No one enjoys getting sick, but when you’re far from home, illness can quickly veer from inconvenient to frightening. Though you hopefully won’t get sick while you travel, a big medical emergency can strike at any time, whether or not you’re ready for it. In order to minimize stress and inconvenience, it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected – if and when it strikes.

Before you go…

Talk to your insurance company
While some insurance companies do provide coverage abroad, most plans don’t cover medical evacuation. Talk to your carrier to find out what you’ll be covered for, if anything. If you are covered, be sure to travel with your health insurance card and a claim form. Be aware that Medicare doesn’t cover hospital or medical costs outside the USA, so if you’re a senior citizen, contact the AARP for information on foreign medical coverage with Medicare supplement plans.

Purchasing travel insurance
Paying medical bills abroad can be financially devastating, so if your insurance company doesn’t cover you, purchase a short-term travel insurance policy. For as little as $100, an additional insurance policy can cover you abroad for travel medical or medical evacuation. Typically, you can purchase an insurance package including these as well as trip cancellation and interruption.

Travel medical generally covers medical bills up to a certain amount, while medical evacuation will pay a certain amount of money if you need to be evacuated from an emergency situation. Most policies require you to purchase extra coverage for pre-existing conditions.

The cost of travel medical insurance depends on the package you purchase, your age and the cost of your trip. A package including trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and travel delay, medical and emergency evacuation should cost about 4-8% of your total trip cost. If you paid $2,000 for your trip, including non-refundable, pre-paid items, your package policy will be around $80-$160. The older you are, the more expensive your insurance will be.

Although many tour operators sell their own insurance, it’s a good idea to purchase travel medical from a third party, as a tour insurance package provides no coverage if the supplier goes bankrupt. Choose an insurance provider that is financially stable (at least an “A” rating from A.M. Best, which rates the financial stability of insurance providers). Verify that the company is licensed and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Start your search at SquareMouth, International SOS (for riskier destinations) or World Nomads (backpacking trips).

Be prepared
Add an emergency contact to the information page on the inside of your passport so that you can be more easily identified in case of an accident where you’ve been rendered unconscious.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, carry a letter from your primary care physician describing the condition and any prescription medications you are currently taking (including their generic names).

Take a moment to research any diseases common to the country you’ll be visiting and which vaccines are recommended. Be sure to get any required and/or recommended vaccines at least six weeks before you travel.

Travelers often get sick because of sudden changes in food or environment, so get your body in shape for whatever awaits it. If you’re planning a backpacking trip with a lot of physical exertion, for instance, start working out before you hit the trails.

If you do get sick…

Find a doctor
Depending on the urgency of your emergency and the kind of care you need, you might choose between a local hospital or an international hospital. To find a doctor, contact the nearest US Embassy for a list of local doctors and medical facilities. Alternatively, search a list of English-speaking foreign doctors in the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. If you have the time or opportunity, it can be a good option to get in touch with local expats for recommendations.

Contact the Consulate
If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance and inform your family. They can also assist you in transferring funds from family or friends in the US, as payment of hospital and other medical bills are the traveler’s responsibility.

In short, the best way to deal with getting sick abroad is to be prepared before you go. Though you can’t prepare for every emergency, you can at least ensure that you’ll be entitled to get the proper care once you’re there.

Photo Credit: Doação de sangue – Hospital do Subúrbio by Fotos Gov/Ba

When art lovers think of dream destinations, cities like Paris, Barcelona and New York come to mind. However, travelers shouldn’t forget about the smaller destinations closer to home with incredible art cultures. TravelNerd selected the top 10 small cities in the US for art lovers. We focused on cities with populations under 200,000 that hosted numerous art museums, galleries, and festivals to find locations with plenty of events and destinations for art lovers.

Laguna Beach, CA

Laguna Beach, just south of Los Angeles in Orange County, is an artist haven. Laguna Beach has always been popular with artists, starting from its humble beginnings as a beautiful beachside town, and Laguna Beach has embraced the artistic community. With world-famous museums like the Laguna Art Museum, currently hosting John Mason’s Blue Wall, and myriads of art galleries, Laguna Beach has embraced the artistic community with popular ongoing events like the First Thursdays ArtWalk.

If you visit during July or August, you’ll catch the world-famous Festivals of the Arts, including the Pageant of the Masters, with real-life reenactments of famous paintings. Additionally, the Sawdust Festival, a non-profit festival dedicated to promoting the art created in Laguna Beach, occurs every summer and winter. For more information on festivals and other events, check out the full calendar of art events in Orange County.

