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Open-Jaw and Circle Fares

Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games.

He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already.

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When is a round trip not a round trip? When it’s a circle or open-jaw itinerary.

Thanks to the airlines’ complicated and arcane fare structures, roundtrip flights almost always cost less than the sum cost of two one-way trips on the same route. (Discount airlines are a notable exception to this rule.) And most round trips go from Point A to Point B and back again.

But what if you need to do some traveling at your destination, and it’s more convenient to fly home from a different airport? Or if you need to hit two or more cities in a short span of time, and want to do it in a single trip? If either situation applies to you, you may want to consider an open-jaw or circle ticket. Read on to learn how these special fares could save you money on your next multi-city itinerary.

The Open Jaw An open-jaw flight is one that, in the simplest terms, flies from Point A to Point B, then from Point C back to Point A. Points B and C are often neighboring airports, or at least in the same general area. A sample open-jaw itinerary might be a flight from Atlanta to Seattle on the way out and from Portland, OR to Atlanta on the way back.

Another open-jaw scenario is to fly into and out of the same destination city, but your starting and finishing points are different, thus: Fly Point A to Point B; then fly Point B to Point C.

An open jaw is ideal for travelers who are planning to cover a lot of ground during their trip and who don’t want to waste time returning to their original airport. Perhaps you fly into San Francisco and then drive down the coast of California to Los Angeles; an open-jaw fare would allow you to fly home out of LAX instead of making your way back up to San Francisco. Open jaws are also useful for cruise passengers whose sailings embark and disembark in different ports.

Despite the fact that an open-jaw itinerary isn’t quite a classic round trip, most airlines treat it as such and charge you half the roundtrip fare of what each leg of the trip would cost you. So if the Atlanta – Seattle round trip would cost $400 and the Portland – Atlanta round trip would cost $500, you end up paying $200 for the first leg and $250 for the second leg, for a total of $450 roundtrip. The resulting total fare will typically offer considerable savings over the cost of two separate one-way flights.

There is such a thing as a double open jaw — Point A to Point B on the way out, and then Point C to Point D on the return. While this is usually more expensive than a traditional open jaw, it may still save you money over two separate one-way flights.

The Circle A circle itinerary typically begins and ends in the same city, but includes at least three separate flights that take you to two or more different cities without the overland portions of the open jaw.

Example: Fly from New York to Detroit, then Detroit to Houston, then Houston to New York. (Feel free to add Points D, E, F and beyond, but make sure you start and end at your original city — New York in this example.)

Circle itineraries usually permit a maximum of two stopovers and are priced as a series of one-way flights. (Circle fares may not save you as much as an open jaw.) Still, circle fares qualify you for discounted fares, and you may even find that the fares on the separate legs of your flight add up to less than a pure roundtrip fare. This is especially true on popular long-haul routes.

Exceptions and Rules Open Jaw The most common restriction on an open-jaw itinerary is that the segment of your trip that you don’t fly (the Seattle-Portland leg in our example) must be shorter than the shortest leg of the trip that you do fly.

So, for example, if you flew from Atlanta to Seattle, then drove cross-country to New York, then flew back to Atlanta, you couldn’t qualify for the open-jaw discount, as the distance from Seattle to New York is much greater than the distance from New York to Atlanta.

Circle Fares Restrictions and rules on circle itineraries vary by airline, but usually take one of the two following forms, both a variation on the old “Saturday night stay” rules:

1. You may not begin travel from the farthest geographical point of your trip until the first Sunday of your trip. Note that it is the farthest geographical point, not the place you stay the longest or schedule in the middle of your trip.

2. You may not begin the last leg of your trip until the first Sunday after the beginning of your trip.

The difference between the two is critical: in the first instance, the order in which you visit the cities is extremely important. In the latter instance, it is much less so.

If your airline has different rules for different segments of your trip, the whole trip will generally be subject to the most restrictive ones. So, for example, if one fare requires a 14-day advance purchase and the other a 21-day advance purchase, you’ll need to book 21 days ahead in order to get the discounted circle fare.

How to Find Open Jaw and Circle Fares Luckily, open-jaw and circle fares are not too difficult to find. Most online booking engines and airline Web sites can recognize a circle or open-jaw itinerary, and price them accordingly; just look for the multi-city search option. It might still be worth checking with your travel agent just to be sure. If prices seem high, call and ask if minor adjustments of your flight dates might help you qualify for either an open-jaw or circle itinerary.

Keep in mind, however, that these fares may not necessarily be your cheapest bet. If a discount airline serves all or part of your itinerary, check that carrier’s one-way fares to see if they can beat what the big airlines are offering. For help finding low-cost carriers around the world, check out our guides to Domestic Discount Airlines (U.S.) and International Discount Airlines .

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A journey from origin to destination with a return to origin in a continuous, circuitous route using two or more fare components.

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Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Canada , Road Trips

Updated On: April 22, 2023

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of those great road trips that you always hear about. People dream of circumnavigating the world’s largest freshwater lake. The Lake Superior circle tour crosses through three US states. Michigan ,  Wisconsin & Minnesota, and a huge portion of northern Ontario, Canada. Driving around Lake Superior offers an array of activities, sights, and diverse landscapes to look upon in awe.

Table of Contents

the Lake Superior Circle Tour

Lake Superior can be driven around in as little 4-5 days. Seven days will showcase the highlights. But two weeks is really the optimal time.

We drove around Lake Superior on our Honda Motorcycles and couldn’t believe how much the landscape changed before our eyes. Some people decide to do the Lake Superior circle tour in 5-days. And while we added a couple of extra days, we feel that to truly appreciate the beauty and sights of Lake Superior one should plan on two weeks to circumnavigate this natural wonder of the world. Here’s a guide to all the sights to see on the Lake Superior Circle Tour to help you plan your next epic motorcycle ride.

• The Lake Superior Tour one of The Best Road Trips in the World!
• Read about another great drive: T he California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Start: Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

We started our tour in Sault Ste Marie in Canada and worked our way clockwise around the Lake. Sault Ste Marie is a twin city with Sault Ste. Marie Michigan. There is more to do on the Canadian Side, so we suggest spending a day or two exploring here.

Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre  is definitely the highlight of visiting Sault Ste. Marie with a collection of vintage planes located in a giant hanger. It traces the history of Ontario.

There’s a forest fire management display, an area showing motors and all the bits and parts of a plane, and you can go in many planes to check out the cockpit. Our favourite was to see the huge interior of planes such as the water bomber for forest fires. After you are finished at the Bushplane Museum, take a stroll on the newly refurbished waterfront in Sault Ste Marie and look over at its US twin city.

