Each one of these 10 National Parks I’ve chosen offers an awful lot: scenery, peace, wildlife, history, and cool places to see. I’d heartily recommend visiting any one of them if you’re in the UK.

So, here are my top 10 UK National Parks!

1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Closest City: Glasgow, Scotland
Size: 1,865km² / 721mi²
Website: lochlomond-trossachs.org

If there’s one thing Scotland does well its mountains. And whiskey. And actually shortbread. But also mountains…and that’s the first thing we’ll talk about today.

In fact, they have so many they had to coin a term for those higher than 3000 feet. Munros can be found all over Scotland but there are 21 in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs alone.

Joining them are 22 large lochs and 50 rivers and streams, meaning that both walkers, climbers and boat lovers alike can all find a brilliant way to pass the time here.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Now let’s get back to that whiskey. It goes without saying that a trip to Scotland should include a small tipple. So make sure to stop off at a friendly local distillery and try Scotland’s golden nectar.

2. Peak District

Closest City: Sheffield, England
Size: 1,438km² / 555mi²
Website: peakdistrict.gov.uk

As a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, you’d be hard pushed to find better climbing, walking or wildlife watching anywhere else in the UK.

This National Park is split in two; The Dark Peak characterized by gritstone and the White Peak made up of dramatic limestone. The former perfect for some serious climbing, the later providing beautiful panoramic views and distinctive, natural stone structures.

As an inspiration to Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and Daniel Defoe to name a few, it’s a must-see for any National Park enthusiast.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit Chatsworth House to see the inspiration for Pemberley in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
• Pop down to the road to Bakewell to try an authentic Bakewell Pudding. Although you’ll have to choose between the two bakeries who both claim to have the original recipe.

3. Lake District

Location: Cumbria, England
Size: 2,362km² / 912mi²
Website: lakedistrict.gov.uk

If you like the idea of the Peak District but wish it included a bit more water, may we suggest traveling a bit further North and exploring the Lake District.

Home to 16 lakes and numerous tarns (or small lakes) this really is the place for any watersport lover. Have you really gone wild swimming if you’ve not done it beside a high fell and within a deep glacial lake?

If that sounds a bit too nippy, you can always join in the fun on a boat, canoe or other watery modes of transport and enjoy the breath-taking scenery whilst staying dry.

It’s easy to see why it’s the most visited park in the United Kingdom but as the second largest, there’s more than enough room for everyone.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Complete one of the famous 214 fell walks categorized by Alan Wainwright. Beware though, all but one of them involve scaling over a 1000ft peak.
• After all that climbing, you’ll be needing a few calories. Head over to the small village of Grasmere where a small shop has been making Grasmere gingerbread since 1854. It’s so good they literally named the village after it.

4. Snowdonia

Location: Northwest Wales
Size: 2,142km² / 827mi²
Website: eryri.llyw.cymru

Famous for containing Snowdon (the highest mountain in Wales), there are plenty of other attractions in this beautiful area to tempt all. And by “all” we mean the over 4-million tourists who visit Snowdonia each year.

Woods, valleys, moorlands and historic castles all smatter the countryside adding variety to beauty. Or if none of those tickle your fancy, just pop down to the coastline to be greeted by 23 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Fly through the air above a gorgeous quarry lake, when you visit Zip World Velocity 2. Although this might seem like a man-made way of enjoying the natural beauty of the park, as the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe, you’ll be having too much fun to care.
• Visit an authentic Welsh castle. Built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289, Conwy Castle was one of the most expensive castles built in its time. Go check it out and see if it was worth the money.

5. Cairngorms

Location: Northeast Scotland
Size: 4,528km² / 1,748mi²
Website: cairngorms.co.uk

Now to Britain’s largest National Park up in the snowy hills of Scotland. The Cairngorms boast ancient Caledonian Pine forests, astoundingly beautiful mountain landscapes reflected in crystal clean rivers and lochs.

If you’re a fan of winter sports, then head high into the hills for a spot of skiing in some of the most dramatic landscapes in Britain.

If you’re more of a history buff, then there are a plethora of castles, small villages, Highland estates and other suitably old attractions to tempt your fancy.

