Wicklow Mountains
Some of the wildest landscapes in Ireland can be found in Wicklow Mountains National Park, right in Dublin’s backyard. To get there, head south from the capital on the Old Military Road (now R115), which British forces built shortly after the Irish Rebellion for easier access to the rebels (or freedom fighters, depending on who you ask) hiding in the mountains.
The Ring of Kerry
Arguably the most famous scenic drive in Ireland (if not all of Europe), the 111-mile circular route known as the Ring of Kerry begins and ends in Killarney, a tourist hub that’s also a gateway to Killarney National Park. You can easily drive the Ring straight in under four hours, but this zigzagging pathway around County Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula is best explored with lots of stops.
The Wild Atlantic Way
Think of the 1,553-mile Wild Atlantic Way as Ireland’s answer to the U.S.'s Pacific Coast Highway. The world’s longest uninterrupted coastal drive, it offers a greatest-hits version of Ireland, connecting such iconic destinations as the Cliffs of Moher, the Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, and the Dingle Peninsula, with its ancient beehive-shaped huts and dolphin-filled waters.
Boyne Valley
The sloping hillsides and meandering rivers of the Boyne Valley may not look particularly dramatic, but the area boasts some of the richest historic sites in Europe. To experience this mythical region, drive eastward from Drogheda (about 40 minutes north of the Dublin airport) along a winding, 140-mile path, through Meath and Louth counties and 52 centuries of history, give or take.
Aruba
Aruba’s biggest draw may be its azure waters, but the island is more than just pretty beaches. Everyone in your family can find something to love here, from the vibrant murals in artsy San Nicolas on Aruba's southern edge to the incredible dining scene with fresh seafood, toes-in-the-sand restaurants, and traditional fare like pastechis (savory stuffed breakfast pastries).
Dominica
Families with active teens should head to Dominica for an off-the-beaten-path experience. The youngest Caribbean island at just 26 million years old, it’s nicknamed the Nature Island for its lush rain forests, plentiful waterfalls, and volcano-fed hot springs. The island is also home to one-of-a-kind attractions like the Waitukubuli Sea Trail—the only sea kayaking trail in the Caribbean.
Victoria, Canada
In Canada, Memorial Day is just another Monday. As such, it’s a great time to visit our neighbors to the north—and Victoria, British Columbia, in particular, really shines in late May. Take a relaxing three-hour ferry ride from Seattle across the Salish Sea onboard the Victoria Clipper, then stroll along the scenic waterfront of Victoria’s Inner Harbor.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Though the famed Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta isn’t until the fall, you can still enjoy riding in one—without all the crowds—when you visit this Southwestern city over Memorial Day Weekend. Book a hot air balloon tour at sunrise for a bird’s eye view of New Mexico’s desert landscape. For even more cinematic vistas, catch a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, which whisks travelers up to 10,378 feet among the peaks of the Sandia Mountains.
Related searches
Isle Royale National Park
It takes a little effort to get to Isle Royale National Park, but that’s also what makes this island in the northwest corner of Lake Superior such a good choice for ditching the crowds. To reach this pristine natural site—which was one of the least-visited national parks in the country last year—you’ll need to ditch your car, too, by hitching a ride on a pedestrian-only ferry or a seaplane from either Minnesota or Michigan. Hey, at least that means there’s no holiday weekend traffic.
Regensburg
Eat a quick breakfast at the hotel, then head to picturesque Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Germany. Located right on the Danube River, it’s a study in contrasts—on one hand it’s a well-preserved medieval city, on the other it’s a college town with trendy restaurants and bars.
Nördlingen
After breakfast at your hotel, get back on the road for a two-hour drive to the medieval town of Nördlingen. There, you can climb the 350 steps to the top of the 295-foot-high Daniel Tower in St. George Church for breathtaking views of the walled city below. If you’re lucky, you might also get to meet Wendelstein, the adorable cat who guards the tower.
The best hot springs and pools in Reykjavik
One thing I love about Reykjavik: There are so many places to experience the country’s geothermal waters. There’s something special about Iceland’s pools and the culture that surrounds them—you aren’t living like a local on your visit unless you have at least three soaking sessions on your itinerary. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Reykjavik more than a dozen times (and counting) over the past decade. These are the spots I visit time and time again on my twice-yearly trips.