Where to Eat – Enjoy a delicious meal at Embers Smokehouse Restaurant. It had a fabulous atmosphere offering a wide variety of smokehouse meat.

Where to stay in Sault Ste Marie:

The Days Inn – An affordable choice with jacuzzis in the rooms, excellent WiFi, and a hearty breakfast included. It has a covered parking lot too which is perfect for motorcyclists.

Day 2 – U.S. Border to Grand Marais Michigan

This route follows Lake Superior in a counterclockwise direction. After crossing the border, we stay on I75 for a short drive to highway 28 to Whitefish Point.

Whitefish Point

Whitefish Point is one of those places in Michigan that needs two days to explore. Jutting out on a long peninsula of Lake Superior we took a detour from our route to see the lighthouse museum. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is an excellent stop to learn of the maritime history of Lake Superior. It’s beautiful here and is home to the oldest operational lighthouse on Lake Superior and it’s a great spot to take in the sandy beach of Lake Superior’s South Shore.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a busy park with excellent waterfalls. One looks like a mini Niagara Falls . I could see us sticking around for a day or two for hiking, swimming and simply enjoying the scenery. There were a lot of people visiting the Falls. There are two entrances, an upper and lower falls. The upper is the larger and more beautiful of the two, but the lower had an option to take a boat or go for hikes so they are both a must-stop.

Overnight in Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a good spot to spend the night before heading on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Grand Marais bills itself as “The Gem of the Upper Peninsula” and with good reason. The beaches are spectacular. When driving along the shore of Lake Superior, one would feel as if you are in the Caribbean. (albeit the water is freezing!)

Day 3 – Pictured Rocks Michigan

Pickle Barrel Museum

While in Grand Marais, be sure to check out the Pickle Barrel House Museum. A Giant Pickle Barrel dating back to 1927 was built as a summer cottage for cartoonist William Donahey. It has been turned into a museum that is worth seeing as it’s been named in the National Register of Historic Places.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Michigan . With 100 miles of trails to explore, one could spend days camping at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It has extraordinary sandstone cliffs, sea kayaking, hiking, and other watersports, you could spend more than a day here if you wanted.

Painted Rocks Cruises – With limited time, we recommend the Painted Rocks Scenic Cruise. This is definitely the big draw of the area.

Evening – drive on to Marquette to make up some time.

Overnight in Marquette, Michigan

The Landmark Inn Marquette – We moved on a couple of hours to Marquette and stayed at this gorgeous hotel. It was an amazing heritage hotel downtown Marquette that made for a luxurious evening after a day on the bikes. It felt like a grand hotel with a European flair. Our four-post bed required a step to get into and our jacuzzi tub and fireplace were so inviting we didn’t want to leave. But there was plenty more to see, so we only had one night here.

Day 4 – Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor, Michigan

Eagle Harbor Light Station

We were up bright and early for the drive to Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Station. If you like Lighthouses, you’ll have the opportunity to see a lot of them on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Lighthouse keepers played an important role in keeping ships afloat. Lake Superior is a treacherous lake that claimed many a sailor’s life throughout history. The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Station probably has the best display of the lighthouse keepers’ quarters on the lake.

Copper Harbour

It was then on to Copper Harbor. The winding road made for a fun ride and the beautiful views helped to pass the time. Copper Harbour is a very scenic ride through winding tree-covered roads along the Keweenaw Peninsula so it is highly recommended that you take the trip out there for a night.

There are many things to pass the time in Copper Harbor from kayaking, cruises, hiking or simply walking along the beach to enjoy the sunset. When visiting Copper Harbor, it’s definitely worth taking a drive to the high lookout. Most people stop at the beautiful view near the bottom but make sure to keep driving for another 10 minutes or so. You’ll be treated to a view of a tree-covered valley with lake views on both sides as here you are sitting on a peninsula.

Where to Stay in Copper Harbour

Copper Harbor Pines. – This was very basic accommodation with non-air-conditioned cabins and very spotty wifi. We can’t recommend this place too high, but if you are on a budget, it is clean and comfortable. There are places to eat nearby. We went to a basic bar for dinner.

Day 5 – Bayfield Wisconsin

Today we leave Michigan and enter Wisconsin. We awoke early and had a very long drive so we didn’t make a lot of stops other than some scenic lookouts. Wisconsin is gorgeous, so be sure to take your time driving this route to Bayfield. And then give yourself two nights in Bayfield. Bayfield is a picturesque town on the water that one can spend a day or two relaxing in.

Maggies Restaurant Bayfield

We loved our dinner at the funky and retro Maggie’s Restaurant and a stroll through downtown is a must. There was a band playing in the gazebo on the waterfront when we arrived and the bar and restaurant overlooking the harbor was buzzing with people.

Where to Stay in Bayfield

The Bayfield Inn – It offered excellent and friendly accommodation that caters to motorcyclists. We had our own covered parking spot! The staff was courteous and helpful and the rooms were great with superb wifi and a sensational view of the harbor. This was one of the more urban centers and you can tell that it has catered to motorists, road trippers, and tourists for decades.

Day 6 – Explore Around Bayfield, Wisconsin

You are nearly halfway through your trip and this is an excellent day to stay put and take part in adventures. The top draw in this area is the Apostle Islands. Take a kayaking trip to the Apostle Islands to explore the sea caves of Lake Superior. The Sea Caves are gorgeous formations that are not to be missed.

There are sailing trips and scuba diving offered as well. But be prepared, Lake Superior is cold, and you will need to dive in a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit. If you want to stay on land, there’s golfing, hiking, shopping and dining.

Day 7 – Duluth, Minnesota

The drive from Bayfield to Duluth is a scenic ride with picturesque towns and great isolated roads. We were excited to get to Duluth early to experience a bit of the city, and it surprised us immensely.

Things to do in Duluth Minnesota

It is only an hour and a half from Bayfield to Duluth, so you have the entire day and evening to enjoy this surprising town. Duluth felt very cosmopolitan.

• Canal Park Drive is a cool area for shopping, eating, and sipping coffee and the lake walk is a gorgeous stroll along Lake Superior.
• Be sure to watch the Aerial Lift Bridge go up and down as everything from large tankers to small sailboats go in and out of the harbour to the open waters of Lake Superior.
• For an up close and personal view, dinner or drinks on the rooftop patio at Grandmas is an excellent choice.
• There’s an excellent entertainment and convention centre and since you’ve parked your car or bike for the evening, why not join a brewery tour?

Where to Stay in Duluth

 We stayed at Canal Park Lodge  which was a fine hotel on the waterfront and close to all amenities.