Savannah, GA

Savannah’s long history provides a rich cultural backdrop for its vibrant art scene. Located on the coast, Savannah is famous for its stunning architecture, so architecture buffs should make sure to visit the restored Historic District along the Riverfront and the Victorian Historic District. The Telfair Museum of Art, the first pubic art museum in the South, is housed in a renovated Regency-style mansion.

Savannah’s thriving art community stems from its famous Savannah College of Art and Design, which hosts the Savannah Film Festival, the Sidewalk Arts Festival, featuring chalk-drawing competitions in April, and the Sand Arts Festival, held on Tybee Island. With these popular events, its no wonder Savannah’s artist community is a draw for visitors everywhere.

To find out more about local artists and events, check out the artist roster from Georgia’s Council for the Arts. The Department of Cultural Affairs routinely hosts free festivals throughout the year, including the annual Music Festival in March, the Jazz Festival in September and the Folk Music Festival in October.

Asheville, NC

Asheville, a small city in western North Carolina, nestled near the Appalachian Mountains, seems to be an unlikely place for art lovers. However, those in the know realize the gems that this town is hiding. The Asheville community is active in promoting its artistic heritage, starting from its public art collection. Try the Asheville Urban Trail Walking Tour to see the start attractions like the Energy Loop, the Deco Gecko, the City Hall murals and a life-size sculpture of Martin Luther King, Jr. at MLK Park.

One of the most popular events in the summer is the Shindig on the Green, with live performances in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville.  Be sure to stop by the Asheville Art Museum to see the Black Mountain College Collection, with art from Black Mountain College students. Wander around downtown Asheville to see the 30+ art galleries lining the streets with exhibitions on American folk art, crafts from the Appalachian and the Asheville Gallery of Art. Check out the events calendar at the North Carolina Arts Council to find more events held in Asheville throughout the year.

Jackson Hole, WY

While Jackson Hole is famous for its powder, art lovers should also travel to the town to see its bustling art scene. Start at the Center for the Arts to see performance art, film premiers and more. You can even catch world-class workshops held by institutions like the New York City Ballet. Also be sure to check out the National Museum of Wildlife Art, featuring exhibits like the National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West and animal drawings by artists like John James Audubon and Andy Warhol.

In the summer, Jackson Hole hosts the Art Fair Jackson Hole, which hosts live music, over 170 artists from around the world, food booths and hands-on art activities. Walk around downtown to find the art galleries featuring antique Navajo weavings, Plains Indian beadwork and even antique cowboy gear. Check out more information on Folk Art from the Wyoming Arts Council.

Provincetown, MA

Provincetown, at the tip of Cape Cod, is a popular summer vacation spot known for its beaches, harbor and artist community. Every summer, they host the Provincetown International Film Festival, complete with A-listers like director Quentin Tarantino and actress Tilda Swinton. Also be sure to stop by the Fine Arts Work Center to hear readings and attend events by up-and-coming young artists.

Theater-lovers should stop by The Art House for screenings of independent films and live performances by artists like Joanna Gleason and Patti Lupone. Be sure to head to the Provincetown History Preservation Project to see the town art collection to see art inspired by the coast and the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, featuring locally-made arts and crafts.

Sarasota, FL

Summer on the Gulf Coast in Sarasota, with warm beaches, white sand and plenty of activities for art lovers. Sarasota welcomes art lovers into their community with plenty of events like the monthly Art Walk on the third Friday of each month. Walk down Adams Lane to see art galleries, boutiques and studios showing painting, sculptures and crafts from local artists. Head to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to see the Fine Arts Society’s collection and a behind-the-scenes tour of the play house.

The most famous attraction in Sarasota is The Ringling, which includes a Museum of Art (including pieces by El Greco and Titian), Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens and performances at the Historic Asolo Theater. John Ringling, the most famous of the Ringling Brothers, dedicated his property to create a circus and arts attraction. Last, but not least, the Art Center Sarasota hosts free galleries on a rotating schedule as well as a sculpture garden. Check out more activities and events at the Arts and Cultural Alliance center.

