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What’s next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it’s the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it’s the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we’ve rounded up 21 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Italy

Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit feels impossible, so the entire country of Italy deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York, New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty, standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you’ve seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, there’s no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan’s bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, and some of the world’s best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there’s something for you in Tokyo.

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

 Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

Morocco

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you’re traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal cities, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

Greece

From the whitewashed homes of Santorini to the Ios party scene to the relaxing atmosphere of Milos, there’s a perfect Greek Island for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan to spend a couple of days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

T+L Backpack Quiz

Machu Picchu

Seeing the historic ruins of the Incan Empire set among the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The stunning citadel ruins of Machu Picchu are worth the journey — and for some travelers, that trip, often taken by train or on foot as a multi-day trek, is a big part of the experience. Editor’s note: Machu Picchu is currently closed due to civil unrest in Peru. Visit the official website for the latest news and reopening details.

 How to Travel to Machu Picchu

African Safari

Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos in the wild is a dream best accomplished with an African safari. South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations — and in each of those countries, you’ll find incredible lodges and tour operators who can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.

Egypt

Whether you dream of cruising down the famed Nile River, seeing the Pyramids of Giza, or visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt’s historic wonders make the destination completely unique (and worthy of a spot on your travel list).

Maldives

Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow set atop turquoise blue waters is the ultimate getaway that’s worth the long-haul flight and oftentimes pricey accommodations.

Antarctica Cruise

Hoping to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have journeys to Antarctica, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your expedition.

Australia

Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a can’t-miss for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia’s gorgeous coastline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and fuzzy creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to the destination. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this expansive country teeming with natural beauty.

Galapagos Islands

Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make the Galapagos Islands another must-visit for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.

 The Ultimate Galápagos Islands Travel Guide

India

Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has drawn visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train trip aboard the Maharajas’ Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take the luxurious train ride will want to fly into Delhi, India’s capital territory.

Petra, Jordan

The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-visit for history buffs.

Himalayas

Passing through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world’s highest peaks — and that means breathtaking mountain views, too. For adventurous and active travelers, climbing Mount Everest (or at least trekking to Everest Base Camp) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American National Park Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers’ lists — and for good reason. The country’s incredible national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.

Great Wall of China

Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike along parts of the wall — some areas are located within driving distance of Beijing, so it’s a perfect day trip from the city.

Easter Island

The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have drawn curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the lengthy trip for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures, while also soaking in some incredible coastal views.

Northern Lights Trip

Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights is possible in several destinations close to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these places have incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can see the phenomenon from your bed), in addition to great, wintry scenery. (The lights are best viewed from late fall through early spring.)

Thailand and Vietnam

A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat.

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Whether or not you have a green thumb, check out this list of essential gardening tips before getting started to make sure all your plants grow and thrive.

When you’re just starting out with gardening, it can seem like there’s so much to know, and you’ve got a thousand questions. How should you plant your veggies, and what kind of soil is best? When should you prune your hydrangeas and divide your hostas? Is everything getting enough sunlight and water? The good news is that nature is a terrific teacher. The more you garden, the more you’ll learn about what works and what doesn’t. But for now, use this list of basic gardening tips to find the answers to some of the most common questions beginners have. And don’t forget to have fun while growing your own food and beautiful flowers in your yard!

1. Know your USDA Hardiness Zone. Use it as a guide to avoid planting trees, shrubs, and perennials that won’t survive winters in your area. You’ll also get a better idea of when to expect your last frost date in spring, so you know when you can plant vegetables, fruits, and annuals outside in your area.

2. Not sure when to prune? Prune spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilacs, immediately after the blooms fade. They set their flower buds in autumn on last year’s growth. If you prune them in fall or winter, you remove next spring’s flower buds.

3. Apply only composted, rotted manure that has cured for at least six months to your soil. Fresh manure is too high in nitrogen and can “burn” plants; it may also contain pathogens or parasites. Manure from pigs, dogs, and cats should never be used in gardens or compost piles because they may contain parasites that can infect humans.