Day 8 – Duluth Minnesota to Thunder Bay Ontario

It’s time to head north and make our way back to Canada. Get ready for a long drive from Duluth to Thunder Bay on this day. At 334 km including a border crossing, we were on the road for quite a long time. But before we leave Minnesota, there is one more stop to take in the extraordinary scenic views.

Split Rock Lighthouse Minnesota

Driving along Highway 61, you’ll run right into the Split Rock Lighthouse. Stop in at the Visitor’s Centre for a look. If you have time, take a tour and go for a short walk in the National Forest Dating back to 1910, this is one of the most scenic lighthouses on the route as it is built on a 133-foot (41 m) sheer cliff overlooking Lake Superior. After a stop here, the rest of the day is spent driving to Thunder Bay.

Day 9 – Thunder Bay, Canada

After finishing up at the lighthouse, there isn’t a lot to see, so we drive directly to the border. Once you get to Thunder Bay though, it’s worth the drive. The 10 million dollar re-envisioned waterfront is filled with commissioned art from around the world and makes for a lovely walk to wind down.

Thunder Bay is starting to boom and the amount of restaurants and cafés popping up proves it. Speaking of the marina, it’s quite picturesque and you can take a sailing excursion out from downtown.

Terry Fox Memorial

A must-stop in Thunder Bay is the Terry Fox memorial. Terry Fox was a national hero who was a pioneer is campaigning for a cause. Long before it was “in style” he made a goal to run across Canada to help find a cure for cancer. This was in 1980 and a cancer survivor himself. He lost his leg to cancer and he ran with his artificial leg from Newfoundland to Thunder Bay.

Sadly, during his run, the cancer came back. He died a short while later, but his spirit lives on in all of us and we are inspired by his sacrifice to make a difference.

There is no charge to visit the Terry Fox Memorial. T he Fox family agreed to allow a monument only if nothing was sold and no admission fee was required. This is a monument that truly embodies the spirit of Canada.

• Watch: One Week, A motorcycle movie that traces much of this route

Where to Stay in Thunder Bay

McVicar Bed and Breakfast – There’s no doubt about it, this is the place to stay in Thunder Bay. It is run by a lovely couple who have put a lot of thought and care into their B&B. It’s luxurious, comfortable, and relaxing. Our room was grand with a fireplace, jacuzzi, and sitting area.

Day 10 – Terrace Bay

Kakabeka Falls

It’s a leisurely day today so enjoy a coffee and hearty breakfast in Thunder Bay. Before leaving the city, it’s a great idea to make a short detour to Kakabeka Falls. Those unexpected falls are a massive set of waterfalls dropping 130 feet (40 meters.) They are known as the Niagara Falls of the North. Located just 25 minutes from Thunderbay, they are a must-stop on any Lake Superior circle tour trip. It’s easy access to view them from the boardwalk.

Terrace Bay is the launching point for the Slate Islands. We had been here before when on a kayaking trip to see the Woodland Caribou that reside here. This is a good town to stop for a rest after Thunder Bay.

Where to Stay in Terrace Bay

The Drifters Motel – We were surprised with the accommodation in Terrace Bay at the Drifters Motel. The rooms were decorated with rustic elegance and the Internet was the best we had on the entire trip! The adjoining restaurant was quite good too.

Day 11 – White River, Ontario

We didn’t stay in White River during this trip, but if you want to split up the drive between Wawa, this is a good option. Or if you want to skip Terrace Bay, you can drive directly to White River instead. White River is a four-corner town famous for Winnie the Pooh. Even though it is small, it is one of the most iconic places to visit in Canada for a historical reference. Those beloved children’s books and Disney cartoons wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for White River.

Story of Winnie the Pooh

The story of Winnie the Pooh is a bit of a morbid story but it was a sign of the times. Remember, this all happened in 1914.

“A hunter shot a bear cub’s mother and brought the cub back to town to keep as a pet (as many people did in those days). A soldier who was on his way to Europe to fight in World War I stopped in White River on the train and bought the bear cub from the hunter for $20. He brought the bear with him to Europe where it stayed in the barracks with all the soldiers.

It became their platoon’s mascot. When they were shipped off to France to fight, the soldier gave the bear to a zoo in England and that is where the bear lived out its life. Writer A.A. Milne frequented the zoo and his son Christopher Robin liked the bear giving it the nickname Pooh. Thus Winnie the Pooh was born.” Kind of sad right?

Where to Stay in White River

The White River motel – While we didn’t stay here during our motorcycle trip around Lake Superior, we have stayed in White River in the past and this motel is a basic hotel that is clean, quiet, and comfortable. It’s a good place to stay before having to catch an early morning flight to a fly-in fishing lodge in the area as well.

Day 12 – Wawa, Ontario

Wawa is a fun little town known for its giant Canada Goose located high on a hill overlooking the Trans Canada Highway. There’s a good visitors center and scenic lookout here and it’s worth stopping at Young’s Family Store for fudge, ice cream, and a quick fill-up. The original goose statue is located here as well.

Where to Stay in Wawa

Best Northern Motel  – This is an excellent choice for accommodation that caters nicely to motorcyclists. They put towels on our bike seats in the morning to soak up the dew! They have an elegant restaurant, and the rooms are sophisticated and stylish. Set a bit off the highway, surrounded by forest, it’s a perfect night to relax.

Take Your Time Driving from Wawa to the Soo

There are several scenic stops along the route this day through the area known as Algoma Country . (where Lake Superior and Lake Huron meet!) Take your time and make sure to pull off at every single one of them. Once you drive it you’ll understand why. Giant sea cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and meandering rolling roads make for a drive you will never forget! It’s a stunning drive and known as one of the Top 10 in Canada.

Petroglyphs

One of the best stops we took on the entire trip was a stop at the petroglyphs (pictographs) in Lake Superior Provincial Park. You’ll see a sign for pictographs on the highway. Not only were there ancient petroglyphs painted on the side of giant cliffs, but there was also a beautiful trail and scenery. It was the most beautiful scene we saw on Lake Superior. The walk is scenic and there’s a spectacular gorge with a giant rock wedged in at the top to see. But the big views are the giant cliffs with the painted rocks.

Day 13 – Batchawana Bay, Ontario

Our next stop took us to Batchawana Bay, located about an hour outside of Sault Ste Marie where it all began. Batchawana Bay feels like one of those places that were thriving in the ’70s or ’80s. I have a feeling many locals from “The Soo” (nickname for Sault Ste Marie) came out here to enjoy the beach back in the day. As the Northern towns begin to have their renaissance, I feel that this will pick up again soon.

