When Is the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse?

The first location in continental North America to see the total solar eclipse will be Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada will be the last place in continental North America to see the eclipse, where it will exit at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has provided a helpful chart that shows the time totality will begin in cities throughout the US.

How Long Will the Total Solar Eclipse Last?

Depending on where you are viewing the eclipse from, totality will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Can You Look Directly at a Total Solar Eclipse?

During totality, it is safe to look directly at the Sun, even through magnifying devices like binoculars or a telescope. However, do not look directly at the Sun if it is not in totality. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) warns, “Whenever any part of the photosphere is uncovered, it is essential to view the Sun through a safe solar filter, that is, one that meets the transmission requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard.” The AAS maintains a list of places to buy safe solar filters (you can even get them for free from some public libraries.) These are not something you’d want to buy from an unknown party on Amazon, in case they are counterfeit. 

Sunglasses are not enough protection for looking directly at the sun. The AAS cautions, “Looking at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through dark sunglasses or any other unapproved filter is a recipe for serious and potentially permanent eye injury.”

2024 Total Solar Eclipse Travel Tips

North America won’t see another total solar eclipse until March, 30, 2033—and even then, only Alaska will witness totality. A total solar eclipse won’t return to the lower 48 until August 23, 2044—which makes the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse special and worth traveling for. Book travel early as hotels, flights, and rental cars will sell out in prime viewing destinations well before 2024. Rates are also likely to increase the closer you book to the eclipse. 

The Best Places to See the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in the US

For the best vantage points of the 2024 total solar eclipse, plan a trip to these destinations: 

Erie, Pennsylvania

Since the centerline of the eclipse centerline skirts Lake Erie on the U.S. side, bypassing dry land in Pennsylvania, Erie emerges as the closest city to its trajectory without venturing into the water. Situated approximately 20 miles offshore, Erie enjoys extensive periods of totality during the event.

In downtown Erie, spectators will be treated to 3 minutes and 40 seconds of totality—but you can gain a few extra seconds of darkness (and have more open space to watch from) by driving out onto picturesque Presque Isle State Park.

The best places in Erie to watch the solar eclipse are:

• Tom Ridge Environmental Center
• Presque Isle Lighthouse
• Presque Isle State Park
• Erie Maritime Museum
• Erie Land Lighthouse
• North Pier Light

Where to Stay: Ask for a bay view room at the Courtyard By Marriott Erie Bayfront.

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Niagara Falls, New York 

For one of the most stunning views of the total solar eclipse, head to Niagara Falls. Arrive early to stake out a spot at Terrapin Point, where you’ll be able to witness the eclipse with the sun positioned directly over the Falls. 

In downtown Niagara Falls, New York, totality will endure approximately 3 minutes and 31 seconds. The area is embracing this once-in-a-lifetime event, putting on a series of free events to celebrate the solar eclipse. Beginning on April 4, 2024, there will be a series of astronomical talks, exhibitions, and other experiences for the public to enjoy.

The best places in Niagra Falls to watch the solar eclipse are:

• Niagara Aerospace Museum
• Hyde Park
• Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
• Niagara Falls State Park
• Niagara Falls Observation Tower

Where to Stay: Book early to reserve a prime Falls view room at the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites. 

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Burlington, Vermont

Burlington’s Lake Champlain is beautiful on an ordinary day, so watching the total solar eclipse there will be even more special. The eastern shores of the lake will get about 3 minutes and 15 seconds of totality. The city of Burlington, Vermont, is putting on a series of events to commemorate the momentous occasion. Stop by Palmers Sugar House for a solar eclipse party, and then celebrate witnessing the eclipse at the Total Eclipse of the Heart afterparty at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain.

The solar eclipse will begin at exactly 2:14 pm in Burlington,  and totality will last between 3:26 through 3:29 pm. If Burlington is too crowded for you, head out into the countryside, as all of Northern Vermont will experience a total eclipse of the sun.

The best places in Burlington to watch the solar eclipse:

• Centennial Field
• Waterfront Park
• Battery Park
• Leddy Park

Where to Stay: The Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor is a great budget-friendly choice in the heart of downtown Burlington.

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Cleveland, Ohio

Plan a trip to Cleveland, which will be directly in the path of totality for nearly four minutes, for a day of fun and learning. The city will host an eclipse-themed celebration and offer plenty of public viewing spaces near Lake Erie. Cleveland lies almost directly on the centerline, so anyone in the downtown area will get to enjoy the eclipse for an extended period.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the University Circle community will host a fun weekend of events leading up to the solar eclipse, culminating in a community watch party on the Wade Oval on April 8.

The best places in Cleveland to watch the solar eclipse are:

• The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• The Ritz-Carlton
• Lake Erie
• Crushers Stadium

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland will host its own solar eclipse viewing party.

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Dallas, Texas

If you want to watch the total solar eclipse without freezing, Dallas is a great viewing spot that will have warm weather in April. The city’s downtown area will witness around 3 minutes and 51 seconds of totality starting at 1:40 p.m. CDT. If you’re hoping to avoid the Dallas crowds, several other Texas cities will be in the path of totality, including most of Fort Worth, Waco, Temple, most of Austin and parts of San Antonio.

The eclipse will pass over Dallas from 12:23 to 3:02pm, with totality occuring from 1:40 to 1:44pm. Although you’ll be able to see the eclipse in most spots in the city by simply going outside and looking up (just try to get away from tall buildings), there will be many viewing events around the city. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Arboretum are both hosting watch parties, but be sure to buy your tickets early as they are likely to sell out.

The best places in Dallas to watch the solar eclipse:

• Perot Museum of Nature and Science
• Dallas Arboretum
• Downtown Dallas
• Samuell Farm

Where to Stay: Avoid the traffic and stay right in downtown Dallas at the luxurious Joule hotel.

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The Best Places to Watch the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Canada & Mexico

If you want to plan a trip abroad to watch the solar eclipse, here’s where you should go. 

Prince Edward Island

Location is key if you want to witness totality, so if you’re in Prince Edward Island, head to the wesetern region, which will experience around three minutes of totality. Skinner’s Pond, Ignish, and North Cape will all be good choices for a viewing spot.   