All this can be finished off with a glass of Scotland’s finest whiskey, preferably in front of a roaring fire.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• For the adventurous among you, why not take in a spot of whitewater rafting. It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Scotland, but despite that, there is excellent rafting to be had here. Just remember to wrap up warm. Those Scottish rivers can be chilly.

6. Dartmoor

Location: Devon, England
Size: 956km² / 369mi²
Website: dartmoor.gov.uk

Moving now to the South of England, Dartmoor National Park is located in the county of Devon, not too far from the city of Plymouth.

Dartmoor features wild ponies, medieval villages, stone circles and important archaeological points of interest. Used as a training area for troops landing on D-Day during WW2, the place also has a rich war history.

Dartmoor is also the only National Park in England that lets people camp in its wilderness.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit Castle Drogo, the last castle ever built in England (constructed ended in 1930) and located near Drewsteignton.
• Check out the village of Lustleigh which has authentic tearooms, a 13^th Century Church, and lots of beautiful thatched cottages.

7. Exmoor

Location: North Devon, England
Size: 693km² / 268mi²
Website: exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Located again in Devon, Exmoor National Park is about an hours drive north of Dartmoor National Park and touches the coastline that overlooks South Wales.

Like, Dartmoor, Exmoor National Park features quaint villages, wild ponies, stone circles and other similar places of interest. Though where Dartmoor is more dramatic, Exmoor is calmer and prettier with its rolling hills and North Somerset coastline.

What really makes Exmoor stand out is its Wild Red Deer and the fact that it is an International Dark Sky reserve. This means that, at night, the heavens are clearer and more spectacular than in places that suffer from light pollution.

So whether you visit during the day or night, Exmoor National Park is sure to impress!

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This is the World’s highest and steepest water powered railway. Amazingly this railway has been running since 1888 and judging by what we’ve seen, it’s still going strong.

8. Brecon Beacons

Closest City: Cardiff, Swansea, Hereford or Newport
Size: 1,351km² / 522mi²
Website: beacons-npa.gov.uk

Back to Wales now and less than an hour away from the busy city of Cardiff is the peace and tranquillity of the Brecon Beacons.

There are more ponies to be found here but this time it’s Welsh Mountain Ponies that might cross your path, whilst above them soar beautiful red kites on the lookout for dinner.

Everything you want from a National Park can be found here; amazing walks, stunning scenery, historical castles and as the Brecon Beacons have been chosen as a Global Geopark, you know there are some amazing sights to be seen.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• The beauty doesn’t stop when you go underground. At Dan-yr-Ogof National Showcaves, visitors get an introduction to the otherworldly beauty of Welsh caves.
• Eat a Welsh cake. Available all over Wales, these griddle cakes have been around since the late 19^th Century. Immensely popular and perfect after a long day exploring the Welsh countryside.

9. Yorkshire Dales

Location: Northern England
Size: 2,178km² / 841mi²
Website: yorkshiredales.org.uk

If you’re a fan of a dry-stone wall, then you will really love the Yorkshire Dales. These unique structures have stood the test of time and create a very distinctive landscape amongst the green, rolling Yorkshire hills.

The Yorkshire Dales is a haven for walkers who may choose to scale one of the famous three peaks, Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. Or they may choose to strike their own path and walk the hills that inspired so many Bronte Sisters novels.

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Yorkshire folk take their cheese very seriously and it has had delicious results. Birthplace of Wensleydale cheese, you can also get a cracking bit of cheddar cheese around these parts. Eat your cheese with a bite of apple or a slice of rich Christmas cake in December…either way you’re in for a treat!

10. New Forest

Closet City: Southampton
Size: 566km² / 219mi²
Website: newforestnpa.gov.uk

New Forest National Park is a dreamy place filled with magnificent landscapes graced with wild horses and ponies. There is a huge range of rare animals and plants here to give the park the rather pompous title of the “World Capital for Wildlife”.

Perfect for runners or cyclists, there are many fantastic routes on offer that will help you stay fit while escaping into nature. The park is great all year round and is just as popular with people as it is with animals—though it’s not overcrowded.

This gem in the South of England is definitely worth a visit (or two!)

What To See, Do Or Eat

• Visit The Greenwood Tree after a lovely walk for hot food & drink with a friendly atmosphere that is also good for kids.
• Car enthusiasts should check out the National Motor Museum details the fascinating motoring history of Britain as well as housing cars from James Bond films, and cars created by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

What did you think of my selection of top 10 UK National Parks? What would make your top 10 list of National Parks in the UK? Feel free to comment below.

