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Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and a perfect destination for a European city trip. Although Prague is a relatively large city with more than 1.3 million inhabitants, the city centre itself is surprisingly compact. There are plenty of things to see and do, and you can easily walk from one beautiful place to another. On top of that, the food and drinks are delicious and relatively affordable! Planning a Prague city trip? In this guide, we share everything you need to know before visiting this beautiful city. How to get to Prague? Prague is easy to reach from many places in Europe. If you are travelling from the Netherlands, you can drive through Germany to Prague. From Utrecht, the journey takes around 9 hours without traffic. This is especially convenient if you are planning a road trip through Europe or are already visiting eastern Germany. Prague is only about a 1.5-hour drive from Dresden, making the two cities easy to combine. Don't feel like spending that long in the car or only have a weekend to explore Prague? Flying is a much quicker option. A direct flight from (for example) the Netherlands takes only around 1.5 hours. From Prague Airport, you can travel to the city centre by public transport, combining the bus and metro, or simply take a taxi. Depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport, the journey takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Where to stay in Prague? Most of Prague's main attractions are located in and around the historic city centre, which is easy to explore on foot. If you only have a couple of days in Prague, we recommend booking a hotel close to the city centre. This will save you quite a bit of time travelling back and forth. If you have a little more time for your Prague city trip, staying slightly further away from the centre is also a great option. How many days do you need in Prague? Prague is a perfect destination for a short city trip. In 2 days, you can see most of the city's main attractions. If you prefer to take things a little slower or want to combine Prague with other destinations in the Czech Republic, you can easily stay longer. There is more than enough to keep you entertained for several days! Practical information for your Prague City Trip Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the country does not use the euro. The official currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). You can pay by debit or credit card in many places in Prague, so you don't necessarily need to carry much cash. The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, but you can easily get by with English in most tourist areas of Prague. Prague's city centre is quite compact, which means you can visit many of the main sights on foot. For longer distances, Prague has an excellent public transport network consisting of metros, trams and buses. You can buy individual tickets or choose a 24- or 72-hour ticket for unlimited travel on public transport. What to do in Prague? One of the best things about Prague is that most of its main attractions are located relatively close to each other. This makes it very easy to explore the city on foot. Click here for our guide to the best things to do in Prague. One of the best places to start your Prague city trip is the Old Town Square. This beautiful square is surrounded by terraces and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious food and, of course, a large Czech beer. The square is also home to Prague's famous Astronomical Clock. Dating back to 1410, the clock puts on a small show every hour between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM. It is attached to the Old Town Hall, where you can also climb the tower for a beautiful view over Prague. On the other side of the square, you will find the beautiful Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its two impressive towers reaching around 80 metres high. From Old Town Square, it takes around 10 minutes to walk to Charles Bridge. This beautiful bridge connects Prague's Old Town with the area towards Prague Castle. The bridge is particularly famous for the 30 statues lining it, as well as the many souvenir sellers and artists you will find along the way. Another thing you will see literally everywhere in the centre of Prague is Trdelník. This sweet treat is made from dough that is wrapped around a cylinder and baked, giving it its distinctive round, hollow shape. You can order it with all kinds of fillings and toppings, including chocolate sauce, ice cream or fruit. Best time to visit Prague Prague is a great destination to visit throughout the year. During winter, it can be rainy and temperatures are usually quite low. However, if you visit Prague around Christmas, the city is beautifully decorated and you can explore its cosy Christmas markets. Summer can get quite warm, which isn't always ideal when you spend most of your city trip walking around. For pleasant temperatures, spring is one of the best times to visit Prague. The weather is usually warmer without being too hot, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot.

Most of Prague's main attractions are located in and around the historic city centre, which is easy to explore on foot. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, meaning you can see a surprising amount of the city in a relatively short time. Perfect if you're visiting Prague for a city trip or only have a couple of days to explore! Wondering what to do in Prague during a short city trip? You can easily visit the following 8 attractions in 2 days. Of course, you can also take things a little slower and leave plenty of time to sit down at a terrace for a drink along the way. Planning a city trip to Prague? Read our guide with everything you need to know for a city trip to Prague. Walk qcross Charles Bridge From Prague's Old Town, it takes around 10 minutes to walk to Charles Bridge. This is the most famous bridge in Prague and one of the city's most popular attractions. The bridge is approximately 516 metres long and connects the Old Town with Malá Strana, from where you can continue walking towards Prague Castle. Charles Bridge is particularly famous for the 30 statues lining the bridge. At the statue of St John of Nepomuk, you'll notice that some of the bronze details have become incredibly shiny. That's because they have been touched by countless visitors over the years. According to a popular tradition, touching the bronze relief is said to ensure that you will one day return to Prague. Several stories and traditions have developed around the statue, so you'll almost always see people stopping here to touch the bronze images. You'll also find plenty of souvenir sellers and artists along Charles Bridge, where you can even have a portrait of yourself drawn. Watch the Prague astronomical clock Attached to Prague's Old Town Hall, you'll find the city's famous Astronomical Clock. The oldest part of this extraordinary clock dates back to 1410, making it one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world that is still in operation today. Every hour between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM, you can watch a short show featuring, among other figures, the twelve apostles. With so many opportunities throughout the day, it's easy to fit it into your Prague itinerary! The show itself only lasts around a minute, so you don't need to set aside much time for it. Climb the Old Town Hall Tower Besides watching the Astronomical Clock, you can also climb the tower of the Old Town Hall. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view over Old Town Square and the rest of Prague. The view of the Church of Our Lady before Týn and Prague's characteristic red rooftops is particularly beautiful from here. Check the official website before your visit for the latest opening hours and entrance fees, as these can change. Admire the church of our lady before Týn The Church of Our Lady before Týn is located on the same square as the Old Town Hall. This beautiful Gothic church has two impressive towers, each reaching approximately 80 metres high. Thanks to its distinctive towers, it is one of the most recognisable buildings on Old Town Square. While the church is already beautiful from the outside, the interior is also worth seeing. Inside, you'll find an impressive Baroque interior as well as the tomb of famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. Visit the dancing house While the centre of Prague is filled with beautiful old churches and historic buildings, you can also find some fascinating modern architecture. One of the best examples is the famous Dancing House, located along the Vltava River. Thanks to its unusual curved design, the two parts of the building appear to be dancing together. The building is mainly used as office space, but its unique exterior alone makes it worth walking past and taking a photo. Visit the Lennon Wall The Lennon Wall, also known as the John Lennon Wall, is a colourful wall located in the Malá Strana district. From the 1980s onwards, graffiti, lyrics and artwork inspired by John Lennon and The Beatles began appearing here. Over time, the wall became a place where people left messages about peace and freedom. The artwork has changed many times over the years, so today you'll find a colourful collection of different paintings, graffiti and messages. Have a drink with the best view over Prague Hotel U Prince has a rooftop bar with an amazing view over Old Town Square. From the rooftop terrace, you can clearly see the Old Town Hall and the beautiful Church of Our Lady before Týn. Part of the terrace is covered and heated, making it possible to visit outside the summer months as well. One of the most famous spots on the terrace is the so-called Bubble View Point, where you'll have a beautiful view over the square. It's definitely worth stopping here during your trip to Prague for a drink or a nice lunch with a view. Try a Trdelník You'll find stalls and shops selling Trdelník all over the centre of Prague. Trdelník is made by wrapping dough around a cylindrical spit before baking it. The outside is usually coated in sugar and cinnamon. In Prague, you'll now find all kinds of versions filled with things like ice cream, fruit, whipped cream or chocolate sauce. Bonus tip: visit Prague castle One attraction that can't really be left out of a list of the best things to do in Prague is Prague Castle. We didn't visit the castle ourselves during our city trip because we only had limited time in Prague. If you have a little more time, however, it's definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Prague Castle is located on the other side of the Vltava River and can easily be reached on foot from Charles Bridge. The castle complex consists of several palaces, churches and historic buildings. Its most famous attraction is the impressive St Vitus Cathedral, whose towers can be seen from many different places around Prague. Make sure to allow enough time for your visit, especially if you want to explore the different buildings inside the complex. You can walk around parts of the castle grounds for free, but you'll need a ticket to enter several of the attractions within the complex.