The upcoming eclipse trajectory will travel in from a southerly to northerly direction. Canadians will catch the initial glimpse in the southern regions of Ontario, with Toronto situated on the periphery of the viewing zone. Subsequently, it will traverse through southern Quebec and New Brunswick before reaching P.E.I.

Totality is expected to envelop the Island starting from Summerside and extending westward, with the central path crossing over North Cape.

The best places in Prince Edward Island to see the solar eclipse are:

• Summerside
• Bedeque
• North Rustic

Where to Stay: The charming Briarwood Coastal Cottages feature fully-equipped kitchens so you can avoid the crowds and dine in if needed.

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New Brunswick

Where better to watch an eclipse than an observatory? The William Brydone Jack Observatory was built in 1851 and is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Canada. The surrounding University of New Brunswick campus has plenty of open green space for crowds. 

The city of Fredericton in New Brunswick is getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors for the solar eclipse, and will be hosting EclipseFest, a multi-day party leading up to the event. On the day of the solar eclipse, there will be free solar-eclipse glasses available at a watch party on Carleton Street.

The best places in New Brunswick to watch the solar eclipse are:

• Fredericton
• Woodstock
• Florenceville-Bristol
• Miramichi

Where to Stay: The Carriage House Inn is conveniently located near the William Brydone Jack Observatory and offers beautiful views of the St. John River.

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Mazatlán 

Combine a beautiful beach vacation in the charming town of Mazatlán along with a total solar eclipse viewing. The 13-mile boardwalk that lines the beach will be a perfect spot from which to watch. Mazatlan lies near the centerline of the eclipse, making it one of the best places in the world to watch the 2024 solar eclipse. Viewers in the town center will get to witness 4 minutes and 15 seconds of totality.

However, being situated in the southeastern part of town offers a slight advantage. Quintas del Mar resort experiences 4 minutes and 7 seconds of totality, whereas Playas del Sur provides 4 minutes and 18 seconds. The additional eleven seconds of totality will undoubtedly justify the journey once the eclipse is witnessed.

The best places in Mazatlan to watch the solar eclipse:

• Quintas del Mar resort
• Playas del Sur
• Mazatlan Malecon

Where to Stay: Treat yourself to a room at the five-star, all-inclusive Pueblo Bonito Beach Resort.

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Torreon

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Torreon will provide a beautiful backdrop to the eclipse. Torreon is another spot in Mexico that’s close to the centerline, making it one of the best places for a trip to watch the 2024 solar eclipse.

For the best views of the solar eclipse in Torreon, climb to the top of the Cerro de Las Noas hill. Or, head up route 49 toward Bermejillo in order to gain an extra 14 seconds of totality.

The best places in Torreon to watch the solar eclipse:

• Cerro de las Noas
• Fundadores Park
• The Regional University Unit for Arid Zones of the Chapingo Autonomous University

Where to Stay: The centrally located, affordable Ibis Torreon is a great choice for travelers on a budget.

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The post Where to Watch the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse appeared first on SmarterTravel.

From swimming at Barton Springs and hiking up Mount Bonnell to the nightly bat show above Congress Avenue Bridge, check out our favorite things to do in Austin, Texas.

Stroll Around Zilker Metropolitan Park

Dubbed Austin’s “most-loved” park, Zilker Metropolitan Park sits on the banks of the Colorado River and spans over 350 acres. Some of the city’s most famous draws are here, including Zilker Botanical Gardens and Barton Springs. There are also trails and plenty of open space for strolling and picnics. 

Set aside a day to explore all this lovely park has to offer. Art lovers can browse the works of sculptor Charles Umlauf, and garden enthusiasts will love the scenery of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Kid-friendly activities include a ride on the miniature train encircling Zilker Park (free for kids). Make new friends when you watch a musical at the theater or during an afternoon volleyball game.  

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The Carpenter Hotel is 11-minutes from Zilker Metropolitan Park and offers contemporary rooms with red-brick interiors and private terraces. This prime location puts you close to downtown attractions.

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Cool Off at Barton Springs

Barton Springs Pool is a popular swimming spot that has brought Austin locals and tourists together for generations. Located in Zilker Metropolitan Park, this beautiful blue pool is fed by underground springs. The water temperature stays a cool 68 degrees year-round making it the best place to lounge on hot summer days. There are grassy areas to relax, bathhouses, and even an exhibit to learn about the endangered Barton Springs Salamander and the area’s history.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is a luxury hotel with upscale amenities and rooms that offer stunning views of the surrounding grounds. This lakeside property is pet-friendly and has a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy a romantic dinner.

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Coffee at Walton’s Fancy & Staple

A-list movie star Sandra Bullock owns Walton’s Fancy & Staple, a cute cafe on 6th Street with a rustic-chic interior. Enjoy a creamy latte and pastries here to take a break from exploring. 

There’s also a flower shop in the building, so you can pick up a bouquet for your partner if you’re on a couple’s trip. If you’re not quite ready to continue strolling the streets of Austin, grab a window seat to observe the people and activity around you.

Nearby Recommended Hotel:  Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown is an artsy hotel across from Walton’s in downtown Austin. Vibrant decor, modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and free bikes to explore Austin make Canopy a perfect stay.  

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Lady Bird Lake Trail

Lady Bird Lake trail (as locals call it) is a scenic 10-mile trail in the center of Austin that loops around Lady Bird Lake. This trail is perfect for walking, running, hiking, or biking. A mile-long boardwalk offers stunning views of downtown’s skyline and many scenic spots to relax and picnic along the water’s edge.

Pack a basket to spend a leisurely evening resting in the peaceful quiet of the trail, or rent a kayak for some time in the water. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Regency Austin faces Lady Bird Lake and offers a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a sundeck. The onsite eatery serves hand-crafted cocktails and locally inspired fare.

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Tour the Texas State Capitol

In the heart of Austin stands the Texas State Capitol—14 feet taller than the US Capitol building in Washington, DC. This historic landmark proves that everything really is bigger in Texas. Join one of the free official tours of the building, Mondays to Sundays, to learn about Texan history while admiring the grounds and ornate architecture. If you’d rather go at your own pace, pick up a brochure and take a self-guided tour of the Capitol. 

