the ski resort, Pill谩n, closely monitors the volcano’s activity.

When I visited 碍墨濒补耻别补, I stayed on marked trails within the park and went to the in advance for notifications of closures and warnings. At the time, it felt reasonable. But given the recent accidents on 碍墨濒补耻别补, I wonder: During either of these past trips, was I being overly risky? Could I be taking more precautions when I visit volcanoes? I asked experts for their tips on how to safely visit a volcanic site. Here鈥檚 what they had to share.

Understand the Risks

鈥淚t鈥檚 important to remember that you鈥檙e in a dynamic environment where things can change quickly,鈥� says Arianna Soldati, an assistant professor of volcanology at North Carolina State University. Rules are in place for a reason. It鈥檚 crucial to stay on marked trails and safely within viewing areas. Lava flows can be very unstable and collapse under your weight if you attempt to walk on them, says Soldati. 鈥淗ot lava might be flowing under the seemingly inactive surface.鈥�

Volcanoes are essentially a mountain of rubble, says Ben Andrews, director of the Global Volcanism Program, an organization that maintains a website with a comprehensive listing of the world’s active volcanoes. 鈥淵ou need to be cautious of rockfalls, cliffs, and mudslides,鈥� he says. 鈥淩ain or snowmelt can turn volcanic ash into a wall of liquid concrete weeks, months, even years after an eruption,鈥� he cautions.

Toxic gases are another consideration. Scientists estimated that 碍墨濒补耻别补, for example, emitted up to around 83,000 tons of toxic sulphur dioxide per day during some of its recent eruptions, according to an update on the . The sulfur dioxide released from the volcano can mix with other gases and particles in the atmosphere to create a haze called volcanic smog (vog), and strands of windblown volcanic glass, named after the Hawaiian goddess.

Inhaling either at high concentrations may cause respiratory problems and other such as eye and skin irritation, according to USGS. Typically prevailing winds carry the toxic particulates away from the park, but when the weather is calm, local air quality can suffer, states Katie Mulliken, a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist.听 If you see people wearing masks and helmets on guided tours, you probably should not be exploring the place by yourself, says Soldati.

Even inactive volcanoes pose dangers. 鈥淒ormant doesn鈥檛 mean safe,鈥� says Harding Bush, associate director of security operations at Global Rescue. 鈥淎 volcano can shift from quiet to deadly with little warning, like a sleeping giant that wakes without notice. Tourists need to be alert and prepared. Even when a volcano appears calm, the environment around it is anything but. It鈥檚 like standing on a frozen lake in spring鈥攖he surface may look solid, but danger lurks beneath.鈥�

Dr. Kent cautions that a safe viewing distance can vary from a few meters to many kilometers depending on the type of eruption. 鈥淢y number one suggestion would be to follow advice from local authorities,鈥� he says. When it comes to photos, Maui-based photographer Daniel Sullivan of Indigo Gallery recommends using a tripod and trying to use different shutter speeds to capture different shots. On the Big Island, he says it鈥檚 important not to get too close to the action. 鈥淭he park rangers have barricades in place to听 show you where you can shoot from,鈥� he says. 鈥淯nfortunately people are constantly ignoring these and bad accidents do happen.鈥�

Review Updates from Local Resources

The exact timing of an eruption can be tricky to predict, but it鈥檚 unusual for travelers to be caught completely off guard by volcanic activity, thanks to advanced scientific forecasts. The Global Volcanism Network puts out around 15 to 25 detailed weekly reports per week on recent eruptions. 鈥淲e鈥檙e a wonderful clearinghouse听but I still tell people to check with local volcano observatories, civil authorities, and local park services,鈥� says Andrews. In the U.S., the site monitors volcanoes and issues warnings. In Iceland, the equivalent service is the that lists active volcano hazards. In Sicily, the Civil Protection Department听and the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology听provide the public with updates on Mount Etna鈥檚 eruption status using a color-coded system.