Peru is an incredibly diverse country in South America, bordering Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Peru is famous for its rich Inca history and the world-famous Inca city of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The country is also home to three completely different landscapes: the coastal desert, the spectacular Andes Mountains and the impressive Amazon rainforest. With so much to see and do, Peru is the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip. Want to know more before traveling to Peru? Read our complete guide with practical Peru travel tips here! Two or three weeks in Peru Peru is around 31 times the size of the Netherlands, so if you are planning to spend two or three weeks in Peru, it is impossible to see everything this beautiful country has to offer. However, two to three weeks is plenty of time to visit some of the main highlights and experience the incredible diversity of Peru. Because Peru is such a large country, make sure to allow enough time to travel between destinations. Journeys can easily take several hours. Below, you will find our two week Peru itinerary, including several options to extend your trip to three weeks. Two week Peru itinerary at a glance: Lima → Paracas & Huacachina → Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Machu Picchu → Sacred Valley/Maras → Cusco → Rainbow Mountain → Puerto Maldonado Days 1-2: Lima From Amsterdam or another international airport, fly to Lima, the capital of Peru. When traveling from Europe, you fly back several hours in time, which means that if you leave in the morning, there is a good chance you will arrive in Lima later that same day. One of the best areas to stay in Lima is Miraflores. Not only is it a beautiful area with plenty of hotels and restaurants, but it is also located right by the ocean and offers amazing views of the cliffs. We stayed at Pullman Lima Miraflores, just a few minutes' walk from some of the area's beautiful parks. You can walk along the coast, eat your way through the many restaurants and even go paragliding above the cliffs! Day 3: Paracas & Huacachina Paracas and Huacachina are located around three to four hours south of Lima and can easily be combined on a (very long!) day trip. Several companies offer day tours from Lima to both destinations. Although it really is a long day — think leaving Lima around 5:30 AM and returning around 11:30 PM — we thought it was absolutely worth it! We booked our day trip through GetYourGuide. The tour uses a comfortable coach with seats that recline quite far, allowing you to get some sleep on both the outward and return journeys. From Lima, you first drive around three hours to Paracas, where you board a boat for a two-hour tour around the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, you will see the famous Paracas Candelabra geoglyph and thousands of birds, as well as penguins and sea lions. If you are lucky, you might even spot dolphins! After visiting Paracas, there is time for lunch and a short pisco tasting before continuing to Huacachina, a small oasis surrounded by enormous sand dunes. Besides having some free time to explore the oasis, you will head into the dunes in a buggy and have the chance to go sandboarding. After dinner, it is time for the approximately four-hour drive back to Lima. Days 4-5: Lima → Cusco → Ollantaytambo There are several ways to travel from Lima to Cusco. One affordable option is to travel by overnight bus, for example stopping in Arequipa before continuing to Cusco. However, if you only have two weeks in Peru, flying is by far the fastest option and, in our opinion, the most convenient. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes around one hour. The difference in altitude is significant: Lima is located around sea level, while Cusco sits at approximately 3,400 meters above sea level. Because you gain altitude so quickly, we recommend continuing directly to Ollantaytambo after arriving in Cusco. Ollantaytambo is around a two-hour drive from Cusco and sits slightly lower, at approximately 2,792 meters above sea level. Take it easy while your body adjusts to the altitude. Luckily, Ollantaytambo is a lovely little town with plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops to explore at a relaxed pace. Ollantaytambo is also located in the Sacred Valley, and staying here gives you plenty of time to independently discover the sights in and around the town. Days 6-7: Machu Picchu One of the biggest advantages of staying in Ollantaytambo instead of Cusco is how easy it is to travel from here to Machu Picchu. From Ollantaytambo, you can take the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train journey takes around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, take the bus up to Machu Picchu for what will hopefully be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip. Machu Picchu is one of the most visited attractions in Peru, so we highly recommend arranging and booking your visit well in advance. There are several different circuits to choose from, and they offer very different experiences. Day 8: Maras & the Sacred Valley From Aguas Calientes, take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you can either continue directly to Cusco or spend some more time exploring the Sacred Valley. We chose the latter. We found an amazing hotel in Maras, where we stayed for two nights. It was the perfect place to relax after our incredible experience at Machu Picchu and continue adjusting to the altitude. Aguas Calientes is located considerably lower than Maras and other parts of the Sacred Valley, so you may notice the difference in altitude. What we loved most about this hotel was not only the spectacular view of the Andes Mountains, but also the many activities you could do here and the adorable llamas wandering around the property. Days 9-10: Cusco From the Sacred Valley, we took a taxi to Cusco. Before our trip, we honestly didn't expect to like Cusco that much, but we couldn't have been more wrong! Cusco is a fantastic city to spend a couple of days exploring. As the historic capital of the Inca Empire, you will find plenty of fascinating historic sites and remnants of its Inca past throughout the city. Take one or two days to explore Cusco while continuing to adjust to the altitude. Day 11: Rainbow Mountain On our final day in Cusco, we booked a day trip to one of the Rainbow Mountains in the area through GetYourGuide. This ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip. We deliberately chose a tour that left later than most of the standard day trips. However, there are plenty of other options available, including ATV tours and trips to some of the alternative Rainbow Mountains near Cusco. Days 12-14: Puerto Maldonado & the Amazon Rainforest For the final part of our trip, we flew from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, one of the main gateways to the Peruvian Amazon. Iquitos is another popular option, but we deliberately chose Puerto Maldonado because we preferred the smaller-scale experience and the excursion options available in the surrounding rainforest. Here, you leave the high altitude and cold, dry mountain climate behind and enter a completely different world of tropical temperatures and high humidity. We joined several excursions into the rainforest and spotted an incredible amount of wildlife. For us, it was the perfect ending to our two week Peru itinerary! Extending your Peru itinerary to three weeks There are several ways to turn this two-week itinerary into a three-week trip. Personally, we would have loved an extra day in Puerto Maldonado, so that would be our first recommendation. You could also visit Arequipa before traveling to Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Arequipa is a beautiful city in southern Peru and, because it is located at a lower altitude than Cusco, it can also help you gradually adjust before heading higher into the Andes. Two or three nights in Arequipa would be a great addition to your itinerary. Other options include visiting the Colca Canyon, taking a flight over the Nazca Lines or spending a few days at Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. There is so much to see in Peru that you could easily extend this itinerary to three or even four weeks. How many days do you need in Peru? We recommend spending at least 1.5 to 2 weeks in Peru. This gives you enough time to experience the country's different landscapes while also allowing some time to adjust to the altitude. Of course, you could shorten this itinerary by skipping destinations such as Lima or the Amazon rainforest. Alternatively, it is very easy to add another one or two weeks and explore even more of Peru. How to travel around Peru Peru is a huge country, and many destinations are located far apart. We mainly chose to fly between cities and use taxis for shorter distances, but traveling by overnight bus is another popular option. Buses are often significantly cheaper than flights, although you will obviously spend much more time traveling. One well-known company offering long-distance bus travel in Peru is Peru Hop. We booked our Paracas and Huacachina day trip through GetYourGuide, and the tour itself was operated by Peru Hop. Based on our experience on that trip, we would definitely consider using them for longer bus journeys as well. Best time for this two week Peru itinerary The best time to follow this itinerary is generally between May and October. These months fall within the dry season in the Andes, including destinations such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The Peruvian Amazon is warm and humid throughout the year. There are seasonal differences in rainfall, so conditions can vary depending on exactly when and where you visit. Lima has its warmest and sunniest weather between roughly December and February. During the European summer months, the city is often cooler, cloudier and mistier, although we personally had beautiful weather during our visit in July. Keep in mind that the drier months in the Andes are also very popular with travelers. Machu Picchu tickets for popular circuits can sell out well in advance. April and November can therefore be interesting alternatives if you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind a slightly higher chance of rain. Tips for planning your Peru itinerary Also read our complete guide with everything you need to know before traveling to Peru. Start planning early! Especially if you want to visit Machu Picchu via one of the most popular circuits, we recommend planning and booking your trip several months in advance. Also keep the distances between destinations in mind, especially if you plan to travel by bus. Journeys can take longer than expected, particularly when traffic is heavy. Finally, don't underestimate the altitude. Take it easy when arriving at higher elevations and give your body enough time to adjust. Plan a few slower days into your itinerary rather than trying to fit too much into the first days at altitude.