4. Perennials generally need three years to achieve their mature size after you plant them. Remember the adage that they “sleep, creep, and leap” each year, respectively.

5. Learn how long your growing season is (the time between your last frost in spring and first frost in fall), so you can start some plants inside or avoid growing them.

6.Deadheading is a good practice for perennials and annuals. Because the goal of annual plants is to flower, set seed, and die, when you remove the old blooms, it tells annual plants to produce more flowers. Removing spent flowers also encourages plants to use their energy to grow stronger leaves and roots instead of seed production. Avoid deadheading plants grown primarily for decorative fruits or pods, such as money plants (Lunaria).

7. Pay close attention to how much light different plants need. Grow vegetables in a location that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Most vegetables need full sun to produce the best harvest. Try growing cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, radishes, and cabbage if you have some shade.

8. The best approaches to controlling weeds in the garden are hand-weeding and hoeing. Avoid deep hoeing or cultivating that can bring weed seeds to the soil’s surface so they germinate. Weed early and often to prevent weeds from going to seed. Use mulch to smother and prevent annual weeds.

9. Hostas don’t need to be divided unless you want to rejuvenate an old plant or increase the numbers you have or simply prefer the look of single plants. The best times to divide your hostas are in the spring as the new shoots appear and before the leaves unfurl, or in the fall at least four weeks before your soil freezes solid.

10. Not all hydrangeas grow in the shade. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) need sun for the best flowering. Some top panicle varieties include ‘Limelight,’ Little Lime, Vanilla Strawberry, and Bombshell.

11.

Don’t clean up everything in your garden in the fall. Leave ornamental grasses for beauty and the seed heads of perennials such as coneflowers to feed the birds. Avoid cutting back marginally hardy perennials, such as garden mums, to increase their chances of surviving a harsh winter.

12. Vegetable gardening tip: The optimal temperature for ripening tomatoes is between 68-77°F. And at 85°F, it’s too hot for the plants to produce lycopene and carotene, the pigments responsible for the fruit color. Once temperatures consistently drop below 50°F, green fruits won’t ripen. Tomatoes with a bit of color change can be brought inside to finish ripening.

13. Plant spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips, fritillarias, ornamental alliums, and crocuses, in the fall before the ground freezes. In general, place the bulb in a hole that’s two to three times the depth of the bulb. Most hardy bulbs you only need to plant once, and they’ll keep coming up year after year, but hybrid tulips are an exception. It’s best to pull them up when they are done blooming, replant new tulip bulbs each fall, or choose species of tulips that become perennial.

14. Deadhead spent flowers on spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils and hyacinths, so the plants send energy to the bulbs instead of making seeds. Leave the foliage until it turns brown and can be removed with a gentle tug. The leaves store nutrients needed for the bulb to bloom the following year. Braiding or tying the leaves is not recommended because it reduces the amount of light that reaches the leaf surfaces.

15. Fertilizer is not the answer to growing the best plants; soil quality is. Add organic amendments such as compost and well-aged manure to your soil. The best soil structure is crumbly, easy to dig, readily accepts water, and loose enough to provide oxygen for plant roots. If you use fertilizer, use an organic one to add nitrogen, phosphate, and potash (the form of potassium plants can use).

16. Late summer or early autumn is the best time to divide and transplant spring-blooming perennials. The most commonly divided perennials are irises, peonies, hostas, and daylilies.

17. If your rhubarb sends up flower stalks, remove them so the plant will focus on foliage production, not seed production.

18. When transplanting container-grown perennials, dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the soil ball of the plant to aid with root establishment. Make sure the plant sits at the same depth in the hole as it did in the container. Use the same soil you dug out of the hole to fill in around your new plant instead of bagged soil.

19. Mound your potato plants deep under the soil and store harvested potatoes in complete darkness. Exposure to light turns the skin of potatoes green, indicating that the potato has produced a colorless alkaloid called solanine, a bitter-tasting toxin that, consumed in large quantities, can cause illness. Cut away any green portions or sprouts on potatoes to avoid the problem.