PS. I’d like to send my condolences to the 5 unlucky National Park losers who only narrowly missed this list: Pembrokeshire Coast, Northumberland, North York Moors, The Broads, and South Downs. All great National Parks in their own right and they each offer something unique!

Suggested next reading: Faith Hidden Among The Rocks: Lud’s Church In The Peak District, England

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Some of these countries might not have all of the amenities you are used to when you go skiing, but have you ever thought about going skiing in the Middle East, Africa, or even Antarctica?

Well, maybe it is time to reconsider your options! Here are the 10 best places to ski around the world.

The Best Places To Ski In The World Are:

1. Tochāl, Iran
2. Bansko, Bulgaria
3. Thredbo, Australia
4. Oukaimeden, Morocco
5. Masikryong, North Korea
6. Alyeska, Alaska
7. Antarctica
8. Val-d’Isère, France
9. Niseko, Japan
10. Bariloche, Argentina

Now let’s dig deeper into each one of these amazing ski resorts!

1. Tochāl, Iran

The Alborz mountain range looms over Tehran and is easily accessible via metro. While Iran may not be the first place you think to go skiing, the country actually has several top-notch ski resorts. Tochāl is just north of Tehran and makes for a great day trip.

Tochāl’s peak is tall standing at 3,694 meters (12,119 feet) above sea level and the ski resort sits atop the mountain. The peak is easy to get to as a gondola can bring you up.

The best part about skiing in Iran is that there is snow for 7 months out of the year. If you go during the week, you can usually have the slopes all to yourself.

If skiing in a unique location in the Middle East is on your bucket list, Tehran is a great option.

2. Bansko, Bulgaria

Situated 2 hours south of Sofia, Bansko is a hidden skiing gem in Europe. While the continent is known for its incredible skiing, Bansko is a breath of fresh air with its affordable prices and friendly locals.

With UNESCO protected Prim National Park next door, the skiing in this destination is not only fun but beautiful as well. The park is filled with animals including wolves and bears.

Bansko has consistent snowfall from December to March so it is always a good time to go skiing here in winter. The best part about Bansko is eating and enjoying an apres-ski. Once your done skiing for the day, the town is well worth exploring. It has plenty of affordable options to enjoy yourself and fuel up for the next day’s ski session.

If you are searching for a budget ski option in Europe, look no further than Bansko, one of the world’s best places to ski!

3. Thredbo, Australia

I know what you may be thinking, but yes, Australia really does have a ski resort. Located south of the Australian capital of Canberra and near Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo allows those that live in the Northern Hemisphere to ski during summer months.

The ski season at Thredbo runs from June to October so you can hit the slopes while your friends dream about the upcoming ski season.

Not only are the appropriately named Snowy Mountains great for skiing, but they are also considered some of Australia’s highest peaks. This Southern Hemisphere skiing trip is bound to make all of your friends jealous.

4. Oukaimeden, Morocco

If you have never thought about Africa as a continent with awesome skiing, it’s time to change your mind. Africa actually has quite a few places where you can ski, but the infrastructure is not in place in many countries for the casual skier. In many places, you have to hike hours just to reach the summit to then ski.

But some of the best runs and facilities to go along with it lie in Morocco.

Oukaimeden, located about an hour south of Marrakech, is a beautiful ski resort 2,650 meters (8,690 feet) high in the Atlas Mountains. The pistes are not the most well marked, but for $10 USD for a lift ticket, no one is complaining.

Whether you are experienced or just trying skiing for the first time, Oukaimeden is sure to be an adventurous day.

5. Masikryong, North Korea

This may be the most surprising ski destination on this list! North Korea’s Masikryong is on many adventurous skiers bucket list due to the difficulty of just getting there.

If you do decide to visit Masikryong, you’ll have to do it through a state organized tour.

Although the peak is not that high standing at 1,360 meters (4,461 feet), you’ll be rewarded with almost no wait time for the lift. It’s said if you get access to the slopes, you will most likely have the entire resort to yourself. The whole complex is massive. It has 10 total ski runs that each vary in length.

For a ski spot that few have actually gone to, Masikryong is the place to go.

