One of the top recommended river cruises is the “Grand European Tour” through Viking River Cruises. Starting in Amsterdam, this 15-day cruise goes through the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers to Budapest. There are 12 cities and 4 countries that it stops in, including Cologne, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Vienna, and more. Free shore excursions are included; however, you are free to roam these ancient cities and explore castles, UNESCO sites, breweries, museums and much more. The possibilities are endless, including extending your trip before or after (or both!) in Amsterdam or Budapest.

Another great itinerary is “Andalusia: Tradition, Gastronomy, and Flamenco” through CroisiEurope Cruises. Starting in Sevilla, this 8-day southern Spain cruise goes through the Guadiana and Guadalquivir rivers and the Atlantic coast. There are 4 cities that it stops in: Cordoba, Cadiz, Isla Minima, and Granada. Free shore excursions are included, some of which are guided tours of cities, UNESCO sites, haciendas, and more. This cruise focuses on the culture of Spanish food, dancing, and history, indulging all your senses. This itinerary goes to and from Sevilla, giving you perfect opportunity to extend your trip on either end.

A very unique itinerary is “The Beauty and Bounty of Nature” through American Queen Steamboat Company. Starting in Clarkstown, Washington, this 9-day cruise goes through the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington. This is a must for nature and history buffs alike—seeing sights such as Hells Canyon, the Oregon Trail, gorges, and mountains, all from a modern-day steamboat. Shore excursions are included, some of which are museums, wineries, and downtown areas. This itinerary goes in either direction, depending on the date, so why not extend your trip?

There are hundreds of different river cruises all over the world, so start planning!

PS. River cruises can make phenomenal honeymoons, so definitely consider one if you’ll be honeymooning soon! For more great honeymoon ideas click here.

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1. The Lyon & Provence River Cruise

When you think of a romantic destination, the first place most think of is Paris. However, the Lyon & Provence river cruise through Viking Cruises might just top that. This 8 day Southern France cruise travels down the Rhône river going from Avignon to Lyon. You will have the opportunity to see ancient cities, rolling hills of lavender, wineries and much more—all from your balcony or included excursion. A train transfer to Paris can also be arranged to add extra time on the beginning or end of your trip.

To see more amazing river cruises you should consider doing, click here.

2. Mallorca

Another great destination is Mallorca—one of the Balearic islands off the eastern coast of Spain. Known for its white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, Mallorca is a must see. Not only is it a beautiful island of beaches, there is also the old medieval city of Palma, which is enough to take your breath away. This island is full of Spanish and Mediterranean culture and food, so there will always be something to experience. You can also island hop to the surrounding Menorca and Ibiza islands as well.

3. Fiji

Perhaps the queen of romantic paradises, Fiji is one of those remote islands in the South Pacific. Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, so there is more than enough opportunity to find your own beach that will feel like your own private beach! Not only are there beautiful beaches, but there is plenty of hiking through jungles, coral reefs to see snorkeling, and caves with breathtaking waterfalls. There are also many museums to be seen in the British colonial port city of Suva.

The world is filled with so many beautiful and romantic paradises—these were our top 3, but where will you go?

The post 3 Romantic Paradises You Need to Try appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Banff national park is part of a conglomerate of other parks including Yoho and Kootenay national parks, Peter Lougheed and Height of the Rockies Provincial Parks as well as Jasper National Park to the north. This area is great for anything outdoors—from camping to kayaking to fishing. The highest peaks of Mt Rundle and Mt Cascade continue the Rockies through Canada and fill the picturesque skyline.

2. Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Probably one of the most famous sights in the United States, Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Just a three-hour drive from San Francisco, Yosemite is a hiking and climbing paradise—some of the world’s best climbing spots are El Capitan and Half Dome. It’s also not too far from Lake Tahoe, which makes this the perfect camping road trip for families, photographers and nature-junkies alike.

3. Watkins Glen, New York, USA

Watkins Glen is primarily Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Located on Seneca Lake, this is a historic area filled with waterfalls, stone bridges and narrow gorges. Hiking in this area in the fall is especially beautiful with all of the orange and red foliage. The Finger Lakes area, in general, is a boater and hikers paradise.

4. Big Sur, California, USA

One of the highlights on your Route 1 California adventure, Big Sur is the main area of California’s Central Coast. The waves of the Pacific and picturesque mountains make this an Instagram-worthy backdrop. Also in this area is the famous Bixby Canyon Bridge, which is a beautiful sight to see at sunset. This will be a road-trip to remember as you roll down the Pacific coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

5. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

Antelope Canyon is located in Page, Arizona, by the Arizona-Utah border. This area is on protected Navajo lands and is considered sacred to the tribe. This has become a major destination for photographers and wanderlusters alike. The rock formations are one of a kind and the deep crevices and canyons create a unique and unforgettable experience. However, note that you are only allowed entrance to the canyons by a Navajo tour guide.

