When I had the chance to spend some time in Europe this year, the first thing I wanted to do鈥攚ell, besides find some really good cheese鈥攚as figure out how to visit as many national parks as possible. As the editor in chief of , 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥檚 sister brand, I spend a lot of time thinking about national parks. Whether it鈥檚 figuring out how to pack as much as possible into a weekend in Yellowstone, thinking about the implications of reservation systems, or dreaming about units to visit, I eat, sleep, and breathe America鈥檚 best idea.

But narrowing down the European parks to visit proved tougher than I鈥檇 imagined. While the 27 EU member countries share a market and (mostly) a currency, each nation鈥檚 approach to public lands is vastly different. Some European national parks are all pristine wilderness areas and have strict recreation-use laws. In others, you鈥檒l find trendy bars serving Aperol spritzes, with Vespas parked outside. There鈥檚 even a Croatian national park with a zoo, complete with an elephant, ostriches, and zebras. Slovenia has just a single park; Finland has dozens.

While European parks run the gamut, they all have one thing in common. They鈥檝e been set aside as meriting designation, meaning they鈥檙e worth a visit to see something meaningful, whether that鈥檚 glistening glaciers, spectacular mountain peaks, hanging bridges across thundering rivers, or ancient vineyards clinging to cliffs above the sea.

These are the European national parks that top my travel bucket list. I鈥檝e been to several of them and can鈥檛 wait to see the rest.

1. Triglav National Park, Slovenia (Triglavski Narodni Park)

Admission: Free

WHY GO: While Alpine countries like France and Austria get most of the love, many people know almost nothing of one of the Alps鈥� best destinations: Slovenia. On my first visit to the country I was instantly charmed by the country鈥檚 rolling pastures, pretty churches set against the backdrop of mountains and blue lakes, and university-town capital, Ljubljana, which, with its avant-garde metalwork and dragon mascot, has a decidedly punk feel. When I realized that a subrange of the Alps was protected in the northwestern corner of the country as Triglav National Park, I knew I had to return.

Nestled up against the Italian border and nearly touching Austria, Triglav is home to thick forests, rivers, mountain villages, and big peaks that quickly made it one of my favorite national parks. Mount Triglav is the crown jewel at 9,396 feet, but plenty of other impressive summits draw peak baggers from across the world. Vogel Ski Resort can be found here too, offering 14 miles of terrain.

BEST ADVENTURES: Most park visitors flock to the Lake Bohinj region, a nearly 800-acre glacially carved valley filled with deep blue water where you can rent traditional wooden rowboats ($16/hour), among other watercraft. Vogel is in this area, and you can take the gondola and chairlift ($34 roundtrip for adults) partway and hike to the summit. The 6.1-mile trail isn鈥檛 technical, but it is steep in places, secured with cables and pegs. Keep your eyes peeled for the ibex and chamois that live here.

Watch the weather for wind gusts that could shut down the lifts, and stay aware of the time, because it鈥檚 a long trek back down if the chairs stop running before you reach them (they close at 4 p.m. in the summer). At several traditional huts on the mountain, you can enjoy local cheese and mountain dishes like goulash.

While the Bohinj area is the most popular, venturing further into the park is absolutely worth it. Head up and over the steep and narrow Vr拧i膷 Pass to Triglav鈥檚 more remote west side (my favorite), where you鈥檙e as likely to encounter a herd of sheep blocking the road as cyclists riding on it. Tackle the 15-mile , a hike that can be done in a long day, or at a slower pace, where you spend the night in one of several villages along the way. The beautiful trail follows the river, which is so clear and bright it almost hurts to look at. My husband, dog and I got distracted on our hike and instead spent a pleasant afternoon wading听 in the cold snowmelt. Wind your way gradually down valley under larches and across swinging bridges.

If you really want to get away, several long-distance trails, including the Via Alpina red route (1,500 miles) and the Alpe Adria Trail (466 miles), run through Triglav. For less of a commitment than those, head into the Seven Lakes Valley on a multi-day excursion, where you can spend the night in several maintained huts (no camping is allowed in the backcountry).

HOW TO GET THERE: Slovenia has a great public transportation system, making it easy to get from Ljubljana to Bled by train (40 minutes) and then Bled to Bohinj by bus (40 minutes), so you can stay in the capital and still explore the park. Buses run to other parts of Triglav, too, but pay attention to timetables, as they are less frequent and getting a taxi or rideshare won鈥檛 be an option in remote parts of the park.

BEST TIME TO GO: June to September is high season for hiking and hut availability, but can also be crowded. Snow melts early in this part of the world, so low elevation hikes can be done in the spring and fall to avoid the crowds. 听

WHERE TO STAY: Accommodations, from private hotels and guest houses to campgrounds and mountain huts, abound inside the park. My husband and I like staying in Bohinj on the west side for easy access to Vogel and the pretty town of Bled, or the quiet village of Trenta on the east side. For an alpine experience, book a bed at Ti膷arjev Dom ($47 per person with breakfast), the mountain hut at the summit of Vr拧i膷 Pass. You鈥檒l sleep dormitory-style and rise to incredible mountain views the next morning from the patio over a bela kava (coffee with milk).

2. Oulanka National Park, Finland

Admission: Free

WHY GO: If you鈥檙e looking to get into some of the most remote wilderness on the continent, head to Oulanka National Park in Finland. The park hugs the Russian border in the far northeastern part of the country above the Arctic Circle and is an experience in solitude. In fact, the wilderness doesn鈥檛 stop at state lines. It continues east, bleeding quietly into Russia鈥檚 Paanaj盲rvi National Park, with a simple rope forming the border and keeping canoeists in the EU. Last year I visited Levi Ski Resort in Finnish Lapland, four hours to the north, and fell in love with polar night. Getting back is at the top of my list and this time I want to get deeper into the wilderness, specifically at Oulanka.

Planning a trip to this remote land filled with boreal forests, rushing rivers, and limestone gorges isn鈥檛 easy, but I promise the hardest part will be picking which season to visit鈥搘inter or summer? This far north, the year is capped by eternal night in the deep winter, when you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, and try to spot the Northern Lights, and permanent sun in the height of the warm months, with plenty of daylight for canoeing and hiking trips.

BEST ADVENTURES: Summer visitors have two main choices for exploring: by water or by land. Paddlers can rent canoes and camping gear from to embark on a trip down the Oulankajoki River. The lower section is calm, with a short two-hour option to a takeout or a seven-hour route that makes an excellent overnight trip with a stop at any of several campsites or the first-come, first-served Ansak盲mpp盲 Wilderness Hut. There are rapids and a portage on the upper section of the river, so skip it unless you鈥檙e an experienced boater.

On foot, try the , a loop that crosses some of the park鈥檚 famous hanging bridges. In summer months, the trail is one-way (clockwise). Backpackers can head out on the 50-mile Bear鈥檚 Ring, aka . Finland鈥檚 most popular hike traverses the park from north to south, with each stage ending on a bus route in case you鈥檇 prefer to sleep in a real bed, or campsites and huts along the way if you鈥檇 rather rough it. Thundering rivers, placid streams, bogs, hanging bridges, and delicate purple orchids await. Look out for traditional Sami herders and their reindeer, who still inhabit the area today.

In the winter, I love how the mercury plunges when Finnish Lapland freezes over, rewarding intrepid and cold-tolerant visitors with a magical landscape. It鈥檚 my favorite time of year to be in Finland. Pines and spruces thick with frozen snow stand like fuzzy sentinels over ice-crusted rivers and cross-country ski trails. In December and January, you鈥檒l find a scant three hours of daylight. In late winter, you鈥檒l still experience plenty of darkness for northern lights spotting, but will also be treated to long sunrises and sunsets, turning the landscape into a cotton-candy-colored forest.

Use an app like My Aurora Forecast to monitor northern-lights conditions for your best chance at spotting the undulating colors. Other winter options are to rent snowshoes or cross-country skis in nearby Ruka and set off on the park’s many trails.

HOW TO GET THERE: The closest airport to the park is Kuusamo, which has several flights from Helsinki each day, plus a few other major European cities like Brussels and Frankfurt. While renting a car in Kuusamo is the easiest mode of travel, a bus route from the airport accesses the Karhunkierros Trail, Oulanka National Park Visitor Center, and Ruka, if you鈥檙e eager to add downhill skiing to your itinerary. Ruka Ski Resort is Finland鈥檚 best known, and has a long season lasting October to May.

BEST TIME TO GO: Peak season for hiking and canoeing, the park鈥檚 main attractions, is July through September when the weather is warmest and most predictable (think 50s) and the days are the longest. To see the Northern Lights and get out on snowy trails, December through March are the best season, but be ready for temps from freezing to below zero.

WHERE TO STAY: For the most options, base yourself at Ruka Ski Resort. Ruka offers all sorts of lodging options and the park is a quick 30-minute drive away. Winter visitors who want to go all out should stay at , with glass igloos perfect for aurora spotting (from $347/night with breakfast). If you want to be closer to the park, 鈥檚 cozy wilderness hotel borders it (from $109/night for a double room).

3. Cinque Terre National Park, Italy (Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre)

Admission: $21-$35/day for train and trail access

WHY GO: I鈥檇 seen the brightly colored Italian houses clinging to cliffs above an azure sea on my Instagram feed, but had no idea that the five villages making up the Cinque Terre (note the article 鈥渢he,鈥� as you鈥檒l be judged mightily for dropping it) are actually a national park until I visited this past spring. The land here is characterized by its human influence. The steep hills leading straight into the sea have been terraced and cultivated for more than 1,000 years.

BEST ADVENTURES: The most popular hiking route is the Blue Trail (also called the Sentiero Azzuro or SVA), the main path that historically connected all five villages. In 2019, a landslide took out the section of trail between Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, and maintenance work is ongoing, though the Manarola to Riomaggiore section reopened in July. The sections between Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare remained open. Whenever you choose to travel, start out as early in the day as possible or plan an evening hike to dinner to avoid the crowded midday hours. Taking the train back is also always an option if the trails get packed (we had to turn around and take the train in April because the pathway was gridlocked).