Where to Stay

The Lakeshore Salzberghoff Resort was a great place to stay. The rooms have a retro feel. There are tennis courts, shuffleboard, and an excellent German restaurant serving many types of schnitzel and sausage and other German food . We highly recommend eating here.

Day 13 – Sault Ste. Marie

Which takes us back to where it all began and the end of our journey. After a last look at the Soo Locks where we tried our hand at flyfishing. Hemingway called this one of the greatest places in the world for fly fishing. After a final night, we started the journey back to Toronto.

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of those epic drives that must be done at least once in your life if you ride a motorcycle. You can go as fast or as slow as you like.

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MotorSoul Driving School runs motorcycle training courses for all skill levels all summer long. All motorcycle gear is provided by Parts Canada – the national distributor of aftermarket parts and accessories for the Canadian power sports industry. They are exclusive to many brands including our HJC helmets and Alpinestars boots, pants, jackets, and gloves. Find out more about planning your Lake Superior Ride  at RideLakeSuperior.com Motorcycles courtesy of  Honda Canada

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29 thoughts on “Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary”

Dave & Debra, what a great read/trip!

This Circle Tour has been on my bucket for a few years. I thought we’d wait till my husband retired, he retired and covid showed up and shut life down.

You didn’t mention if COVID was a issue anywhere and you didn’t mention crossing the border being a issue. Were passports required?

I’d love to plan a September trip, 7-9 days just for the Circle Tour. We’d like to drive to Minnesota and start the Circle Tour in Duluth so we can end up where we started. You can’t be in Duluth and not stay for a few days to enjoy cold brews & Minnesota wild rice burgers from Fitgers.

I’m just trying to get info on covid travel outside of our countries.

Thanks! Janice B.

You forgot the northern lights inn near Wawa, nothing fancy but they make you feel like you stopped in for a night at your grandma’s!

Looks great I want to do the Lake Superior Circle Tour July or August can you help

Would anyone know where to find information on camping on circle tour

Its so awesome .Nice article. Terrace Bay is a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this…

My husband and I did this on our motorcycles in August 2016. Took one week and saw every site mentioned here. It was an amazing trip and I am itching to do it again. Maybe next summer. Fingers crossed.

Hi Kat, that’s was amazing trip and great itinerary guide, it’ will be awesome if you show us more the videos of the trip, thanks for sharing

Do you prefer cars or bikes?

The ride between Duluth and Thunder Bay is excellent. Can’t see how you missed this. I do it every year.

Lake Superior looks amazing! We are avid motorcycle travellers and love finding out about new places to check out. Thanks guys!

Hello, My wife and I both have long haul Harley’s and are going this route in August 2018. Your journal left us with few questions as it was superbly written and we appreciate the effort. We do wonder about bugs though. Many of our cross country trips have placed us in some dreadful swarms near water. Any info on that issue on the loop? I am sure there are some no brainer answers here but am still curious in anticipation. We have experienced the Northern Minnesota bugs so we are not anticipating a no bug trip. Thank you, Ken

Hi Ken, have a great trip! We didn’t have problems with bugs. We actually have commented on this recently. Where have all the bugs gone? We used to have bugs on our windshields all the time and the past few summers have seen no bugs. That’s not to say they won’t be there. I guess it always depends on winters. I know it was a really harsh winter the year we did our trip and bugs weren’t an issue. From remembering how summers go in the North, Spring and early Summer are big for mosquitoes and black flies. (May – June) they die off by July and August. Horse Flies and Deer flies take over in July/Auguest, but I didn’t notice them at all. Hope that helps! Enjoy your tri!

Nice article. Terrace Bay is a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this…

We are planning our tour September 24th taking two weeks starting at Saul ste Marie. Any must sees along the route? We are traveling in a fifth wheel. Thank you

Have an amazing time. You are going to love it!

Great experience of Lake Superior. LOved it

In your coments you say there is not much to do or see between Duluth and Thunderbay ont You didnt do your homework there are many falls and State Parks Gooseberry, Splitrock Lighthouse Tettagouch, many awsome overlooks historic towns likTwo Harbors Silver bay And Grand Marais this stretch i has alot to offer sounds like you missed one of the best parts I live in Duluth and never miss a couple rides a season to Grand Marais for Sven and Oles Pizza

wow! these places are superb,, thnx fr sharing.

Too bad you skipped by Nipigon, home of the new “Paddle to the Sea” Park, newly renovated downtown and the building of the only four lane suspension bridge in Ontario. Nipigon is on the move in Tourism and welcomes all visitors.

We definitely have to come back! So much to see around Lake Superior.

that sounds like a great trip.. and maybe, we’ll get over there to do it one day.. pleased to see that the motorbike training has been put to good use. And, we (and likely others) would appreciate some more info about the bikes you are riding. We’ve never seen those models in NZ.

Thanks for the heads up Vincent. I’ll be sure to write about the bikes in a later post. These were Honda motorcycles NC 750X and CTX 700. The NC750x was a great adventure bike that works for multiple terrains, the CTX 700 is a great starter bike for cruisers. Cheers!

We just did the Lake Michigan Circle Tour last month, however we went along the shores of Lake Superior when in the U.P. It was so beautiful up there. We spent a week camping around the lake. Such a great experience!

Glad you had a great time! What fun to camp around Lake Superior. Did you do it on Motorcycle as well?

No, we were in the car. We would have had to have greatly trimmed our packing list if we were on motorcycles.

This has been on my list for a long time, I really want to bike the loop around the lake. I’m from Duluth and it’s cool to see you travel through my hometown. As always, thanks for sharing your adventures and safe travels!

Hi Kat, if you are from Duluth, you definitely have to give this trip a try. You’re right on it! What a great city you live in. We were extremely surprised and delighted with it. Love the waterfront and the funky downtown. Cheers!

I love these photos and really appreciate the fact that you two take time to write such extensive posts. I’d love to visit Batchawana Bay

Thanks Ani. Yes, we thought we’d give a clear picture of what it is like to drive around Lake Superior. There is so much more to see and do, but this is how we experienced it and it was fantastic.