6. Alyeska, Alaska

One of the best parts about winter in Alaska is the skiing opportunities. Fortunately for Alaskans, Alyeska is one of the best ski areas around. However, skiing at Alyeska is not for beginners, you won’t find any Bunny Hills here in the Chugach mountain range.

With annual snowfall reaching upwards of 650 inches per year, there is plenty of fresh powder to explore in Alyeska. However, the skiing is more suited for those that are used to backcountry skiing. Avalanches are common in this part of southern Alaska.

One of the unique parts about skiing at Alyeska is that it is possible to view glaciers from the top of the mountain on clear days. The views are absolutely breathtaking.

If you consider yourself a fan of the outdoors and an advanced skier, Alyeska is waiting to welcome you.

7. Antarctica

Did you know that it is possible to ski every continent on planet Earth? Yes, that means you can even ski Antarctica!

Imagine using every form of transportation just to get to the mountain and then having to hike past penguins and seals. Skiing in Antarctica is not for the faint of heart or beginners.

It’s possible that you may even be the first person to ever ski some of the slopes you’re on! It’s a unique opportunity that not many skiers can claim.

Be ready to bring all of your own equipment. There is no pre-existing infrastructure for skiing so this is truly for those that want a once in a lifetime backcountry skiing experience.

8. Val-d’Isère, France

Definitely the most cliché and typical in this list of the best places to ski in the world, Val-d’Isère is nonetheless a classic ski resort that fully deserves its reputation as one of the World’s top skiing destinations.

Open from late November to early May, and consisting of 300 kilometers of ski runs and reaching a height at its highest point of 3197 meters, it’s understandable why this unforgettable ski resort in the French Alps, towards the border of Italy, is so popular.

Its infrastructure is well-established with an extensive network of chairlifts and the careful planning for tourists that went into this ski resort makes it one of the more comfortable ski resorts on offer. Moreover, its slopes can cater to both beginners and experts.

9. Niseko, Japan

Fancy skiing while seeing the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido (Mount Yōtei) in the background? If so, this is the ski spot for you!

Located in Japan’s northernmost main island, Hokkaido, the region is covered with volcanos, natural hot springs and, of course, ski areas!

It can get quite cold (especially in January), but it is because of this that Niseko is blessed with an abundance of fluffy powdered snow that falls at an average of 15-18 meters per season. Its infrastructure is also a bonus with families being taken care of because of childcare. ski lessons for kids, and babysitting that are all on offer with English-speaking staff.

Moreover, the town of Niseko features wonderful restaurants, good shopping opportunities and a general “good vibe” of the village.

10. Bariloche, Argentina

This ski resort in Argentina’s lake district, Catedral Alta Patagonia, is definitely worth considering.

With more than 40 ski lifts, 1480 acres to ski in, and a summit of 7152 feet, this ski resort that features the only full-service base village in South America is understandably on the pricier side, but is well worth it, and is also sure to be fun just for yourself or your family included.

With a general opening season of late June to early October, 9am-5pm, this ski resort is perhaps better overall for the less-advanced skier, but will still offer a challenge for the more-able skiers out there too.

These were our top 10 ski resorts in the world, do you agree? Feel free to comment below with your own additions or thoughts on the best places to ski in the world!

Suggested next reading: 5 Best Ski Resorts In Austria That Are Perfect For This Winter

The post 10 Of The Absolute Best Places To Ski Around The World appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Activities

The amount of activities you can do at La Mauricie is incredible. No matter the season, there are always things to do. One of the things I very much appreciate about Canadians is that they get excited for winter just like most embrace the start of summer! In winter, you can ski, fat bike, ice-climb, fish, and my personal favorite, dog sledding. The best part of the experience is meeting your crew of huskies! They are very friendly! You can either sit back and enjoy the ride or get right into the mix and drive the sled yourself. Either way, it is a great introduction to what Canada is all about. As the weather starts to get warmer, La Mauricie is known for canoe camping. The park does not allow motorized boats in the water so it is probably the cleanest water you’ll ever touch. The park is made up of various islands so you can spend a weekend or more going from spot to spot and enjoying the great outdoors. Whatever you are looking for, La Mauricie has it and then some.

