The best river towns in the U.S. have a natural exuberance, a playful energy not unlike the bubbling water that flows through them. Maybe it’s the towns’ proximity to the mountains, like beacons beckoning adventure, or the fact that river town residents live there by choice, not chance, having made quality of life, scenic beauty, and active outdoor pursuits like kayaking and whitewater rafting a priority. Then again, it could be the beer—microbreweries tend to open up near rivers, which provide a plentiful source of pristine water for making handcrafted brews.

By Jayme Moye

The mighty Arkansas River churns through Salida, a former mining town inhabited by equal parts artists and athletes. DVK Expeditions, Colorado’s oldest and arguably best whitewater-rafting company, is based here, as is FIBArk, the nation’s oldest whitewater festival 67 years and counting. Kayakers, kids on boogie boards, and even stand-up paddleboarders take on the surf waves in Salida’s rowdy whitewater play park, located in the historic downtown. Standout restaurants like Laughing Ladies (owned by two former Napa Valley chefs) and craft cocktail bars like Shallots and Wood’s Mountain Distillery, round out a quintessential river town experience.

From the rugged edge of western Montana, at the place where five mountain ranges converge, Missoula presides over the scenic Clark Fork River near its confluence with the Bitterroot. Originally a trading post, the mid-sized town has evolved into an outdoor sports mecca, thanks, in part, to the novel and film A River Runs Through It by Missoula native Norman Maclean. Besides the world-class fly-fishing and ample whitewater rafting, residents also enjoy hiking and biking, not to mention the progressive college-town mentality complete with a farmers market, a thriving arts and culture scene, a fierce sense of environmental stewardship and a half-dozen local craft breweries.

The wild and scenic Deschutes River flows from deep inside the pine forests of the Cascade Mountains to the sunny, high desert haven of Bend, a destination that’s become synonymous with adventure. Rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, hiking, and even skiing at nearby Mount Bachelor are all in play in Bend, but it’s still a river town at heart. World-renowned fly-fishing and easy access to notable rapids like “First Street” originally put Bend on the map, and the river remains its biggest attraction.

A 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage, Talkeetna is located in the shadow of 20,237-foot Denali, at the confluence of three rivers: Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna. The small town is used as a basecamp for climbers attempting the highest peak in North America, and as a tourist destination for salmon fishing and rafting. But what really makes Talkeetna special is its authentic frontier vibe—a National Historic Site with iconic landmarks like the Talkeetna Roadhouse and Nagley’s General Store that really haven’t changed much at all since the early 1900s.

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise (pop. 214,237) is more a city than a town, but its progressive use of its meandering namesake river earned it a spot in this list. The Boise Parks & Recreation Department maintains a 25-mile biking and walking path along the river that links 850 acres of parks and natural areas in the heart of the city. Locals enjoy rafting, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the river, as well as using the path for alternative transportation (to, say, brewpubs like TableRock and Highlands Hollow).

On the southern tip of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Georgia sits tiny Tallulah Falls, a lesser-known river destination with a big water scene. The town takes its name from a series of six waterfalls that drop the Tallulah River 500 feet in one mile—a natural phenomenon made possible by the rocky chasm known as the Tallulah Gorge that the river runs through. Come spring and fall, scheduled “whitewater” releases send the water from a dammed section of the river, aptly named Lake Tallulah Falls, into the gorge, creating Class V+ rapids that draw the region’s best kayakers and whitewater rafters.

The hipster of America’s best river towns, Asheville pulses with an active, outdoorsy vibe that permeates everything from its farm-to-table restaurants to its work-hard, play-harder tech firms. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the confluence of the Swannanoa and the French Broad rivers, Asheville boasts 18 craft breweries—the highest number per capita in the nation. Rafters and paddlers get to choose from three acclaimed rivers (French Broad River, Nantahala River, and Nolichucky River) serving up everything from family canoe outings to fast-moving whitewater.

Fed by snowmelt from Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet, the Kern River runs literally right through its namesake town of Kernville. A particularly scenic spot nestled in a valley of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Kernville packs a fun Wild West flair and is legendary for its voluminous whitewater—a whopping 100 miles’ worth. Rapids range from Class I to V, so there’s something for everyone.