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Lake Superior Circle Tour Trip Planner

The Lake Superior Circle Tour Trip Planner is the perfect tool for planning your trip around Lake Superior. By creating an account you can use the Online Map , or the Lake Superior Circle Tour Mobile App , to search for things to do and see all around Lake Superior. Each location has an “Add to Trip” button. Once you add locations to Your Trip you can adjust the order of them, select your starting point, and select whether you plan on completing the tour Clockwise or Counter Clockwise . Your account can be accessed either through the Lake Superior Circle Tour Website or the Lake Superior Circle Tour Mobile App . Any changes you make to your trip from the website or the app will update the other. By utilizing the Mobile App you can bring your trip with you and receive notifications, as you travel, of upcoming locations that you added to your trip. You can also download your trip into a pdf file, print it, download the GPX files, and even plug your trip into Google Maps all from the Your Trip Page . This online trip planner, in conjunction with the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide , will make planning a trip around Lake Superior fun and easy. For tips and tricks on using the Lake Superior Circle Tour Trip Planner, on both your computer or on the mobile application, keep reading below…

How to use the Lake Superior Circle Tour Trip Planner

Create Account – You will need to provide a working email address as well as your first and last name to register an account.

Use the Online Map – Search through the online Lake Superior Circle Tour Map for locations that you are interested in. To move around the map using a desktop computer simply click and drag. You can also zoom in and out on the map by using the plus and minus symbols in the bottom right of the map or by using your mouse wheel while holding down the “ctrl” key on your keyboard. While on a mobile device use two fingers on the map to move around it. To zoom in and out on mobile utilize two fingers in a pinching motion.

Filter Map Locations – Use the filter on the Lake Superior Circle Tour Map to filter through locations that are of interest to you. The accessibility filters are especially helpful as you can use such filters as Motorcycle Friendly, RV Friendly, Pet Friendly, Roadside, and much more. Remember you can select multiple filters at once.

Remember that while using the map you can close the filters by pressing the X. You can also reset your selections at any time by pressing “Reset”.

Add to Trip – Add locations to your trip from the Online Map by clicking the “Add to Trip” button. You can add locations to your trip directly from the map or from individual location pages (accessed by selecting “Read More” on the map).

Because you can create multiple trips, the first time to add a location, you will be prompted to “Create New Trip”. You can name your trip, select a date, and also add notes to it.

View Your Trip – Once you have selected items to add to your trip you can View Your Trip as a whole. When you first select view trip you will see a screen that lists the details of each itinerary in your trip planner – including trips that other users have shared with you. To the right of your trips you will be shown multiple trip suggestions from the website such as Lake Superior Lighthouses and Lake Superior Waterfalls !

Now simply click on the trip that you would like to see in more detail. Once you can see your itinerary in detail there are multiple ways to organize your locations. To make planning easier you can view your trip by region. You can select between all (showing all locations, Michigan , Wisconsin , Minnesota , Ontario’s Superior Country , and Ontario’s Algoma Country !

From each region you can select your starting location and the website automatically adjusts your itinerary. You can manually adjust your itinerary by clicking on a destination in your list and dragging and dropping it.

Now that your trip has been built you can save it as a pdf, Print it, download GPX files or even import it into Google by selecting “Get Directions”. To save as a pdf click the print icon and select “Save to PDF” as your printer destination.

Step Seven – Share your Trip

Now that you have used the Lake Superior Circle Tour Trip Planner to build your trip you can share it with your family and friends! To do this simply click the share icon from your Trip Page . Then type in the email address of the person you would like to share your trip with. An email will be sent to them with a link to your trip! This is great if you plan on traveling with a group!

Well there you have it. That is everything you need to know to start planning your very own journey around Lake Superior. Remember to order your Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide to be truly prepared. If you’re looking to have some extra fun check out our Lake Superior Circle Tour Travel Games like Stamp Collecting , the Ale Trail , Java Journey , and Lake Superior Circle Tour Bingo !

Still unsure about the tour? Order the Guide!

Circle Trips

Go there and back again.

Canada is best explored by train. With so many routes throughout Canada we recommend turning your adventure into a circle trip. Ask your Canadian Insider how to combine train routes to discover more scenic regions, experience different train styles, and return to your starting city.

Go full circle

Begin and and end your journey in the same city by looping one of our sample itineraries. Personalize your journey to meet your needs.

Check two items off your bucketlist

Personalize your Canadian Rockies journey to include both the Rocky Mountaineer daylight service as well as VIA Rail’s sleeper train service by doing a circle route from Vancouver.

See it all on different routes

If you are finding it hard to pick which train route to take through the Rockies why not do them all? Combine multiple routes to create a circle trip through the Rockies.

Round the bend on a roadtrip

Find out how to turn your dream road trip into a perfect loop.

Plan your trip with a Canadian Insider

You know that friendly character you met in the local café who told you to visit that well-kept regional secret which turned out to be the best part of your holiday? That's us.

Have everything organized for you

By this stage, you're already having dreams about mountains, moose and maple trees. We combine your personal preferences with our insider knowledge to save you hours of pointless internet trawling.

Get help when you need it

You’ll receive the inside scoop before you even leave home. And you can relax during your vacation because we’re only a phone call away if you have any questions while you’re in Canada.

Most Popular Trips

3 Reasons To Book Your 2022 Canadian Vacation Now

Despite our best intentions to travel well and widely in 2020, many of us shelved our plans to explore new destinations, left suitcases in the closet, and lived vicariously through virtual tours from the safety of our living rooms.

After more than a year, and with the vaccine rollout picking up momentum, we’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, eagerly anticipating hugs, gatherings, and much-needed vacations. With a pent-up demand for travel, you won’t want to miss out on your dream vacation for another year, so here are three great reasons to book your 2022 Canadian trip now.

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Hop on the Arctic Circle Express Train

Slow travel is back in fashion.

May - September

Best suited for

Fans of trains and green travel

We invite you to take your seat on an epic rail journey through tranquil landscapes peppered with majestic mountains, fjords and waterfalls. Alight at select spots to inspect nature at closer quarters – on foot, by boat or even in a kayak. See the best cultural highlights, eat local food, and cross the Arctic Circle to enjoy never-ending summer nights under the midnight sun!

Impact Statement

This slow travel journey through Norway's diverse landscapes offers perfectly good reasoning for why the Norwegian State Railways (NSB) decided to rebrand their operations in 2019 to Vy; a Scandinavian word meaning outlook or vision. In combination with public passenger ferries, this is a greener travel choice that focuses on UN SDG 13.3 ' Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning' . Perhaps you will return with a new vision as well?

Your itinerary

Itineraries are designed by our travel curators in collaboration with our partners to give you the most rewarding experience possible. Please note that itineraries can be tailored to your specific wishes when you make an inquiry.

Welcome to Oslo

Your Arctic Circle rail-adventure gets underway in Oslo

This incredible rail voyage departs from Oslo. Our capital is without doubt worth a night or two of exploration before your train journey commences. Easy access to the fjord and surrounding forests allows the people of Oslo to indulge in a wide range of favourite activities all year round. We will book you in one of our city centre located hotels with easy access to the train station.