(grab a focaccia made with the region鈥檚 famous pesto for my favorite mid-hike snack) and on to Monterosso is 4.1 miles one way with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. A less popular, but in my opinion even better, hike on the Blue Trail is the . You鈥檒l climb up to the tiny town of Volastra, perched above the Cinque Terre, and then back down to Manarola. Time your hike so that you can grab a glass of wine and bruschetta at Cantina Capellini, a winery producing the Cinque Terre DOP white wine. The simple patio is right on the trail, situated amongst the vines, and overlooks the sea. Make sure you have room in your pack for a bottle to take home.

Heading south from Corniglia and ending in Manarola is 3.6 miles one way, with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. The descent on this route is heinous (you鈥檒l end lower than you began), so you may want to skip this one if your knees are bad.

When you鈥檙e not on the trail, take advantage of amazing food (cornettos! pesto! wine! fried anchovies! focaccia!) on a patio, or head down to the water. Each town has sea access for swimming, though you won鈥檛 find much of a beach anywhere besides at Monterosso. Spread a towel on the rocks and sunbathe, or ($10.75/hour rentals from Riomaggiore) to explore the coastline.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly into Florence, Milan, or Rome. Trains run directly from these major hubs to La Spezia Centrale, the closest city to the Cinque Terre, or you can drive to La Spezia Centrale and park your rental car in the large garage at the station. From there, it鈥檚 a quick seven-minute train ride to the first village, Riomaggiore. Each additional village is just a few minutes further up the tracks. If you plan on utilizing both the train and the trails, purchase a in advance, which allows unlimited train rides between villages (including La Spezia), access to the trails, and free use of the toilets at each train station ($21-$35/day).

BEST TIME TO GO: Hiking the Cinque Terre is best done in the off-season. Summer crowds are epic, and the trails can get packed by late morning even in the spring and fall.

While it鈥檚 a gamble to visit in the colder months (November through March), as the trails can close when weather is bad and you鈥檒l have fewer lodging and dining options, it鈥檚 the least busy season. Plan a visit for the fringe months of March or November to capitalize on good weather and to beat the masses.

WHERE TO STAY: You鈥檒l find hotels in Monterosso and Riomaggiore on each end, as well as in the larger city of La Spezia, a quick train ride away. But for the most authentic experience stay in one of the three central villages. Book a vacation rental (Airbnb has plenty of options) in Vernazza, Corniglia, or Manarola, and you鈥檒l get to experience the towns when all the day tourists from the cruise ships have left. Quiet restaurants, empty streets, and coffee with the locals each morning are treats.

My favorite village is Corniglia, for its smaller size and gorgeous view from atop a hill, though the walk from the train station up a long set of stairs to the town makes coming and going a chore. We ended up skipping our dinner reservations one town over in favor of staying put here with a bottle of wine and take-out focaccia.

4. Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, Italy (Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi)

Admission: Free

WHY GO: While each region of Europe鈥檚 Alps has its own flavor, the Italian Dolomiti are particularly impressive. Craggy mountains, mist-filled valleys, and sweeping forests provide one of my favorite landscapes in the world.

The range, which encompasses northeastern Italy, is home to the 12 world-renowned ski areas that make up the Ikon Pass destination Dolomiti Superski. It鈥檚 also a Unesco World Heritage Site and the location of several incredible regional parks, such as Tre Cime. But you鈥檒l only find one national park, Dolomiti Bellunesi, in the region. I鈥檝e somehow missed this corner of the Dolomiti in all of my adventures here, so I can鈥檛 wait to plan a trip back to see it.

Stretching 12-square-miles northwest of Belluno, this somewhat under-the-radar park offers visitors the best of the Dolomiti, with fewer crowds than the area鈥檚 better-known and more northerly destinations of Tre Cime, Seceda, and Lago di Braises. Home to via ferratas, two of the famous Alta Via trails, and countless quintessential Italian villages, this is the place where you want to start your Dolomiti adventure.

BEST ADVENTURES: You鈥檒l want to experience this national park by foot鈥搈iles of trails cross the mountains, including two of the Alta Via, or 鈥渉igh routes.鈥� Alta Via 1 is a classic and one of the least technical of the routes, running 75 miles from Lago di Braies to La Pissa. The final four stages, which are often the least crowded, wind through the park. Alta Via 2 also includes three stages in the national park, from Passo Cereda to Passo Croce d鈥橝une. This route is more technical, with via ferratas required along the way. A climbing harness, helmet, and gloves are needed to tackle this option ( in Cortina d鈥橝mpezzo for $23/day).

Whether or not you embark on one of the park鈥檚 through-hikes, you should definitely experience a via ferrata while in the Dolomiti. Popularized during WWI in the region to help troops navigate vertical terrain, these 鈥渋ron paths鈥� use ladders, rungs, pegs and steel cables affixed to rocks to help people move across the cliffs. The park鈥檚 highest peak, Schiara, has three via ferratas ringing it: Zacchi, Berti, and Piero Rossi, which, linked up, make for a long but doable day in the mountains if you stay at ($74/night for half board). These routes lean toward being difficult, so hiring a guide is advisable. I found to be excellent on my most recent via ferrata adventure, on the Punto Anna route in Cortina d’Ampezzo, an hour and a half north.

Cyclists can test their mettle on the grueling stage 20 of the 2022 Giro d鈥橧talia route, which runs 104 miles (168 kilometers) from Belluno to Marmolada, crossing through the park on SR203. Whatever activities you choose to get up to, make sure to include some time on either end of your trip for a quick detour to the so-called Prosecco Road between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, where the prestigious DOCG (the highest quality designation) sparkling wine is produced in the hills. My favorite producer, Adami, is one of the oldest in the region and has an excellent tour and tasting experience.

HOW TO GET THERE: Venice offers the closest major airport, and train service to Belluno takes approximately two hours. From there, the Dolomiti bus services many of the roads within the park, but note timetables, as service can be limited. Unless you鈥檙e planning a through-hike, the best way to explore the Dolomiti is by renting a car in Venice or Belluno, then driving to trailheads.

BEST TIME TO GO: Most staffed rifugios (mountain huts) away from the ski resorts are only open to hikers in summer, so June through September are the best months to visit if you鈥檙e planning an overnight adventure. The weather often stays pleasant through October, though, and travel then is a great way to skip out on some of the crowds if you鈥檙e prepared for the possibility of an early season snow storm.

WHERE TO STAY: Hiking the Alta Vias, even just a few linked stages, takes forethought, as many of the rifugios along the route fill up early in summer. Start planning in January or February when availability opens. Otherwise, you鈥檒l find accommodation options鈥攊ncluding hotels, guesthouses, rifugios, and vacation rentals鈥攊n and around the park, but book early as options can be limited. Belluno, with 36,000 inhabitants, is the closest major town.

For a unique experience, plan a stay at an agriturismo, a working farm where you鈥檒l be treated to meals with homemade products like cheese and salumi. Mountain pasture cheesemaking has become a somewhat lost art in the Dolomiti, but this park has worked hard to restore five of these 鈥渕alga鈥� operations. If you don鈥檛 stop at an agriturismo, watch for latterias (like Latteria Perenzin in San Pietro di Feletto) where you can buy the locally made cheese alongside salumi and other products perfect for a picnic.

5. Samaria National Park, Greece

Admission $5.50

WHY GO: Encompassing the longest gorge in Europe, Samaria National Park showcases the best of the Mediterranean, from towering cliffs to fragrant cypress trees, and from white limestone riverbeds to the sparkling sea itself. Since the park is comprised almost solely of one long, steep , you can experience the place in its entirety, from the White Mountains to the Mediterranean, in one day. Samaria Gorge is located on the western side of Crete, Greece鈥檚 biggest island. I haven鈥檛 gotten to Greece yet, but a friend and colleague promises me that it鈥檚 the first place I鈥檒l want to go.

BEST ADVENTURES: The park is open, weather permitting, from May through October. Entry begins at 7 a.m., and it鈥檚 an excellent idea to start out then, before the heat of the day. Much of the trail is exposed and sunbaked, so going the first or last month of the season is wise to avoid the mid-summer heat. The park closes down during excessively hot stretches, or if flooding is possible in the shoulder season. Pay attention to the heat and hold off if the temperatures are dangerous. It鈥檚 usually a five- to seven-hour hike without services, so pack plenty of water and snacks; bring sun protection, a hat and a neck gaiter to help stay cool; and wear hiking footwear. Water from springs is often available along the route, but don鈥檛 count on it.

You鈥檒l start hiking steeply downhill, taking in the views of the surrounding White Mountains, before continuing through a pine and cypress forest and reaching the church of St. Nikolas inside the ruins of an ancient temple. Look around for kri kri, wild Cretan goats. Cross a few streams and you鈥檒l find yourself in the ancient village of Samaria, which is now solely inhabited by park staff.

The gorge gradually narrows as you cross through a (hopefully) dry riverbed, alongside striped rock walls, into the skinniest point in the canyon, where the walls are just under 10 feet apart. The park closes at 6 p.m., so make sure you鈥檙e through the exit by then. Either walk another 1.5 miles or hop on a cheap shuttle to get to the village of Agia Roum茅li, where you can grab a late lunch or early dinner at one of several restaurants and, if time allows, take a well-earned dip in the Mediterranean.

The single ferry leaves the village at 5:30 p.m., only once per day, so don鈥檛 miss it or you鈥檒l have to arrange a taxi boat or stay in the village. Depart at Chora Sfakion or Sougia and take the bus back to your car or lodge. If arranging your own transportation stresses you out, many tour companies offer guided excursions in the park.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Athens, fly into Chania International Airport for the closest access to the park. In Chania, you can either rent a car and drive to the gorge, or purchase a bus ticket to Xyloscalo, at the start of the trail. The full hike is one way, and at the end you鈥檒l take a ferry to Sougia ($16/person) and then the bus either back to your car at the trailhead or your hotel in Chania. Be sure to reserve your return tickets in advance to avoid getting stranded.

BEST TIME TO GO: Samaria Gorge is open May through October, with the beginning and end of the season providing the coolest temperatures.

WHERE TO STAY: Most visitors base in the city of Chania and do the trip to Samaria Gorge in one long day, but if you, like me, would prefer a slower pace and to experience the secluded village of Agia Roum茅li without the crowds, you can stay at one of the few hotels or vacation rentals in town. offers rooms, breakfast and beach loungers starting at $79 per night. You can spend the entire next day enjoying the beach before catching the ferry back.