Peru is one of our favorite countries in the world for an unforgettable trip. Not only does Peru have a fascinating history and incredible nature, but it is also a relatively easy country to travel around. This makes Peru a great destination for couples as well as families. Planning a trip around Peru? Read our guide to the ultimate 2-week Peru itinerary, including options to extend your trip to three weeks. Where is Peru? Peru is located in South America on the Pacific Ocean and borders Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador. This also makes Peru a great destination to combine with one of its neighboring countries, particularly Bolivia and/or Chile. Peru is a huge country, so you can easily spend several weeks exploring it. There is an incredible amount to see and do, with completely different climates and landscapes throughout the country. Around Lima, you will find the coastal desert, while Cusco and Machu Picchu are surrounded by the spectacular Andes Mountains. In the north and east of Peru, you will find the vast Amazon rainforest. Do you need a visa for Peru? This of course depends on your passport, but Dutch passport holders (like me) generally do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Peru. The permitted length of stay is determined upon arrival. Always check the latest entry requirements before traveling, as these can change. What is the best time to visit Peru? If you are planning to travel around Peru, one of the best times to visit is between May and October. This is the driest period in the Andes and generally a good time to visit the jungle as well. For Lima, December through February are the warmest months, although we had beautiful weather during our visit in July too. April and November can also be good months to travel around Peru. There is a slightly higher chance of rain, but these months are generally quieter than the peak travel season from June through August. When traveling around Peru, keep in mind that you will experience very different climates and temperatures. Lima is generally warmer, although temperatures can drop in the evening. During our trip, shorts during the day and a sweater for the evening were often enough. The Andes are considerably colder, especially after sunset. We experienced several evenings with temperatures below freezing. During the day, however, it can feel surprisingly warm. Even when temperatures are only around 18°C (64°F), the sun at high altitude is very strong and can make it feel much warmer. The air is also considerably drier. The Amazon is warm throughout the year, with temperatures of around 30°C (86°F) and much higher humidity. Rain is possible year-round, although there are distinct wetter and drier periods. How many days do you need in Peru? To get a good impression of Peru, we recommend spending at least 1.5 to 2 weeks in the country. Wondering what your itinerary could look like? Read our complete 2-week Peru itinerary. Peru is incredibly diverse and there is a lot to see, so you can easily extend your trip to three or even four weeks. Is Peru expensive? Although flights to Peru aren't exactly cheap, traveling around Peru itself doesn't have to be particularly expensive. We found hotel prices surprisingly reasonable. You can find lovely boutique hotels for around €75 per night, while there are also plenty of cheaper hostels and more luxurious hotels to choose from. Overnight buses are generally an affordable way to travel between destinations. Alternatively, you can take domestic flights. These are more expensive, but we still found the prices quite reasonable. For example, we paid around €65 for a one-way flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado. There are plenty of options when it comes to food and drinks as well, so you can make your trip as cheap or expensive as you want. Machu Picchu, however, is relatively expensive to visit, especially compared with other New Seven Wonders of the World such as Chichén Itzá or Petra. What currency is used in Peru? The currency of Peru is the Peruvian sol (PEN). During our trip, €1 was worth approximately 4 soles. Exchange rates constantly change, so always check the current rate before your trip. Having some cash with you is important in Peru, particularly when traveling in the jungle, taking taxis or buying something from smaller local shops and restaurants. ATMs are available in most cities. Whenever possible, we used Banco de la Nación ATMs, as they charged no or lower additional withdrawal fees during our trip. Other banks may charge considerably higher ATM fees. What language do they speak in Peru? Spanish is the main language spoken in Peru, although indigenous languages such as Quechua are also spoken in parts of the country. In tourist areas, hotel staff and tour operators often speak enough English to communicate easily. However, learning a few basic Spanish words and phrases before your trip is definitely useful and can make communicating with locals much easier. Is Peru safe? We personally never felt unsafe during our trip around Peru. The people we met were friendly and always happy to help. As with many popular tourist destinations, you should still be aware of pickpockets in larger cities and keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in busy areas. We also recommend checking the latest official travel advice before your trip, as the situation can always change. Altitude sickness in Peru If you are traveling to Cusco or other high-altitude destinations in Peru, there is a chance you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms can occur from around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, and the risk generally increases as you travel higher. Whenever possible, travel gradually from lower to higher elevations, take it easy during your first few days and give your body enough time to acclimatize. Getting around Peru Peru is an enormous country and the distances between many of its main attractions are considerable. For this reason, we didn't find renting a car the most practical way to travel around the country. For most travelers, there are two convenient options for covering longer distances: buses or domestic flights. Buses in Peru are generally well organized, comfortable and affordable. Many longer routes are operated overnight, which also means you can save the cost of a hotel for that night. The alternative is to fly. Domestic flights are more expensive than buses but can save you a huge amount of travel time, especially if you only have two weeks in Peru. What should you pack for Peru? Pack clothes that you can easily layer, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout your trip. Good walking shoes are also useful, especially if you plan to do a lot of hiking. For the Amazon rainforest, lightweight but covering clothing is helpful, as well as insect repellent containing DEET because of the mosquitoes. We also brought electrolytes for our time around Cusco and found them particularly useful for staying hydrated during hikes. Which places should you visit in Peru? We chose to travel from Lima to Cusco and then continued to Ollantaytambo, where we spent a few days adjusting to the altitude before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. From there, we visited Machu Picchu, of course! On the way back, we decided to spend a few days in the Sacred Valley before continuing to Cusco. We absolutely loved this part of Peru. Once in Cusco, there is plenty to see and do, and we ended up liking the city much more than we expected. From Cusco, we also hiked the iconic Rainbow Mountain before flying to the Amazon for the final few days of our trip. If you are deciding between Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos for your Amazon experience, we personally preferred Puerto Maldonado. It was the perfect place to end our trip through Peru.

Los Angeles, often simply called L.A., is the largest city in California and the second-largest city in the United States. With around 3.8 million residents and an enormous metropolitan area, there's plenty to see and do. We had high expectations for Los Angeles. The city lived up to some of them, although we quickly discovered that your experience can vary quite a bit depending on which part of the city you're visiting. Los Angeles has neighbourhoods that feel very different from one another, and some areas have visible homelessness and drug use. We therefore recommend doing a little research before deciding where to stay and which areas you want to visit. That being said, Los Angeles is an incredibly diverse city and a fun place to spend a few days. From Hollywood and beautiful viewpoints to beaches and theme parks, there's a huge variety of things to do. How many days do you need in Los Angeles? Los Angeles is an incredibly spread-out city, and many of its main attractions are quite far apart. We therefore recommend spending at least three to four days in Los Angeles. This gives you enough time to visit places such as Hollywood, Griffith Observatory and Santa Monica without having to spend your entire trip rushing from one side of the city to the other. If you also want to spend a full day at Disneyland or Universal Studios, we'd recommend staying for four to five days instead. What is the best time to visit Los Angeles? Los Angeles is a great destination to visit throughout most of the year. Summers are generally warm and dry, while temperatures remain relatively mild during winter. For a city trip, we particularly like spring and autumn, when temperatures are usually comfortable enough to spend plenty of time outside exploring. July and August can get quite hot, especially if you're planning outdoor activities such as hiking to the Hollywood Sign. If you're visiting during the warmer months, try to plan hikes for earlier in the morning and bring plenty of water. Also keep in mind that temperatures can vary considerably depending on where you are in Los Angeles. Areas along the coast, such as Santa Monica, can be noticeably cooler than places further inland. Where to stay in Los Angeles Choosing where to stay in Los Angeles depends largely on what you want to do during your visit. The city is so spread out that there isn't really one perfect central location for every attraction. If you want to stay near the beach, Santa Monica is a great option. This was one of our favourite parts of Los Angeles, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, restaurants, shops and, of course, the beach. West Hollywood can be another convenient base if you want to explore several different parts of the city. When choosing your hotel, don't just look at the price. Location can make a huge difference in Los Angeles. Saving money on a hotel on the other side of the city might mean spending much more time sitting in traffic every day. Do you need a car in Los Angeles? Although Los Angeles does have public transport, we found renting a car by far the easiest way to explore the city. Attractions such as Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood and Anaheim are spread across a large area, so having your own car gives you much more freedom. The downside is LA's famous traffic. During the morning and evening rush hours in particular, journey times can increase considerably. It's also worth checking parking costs before booking your accommodation. Hotels in popular areas of Los Angeles can charge quite a lot for parking, which can quickly add to the cost of your trip. What are the best things to do in Los Angeles? There are countless attractions in and around Los Angeles, but these were our six favourite things to do during our visit. Visit Griffith Observatory One of our favourite places in Los Angeles was Griffith Observatory. This famous observatory and planetarium is located in Griffith Park, high above the city. Even if you're not particularly interested in astronomy, it's worth visiting for the views alone. From outside the observatory, you'll have an incredible view over the Los Angeles skyline as well as the famous Hollywood Sign. The building itself is beautiful too, and the surrounding area is perfect for walking around and taking photos. There's even more to discover inside. General admission to the observatory building and grounds is free, and you'll find exhibitions about stars, planets and the universe. It's both interesting and educational — and a great place to escape the heat on a warm day. It can get busy, so we'd recommend arriving relatively early. Parking near the observatory is limited, and if the closest spaces are full, you may have to park further down and walk uphill. Hike to the Hollywood Sign You've probably already spotted the famous Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory, but you can also hike towards it for a closer look. The hike itself isn't necessarily the most exciting trail in Los Angeles, but you'll gain quite a bit of elevation along the way. This can make it challenging on hot days, so make sure you're prepared and bring plenty of water. Starting early in the morning is also a good idea during the warmer months. There are several hiking routes in the Griffith Park area offering views of the Hollywood Sign, so check which trail best suits the distance and difficulty you're looking for. Since both attractions are located around Griffith Park, you can easily combine your Hollywood Sign hike with a visit to Griffith Observatory. Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame You don't need to set aside a huge amount of time for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The famous stars stretch along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, and after you've seen quite a few of them, they admittedly start to look pretty similar. 😉 If you're looking for the stars of specific celebrities, however, you may want to spend a little more time here. We enjoyed seeing the Walk of Fame because it's such an iconic Los Angeles attraction, but we didn't stay very long. It was extremely busy when we visited, and there was quite a lot of visible homelessness in the surrounding area, which made the atmosphere less enjoyable for us than we had expected. Still, if it's your first time in Los Angeles, it's one of those famous Hollywood sights that's fun to have seen at least once. Go to a sports game If you're travelling in the United States, we'd definitely recommend going to a sports game at least once. Depending on the season, you could watch basketball, baseball, American football, ice hockey or soccer. We went to a soccer match ourselves, and even though soccer isn't traditionally the first sport you associate with the United States, the atmosphere still felt very American. Think halftime entertainment, kiss cams and a stadium full of enthusiastic fans. It's much more than just watching a game and feels like a complete evening out, which is exactly what makes attending a sporting event in the US so much fun. Visit Santa Monica & Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica was one of our favourite places in Los Angeles. The atmosphere here is much more relaxed, and you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to explore. Santa Monica Beach is wide and perfect for spending a few hours relaxing in the sun. You'll see lots of people exercising along the beachfront, but it's just as nice to find a spot on the sand and enjoy the ocean. Of course, you should also visit the famous Santa Monica Pier. You can walk onto the pier for free, where you'll find food stalls, street performers and restaurants. At the end of the pier is Pacific Park, a small amusement park with several rides, including its famous Ferris wheel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You don't need a general admission ticket for Pacific Park; instead, you can pay for individual rides. Visit Disneyland in Anaheim Disneyland in Anaheim, just outside Los Angeles, is the original Disney theme park and first opened in 1955. If you're a Disney fan or simply love theme parks, it's definitely worth setting aside a full day for Disneyland. The Disneyland Resort actually consists of two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Disneyland Park is the original park and home to many of the classic Disney attractions. It's easy to spend an entire day here, so arrive early if you want to make the most of your visit. And if there's an evening fireworks show scheduled during your visit, don't leave too early. It's a magical way to finish the day. Disneyland isn't the only theme park in the Los Angeles area either. You can also visit Universal Studios Hollywood, while Six Flags Magic Mountain is another option for anyone looking for bigger roller coasters and thrill rides.