Hiking

The hikes within La Mauricie are so spectacular that it deserves its very own category. You simply cannot come to La Mauricie without doing at least one hike. There are plenty of hikes to choose from for all levels. No matter if you want to test your hiking skills or just take a leisurely stroll through the forest. In my opinion, there are a few trails worth exploring. Voted one of the best trails in Québec by Explore Magazine, Les Deux Criques is a 15.3 kilometers (9.5 miles) trail for advanced hikers. The trail’s views are stunning especially in fall when all of the leaves start turning colors and the forest is filled with shades of orange and red. You’ll pass by lakes, waterfalls, but you will be hiking up a hill for a good portion of it so be ready with hiking boots.

Another trail that is absolutely worth checking out is called Les Cascades. This trail is more for leisure hikers and is best to go in the summer. Its big highlight is the waterfall at the end of the hike. Think about it as a reward for your efforts! It’s a fantastic place for a late afternoon picnic and since the water is fresh, it’s a great spot to take a refreshing dip in the water and then dry off on the rocks. Speaking of waterfalls, if you are feeling adventurous and do end up renting a canoe, you can make the journey over to Waber Falls. I’d recommend getting a canoe for the whole entire day because it is impossible to canoe and enjoy the waterfalls in a 4-hour timespan. Whichever trail(s) you end up choosing at La Mauricie, you will be greeted with stunning views. Another bonus is that, since the park is not on most people’s travel radars, it’s less crowded than other national parks in the province and across Canada.

Camping

As previously mentioned, canoe camping is one of the best summer activities that you can do in the park. That being said, there are a plethora of options to choose from. As I’ve done quite a bit of camping in the park, I feel like I can give you a solid rundown of what spots are worth checking out. First off, if you only have time for one area, I highly recommend heading directly to the Wapizagonke area. It is home to some of the best camping spots in the whole park. There’s no better way to wake up than looking out over the lake and breathing in the fresh air! Be sure to get up early at sunrise and go canoe around the lake. You’ll be by yourself in nature as the fog lifts and the sun rises. It is a magical experience! For those that truly want to have a Canadian experience, you can even camp in the winter in this section.

Of course, if you do not want to do canoe camping, you can still do any traditional camping. If you are a visitor and do not have any camping equipment, have no fear! Parks Canada recently built all new lodging called oTENTik. They are small wood lodges that can accommodate up to 6 people and come fully equipped for an authentic camping experience. There are over 400 across the whole entire national park system with over 20 in La Mauricie that can be rented by the night. Whether it be canoe or traditional camping, you’ll be able to share some incredible photos with your friends and soon they will be wanting to come see La Belle Province!

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

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Each area covers large ski domains, which sometimes span over several valleys, glaciers, and mountains. If you are a beginner, it’s not so important where you choose to go since each resort has easy ski pistes where you can learn the first steps. The big challenge, though, comes when skiing is one of your biggest passions—you’re a ski aficionado, and you want to go to a ski region that offers you as many possibilities as possible.

I’ve heard many of my Romanian friends say that after you ski in Austria, you don’t want to ski in Romania. It is so true. Austria has such a countless diversity of ski slopes, spanning to the infinite, that you’ll truly fulfill all your winter holiday’s desires in one week of skiing all day long.

There are many ski regions in Austria, each of them with their own unique scenery and charm. Here are some of the best ones to consider that also contain the best ski resorts in Austria:

1. Zillertal Valley

The Zillertal Valley is a vast region of no less than six separate ski resorts linked together within the same ski pass. It consists of approximately 550 kilometers of ski slopes and, if you stay in the valley, you can ski in a different place each day.

When you enter the Zillertal Valley from Jenbach town, the ski resorts succeed in this order: Fügen-Kaltenbach, Zell-Gerlos and Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofen-Hippach, and tucked away at the end of the valley is the Tux-Finkenberg with its Hintertux Glacier.

If you want to have easy access to all of the ski resorts, it is better to stay in the center of the Zillertal Valley—in Zell am Ziller village. One of the highlights of Zillertal is than you can go by ski bus to Gerlos Pass in the morning, ski half day in the area, traverse by ski lifts to Zillertal Arena, and ski the rest of the day in a different area. The idea is that you start in a place in the morning and, come afternoon, you’ll be down on the other side of the mountain after a full ski day.

To pique your curiosity, when I discovered the Zillertal Valley, I went skiing there for three consecutive years. As a ski lover, I very much appreciate being able to ski with the same ski pass in a different resort each day. If the ski areas are interconnected at higher elevations, that’s even better!