6. 脡crins National Park, France (Parc National des 脡crins)

ADMISSION: Free

WHY GO: 脡crins National Park, a glacier-filled alpine paradise with more than 150 peaks topping 3,000 meters, sits near the Italian border in eastern France. The Alps are one of my favorite landscapes in the world and, after visiting them in Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein, I put this French national park squarely on my to-do list. Barre des 脡crins is the tallest summit here, towering 13,458 feet above the park, the most southerly 4,000-meter peak in the Alps. Here, amongst the chamois you鈥檒l almost certainly spot, you鈥檒l feel like you鈥檙e at the top of the world.

BEST ADVENTURES: You could hike the park鈥檚 many trails, including a section of the Grand 脡crins, but this is also a space known for its alpine climbing. If you鈥檙e looking for adventure, a three-day mountaineering- and glacier-skills course with will help you tag the summit of Barre des 脡crins, staying in remote mountain huts ($1,645).

Within the boundaries of 脡crins are two ski areas, and two others just bordering the park might be the area鈥檚 most famous, especially for cyclists. Les Deux Alpes bike park is one of the biggest in the Alps and is home to beginner- to competition-level courses in everything from downhill to enduro with pristine alpine views. Alpe d鈥橦uez offers one of the Tour de France鈥檚 most iconic climbs in addition to the wild Megavalanche, a mass-start mountain-bike race on a glacier. Ride into the national park, which has around 100 miles of marked bike trails.

HOW TO GET THERE: The closest major city is Grenoble, France. Fly into Lyon, Geneva, Marseille, or even Paris and take a high-speed train to Grenoble. From there, if you plan on some serious exploring, it鈥檚 best to rent a car, but bus service is also available to Les Deux Alpes if you will stick to the resorts or hire a guide to get into the mountains.

BEST TIME TO GO: July through September are the months to visit to avoid snow in this mountain environment.听

WHERE TO STAY: The ski resorts and villages in and around 脡crins provide ample lodging, but to really get away from it all, book a stay in one of the 40 throughout the park. While some of these mountain huts simply serve as basic overnight shelters for mountaineers, others are staffed in the summer, offering hot dinner and breakfast and often a lovely patio on which to take in the setting sun in a gorgeous high-alpine setting.

Refuges almost always require a hike to reach, so choose your trail, do your research and book ahead to ensure you have a bed waiting at the end of your day.

Mikaela Ruland is the editor in chief of National Park Trips. She lives for the outdoors, and you can usually find her hiking, skiing, or mountain biking. She’s been to national parks on three continents, including 23 of the 63 U.S. national parks. Her favorite is whichever one she鈥檚 traveling to next.

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On my first inhale after leaving the puddle jumper that had brought us to the Kittila Airport, my nose hairs froze. Despite it being 9 a.m., the stars still winked overhead, here at the top of the world. It was minus 4 degrees outside.

Descending the gangway onto the icy tarmac in Finnish Lapland was a dream come true. I recognize I鈥檓 in the minority, being a person whose idea of fun is hanging out above the Arctic Circle in January, but exploring polar night in the frozen north was my bucket list adventure.

Well, it wasn鈥檛 actually polar night, I reminded myself as my husband, Topher, and I drove the 20 minutes from the airport to the ski town of Levi where we鈥檇 be staying. Polar night鈥搕hat time at either pole when the sun never crests the horizon鈥揾ad ended a couple weeks earlier and days were hovering around four hours in length already. But it was close enough.

I鈥檇 gotten incredulous questions from more than a few people before coming here. Northern Finland? In January? Really? I, myself, had dubiously seen Finland atop the World Happiness Report since 2018鈥�it was once again named #1 in March 2024鈥攁nd wondered how a country known for pickled herring and the wild vacillations between light and darkness could really be the happiest on earth. That couldn鈥檛 possibly be good for your circadian rhythms, right?

But then, I stumbled upon photos of fluffy-looking frozen Nordic pines against cotton candy skies, dog sleds racing through pristine forests and the Northern Lights dancing across the heavens. There was an undeniable pull that I couldn鈥檛 get out of my head. I鈥檓 a visual, gut feeling traveler. I don鈥檛 particularly care about 鈥榖est of鈥� lists or wonders of the world. All it takes is a scroll through Google Images to convince me where to go. That鈥檚 how we ended up in Lapland, the Arctic region that spans Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It wasn鈥檛 easy or cheap to get here, and I knew I wouldn鈥檛 be doing my chronically Vitamin-D deprived self any favors by choosing an even colder, darker destination than my home in the Colorado Rockies, but I couldn鈥檛 look away.

Our plan was to spend five days skiing, dog sledding and, hopefully, spotting the Northern Lights. On that first, jet-lag-hazed day, we made our way up the mountain, or 鈥渇ell鈥� in Finnish, to the top of Levi Ski Resort during the scant few hours before darkness. Down at the lower elevations, the sun hadn鈥檛 quite risen above the horizon, but up on the fell, we were bathed in glorious, golden light. The trees, coated with a layer of ice and snow, looked like characters out of a children鈥檚 book. The weak sunlight and sub-zero temperatures kept everything perfectly frozen. I鈥檇 been in Finland for mere hours, but I was already feeling the magic sweep over me, only intensified when I caught sight of reindeer munching on lichen in the snow.

How does Finland keep earning the top ranking? The report, produced by Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR鈥檚 Editorial Board, measures happiness by asking the residents of countries across the globe a single question. After all, no one is better equipped to report on happiness levels than the folks who are being measured in the first place.

Gallup asks poll participants to evaluate their lives on a 0 to 10 scale and then the rankings are taken from a three year time frame. The report then goes on to explain these rankings using six factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption. In 2021-23, Finns ranked their lives at 7.741, an entire point above my home country of the United States and six points higher than the lowest ranking country, Afghanistan.

Economist Jeffery Sachs put it like this in a :鈥淭he idea is a good balance of life.鈥�

Each year when Finland is crowned the Happiest Country in the World again, a slew of articles comes out trying to explain it. Last year a Finnish psychologist pointed to a lost , touting community trust as a factor. The country鈥檚 highlights reasoning that also makes for good travel marketing: the ability to see the Northern Lights, sauna culture, warm and welcoming locals.

The desire to quantify, and therefore be able to replicate, such an essential human experience as happiness makes sense. Humans have been chasing it since the dawn of time. The more I researched happiness though, I started to think that it was a slippery, elusive state that鈥檚 more than the sum of its parts. I spent five days above the Arctic Circle in Finland, getting out in nature, immersing myself in culture, eating incredible food, and being present. By the end of my trip, I could feel deep in my chest that there was something special about this place. I hadn鈥檛 seen the sun since we鈥檇 left Denver. Every time we left the Airbnb, even if it was just for dinner, I donned every item of clothing I鈥檇 brought with me. This included a pair of clear-lensed goggles that kept my contact lenses from freezing. The cold reverberated so deeply in my bones, I wondered if I鈥檇 ever be warm again. It was madness. But I鈥檝e never enjoyed a trip more.

Video by Mikaela Ruland

It鈥檚 easy to quantify why Finns are happier than Afghanis, but it鈥檚 harder to explain why they鈥檙e happier than their Scandinavian counterparts. I鈥檝e yet to visit Denmark or Iceland, the other two countries that reside in the top three spots on the 2024 World Happiness Report, but I do know how Finland made me feel. Happy. Here鈥檚 why.

1. Finland Makes Access to Nature a Priority

Kilometers to miles had gotten muddled up in my head and halfway across the frozen lake, icy winds buffeting us from seemingly every direction, I knew it was time to bail. The permanent sunset was staining the sky a dusky pink, and I tried to focus on the slide, glide, slide, glide of my cross-country skis on the groomed trail. When we finally reached the shelter of the trees, I pulled my fingers out of my gloves for a precious few seconds to check the map. Luckily for us, the entirety of Levi was ringed by miles and miles of groomed ski trails. We certainly weren鈥檛 going to make it the entire loop I鈥檇 charted for us, but we easily picked another trail and headed back towards town.

Finally free of the wind, I began to notice the other folks we passed on the trail. There were skate skiers and traditional skiers, dog walkers and snowshoers, families with kids and older couples whose ski suits looked straight out of the 80s. On occasion, our trail crossed a snowmobile track. Above us, on the fell, downhill skiers and snowboarders carved the slopes. Despite the cold and the shortly impending darkness, locals and tourists alike were out enjoying the incredible access to nature that Levi provided.

When I researched Lapland, I was overwhelmed by choice. There are dozens of towns scattered across northern Finland, even more if you factor in Sweden and Norway, each offering its own flavor with a distinct central theme: easy access to top notch outdoor recreation of any style. After another kilometer, we were planting our skis in a snowbank and sitting down to eat pizza and warm up. We didn鈥檛 even have to get in a car鈥� the trails were accessible from our Airbnb鈥檚 front door.

One day, we skied to a reindeer farm, our pockets filled with salty licorice, and drank cocoa in front of a roaring fire in a little cafe. Another day, we were given a brief overview and sent careening down a trail behind our own team of eight sled dogs with All Huskies Sled Dog Safaris. Topher and I took turns driving, one of us bundled up in the sled while the other threw their weight into the turns, stepped desperately on the brakes on the downhills, and ran behind the sled on the uphills. It was exhilarating, gliding through the snowy forest and working in tandem with the enthusiastic dogs to cross the snow. When our guides released all eight teams of dogs after the run, it was the best kind of chaos, as more than 60 elated animals ran through the yard.

2. Finland Stays Connected to its Heritage

That first day when we ventured up the fell, we were on our way to Samiland, a UNESCO Observatory cultural village site. The extensive indoor exhibit introduced us to the Sami, an Indigenous group of people whose traditional homelands encompass northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. We learned about the different groups of Sami, their history, culture, and traditions, and then went outside to wander through a replica Sami village which included two very adorable, live reindeer. Reindeer were, and remain, an integral part of Sami culture. We鈥檇 come to learn that reindeer herding was not just a relic of Scandinavia’s past, but a vibrant and important part of the region鈥檚 present and future.