The Capitol was restored in the 1990s. Its intricate design, beautiful terrazzo floors, and star-crested rotunda will surely leave you smitten. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Austin at The University / Capitol is a 7-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol. This hotel also puts you in the city’s center and is close to popular live music venues and bars.

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See All of Austin From Mount Bonnell

Officially known as “Covert Park,” Mount Bonnell is home to the highest point in Austin—a 775-foot limestone outcrop. It offers sweeping panoramas of the city, Lake Austin, and surrounding hills. The path to the top is easy (you can do it in flip flops) and consists of 102 steps that you can scale in 20 minutes.

On clear days, Mount Bonnell is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the lake and share drinks with locals.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Moxy Austin – University is an eclectic-style hotel in the campus district less than 3 miles from Mount Bonnell. Share drinks with friends at the bar in the lobby.

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Visit the LBJ Presidential Library

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum pays tribute to the 36th president of the United States and is one of the most intriguing presidential libraries in the US. A 10-story tower on 30 acres within the University of Texas campus, the library houses historical artifacts and quirky exhibits from the ’60s and ’70s. 

Get a unique perspective of American history during President Johnson’s administration with exhibits like an in-depth study of the Vietnam War. You can also listen to LBJ’s recorded phone conversations, see a replica of his Oval Office, and laugh at jokes told by his life-size animatronic.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Austin – University Area offers easy access to attractions within the UT campus and 6th Street.

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Go Two-Stepping at the Broken Spoke

Ready to bring out the Texan in you? It’s time to go two-stepping. Two-stepping is a popular dance accompanied by country music and is one of Austin’s best pastimes. Head to the Broken Spoke to watch some live boot-scooting or try it yourself. They offer two-step lessons from Wednesdays to Saturdays so you can pick up a new dance skill to impress everyone back home.

After showing off your moves on the dance floor, enjoy an ice-cold beer and a plate of Spoke’s famous chicken-fried steaks.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Colton House Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel perfect for couples and solo travelers. Its rooms are spacious and modern and decorated with stunning artwork.

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Take a Spooky Tour in a Hearse

Skeptics and believers in the paranormal alike will enjoy the dark and ghostly tours Haunted ATX offers. See the eerie side of Austin in style with your friends in a converted hearse or a van covered in spooky art. You’ll visit historic locations and hear tales of the paranormal activity detected in these haunted landmarks. 

The tours typically last 3 hours, so it’s a complete experience, and you can bring your own drinks. 

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Rooms at Sonder at East 5th are fitted with large windows and simple but tasteful furniture. If you love big, open spaces that catch lots of sunlight, book a stay here. 

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Snap a Pic With the I Love You So Much Mural

The famous green wall of Jo’s Coffee bears a simple but beautiful message—the spray-painted words “I love you so much.”  It is a great spot to take cute photos if you’re visiting with your partner or pet. 

Located on the bustling South Congress Avenue, it gets pretty crowded here. Still, even on the busiest days, you’ll only have to wait about 15 minutes for your turn with the wall.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: Hotel Magdalena has well-appointed rooms with a contemporary feel. The hotel’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, with bright southwestern-inspired decor, a poolside bar, and sundecks.

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Spend an Evening Watching Austin’s Famous Bats

If you’re visiting Austin in the summertime, don’t miss the magnificent sight of 1.5 million bats flying out from their home on the underside of Congress Avenue Bridge. One of its unique quirks, Austin is home to North America’s largest bat colony in an urban area. The Mexican free-tailed bats settled here after Congress Bridge’s 1980 renovation created crevices that made a safe bat refuge. Every evening at dusk, these nocturnal animals take off to rid the city of pesky insects like mosquitoes. 

Observe the bat show from the water on Lady Bird Lake for the best view, or watch safely from the Statesmen Bat Observation Center next to the bridge. The spectacle lasts about 45 minutes, but you can pair your viewing with other activities in the area. Downtown Austin is very lively, so there’s always something fun around.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: The LINE Austin is set in a modernist mid-century building that used to be a jazz club. Fitness enthusiasts can take part in the free yoga and fitness classes.

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Go Shopping at Allens Boots

Get a whiff of rich leather and the old west when you walk into Allens Boots on South Congress Avenue. With shelves holding thousands of pairs of cowboy boots made from exotic skins and premium leather, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Find what complements your boots by browsing their cowboy hats, Wrangler jeans, leather jackets, belts, and jewelry collection. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, don’t be shy to try on one or two booties. A visit to this vintage store selling premium footwear is an experience in itself.

Nearby Recommended Hotel: South Congress Hotel is a trendy hotel on South Congress Avenue in Austin. It offers several dining options, including an upscale Japanese cuisine restaurant.

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Attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin City Limits (ACL), Austin’s biggest music fest, is held every October in Zilker Park over two consecutive weekends. This event brings together over 100 big names and local artists. Enjoy the best of rock, pop, and hip-hop in an electrifying atmosphere. 

If you’re not visiting in October, enjoy live music at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Home to the award-winning “Austin City Limits” series, this theater seats over 2,700 people and is known for superb acoustics. If you can’t get seats to a show, book a tour of the venue. You’ll learn about ACL history and visit the Jack & Jim Gallery on the balcony. Tours typically last 90 minutes.

Nearby Recommended Hotel:The Driskill Hotel is a 15-minute walk to Moody Amphitheater. The hotel was built in the 19th century, and some rooms feature unique architectural details and furniture. There’s a bakery and grill house onsite that serve regional fare.

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The post The 13 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note that most of the following tips apply to both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which tend to occur about two weeks apart. The two-week break makes it very tough to attend both, but the Paralympic Games are just as exciting and inspiring, so they’re worth consideration in and of themselves.

Getting Tickets to the Olympics

Buying tickets for the Olympics will look slightly different this year than in the past. Previously, event presales were handled by a single vendor depending on where you live — for example, in the United States, ticketing was handled by CoSport. For the 2024 Games, tickets are only available through the official ticketing website of the Paris Olympics. Tickets for Paralympic events are available through the same portal beginning October 9th.