Sedona, AZ

While the Red Rocks of Sedona may be the most popular attraction, it’s no surprise artists flock to the picturesque town of Sedona, with its famous southwestern natural beauty. Join the artistic community by participating in events hosted by the Sedona Artists Coalition, including artists’ salons.  In October, Sedona hosts an annual Arts Festival that features works from local artists. While tickets are $10, all proceeds go towards funding art education in Sedona.

Head into the banks of Oak Creek to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village to find fine art galleries and beautiful shops. You can often find the artists working on their craft right there in the store. Also be sure to check out all the art galleries around Sedona, many of which feature uniquely southwestern-inspired pieces. Be sure to especially stop by the Sedona Arts Center to see local artists and try some art workshops.

Alexandria, VA

Alexandria is a mere six miles outside of downtown Washington DC, perfect for a getaway from the capital. Head to the Torpedo Factory, the largest art center in Alexandria, in Old Town Alexandria. It’s free admission, and visitors can see all forms of artwork from ceramics and painting to fiber and glasswork. Walk around Old Town to see the public art, including art in the City Hall and the Charles Houston Memorial Public Art Project.

In October, Alexandria hosts Art on the Avenue, an arts and music festival with live music and stalls of local artists, including handmade jewelry, woodworks, soaps and pottery. Be sure to look for more events on the arts calendar compiled by the Alexandria Arts Forum.

Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe attracts many artists due to the cultural richness of the city and the beauty of the natural landscape. With multitudes of museums, galleries and other artist organizations, Santa Fe is one of the most exciting art communities in the nation. Start at the New Mexico Museum of Art, dedicated to art from New Mexico, like an exhibit on the 14,000 years of art in New Mexico, starting from the Clovis culture. Also see the Museum of International Folk Art, where there are is a current exhibition on the history of chocolate. If you’re heading to Santa Fe this summer, be sure to check out the Santa Fe International Folk Art Festival, the largest such market in the world, and the Santa Fe Show, a summer exhibit of furniture, books, jewelry and textiles from over 65 galleries.

In the downtown area, galleries line the streets featuring exhibitions of locally-made art from rising artists. Visitors will wee antiques, folk art, jewelry and Native American art works. The Center for Contemporary Arts has a great line up of films as well as excellent exhibitions, like a current one of orientation and space in two dimensions. Those a little more hands on should head over to the Santa Fe Art Institute for workshops and lectures on prominent artistic figures like Martha Russo and Rick Lowe. The Santa Fe Arts Commission lists upcoming events and exhibitions coming into town.

Bozeman, MT

Bozeman, on the western side of Montana, may be a surprising choice for an art lover. Situated near Yellowstone National Parks, Bozeman’s magnificent natural scenery has been an inspiration for many artists, which is reflected in its many art galleries and art centers. Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture has fantastic exhibits of student and professional work as well as hosting fun events like film screenings and music festivals.

Additionally, look at local artists’ work on Art Bozeman’s website, and find their work in art galleries all around downtown Bozeman. In August, the Sweet Pea Festival  provides a place for visitors to attend dance workshops, art sales and exhibits, concerts and even Shakespearean performances.

Paris – the city of love and the city of literature. Well-known writers around the world have been attracted to this beautiful city for hundreds of years. For authors like Victor Hugo, Ernest Hemingway, Samuel Beckett and William S. Burroughs, Paris has been both inspiration and home (at least for a time). The following four writers represent four different literary movements, but all found a place in Paris. Here are some must-see sights for bibliophiles.

Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo (1802-1885), a humanitarian who used literature to call attention to the injustices of society, is most well-known today for the novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Though he traveled extensively, he always returned to Paris, writing many of his greatest works there. He passed away at the age of 83, nationally mourned as a literary giant and as a man who had helped to shape democracy in France.

Maison de Victor Hugo: Hugo lived in this house for 16 years with his wife Adèle and their four children. Here, he wrote two collections of poetry, plays such as Ruy Blas and Les Burgraves as well as a portion of Les Misérables. The house, in the Place des Vosges, contains hundreds of his drawings and artifacts collected during his travels.
6 Place des Vosges
tel. 0142-721016
Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Notre Dame Cathedral: The famous cathedral is a must-see no matter what your literary bent. In Hugo’s book, titled Notre Dame de Paris in French, the cathedral is a main character, serving as both a setting and the epicenter of the story’s themes. The book is filled with descriptions of the building, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
6 Parvis Notre-Dame
8:00 AM – 6:45 PM