Be Prepared

鈥淭reat a volcano with the same respect you would a big mountain,鈥� says Andrews. Dress like you would for a hike with sturdy boots, extra layers, sun protection, a headlight, drinking water, and a high-vis vest. Summits can be chilly鈥痑nd rainy, so pack a rain jacket. 鈥淐onsider whether you鈥檒l have cell coverage,鈥� says Soldati. 鈥淚f so, make sure you conserve battery for actual emergency communication versus picture-taking.鈥� Soldati recommends downloading the app to ensure you can describe your location in case of an emergency.

鈥淪tay alert for anything that looks, sounds, or smells unusual, and if things seem off, leave as quickly as possible,鈥� says Soldati. 鈥淭ry to avoid valleys if at all possible, as those will be preferential paths of lava flows. If an eruption starts, do not waste time capturing it with your phone.鈥�

Also keep in mind that eruptions can impact travel. Airports may close, and roads can become impassable due to ashfall. 鈥淭ravelers should be prepared to change plans quickly and use alternate routes by land, sea, or air if needed,鈥� said Bush. 鈥淚 was stranded in Anchorage for days trying to get to Kodiak Island while there was an eruption 160 miles away on the Kenai Peninsula听of Alaska.鈥�

Go with a Pro

Activities like lava-field hikes, crater tours, and eruption viewings offer a front-row seat to nature鈥檚 most powerful spectacle. Consider experiencing them with an expert on a guided tour that can provide historical and geological context. Hawai鈥檌 Volcanoes National Park, offers nearly every day on 碍墨濒补耻别补 volcano..

鈥淚t only takes a little homework to be safe,鈥� says Andrews. 鈥淰isiting a volcano should be an awe-inspiring experience, not a death-defying one.

Lava Gaze Safely on These Guided Volcano Hikes

Travelers can book tours with certified guides who specialize in volcano hikes:听

Hawaii: Get two distinct views of 碍墨濒补耻别补 on the Volcanoes and Waterfalls by Air and Land trip from . Soar above Hawaii Island鈥檚 dazzling volcanic formations with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters then trek through the national park with an expert who knows just how close to snap pics of lively 碍墨濒补耻别补. From $1,009

Chile: Climb Chile鈥檚 most active volcano Villarrica with Amity Tours during an of the Lake and Volcano District. The approximate five-hour trek to the summit rewards hikers with views across the live crater and out to five lakes. From $4,870

Italy: leads full-day hikes, consisting of five to six hours听of trekking, in routes that are safe both during active and quiet phases of the volcano. From $70

Guatemala: Local operator offers overnight guided group treks to the 12,360-foot fiery ridge of the Acatenango volcano, with the option to tack on a 90-minute sunrise hike to the summit the following morning. From $94

Iceland: Walk near newly formed lava fields and witness steaming fissures with . The outfitter鈥檚 half-day hike from Reykjavik showcases the major changes that the Sundhn煤kur, Fagradalsfjall, and Meradalir eruptions made to the landscape between 2021 and 2024. From $120

Japan: Spend 15 days trekking around Kyushu, nicknamed the Land of Fires for its plentiful volcanoes, with outfitter . Take in views of the world鈥檚 largest volcanic caldera at Mount Aso and soothe sore muscles in volcanic sand baths and onsens. From $6,035

Jen Murphy is a regular contributor to 国产吃瓜黑料. This past winter she went ski touring past the stinky fumaroles of Asahi-dake, an active volcano in Hokkaido, Japan.

The post Close Calls at Lava Flows鈥擧ow Safe is Visiting an Active Volcano? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

In the age of and , I used to wonder why anyone would pay to join a bike tour. Why not just download the route and ride on your own? But after I took a guided bike tour around southern Arizona with Backroads in 2019, I was hooked. I loved the camaraderie of the group and the luxury of having a support van behind me in case I got a flat or needed to refill my water. Most of all, I appreciated not having to make every single decision. The team of Backroads handled everything, from the hotel and restaurant reservations to the routes, which came in many options to appease those who wanted to go hard (me!) or take it easy.