Thirty-three percent of Finland is designated as reindeer husbandry area. In Norway and Sweden, reindeer herding remains the exclusive privilege of the Sami people. In Finland, any EU citizen can own reindeer, as long as they are approved by the reindeer herding district鈥檚 board, but the industry still remains largely Sami. Visiting Samiland, which was embedded in Levi Ski Resort and shared a building with a luxury hotel, I was struck by how the Indigenous culture was at the forefront of the narrative here in Finland, a stark difference to the U.S.

That evening, we waited with a group of expectant diners in the lobby of the Hotel K5 in Levi before several servers in traditional dress appeared to lead us outside and down into the Earth. At Saamen Kammi, visitors like us can experience a traditional Sami meal in an underground hut. In the circular room, we sat around the central cooking area, taking in our surroundings. The walls and ceilings were made of pine boughs and there were reindeer hides on the walls. The smell of meat cooking over hot coals wafted up to us, making our stomachs grumble. As we ate our meal, we learned that many of the ingredients were foraged from the surrounding forest, a practice that feels like it should be relegated to the tables of fine dining restaurants but is commonplace in Finland. In a world exceedingly saturated with styrofoam and plastic packaged foods, it鈥檚 a piece of their heritage that they鈥檝e somehow retained. After dinner, we were treated to music and dance by a Sami father-daughter duo performing traditional Joik music.

Samiland and Saamen Kammi were just two examples of the ways in which a town with a year round population of 600 weaves their heritage into everyday life. From reindeer farms to restaurants to warming huts along ski routes, we never forgot about the history and culture of the place we were visiting.

3. Finnish Food Is Delicious and Healthy

When I pitched this vacation to my husband, I made sure to include the caveat that it wouldn鈥檛 be a 鈥渇ood trip.鈥� While we usually plan our travels around all the incredible things we鈥檙e going to eat, I couldn鈥檛 imagine that winter in northern Finland was going to be that kind of trip. I鈥檇 even gone so far as to book Airbnbs with kitchens so we could cook our own meals if the food proved to be disappointing. I couldn鈥檛 have been more wrong.

My first hint that I was mistaken came in the Helsinki Airport, an unexpectedly beautiful space that looked like Ikea鈥檚 chic older sister. After a delayed flight and missed connections, we鈥檇 unexpectedly had to spend the night in an airport hotel, eating granola bars for dinner. Early the next morning we were ravenous and filled up our trays at the airport cafe with cardamom buns and thick toast topped with lox. It was the best airport meal of my life.

While Saamen Kammi was a beautiful cultural experience, it was also one of my favorite meals ever. Dinner started with steaming bowls of clear salmon soup, perfumed heavily with dill. Around the central fireplace, we filled our plates with roasted and sauteed reindeer, planks of salmon set above the flames and covered with a creamy dill sauce, mashed potatoes and winter vegetables. For dessert, we had squeaky Lappish bread cheese with preserved cloudberries. I was blown away. Every ingredient was locally sourced and despite feet of snow outside, the meal in front of us was deeply connected to the land. The reindeer meat was so good that I couldn鈥檛 even muster guilt when I conjured their cute faces to mind. Rich and sweet, without too much gamey flavor, it quickly became my favorite component of Finnish meals.

Another night in Levi, we ordered sauteed reindeer with lingonberries and a reindeer burger at Nili Poro, an intimate, warm spot run by a local reindeer herder. The interior was covered in pelts and wood and candles flickered on the tables. We drank glogg, spiced mulled wine, and asked for seconds of the incredible 鈥渇ell bread鈥� the Sami chef bakes on his mother鈥檚 stove every morning. At Ristorante Renna, my husband had reindeer sausage and lingonberries on a pizza and I gambled and ordered a smoked salmon pie, complete with cucumber, dill cream sauce, and arugula. It was the most interesting鈥揳nd delicious鈥損izza I鈥檝e ever eaten.

While we didn鈥檛 find much of a fika culture in Finland, at least in Levi, we were delighted by Campfire Barista at the base of the slopes. On a cart pulled by snowmobile, owner Steffan brews coffee and crafts lattes over an open fire as you watch. Our lattes tasted like spruce and woodsmoke.

And I couldn鈥檛 get enough of the grocery store bins full of black licorice, tasting strong and salty. I brought bags of it home on the plane. What started out as an adventure vacation turned into one of my favorite food trips.

4. The Northern Lights, Saunas, and an Appreciation for the Present Moment

I鈥檇 imagined that the Finns somehow managed to rank as the happiest country on Earth despite the near constant winter darkness, but during our week in Lapland, I learned that they did so in spite of it.

Yes, during the few daylight hours each day we encountered plenty of locals and visitors alike on the trails, taking advantage of the light to ski and snowshoe and walk, but when darkness settled back in, we still passed folks pushing strollers, meeting friends for a meal and going about their day, all with a smile on their faces.

Many of us fell in love with Cecilia Blomdahl鈥檚 slice-of-life from Svalbard (an island close to the North Pole) during the pandemic, and I saw her perspective on polar night reflected on the faces of many of the locals we interacted with: 鈥淧olar night is something we get to experience, rather than endure.鈥�

The glow of streetlights on snow, the stars overhead, and the crisp feeling of a long night quickly won me over, but my excitement for the darkness mostly stemmed around the My Aurora Forecast app I obsessively started checking as soon as the color faded from the skies each day. The first few nights, I had alarms set throughout the hours I should have been asleep to check the Northern Lights prediction. I knew it was a slim chance鈥攕o many people I鈥檇 chatted with who had been to the Arctic had never spotted them鈥攂ut I was hopeful.

Halfway through dinner on our third night, I got an alert. I checked the webcams, scouring the skies on my screen for any hint of green. There it was. Or were my eyes playing tricks on me? I鈥檇 been staring at the tiny box for days, maybe I was hallucinating. My husband confirmed it was definitely a green glow. We left our half-eaten meal on the table and rushed up to the top of the fell where the skies were dark and fairly clear. We waited in the freezing car, our breath fogging up the windows, and peeked outside every few seconds. Then, all of a sudden, the Northern Lights appeared.

Tendrils of green danced across the dark skies, coming from every direction. We stumbled around the parking lot, giggling like little kids and staring at this precious wonder before us. I was shocked by how dynamic they were, undulating ribbons in constant motion. We stayed out in the cold for 20 minutes until the clouds obscured our view. That miraculous show ended up being the only time all week we鈥檇 spot them, despite having booked a glass-roofed Airbnb the next day. I鈥檇 dashed off a few quick shots on my camera, but left my phone in the car. It鈥檇 been a magical moment I鈥檇 allowed myself to be fully present for, a rarity these days.

We鈥檇 read a Sami legend that the Northern Lights came from a fox brushing her tail along the snow, the moonlight reflecting on the snowflakes she鈥檇 swept up. On the drive home, a fox crossed the road in front of us, pausing in our headlights. The solar cycle is peaking in 2024, meaning the Northern Lights are supposed to be some of the best of our lifetime. I can鈥檛 think of a better way to connect with the present moment than by chasing them across the Arctic.

After each frozen adventure, we鈥檇 return to our Airbnb and turn on the sauna. With one sauna for every two Finns, the country is replete with them. Sauna culture is such an integral part of everyday Finnish life, that it was inscribed into UNESCO鈥檚 list of intangible cultural heritage in 2020. Sauna isn鈥檛 just about cleansing the body, it鈥檚 also about cleansing the mind and finding a sense of inner peace. It wasn鈥檛 hard to find vacation rentals that included them鈥攊n fact ones without were the rarity. When the rocks were hot, we鈥檇 step inside and ladle in water, letting the steam sink into our bones and melt the lingering cold from our bodies. In a sauna, you can鈥檛 scroll social media or check the news. With no windows to the outside world, the only option is to be present in the current moment. To sit and to let my shoulders relax and just be. It was a foreign concept, but one I quickly fell in love with.

On the plane ride home, my head started to pound. It took me half an hour to realize it was because the sun was streaming in through the windows, my eyes already unused to the bright light. I closed the window and let myself bask in the darkness for a few more hours.

Mikaela Ruland is the Associate Content Director for National Park Trips. This year, she is exploring as much of Europe as she can. She recently skied in Zermatt and the Italian Dolomites.听

The post What I Discovered About Happiness in Finland appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

For the seventh year running, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world by the United Nations鈥� World Happiness Report.听The Nordic nation has long been known for its sauna culture, but the Finns鈥� enduring well-being goes beyond warm rooms and cold plunges. Some Finns have told the press that their citizens aren鈥檛 exactly happy so much as content with what they have, and that work-life balance and state-funded education, childcare, and health care are crucial to the population鈥檚 overall positive frame of mind.

Finland isn鈥檛 trying to keep their keys to happiness a secret, however. 鈥淭here is an old Finnish proverb that states, 鈥楾he one who has happiness should hide it.鈥欌�� said Heli Jimenez, a marketing director at Finland鈥檚 tourism department in a statement. 鈥淎s the world鈥檚 happiest country since 2018, we have decided to take the old phrase and update it, making our modern motto: 鈥楾he one who has happiness should share it.鈥欌��

In that spirit, anyone curious to try out the Finnish lifestyle for themselves is invited through April 4 to to visit its capital city for five days in June for 鈥淗elsinki Happiness Hacks鈥� and learn from locals about the daily habits that underpin the Finnish lifestyle. Visit Finland is covering travel expenses for those selected, and trip highlights include restaurant tours, a walk in the woods, and a sauna rave. Winners will be announced on May 2.

Of course, Finland isn鈥檛 the only country in the high ranks of the World Happiness Report this year. Eight of the top ten happiest countries in the world are in Europe, perhaps unsurprisingly, given the region鈥檚 notable health care, stable governments, and wealth: Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. New to the top ten is Australia, and Israel dropped one spot since 2023 (the bulk of data, collected over three years, happened largely before the conflict between Israel and Gaza began on October 7, 2023).