Jardin du Luxembourg: In Les Misérables, Marius follows Jean Valjean and Cosette on their daily trips to the Jardin du Luxembourg. This park, one of Paris’ best loved, is also where he speaks with Cosette for the first time. No wonder, as the park is suited for romance. It was built in the early 1600s by Marie de Medici and modeled after Florentine parks. In later years, Baudelaire, Sartre, Balzac and Hemingway were also frequent visitors.
Rue de Médicis & Rue de Vaugirard
tel. 0142-643399
Opens between 7:15 and 8:15 AM, closes between 2:45 and 9:30 PM, depending on the season

Ernest Hemingway

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast,” said Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), who returned to Paris again and again after his first time in the city at the end of 1921. After he met Gertrude Stein, who introduced him to the Parisian Modern Movement, Hemingway became a fixture of the Parisian literary circles, frequenting cafés, bars and jazz clubs.

Rue de Cardinal Lemoine: When Hemingway first moved to Paris, he lived with his wife Hadley in a small walkup at number 74. His neighbors in the Latin Quarter were none other than James Joyce and George Orwell. Today, the area is a chic student quarter filled with cafés. Be sure to visit the legendary Shakespeare & Co. for your literary fix.
Shakespeare & Co., 37 Rue de la Bûcherie
tel. 0143-254093

Montparnasse Quarter: Four jazz-age cafes, once frequented by Hemingway and other compatriots of the “Lost Generation” (a term coined by Stein), sit at a crossroads in Montparnasse. Le Dôme, La Coupole, Le Rotonde and Le Select, still decorated in the art deco style with Tiffany lamps, paintings by Brancusi and Chagall, tassel lamps and red banquets, provided much of the inspiration for Hemingway’s early work. The characters in The Sun Also Rises even meet at Le Select to talk about Brett, the book’s femme fatale.
Le Dôme, 109 Boulevard du Montparnasse, tel. 3314-3352581
La Coupole, 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, tel. 3314-3201420
Le Rotonde, 105 Boulevard du Montparnasse, tel. 3314-3264826
Le Select, 99 Boulevard du Montparnasse, tel. 3314-5483824

Samuel Beckett

Though Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) was born in Ireland, he did most of his writing in French and moved to Paris permanently in 1937. Writing in French, as a native English speaker, he found the style-free manner of speech that made him famous. He is considered the last great modernist and is most well-known for his play Waiting for Godot.

Boulevard Raspail: On January 5, 1953, Waiting for Godot premiered at the Théâtre de Babylone. The play in which “nothing happens” was an instant success and ran for 400 performances. Unfortunately, while the theater has now closed, you can still walk to number 38 and imagine the crowds lined up outside.

The Left Bank: Beckett was a feature of the famous cafés on the Left Bank, where he chatted with friend James Joyce or played chess with artists Marcel Duchamp and Alberto Giacometti. Not just Beckett, but many of the greatest writers and artists of the 20^th century roamed this quarter between the end of WWI and the 1960’s.

Montparnasse Cemetery: Beckett is buried here in the heart of the city among other famous intellectual and artistic elite, such as Guy de Maupassant, Jean-Paul Sartre and Susan Sontag.
3 Boulevard Edgar Quinet
tel. 3314-4108650

William S. Burroughs

William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) was a giant in the beat generation, most popular perhaps, for his novel Naked Lunch. A novelist, painter and spoken word performer, he influenced a range of popular culture and literature, including the new literary style, the “cut-up technique.”

The Beat Hotel: This small, rundown hotel in the Latin Quarter was a hotspot for members of the Beat movement, including Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and Peter Orlovsky. Here, in the late 1950s and early 60s, Burroughs finished the book Naked Lunch and began his lifelong collaboration with Brion Gysin.
Hôtel de Vieux Paris, 9 Gît-le-Coeur
tel. 3314-4321590

Preparing for a Maui vacation requires discipline. With the tropical sun beckoning from a sandy shore a few months in the future, visits to the gym become imperative; your beach body won’t be sculpted on its own. Maybe you actually go. Or maybe you agonize about not going. Either way, it’s hard work. Once your airplane touches down at Kahului airport, it no longer matters. You’ve put in your time. You deserve a treat.

Luckily, Maui has quite a few sweet temptations. There are sugar-covered day starters, icy afternoon pick me ups and after dinner sweet tooth satisfiers. These aren’t just your usual cupcakes and ice cream cones, either. They reflect the local population’s wide mix of ethnic backgrounds and feature the tropical fruits grown on the island. You have no excuse not to try at least one. Or two. Or all. After all, you’re on vacation.