Since then, I鈥檝e taken dozens of bike trips with various companies. I’ve learned that each cycling tour outfitter offers something unique, like super high-end service and Michelin-star meals or truly rugged, off-the-beaten path itineraries. The following list of the world’s best bike tours showcases both famous and lesser known cycling destinations. Sure, you could tackle their gravel, single-track, and pavement on your own. But these outfitters add a little something special to each experience. Some have developed exclusive, first-of-their-kind routes and have relationships with family-run hotels you鈥檇 never find online. Others include over-the-top racing bikes and opportunities to climb like a pro on fabled routes. All take care of the details鈥攕o you simply get to enjoy the riding.

1. The Blue Ridge Mountains, the Carolinas

Why: Long stretches of protected land, including , the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, and the famed Blue Ridge Parkway make this a cycling paradise. If you want test-your-mettle climbs with unbeatable vistas, you鈥檒l find plenty, like the 6.5-mile ascent to Caesar鈥檚 Head summit. This region was hit hard by Hurricane Helene last fall and needs tourists to return to help support local businesses and communities affected by the storm.

Book with: has been operating cycling trips in the Carolinas since 2014. Its five-day itinerary in the region offers up to four routes each day, so cyclists can take it easy riding nine relatively flat miles or push themselves, tackling as much as 63 miles or up to 5,100 feet of elevation gain. This trip kicks off with two nights at George Hincapie鈥檚 fancy cycling base camp, , and guests have the chance to ride the former Tour de France competitor鈥檚 Gran Fondo route.

Effort: Moderate to challenging
When: May, June, September, October
How much: $3,999 per person based on double occupancy

Book Flights to North Carolina

2. Greece鈥檚 Balkan North

Why: Northern Greece is still mostly untouched by mass tourism. Around a decade ago, the country built a network of modern tunnels and highways to divert traffic from its old mountain roads. With the exception of the occasional shepherd, those winding roads are now empty for cyclists.

Book with: OG bike adventure company is the only operator to run trips in this region. Its upscale itineraries cater to cyclists looking for luxe stays and indulgent meals. This seven-day trip averages 10.5 to 26 miles of cycling per day and is layered with cultural activities, like cooking demonstrations, truffle hunts, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the .

Effort: Recreational
When: May, June, September
How much: $7,995 per person double occupancy

3. The French Alps

Why: Conquering the storied HC (hors cat茅gorie) climbs and cols of the French Alps provides the ultimate cycling bragging rights. Retrace mythical Tour de France ascents like Col the Alpe d鈥橦uez, with its 21 hairpin turns, and discover lesser known, yet equally demanding ascents like the Col d鈥橝llos, a road where the average grade can reach 7.8 percent. Riding here is the epitome of type two fun.

Book with: Duvine鈥檚 week-long averages 55 miles and 8,734 feet of elevation gain per day, covering some of France鈥檚 gnarliest terrain. Riders’ efforts are rewarded with gourmet alpine fare, like tartiflette and raclette, fine wines, and overnights in cushy villas and chalets.

Effort: Pro-level
When: July and August
How much: Six-day trip from $5,295 per person double occupancy

Book Flights to the Alps

4. The Chianti Region of Tuscany, Italy

Why: People were riding gravel in Tuscany long before it blew up Stateside. Home to the legendary Strade Bianche race (named for the white gravel roads of the Crete Senesi area) and L鈥橢roica, an amateur event where participants ride vintage bikes and wear retro clothes, the Chianti region is steeped in cycling culture. World-class quiet roads twist past unfathomably picturesque countryside blanketed in rolling vineyards and olive groves. The mid-ride coffee stops are worth lingering over and cyclists can carbo load on meals of hand-made pici and pappardelle.

Book with: Jo茫o Correia, founder of , lived and trained in Tuscany when he was a pro racer. He鈥檚 poured his knowledge into insidery itineraries, like a six-day Chianti Classico trip that covers more than 220 miles of epic climbs, technical descents, and chalky gravel roads. Another itinerary allows cyclists to watch the pros race the Strade Bianche, then ride the course the following day. And inGamba鈥檚 services鈥攎echnicas, soigneurs, $15,000 Pinarello racing bikes鈥攚ill make you feel like a pro.