Miami is a trendy city known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful white-sand beaches and tropical atmosphere. You can take some amazing day trips from Miami, but the city itself is also a great place to spend a few days. Miami is relatively easy to reach from Europe, with direct flights available from several major European cities, including Amsterdam. We didn't spend a huge amount of time in Miami ourselves because we were travelling onwards, but we had enough time to visit several of the city's highlights. In this guide, you'll find our favourite things to do in Miami, along with some useful tips for planning your trip. How many days do you need in Miami? We recommend spending around two to three days in Miami itself. This gives you enough time to explore Miami Beach, walk along Ocean Drive and through the Art Deco District, and spend some time relaxing on South Beach. If you also want to take a day trip to Everglades National Park, three to four days would be even better. Miami is also a great destination to combine with a longer road trip through Florida or a cruise departing from PortMiami. What is the best time to visit Miami? Miami is a year-round destination thanks to its warm climate, but generally, the most pleasant time to visit is during the winter and spring months. From around November to April, temperatures tend to be comfortable and there's less rain and humidity than during summer. The downside is that this is also a popular period to visit Miami, so accommodation can be more expensive. From June onwards, Miami becomes hotter and more humid, with a greater chance of rain and thunderstorms. Hurricane season also runs through part of the warmer months, so keep this in mind when planning a trip during summer or early autumn. Where to stay in Miami Where you should stay in Miami depends on what you want to do during your trip. If you mainly want to visit the beach, Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District, Miami Beach is probably the most convenient option. South Beach in particular puts you within walking distance of many of Miami's most famous sights. If you're more interested in exploring the city itself, Downtown Miami or Brickell can be good alternatives. They're also conveniently located if you're planning to leave on a cruise from PortMiami. For a first visit with a focus on the classic Miami experience, we'd personally choose Miami Beach. Do you need a car in Miami? If you're mainly staying around South Beach, you don't necessarily need a rental car. Many places are within walking distance, and Miami Beach also has public transport, bikes and free trolley services. For longer distances, taxis and ride-hailing services are an easy alternative. However, if you're planning to visit the Everglades independently or continue your trip through Florida, having a rental car is very convenient. Keep in mind that parking in and around Miami Beach can be expensive, so check the parking options at your accommodation before renting a car. What are the best things to do in Miami? There are plenty of things to see and do in Miami, even if you only have a few days. These were some of our favourite places and activities during our visit. Walk along Ocean Drive and explore the Art Deco District One of the best things to do in Miami is taking a walk along Ocean Drive. This famous street runs through the southern part of Miami Beach and is one of the liveliest places in the city. You'll see people exercising, walking along the boulevard and, of course, plenty of luxury cars cruising past. Ocean Drive is also right in the heart of Miami Beach's famous Art Deco District. The area is filled with hundreds of historic buildings, many dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. The pastel-coloured façades, palm trees and classic architecture make this one of the most photogenic parts of Miami. Take your time walking around the area, because the Art Deco buildings are one of the things that make South Beach so unique. Have lunch at Casa Casuarina, the former Versace mansion The former home of Gianni Versace is one of the most iconic places to visit along Ocean Drive. The famous fashion designer lived at Casa Casuarina and was tragically murdered outside his home in 1997. Today, the villa has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant. The beautiful courtyard and swimming pool now provide the setting for a rather unique lunch experience. Everything about the property still has that extravagant, luxurious style you'd associate with Versace. We opted for a three-course lunch and everything tasted delicious. It's definitely a special place to add to your Miami itinerary, especially since you can easily combine lunch here with Ocean Drive, the Art Deco District and South Beach. Relax on South Beach Of course, you can't visit Miami without spending some time on South Beach! South Beach, often called SoBe, is located in the southern part of Miami Beach, right next to Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District. It's one of Miami's most famous beaches and is known for its long, wide stretch of sand, turquoise water and colourful lifeguard towers. Those lifeguard towers are scattered along the beach in all kinds of colours and designs and are perfect for taking some classic Miami photos. Besides taking pictures, you can obviously spend a few hours swimming, sunbathing and simply enjoying the beach. It's the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon after exploring the city. Look for alligators in Everglades National Park Around an hour's drive from Miami, you'll find the incredible Everglades. You can drive there yourself or book one of the many organised day trips departing from Miami. One of the most famous ways to explore this unique landscape is by airboat. There are currently three authorised airboat operators within Everglades National Park along the Tamiami Trail. We went on a typical airboat ride through the Everglades in search of alligators. During the first part of the ride, the boat travels at quite a high speed across the water before slowing down once you reach the quieter areas. Bringing earplugs isn't a bad idea, because those airboat engines are incredibly loud! Once you slow down, the guide tells you more about the nature and wildlife of the Everglades while keeping an eye out for alligators. We eventually spotted two alligators, which made the experience even more special. If you have an extra day in Miami, we'd definitely recommend adding the Everglades to your itinerary. Combine Miami with a cruise Miami isn't called the “Cruise Capital of the World” for nothing. PortMiami is one of the world's leading cruise ports, with itineraries sailing towards destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and beyond. Combining your stay in Miami with a cruise is therefore a great option, especially if you're already travelling all the way to Florida. Shorter cruises to destinations such as the Bahamas can sometimes be surprisingly affordable, and cruising is an easy and relaxing way to visit several destinations during the same trip. We think Miami works particularly well as the starting point or final stop of a cruise: spend a few days exploring the city and South Beach, visit the Everglades and then board your ship for the next part of your trip.