First stop Finse

The Bergen Railway

The Oslo - Bergen Railway to Myrdal has the distinction of being the highest major rail route in Northern Europe. You will pass through desolate mountain terrain and see snow-covered peaks even in mid summer.

Your first night will be spent at the highest point along the Bergen Railway, 1222 metres above sea level at the historic hotel Finse 1222, overlooking the stunning Hardangerjøkulen glacier. This hotel sits in the midst of one of Norway’s most scenic and beautiful mountain regions and is only reachable by train, bicycle, or foot.

The hotel itself, while steeped in history, has (as of summer 2021) refurbished under the auspices of the famous architecture firm, Snøhetta , who have strived to create a balance between tasteful modern furniture and its elegant history.

Alternatively, if you want to take your pace a little slower, we can arrange for 2 nights at a charming eco-lodge in Aurland where you can dive a little deeper into the region, exploring on foot or via row boat.

The Flåm Railway

Europe's Steepest Railway

The Flåm Railway is Europe’s steepest railway line, dropping 862 metres (2831 ft) down to the fjord below. Lonely Planet Traveller awarded the journey from Myrdal to Flåm one of the "best train journeys in the world", and it won't take you long to see why.

After arriving at the bottom, a fjord cruise along the majestic (and UNESCO protected) Nærøyfjord awaits. It's a truly out of this world experience: cruising through a fjord with mountains towering more than a thousand metres above your head.

We invite you to spend the next two nights in one of our favourite boutique hotels; either near the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf or within the wharf itself. Dinner tonight is served at Restaurant 1877, situated just a stone’s throw away in a former meat market dating from, yes, you’ve guessed it, 1877.

...and embark on a sea voyage

Explore Bergen

Your agenda for today is exploring the Hanseatic city and whilst there’s undoubtedly plenty to do, we will help you make the most of the day regardless of your interests. Peruse the aforementioned allies of Bryggen Wharf and their charming craft shops and take the Fløibanen to the top of the mountain for panoramic views out of the city. Other ways to spend the day might include visiting Troldhaugen - the home of famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and viewing the art at the KODE galleries. We will help you make a plan based on what interests you the most.

From Bergen, the journey continues late in the evening aboard Hurtigruten or Havila, often described as the world's most beautiful sea voyage. Sleep through the night in your cabin, while the ferry slips north at a comfortable pace.

...and enjoy a day cruise to Geirangerfjord

Wake up in Art Nouveau City Ålesund

Start your day with the most amazing view as you wake up on board your coastal voyage ship. Enjoy breakfast before you meander your boat down one of the famous fjords; Geirangerfjorden or Hjørundfjorden. These really are front-row seats to epic nature!

The evening will see you docking back in Ålesund - also known as the Venice of the North, just in time for dinner. The city, which is perched across 7 islands, was built in art-nouveau style at the turn of the 20th century giving Ålesund a truly unique and distinct appearance. Your home for the next two nights is a boutique hotel that sits on the edge of one of these waterways and boasts a rather magnificent fireplace.

We will book you in for a sharing menu at Apotekergata 5. The restaurant is a firm favourite among the Up Norway team.

Ålesund & Beyond

The course of the day today will be decided based on your interests - we can truly recommend a leisurely hike to Alnes lighthouse and Godøya with one of our favourite nature guides. Godøya is an island outside of Ålesund famous for its beautiful nature and mountain Storhornet, offering a fantastic 360° panorama view of Ålesund and the Atlantic Ocean.

Alternatively, spend the day at sea level exploring Ålesund via kayak along the waterways that divide the islands. The adventure will take you to various points in the city where you may uncover some of the dark history that lies behind its colourful facade.

From Ålesund via Åndalsnes to Trondheim

The Rauma Railway

After travelling like a local to the town of Åndalsnes another wonderful rail adventure is on the agenda. The Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Dombås is known as one of Norway’s wildest and most beautiful train rides. Shoot through the beautiful Romsdalen with iconic natural attractions such as 'Trollveggen' (the Troll Wall), Europe's tallest vertical cliff. Cross the old granite 'Kyllingbru' (Chicken Bridge), Norway's most photographed bridge and an architectural gem. It took ten years to build it using granite quarried from the nearby mountains. The whole trip lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Switch trains in Dombås and continue on another two hours to the pilgrims' city of Trondheim. Overnight at Britannia Hotel - a regal hotel dating all the way back to 1870 - the hotel had a grand reopening in 2019 after being restored to the glories and elegance of its origins. Dine in style at the brasserie and take your first steps into uncovering why Trondheim is famous the world over for excellent restaurants and cuisine.

City exploration and excellent local food

Pilgrims' City: Trondheim

Start the day with a stroll in the picturesque old town with its colourful wooden houses, cafes and small shops. While in the city, don't miss the chance to visit the largest medieval cathedral in the North, Nidarosdomen, which has been a pilgrimage site for nearly 1000 years.

Surrounded by countless large- and small-scale food producers, Trondheim is the city in Norway with the strongest focus on local food. The city is scattered with high-quality restaurants, and we'll be sure to give you our top recommendations.

The Polar Express

Nordland Railway & Arctic Pasture to Table

The Nordland Railway is known as "The Polar Express", as it crosses the Arctic Circle on its journey to Bodø. You will hurtle through stunning landscapes, passing more than 40 stations, crossing 290 bridges and plunging into 150 tunnels on your way to Bodø.

Upon arrival at Mo i Rana you will make a detour to Utskarpen where Chef superteam Elise and Marius will introduce you to a perfect example of ruralization gone right. The duo exchanged their previous lives as world-class chefs and managers of the Oslo Culinary Institute to create their own vision here; on a perfectly blurred line between mountain and coast, with views down the Ranfjord.

Their Pasture to table concept is simple: use the best raw products, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients that are handled with supreme care and attention all the way from the chopping board to your plate. The charming restaurant and hotel provide a stunning backdrop for a feast of locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.

When you're here there is no need to rush. Spend a leisurely day relaxing by the fjord, go for a hike, a boat trip or maybe visit Elise's sister who runs the neighbouring farm and can introduce you to modern farming in Arctic territory.

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Last stop Bodø or continue to Lofoten and Narvik to venture on Ofotbanen - The Arctic Railway!

After breakfast, head back to Mo i Rana and board the Nordland Railway again to Bodø. Crossing the Arctic Circle is a highlight. Enter the Arctic zone in sustainable fashion, and recharge with Nordic energy from the midnight sun.

Step off the train for the last time for now. Check in to your hotel in the city centre, and discover Bodø's street art and vibrant emerging restaurant scene. Be brave – try the local specialty, dried fish at one of our favourite restaurants.