Effort: Pro-level
When: June; Strade Bianche: March 3-9, 2026
How much: Chianti Classico trip from $6,895; Six-day Strade Bianche Experience from $7,450

Book Flights to Tuscany

5. South Island, New Zealand

Why: South Island鈥檚 old gold mining trails, stock routes, and railways now form quiet backcountry roads that make it possible to cycle from Christchurch to Queenstown. And you鈥檒l be hard pressed to find a more dramatic backdrop for gravel riding than the Southern Alps, with its vivid blue lakes, sparkling rivers, and snow-capped peaks.

Book with: Since its inception in 1992, 国产吃瓜黑料 South NZ has rooted its business in environmental, community, and cultural stewardship. The company鈥檚 seven-day itinerary is one-of-a-kind, featuring three iconic backcountry passes, the best section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, plus the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge Trails. Out-of-the-saddle highlights include visits to the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve and the Waitaki Whitestone UN Geopark, plus pit-stops at historic pubs.

Effort: Challenging
When: November, December
How much: From $2,775 per person double occupancy

Book Flights to New Zealand

6. Mallorca, Spain

Why: This Balearic Island is blessed with over 300 days of anual sunshine and some of the planet鈥檚 most jaw-droppingly gorgeous coastal roads. The idyllic weather and variety of terrain, including grueling routes, like Sa Calobra and Puig Major (the island鈥檚 highest peak), make it the training base of choice for teams like Lidl-Trek and Team Ineos. And you鈥檒l likely find yourself getting smoked by local stars like Tom Pidcock, aka the King of Sa Calobra.

Book with: Trek Travel鈥檚 let you train like a pro. The week includes a mix of guided and self-guided rides featuring punchy climbs, thrilling descents, and coffee breaks at cult favorite cycling cafes like Cycling Planet. You鈥檒l test your muscles and mindset on some of the island鈥檚 most daunting ascents, including Sa Calobra, a 12-mile ribbon of road with an average 7 percent gradient. Guided days are fully supported, so you鈥檒l have sunscreen, water, electrolytes, and bocadillos (sandwiches) at your beck and call, and you can always ride back to the eco-hotel basecamp if you bonk.

Effort: Challenging
When: March-May, October, November
How much: Six-day trip from $1,999 per person double occupancy

7. The Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India

Why: Most people travel through the Himalayas on foot, but the region is even more awe-inspiring to experience on two wheels. Cycle through Tibetan villages, remote valleys, and camel-dotted deserts, along vestiges of the ancient Silk Road trading route, and over soaring mountain passes. Nicknamed the roof of the world, Ladakh鈥檚 high-altitude mountains will have your lungs burning just as much as your quads.

Book with: SpiceRoads鈥� doesn鈥檛 include any technical riding. The challenge comes from the high-altitude effort. After arriving in Leh, cyclists warm up with a three-day acclimatization loop that hugs the banks of the Indus River and takes in ancient monasteries. The payoff for strenuous climbs, like Wari La Pass, which tops out at 16,972 feet, and Khardungla Pass, hitting 17,582 feet, is cinematic views of snow-capped peaks and exhilarating descents. A true cultural immersion, SpiceRoads arranges overnights in homestays and campsites along the journey.

Effort: Active
When: July, August
How much: 14-day trip from $3,100 per person based on double occupancy

8. East to West Traverse of the Alps

Why: Cycling across the Alps puts an athletic twist on the Grand Tour, a coming-of-age adventure across western Europe that was undertaken by young aristocrats in the 18th century. Experience the different cuisines, dialects, architecture, and customs of France, Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia as you pedal across borders. The variety of terrain is truly extraordinary, from famous alpine passes, like Italy鈥檚 Aprica Pass, theatre of the Giro d鈥橧talia multiple times, to mellow routes that hug the shores of some of Europe鈥檚 most popular lakes, including Lake Annecy in France and Lake Como in Italy.