Two hours east of Seattle, in the Central Cascade Range at the confluence of the Icicle and Wenatchee rivers, sits the most unique river town in America. Leavenworth was modeled after a Bavarian village—even McDonald’s and Safeway sport the gingerbread-style architecture typically found in the mountain villages of the Alps. The Wenatchee serves up the best Class III whitewater rafting in the state, while the Icicle offers mellow floats, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. After a day on the water, it’s a tough choice between a local winery and the Icicle Brewing Company.

An outdoor sports legend in its own time, with more than a hundred paddling, fishing, climbing, and cycling outfitters, Fayetteville serves as basecamp for both the Gauley River and the New River Gorge. Every September, the Army Corps of Engineers kicks off “Gauley Season” with a series of controlled dam releases from Summersville Lake, turning the Gauley into a world-class whitewater destination. At that point, the Gauley gushes about 100 rapids, more than half of which are Class III-V. The finale is Bridge Day, held in town the third Saturday of every October, a festival in which skydivers, BASE jumpers, and climbers on rappel fling themselves off the bridge 900 feet into the New River Gorge.

The most recent spate of terrorism attacks serve as a reminder that travel is both enlightening and challenging. In today’s world, travel safety and security are now more important than ever. It should be emphasized that no one can guarantee a traveler’s total safety. The following points however are at least some of the precautions that travelers should consider when attending events at home or abroad, and when traveling as part of a group or as individuals.

1. Do your research before you go.

Take the time to search the internet to understand the local risks. Different parts of the world present different types of risks, from health issues to safety issues such as crime, robbery and pick pocketing to issues of terrorism.

2. Get your information from a variety of sources.

In many parts of the world hoteliers are notorious for telling their guests what they think they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. Contact local airlines and police departments to corroborate information

3. Do not advertise who you are.

A general rule of tourism is to not stand out. Visitors are often victimized because people think that they can be hurt without consequences. Not standing out in a crowd is essential. Thus, do not speak loudly, especially in a foreign language, dress according to local customs, and frequent restaurants at the times that the locals eat rather than at the hours that you would eat at home.

4. Watch the news.

It is essential that you have some idea about what is occurring in the news. Remember that terrorist groups often use any excuse to commit random acts of terror, and the potential of a conflict causing a spill-over effect on innocent travelers, while unlikely, is possible.

5. Make sure the US embassy knows where you are and if you have a special need.

The US Department of State maintains international travel warnings and advisories. US consulates encourage US citizens to register with them and provide them with a contact number. That way, in case of emergency, the consulate already knows where you are and how to find you.

6. Make sure that someone back home has your itinerary.

Before you leave home give someone your itinerary, a way to contact you, a photocopy of your passport and emergency numbers. If you are a single woman, then take extra precautions and if you are a single man, think before you get into trouble.

Is it possible to travel to Cuba as an American in 2023? Yes, it is! Here are 5 important things you need to know before visiting Cuba next year.

Cuba is a beautiful and fascinating destination that was cut off for many decades.

In the 1960s, Cuba closed to American travelers, and it was very difficult to visit the country until diplomatic ties were restored in 2015.

Cuba closed again in 2020 due to government restrictions to the pandemic, but it’s now open for travel again.

With Delta resuming flights to Cuba in spring 2023, and other airlines including American and JetBlue already offering nonstop flights to Cuba, this destination is accessible for American travelers once more.

Here are 5 things to know before you go:

1. You must declare a “category” for your trip.

While it’s still not technically possible for Americans to visit Cuba for “tourism” purposes, you can choose from 11 other categories for your trip.

These categories include things like family visits, journalism, humanitarian projects, religious activities, and support for the Cuban people.

Support for the Cuban people is the category that most travelers put because it’s very broad.

And there are plenty of ways to actually show support for the Cuban people on your trip: Shop from local artisans, hire local tour guides, attend live music or dance performances, and stay at casa particulares (more on this later.)

2. Obtain a Cuban Tourist Card.

In order to visit Cuba, you’ll need a Cuban Tourist Card, which is like a visa. This can be purchased directly from your airline, typically at the gate at the airport (or in some cases, online in advance.)