Komoda Bakery

Family owned and operated for almost a century, locals and visitors alike flock to Komoda Bakery. Their cream puffs, with their fluffy exterior and sweet, egg custard interior, are legendary. So are their stick doughnuts. Plucking apart the five skewered donut holes fused together by a sugary glaze and eating them one by one is incredibly satisfying. Portuguese malasadas (essentially doughnuts with no hole covered in granulated sugar) come with tropical fruit fillings like guava.

Komoda’s is so popular that they often run out of their most popular offerings, sometimes even their whole daily stock. Go early or call to reserve your batch. The bakery sometimes closes for weeks at a time while the family is on vacation, so calling ahead is a good idea regardless.

3674 Baldwin Avenue, Makawao
7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., closed Sundays and Wednesdays
(808) 572-7261

Julia’s Best Banana Bread

An oasis of homemade goodies awaits travelers during their journey around the “back side” of West Maui on Kahekili Highway (Highway Route 340). It is a harrowing yet scenic drive, full hairpin turns and ocean views from the top of precipitous cliffs. About a third of the way from Kapalua to Kahului, nestled in the tiny village of Kahakuloa, Julia’s Best Banana Bread is a tasty reward to sooth your nerves. The fresh-baked banana bread with delicate hints of caramel flavor is some of the best you will ever eat. Other local goodies like coconut candy nuggets, taro chips, pineapple jelly and liliko’i (passion fruit) butter spread are also available for purchase.

7465 Kahekili Highway, Kahakuloa
9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. or until sold out, every day

Homemaid Bakery

Homemaid Bakery opened in 1960 with the goal to make delicious treats created from the highest quality ingredients at the lowest possible price. Over 40 years later, the bakery is still going strong and still running under the same philosophy. While they sell bakery standards like cookies and cakes, they are particularly well known for their Japanese treats. Their bun-shaped crispy manju is like a mini pie, with sweet fillings surrounded by flaky, buttery crusts. Their mochi, a sticky dessert made from pounded rice, comes plain or filled with peanut butter, coconut or sweet azuki bean. Chi chi dango, a mochi variation made with coconut milk, is also highly recommended.

1005 Lower Main Street, Wailuku
5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., every day
(808) 244-7015

Tasaka Guri-Guri

Guri-guri is part sherbet, part ice cream and all delicious. The exact recipe of the frozen dessert sold by Tasaka Guri-Guri at Maui Mall has been a closely-guarded family secret for over a century. But their product is certainly well known. Some locals stop in daily. Tourists come to try a sweet treat available nowhere else on earth. Even Bill Clinton tried a scoop when he visited the island. Available by the scoop or by the quart in pineapple or strawberry flavors, guri-guri also qualifies as a cheap eat. Two scoops cost $1.20.

70 E Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., closed Sundays
(808) 871-4513

Ono Gelato

What started out as a Paia pick-me-up is now an island sensation. At each of its three locations, Ono Gelato offers delicious gelato made on Maui with the freshest of ingredients. The owners have said that they find the local produce on Maui inspiring, and you can tell. The fruit flavors like mango, papaya and pineapple burst with flavor and are refreshing during a hot day. Traditional flavors really are traditional – the pistachios and hazelnuts are imported from Italy. The rich, creamy chocolate, coffee and peanut butter are all perfect as an after dinner treat.

1280 South Kihei Road, Kihei
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., every day
(808) 495-0287

815 Front Street, Lahaina
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., every day
(808) 495-0203

115 Hana Highway, Paia
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., every day
(808) 579-9201

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop

In the small town of Olowalu, just a blip on Honoapi’ilani Highway about halfway between Wailuku and Lahaina, lies a restaurant with big flavors. Everything that comes out of the kitchen at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, from the salads to the sandwiches, is expertly crafted with locally-sourced ingredients. Their savory menu is phenomenal, but the sweets really take the cake. Little tins filled with key lime or chocolate cream and tart shells filled with lemon and mango burst with taste. Try to get a group together so you can sample as many varieties as possible.