The United States, on the other hand, fell from 15th happiest country in 2022 to 23rd in 2023, not so much because Americans are less happy鈥攁ccording to the report,听our country鈥檚 overall score only decreased by one-tenth of a point from last year鈥攂ut because a surge in life satisfaction in other nations vaulted them above us on the list.听(To check out 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 recent research on the happiest places to live in the U.S., read our report.) Afghanistan, once again, was the world鈥檚 unhappiest nation.

The UN project uses data from the Gallup World Poll, and considers six key components to overall life satisfaction: wealth, health, personal freedoms, generosity, freedom from corruption, and strength of social ties. The highly anticipated report, which has been released annually on March 20 for more than a decade, marks the International Day of Happiness.

For me and my colleagues at 国产吃瓜黑料, access to the outdoors is a critical piece of the happiness puzzle. Which is why the top six countries I鈥檇 be most excited to visit don’t perfectly align with the UN鈥檚 findings. Sorry, Denmark鈥攜our artificial ski hill is cool, but the slightly less elated people of New Zealand have world-class heli-skiing.

Here are six of the top fifteen happiest countries in the world that I鈥檇 be absolutely overjoyed to visit, along with intel that will spark some ideas for adventure travel there.

Finland (No. 1)

If this video of mountain biker Erkki Punttila sailing over to ride the trails of Lemmenjoki National Park doesn鈥檛 make you want to drop everything to travel through Finland鈥檚 northern Lapland, we don鈥檛 know what to tell you.听Actually, we do鈥攃onsider a winter visit to explore its wilderness on skis (or even traverse the entire country), take a stroll through the forested countryside, and snack on some rye bread and fish.

Iceland (No. 3)

Feeling physically and spiritually depleted by long COVID, author and 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Pam Houston visited Iceland and its eponymous breed of horses for rejuvenation. I won鈥檛 spoil her whole uplifting story of enlightenment, but her trip听did offer Houston joy and a whole lot more.

This little island often makes headlines for volcanic (and seismic) activity, but it鈥檚 also a nature-loving traveler鈥檚 dream. Beaches, mountains, glaciers, hot springs鈥擨celand has a bit of everything. You听 can go full Wim Hof and enjoy scenic (and frigid) cold plunges, opt for a warmer route at beautiful hot springs like the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon, as well as take in the northern lights, surf Arctic waves, and hike its incredible landscape.

Switzerland (No. 9)

The Alps are home to mountain towns America and the rest of Europe still aspire to. In the winter, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Zermatt, one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, while summertime treks are straight out of The Sound of Music.

国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Christopher Solomon recently completed the听Via Valais, a 150-mile trail-running-oriented route in southwest Switzerland that was as spectacular as it was demanding. Travelers who prefer to set a slower pace can take their pick of hut-to-hut routes (don鈥檛 be fooled the nomenclature鈥攖hese so-called huts often resemble alpine chalets and are fully stocked with showers, home-cooked meals and cold beer) that allow you to traverse the gorgeous peaks unencumbered by tents and camping supplies.

New Zealand (No. 11)

New Zealand鈥檚 South Island recently made our list of most exciting travel destinations in 2024, thanks in large part to its many biking and hiking trails through stunning scenery, and an uptick in new accommodations and exciting restaurants. United Airlines鈥� new direct flight from San Francisco to Christchurch is a major perk, too.

I鈥檇 head to Queenstown during the austral winter to get in some skiing, but a summer trek along one of the Great Walks wouldn鈥檛 exactly be a chore, either.

Costa Rica (No. 12)

Costa Rica jumped into the top 15 happiest countries this year from 23rd place in 2023. With all of its outdoor adventures, it鈥檚 certainly a happy place for travelers. Take a surf lesson, hike the Camino de Costa Rica, do some yoga on the beach, see a sloth at a wildlife sanctuary, or just read in the sun for a few hours鈥攖here are plenty of ways to rest and restore in Costa Rica.

Although it鈥檚 one of the most , 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Jeff Garmire and his partner managed a two-week visit in 2020 for less than $500.

Canada (No. 15)

America鈥檚 northern neighbor has a lot going for it, in terms of life satisfaction generally and outdoor recreation opportunities specifically. I鈥檓 biased toward British Columbia, which has a lot in common with my beloved childhood home of Western Washington. Rocky beaches, rugged mountains, and lush temperate rainforests are abundant, and Vancouver鈥檚 superb dining and arts scene make it the perfect spot to refuel between all the hiking, skiing, surfing, and boating nearby. There鈥檚 enough singletrack to keep even the hardest-charging mountain biker satisfied for years. Here’s the perfect itinerary to take in the scenery along the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler.

If the Canadian Rockies are more your speed, Banff lives up to the hype and is a great spot to adventure with your kiddos. Farther east, Quebec is forecast to have incredible views of the aurora borealis this year (as are the Northwest Territories, if you鈥檙e looking for an even more remote adventure).

Miyo McGinn is an assistant editor at 国产吃瓜黑料, and tends to be pretty happy whenever she gets the chance to travel, regardless of the destination. Her next international trip will probably be to Canada, just a few hours鈥� drive from her home in Bozeman, Montana.听

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Feeling blue? Consider traveling to Finland.

For the sixth year in a row, the Nordic country has been named the happiest country in the world by the , an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations.

We like to think it has something to do with the sauna and cold plunge culture, but the report analyzes data from the Gallup World Poll, focusing on six factors that explain varying levels of self-reported happiness: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. For the past decade, it鈥檚 been released annually on March 20 to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, which was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2013.

鈥淭he ultimate goal of politics and ethics should be human well-being,鈥� said Jeffrey Sachs, president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, . 鈥淭he happiness movement shows that well-being is not a 鈥榮oft鈥� and 鈥榲ague鈥� idea but rather focuses on areas of life of critical importance: material conditions, mental and physical wealth, personal virtues, and good citizenship.鈥�

Finland鈥檚 neighbors Denmark (No. 2), Iceland (No. 3), Sweden (No. 6), and Norway (No. 7) also ranked high. Israel moved up to No. 4 this year, after coming in at No. 9 in 2022. The Netherlands (No. 5), Switzerland (No. 8), Luxembourg (No. 9) and New Zealand (No. 10) complete the top 10. Eight of the ten happiest countries are in Europe.

The United States ranked 15th this year, moving up from 16th in 2022. Canada came in at 13th. Afghanistan took last place.

Interestingly, even after three years of a pandemic, positive emotions remained resilient. 鈥淔or a second year, we see that various forms of everyday kindness, such as helping a stranger, donating to charity, and volunteering, are above pre-pandemic levels,鈥� said Professor听Lara B. Aknin, an editor of the report and Director of the Helping and Happiness Lab at Simon Fraser University. 鈥淎cts of kindness have been shown to both lead to and stem from greater happiness, which is the focus of Chapter 4.鈥�

also briefly highlights the benefits of getting outside, and urges governments to take environmental action.

鈥淚t is also the job of society to protect the environment鈥攆or the sake of present and future generations. There is powerful evidence of how contact with nature and green space enhances human well-being,鈥� the authors say. 鈥淏ut there is also the overarching challenge of climate change, where our present way of life can only be protected by major international effects to reduce to net zero the emission of greenhouse gasses.鈥�

Finland is seizing the moment by offering free trips to a four-day Masterclass of Happiness on what makes Finns so happy. The first one will take place at the lakeside resort June 12 to 15. You can to “Find Your Inner Finn” through April 2nd, so get going. Only ten people will be chosen and their travel costs will be covered. You’ll earn about things like the Finnish approach to nature, a balanced life, and overall wellbeing.

Or get motivated by the stories we list below when you plan your next adventure and head to a country in the top 10 to soak up some happy vibes. Here are a few of our favorite outings to get you inspired.

Finland (The Happiest)

The Best Way to See Finland Is to Ski Finland

Author and political consultant Stuart Stevens loves a good sufferfest, so he couldn鈥檛 resist Border to Border: 420 kilometers of nordic sliding through a country that defines what winter is all about.

Iceland (3rd Happiest)

Behind the Scenes with Photographer Chris Burkard in Iceland

Chris Burkard is one of the most recognizable names in the outdoor photography space, and he鈥檚 always game to hike, bike, run, or climb to a vantage point for the perfect shot. On a recent assignment, Burkard trekked through the Icelandic landscape and returned with photos that will inspire viewers to get out on their own hike.

Switzerland (8th Happiest)

The Best Trail-Running Route in the World

The Swiss Alps are home to an incredible new hut-to-hut runners鈥� route called the Via Valais. It鈥檚 a little demanding鈥�150 miles, nine stages, and 42,000 feet of elevation gain鈥攂ut if you can take it on, you鈥檙e guaranteed one of the most spectacular adventures of your life.

New Zealand (10th Happiest)

The Ultimate New Zealand South Island Travel Guide

New Zealand鈥檚 South Island is undoubtedly one of the world鈥檚 most beautiful places, where golden beaches and dense rainforests border the snow-capped Southern Alps, and adventures are endless. But for those of us who can鈥檛 pick up and move to Christchurch, here鈥檚 a definitive guide on how to make the most of your time there.

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Ever traveled somewhere just to stay in lodging that made you go 鈥淲ow!鈥� as soon as you saw it? I have, charmed by the architecture or the amenities or the once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a night in a treehouse or a castle or a location I recognized from a movie. With that in mind, Airbnb has a category called OMG, featuring what it calls 鈥渦nique abodes鈥濃�攁nd indeed, there are dozens to choose from that will make you marvel. I picked out nine from around the world that are weird, wonderful, and might make your next trip one of the most adventurous yet.

1. Sleep in a Tower Above the Sea, Panama

You鈥檒l have amazing views of the Caribbean from this four-story structure, located in the tropical Panamanian archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Explore area mangroves, surf the nearby Carneros point break, birdwatch鈥攜ou鈥檝e got the ideal hideout鈥攆or the more than five dozen native species, or just gaze downward into waters frequented by fish, stingrays, and dolphins. Head inland to catch a glimpse of anteaters, sloths, monkeys, and bats. A dinghy will transport you the short distance offshore to this unique tower, which sleeps up to five people. Plan to visit during the drier months, typically January through May and September through October, and pack quick-dry clothing for any surprise showers.