Book with: ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours has been running trips in Europe since 1972. The company鈥檚 exclusive Alpine Arc: Lyon to Ljubljana itinerary is a 23-day, 915-mile epic. Cyclists average 47 miles in the saddle each day, with plenty of down time to explore local gems like Yvoire, a medieval settlement on the shores of Lake Geneva and the Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Museum in the tiny Italian town of Magreglio.

Effort: Active
When: July
How much: From $11,595 per person double occupancy

Book Flights to the Alps

9. Costa Rica Coast to Coast

Why: Riding 300 miles across Costa Rica from the Caribbean to Pacific provides a highlight reel of the country鈥檚 diverse natural wonders. Ogle the Arenal Volcano. Spot sloth and howler monkeys in the rainforest canopy. Cross the mighty Pacuare River by raft. Splash in the surf of Playa Hermosa. And after a steep climb over the Great Divide, soak sore muscles in natural hot springs.

Book with: BikeHike 国产吃瓜黑料s ran its first official trip in 1994 to Costa Rica. To celebrate the company鈥檚 20-year anniversary, founder Trish Sare developed a cross-country mountain biking trip called the . One of BikeHike鈥檚 most popular offerings, it complements adventurous riding with white-water rafting, surfing, paddleboarding, zip-lining, beaches, and more. Most nights are spent in small, independent hotels that support local communities.

Effort: Challenging
When: November-February
How much: Ten-day trip from $3,499 per person

Book Flights to Costa Rica

10. Vermont

Why: From the flat, paved roads of the Champlain Islands to the rugged gravel routes in the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont has a mix of terrain suited to riders of all abilities. There鈥檚 no prettier backdrop come fall, when the leaves transform into a patchwork of gold and orange, and there鈥檚 always a cold craft beer waiting at the end of a long ride.

Book with: Family-run outfitter Great Bike Tours is headquartered in Vermont鈥攖hey know the state intimately. Its five-day, is based out of charming in the tiny (and hilly) village of Pittsfield. Designed for recreational cyclists who care more about leaf peeping and apple cider stops than Strava status, it covers 20 to 40 mellow miles a day on the islands of Lake Champlain and in the countryside around the towns of Woodstock and Middlebury. Overachievers can tack on hills and e-bikes are also welcome.

Effort: Recreational
When: October and November
How much: From $3,395 per person double occupancy

Book Flights to Vermont

11. The Scottish Highlands

Why: Gilded glens. Mirror-like lochs. Wild beaches. Slate blue mountains. The Scottish Highlands are an enchanting tapestry of landscapes rich in history and culture. Routes once walked by highland drovers and their cattle are now perfect for off-road cycling. You can鈥檛 find a more hospitable culture or better place for a customary post-ride dram of whisky.

Book with: When it comes to biking and hiking in Scotland, no one aces itineraries like local outfitter Wilderness Scotland. They recently debuted a new week-long that starts near Glasgow in the south, crisscrosses the heart of the Highlands, and finishes at the coastline of a wee village called Findhorn. You鈥檒l need stamina for the week. Days average between 30 to 50 miles with a total ascent between 1,640 to 4,920 feet. But you won鈥檛 need to worry about fuel. Wilderness Scotland keeps its cyclists well fed with locally-sourced meals at the team鈥檚 favorite restaurants and hotels.

Effort: Challenging
When: August
How much: Seven-day trip from $3,968 per person double occupancy

Book Flights to Scotland

12. Belgium

Why: Even the most hard-core cyclists agree that Belgium鈥檚 rich cycling culture and diverse terrain make up for its lack of punishing climbs. Miles of scenic bike paths line the country鈥檚 pretty canals and wind their way to cobbled roads in postcard-worthy towns. Cycling geeks come to watch the famous Tour de Flanders and visit the cycling museum in Oudenaarde, and beer lovers can create their dream cycling and beer tasting tour.

Book with: Ciclismo Classico is known for its innovative itineraries and exceptional local guides. The company鈥檚 trip averages 40 miles and 1,600 feet of elevation gain per day. A dream trip for beer and bike aficionados, routes pass through renowned brewing sites like Leffe and Achouffe, but also overlap sections of the Tour of Flanders, including its signature muren.

