Where can you see the northern lights in the U.S.? The answer might surprise you.

You don’t need a passport to catch one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Normally, you’d have to head north to destinations like Norway, Finland, and Iceland in hopes of catching a glimpse of the northern lights, and while all of these destinations are well worth traveling to, there are a few less-expected spots right here in the United States where you can see the spectacular celestial show.

High solar activity is essential to seeing the lights, particularly in the U.S. When the sun emits superheated plasma, otherwise known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), it can trigger a massive “geomagnetic storm,” which causes the Earth’s auroras to ramp up. However, solar weather is hard to predict, so you’ll need to be prepared (and have a little resiliency) for your best chance at an aurora light show. Use digital tools like NOAA’s forecast tool and Night Sky Alerts to keep track of solar activity and be alerted to the best times to catch the northern lights in your area.

Locations in higher latitudes (which are closer to what’s known as the “Aurora Oval,” or the area with the strongest geomagnetic activity) are ideal for spotting the aurora borealis, so the phenomenon can be seen in the northern United States if the conditions are right. Longer, darker nights (like around a new moon) and clear skies are best. You’ll also want to be aware of when the equinoxes occur (in September and March) because solar activity tends to be high around these times due to the Earth’s tilt in relation to the sun.

With that in mind, here are eight of the best places to spot the northern lights in the U.S.

1. Idaho

When geomagnetic storms are big enough, the northern lights can be visible as far south as northern Idaho. Head to sites like Priest Lake and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.

2. Minnesota

The northern lights can be seen in parts of the Midwest, like northern Minnesota, when the conditions are just right. Cook County is actually one of the best places to spot the phenomenon in the lower 48 states.

Not only will there need to be a massive solar storm, but you will also need to be in an area that is dark and free of light pollution. When a solar storm happens, make your way out of the city and into a dark area. Park yourself beneath the stars and wait for the show to (hopefully) begin.

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has an advantage when it comes to northern lights viewing potential, as it is home to Cherry Springs State Park, a Dark Sky Reserve. There, visitors can stay overnight, join tours, and even take a photography class to improve their skills and possibly capture the aurora in action. Visit the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field for 360-degree views of the night sky — even if you don’t spot the northern lights, you’ll still enjoy some of the country’s best stargazing.

4. Michigan

The northern lights can sometimes be spotted from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Michigan is also home to a Dark Sky Park, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Although the park has ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights, they can be unpredictable. Keep your expectations low and you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you catch a glimpse of the lights over these woodlands.

5. Alaska

Because of its location within the auroral oval and dark skies, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, and lucky for American travelers, you don’t even need a passport to get there. Fairbanks, Utqiagvik, and Coldfoot are among the best places to visit for a chance to see the northern lights. Visitors can even opt for a guided tour for expert viewing advice. Head to an inland location during March for your best chances of seeing the phenomenon in the Last Frontier.

6. Wisconsin

Auroras have been known to appear in the skies over several of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes. Head to the Apostle Islands or Washington Island in Door County for the chance of glimpsing the lights. The Great Lakes are another perfect backdrop for viewing the colorful phenomenon, and Wisconsin is situated on both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, all the better for northern lights viewing when frozen over.

7. North Dakota

This northern state is the perfect place for night sky viewing if you’re trying to see the northern lights. Scenic areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Mystical Horizons in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau are ideal for those clear skies you’ll need to catch the auroras. North Dakota’s Martens Observatory has actually installed a pair of cameras that provide a public livestream of the night sky that will capture auroras when they appear overhead.

8. Maine

The mostly rural state offers plenty of stargazing opportunities. It’s also home to the Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, making Maine the best place east of the Mississippi to catch the northern lights. There’s also an International Dark Sky Park in the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine woods, as well as other remote, clear spots where the auroras might be spotted.

Before booking your next trip, check out these tips from travel journalist Mark Ellwood.

Traveling is one of life’s great joys — from seeing new places to meeting people from another culture, seeing the wider world is something to be treasured. But even the most experienced travelers can find some moments stressful.

Travel journalist Mark Ellwood talk about some of his best tips after a lifetime of living out of his own suitcase.

He offered five things he would never do if you want your trip to go off without a hitch.

1. Travel without insurance

Ellwood says that travel insurance is often very low cost and can save you in a pinch.

“It’s the same price as a cup of coffee per day, give or take, and buys you peace of mind when something goes awry,” he said.

Ellwood notes many credit cards offer built-in insurance for any trips purchased on that card but he is also a fan of travelinsurance.com or insuremytrip.com. Both are marketplaces where you can shop around for the best plan.

2. Overlook considering all airports

While it might not be the most convenient, Ellwood suggests checking the wider metropolitan area for flights at nearby airports.

“Look for airports nearby — you might score a deal better by searching for, perhaps, Stewart, New York, rather than Newark, (New Jersey),” he said. “Always check nearby airports to both your point of origin and destination.”