2. Sölden

In the Ötztal Valley (near the border with Italy), Sölden features a vast ski resort with a total of 144 slope kilometers. Ski lifts and gondolas whisk skiers up to 3000 meters of altitude from where you can choose a different route and continuously ski down for almost one hour.

Sölden features two breathtaking glaciers—Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, where ski aficionados can have fun from October to May. While skiing on the glaciers, the wild alpine scenery is jaw-dropping, with hundreds of snow-capped mountains and tiny restaurants refurbished in cozy wooden huts.

However, the disadvantage of Sölden is that if the weather is not good. The mountain lifts that go up to the glaciers sometimes don’t work and you have to limit to half of the ski slopes—and this may happen for several days in a row.

3. Zell am See–Kaprun

Zell am See is idyllically situated on the shores the Zeller See Lake. The ski domain totals approximately 140 kilometers of pistes, which spread over three mountains. The Schmittenhöhe lies high above the Zell Lake, while Maiskogel Family Mountain in Kaprun village is a good opportunity for beginners. The icing on the cake is the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, which offers skiing opportunities from October to May.

Free ski buses run between the ski resorts and the advantage is that you can choose to ski in different scenery every day during your holiday. Staying in Zell am See offers not only a good location close to the ski pistes but also a charming and historical mountain town that is so typical of Tirol. This really has to be one of the best ski resorts in Austria.

4. St. Anton am Arlberg

St. Anton am Arlberg is a vast holiday region that spans over five ski resorts where you can enjoy your winter holiday with the same ski pass—the Alberg Card. Ski Arlberg has been officially nominated as the largest connected ski area in Austria. The region summarizes approximately 305 kilometers of marked ski runs, meaning a wide range of choices for ski lovers who want something different each day.

The ski resorts that are part of this region are St. Anton am Arlberg, Pettneu-Schnann am Arlberg, St. Christoph, Flirsch am Arlberg, and Strengen am Arlberg. St. Anton is the gateway to the Alberg ski region, which spans over the mountains to Warth-Schröcken, near the border with Germany.

St. Anton and the nearby St. Christoph are definitely the most popular places to stay. However, if you want to be at an equal distance to all of the ski resorts, it may be a wise decision to choose the less popular but more picturesque villages of Lech Zürs or Stubenbach. As an additional little help, Lech Zürs am Arlberg is among the twelve Alpine villages which have been voted as the “Best of the Alps”.

5. Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental

Skiwel Wilder Kaiser is one of Austria’s largest interconnected ski areas in Tirol. No less than nine villages provide direct access to a wide range of ski pistes, consisting of more than 284 kilometers. The villages that make up the Wilder Kaiser ski area are Itter, Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going (on the left side valley) and Kleschau, Hopfgarten, Westendorf, and Brixen im Thale (on the right side valley).

The most popular and convenient choice for passionate skiers is to stay somewhere in the heart of the region—in Söll village, thus having easy access to both sides of the ski region.

One of the highlights of Skiwelt is than you can go by ski bus to Going in the morning and then ski all the way back to Söll, Iter or Hopfgarten while also taking ski lifts. If you do this grand traverse, it’s practically impossible to ski twice on the same routes. You can ski wherever you like and have more fun exploring the countless ski runs high in the mountains and, as the ski pistes begin to close, get down to the nearest village. This flexibility is a great feature which passionate skiers appreciate very much.

Moreover, Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser has the largest night skiing area in Austria, so if you haven’t skied enough during the day, you have the chance to consume all your energy during the night run.

Suggested next reading: 6 Of The Absolute Best Places For Sandboarding Around The World

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1. Indiana Dunes State Park (Indiana)

Distance from downtown: 47 miles (approximately 1 hour in good traffic)

In addition to the beaches on Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes State Park is home to hiking trails and fascinating geographic features. The Dunes were formed by the southern winds blowing off of Lake Michigan, depositing sand over millennia as the winds hit the coastal vegetation.

On a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline from the observation deck atop Mt. Tom, and there are great birdwatching and wildlife observation all year long. Although the beach is wonderful for swimming and sunbathing in the summer, you can also cross-country ski and snowshoe throughout the park in the winter months, and catch some gorgeous fall colors in late September – early October.