Effort: Moderate
When: June-August
How much: From $6,795 per person double occupancy

Book Flights to Belgium

Jen Murphy is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor. A runner-turned cyclist, she has joined group cycling tours in Arizona, Mallorca, the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Carolinas, Colorado, Tuscany, and Romania. The French Alps and New Zealand are on her wish lists.

The post The 12 Best Bike Tours in the World appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Packing for adventure travel is never easy. Every trip is different, which means each time you break out the suitcase or duffel bag, you need to start from scratch when deciding what to bring. The clothes and gear will change, that鈥檚 a given. But if you want to streamline the packing process for flights, the best advice I can give鈥�based on two decades as a travel writer鈥攊s to figure out a carry-on setup that will get you through 90 percent of trips. For most people, the key to that setup is finding the best personal item bag.

Yes, the 鈥減ersonal item,鈥� that ill-defined and rarely size-enforced additional bag that can range from a purse or daypack to a garment sack and even a guitar, depending on the airline and flight attendants on duty. The confusion over what counts as a personal item stems from the fact that most airlines don鈥檛 specify exact dimensions, other than it needs to fit under the seat in front of you. That directive comes directly from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is why most airlines follow its lead. But the under-seat space varies from airline to airline, so what鈥檚 an adventure traveler who鈥檚 trying to avoid aggressive baggage fees (or anxiously waiting at the carousel like a date that鈥檚 been stood up) supposed to do?

Here鈥檚 a basic tip before we get into the specifics: Traveling is hard enough, so don鈥檛 complicate things by trying to sneak a giant duffel and a roller bag on the plane. A large duffel or backpack, no matter how lax the gate agent is, will likely get flagged by flight attendants onboard the plane, and you鈥檒l be forced to check it or your larger carry-on item. Essentially, anything bigger than a day pack will be hard to pass off as a personal item. (Although I once watched, admirably, as a father tried to claim that a giant stuffed giraffe was his kids鈥� personal item.) For the sake of everyone onboard, get with the program and use a backpack or similar bag as your personal item. It鈥檒l make airline travel, if not headache free, more tolerable.

Here鈥檚 what to consider when deciding what personal item-sized bag is best for you.

What Counts As a Personal Item?

Many airlines don鈥檛 specify exact size restrictions for personal items, but the that all carry-on items fit under the seat in front of you, if it鈥檚 not in an enclosed storage compartment.

This leaves a lot of wiggle room as to what size bag counts as a personal item. A small backpack with a change of clothes and your toiletry bag? Definitely. A messenger bag for your laptop? Sure. A large backpack crammed full of a week’s worth of clothes? Well鈥� it depends. The room under each seat varies from airline to airline, but there鈥檚 a general size limit you can go by: if your bag comes in around 18 x 14 x 8 inches, it should fit just fine.

If it鈥檚 a soft-side bag with gear inside that can compress, you can probably go slightly larger than those dimensions. In my experience, most flight attendants don鈥檛 police the size of personal items as you鈥檙e boarding the plane, so all you need to do is make sure you can cram it under the seat when you sit down. This is why a medium-sized backpack works well as something of a cheat code: paired with a suitcase or duffel bag, you can stuff it full of an impressive amount of clothes and gear and still get it to fit under the seat.

This guidance comes with a caveat, though. If you鈥檙e going to be tossing your bag on the floor of a plane and kicking it underneath the seat in front, it needs to be durable. It鈥檚 going to get a lot of wear and tear, not to mention shoe grime and pretzel dust.

With durability, size, and smart design in mind, here are the best bags to consider in a few different categories.

