The best things to do in Costa Rica in 2023

A woman with a severe peanut allergy says she endured humiliating treatment from an airline on a journey from London to Costa Rica.

For many Americans, “global warming” has become a charged term. It’s splashed across headlines and the subject of dinner table arguments: There’s a clear divide both here and abroad about climate change. But one Central American destination is decades past asking questions about global warming, and is leading the way in sustainable travel and ecotourism.

The esteemed Dr. Beach has released his annual list of America’s top ten beaches, and you’ll want to visit all of them this summer—doctors orders.

There are thousands of surf schools in the world that can get you up and riding for the first time. They teach the basics, and then for the most part, set you off on your own. For aspiring pros there are high-level surf coaches, but what about the rest of us?

Glacier National Park is one of the most gorgeous parks in the national park system. The sprawling park is in northern Montana and is home to some of the oldest glaciers in the US — not to mention wildlife like grizzly and brown bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pumas, wolves, elk, moose, and more. The park has gorgeous day hikes running between half a mile or 20 miles, and some of the best backcountry backpacking in the US. You can even hike from the US into Waterton Lakes National Park, the attached national park just on the other side of the US-Canada border.

Costa Rica is one of the most visited international destinations, and for good reason. With lush tropical rainforests, dramatic volcanic hot springs, and endless waterfalls thanks to the verdant jungle and surrounding mountains, it’s no wonder that travelers go to Costa Rica to experience some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. In fact, it’s home to the tallest waterfall in Central America, El Salto del Calvo. As 25 percent of the country is protected for conservation, most cascades are located within some of the 32 national parks and have entrance fees, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking them out — they’re well worth a few bucks. Here are the 14 most amazing waterfalls you should go chasing while in Costa Rica.

Taiwan remains largely undiscovered and seriously underrated by Western travellers, but those that make it here are in for a real treat. Modern Taiwan – an eclectic mix of Chinese, Western, Japanese and indigenous cultural influences. Keeping the diversity of this country in mind, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Taiwan.

Indigenous communities in Costa Rica are relatively unknown and often overlooked, so visiting them makes for a truly fascinating and authentic experience. In the remote Bribrí village of Yorkín, men and women are equal and sustain themselves through farming, fishing and hunting. Rough Guides writer, Anna Kaminski, met the woman behind the collective.

There's something about road trip travel that always captures the imagination. You can take it all at your own pace, choose where to go and set off with a true sense of freedom and adventure. Thanks to the good old invention of the road (we have the Mesopotamians to thank for that!), we have access to plenty of landscapes on many travellers' bucket lists simply by sitting behind the steering wheel. Here are some of the best countries for a road trip — and of course, each one of our suggestions is bookable as a Rough Guides tailor-made trip. All you need to do is get in touch and we can sort out your dream self drive holiday.

Think of The Gambia and sun, sea and sand package holidays might spring to mind, but visitors are starting to explore beyond the beaches. What makes it even more attractive is that Africa's smallest country is also on the list of budget travel destinations. Lynn Houghton tells us the best things to do in Gambia.

Imagine an adorable fleet of tiny turtles flopping their way towards sea, leaving the beach behind them until their miraculously return, years later, to nest at the exact site of their birth. For lovers of nature and all things cute, witnessing a sea turtle hatch is an unforgettable experience. But you've got to get the timing right and need to know the best places to watch turtles hatch.

From tropical Caribbean beaches to jagged Andean peaks. Pristine Amazon rainforests to ancient jungle ruins. Colombia boasts a treasure trove of landscapes. Here is our list of the best things to do in Colombia.