Moorea is an incredible island and easily one of our favourite places on earth. Think spectacular mountains, beautiful beaches and a bright blue ocean. It really doesn't get much better than this! We recommend spending at least a week in Moorea to give yourself enough time to visit all the beautiful places around the island, although you could easily stay here for two weeks without getting bored. Moorea was one of our favourite islands during our trip through French Polynesia. Planning your own trip? Read our complete French Polynesia travel guide with everything you need to know. How to get to Moorea Moorea is located very close to Tahiti, the main island of French Polynesia, making it an easy island to visit after arriving in Tahiti. You can fly from Tahiti to Moorea, but we wouldn't recommend it. Although the flight itself only takes a few minutes, you'll still need to arrive at the airport well in advance and flights are relatively expensive. Instead, we recommend taking the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea. Since the islands are so close to each other, travelling by ferry can actually be quicker overall. The crossing takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the ferry, and there are several departures throughout the day. You can check the current ferry schedule and prices online. How many days do you need in Moorea? We recommend spending at least five nights in Moorea because there's so much to do! Especially if you're planning to swim with whales or stingrays or simply want to spend a day relaxing on the beach, these activities can easily take up a large part of your day. We stayed in Moorea for just over a week and loved every moment of our time here. We would happily return! Renting a car in Moorea Although Moorea isn't a particularly large island, we definitely recommend renting a car during your stay. It's not only useful for visiting the different sights around the island, but also for getting from the ferry terminal to your accommodation. Many hotels and apartments are located on the opposite side of the island from the ferry terminal. That might sound far away, but without stopping, you can drive around the entire island in about an hour. So you'll never have to spend very long in the car. Unfortunately, you can't currently rent a car in Moorea through Sunny Cars, so you'll need to arrange one with a local rental company instead. We chose Auto Rent Moorea and were very happy with their service. Another major advantage is that Auto Rent Moorea is located only about 800 metres from the ferry terminal, making it easy to walk there when you arrive in Moorea. The roads in Moorea are also perfectly fine to drive on. There's basically one main road running around the island and several roads leading inland. The roads are well maintained and we found plenty of places to park. Where to stay in Moorea One of the best areas to stay in Moorea is Papetoai. It's located on the opposite side of the island from the ferry terminal but is easy to reach by car. You'll find several accommodations, restaurants and small shops in and around Papetoai. Moorea's large supermarket is about a 30-minute drive away, but there are plenty of smaller shops nearby where you can pick up drinks and snacks. What are the est things to do in Moorea? There are plenty of things to do in Moorea, especially if you love nature, hiking and marine life. These were our ten favourite activities during our stay. Visit Toatea Lookout One of the first sights you can visit after arriving by ferry is Toatea Lookout. This beautiful viewpoint is located right next to the road and offers a gorgeous view over the ocean with Tahiti in the background. Although most of French Polynesia's famous overwater villas can be found in Bora Bora, Moorea has several beautiful resorts with overwater bungalows as well. From Toatea Lookout, you'll also have a great view of one of these resorts. It's an easy stop and definitely worth adding to your Moorea itinerary. Have lunch at Coco Beach Coco Beach is located on a small motu just off the coast of Moorea. Besides beautiful beaches, you'll find a lovely restaurant here that's open for lunch. You can reserve a table in advance and need to be at the departure point at the agreed time. From there, you'll board the restaurant's boat, which will take you across to the little island. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a delicious lunch — definitely try the fresh ceviche! — followed by some swimming and sunbathing. It's the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Swim with whales One of the most incredible things to do in Moorea is swimming with humpback whales. During whale season, you can join one of the local tour operators and head out to sea in search of humpback whales. Swimming alongside these enormous animals is one of the most magical experiences you can have in French Polynesia. The crew looks for signs of whale activity, and by using an underwater microphone, you may even get to hear the whales singing. Once whales have been found and conditions allow it, you can quietly enter the water and swim near them. It's an absolutely unforgettable experience! Want to know more? Read our complete guide to swimming with whales in Moorea. There are strict rules surrounding whale encounters in French Polynesia to protect the animals and minimise disturbance. Tour operators have to follow regulations about how boats and swimmers can approach the whales, which makes choosing a responsible operator especially important. We booked our trip with Moorea Expedition and had a great experience with them. Hike Magic Mountain The hike to Magic Mountain isn't very long, but it is quite steep. For that reason, we recommend doing this hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it isn't quite as hot. Although the climb can be challenging, it's definitely worth it! You'll find several benches along the way where you can stop and catch your breath. Once you reach the top, there's a viewing platform with beautiful views over the ocean and the island. Visit Belvedere Lookout Unlike Magic Mountain, Belvedere Lookout can be reached by car, and there are even several parking spaces at the viewpoint. Since this is one of Moorea's most popular viewpoints, it can get busy. For the best experience, try visiting early in the morning or later in the day when it's quieter. From the viewpoint, you'll have an incredible view over Opunohu Bay and Cook's Bay, surrounded by Moorea's dramatic green mountains. Drive along Cook's Bay Cook's Bay is a beautiful bay that's worth exploring either on foot or by car. From almost every side of the bay, you'll have beautiful views of the mountains, water and countless palm trees. A little further along, you'll even find a low-hanging palm tree that makes the tropical scenery look almost too perfect. Definitely have your camera ready! Take photos with a traditional flower crown Along the roads in Moorea, you'll find small stalls where locals sell beautiful traditional flower crowns. We found several stalls near the large Champion supermarket close to the ferry terminal, as well as around Cook's Bay. A flower crown costs around €20 to €30 and can stay fresh for several days, especially if you keep it in the fridge overnight. We loved wearing ours while exploring the island and, of course, they're perfect for taking some beautiful tropical photos in Moorea. Hike to Three Pines Lookout The Three Pines Lookout is another really fun hike in Moorea. Since it gets hot and humid quickly, we again recommend starting early in the morning or waiting until later in the afternoon. The trail starts near the parking area at Belvedere Lookout. From here, take the trail on the left towards Three Pines. We really enjoyed this hike because the trail takes you straight through the jungle. You'll duck underneath trees and cross small streams using stepping stones as you make your way up. Some sections are steep, but luckily the entire trail isn't like this. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view over the bay. There's also an Instagram-worthy swing where you can take some great photos. Hike the Three Coconuts Trail At Belvedere Lookout, you'll find the trail to Three Coconuts on the right-hand side. This hike is slightly more challenging than the Three Pines trail, but it's still a really enjoyable hike and, once again, you'll be rewarded with amazing views. Along the way, we came across lots of chickens that decided to walk part of the trail with us. One of them even followed us all the way to the top. If you happen to love chickens, that's a fun little bonus. 😉 Swim with sharks and stingrays At Les Tipaniers, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. During the high season, it's a good idea to reserve one a day in advance to make sure they're available. From the beach, you can kayak for around ten minutes to a shallow area further out in the lagoon. You'll probably be able to spot the location from the beach because there are usually several boats and swimmers around. This shallow part of the lagoon is home to lots of blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. Don't worry, these aren't the scary sharks you're probably imagining. 😉 The stingrays are incredibly curious and may swim right up to you. Maybe they're being friendly... or perhaps they're just hoping you've brought them something tasty! You can, of course, book a guided tour to visit this area. However, renting your own kayak is considerably cheaper, which is why we'd recommend doing it this way if you're comfortable kayaking independently. Another advantage is that you can decide how long you want to stay and can even return another day to see these adorable 'underwater puppies' again. Can't decide between Moorea and Bora Bora? Read about our experience staying on Bora Bora's main island and at a luxury resort.

French Polynesia is a French overseas territory located, for us Europeans, quite literally on the other side of the world, between Australia and the United States. From the Netherlands, there is even a 12-hour time difference! French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands, 67 of which are inhabited. You have probably heard of Bora Bora, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, or Tahiti, the main island of French Polynesia. Another well-known island is Moorea, an absolute gem that is slightly less famous than the other two. Either way, French Polynesia is a true paradise, but it isn't necessarily the easiest destination to visit. In this French Polynesia travel guide, you'll find all our tips for planning your dream trip to French Polynesia. How to get to French Polynesia French Polynesia can only be reached by plane, and with a 12-hour time difference from the Netherlands, you can probably imagine that you'll have to spend quite a few hours in the air before landing on the main island of Tahiti. Flying directly to French Polynesia from the Netherlands or other European country isn't possible due to the enormous distance, so we found it much nicer to combine this destination with another country. This way, you don't have to travel such a huge distance all at once. Tahiti is relatively easy to reach from New Zealand, but for us, combining French Polynesia with the United States was the quickest and cheapest option. From Amsterdam, you can fly directly to Los Angeles or San Francisco. To adjust to the time difference, we first spent a week in the United States before taking a direct flight from San Francisco to Tahiti. There are several flights a week from both San Francisco and Los Angeles to Tahiti, and the flight takes approximately 8.5 hours. We flew with French Bee, an airline we hadn't heard of before. Since French Polynesia is a French overseas territory, however, it makes sense that several French airlines operate flights to the islands. Best time to visit French Polynesia French Polynesia has two main seasons: the rainy season from November to April, with December and January being the wettest months, and the dry season from May to October. The dry season is also the high season, which means prices are generally much higher, but the weather tends to be more stable than during the rainy season. During the rainy season, you can expect regular rain showers, although there are still plenty of beautiful days as well. One major advantage of travelling during this period is that accommodation, in particular, can be considerably cheaper. If one of the main reasons for your trip to French Polynesia is swimming with humpback whales, plan your visit between July and October. Want to know more? Read our complete guide to swimming with whales in Moorea! How many days do you need in French Polynesia? If you want to visit several islands in French Polynesia, we would recommend spending at least two weeks here. Tahiti and Moorea are relatively large islands where you can easily spend several days to a week. Bora Bora is much smaller, but if you want to divide your stay between the main island and one of the luxury resorts, we would recommend staying for at least four nights. Of course, the more islands you want to visit, the more time you'll need. Travelling between the islands also takes time, so try not to squeeze too many different islands into a short trip. Which islands