听Backpacks

Best All-Around: Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L

Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 7 inches

Cost: from $199

It鈥檚 hard to find a better pack designed for the rigors of frequent airplane travel than this soft-sided daypack, made from a recycled ripstop polyester fabric, meaning it鈥檚 more than durable enough to serve as a personal item. It鈥檚 designed with a long list of smart features that make organizing gear easy, like a padded laptop pocket, a large main compartment with two interior pockets (great for passports and/or electric cords), and an exterior stretch-mesh pocket for a water bottle. The padded hip belt can double as a shoulder strap, converting the bag from a backpack to a messenger bag, and all the straps can be tucked away when not being used, turning it into ad hoc duffel bag, which is perfect when you’re fitting it underneath the seat in front of you, so no extra straps get caught on your feet. It even has a wide loop on the back panel that slips over the handle of a rolling suitcase, so you can cruise through the terminal without the weight of the pack on your back.

Also Great: Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 7 inches

Cost: from $240

This rugged backpack, with a recycled, weatherproof nylon shell, is stuffed with so many travel-specific features that it may take three or four trips to discover them all. A large top pocket with three sleeves makes organizing your keys, wallet, sunglasses, or passport a cinch. There鈥檚 the requisite padded laptop sleeve and tuck-away shoulder straps to hide all the backpack accoutrements when cramming it under an airplane seat. The other great thing about this bag, which also separates it from many others, is that it鈥檚 expandable, with a zipper that unzips to transform the bag from 27 liters to 33 liters. Either size should fit just fine underneath the seat, making it an excellent overall choice for those looking to maximize packing space in their personal item.

Most Durable: Yeti Crossroads 22L

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 7.1 inches

Cost: from $200

With 22 liters of space, this pack is perfect for stashing an impressive amount of clothes and gear while still fitting under the seat in front of you. An inside sleeve fits a laptop; a zippered compartment up top delivers easy access to sunglasses, keys, and a passport; and a luggage pass-through panel allows you to slip it over the handle of your roller suitcase while cruising through airports. And because it鈥檚 made from Yeti鈥檚 proprietary Tuffskin nylon, it鈥檚 nearly bombproof, meaning it鈥檚 great for stashing on the plane and touring around in the wilds once you arrive at your destination.

Best for a Laptop: Cotopaxi Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack

Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 8 inches

Cost: from $140

If all you need is a pack that can haul your laptop through the airport, along with a few other essentials and a toiletries bag, then this is the daypack for you. With a sleek design that weighs just 18 ounces, this pack is perfect for those types of trips where versatility is key and you鈥檙e on the go most days. It has an internal sleeve to secure a tablet or small laptop, a water bottle pocket, and two large internal main pockets for organizing other gear.

Duffel and Weekender Bags

Best All-Around Duffel: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 32L

Dimensions: 22.7 x 13.8 x 8.7

Cost: from $125

This is the smaller, backpack-hybrid version of The North Face鈥檚 ubiquitous workhorse, the Base Camp Duffel, and it works exceptionally well for traveling, with an adjustable interior divider to help with organization, padded shoulder straps that can be stowed behind the back panel, and even a laptop compartment. Made from ballistic nylon and polyester tarpaulin, it鈥檚 designed for the long haul, along with a few backcountry beat-ups along the way. This duffel pick comes with a slight caveat, however: its maximum dimension comes in at slightly larger than recommended for an under-seat bag. I鈥檝e gotten mine to fit on all but one occasion, when I had it packed to the gills and was flying on a smaller plane on a regional airline. Unless you find yourself in similar situations often, you should be fine with this bag, particularly because it鈥檚 soft-sided and compresses when getting it to fit.

Best Non-Nylon Weekender Bag:听 Tom Beckbe Canvas Weekender Duffel Bag

Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 11.5 inches

Cost: from $595

Sometimes you just need a bag with even more durability and class than the usual ripstop nylon offering. Waxed canvas is the material you want, with its superior abrasion resistance and good looks, and the bag you want is this one, from Southern outdoor brand Tom Beckbe (named loosely after a river in Alabama). With leather trims and a large clamshell opening, this weekend bag is perfect for a trip to a genteel lodge鈥攁long with any other use you can throw at it.