3. Exclude lesser-known carriers

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers,” Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze’s home bases are in the southeast and include the following:

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers,” Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze’s home bases are in the Southeast and include the following:

• Charleston, South Carolina
• Tampa, Florida
• Norfolk, Virginia
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Fort Myers, Florida

4. Neglect geotagging luggage

There’s no worse feeling while traveling than waiting for your luggage to appear on the baggage carousel, only for it to never materialize.

But geotagging your luggage can at least help you track it down.

“Geotag your luggage — whether AirTag or similar,” Ellwood says. “You’ll always know where your luggage is … or isn’t.”

If your bag doesn’t make it to your final destination, you can always tell the airline where it is to help them track it down.

5. Think there’s a magic time to book a flight

Despite years of rumors, there’s really no day or time that’s best to book your travel.

“There is no magic day date time to score a deal,” Ellwood says. “Instead, the best time is whenever you receive an alert that your route’s gone on sale.”
The way to do this is to track your flights ahead of booking them. Ellwood suggests using Google Flights — just type in where and when you’re looking to fly, then toggle the alert tab so you’ll be notified of any changes.

“This allows you to watch how much it’ll cost and swoop in the moment an airline cuts the price when you want to fly,” he says.

Lydia Mansel of Just Packed shares a packing trick that ensures your clothes stay smooth wherever you go.

Delayed planes, lost luggage, misplaced passports, long security lines, wrinkled clothing. These are the not-so-glamorous parts of travel that rarely end up on your Instagram feed. While it’s hard to circumvent most of these unfortunate instances, there is a secret to at least avoid one of these inconveniences: wrinkled outfits.

Let’s face it. No one wants to be stuck ironing on vacation. Sure, you could make a case for bringing a travel steamer along for the ride, but that just takes up precious suitcase space. Don’t worry. You don’t need either. It all comes down to the proper way to pack your bags. And we promise it’s one of the simplest hacks to follow.

You know the large plastic bags you come home with from the dry cleaner? Instead of stuffing them in your trash or recycling can, save them. When packing for your next adventure, put your more delicate items inside the dry cleaning bags, including your cotton and linen pieces. Don’t worry about fabrics like silk, wool, denim, and cashmere, as they are less likely to wrinkle.

You’ll fold each piece of clothing as usual and place it inside a separate bag before placing it in your suitcase or duffel bag. This tactic works because the bags will slide against each other, meaning your cotton t-shirts and breezy linen pants won’t get stuck and inevitably cause deep creases and messy wrinkles while in transit.

No dry cleaning bags? No sweat. Trash bags or liners work too — just make sure they aren’t scented. You want to avoid a suitcase that smells like fresh pine or lemon zest.

Unfortunately, this travel secret isn’t fool-proof (a few wrinkles may pop up), but it will reduce the number and severity of creases.

What if you don’t have any plastic to spare? Layering your clothes with tissue paper can be helpful, too. Loosely rolling your delicate clothes is also preferable to folding; just place them on the top or outer portions of your bag, where there will be less pressure.

One final anti-wrinkle packing tip for those travelers who tend to procrastinate: Unpack as soon as you arrive. Yes, it’s tempting to drop your suitcase off and head straight to the hotel pool, but you’ll spend more time getting rid of those wrinkles later on. Take five minutes, hang up your most delicate clothes, and then enjoy a wrinkle-free vacation.

Traveling during the monsoon season can be both exhilarating and challenging. The rain-soaked landscapes and cooler temperatures offer a refreshing change, but the increased humidity and dampness can take a toll on your skin. As a young, modern dermatologist, I’m here to share essential skin care tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing during your monsoon travels.

Essential monsoon travel skin care tips

1. Pack Waterproof and Lightweight Products

When traveling in the monsoon, it’s crucial to pack skin care products that can withstand the humidity and rain. Opt for waterproof and lightweight formulas, such as gel-based moisturizers and sunscreens. These products provide the necessary hydration and protection without feeling heavy or greasy on your skin.

2. Keep Your Skin Dry and Clean

The constant exposure to rain and humidity can make your skin a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Always carry a soft, absorbent towel to pat your skin dry whenever it gets wet. Using antibacterial wipes can also help keep your skin clean and fresh throughout your journey.

3. Use Antifungal Powder

To prevent fungal infections, especially in areas prone to sweating, apply antifungal powder. Focus on regions like the feet, underarms, and groin. These powders help absorb moisture and reduce the risk of infections, keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.

4. Stay Hydrated and Moisturized

Even with the humidity, your skin can get dehydrated due to travel stress and changes in climate. Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating facial mist to keep your skin fresh and moisturized. A light, non-comedogenic moisturizer will help lock in moisture without clogging your pores.

5. Choose the Right Clothing

Wear loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. This allows your skin to breathe and reduces the chances of sweat accumulation and irritation. Avoid tight clothing and synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture and cause discomfort.

Inputs by Dr. Sonali Kohli, Consultant Dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital