8 of the best places to visit in the Faroe Islands

Just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, northern Virginia is legendary for its Civil War battlefields, Mount Vernon and other historic sites.

As Earth Day draws near, it's time to reflect on the beauty and diversity of our planet's ecosystems. For those with both a serious case of wanderlust and a passion for the environment, there's no better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in the natural world. Here’s a selection of 4 of the best destinations that offer not just a getaway, but a chance to engage with wildlife and contribute to conservation efforts.

If you’re a sakura - or cherry blossom - lover, you’ll likely have Japan and Washington DC on your travel bucket lists. But did you know there are countless places across Europe with equally impressive pink blooms to take in this spring?

Witnessing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. But determining where to see the northern lights is a complex matter—actually encountering the majestic and alien-ish green and purple glow of the night sky is not only about location, but also timing (December to March is ideal in many instances; August through April in other parts), positioning (typically from latitudes 65 to 72 degrees North), and plain ol’ luck (a clear, dark, and cloud-free sky).

There’s exciting news for those looking to discover the increasingly popular Faroe Islands in 2024; this unique destination will soon be more accessible following Icelandair’s newest route expansion.

We hop from a small fishing boat onto an even smaller panga, as we’re about to enter Mexico’s Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, located along the East Cape of the Baja California Peninsula between Cabo San Lucas to the south and La Paz to the north. I’m here with my two teenage daughters, and they are about go snorkeling for their first time. They are excited and a bit nervous. “Will there be sharks?” they inquire for a third or fourth time. “Definitely not,” our guide responds with a smile. Which comes across as comforting if not convincing.

On April 8, parts of Indiana will experience its first total solar eclipse since August 7, 1869, and its last until September 14, 2099. Up to 600,000 eclipse chasers could arrive on April 8, many of them heading to cities like Indianapolis, Bloomington, Muncie, Richmond & Wayne County and Terre Haute.

No landscape is as iconically associated with Arkansas as the Ozark Mountains. These forested highlands are crucial to the state's self-conception as a natural, rugged wonderland that incubates deep folk culture and a cherished sense of independence. The Ozarks dominate northwestern Arkansas, where they are divided into two geologic categories: the Springfield Plateau and the Boston Mountains.

For a small nation spread across 18 different isles, you might be surprised to find out how easy it is to get around the Faroe Islands .

Certain things will make your jaw drop when you arrive in the Faroe Islands: the mountains, the sea view, and the cost of everything. It turns out that being located in the middle of the North Atlantic – where most things have to be imported – has a price, and that price is in Danish Krone, the islands’ official currency. The good news is that we have some ideas on how to keep your budget manageable.

The Faroe Islands offer superlative hiking, bird-watching and awe-filled experiences, with shard-like moss-covered mountains and roads snaking around fjords that will take your breath away.  A trip to this relatively off-the-beaten-track archipelago takes you under the sea – via the world’s first subsea roundabout – over it, on a range of ferries and boat trips, and around it, seeking seabird-filled cliffs, wild beaches and idyllic hiking trails. 

On average, Americans will be taking five trips throughout spring, with weekend getaways being the most popular, according to Vacasa, a vacation rental management company. In addition, 84% of spring travelers have shifted their plans or planning behavior to be more budget conscious. There’s no need to max out the credit card by taking one of these affordable weekend getaways.