Event tickets tend to be released in waves. The first round of tickets for the Paris Olympics went on sale via a lottery system in March, followed by a second wave in May. As of July 5th, the remaining tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

When choosing events, I have found this strategy to work well: First get something you really care about, and then choose something that seems interesting but you know very little about. For example, at one recent Olympic Games my family went to a tae kwon do event when our son was involved in the sport, and we even saw his teacher there working as a judge. The next day we went to mountain biking, which was wild and very cool, with attendees all running around the fields that connected one obstacle to the next.

Tickets to many events may officially sell out up to a year in advance but are often still available through package deals. A visit to the vendor’s website will tell you a lot about what is on offer.

Figure Out Your Lodging Next

Lodging is likely to be your biggest challenge and is the trip component you should research and lock down first. You can use your favorite search engines to get started, comparing your options to the venues you hope to attend. The venues are set years in advance, so you can start searching fairly early on. Brace yourself, as there is quite a bit of speculative pricing that can go on, and availability can be hard to come by; in fact, one 2020 Olympic hopeful I know booked their entire family into double rooms at a Tokyo “love hotel,” yikes.

The official Olympics ticketing site also offers all-inclusive travel packages that include a certain number of nights’ lodging with a certain number of event tickets—but those tend to be somewhat pricey compared to DIY lodging options. That said, purchasing from the official outlet does tend to ensure some level of quality as well as a centralized location, so it is always worth a look.

Finding Olympic Flights

Many Olympic host cities have more than one airport, and it is worth your while to research airfares to all of them. For the Paris Olympics in 2024, for example, you can choose between Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport.

Paris-Orly is smaller than Charles de Gaulle, but is less busy and located within easy reach of the southern side of the city. Charles de Gaulle offers more flight options from a wider range of destinations and is located to the north. For those flying budget, Beauvais–Tillé Airport may be your best bet.  

Weather, Transport, and Getting to Venues

You’ll want to prepare for extreme weather no matter which Olympics you’re attending—pack plenty of warm layers for the winter Games, and prepare for heat if you’re attending a summer event.

Transport to venues varies tremendously depending on the host city and the location of a given venue. As you get farther from the main venues, transport connections can become more tricky. Strong public transportation in past Olympic cities such as Tokyo and London has been essential. Rio was a different story, but taxis were so affordable that they were actually a preferable option in many cases (just be careful to use sanctioned taxi services).

It almost goes without saying that you should give yourself some extra time whenever you are headed to a competition; if you miss a bus, end up on a long security line, need some time to find the correct entrance, or can’t quite figure out where you are supposed to go, you could miss the most dramatic moments of the competition.

You should also be prepared to walk a bit; entrances may not be right in front of transportation spots, security might be purposely far from the competition area, and the venue itself may be spread out.

Find the Free Events

Even before you start attending competitions, every Olympic host city has some kind of massive public space for exhibitors and sponsors to put on shows, display wares, and more. These are often (although not always) right outside the main Olympic Stadium and have the host mascots running around, interactive games and exhibits, giant jumbotrons showing live events and highlights, and the like. These are worth seeing just to get the overall vibe of the Games, to people-watch, and to pick up (often free) souvenirs. This year, guests can even watch the opening ceremony ticket-free on the upper quays of the Seine.

Additionally, at every Olympics there are a number of events that take place in semi-public places, allowing you to see significant parts of the event at no cost whatsoever.

These are usually distance events of some kind in which the venue is huge and can’t be entirely closed off, or even runs through the streets and public spaces of the host city. These typically include the following:

• Marathon
• Road cycling
• Rowing, canoeing, and kayaking
• Sailing
• Triathlon

I’d also throw in surfing; 2021 was the first year of surfing at the Games, so there is little history of how it is set up, but it seems like a candidate for being able to watch from near the event.

Then there are venues that back up to public spaces. In Rio, rowing was one of these; the lake on which the event took place was right in the middle of Ipanema, and you could see athletes competing from all over the place. The finish line was right next to a small skateboarding spot, and the crews headed right toward the kids skating there, while the start line was against the ring road around the lake at a spot where a small playground and picnic area remained open throughout the Games. The starting tower was surrounded by picnickers, and the local spectators were perhaps 50 to 80 meters from the athletes at the starting line.

These can be a bit tricky to figure out—for example, in London, you could not see rowing at all because the venue was surrounded by a huge moat that prevented anyone but ticket holders from getting anywhere near the course—but if you survey the venues and racecourses, you can usually figure out where you might hang out to see the athletes zoom past.

Consider Heading Home Early or Late

I have found that folks trickle into the Olympic host city over time, but everyone leaves over the same day or two. Leaving the day before the closing ceremonies, or staying on a few days afterward, can often help avoid the stampede as well as keep airfare prices down a bit.

More Olympic Travel Tips

Don’t Overpack

Travel light to each event. The biggest slowdown you will encounter will almost always be bag check lines when entering (this is a rule at almost all large events these days). If you can avoid backpacks and bags, you can save time and aggravation.

Explore the City

Add in some “regular” tourism. Most host cities are exceptional destinations with or without the Games, and can be even better during the Olympics when even the non-sports attractions will get caught up in Olympic fever and put their best foot forward. Definitely visit some non-Olympic events to get a feel for the host city and country while you are there.

Get Official Info

For details on transportation, venue locations, things to do and see, and more, the official site of the Local Organizing Committee is the place to start. Here are the sites for the next few Olympic Games: Paris 2024, Milan Cortina 2026, and Los Angeles 2028. For safety tips, you might also want to check the State Department’s country information and travel advisories.

Get Into the Spirit

The volunteers at most Olympics really bring it when they are out interacting with all of us visiting the Games, and the overall vibe on the ground can be exhilarating. Give yourself over to the whole thing and you can be a true part of the Olympic spirit.

Ed Hewitt has covered several previous Olympic Games as the publisher and founder of row2k.com. His writing and photography have appeared in dozens of magazines, newspapers, websites, films, and other media.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to See the Olympics appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Make this dream a reality by entering our sweepstakes, where you could win a vacation at The Landings Resort and Spa, one of St. Lucia’s best luxury villa-suites resorts, with impressive all-inclusive option.