20. Most in-ground garden plants grow best with 1 to 2 inches of water per week. If not enough rain falls, water deeply once a week instead of lightly each day. Frequent, shallow watering only moistens the top layer of soil and encourages the plant’s roots to move there instead of growing deeper.

21. Don’t send your fall leaves away! Instead, chop them up and use them as compost ingredients. Pulverized leaves can be left to nourish the lawn. After several hard freezes, when plants have gone completely dormant, you also can use 3-6 inches of shredded leaves as mulch over tender perennials to keep them that way over winter. Remove the mulch in spring.

22. Avoid digging or planting in wet soil; working it damages the soil structure. Wait until the soil is crumbly and no longer forms a ball when you squeeze some in your hand (it doesn’t have to be bone-dry) to till or dig.

23. Understand your soil’s drainage. Roots need oxygen, and if your soil is consistently wet, there are no air pockets for the roots to thrive. Many plants prefer well-drained soil, so amend your soil with organic materials to improve the soil quality.

24. Some plants flower in response to day length. Chrysanthemums, poinsettias, strawberries, and others need long nights to flower. If you want strawberries that flower and produce fruit when temperatures are between 35°F and 85°F, choose a variety labeled “day-neutral.”

25. Native species of plants are often better adapted to growing in your region than plants from other places in the world. They also are better for local pollinators that evolved with them. If you want to grow plants to support pollinators, avoid newer cultivars with double flowers because all the extra petals make it harder for insects to reach the nectar and pollen.

Planting your tree is just part of the process.

Proper planning and care before & after your tree is in the ground will help it grow and thrive, allowing it to provide the maximum amount of benefits over its lifetime.

Proper Tree Planting Procedures

1. Before You Plant – Call 811 before you dig, choose best location, right tree, right place
2. Planting Your Tree – Watch the video below to learn the proper planting steps and procedures
3. After You Plant – How to care for your tree including: watering, staking, mulching, and maintenance

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Before You Plant

Here are some key steps before you begin to plant your tree:

1. Right Tree, Right Place: Determine the proper species based on your planting site’s conditions (sun/shade/drainage, future growth potential, etc).
2. Call Before You Dig: Call 811 to ensure you are clear of all utilities.
3. Maintenance & Care Plan: Ensure you have a plan to properly water and care for the tree, especially in its first year to help it become established.

Planting Your Tree

Properly planting your tree is key to ensuring it has the best opportunity to thrive and grow!

Improper techniques, such as planting too high or low, not giving a proper ‘root massage’, or creating a ‘mulch volcano’ can increase the chances of future problems.

Watch this video on proper planting techniques.

After You Plant

Now that your tree is in the ground, you need to ensure it’s receiving the proper care to thrive!

1. Mulching: Mulch helps retain water, keeps out weeds, and provides buffer for mower/trimmer damage
2. Watering: Newly planted trees need frequent watering in their first year (especially first 6-9 months).
3. Pruning/Maintenance: Pruning and other maintenance will help the tree grow properly and lower the risk of future problems.

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TREE SPECIES – FACT SHEETS
^{_{(N) – NATIVE, (F) – FRUIT, (FL) – FL FRIENDLY}}

Avocado (F)	Barbados cherry (F)	Cinnecord (N)	Guava (F)	Gumbo limbo (N)
Jackfruit (F)	June plum (F)	Kapok (FL)	Live oak (N)	Loquat (F)
Mango (F)	Miracle fruit (F)	Mulberry (F)	Paradise tree (N)	Satinleaf (N)
Short-leaf fig (N)	Silver buttonwood (N)	Simpson’s stopper (N)	Slash pine (N)	Soldierwood (N)
Spanish bayonet (N)	Star fruit (F)	Wax myrtle (N)	Wild mastic (N)	Wild tamarind (N)

How to Garden