For those of you who still have the taste for adventure, you may step aboard a RIB-boat and witness the world’s strongest whirlpools, Saltstraumen. Experience the swirling maelstrøm up close as you slip safely into the vortex to witness nature’s raw power.

Feel like extending your Arctic train journey?

For true rail enthusiasts, this itinerary may be extended to a 15-night rail-centric experience by including a stint on the legendary Ofoten Railway. Referred to as the Arctic Train, this railway line traverses Norway's stunning fjords and mountains through a rugged and untamed landscape from Narvik towards Sweden. The history of this remarkable railway is intertwined with the area’s Second World War history, lending an equally dramatic backdrop to the scenic ride.

The 15-day itinerary option takes travellers by ferry from Bodø to the Lofoten Islands on day 11 and offers a curated Lofoten experience with one of our favourite 'rorbu' lodges as a base for exploring the majestic nature and rich local culture. The Lofoten Express Bus takes travellers on Scenic Route Lofoten as you progress towards Narvik, where a private guided tour of the War Museum offers insight into the events during the Second World War that shaped the area. The Narvikfjellet Cable Car provides panoramic views of the city and its surrounding fjords and mountains. The standout highlight of the extended itinerary is the chance to experience the third railway in the trio of Norway's most spectacular railways: Flåm, Rauma and Ofotbanen.

Personalize and book the Hop on the Arctic Circle Express Train journey

Personalized itinerary

This journey has been curated to take you on an epic rail journey through tranquil landscapes peppered with majestic mountains, fjords and waterfalls. It can be booked as proposed or further personalized to you.

Worry-free booking

With our flexible terms , we hope to provide you with all the certainty and adaptibility you need when booking a well-deseved escape.

Read more about our pricing here.

Featured in

"This Train Trip Takes You Through the Arctic Circle Under the Midnight Sun."

"Alight at select spots to inspect nature at closer quarters — on foot, by boat, or even in a kayak. See the best cultural highlights, eat local food, and cross the Arctic Circle to enjoy never-ending summer nights under the midnight sun!"

Want a journey fully tailored to you?

Our travel curators create bespoke itineraries based on your wishes.

Torunn Tronsvang

Explore some of our other journeys

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June - September

Far Out in Svalbard

Our sustainability policy.

If sustainability is different in the Nordics than the rest of the world, it’s because the Nordic lifestyle is in harmony with nature. How do we do it? We’d like to show you.

For every sold Up Norway journey, we invest NOK 70 per person i forestry projects through Chooose . However, it all starts with the choices we make on behalf our guests: choice of transportation between destinations, encouragement to spend more time in each destination, and choice of quality assured partners with documentet sustainable practises.

Our guests find their destinations have always been tried and tested by our extended and discerning team. We also join collaborative initiatives with partners to drive sustainability, such as our 2020-project to create Norway’s Most Sustainable Journey .

It should go without saying that our guests’ safety and well-being is paramount. Our partners are expected to adhere to comprehensive guidelines for the health of their staff, and the cleaning and maintenance of their facilities and equipment. Our partner agreements ensure that no unlawful financial or employment practices are engaged or used.

The UN Sustainability goal we hold closest to heart is 11.4 : Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Through the experiences we co-create with our partners, we strive to keep our cultural heritage alive.

Read our full sustainability policy here

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Outside The Circle Travel

Introducing Outside the Circle Travel

Pack your bags and unleash your wanderlust with Outside the Circle Travel, run by husband-and-wife team, April and John. Their travel story is interwoven with adventure, as they’ve trekked through mountains, bargained in bustling markets, and marveled at ancient wonders. Now, they share their passion for travel through curated itineraries and captivating stories, inspiring you to embark on your own unforgettable journey.

World Wide Escorted Tours

Experience the world with ease and expert guidance on an escorted tour. Our tours take care of everything from accommodation and transportation to sightseeing and cultural activities, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

River Boat Cruises

Unwind on a luxurious river cruise, gliding along scenic waterways and charming towns. Explore historic sites, indulge in onboard dining, and soak up breathtaking landscapes at your own pace.

Small Ship Ocean Cruises

Escape the crowds and discover hidden gems on a small ship ocean cruise. Navigate into intimate harbors, enjoy personalized service, and forge deeper connections with destinations and fellow travelers.

Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime

Traveling to Iceland? Take relaxing dip in Blue Lagoon, explore ice caves and more to do on your trip

O n a trip to Iceland , you'll have no shortage of breathtaking scenery around you and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to take part in. 

Iceland is one of the best spots in the world to see the northern lights, a bucket list item for many. It's also home to multiple relaxing geothermic pools and unique black sand beaches.

If you have a trip to Iceland in the works, check out this travel guide for places to stop on your vacation .

GREECE TRAVEL GUIDE: POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS FROM ATHENS TO THE ISLANDS

• Take a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon
• Explore the Snæfellsjökull Glacier
• Be in awe of Iceland's black sand beaches
• Visit Europe's largest glacier
• Go to Vatnajökull National Park
• Take a Golden Circle tour
• Enjoy Reykjavík's nightlife
• Stop by Skogafoss waterfall
• See the northern lights

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's many geothermal spas and its most popular. The Blue Lagoon is located very closely to Keflavik International Airport, making it the perfect stop at the beginning or the end of your getaway.

A dip in the Blue Lagoon is sure to provide you with relaxation and breathtaking views.

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Western Iceland is where you can find Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the beautiful glacier.

Snæfellsjökull was declared a national park in 2001 and is only one of three national parks in the country .

Snæfellsjökull is described in Jules Verne's famous novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

There are several black sand beaches in Iceland that are truly a sight unlike any other.

A GUIDE TO SIGHTSEEING IN ITALY: A ROMAN ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU 

One of these is Reynisfjara, a black sand beach good for seeing but not for swimming because of the cold water and strong currents that make it dangerous.

You can also see the sparkle of Diamond Beach while in Iceland. This black sand beach is full of diamond resembling ice, making the water shimmer and shine. 

Again, Diamond Beach is another beautiful landmark, but avoid swimming in this water, mainly because of the icebergs that can cause injury. 

Vatnajokull glacier is Europe's largest. You can explore the glacier on foot or rent a snowmobile to see more in a short time. 

There are so many breathtaking ice caves to explore throughout the glacier.

Vatnajokull may look familiar to you, even if you haven't visited Iceland before, as it was featured in the HBO series "Game of Thrones" and two "James Bond" films.

