Experience the Magic of the Night with These 3 Excursions
Even though it’s important to try to maintain a regular sleep routine when traveling, it can be challenging to keep too strict a schedule. Whether you’re experiencing serious jet lag or simply feel exhausted because you’ve crossed multiple time zones, you don’t have to worry about not being able to sleep. While most tourist attractions are at their most popular during the day, there are a few that can only be visited at night. A few of our favorite things.
1) Seeing the Northern Lights
Many locations in the world offer great views of the aurora borealis, including Canada, Alaska, and northern parts of the Nordic countries in Europe. Our favorite spot for whale watching is Troms* in Norway, which is also known for its wildlife.
The perfect time to view nature’s fireworks is in March, but if you want to guarantee a sighting you’ll need to go in January or February. Check what kind of accommodations are available in your chosen location so that you can stay for longer and see as much as possible—this isn’t something you get to see every day!
2) Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay
If you live in South America, this desert plateau is the best location for stargazing you’ll find. It has been proven that due to its altitude and lack of light pollution, a breathtaking view of stars and the Milky Way is always seen. The Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island is also one of the world’s most bio-diverse spots; it houses more than 200 species of fish and more than 400 species of birds! The wildlife here will be active at night, so visitors can catch glimpses of many rare creatures such as boa constrictors, crocodiles, iguanas, and tarantulas.
3) Desert of Atacama
The clear skies in this Chilean desert in South America make it one of the best locations for stargazing in the world. Higher elevation and lack of light pollution provides an incredible sightseeing opportunity to not only stars, but the Milky Way. For visitors who are short on time, a five-day tour is available that includes two nights at the observatory (and two nights camping in different parts of the Atacama). Guests can also opt to stay just one night at the observatory or campground instead.