Best Packable Duffel: Waterfield Packable Duffel

Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 10 inches (18 x 8 x 13 inches expanded)

Cost: from $129

Sometimes you need an extra bag with a lot of space but only for one way on your travels鈥攎aybe for taking some gifts to friends overseas, for example. This lightweight, water-resistant bag is that perfect extra bag for just such an occasion. The ripstop nylon lining offers lightweight durability and it packs down into its own 9-inch by 8-inch pocket.

Camera Bags

Best Bombproof Camera Bag: Wandrd Prvke 21L

Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 6.5 inches

Cost: from $219

For serious photographers, a durable, weatherproof bag that allows you to keep your expensive gear by your side at all times, including on the plane, is essential. Camera equipment is personal, and thus everyone has a preference on what camera bag offers the best combination of protection and easy access. For most people, this one should hit the sweet spot. With an exterior made from a waterproof tarpaulin and ripstop nylon fabrics, it sloughs off rain and snow and stands up to repeated scuffs and abrasions. Inside, it has padded space dividers with compartments designed to perfectly fit Wandrd鈥檚 Essential Camera Cube ($64) and a protective case for lenses and DSLR bodies that you can configure to whatever interior size you need. The Prvke also has a clamshell opening that鈥檚 designed to make grabbing your camera on the go easy and quick while maintaining protection when closed. The bag鈥檚 padded straps make it comfortable to wear for long periods, and there鈥檚 even a hidden passport pocket for overseas travel. It鈥檚 also backed by a lifetime warranty, so you don鈥檛 need to worry about the bag itself, just what鈥檚 inside, when tramping around in the forest or on city streets.

Wheeled Bags

Best Underseat Luggage: Briggs & Riley Baseline Cabin Spinner

Dimensions: 16.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches

Cost: from $499

It鈥檚 rare that an adventure traveler will require a wheeled under-seat suitcase on the regular; it鈥檚 more for business travelers setting out for one-night jaunts. But if you do find yourself in need of one, it鈥檚 hard to do better than this compact suitcase from one of the best names in luggage: Briggs & Riley. Made from ballistic nylon fabric, it offers exceptional durability, both on and off the plane, plus its telescoping handle and spinning wheels make it a cinch to pull through terminals and city streets. If you need a diminutive wheeled bag for heavy, expensive items (like camera lenses and equipment), this is a great option, and with Briggs and Riley鈥檚 best-in-class lifetime guarantee, the steep price is more than worth the cost.

Packable Bags/Totes

Best All-Around: Patagonia Terravia Tote Pack 24L

Dimensions: 16″ x 10″ x 8″

Cost: from $99

One of the hacks I鈥檝e developed over years of traveling is carrying a version of this extremely lightweight (just 14 ounces) bag on pretty much every trip. It packs into its own pocket and, unfurled, you can carry it as a backpack or a tote. On the road, it serves as a perfect pack for grabbing groceries or bringing a bathing suit and a towel to a backcountry hot spring. (Usually, though, I simply use it as a laundry bag for dirty clothes.) When it comes time to pack for home, you also have an extra bag to carry on any souvenirs or other purchases you鈥檝e made along the way. I usually check my main suitcase (it doesn鈥檛 matter if it gets delayed on the way home) and carry on the most important things in a backpack and this tote bag.

Best Low-Cost Option: Peak Design Packable Tote

Dimensions: 15.5 x 10.25 x 8 inches

Cost: from $30

If you鈥檙e looking for an ultra-packable sack for those just-in-case moments while traveling鈥攕ay you bought an extra sweater or two in Norway that won鈥檛 fit in your carry-on鈥攖his 12-liter nylon tote, which weighs just 2.8 ounces, is an excellent option. It packs down to roughly the size of a deck of cards, meaning it can fit just about anywhere in your luggage and, at just $30, it鈥檚 a cheap investment to help you easily expand your luggage space when traveling home, if you decide to check your primary bag.

Ryan Krogh is a freelance writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. In the last decade, he鈥檚 traveled to 27 countries and every U.S. state, nearly all with just a carry-on suitcase and a personal item鈥攗sually a backpack stuffed with clothes or fishing gear but also the occasional dog food bag when traveling with his yellow labrador, Magnolia.听

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