6. St George’s, Bermuda

A beautiful day trip from Hamilton, St. George is accessible by moped, bus, or ferry. From their pink sand beaches to the crystal caves, St. George checks everything off everyone’s list. Bermuda is easily accessible by cruise ship from Boston or NYC or a short flight from any east coast airport!

7. Bar Harbor, Maine, USA

Bar Harbor is located on the Maine coast on Mt Desert Island. This area is the gateway to Arcadia National Park and the craggy coastal New England towns. This is a picturesque place of lighthouses, mountains, whale watching and the famous Maine lobster roll! This is the perfect area for families or groups as there is something for everyone, especially if you just like to sit back and enjoy the view.

Not done exploring? Why not check out:

• 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In South America
• 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Canada

The post 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In North America appeared first on Modern Trekker.

What I figured out is the ultimate West American road trip, however, for time/money/whatever restraints you might have, it can be broken up into individual parts or trips. Me being from the metro New York area, I would love to see more of the west.

Leg 1

The beginning of Leg 1 is Seattle. This is a good starting point because you can fly into Seattle airport or rent a car/RV/camper and see the city for a few days before you start this journey. Things of note to visit in Washington: North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Cape Flattery, Mount Rainier National Park, and Mt. Saint Helens (among much more). Going into Oregon is Portland, which is a fun stop for its artsy and hipster scene—great food and brews too.

Another fun spot is Astoria, which if you are a big fan of The Goonies, makes it a go-to destination. Also see Cannon Beach, where much of the movie was filmed too. Then make your way down the Oregon coast, great for both Instagram posts and camping. Not too far after you cross into California is the Redwoods area, which is a 100% must-see in my book. Just thinking about how old those trees are blows my mind!

Then going east to (optional stop in Sacramento, maybe trying to find Arnold Schwarzenegger) Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, you’ll find lots of hiking, camping, and photo ops here. When you’ve had enough (if that’s possible), swinging back west out to San Francisco and spending a few days there is a good idea. After SF, heading down the famed Route 1 Pacific Coast Highway—through Monterrey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Malibu and then eventually into Los Angeles. Spending a few days here would be fun too—Hollywood, famous beaches like Santa Monica and Venice beach, and of course Disney Land!

After that, heading down to San Diego, seeing other fabulous beaches along the way. Spend a day or two here as well—the Gas Lamp quarter has great food, brews, shopping and is just generally very nice. This could be a great end to a trip as well, however, if you feel like you want to keep going, there’s still much more to see!

Leg 2

Starting on Leg 2 of the journey means leaving San Diego and either heading to Phoenix or Las Vegas. You can definitely do both, but if you go north, stop at Lake Havasu Falls, Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas (I don’t think I really have to suggest things to do there). Or head east and drive along the Mexican border to Phoenix, which is a fun city filled with great hiking and food. After either Phoenix or Las Vegas, head to Sedona, which is known for its incredible red rocks. Great hiking and camping there, it will make you feel like you’re in an old western movie. And of course, after that, going to the one and only Grand Canyon. The GC is like nothing you’ve ever imagined before, it makes you feel some kind of way, and it’s so overwhelmingly big.

After that, go up to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and then Monument Valley. Continue seeing incredible rock formations as you cross into Utah and go to Arches National Park—again, lots of great hiking there! Then cross into Colorado and head east to Denver. You will be crossing through the Rockies seeing some breath-taking scenery. Spend a few days in Denver for great sights, food, brews, and more, while maybe also checking out Rocky Mountain National Park, which is a 1-hour and 30-minute drive away. You can finish Leg 2 of this trip in Denver, or if you still feel like trekking, head up to Wyoming!

Leg 3

From Denver, head northwest where you’ll essentially cross the entire state of Wyoming going to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Very convenient for travelers, the two parks are right next to each other, even though they are each very large. Incredible geysers, mountains, and wildlife to be seen. And since you’ve gone this far, you might as well go further into Montana and see some incredible scenery and the Missouri River (this is the Lewis & Clark region for the history geeks!) on your way to Helena, stopping for a minute in this small city. Then driving through Bitterroot National Forest and through the Mountains that border Idaho, then crossing into Idaho. From here heading down to Salt Lake City, Utah for the ending of your trip. Stay a day or two in SLC and then your 3 legged American road trip is complete!

A few other modifiers to this trip could be taking Highway 84 from Portland to Salt Lake City or cutting across Nevada on Highway 80 from Lake Tahoe/Reno to SLC—there are so many options in this region even though larger highways are somewhat limited, that’s why backroads are great.

So, if you have the opportunity to ever do a grand American road trip, what would you do?

Suggested next reading: 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In North America

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