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Didn’t win? Click here to find great rates at The Landings on SmarterTravel Hotels. 

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The live music scene came to a screeching halt last year, but concerts have slowly started up again. However, if you are planning on attending a concert or two for the end of summer and into the fall, you will need to check and see what the vaccination or Covid-19 testing requirements are. 

AEG Presents Announces Vaccine Mandate

Yesterday, AEG Presents, which owns several concert venues and festivals throughout the U.S., announced they will require proof of vaccination for entry into any of its venues. The policy will be fully implemented no later than October 1, 2021. This is to allow those not vaccinated to be vaccinated before they attend a concert after October 1. Jay Marciano, COO of AEG and Chairman and CEO, AEG Presents, said in a statement they made the decision because “the Delta variant, combined with vaccine hesitancy, is pushing us in the wrong direction again.” 

Highlights from the policy include: 

• The policy requires anyone attending a concert to bring their vaccination card. 
• Before October 1, all attendees (and staff) must provide proof of vaccination or proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of the event. 
• Anyone under 12 attending an event must have a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of the event. 
• Masks are not required unless required by law but are strongly encouraged. 
• Those with medical conditions or religious beliefs that stop them from getting vaccinated can contact the festival directly for requirements, as documentation will be required. 

Some of AEG’s venues and festivals include New York’s Webster Hall, The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, The Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas, Firefly Music Festival, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, and more. 

Live Nation Vaccination Policy

Entertainment company Live Nation has decided to let event organizers and artists decide if vaccinations and/or negative Covid tests will be required to attend events. 

City Winery Vaccination Policy

City Winery, which has several venues across the United States, is requiring anyone who is not vaccinated to provide a negative test result. Masks are required for any indoor events. 

Bottom Line on Concerts and Vaccine Requirements

As it has been since the beginning of the pandemic, policies change rapidly. If you are not vaccinated, and you have tickets to a concert, make sure you check to see what the policy is before arriving at the event. Be prepared to wear a mask if it is indoors, show proof of vaccination, or show proof of a negative test taken within a certain time period before the event. 

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The cozy smell of chestnuts roasting on open fire pits. A warm cup of mulled cider cradled in your mittened hands. Soft flecks of snow falling as you walk among shop stalls filled with glittering merchandise that just begs to be gifted.

Europe, and Germany especially, are famous for their traditional holiday markets, but the scene above can be relived right in your own backyard. Take a seasonal spin through this showcase of 10 amazing Christmas markets around North America to find one near you.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2014. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post North America’s Top Christmas Markets appeared first on SmarterTravel.

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Dreamy tropical vibes prevail across the Caribbean, where the people are as warm as the waves. But when it comes to LGBT-friendly Caribbean destinations, some islands are keener to roll out the rainbow welcome mats.

As a region, the West Indies encompasses 13 independent nations; plus about a dozen more territories that are part of the United States, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It’s those latter islands where gay and lesbian travelers usually feel more at ease since local laws around homosexuality and same-sex marriage match those of their parent countries.

That’s not to say that gay and lesbian travelers won’t feel safe or welcome in less-progressive destinations. But rather than plan vacations to one of the dozen Caribbean islands where homosexuality is criminalized (surprising, but true), most travelers simply prefer to vacation where they’ll feel comfortable.

In fact, according to a 2019 survey, 86 percent of LGBT travelers admit that a destination’s policies toward the LGBT community are at least somewhat important when deciding where to travel. Conducted by the IGLTA Foundation and Airbnb, the survey also revealed that 51 percent of LGBT respondents are “very unlikely” to travel to a country where being LGBT is illegal. Still, the world is evolving when it comes to acceptance and equality—including in the Caribbean, where more and more cities are hosting Pride celebrations and flying rainbow flags.

LGBT-Friendly Caribbean Islands

Here’s a closer look at the most gay-friendly Caribbean destinations.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The fourth-largest Caribbean island is a gay-friendly U.S. territory that’s home to 3.1 million residents, with at least as many visitors every year. In the capital city of San Juan, LGBT visitors can enjoy Puerto Rican hospitality in its historic downtown, where the culinary and nightlife scenes are booming. In the beachfront neighborhood of Condado, the Atlantic Beach Hotel and Oasis Lounge are regular gay hotspots, both just steps away from the low-key gay-beach area. For a resort that’s lesbian-friendly too, the recently renovated San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is a favorite for its central location on the beach, spacious balcony rooms, plus live salsa music on weekends.

In the Santurce neighborhood, La Placita is a public market by day and busy social scene by night. Among its strip of bars is El Patio de Lila, a gay-friendly watering hole that’s especially happening on Friday nights. Nearby, head to the trendy restaurant Santaella or the more casual Jose Enrique for some of San Juan’s best dining. Or sample the city’s tastiest delights by joining one of Spoon Food Tours fabulous walkabouts, where knowledgeable guides can tip you off to LGBT goings-on.

Bonus: Puerto Rico is home to two of the Caribbean’s biggest LGBT Pride events. The Puerto Rico Pride march and festival takes place in San Juan each May, while Boqueron Pride (near Cabo Rojo) follows in early June for a splashy weekend beach celebration.

Aruba

True to its Dutch heritage, the Lesser Antilles’s island of Aruba is a proud Caribbean paradise ever eager to welcome LGBT travelers. The month of June is the island’s official Pride month, launching a series of events to celebrate diversity in and around the capital city Oranjestad. Resorts and hotels all over Aruba are welcoming but count on the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino for Pride season packages, plus adults-only pool and beach areas. Oranjestad also is home to District 7, an LGBT-centric nightclub, lounge, restaurant, and inn (which was once a simpler gay bar called Jimmy’s Place).