820 Olowalu Village Road, Honoapi’ilani Highway, Olowalu
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., every day
(808) 662-3600

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

Shave ice is similar to a snow cone in that it is constructed with ice and flavored syrups, but the consistency of shave ice smoother. The ice is shaved so fine that it literally melts in your mouth. All shave ice is good, and it is sold all over Maui, but the queen of the islanda, perhaps the entire state or even the world is Ululani’s. What sets them apart is their syrups. Ululani’s makes their own. Artificial flavors that taste like distilled Jolly Ranchers are replaced with syrups that actually taste like the fruits they’re named after. All their flavors in all their combinations are pure heaven, especially with ice cream on the bottom. If you go for one dessert on Maui, this is the one.

790 Front Street, Lahaina
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., every day
(360) 606-2745

819 Front Street, Lahaina
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., every day
(360) 606-2745

333 Dairy Road, Kahului
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., every day
(360) 606-2745

61 South Kihei Road, Kihei
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., every day
(360) 606-2745

Photo credit: all photos by author

As travelers start planning their summer vacations, TravelNerd analyzed the numbers to find the best destinations for nature-lovers who want enjoy the atmosphere of a city as well as easy access to nature. We looked into the best metro areas around the U.S. for the nature-lovers based upon the follow questions:

1) Does the city set aside space for parks? We looked at the metro areas with the most acres of parkland as a percentage of the total area.

2) Are there national parks nearby? We analyzed how many national parks are located within 100 miles of the metropolitan area.

3) Is the weather nice enough to spend time outside? We looked at the precipitation in 2012 as well as the general air quality of each metropolitan area to gauge whether travelers would want to head outdoors.

Best Metro Areas for Nature Lovers

1) Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is more than just desert. The New Mexican city also has one of the highest percentages of parkland in a metropolitan area, with a whopping 28% of all metropolitan land being parks and green space. Additionally, be sure to head out of the city to see some stunning desert landscapes at any of the 7 national parks within 100 miles. Try the caves of El Malpais National Park or head into the New Mexico Badlands to see the Ice Caves and the Bandera Volcano in the Land of Ice and Fire. When heading back to the city, hit up Frontier Restaurant for some delicious New Mexican food. After those hikes, you’ll be ravenous.

2) San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is known for its stunning scenery so it’s no surprise that the City by the Bay is near the top of the list.  With 11 national parks in the vicinity, especially just over the Golden Gate Bridge, and accessible parks around the city (check out San Francisco Recreation & Parks for more information), San Francisco is a great place for nature-lovers to gather and take in the sea air.

In the city, Dolores Park and Crissy Field are always popular, and you’ll see plenty of San Franciscans picnicking on sunny weekends. For the hikers, head across the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands, where you’ll find amazing views at Battery Wallace and along Conzelman Road. The perennial-favorite Muir Woods is the perfect spot to see the redwoods along the scenic trails. Stop in Sausalito at the French bistro La Garage as the end to your relaxing day.

3) Washington DC

Washington D.C. isn’t only the White House – there is plenty of green space within city boundaries, with over 19% of the metropolitan area devoted to parkland. With over 10 national parks within a 100-mile radius, nature-lovers always have something new to explore. While the best known parks are the President’s Park (including the White House) and the National Mall, there are plenty of other attractions in and around DC.

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is the last remaining tidal marsh in Washington D.C., so check out the wide variety or flora and fauna that are native to the area, like herons, foxes and waterlilies. Head outside of the city to the Potomac Heritage trails that cover the same ground George Washington explored in the 1700s. Chow down at Old Ebbitt Grill for some classic American food made from local farm ingredients.

4) Oakland, CA

It should be no surprise that Oakland, with its famous estuary Lake Merritt right near downtown, makes the list. With over 14.5% of its metropolitan area set aside for parkland and easy driving access to a whopping 11 national parks, Oakland welcomes all nature-lovers and adventure travelers. On top of that, Oakland has the cleanest air of all the Bay Area cities, so feel free to breathe in deep.

Head out to Redwood Regional Park, a hidden redwood forest just a few miles from downtown, for a little slice of the Northern California wilderness. Or head up to Berkeley’s marina for a spectacular ocean view from Cesar Chavez Park bike-riding or kite-flying. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza, with 4 locations on East Bay, will top off your day with some cheesy goodness.

5) San Jose, CA

San Jose makes the list for its beautiful weather and excellent access to parks. With a mere 12 inches of rain per year, going outdoors in San Jose is always an option, no matter what time of year it is. There are 9 national parks within 100 miles and over 14% of the city’s land is devoted to parks and green space, providing outdoor explorers with things to do both in the city and out. Check out San Jose Park Foundation for more information on park facilities and services.