2. Snuggle Up in a Snow Igloo, Finland

Immerse yourself in the landscape of Lapland with a stay at this igloo, located adjacent to a lake and Pyh盲-Luosto National Park, and created winter after winter by the family that rents it out. You and up to three others will have your own bed鈥攂ut come prepared for the cold, with your own sleeping bag and adequate thermal wear, because below-zero temperatures are the norm here much of the year. (Although a nearby shared, heated house for visitors to use is available with a kitchen, toilets, and a shower.) The flip side of feeling the chill is getting to admire the northern lights, not to mention nearby cross-country trails, a downhill ski resort, and owners who work as adventure outfitters and can arrange activities in the surrounding area, including fat biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and ice fishing.

3. Get Grounded in This Earth Conker, Wales

It鈥檚 a metal soccer ball, a space orb, a copper conker, as Brits call it (that鈥檚 a buckeye to you and me). However you think of it, this innovative outpost offers simple pleasures amid the moors of central Wales. When the weather is wet鈥攕omething that happens on the regular鈥攜ou鈥檒l need four-wheel drive to navigate the terrain. But if off-grid is what you鈥檙e after, and a routine of daily walks in the woods, past grazing sheep, and down to the small nearby town and its pub, followed by a campfire and a homemade pizza, and maybe a bath in the outdoor tub, then this remote, for up to two people will aid what ails you.

4. Play Out the Apocalypse in This Bunker, New Mexico

Step back in time, and below ground, with an overnight visit at this historic bunker outside Roswell. The site is one of hundreds around the nation built to defend the U.S. from what were perceived as serious foreign threats during the Cold War. Unfamiliar with that period and its weapons? The owners offer a full tour of the grounds, which include a 186-foot-deep missile silo and a launch-control center, the upper level now renovated to serve as lodging for two, with kitchen essentials, a grill, and shared green space above ground. Spend your evening paging through old instruction manuals and emergency operation procedures or perusing related memorabilia鈥攐ne guest compared it to staying in a museum, with time to explore and gawk at points of interest like an escape hatch and blast doors鈥攁nd step outdoors come nightfall to enjoy the immense starry skies, or bring your binocs to birdwatch for owls.

5. Live in a Yellow Submarine, New Zealand

Now you can sing the Beatles’ song in a place nearly perfect for the lyrics. You won’t be underwater, but the coast is a quick 30-minute drive away. Instead, this cheery North Island sub is surrounded by a sea of green: forested farmland 100 miles north of Wellington. From its Beatles-themed bathroom and porthole windows to the bunk-bed quarters for four and more dials and levers than you鈥檒l know what to do with, these creative confines have charmed many an overnight guest.

6. Hang Out in the Belly of a Snake, Mexico

Likely one of the most popular picks on Airbnb, this half-serpent, half-bird, designed to resemble its eponymous Aztec god, is typically booked out months in advance. One look at its imaginative and organic design will explain why: its shape, detailed mosaic tilework and ceramic details, colored-glass windows, an open-air shared deck in the snake鈥檚 mouth, and thoughtful landscaping (both inside and out) make this a mythical, one-of-a-kind experience, as many visitors have attested. Located within a 40-acre gated community west of Mexico City, Quetzalcoatl鈥檚 Nest consists of ten residences鈥攜ou鈥檒l be staying in one in the belly of the beast, which can sleep up to six people. Getting there requires a car or an Uber, but the property鈥檚 expansive natural surrounds, open spaces, and native wildlife will tempt you to just hang out on-site.

7. Float Your Campsite, the Netherlands

Motor your platform raft around a lake and canals until you鈥檝e found just the right spot to moor for the night. You and a partner can fish, swim, birdwatch, and enjoy as much of a hermetic natural getaway as you like, far from any and all annoying campers, with this raft setup. What鈥檚 provided: a tent, a small camping kitchen and a makeshift table and chairs, a portable toilet, and a buoyant pallet with an attached outboard engine. The rest is up to you. Just 30 miles north of Amsterdam, this region is an ideal respite for a quiet weekend, with opportunities to explore nearby windmills, tulip fields, and the dunes of Bergen aan Zee, ten miles west on the North Sea coast.

8. Embrace a Box with a View on the Riviera, Italy

Such simplistic quarters are not what you鈥檇 expect to find on the Italian Riviera. But we can鈥檛 all afford to stay in a pastel-colored palazzo overlooking the sea. Small and bare-bones, this is. But how much time will you stay holed up in your StarsBox, when the beach is just minutes away by foot and you鈥檝e got an adjacent (albeit shared) swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna at your disposal? We鈥檇 argue that, if anything, these digs will prompt you to make the most of your outdoor time. After all, you didn鈥檛 come to this part of the Mediterranean to stay indoors.

9. Commune with Animals at a Biosphere, Bolivia

Just outside one of Bolivia鈥檚 most populated cities, Cochabamba, is a beetle-shaped structure set in an agricultural area and backed by the Andes mountains. The owners provide breakfast and then leave to you go about your day鈥攜ou can hike the foothills, hop the bus into town, or organize a day trip to explore nearby Tunari National Park. But La Biosfera, with its clean, white, modern design and laid-back vibe, tends to keep guests lingering around the property. Wake up to birdsong, do some yoga by the lake, and wander the grassy grounds to encounter free-roaming llamas, peacocks, geese, and other domesticated animals. Shop the local market and then wind things down by the fire pit. Or bring friends for a trip that combines relaxation with high-altitude trekking. That鈥檚 how we鈥檇 do it.

Tasha Zemke has traveled extensively around the U.S. and the world and has outgrown her desire to camp on a thin blow-up mattress. Airbnbs have become her accommodation of choice, and she spends hours looking for those with notable architecture.听She recently stayed at a shotgun-style home in New Orleans, where the city鈥檚 famous chicory coffee was stocked in the pantry, the nation’s oldest continually functioning streetcar was steps from the front door, and a favorite local shave-ice stand was two blocks away.

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Catching the northern lights, or aurora borealis, used to be a chance occasion, a rare fluke for those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. But nowadays, scientists have figured out more accurate ways to predict when and where the northern lights will appear.

鈥淪cientists around the world are still working to understand the aurora,鈥� says Dr. Kathryn McWilliams, director of the SuperDARN Canada National Research Facility and a professor of physics and engineering physics at Canada鈥檚 University of Saskatchewan. 鈥淭here are many types of instruments, on the ground and in space, that monitor auroral conditions, and there are many scientific and government websites with maps of the auroral oval, which is the region with the highest probability of seeing the aurora.鈥�

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has an that estimates conditions weeks ahead of time. You can also check out the , where scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration monitor and track the likelihood of the aurora happening. And, of course, there鈥檚 an app: shows a map of the best locations in the world for viewing the lights now or weeks from now.

Generally speaking, the best time of year to see the northern lights is from late August to mid-April, because those are the darkest months of the year, but you can certainly catch the aurora in midsummer if you time it right. The best sightings will occur during the darkest hours of the night, between 10 P.M. and 2 A.M.

Picking a geographic location close to the North Pole will help boost your chances of seeing the northern lights鈥攏orthern-latitude places like Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are often sure bets. But you鈥檒l also need to make sure you鈥檙e far from any light pollution and have a clear night sky without clouds, storms, or a too-bright full moon. We鈥檝e picked some of our favorite spots in the Northern Hemisphere for catching the lights.

Where to Go to Watch the Northern Lights

1. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

This 218,000-acre national park is one of the most remote northern spots in the lower 48. The designated it an official dark sky park in 2020, meaning there鈥檚 minimal light pollution way out here. Pitch a tent at one of the park鈥檚 more isolated campgrounds鈥攖here are 15 hike-in or boat-in backcountry campsites鈥攆or the . If you鈥檇 rather have a bed to sleep in, stay at the 31-room (from $169) in the town of Ranier, ten minutes from the park鈥檚 entrance, which has a rooftop sauna and hot tub for night sky-gazing, free yoga, and whiskey tasting at the in-house distillery.

2. Djupvik, Norway

Backcountry skiers visit Norway鈥檚 Lyngen Alps in winter for the legendary ski touring. While there, they might be treated to a brilliant showing of the northern lights. Stay at the eight-room boutique (from $234) and you鈥檒l have guided backcountry skiing by day and northern lights photography classes by night. To get here, you鈥檒l fly into Troms酶, a popular northern lights destination, then drive 2.5 hours into the Lyngen Alps, where the lodge sits on the edge of a fjord.

3. Fairbanks, Alaska

From August to April, you can see the northern lights in Fairbanks on most clear nights. The city even has its own for the latest status from six prime viewing locations around the area. Sign up for an aurora tour if you want a guided perspective: offers tours by ground or air. Sleep in a geodesic igloo with a clear roof or a tiny cube with floor-to-ceiling windows at , 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, where two-night packages (from $980) include dogsledding and snowmobiling.

4. Whitehorse, Canada

Twenty minutes outside the Yukon city of Whitehorse, recently added three new glass chalets, with prime nighttime viewing of the northern lights and three-night packages (from $1,190). Or catch the lights from a hot tub: the new in Whitehorse is slated to open this year with four outdoor soaking pools. Want even more of an adventure? Fly into Old Crow, the northernmost community in the Yukon, and take a tour with , an Indigenous-led guided operation that leads night tours and dogsled excursions.

5. Levi, Finland

If Santa Claus lives anywhere, it might be Levi, a charming village fit for elves 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the heart of Finnish Lapland. In winter, Levi is home to one of the biggest ski resorts in Finland, but many people also come here for the northern lights. Sleep in one of 24 glass-roofed igloos at (from $274), where even the on-site restaurant has entirely glass walls and ceiling.

6. Hella, Iceland

Here鈥檚 a hotel amenity we can get behind: at the 51-room (from $428) in southern Iceland, if you select the aurora wake-up service, the hotel will buzz your in-room phone whenever the lights appear at night, ensuring you won鈥檛 miss the spectacle. Once you鈥檙e awake, you can watch the night sky from three geothermally heated hot tubs or the hotel鈥檚 own rooftop observatory. This hotel is located between the towns of Hella and Hvolsv枚llur, about an hour鈥檚 drive into the countryside from Iceland鈥檚 capital city of Reykjav铆k.