Curacao

Like Aruba, Curacao is a Dutch territory that’s progressive and inclusive, a trademark of the Netherlands. But to welcome gay and lesbian Caribbean visitors, this small island goes the extra mile by being an active member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). Plus, the island offers queer travelers guidance with handy PinkCuracao, an online travel resource with recommended hotels, restaurants, tours, boutiques, and more. Floris Suite Hotel Spa and Beach Club Curaçao is the go-to gay hotel in Willemstad, where adult guests can enjoy luxury, privacy, and views of the island’s famously-blue waters. Among Curacao’s flirtier spots is MooMba Beach Club, perched on the island’s most gay-friendly beach and serving up cocktails, live music, fresh seafood, and weekend barbeques.

This island loves to celebrate, and every September it hosts the five-day Curacao Pride festival with a slate of activities in towns, on beaches, and on the water. Come February (or March), Curacao Carnival becomes winter’s most colorful, all-welcoming celebration.

St. Martin/St. Maarten

St. Martin/St. Maarten is one Caribbean island that’s doubly gay-friendly. As the world’s smallest territory shared by two nations, St. Martin enjoys all the liberties of the French Republic on its northern half, while the southerly St. Maarten is a member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. No matter which side you visit, you can enjoy the island’s easygoing atmosphere.

LGBT travelers can take their pick of gay-centric beaches to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel, especially Happy Bay Beach and the clothing-optional Orient Bay Beach (both on the French side), and Cupecoy Beach (Dutch side) where nude sunbathing is common. Visitors can discover lesbian- and gay-owned businesses with handy Gay Sint Maarten, which offers listings for the entire island. For fun in Dutch Philipsburg, don’t miss the long-running cabaret and drag show L’Escargot, and open-air dancing at Bliss on Maho Beach. Or head to Club Eros to dance at one of the island’s main late-night gay bars in the French town of Marigot. (Tip: Locals often refer to the island by its airport code “SXM.”)

St. Bart’s

The French island territory Saint-Barthélemy, nicknamed St. Bart’s, enjoys the same marriage equality as France, as do its sister islands of Martinique, St. Martin, and Guadeloupe. But more than the others, St. Bart’s is among the most gay-friendly Caribbean destinations overall—thanks in part to its ritzy reputation as a celebrity vacation hideaway. The wee island measures just 10 square miles, and LGBT travelers can enjoy relaxed attitudes, even without any official gay bars or Pride events. But at all-welcoming/gay-leaning Saline Beach, travelers relax with or without clothes. And you can patronize gay-owned businesses like colorful Le Pasha boutique and La Cantina bar in Gustavia; and saucy Le Ti cabaret and tavern in Pointe Milou.

U.S. Virgin Islands

To the east and south of Puerto Rico are the U.S. Virgin Islands, comprised of St. John, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and several minor islands. Their cluster anchors the northern Lesser Antilles, and together they’re among the most gay-friendly Caribbean destinations. Each of the three main islands is blissfully welcoming to all travelers (some of whom take day trips from the neighboring British Virgin Islands), and rainbow stickers adorn many a local business.

St. Thomas has its share of both upscale and casual hotels, restaurants, and attractions, concentrated mainly in Frenchtown (near the cruise ship port). But St. Croix is more populous and has a fun, active LGBT community. Among a handful of gay guesthouses on St. Croix is Frederiksted’s Sand Castle on the Beach, a hit for same-sex weddings and honeymoon packages. Plus, each June St. Croix ushers in STX Pride, with a month full of LGBT events that continue year-round. The organization’s motto is “the most gay friendly island in the Caribbean,” and based on its long roster of local hosts and sponsors, it’s clear how inclusive the destination really is.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Gorgeous Open-Air Hotel Rooms You Have to See to Believe
• A Secret Caribbean Diving Paradise without the Crowds
• 7 Seaside Hotels Fit for Your Bucket List

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The Super Bowl is football’s biggest showdown and a huge event that’s watched not just across America, but across the world. People tune in to see some of the world’s best athletes battle for the championship. They also tune in to see the dazzling halftime show, as well as the irreverent commercials. And each year, a lucky few get to see the game in person.

Below is a handy travel guide with everything you need to know about Super Bowl 2019,  which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.

When Is Super Bowl LIII 2019?

The day NFL fans look forward to this year is February 3, 2019. It’s the 53rd Super Bowl, taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium—the first time the game has been played in Atlanta since the year 2000. The game will be played between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams.

Where Is the Super Bowl?

This year’s Super Bowl takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) in downtown Atlanta, near Vine City.

Amenities at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is relatively new—it opened in fall 2017—but it’s already much loved. The home of the Atlanta Falcons features a retractable roof and the world’s largest 360-degree halo-screen scoreboard, as well as self-serve fountain drinks with free refills, strong Wi-Fi, and reasonable food prices. The stadium is designed so that most seats offer an excellent view. Those who are interested can book a guided tour of the entire stadium.

Who Is Performing at the Super Bowl 2019?

The Super Bowl halftime show, formally known as the Pepsi Halftime Show, is always epic. Previous years have spotlighted the world’s biggest stars, including Beyonce, Prince, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Justin Timberlake.

This year the headliner will be Maroon 5, with lead singer Adam Levine taking center stage. At press time, there was still speculation as to whether special guests will appear with him, with Big Boi and rapper Travis Scott rumored to be among the potential cameos.

Leading up to the big game is the Bud Light Super Bowl LIII Music Fest, a three-night extravaganza happening January 31 through February 2 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Headliners will include Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Post Malone, Aerosmith, Ludacris, and Migos.

Tips for Travelers: How Safe Is Atlanta?

The vast majority of visitors to Atlanta travel safely within the city. Gangs are active in certain Atlanta neighborhoods; if you avoid those areas, which include U-Rescue Villa, Old Fourth Ward, Kirkwood, and the general area southwest of the I-20 and I-85 interchange, you should remain safe (especially if you stay in Midtown, the suburbs, and Atlanta’s east side). That said, it’s always a good idea to stay alert for pickpockets, especially near crowded events like the Super Bowl.

Things to Do in Atlanta: Top Tours and Attractions

Atlanta offers plenty of fun things to do, with excellent tours that let you take it all in. One particularly worthwhile private tour of Atlanta is called From Civil War to Civil Rights, which takes you to important battlefields as well as the memorable Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Fans of CNN can take its studio tour, or if The Walking Dead is more your speed, you can try out a Walking Dead Big Zombie Tour—if you dare.