The surrounding area offers some gorgeous campgrounds, lodging, dining, and shopping if you need a break from being in the park before heading back into downtown.

A post shared by Indiana Dunes Nat’l Lakeshore (@indianadunesnps) on Apr 25, 2018 at 3:00pm PDT

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2. Starved Rock State Park (Illinois)

Distance from downtown: 99 miles (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in good traffic)

Starved Rock State Park was voted the #1 attraction in the state of Illinois, so it’s definitely one of the better weekend getaways from Chicago. The park contains 13 miles of hiking trails and some breathtaking views, including waterfalls, which are most active in the spring due to meltwater and heavy rains. Of course, the park’s winding canyons and towering trees are beautiful year-round. If you’re lucky, you can see deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, eagles, and a variety of flora and fauna throughout the park.

The area played a significant role in the Native American history of Illinois. According to legend, in the late 18^th Century, a group of Native Americans from the Illinois Confederation (also known as the Illiniwek) took refuge atop the butte, which was then besieged by the Ottawa and Pottawatomi until all of the Illiniwek had starved, resulting in the name “Starved Rock”. The area was later designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

After you’re done hiking and exploring the park and learning about the region’s Native American history, there’s loads of things to do in the surrounding town. Be sure to check out the local wineries, shopping, and historical sites before heading home to complete your trip.

A post shared by Starved Rock Lodge (@starvedrocklodge) on Aug 20, 2018 at 1:34pm PDT

A post shared by Starved Rock Lodge (@starvedrocklodge) on Apr 5, 2017 at 12:21pm PDT

3. Door County (Wisconsin)

Distance from downtown: ~250 miles (approximately 4 hours, depending on where in the peninsula you’re staying)

Door County is the farthest away of all our weekend getaways from Chicago to make this list, but is absolutely worth the drive up. From relaxing next to the water, fishing, hiking, kayaking, hopping on a boat to take in all of the gorgeous scenery, and partaking in some more adventurous water sports like jet skiing or parasailing when the weather cooperates—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Door County is also home to several breweries and wineries, which are perfect escapes from the elements when the temperatures dip.

There are actually several cities that make up Door County. If you’re looking for some nightlife in addition to a relaxing escape from the city, be sure to stay near Fish Creek, known for its shopping and vibrant bar scene, in addition to its proximity to Peninsula State Park. If you’re more of a foodie, be sure to check out Sister Bay, known for its spectacular dining in addition to its natural beauty. If you’re looking for something a little quieter and remote, plan to stay in Jacksonport, where it’ll just be you and the water.

Door Country is beautiful all year round, although it’ll definitely be a bit chilly in the winter months. If it’s too cold for swimming and sunbathing to be an option, you can still explore the peninsula by snowmobile or cross-country ski, and you won’t have to fight the large summer crowds.

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4. Lake Geneva (Wisconsin)

Distance from downtown: 83 miles (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in good traffic)

Named after its counterpart in Switzerland, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a much smaller but equally as delightful a vacation destination. The small town is home to many Gilded Age mansions built by rich Chicagoans looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. Some of the estates are open to the public for tours—perfect for the architecture and history buffs.

The area became popular for a reason—the large lake features many sandy beaches and allows for many aquatic activities, such as water skiing, boating, canoeing and kayaking, and many others. The lake freezes over in the winter, making it a great spot for ice fishing. In addition, there are some great spots to ski, snowboard, and sled in the surrounding hills.

The small town of Lake Geneva is home to dozens of fine restaurants, as well as many resort and spa properties to help you properly relax during one of your weekend getaways from Chicago.

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5. Galena (Illinois)

Distance from downtown: 170 miles (approximately 3 hours in good traffic)

Galena, Illinois is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a wonderful small town to explore while taking a break from the city. The city is named after the mineral “galena”, which is mined in the area and was the cause of the first major mineral rush in the United States back in the early 19^th Century. At one point, Galena’s population even rivaled that of Chicago (although that’s now hard to believe).

This tiny town (now home to around 3,500 people) was once home to Ulysses S. Grant and eight other Civil War generals, and was the largest steamboat hub north of St. Louis. Today, the town has been restored and is now home to a multitude of restaurants, shops, and museums to explore the rich history of the region.

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Know of any more great weekend getaways from Chicago and want to share? Comment below!