should you visit in French Polynesia? French Polynesia consists of several different archipelagos. The best-known and most visited islands are Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, which are all part of the same archipelago. This makes them relatively easy to combine during one trip. However, you can also visit islands in some of the other archipelagos, such as Fakarava and Rangiroa. Want to know more about island hopping in French Polynesia? Read our complete guide here! After landing in Tahiti, we travelled straight to Moorea, where we stayed for just over a week. We then continued to Bora Bora, where we spent almost another week. We divided our time on Bora Bora between the main island and one of the luxury resorts. You can find more information about staying on Bora Bora's main island versus staying at a resort here. How to travel between the islands in French Polynesia French Polynesia consists of many different islands, so to visit several of them you'll need to travel either by ferry or by plane. From Tahiti, the easiest way to reach Moorea is by ferry. You can buy your tickets online in advance, and a one-way ticket costs around €16. You can also find the current timetable online. There are usually four or five ferries a day between Tahiti and Moorea, and the journey takes around 50 minutes. To reach Bora Bora or many of the other islands, you'll need to fly. There are several flights a day from Tahiti, and there are also daily flights from Moorea. Air Moana is one of the airlines operating inter-island flights, and you can find flights through websites such as Skyscanner. The flight from Moorea to Bora Bora takes just under an hour, and the views of the islands from the plane are incredible. Tip: Try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the plane when flying to Bora Bora. You'll get an amazing view of the island as you come in to land! Renting a car in French Polynesia Tahiti and Moorea are fairly large islands, so having a rental car is very useful if you want to explore the different sights. It gives you the freedom to discover every part of the islands and go wherever you want, whenever you want. In Moorea, we rented our car from Auto Rent Moorea. They picked us up at the ferry terminal and gave us a cute little car that we used to drive all around the island. Whether you need transportation on Bora Bora depends on where you're staying. If, like us, you first spend a few days on Bora Bora's main island, renting a car, scooter or bicycle can be useful. The island is much smaller than Moorea or Tahiti, so you can actually get quite far by bicycle. If you're staying at one of the resorts, there's no need to rent your own transportation. Where to stay in French Polynesia A trip to French Polynesia isn't cheap. Accommodation can be expensive regardless of which island you stay on, although there are definitely more affordable options available. Where to stay in Moorea In Moorea, we loved having our own place where we could stay for the entire week. The island is small enough that you don't need to change accommodation to explore different areas. We stayed on the coast in Papetoai. This is one of the livelier parts of the island, and there are quite a few places you can reach on foot. We rented a lovely little chalet and had an amazing time here. Where to stay in Bora Bora In Bora Bora, you basically have two options. Bora Bora consists of a main island surrounded by a ring of smaller islets, known as motus. Several large luxury resorts with overwater villas are located on these motus, offering those famous views of Mount Otemanu. These resorts can be very expensive and are separated from the main island. On Bora Bora's main island, you'll find smaller hotels, boutique hotels and Airbnbs at much more reasonable prices. Staying here also makes it easier to book more affordable snorkelling trips and other tours. We first spent several nights at a beautiful boutique hotel on Bora Bora's main island before moving to the gorgeous InterContinental resort. You can read all about the pros and cons of both options here. Is French Polynesia expensive? As mentioned earlier, French Polynesia isn't cheap. That's hardly surprising when you consider that, from Europe, you literally have to fly to the other side of the world and that the islands are so remote that almost everything has to be imported. That said, we actually found French Polynesia slightly more affordable than we had expected. There are plenty of hotels and other types of accommodation in different price ranges, which means you can keep your costs somewhat under control. There is also a large supermarket in Moorea where you can buy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for much less than you'd pay at restaurants. Since we were staying in a small house, we occasionally bought some extra bread and snacks here for lunch. Bora Bora was noticeably more expensive, especially when staying at a resort. The InterContinental wasn't all-inclusive, so we ate lunch and dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants. This was fairly expensive: think around €25 for a cocktail and €85 for a Polynesian buffet. A bottle of wine, on the other hand, wasn't quite as bad and started at around €35. Want to know how to visit Bora Bora on a smaller budget? Read our 7 tips for visiting Bora Bora for less.

Bora Bora is the ultimate tropical paradise, with beautiful mountain peaks, white-sand beaches and a bright blue lagoon. It is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday! Unfortunately, Bora Bora—and French Polynesia in general—is also an extremely expensive destination. As a result, many travellers decide to skip these beautiful islands altogether. Because we did not want to go bankrupt visiting Bora Bora either, we found several ways to make the trip more affordable and save money here and there. Planning your dream trip to French Polynesia? Read everything you need to know about this incredible destination here! Choose the right flight route To reach Bora Bora, you will usually need to take several flights. Bora Bora is one of the many islands of French Polynesia and, for travellers from Europe, it is located almost on the other side of the world. Many people therefore assume that the island is extremely difficult to reach, but it is actually more manageable than you might expect. You simply need to allow for at least two or three flights, depending on your departure airport and route. One of the most common routes to French Polynesia is via North America. From the Netherlands and several other European countries, you can fly to cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco before continuing to Tahiti. A direct flight from the west coast of the United States to Tahiti takes around eight hours. From Tahiti, you take the final domestic flight to Bora Bora. This journey takes less than one hour, so fortunately, the final part of the trip is relatively short. You can also travel to Moorea first and then fly from Moorea to Bora Bora. Flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora may sometimes be cheaper than departures from Moorea, but this depends on your dates and the available fares. Compare the complete itinerary rather than looking at each flight separately. When visiting several islands, an Air Tahiti multi-island pass may also be cheaper than purchasing separate tickets. Air Tahiti offers several passes covering different combinations of islands. Travel outside the high season This may sound like an obvious tip, but travelling outside the high season can make an enormous difference in Bora Bora. Luxury resorts in particular can be considerably cheaper during quieter months. When we compared prices, for example, three nights at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts cost €2,197 in March, while the same room was priced at €4,605 in June. That is a huge difference. Hotel prices change constantly and depend on the room type, booking conditions and availability, but this example shows how much your travel dates can affect the total cost. The weather may be slightly less predictable during the quieter season, but there are still plenty of beautiful and sunny days. Would you rather visit during the high season? In that case, we recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible. This can also make a considerable difference to the price. Stay on the main island instead of at a resort This is perhaps the best way to save money during your trip to Bora Bora. Besides the outer motu, where many of the luxury resorts are located, you can also stay on Bora Bora’s main island. Here, you will find small boutique hotels, guesthouses, homestays and apartments. Depending on your travel dates, you may be able to find lovely accommodation for three nights from around €400. We stayed at Villa Yrondi, where we also had a beautiful view of the mountains. There are also several resorts with overwater bungalows on the main island, including InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana and Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora. These do not offer the same iconic front-facing view of Mount Otemanu as many resorts on the outer motu, but they can be considerably more affordable. Besides saving money on accommodation, you can also choose to cook some of your own meals or eat at local restaurants. This is often much cheaper than having every meal at a resort restaurant. Want to know all the differences between staying on Bora Bora’s main island and at an outer-motu resort? Read more here! Split your stay to save money You can also spend the first part of your trip on the main island before relaxing at a luxury resort for your final few nights. This is what we did, allowing us to stay in Bora Bora for longer. It was not only much cheaper than spending our entire holiday at a resort, but it also left us with enough money to book several excursions. Tours booked from the main island can also be cheaper than booking the same or a similar experience through a luxury resort. Always compare what is included, as resort excursions may include private transfers or smaller groups. Spend a day at a luxury resort Would you like to experience a luxury resort for a day without necessarily staying overnight? Some Bora Bora resorts occasionally offer day passes or day-use packages. These may include a boat transfer, access to the beach and swimming pool, and lunch, snacks or drinks. Day passes are not offered by every resort and are often only available when hotel occupancy allows. Contact the resort directly several weeks before your visit to ask about the options. This allows you to enjoy some of Bora Bora’s famous resort luxury without paying for an overnight stay. Want to discover more things to do in Bora Bora? Read about the island’s best activities and places here. Avoid expensive resort transfers When staying at a resort on one of Bora Bora’s outer motu, bear in mind that the boat transfer from the airport can be surprisingly expensive. Depending on the resort, a private or shared return transfer can add hundreds of euros to your booking. Fortunately, there may be cheaper alternatives. Air Tahiti passengers can use the Bora Bora Navette between the airport and Vaitape on the main island. This transfer is included in the price of an Air Tahiti ticket. From the main island, you may then be able to arrange a separate transfer to your resort. However, not every hotel permits guests to arrive with an independent boat, so always ask the resort before making arrangements. We stayed at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and were able to arrange a cheaper transfer through its sister property, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana, on the main island. This option saved us more than €150. Choose Moorea instead of Bora Bora Finally, you could choose to skip Bora Bora altogether and stay on Moorea instead. Moorea is at least as beautiful in its own way and is generally much more affordable. You can reach Moorea from Tahiti by ferry, which means you do not need to book another domestic flight. Ferry tickets usually cost far less than flights to Bora Bora, although the exact difference depends on your travel dates and luggage. Moorea is also considerably larger than Bora Bora. As a result, there is a wider selection of hotels, apartments and resorts, and average accommodation prices are often lower. You can still stay in a beautiful resort with overwater bungalows, such as Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort or Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. We do recommend renting a car in Moorea. This makes it easy to visit a larger supermarket and buy affordable groceries for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Restaurants and excursions are also generally cheaper in Moorea. More information about Moorea can be found here! In short A holiday in Bora Bora will never be truly cheap. However, by following some of these tips, you can reduce the cost considerably and make a trip to Bora Bora feel much more achievable. Staying on the main island, splitting your stay, travelling outside the high season and avoiding unnecessarily expensive transfers can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of euros without taking away from the experience.