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There鈥檚 a steam room tucked away in the back corner of the men鈥檚 bathroom at 翱耻迟蝉颈诲别鈥�s offices, a product of a vanished time when the magazine had a fully equipped gym. The latter perk is long gone (it鈥檚 a photo studio now), and the tiled enclosure, while still functional, has fallen into disuse. 鈥淲e used to have an IT guy who used it, but that was years ago,鈥� a colleague told me. 鈥淗e鈥檇 walk down the hall in his robe at midday like he was at a spa.鈥�

I鈥檇 always been intrigued by this abandoned luxury. Then, on a gloomy day last winter, I did some research about how to cure my seasonal blues. I was burned out at work, navigating relationship troubles, and weathering the lonely pandemic. I learned that hot-cold therapy鈥攈eating your body up, then submerging yourself in cold water soon after鈥斅璽riggers the release of the so-called happy hormones: endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. You can accomplish this in many ways, but a sauna session followed by a cold plunge is the classic pairing. The combination is popular in Finland, where a sauna is central to everyday life, as is the concept of sisu, or confronting tough situations with courage and fortitude.

So I decided to take a cue from the Finns鈥攁nd that IT guy鈥攁nd hack my winter doldrums. I fired up the steam room and turned on the cold water in one of the adjacent showers, squirming under the freezing flow for 15 seconds before scurrying back to my warm cocoon. On subsequent days, I increased the time spent in each extreme. After a couple of weeks, I鈥檇 solidified a regimen: every weekday at 6 P.M., I鈥檇 do three cycles of eight-minute steams interspersed with two-minute showers. It became my favorite part of the day.

Turns out there really are health benefits to this routine. found that sauna bathing can 鈥渋mprove the overall health of individuals serving in a high-stress occupation,鈥� such as firefighters, first responders, and military personnel. , researchers concluded that one or two sessions per week were linked to a significant decrease in sudden cardiac death, coronary heart disease, and overall mortality. Finally, while inconclusive, there鈥檚 evidence that cold exposure encourages cardiovascular health and reduces inflammation.

A few months into my experiment, life got busy and I dropped my ritual. My journey mirrored the routine I鈥檇 abandoned: hot and cold, on and off. Then one afternoon I spotted a man with SISU tattooed on his calf. Could it be the same sisu I鈥檇 tried to live by, 5,000 miles from Helsinki? 鈥淭his was my high school cross-country team鈥檚 motto,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o run with guts.鈥�

The next day I fired up the steam room once again. The heat felt restorative, the cold water electric. Was I living like a Finn? Would this make me happy? I didn鈥檛 care. I stood embracing the cold, humming a tune as I rinsed.

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For thousands of years, cultures around the world have engaged in the time-honored ritual of sweating it out.听Ancient Romans had baths. Russians have banyas, the Japanese have communal 蝉别苍迟艒蝉, the Turks have steamy hammams, and the Finns have dry saunas. It鈥檚 the latter style, the wood-fired schvitz, whose popularity has been heating up over the past few years and has hit new highs in the United States听this dark winter.

Since 2016, sales of in-home saunas have been growing听by double digits, according to Mark Raisanen, general manager of ,听North America鈥檚 largest supplier of saunas.听In 2020 alone, that growth doubled year over year. 鈥淔or folks who enjoy hiking, camping, biking,听and simply being outside, having the chance to complete those activities with a sauna鈥攖here鈥檚 nothing better,鈥澨齊aisanen says. But with听an entry price of $4,000 for a traditional wood-clad hot room鈥攕ome skyrocket听past $20,000, depending on extras鈥攊t raises听the question: what kind of options exist for those who may not have the budget or space for something permanent?

Enter the tent sauna. Two Russian brands鈥� and 鈥攐ffer sub-$1,000 systems that feature wood-burning stoves and insulated tents that are packable, portable, and capable of generating scorching temps in excess of 200 degrees.听, a supplier of tents and backpacks to the Finnish military, also听serves the European market.

Traditionalists may scoff. But in his 1978 book,听How to Build a Sauna, which memorialized the 1970s wave of American听interest in Finnish culture, Carlton Hollander put it this way: 鈥淭he basic purpose of a sauna is to cleanse the body through perspiration. This means opening the pores of the skin and flushing out the impurities in the body through the process of sweating. Any structure or environment that has the ability to achieve that end will suffice as a sauna.鈥�听It鈥檚 worth noting that , as the听New York Times听explained in 2017.

These new tent options go far beyond being a cheap, makeshift solution. 鈥淧eople have been finding health solutions in pragmatic ways around the world for centuries, and tents can be a cutting-edge part of that tradition,鈥澨齭ays John Pederson, founder of the , a听mobile sauna community,听and co-founder of , which has hosted mobile and tent sauna experiences throughout Minneapolis since 2017.

Pederson explains that thermic bathing practices have evolved to fit the available resources of diverse places and eras: from earthen temazcals in Mesoamerica to the spiritual sweat lodges of the 听to permanent outbuildings in Finland, where cedar and birch are听plentiful. 鈥淲hen I think of an authentic sauna, I think of people solving the problem of how to get the best hot-cold experience in the environment that鈥檚 available to them,鈥澨齈ederson听says. 鈥淪uddenly, you can take your tent with you, and it can be part of moments that it couldn鈥檛 before because of logistics. Imagine having a sauna experience on a road trip听with people you love.鈥�

While some may think of winter as the ideal season for a sauna experience, new research proves what many aficionados have known from experience: sweating is good for mind and body year-round. In 2018, Dr. Jari Laukkanen, a cardiologist at the University of Eastern Finland, published a paper in Mayo Clinic Proceedings based on 70 peer-reviewed studies that examined the on more than 2,300 men older than 20. The results:听frequent sauna sessions between 176听degrees听and 212听degrees听Fahrenheit, paired with cold exposure, noticeably lower the risk of cardiovascular disease,听.

The key is in the generation of 濒盲尘辫枚尘补蝉蝉补,听the heat created from raising your core temperature, says Glenn Auerbach, publisher of the听Sauna Times and president of the Sauna Research Institute, which counts Laukkanen among its board of directors. 鈥淕ood heat is what good sauna is all about, and a tent sauna can provide it,鈥澨齢e says. 鈥淲hen you consider the cost, portability, and the ability to deploy into nature, it鈥檚 a game changer.鈥� For Auerbach, infrared saunas, which use light to generate heat, represent bad heat because they鈥檙e not warming the environment around the body.

I wanted to experience this new wave of portable saunas, so I reached out to , which sent a sample from Yekaerinburg, Russia,听in just under a week. Mobiba, based in southern Siberia, has an authorized U.S. retailer that reported models have been flying off the shelves of its听Los Angeles warehouse too fast to keep in stock (and are currently on backorder). Here are the Morzh specs:

• Price: Starts at $659, with optional add-ons, including a 听($18),听 ($105), and a ($4)
• Tent and poles weight: 18.3 pounds
• Stove weight: 37.9 pounds

Named after the Russian word for 鈥渨alrus,鈥澨齮he Morzh system features a quilted tent made with three layers of flame-resistant oxford cloth. Two aircraft-grade aluminum-alloy poles zip into channels on the outside of the tent, giving the structure its shape. Morzh also sells an optional ($160), which provides noticeable insulation against the chill of the ground.

Throughout my testing, the tent withstood a Chicago blizzard that dumped听snow over three weeks. I also hiked the setup鈥攊ncluding tent, stove, stools, and rocks鈥攖o a perch overlooking Lake Michigan, where I cranked up the heat and spent three hours alternating between sitting in the heat, swimming in 34-degree听water, and sipping homemade broth from a Stanley thermos.

The stove is made from eight-millimeter AISI 430 stainless steel and occupies about a quarter of the tent听to the left of the door. Six chimney sections collapse听and fit inside the stove when not in use, along with the legs, which screw into the bottom and raise the unit off the floor. When assembled, the chimney exits the tent through a steel grommet that protects the exterior fabric from coming into direct contact with the stove. The tent fits three people comfortably听but听could stretch to accommodate four or five.

On one of the coldest days of the blizzard, when it dropped to -6听degrees听and the windchill crept to听negative double听digits, I started to sweat听about ten听minutes after lighting the fire. Before it had been a half-hour, the ambient temperature听hit 200 degrees, according to an oven thermometer I hung from one of the D rings.

While the temperature inside the tent can swing depending on how much you鈥檙e coming in and out鈥攁nd how diligently you tend the fire鈥攖he key is stacking granite rocks on top of the stove to capture heat and keep the space warm for a longer period of time. I didn鈥檛 find the optional rock holder particularly helpful, because it piled the rocks in three or four layers and minimized the surface area in direct contact with the stove. A shallower layer of rocks heated faster and produced better 濒枚测濒测 (the Finnish word for the steam that envelopes you after you ladle water onto the hot stones).

One minor complaint I had is that some of the fasteners, which听allow convection screens on the sides of the stove to collapse or fold out for better airflow, came apart. It was a small inconvenience, but they were easily replaced with a few machine screws and nuts.

All told, seven forearm-sized pieces of wood kept the temperature between 180听and 215 degrees for more than two hours. That鈥檚听about the number of split logs in a ready-to-burn bundle available at most big-box stores. Cooling everything down is as simple as unzipping one of the vents in the side wall听or rolling up the door flaps. In less than an hour, the rocks are ready to take home. If you鈥檙e camping out, the tent makes a suitable overnight shelter.

While the Morzh may be best used for car camping, it is what it claims to be: a truly portable听wood-fired sauna that will have the sweat beading from your brow鈥攊deally within cannonball range of a lake in snow-covered woods.

A tent sauna isn鈥檛 without trade-offs.听You鈥檙e听not getting the听hygge听that comes from the cedar aroma and soft electric lights inside a permanent structure. Without raised seating, your feet might feel a little cooler than the rest of your body if they鈥檙e resting on the ground. But this is something different: an option for adventurers who want to take their heat with them, whether that鈥檚 to set up next to a body of water or .