Vatnajökull National Park is where you can find Skaftafell nature reserve. Skaftafell nature reserve has been a part of Vatnajökull National Park since 2008. Glacier lagoons, black sand and mesmerizing rock formations can all be found here.

EXPLORING THAILAND'S TAPESTRY OF TRADITION, ADVENTURE, TIMELESS BEAUTY

It is just about 45 minutes from Diamond Beach. 

Taking a Golden Circle tour is a must-do activity on a trip to Iceland. The Golden Circle is a scenic route where you'll be able to see Iceland in all its beauty.

How much time you carve out for this depends on how long you want to spend at each stop. You can easily spend days exploring this area, or you can rent a car and spend a few hours driving around. 

There are three main stops part of the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. 

Reykjavík is filled with bars and restaurants , making the city a great spot for thriving nightlife at the end of a busy day exploring. 

While here, you can also visit Hallgrimskirkja Church and stop by one of the many local swimming pools throughout the city. 

AUSTRALIA TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT THE LAND DOWN UNDER

Skogafoss waterfall is a breathtaking beauty you will not want to miss when traveling to Iceland. 

Get your cameras ready for this stop, because you'll want to snap a picture of you in front of the enormous waterfall. It's not a bad idea to pack a pair of waterproof shoes on your visit. 

You don't need to carve out too much time for this, 30 to 45 minutes will do. Rainbows are very common here, so keep your eye out for that, too. 

While in Iceland, you'll most likely be able to cross "see the northern lights" off your bucket list.

Making a plan to see the colorful lights in the sky is a little tricky, since their occurrence is not super predictable. That said, visiting between September and April, when the nights are long and dark, will give you the best possibility of seeing the aurora borealis.

Original article source: Traveling to Iceland? Take relaxing dip in Blue Lagoon, explore ice caves and more to do on your trip

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Distance between Los Angeles and Moscow

Flying non-stop from los angeles to moscow.

How far is Moscow from Los Angeles? Here's the quick answer if you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line.

Flight distance: 6,085 miles or 9793 km

Flight time: 12 hours, 40 minutes

Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

This is a fairly long flight, so unless you have a Gulfstream G650 or your own Boeing or Airbus, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

Los Angeles to Moscow airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Arrival airport: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 36 minutes

Getting to your destination: 51 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from LAX to SVO on Delta Air Lines and figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway.

Commercial flight time: 12 hours, 40 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Los Angeles to Moscow including time spent getting to/from the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself.

Total travel time: 16 hours

Plan a trip to Moscow

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Moscow, Russia. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Moscow . A great place to eat might be Pushkin Cafe . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Moscow like The Moscow Kremlin . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Moscow like Best Russian cuisine restaurants in Moscow . Click the button below to explore Moscow in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Moscow to Los Angeles , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know Los Angeles, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Los Angeles!

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New tourism campaigns launch to stimulate meaningful travel demand in Hawaiʻi

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has launched new targeted campaigns as part of its global marketing and visitor education efforts. The purpose of these initiatives is to reinvigorate responsible travel demand from key markets around the world to the Hawaiian Islands.

“We are being more assertive in our messaging strategy with inspiring campaigns that spotlight Hawai‘i’s people, culture and experiences unlike anywhere else in the world,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA board chair. “We need to ensure that the Hawaiian Islands stay top-of-mind among travelers amidst the competitive global market, especially as we head into the summer and fall.”

“ The People. The Place. The Hawaiian Islands. ” uplifts Hawai‘i’s musicians, lei makers, chefs, farmers, culturalists, fashion designers, and others in their sectors that rely on a vibrant visitor industry.

Some of the individuals who will be featured in the campaign in the coming months include Chef Kyle Kawakami of Maui Fresh Streatery; Meleana Estes, Creative Director and Author of “Lei Aloha” ;  and Kainani Kahaunaele, musician and educator; with others to follow.

“The People. The Place. The Hawaiian Islands.” is aimed at the Hawai‘i target traveler, defined as those who are eco-conscious, mindful of safety precautions, interested in learning about the culture of the places that they visit, and want to protect the Islands’ natural resources. The campaign will be deployed in the continental US first through an integrated marketing effort leveraging earned, digital, social media, and travel trade education. While this campaign will have a heavier emphasis on supporting Maui, it will also build on each island brand and will be utilized by HTA’s global marketing teams in their respective markets and Hawai‘i partners worldwide.

“The People. The Place. The Hawaiian Islands.” will be live in-market mid-May.

In Japan, the  “Beautiful Hawai‘i”  and  “Yappari Hawai‘i (“It’s Gotta be Hawai‘i”)  campaigns are already underway with an integrated mix of digital and TV advertising, social media, earned media, partnerships and trade education to drive bookings.

“Beautiful Hawai‘i” shares the characteristics and key experiences within the Hawaiian Islands to inspire visitors from Japan to return, emphasizing the notion that “travel can make the world beautiful.”

“Yappari Hawai‘i (It’s Gotta be Hawai‘i)” has generated more than 61 million impressions to date, including on taxi and bus signage, social media, and digital banners on Yahoo! Japan and Google. In addition, HTJ garnered participation from 22 industry partners with special offers as a part of the campaign.

“Redeveloping our higher-spending international markets, including Japan, is key to balancing our visitor mix throughout the state,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “The campaigns promote regenerative tourism by encouraging visitors to support our local businesses and enjoy a range of experiences that are accessible to them, while strengthening The Hawaiian Islands’ brand and travelers’ perceptions about Hawai‘i. These campaigns build upon the concept of educating visitors to mālama — care for Hawai‘i — which remains at the core of our efforts.”

According to industry-standard research by SMARInsights commissioned by HTA, every dollar spent on strategic, paid placement of campaigns in the US and Japan in 2023 resulted in $399 of visitor spending and $31 of state tax collections.

Development and deployment of the new campaigns are under HTA’s management through its global marketing teams: Hawaiʻi Tourism United States and Hawaiʻi Tourism Japan.

The new campaigns mark the evolution in visitor education messaging focused on sharing the stories of Hawai‘i’s people, cultures and customs. In 2019 with “Hawai‘i Rooted,” HTA and its global marketing teams educated visitors prior to their arrival, while the “Kuleana” travel tips video series educated travelers on-island about how to visit safely and responsibly. In 2021, in the wake of the global pandemic, “Mālama Hawai‘i” was launched, inspiring visitors to take part in caring for the Islands and the community. 

Following the August 2023 wildfires on Maui, “Mālama Maui” encouraged travelers to return with respect and compassion. For tourism to best support the post-wildfires recovery, “Mākaukau Maui” launched to support residents who were ready to return to work by assuring visitors that Maui is ready to welcome visitors.

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