Bora Bora is undoubtedly one of the best-known islands in French Polynesia. The island is famous for its turquoise lagoon, luxurious overwater bungalows and impressive volcanic mountain peaks. However, Bora Bora is much more than just a honeymoon destination. From snorkelling with rays to discovering beautiful viewpoints and tropical beaches, there is plenty to experience. In this article, I share the best things to do in Bora Bora, along with useful tips for your visit. Want to know more about travelling through French Polynesia? Read more here. How do you get to Bora Bora? You can reach Bora Bora by plane from both Tahiti and Moorea. As Moorea and Tahiti are located close together, the flight time to Bora Bora does not differ very much. A direct flight from Tahiti takes around 50 minutes, while Bora Bora is also less than an hour from Moorea. Flights from Tahiti can sometimes be slightly cheaper. However, if you want to visit both Tahiti and Moorea, travelling from Tahiti to Moorea, then from Moorea to Bora Bora and finally back to Tahiti is a logical route. You can compare and book flights through websites such as Skyscanner, although it is also worth checking the airlines’ own websites. Tip: Try to sit on the right-hand side of the plane. Depending on the flight path and weather conditions, you may get an incredible view of Bora Bora as you approach the island. Getting around Bora Bora It is not necessarily worth renting a car in Bora Bora. If you are only staying at a resort, you can usually explore the resort on foot. Your accommodation can also arrange your transfer from the airport, and some resorts offer bicycles for guests. Bora Bora Airport is located on a small island in the lagoon rather than on the main island. When flying with Air Tahiti, you can take the complimentary shuttle boat from the airport to Vaitape on the main island. The transfer is included in the price of your flight ticket and does not need to be booked separately. Once you arrive on the main island, renting a bicycle can be a convenient way to get around. Many accommodations provide bicycles for free or offer them for rent. You can cycle around much of the island, although taxis are also available—for example, when you need transport from the harbour to your accommodation. How many days do you need in Bora Bora? In general, four to five nights is enough time for a visit to Bora Bora. The island is not particularly large, so this gives you enough time to visit the main sights, take a few excursions and enjoy the lagoon. Many travellers go directly to a luxury resort and spend their entire stay there. We chose to spend a few nights on the main island before continuing to a resort. This allowed us to experience two very different sides of Bora Bora: exploring the island and taking excursions first, followed by a few days of complete relaxation. Where should you stay in Bora Bora? In simple terms, you have two main options in Bora Bora. You can stay on the main island, where accommodation is generally more affordable, or at one of the resorts on the outer motu surrounding the lagoon. The price difference between these two options can amount to thousands of euros. To reduce the overall cost of our trip, we first spent a few nights on the main island. We found a lovely boutique hotel with a beautiful view. From there, we joined several excursions before travelling to a luxury resort for a few days of ultimate relaxation. Want to know more about the differences between staying on the main island and at a resort? Read more here. What are the best things to do in Bora Bora? You can book several enjoyable excursions from both the main island and the resorts. Below are seven of the best things to do in Bora Bora. Swim with manta rays and eagle rays Did you know that Bora Bora is one of the best places to see manta rays? We booked this excursion through GetYourGuide and had an incredible day. During our half-day tour, we quickly spotted a large group of dolphins outside the lagoon. Not long afterwards, we went snorkelling near several manta rays around the coral. This location is sometimes described as a manta-ray cleaning station. The manta rays visit these areas while smaller fish remove parasites and dead skin from their bodies. Later during our tour, we were also incredibly lucky to swim near a huge group of eagle rays. There must have been around one hundred of them. Explore Bora Bora by bicycle Renting a bicycle is a really enjoyable way to discover more of the main island or your resort island. Cycle along the coastline, stop whenever you see a beautiful view and take a break for a refreshing drink or a good photo opportunity. Bora Bora is relatively small and much of the main road follows the coast, making cycling a fun way to see more of the island at your own pace. Bear in mind that the weather can become very warm, so bring enough water and sunscreen. Take a boat trip across the Bora Bora lagoon The lagoon of Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The water is shallow in many places and has an incredible range of blue and turquoise colours. From the lagoon, you have an amazing view of Bora Bora’s main island and the famous Mount Otemanu. Several lagoon tours are available, ranging from half-day excursions to full-day trips with lunch on a private motu. Go snorkelling in the Bora Bora lagoon Snorkelling is often combined with a boat trip across the lagoon. Because the water is relatively shallow in many places, it is perfect for snorkelling. You will find coral gardens, tropical fish, rays and sometimes harmless blacktip reef sharks. Many tours last a full day and combine a lagoon cruise with several snorkelling stops and a traditional Polynesian lunch. The exact route and marine life you encounter will vary, but spending a day on the lagoon is one of the best ways to experience Bora Bora. Relax at a luxury resort in Bora Bora Many of Bora Bora’s luxury resorts are located on the motu surrounding the main island, which means you need a boat transfer to reach them. However, there are also hotels and resorts on the main island, including accommodation with overwater bungalows. These can sometimes be more affordable than the remote resorts around the lagoon. If staying overnight at a luxury resort does not fit within your budget, but you would still like to experience one, some resorts offer day passes. A day pass may include a boat transfer, lunch or snacks and access to the resort’s beach and swimming pool. Availability, prices and what is included vary considerably between resorts. Contact the resort directly well in advance, as passes may only be offered when occupancy allows. Visit Matira Beach Matira Beach is the best-known public beach in Bora Bora. Its soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water make it one of the most beautiful places on the island. It is also one of Bora Bora’s most popular locations for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. The beach is particularly beautiful around sunset, when the sky changes colour above the lagoon. Unlike the private beaches belonging to many resorts, Matira Beach is freely accessible and located on the main island. Experience Polynesian Culture Many hotels and resorts in Bora Bora organise workshops and activities related to Polynesian traditions several times a week. Depending on your accommodation, you may be able to learn how to make a flower crown or weave a headband from palm leaves. Some resorts also organise dance, music or coconut-opening demonstrations and workshops. These activities are often included for guests and provide a fun introduction to Polynesian traditions without needing to leave your accommodation. Want to know how to save money during your trip to Bora Bora? Read all our tips here.