For more ideas, see 10 Must-See Atlanta Attractions.

Traveling to Super Bowl 53 with Kids?

If you’re planning on taking your kids to the Super Bowl, first of all: lucky kids. Second of all: How are you planning to entertain your children before and after the big game?

I’ve got a few ideas for you on what to do in Atlanta with kids. Consider the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Zoo Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, the excellent Georgia Aquarium—and, of course, the iconic World of Coca-Cola. For more ideas, check out SmarterTravel’s sister site, Family Vacation Critic.

Where to Eat in Atlanta

No matter what you’re looking to eat in Atlanta, you’ll find something satisfying for your taste and budget.

Atlanta’s best restaurants include Staplehouse, 1Kept, and Marcel, though if you’re more interested in saving a few bucks while still getting some great grub, head instead to one of Atlanta’s best places for cheap eats, including Aviva by Kameel, Victory Sandwich Bar, and Kwan’s Deli.

If you’re really looking to get a taste of the South while you’re in Atlanta, try Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Wisteria, or The Colonnade for some of the most authentic Southern cuisine anywhere.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Most Atlanta hotels near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium are fully booked during the dates surrounding the Super Bowl, though at the time of publication there was still some (pricey) availability at the Motel 6 Atlanta Downtown, as well as the Budgetel Savannah.

If you’re looking to offset the cost of your Super Bowl tickets, however, you’ll probably want to zoom out a distance from the stadium, where you might still find decent hotel deals in Atlanta.

Atlanta Weather: What’s It Like in Late Winter?

Winter in Atlanta tends to be cool, windy, and sometimes wet. Daytime highs usually hover in the mid-50s Fahrenheit, with nighttime lows dipping down into the mid-30s. In Atlanta, it tends to rain for about seven days out of each winter month.

Fashion in Atlanta: What to Pack for Atlanta in February

Packing for Atlanta can be tricky in early February, when rain and wind are quite possible—but semi-comfortable daytime weather is quite possible, too. The solution is to dress in layers, plus comfortable shoes and sunglasses—and for the Super Bowl (held after dark), pack for weather that approaches freezing, including a beanie, a solid coat, gloves, and wool socks.

In general, when you’re figuring out what to wear in Atlanta, keep in mind that the fashion sensibility here is modern and casual, with sneakers, vintage pieces, designer tees, and hats reigning supreme. Women can look current in a hip pair of booties, and men won’t look out of place in plaid.

And, of course, don’t forget to wear the colors of the Super Bowl team that you’ll be cheering for.

Find Flights Now to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport sits nine miles from Mercedes-Benz stadium, making for about a 15-minute drive, though that timing can depend a lot on traffic.

Head over to Airfarewatchdog, SmarterTravel’s sister site, to find affordably priced flights to Atlanta.

Atlanta Transit: How to Get Around Atlanta

Atlanta is a car-heavy city, which means that highway systems are extensive and well maintained—but often clogged with endless traffic. Atlanta officials are bracing for intense Super Bowl traffic, since the city is expecting more than 150,000 additional people during the time of the big game, and some roads will be closed. The heavier traffic is expected to start about a week before the Super Bowl and last until February 4.

In fact, the Atlanta police department is advising people not to drive during the hours surrounding Super Bowl, asking people to take public transit, hire a car, or walk instead.

If you do choose to rent a car or drive your own into Atlanta, make sure to park it somewhere safe and well-lit, since vehicular larceny—a.k.a. car break-ins—is one of Atlanta’s most common crimes. Make sure, too, to hide any items that might invite smash-and-grab thieves in the glove compartment or trunk.

If you choose to use public transit, you can take comfort in the fact that MARTA—Atlanta’s rail and bus system—is actively preparing for crowd control and has made many preparations, including hiring dozens more police officers, to prevent delays and security issues for the time surrounding the February 3 game. There will also be more rail cars, buses arriving more frequently, and extra MARTA workers standing on the platforms to load trains quickly.

MARTA’s website offers additional reassurance: “During major events such as Super Bowl LIII, MARTA can easily transport you to key venues around the city like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium … without the hassle of traffic or parking.” Use the service’s trip planner to make sure yours goes smoothly, and check the site for game day reroutes. Always stay alert and vigilant on MARTA, especially after dark.

MARTA is also selling commemorative Super Bowl Breeze cards (one-day, three-day, or four-day pass) at Breezecard.com.

Hired-car services are also an option in Atlanta, though Super Bowl traffic might make it expensive to travel even just a short distance in an Uber or Lyft. As always, be cautious when using phone-based car services. Check to make sure that the driver and car match what comes up on your phone app. Don’t sit in the front seat if you can avoid it, and use the app’s “share” feature so that a loved one can track your location.

If you’re planning on walking, go in pairs or groups, especially at night, and keep your wits about you. Stick to well-lit, populated streets.

The Super Bowl website offers additional information for getting around Atlanta during the big game and surrounding events.

Where to Buy Tickets to Super Bowl LIII

You can buy tickets straight from the Super Bowl website, where packages start at more than $3,000 per person and include an all-inclusive pregame party.

If you’re lucky, you could also win the lottery as a season ticket holder, or get them gifted via your work, as a client perk or some such.

But the main way to get Super Bowl tickets is by buying them on the resale market, known as the “secondary ticket industry.” Resellers typically sell them starting at $3,500 each, going up to $10,000 or more, depending on the seats you purchase and when you buy the tickets.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Atlanta Travel Guide
• 10 Best Hotels in Atlanta
• What Not to Do in a New City

[viator_tour destination=”784″ type=”3-mod”]

—original reporting by Avital Andrews

The post The Ultimate Super Bowl LIII Atlanta Visitor Guide 2019 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Every four years, soccer fans from across the globe flock to the FIFA World Cup. Most recently the games have drawn hordes to Brazil, South Africa, and Germany—which, as all destinations do, saw their fair share of travel warnings and safety advisories ahead of the games.

But this year’s host, Russia, is prompting some unique travel warnings from the FBI, State Department, and officials in other countries.