Kids will love Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, with its petting farm and wide open fields. Those looking for culture should try the Japanese Friendship Garden right in downtown San Jose. In the spring, you’ll see Japanese Cherry blossoms in full bloom. For a thorough workout, head up to Coyote Peak Trail for gorgeous views at the top of the mountain over South San Jose and Coyote Creek Valley.  After the strenuous hike, have a filling dinner at Il Fornaio for classic Italian and stop at Mimi’s Café afterwards for mouth-watering desserts.

6) Sacramento, CA

Sacramento often gets looked over as a California destination, but don’t underestimate the state capital. Sitting along the Sacramento River and the American River, Sacramento boasts numerous city parks with excellent facilities and an amazing 12 national parks within 100 miles.

The Leland Stanford Mansion, built by the founder of Stanford University, is a great spot to picnic in the 19^th-century style gardens. Be sure to make time for a tour of the Victorian Mansion. Walk around McKinley Park’s Rose Garden to see over 1000 rose varietals in the spring and summer. For the very athletic, Juan Bautista de Anza’s National Historic Trail lets you follow the journey of Juan Bautista de Anza as he led over 200 settlers to found a settlement at San Francisco Bay.

7) Phoenix, AZ

Sunny Phoenix lands on the list for its beautiful weather. With a mere 8 inches a year of rain (and no chance of snow), nature lovers want to go outdoors everyday to any of the myriad city parks within metropolitan limits. For those more adventurous, trek into the desert into any of the 7 national parks within driving vicinity, including hikes up to Native American monuments.

Head outside of Phoenix to South Mountain, the largest municipal park in the country. With horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking trails available, there’s someone for every adventurer. Papago Park is a must-visit, with the phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden and an archery range to keep the whole family happy. Wrap up an adventurous day at Portland’s Restaurant and Wine Bar for some award-winning burgers and pizza.

8) Baltimore, MD

Baltimore may seem to be a surprise, as the one of the most bustling cities on the Eastern seafront. Don’t be fooled, however – Baltimore has some beautiful natural geography like the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay, and these bodies of waterare surrounded by parks. Outside the city, Baltimore also has access to 13 national parks within 100 miles, including trails in the Appalachian Mountains and the Greenbelt Park.

Prince William Park is the largest Eastern Piedmond Forest, with over 37 miles of hiking trails. Go in the spring or fall to see the most beautiful changes of scenery. Or head to Gunpowder Falls State Park to hike, fish, canoe and swim. Afterwards, B&O American Brasserie provides the perfect Maryland Crab Cake to finish your day.

9) Seattle, WA

Seattle lays claim to the cleanest air of all the cities on our top 10 list, so it’s no surprise that people in Seattle love to go out and soak up nature. Even with it’s relatively high precipitation level, Seattleites love heading to any of the 9 national parks within driving distance or the numerous parks in the metropolitan area.

Kerry Park provides the perfect view of Elliot Bay and downtown Seattle, where you can see the Seattle Space Needle. Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle that overlooks Puget Sound. It provides plenty of activities to teach kids K – 12 about its wildlife. Café Campagne is the perfect way to top off your day, with traditional French cuisine in a cozy dining room.

10) San Diego, CA

San Diego makes our list for its great weather, with only 10 inches of rain per year. This leaves plenty of sunny days for adventure travelers to explore the city parks, which make up 22.8% of the city land and include popular parks like Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park (right off the ocean). For those looking for more of an adventure, head up to one of the 3 national parks in the near vicinity, including Joshua Tree National Park. Be sure you stay for the sunset – the desert scenery comes alive when the sun dips down behind the horizon.

Methodology

The overall score for each city was derived from the following measures:

1)   Acres of parkland by percentage of metropolitan area came from the US Census.

2)   The numbers of national parks within 100 miles came from the National Parks Service.

3)   The average precipitation in a year came from the National Weather Service. (half-weighted)

4)   The Air Quality rating came from the State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association. The ranking was based on the number of high particle pollution days from 2008 to 2010. The higher the number, the worse the hair quality. (half-weighted)

53 cities of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas were included in this analysis.