Suggested next reading: 5 Incredible Chicago-Style Foods You’ve Got To Try In The Windy City

The post Top 5 Weekend Getaways From Chicago For People Who Really Need A Break appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Villarrica Volcano

Villarrica is breathtaking and looms large over Pucón, but is considered to be one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. The volcano’s activity is monitored and there are daily reports made by the national park. If they deem it too dangerous to climb due to activity or poor weather such as a rain or snowstorm, no tours are allowed to operate. It last erupted in March of 2015 so the risk of it happening again is very possible, but makes climbing the volcano that much more thrilling. It is not possible to climb it on your own so you must go with a licensed guide. In town, it is easy to find tour operators and they all offer the same thing. It all comes down to price and who you feel the most comfortable with. In peak season, groups fill up fast so if you know you are going to be in the area during a certain month, book ahead of time to save yourself any frustration that may arise from waiting last minute. The hike is no joke (you’ll be feeling sore the next day) and you’ll be equipped with all of the necessary equipment to get to the top. The hike up takes about four hours while the way down, which you sled for a good section of it, takes only 45 minutes. Getting to the top and seeing the lava bubbling up was one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve had in my life, and so if you ever find yourself in Chile, hiking Villarrica Volcano is a can’t miss adventure.

Winter Activities

While hiking Villarrica is thrilling, can you imagine skiing down the volcano? Pucón is Chile’s cold weather adventure destination. It’s well known to all Chileans. That can be done during the winter months, May to August. The skiing and snowboarding are considered to be some of the best in Chile and South Americans come from all over the continent to ski and snowboard in Pucón. It’s the go-to place for winter activities in South America. If you really want to have a unique experience, you can try your hand at dog-sledding. While dog-sledding may be associated with Alaska and other freezing Arctic regions, you’ll find the practice alive and well in Pucón. Of course, if you need a spa day from all of those cold weather activities, that can easily be accomplished in any local spa, which Pucón has many to choose from within the city center and its outskirts. It’s hard to beat a nice, warm sauna session while overlooking Villarrica Volcano.

Summer Activities

It is only within the last few years that Pucón has been known as a warm-weather destination, thanks to the marketing done by Chile’s tourism department. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can hike a snow-rich volcano in the morning and be lounging on the black sand beach and taking a jet-ski out for a spin in the afternoon. That’s a hard combination to beat when you have the best of both worlds. One of the most well-known summer activities in Pucón is river rafting, some of the best in the country. The guides that navigate these dangerous waters are some of the most experienced and well respected in the world. They even work the offseason in the US, Canada, and other countries around the world. The Trancura River rafting is the most intense and is the most popular among visitors. The lower Trancura River has Grade III rapids which are perfect for beginners. The higher part of the river, however, is another story. It contains Grade V and even Grade VI rapids. These are expert level rapids and should only be attempted under the direct supervision of professional guides. If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, head to the Termas Geometricas. The natural hot springs situated about an hour from Pucón is well worth the trip if you are looking for complete relaxation. The Japanese inspired hot springs are tucked away in the forest and there are 17 pools in total at the spa. The hot springs are a maze to navigate, but that’s part of the appeal of getting lost in the experience. Finally, a fun experience in Pucón is to horseback ride to a hidden waterfall in the forest with a local guide. The waterfall is a 20-minute ride into the forest but is breathtaking once you arrive and see how massive it is. It’s hard to fit in all of the activities in Pucón with this much to do.

Delicious Food

Pucón is a resort town which attracts people from all over the world that want to try local Chilean food. Surprisingly, for such a small town, Pucón’s food scene is well worth taking a bite out of. A local treat that must be had is the trout. The rivers all around the town are filled with trout and it is a favorite food of locals, found in pretty much every restaurant. You may never have fresher fish in your life! Another must-try food is the Chilean empanadas. They are portable so often times they are a great food for hikes. Try the ones stuffed with cheese and shrimp. They are to die for! Finally, you can’t miss trying Choripan. It is a simple sandwich that consists only of sausage and bread, but its flavor packs quite the punch. Other countries in South America may be more well known for their food, but Chilean dishes are nothing to sleep on and are well worth trying as you visit Pucón.

Suggested next reading: 7 Unique South American Dishes You Definitely Have To Try

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