World Cup Travel Warnings of Hacked Phones

Cybersecurity is shaping up to be a big World Cup travel concern, with the director of the FBI National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), William Evanina, advising that attendees “don’t assume you’re too insignificant to be targeted” by Russian hackers via phone, laptop, or any other electronic device. “Make no mistake—any data on those devices (especially your personally identifiable information) may be accessed by the Russian government or cyber criminals,” Evanina said.

The science-fictionesque advice only gets weirder. Evanina tells Reuters, “If you can do without the device, don’t take it. If you must take one, take a different device from your usual one and remove the battery when not in use.”

So, yes, it appears the FBI is advising World Cup travelers to use a burner phone.

Officials at the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Center have also warned Britons and the English soccer team itself of the potential for phones to be hacked at the games, Reuters reported. Cybersecurity was also a buzzed-about issue at this year’s Olympic Winter Games in South Korea.

While this seems like an extreme case, it should come as no surprise that phones and laptops, especially those on public Wi-Fi networks or with Bluetooth on, can be easily hacked if you don’t use a virtual private network, or VPN. Someone could always be watching if you’re not prepared. Then again, the FBI seems to think that being in Russia in particular might make you more vulnerable to having your personal data breached.

World Cup LGBT Warnings

For World Cup travelers who are part of the LGBTQI community, though, cybersecurity isn’t the biggest threat. Russia’s far-right, anti-LGBT sentiment—especially in sports—is well documented, and public displays of affection between LGBT people are, vaguely, illegal in Russia.

“Russian law bans providing ‘the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations’ to minors. Foreign citizens face fines, up to 15 days in jail, and deportation for violating this law,” the U.S. Department of State’s visitor information for the 2018 World Cup states. “What Russia considers propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations is vague. Russian citizens found guilty of violating the law could face a fine of up to 100,000 rubles ($3,100).”

The Russian Football Union has said gay spectators and rainbow flags will be welcome at the 2018 World Cup. However, British members of parliament have also said in the days leading up to the World Cup that “vague reassurances from Foreign Office ministers have not been enough to reassure us that UK nationals will be safe, regardless of their background or sexual orientation.”

When laws aren’t on your side in a foreign country, it’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid any public behavior that could offend locals or police. The State Department reminded World Cup travelers that non-Russians at the games are “subject to all Russian laws, which may differ from those in the United States. If you violate these laws even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, expelled, and banned from re-entering Russia. Expect increased police presence and enhanced security measures in and around stadiums.”

The next World Cup will be held in 2022 in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are also widely unaccepted.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 9 Travel Tips from Olympic Athletes
• 12 Festivals and Events Worth Traveling for in 2018
• Petersburg, Russia Travel Guide

SmarterTravel Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Instagram at @shanmcmahon.

The post World Cup Travel Warnings Include Hacked Phones and LGBT Concerns appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You may not be familiar with PyeongChang, the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, but it has been a popular holiday destination for South Korean tourists seeking clean air and green pastures for years—even before it gained worldwide attention. With rugged mountains, ornate temples, and delectable local cuisine, this South Korean city has much to offer.

PyeongChang, the 2018 Winter Olympic Games Host City

Though every Olympic Games season is a worthwhile affair, the 2018 Winter Olympics promise to be truly historic. This is the first time South Korea has hosted the Olympics in 30 years (the 1988 Summer Olympics were held in Seoul), and it will be the first time that an Asian country other than Japan will host the winter games.

Once the Olympics season is over, South Korea will be the eighth country in the world to have hosted both the Winter and Summer Olympics. To make matters even more interesting, this Winter Olympics season will introduce four new disciplines: mixed doubles curling, mixed team alpine skiing, big air snowboarding, and mass start speed skating.

What to Do in PyeongChang County

The Olympic games have also triggered an infrastructure boom centered around the PyeongChang and its surrounding area. A new high-speed train route is available from Seoul to PyeongChang and the other two Olympic Stadiums, meaning visitors can now get there in under an hour and a half. Buying train tickets is a breeze at the English Korail website.

Hiking in PyeongChang

Mountains make up around 84 percent of PyeongChang county, offering some of the best hiking available in South Korea. Odaesan National Park is where most hikers head to in PyeongChang. If you’re not a diehard hiker, don’t be discouraged—there are trails available for all levels.

PyeongChang Temples

South Korea is brimming with intricately ornate temples, and PyeongChang has its share of them. The most popular temple in the area is Woljeongsa temple, which allows visitors to spend the night.

PyeongChang Festivals During the Winter Olympics

If ice fishing and grilling your catch is your kind of thing, head to the PyeongChang Trout Fishing Festival, which will be held this year until February 25. The city will also host the PyeongChang Winter Music Festival between January 30 and February 16.

PyeongChang Food

Gangwon Province, home to PyeongChang, boasts unique and flavorful cuisines. There are several dishes made from buckwheat, the regional specialty, including the absolutely delicious makguksu. Meat lovers will rejoice in finding some of the highest quality Korean beef here thanks to the mountainous region’s ideal conditions for cattle raising. Try Korean beef BBQ paired up with soju, the country’s liquor of choice.

If you want to do more than just eat, go to the Korean Traditional Food Culture Experience Center, where you can learn to make traditional dishes yourself.

PyeongChang Winter Sports

If you’re coming all the way to Korea to enjoy watching winter sports, you might as well enjoy doing winter sports, too. PyeongChang offers several state-of-the-art resorts with all-inclusive facilities. Gear and suit rentals, as well as lift tickets, are inexpensive relative to other countries.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 2018 Olympics Travel: Is South Korea Safe to Visit for the Games?
• 9 Travel Kits That Will Make a Long Flight Bearable
• 8 Reasons to Celebrate a Layover at South Korea’s Incheon Airport

[viator_tour destination=”31742″ tours=”9295P56,55262P4,15527P25″]

Mariana Zapata travels mostly for the food. She has lived and worked around the world and is currently based in Seoul, where she can enjoy mountains and the magic of singing rooms. Follow her on Instagram @mlzapatah.

The post Meet PyeongChang, the Host City of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games appeared first on SmarterTravel.