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In late March,听the United Nations published the , a comprehensive look at what makes the most contented countries work so well. For the seventh year in a row, the Nordic nations of Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden dominated the top ten. While rankings are based on several factors, including political rights and economic equality, these countries have a few key metrics in common: low corruption rates, universal public services, and great access to the outdoors.听

For many of these countries, not only is nature within easy reach, but it鈥檚 an important part of their cultures. For the Scandinavian nations that take up six of the top-ten听spots, the term friluftsliv, which literally translates to 鈥渙pen-air living,鈥� denotes 鈥渁 philosophical lifestyle based on experiences of the freedom in nature and the spiritual connectedness with the landscape,鈥� according to听鈥�,鈥� an article in The Canadian Journal of Environmental Education.听

Sweden, which ranked seventh on the list, that nearly one-third of all residents participate in outdoor recreation at least once a week and, in a country that strives for economic equality, nearly 50 percent of the population has . Denmark, ranked second, has for children to encourage learning in the outdoors at a young age, and one found that children from greener neighborhoods were less likely to develop mental illness. The country is also home to the world鈥檚 most bike-friendly city, Copenhagen (though it鈥檚 not alone: many of the happiest countries have ). And Finland, which topped the list, boasts听188,000 inland lakes and forests that cover 75 percent of the country.

Finland, Norway, and Sweden also have 鈥渇reedom to roam鈥� policies, or which allow residents and visitors alike听to hike or camp nearly anywhere, including on private land. It鈥檚 also part of the region鈥檚 approach to work-life balance: many businesses in Scandinavian countries encourage employees to go outside each day, even that set aside time in the workday for fresh air. The most important part of their outdoor philosophy, though, is how they embrace the cold, dark winter months, as is expressed in the popular saying听of Norwegian origin that鈥檚 now used throughout the region:听鈥淭here鈥檚 no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.鈥� Parents in Scandinavia are known to let their听听in freezing temperatures to help them sleep better and听longer, Finns embrace harsh conditions with their sauna culture, and when the Danes and Swedes aren鈥檛 skiing, sledding, or to tobogganing, they鈥檙e practicing hygge, which loosely translates to being cozy.

The other countries that rounded out the top ten鈥擲witzerland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Austria, and Luxembourg鈥攁re also well-known adventure hubs. With its iconic snowcapped peaks, Switzerland is one of Europe鈥檚 most popular ski and hiking destinations. New Zealand has a system of ten Great Walks that allow even relatively inexperienced backcountry hikers to experience some of the country鈥檚 most beautiful landscapes for days and weeks at a time. The Netherlands is an established听haven for cyclists, with residents making of their daily trips via bike.听

The UN鈥檚 Sustainable Development Solutions Network bases its annual report on six categories: GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, trust and corruption, perceived freedom to make life decisions, and generosity. The rankings are largely based on findings from the , a yearly survey conducted in more than 160 nations that evaluates respondents鈥� perceived quality of life .听

By comparison, the U.S ranks 18th in terms of overall happiness, a move up from 19th in 2019. While this can be seen as a good sign, the fluctuation among the top 20 happiest countries is marginal. The U.S. has never cracked the top ten, perhaps in part because Americans are spending less time outdoors. According to an Outdoor Foundation study released in January, nearly half the U.S. population doesn鈥檛 participate in outdoor recreation, with only 18 percent of people getting out for physical activity at least once a week. In addition, Americans took one billion fewer trips outside in 2018 than they did in 2008.听

Beyond their appreciation for the outdoors, additional aspects of the top-ten听societies likely contributed to their residents鈥� well-being. Most have universal health care systems, offer free college education, have substantial听, and are among some of the wealthiest countries in the world. By comparison, the unhappiest countries include Afghanistan, Yemen, and Palestine, which have continuously been racked with wars and conflict in recent history.听

It to think about what the future will look like, as social-distancing guidelines cause feelings of isolation and听cabin fever,听and . But if you鈥檙e looking for ways to increase your own well-being and set in motion a more outdoors-based lifestyle once this is all over, start now by following these rules for getting outside safely.

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I recently discovered a link to a livestream camera overlooking a bay in British Columbia听and claiming听to show orcas in real time. I hopped on to see what was happening, with the attitude of like I鈥檓 really going to see an orca thousands of miles away.听But I did! And then I spent an hour watching the orca frolic around in the water and listening to its blowhole exhalations. During these uncertain times, it was the only thing that relaxed me that day. (A shout-out听to , the world鈥檚 largest live-nature-cam network, for setting up the camera听and to the other organizations who make these experiences possible.) Later听I got hooked watching a real-time surfer on Oahu鈥檚 North Shore. During a period when we can鈥檛 travel, livestream feeds are one of the best armchair experiences. Until we can all get back out there, these webcams will take you on a journey around the world鈥攁nd inspire future trips.

If You Want to Surf in Hawaii

Listen to crashing waves and catch a surfer or two on this at the Pipeline break on Oahu鈥檚 North Shore (where surfing is still allowed for now). And , a website that specializes in surf news and forecasting, has a Cam of the Moment set on a different break around the world at any given time.

If You Want to Go to Yosemite

Relax to the rushing听cascade of a huge waterfall in 听of听the park鈥檚 Upper Yosemite Falls.听

If You Want to Go Diving

The sounds of the current and images of flowing听kelp in this 听footage from听California鈥檚 Channel Islands National Park make for听another great offering by Explore. And in this Atlantic Ocean听, placed 34 miles off the coast of Cape Fear, North Carolina, I saw a big听ol鈥櫶齭hark cruise by, in addition to other vibrant marine life, after about five minutes of watching.听

If You Want to Go to New Zealand

Start dreaming about a trip to , the epicenter of adventure on the country鈥檚 South Island, by watching the light change on Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range that surrounds the small town.

If You Want See Orcas in British Columbia

One of the many gifts of Explore鈥檚听livestream cameras is its orca offerings in Johnstone Strait, a protected habitat in British Columbia听where 150 or more killer whales spend the warmer months. I like to open up and leave it on in the background until I hear some splashing or blowhole exhalations, and then I click听over to see the action. Different cameras are live at any given time. (If a camera isn鈥檛 live, Explore听runs Live Cam Highlights, which are divine.) Here are my two favorites, both from the straight:听The 听camera overlooks Robson Bight. The second is an 听in which you see orcas darting by and鈥攅ven more awesome鈥攈ear them communicate through their high-pitched sounds. It鈥檚 a good reminder that nature is still thriving in many places听despite what鈥檚 happening to humanity.

If You Want to Go to Patagonia

Get inspired for a future trip to the Southern Hemisphere by watching this , focused on the stunning Torres del Paine National Park and Rio Serrano. Chilean Patagonia has some of the most pristine wilderness parks in the world.

If You Want to Be on a River

The sound of a river immediately relaxes me. Zone out to the rushing waters of the in Crescent City, California. Or you might catch some kayakers on North Carolina鈥檚 famous Nantahala River.

If You Want to Observe鈥攐r Be Inside of鈥攁 Volcano

Watch the clouds float over the top of in Costa Rica, or look deep inside in Hawaii鈥檚 Volcanoes National Park.

If You Want to Go on Safari in South Africa

Streamed daily at sunrise and sunset South African time (GMT plus two), tune in to 鈥檚 live, interactive online safaris. Professional gamekeepers and park rangers take viewers out into the savannas of South Africa鈥檚 Kruger National Park and Kenya鈥檚 Maasai Mara National Reserve to scout for wildlife, giving you the experience of a safari from home. Or if you just want to watch elephants meandering around a water hole, in South Africa鈥檚 Tembe National Elephant Park does the trick nicely and also works at night (which helps听given the time change).

If You Want to Visit听a Caribbean Island

These really got me longing to lounge on a white-sand beach, from chilling at听 to dipping my toes into the water听by听the on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, with its famous in hand.

If You Want to Tour the Happiest Country on Earth

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UwSJ26G9hns

Take a walk around Helsinki on Webcamtaxi鈥檚听 of Finland鈥檚 capital. Or look at what鈥檚 happening at听 in Lapland, the northern region听of the country. Finland is consistently rated one of the happiest places in the world.

If You Want to Go to the Mountains

The Jungfrau is a mountain in the Bernese Alps of听western Switzerland. With the nearby Eiger and M枚nch, it forms a group of three peaks听known as the triumvirate. In these , you can appreciate the Jungfrau鈥檚 glaciers and jagged contours. (The mountain is sometimes socked in by fog due to a storm, so check back on different days.) The camera was set up by the Jungfrau Railway company, which boasts听the highest train station in Europe a few hundred feet below.

The has long been on my bucket list. Set on 5,200 acres in Walland, Tennessee, the property听recently added ridgetop cabins with incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains. When I鈥檓 watching , I pretend that I鈥檓 kicking back on a cabin deck with an Oskar Blues Mama鈥檚 Little Yella Pils, looking out at听the Smokies.听

If You Want to Enjoy听a Los Angeles Sunset

Thanks to a new campaign from Los Angeles Tourism, every day at around 6:30 P.M.听Pacific Time you can watch a from the top of 听overlooking Venice Beach.听

If You Want to Go to the South Pole

This , operated by the National Science Foundation, shows the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station research site in Antarctica, where the high temperature last week was minus 57 degrees. The camera is sometimes idle waiting on satellite connections, but it鈥檚 been up most times that I鈥檝e logged on.

If You Want to Go to Venice, Italy

Leave it to the Italians to create the most civilized live cam. streams footage from various cameras around the city鈥檚听beautiful canals and is set to the music of Interpreti Veneziana. We heart Italy.

And a Few More, Because Who Doesn鈥檛 Love Manatees, Sharks, and Seals?

The key with many of the livestreams mentioned in this story is patience. I left this 听at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida on in the background for a day until, all of a sudden, I heard a rush of bubbles. Lo and behold, there were three big, fat adult manatees and a snuggly听baby manatee swimming around. Warning: you may end up 听one.听

This next recommendation isn鈥檛 quite a livestream, but it鈥檚 still really cool. In a worldwide set up by Ocearch, a data-centric organization that helps scientists track tagged marine life in order to study and protect them, you can live-track great white sharks, turtles, and dolphins. My colleague Kaelyn Lynch turned me onto it. She鈥檚 been following Katharine, the famous 2,300-pound great white, since the shark听was tagged in 2013,听on her journey between the North Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

It鈥檚 hard not to walk away with a smile on your face after watching lounge and flop around the beach in Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve on California鈥檚 central coast.

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