French Polynesia consists of no fewer than 118 islands, spread across an enormous area of the Pacific Ocean. Most travellers are mainly familiar with Bora Bora, but a trip through French Polynesia is only truly complete when you visit several islands. Each island has its own unique charm. On Moorea, for example, you will find impressive mountain landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere, while Bora Bora is famous for its turquoise lagoon and luxurious resorts. In this article, I share our route for island hopping in French Polynesia, useful tips for planning your trip and everything you need to know to create your own unforgettable journey through French Polynesia. Travelling between the islands in French Polynesia There are two main ways to travel between the islands of French Polynesia: by boat or by plane. From Tahiti, you can fly to many of the islands or take the ferry to Moorea, which is located close to Tahiti. There are two main airlines operating inter-island flights in French Polynesia: Air Tahiti and Air Moana. Both are good airlines, and tickets can also be found through flight comparison websites such as Skyscanner. Make sure you pay close attention to the weight limits for both your checked luggage and hand luggage, as the airlines can be quite strict. We saw several people who had to remove items from their suitcases because their luggage was too heavy. Depending on how many islands you want to visit, purchasing an Air Tahiti Pass may be a convenient option. This pass allows you to visit several islands for a fixed package price. The available passes, eligible islands and travel conditions vary, so it is important to compare the pass with the price of booking separate flights. More information about the Air Tahiti Pass can be found here. Some islands can also be reached by boat, including Moorea from Tahiti. You can find ferry tickets here. Other islands, including Bora Bora, may also be reachable by boat services, but the journey takes considerably longer than flying. For most travellers, taking a domestic flight is the quickest and easiest option for travelling to Bora Bora. How many days do you need in French Polynesia? If you want to visit several islands in French Polynesia, you will need at least one and a half weeks. This is enough time to combine, for example, Tahiti and Moorea or Moorea and Bora Bora. If you want to visit more islands, we recommend travelling for around two to three weeks. This gives you enough time to truly enjoy this incredible destination without having to rush between the islands. The best route for two to three weeks of island hopping in French Polynesia The most common route for island hopping in French Polynesia is from Tahiti to Moorea, from Moorea to Bora Bora and then from Bora Bora back to Tahiti. Tahiti: 1–3 days Tahiti is the island where you arrive when travelling internationally to French Polynesia. It is also the main island and home to the country’s large international airport. Direct flights arrive from the United States regularly. We chose to spend a week in Los Angeles and the surrounding area before continuing to Tahiti. A direct flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco takes around eight hours. Flights are also available from Europe, with many routes departing from France. These journeys usually include a stop in North America because of the long distance. Tahiti is a good island on which to recover from a long flight and adjust to the significant time difference with Europe. If you have less time in French Polynesia, we recommend skipping an extended stay on Tahiti. You can, for example, take a taxi directly from the airport to the ferry terminal and continue to Moorea. Because we had two weeks in French Polynesia, this is the option we chose. However, if you would like to spend a few days exploring Tahiti, that is certainly possible. Fun things to do in Tahiti: Relax at a beautiful resort Shop at the local market in Papeete Visit Fautaua Waterfall or the Faarumai Waterfalls Visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands Moorea: 7–10 days We absolutely loved Moorea! We stayed here for just over a week, but we could easily have extended our visit by another seven days. Moorea is smaller than Tahiti but larger than Bora Bora. You can drive around the entire island in approximately one and a half hours, but there is still plenty to see and do. Moorea is easy to reach from Tahiti by ferry. Several ferry companies travel between the two islands multiple times a day. A one-way journey takes around 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the ferry service. We chose to travel directly to Moorea after arriving on our flight from the United States. We boarded the ferry early in the morning, shortly after landing in Tahiti. Once we arrived on Moorea, we were able to collect our rental car relatively quickly. We rented our car from Auto Rent Moorea. Renting a car on Moorea is very convenient, especially when you are planning to explore different parts of the island. One of the most special things about Moorea is the opportunity to see humpback whales during their annual migration. If you visit between approximately July and November, booking an excursion to see these impressive animals is an experience you should not miss. Always choose a licensed and responsible operator and check the current regulations, as the rules for approaching and entering the water with whales may change. Want to read more about our experience swimming with whales in Moorea? Continue reading here. Moorea is also a perfect destination for hiking and swimming or snorkelling with different marine animals. Want to know more about everything there is to do in Moorea? Read more here. Bora Bora: 3–6 days From Moorea, we flew to Bora Bora. The flight takes around one hour, and you get an incredible view of the islands and atolls below along the way. For one of the best views when approaching Bora Bora from Moorea, try to sit on the right-hand side of the aircraft. Once you arrive in Bora Bora, you can choose to travel directly to a beautiful resort or first spend a few days on the main island. You can find all the advantages and disadvantages of both options here. We chose to stay on the main island first so we could take several excursions. Because Bora Bora is considerably smaller than Moorea, renting a car is not essential. A bicycle can be useful for exploring the main island. More information about everything there is to do in Bora Bora can be found here! After spending a few days on the main island, we travelled to InterContinental Bora Bora for a few relaxing days surrounded by luxury. Want to know more about this resort? Read more here!

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa is currently temporarily closed due to extensive renovations. Bora Bora is home to around ten luxury resorts, with prices ranging from several hundred to several thousand euros per night. Choosing a resort you're genuinely happy with is therefore pretty important, as even a few nights can quickly become very expensive. Although I can't compare all the resorts in Bora Bora because we only stayed at InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa, I can tell you everything about our experience at this beautiful resort. This is not a sponsored post. We planned and paid for our entire trip to French Polynesia and Bora Bora ourselves. Planning your dream trip to French Polynesia? Read our complete French Polynesia travel guide here! Location of InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa is located on the eastern side of the outer ring of motus surrounding Bora Bora. From this side of the island, you get incredible views of the iconic Mount Otemanu while being surrounded by Bora Bora's beautiful, crystal-clear turquoise lagoon. From the InterContinental, you mainly see the narrow, dramatic peak of Mount Otemanu. At other resorts, such as the Four Seasons and St. Regis, you get a slightly wider view of the mountain. It's a little different, but both views are equally beautiful. Another advantage of the InterContinental's location is that it's right on the lagoon. The water is generally calm, giving you that gorgeous bright-blue water Bora Bora is famous for. Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, for example, is located slightly further away from the protected part of the lagoon and can therefore experience somewhat rougher water. How to get to InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa Most of Bora Bora's luxury resorts are relatively easy to reach. They generally offer airport pick-up and drop-off services for an additional fee. If you've already spent a few nights on Bora Bora's main island, you would normally need to take a boat back towards the airport before transferring to your resort. Another option is to arrange a private water taxi from the main island and ask them to drop you directly at your resort. Depending on the resort, this can sometimes save you hundreds of euros. Want to know whether you should stay at a resort or on Bora Bora's main island? Read about the differences here! One advantage of staying at InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa is that InterContinental also has another resort on Bora Bora's main island: InterContinental Le Moana. The Thalasso resort offers a pick-up service from Le Moana, which means you don't have to travel all the way back to the airport. The transfer from Le Moana is also slightly cheaper than the airport transfer because the two resorts are located closer together. Overwater villas at InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa only offers overwater villas. Other Bora Bora resorts, such as Conrad and Le Bora Bora, also offer garden villas, but at the InterContinental Thalasso, every villa is located over the water. Most of the villas are very similar inside, with the main difference being the view. You can choose a lagoon-view villa without a direct view of Mount Otemanu, a villa with a partial Mount Otemanu view, or one with a full view of the mountain. We originally booked a lagoon-view villa but received a complimentary upgrade to a partial Mount Otemanu view because we were on our honeymoon. At the end of each row of overwater villas, you'll find a Presidential Suite with its own private pool and incredible views across the lagoon towards Mount Otemanu. Our villa was huge, with a living room, separate bedroom and beautiful bathroom. We also had two outdoor decks. The lower deck was located right above the water, making it incredibly easy to step straight into the lagoon from our villa. Exactly what you'd hope for from an overwater villa in Bora Bora! Restaurants & Bars InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa has three restaurants: a buffet restaurant, a seafood restaurant and an international à-la-carte restaurant where you can have dinner. Twice a week, the buffet restaurant hosts a traditional Polynesian show. During our stay, we watched a traditional dance and haka performance, followed by a fire show later in the week. The shows can only be properly enjoyed from the buffet restaurant, and the restaurant often gets fully booked on these evenings. We therefore recommend making a reservation in advance. The buffet itself offers plenty of choice, although drinks aren't included and need to be ordered separately from the menu. The buffet restaurant is also where breakfast is served in the morning. The international à-la-carte restaurant is located directly on the beach and offers beautiful views of Mount Otemanu. You can order dishes such as pizzas, salads and burgers here, and the restaurant is also open for lunch during the day. We skipped the seafood restaurant during our stay, but this is the more upscale dining option at the resort. There are also two bars, one near the swimming pool and another in the main resort area, where you can order cocktails and other drinks. And, of course, you can order room service directly to your villa for an additional charge. Facilities at InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa As soon as you arrive at the resort, you're picked up in a long golf cart and taken to reception to check in. You're welcomed with a refreshing drink, and the staff take a photo of you which you receive as a souvenir when you check out. We also found massage oil and traditional shell necklaces waiting for us in our villa, which we were allowed to take home. The resort has a large infinity pool where you can take amazing photos in the evening, especially when Mount Otemanu is reflected in the water. Complimentary refreshing drinks are served around the pool, and you'll also find the daily schedule of activities here. You can, of course, swim in the lagoon with Mount Otemanu in the background. The resort also provides complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, including kayaks, snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddleboards. Jet skis are available to rent for an additional fee and can be used outside the lagoon. InterContinental Thalasso also has its own coral garden, a man-made lagoon and a spa. There's also a beautiful tropical garden to walk through and several shops around the resort. Events and activities A complimentary workshop is organised every day, so there's always something different to do. Activities include making your own traditional flower crown or learning how to open a coconut in the traditional Polynesian way. There's often live music on the beach in the evening, and you can also book several excursions directly through the resort. So even if you decide not to leave the resort for a few days, there's plenty to keep you entertained. How much does InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa cost? A stay at InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa definitely isn't cheap. Prices vary considerably depending on the season, availability and the type of overwater villa you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere between €700 and €1,500 per night for a standard overwater villa, while villas with views of Mount Otemanu and the more luxurious suites can be considerably more expensive. Keep in mind that the room rate usually doesn't include lunch, dinner, drinks or excursions. The mandatory boat transfer from the airport is generally charged separately as well. As a result, the total cost of your stay can quickly become much higher than the room rate alone might suggest. Want to make your trip to Bora Bora a little more affordable? Read our tips for visiting Bora Bora on a smaller budget! Is InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa worth it? For us, absolutely. We thought InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa was a fantastic choice and loved our time here. The resort was large enough to offer plenty to do for several days without ever feeling too busy. The setting is exactly what you'd hope for when travelling all the way to Bora Bora: turquoise water, beautiful overwater villas and Mount Otemanu right in front of you. The main downside is the additional cost. Room service, drinks, dinners, transfers and excursions can all be very expensive, so it's important to factor these into your budget before booking. Despite that, we would stay here again without hesitation.