 
Photo Credit: Green City by informatique

People are always looking for an excuse to party. Some places just have better excuses than others. Here are ten of the best festivals from around the world, celebrating puppets, Patricks and lots of things in-between.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Pack your parkas for this one, because Northeast China is cold. Harbin’s Ice and Snow Festival is a masterpiece of ice and light, from miniature mythical creatures to 250-foot monuments. In the “Ice and Snow World” exhibit, you’ll find full-size buildings made of 2-foot crystal ice blocks taken from the Songhua River, while smaller sculptures can be found throughout the city. Don’t miss out on other fun winter activities like alpine skiing, winter swimming or the ice lantern exhibition.

China
January 5 – February 5

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

This magical festival had humble, rather practical beginnings. Lanterns were once launched from this mountainous township in Taiwan as a means of communication during war. Today, thousands of people trek to Pingxi to write their wishes inside of lanterns and release them simultaneously into the sky. Special releases, like heart-shaped lanterns for Valentine’s Day, make each year unique.

Pingxi District, Taiwan
February

The Carnival of Rio de Janeiro

One might be inclined to say you need the asceticism of Lent to make up for all of the sins of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival festival. More than two million people travel to the city for four days of extravagance, with parades, drinking, dancing and plenty of color. Add to that Rio’s beaches, fantastic weather and beautiful inhabitants, and you’ll have more than enough to atone for by the time you get to Easter.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
February or March

Mardi Gras

New Orleans has a reputation for being a wild city, but never more than at Mardi Gras. Its most famous festival is a combination of parades, masquerade balls, king cake parties and street-side revelry, and its traditional colors – purple, green and gold – can be seen on everything from food and costumes to the beads thrown to parade bystanders for flashing (though this activity is generally followed by police fines).

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
February or March

Holi

You might wear white to the Holi Festival, but it definitely won’t stay that way for long. Holi, the Festival of Colors, is meant to celebrate spring’s abundance of color, good harvests and a fertile land. Though Holi is celebrated wherever Hindus have found a home, nowhere are the celebrations more raucous than in Nepal, India and Pakistan. While the festival is most well-known for participants throwing colored powders and pastes on each other, it also is a time for prayer, food and family.

India, Nepal and Pakistan
February or March

Las Fallas

This is one puppet show with pizazz. Las Fallas, named after the large papier-mâché sculptures built by teams of local artists, is a four day festival of fireworks, street parties, paella competitions, parades, open-air concerts and bullfights. Each neighborhood has its own falla, which can reach up to 50 feet in height and cost more than 350,000€ to build. These sculptures are colorful, often grotesque satires of celebrities, current affairs and local customs. The finale of the festival is at midnight on the last day, where each of the 350+ fallas go up in flames.

Valencia, Spain
March 12-19

St. Patrick’s Festival

If you’re going to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day right, you’ve got to go to the source. In Ireland’s capital city, the celebration lasts five days and runs both day and night. The big parade on March 17^th is bookended by street fairs, traditional Irish music dances called ceilidhs, a craft beer village (the Guinness!), Irish comedy shows, city walking tours and much more. Don’t forget to pack a lot of green, or else expect some serious pinching.

Dublin, Ireland
March 14-18

International Comedy Festival

Top comedians from Australia and overseas gather in Melbourne for one of the world’s biggest comedy festivals. There are over 360 acts to tickle your funny bone, from cabaret to stand-up, sketch, improv, debates and musical comedy. Performances are held in venues throughout the city, though some of the most popular events are the Gala, the flagship event showcasing short performances from comedy headliners, and The Great Debate, a televised comedy debate. If you’re feeling witty yourself, you might even think of participating in Raw Comedy, Australia’s biggest open mic competition.

Melbourne, Australia
April – May

Songkran Water Festival

In Thailand, the New Year falls on the hottest part of the year, which means that throwing water on each other is a welcome way to celebrate. Water guns, buckets, hoses – nothing is out of bounds for this festival celebrating new life. The most famous celebrations are in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where the festival lasts for at least six days. Some Thais also commemorate the festival’s Buddhist origins by going to monastery to pray and give food to the monks.

Thailand
April 13-16

Queen’s Day

In Amsterdam alone, over one million people squeeze into the city’s narrow streets to celebrate the Netherlands’ national day. A sea of orange, the national color, fills the country as residents take to the streets with cash in hand, because Queen’s Night is the only night of the year where you’re allowed to sell anything without a permit, turning the whole country into one giant, orange flea market.

Netherlands
April 30

Photo Credit: Harbin by Dayou_X.