The Cuban Tourist Card costs between $50 and $100 if you buy it from your airline, or around $144 if you buy it directly.

3. It’s harder to stay connected in Cuba.

Although the Internet situation has been improving in Cuba over the past few years, it’s still not what most American travelers will be accustomed to.

Internet in Cuba is controlled by one government provider, ETECSA. There are currently more than 1,000 WiFi hotspots around the country (with the majority in Havana.) These hotspots are located in public parks and hotels. Private homes do not have Internet access.

You can purchase a WiFi card from an ETECSA office for around $1 USD per hour. You can buy the cards at hotels too for an inflated rate, usually $2 up to $10 USD per hour.

Your American phone plan may work for texts and phone calls in Cuba if you have AT&T or Verizon, but roaming charges are high.

Also, since the government controls the Internet in Cuba, lots of websites and social media networks are blocked.

4. Stay in casa particulares.

Casa particulares are one of the most popular forms of accommodation in Cuba and the best way to experience the country.

In a casa particular, you are staying in a local’s home instead of supporting a hotel that is partially or fully owned by the government. Typically, a casa particular will include a homemade breakfast.

They’re also much more affordable than hotels in Cuba. This is a great way to support the Cuban people on your trip and gain a deeper understanding of what life is really like in Cuba.

5. Cash is king.

Unsurprisingly, your American credit and debit cards will not be accepted at most places in Cuba.

Cuba is still very much a cash-based society, and since they have a closed currency, you will not be able to change your U.S. dollars for Cuban pesos before you arrive. Instead, you’ll want to bring cash to change at the airport when you arrive in Cuba.

To avoid having to bring a large quantity of cash, you may be able to use your credit or debit card to pre-book many elements of your trip, including casa particulares and local activities or guided tours.

Traveling is an exciting venture, and naturally, you’d want to take pictures of everything. Here’s how to keep your camera safe during your trip.

The world is full of beautiful places, from the photogenic scenery in the Swiss Alps to the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. Even if you aren’t traveling to one of the most photogenic places in the world, it’s always a good idea to take your camera with you to document your adventures.

However, traveling with your camera is a risky business. Photography equipment can be ridiculously expensive as well as delicate, so there’s always the constant threat of damage or theft.

Just because it’s risky doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Here are eight helpful tips to make sure your camera is safe and sound when you travel.

1. Use a Padded Camera Bag or Case

When it comes to carrying your camera around, it’s best not to cheap out. A camera is an expensive piece of equipment that can easily be damaged, so you need to use a decent camera bag (or camera case).

When you’re on the hunt for a high-quality camera bag, there are some things to keep in mind. First, the material must be durable. Second, it’s best if it’s waterproof; weather can be unpredictable. Third, there needs to be a lot of padding or cushioning inside. And lasty, make sure the bag has an adjustable, strong shoulder strap, especially if your camera is heavy.

If you’re rushed for time and can’t find an acceptable camera bag before your next trip, we’ve got a quick tip for you. Wrap it up tightly in clothing, pillows, or a towel and place it in your suitcase in a snug position. This isn’t the best way to travel with your camera, but it works as a last resort.

2. Don’t Check Your Camera Bag at the Airport

When you’re flying somewhere with your camera gear, it’s best to keep it as close to you as possible. The absolute worst option would be to check your camera bag as luggage. You’ve seen how the handlers load and unload luggage, it’s bound to cause some serious damage to your precious equipment.

Luckily, most camera bags are small enough to tuck away into the overhead compartment or under a seat without and issue. However, before you do anything else, contact the airport or read through their rules and regulations about checking luggage.

3. Keep Your Equipment Organized

Before you even think about going out and taking photos of your travels abroad, make a list of all the equipment you have with you. You should already have a record of everything you own, but maybe you don’t plan on bringing everything out with you. If so, just check off the pieces you’ll be using for the trip.

A quick tip to organize your smaller pieces of camera gear is to use a caddy box or a tackle box. These boxes have different compartments in various sizes, making it easy to store and keep track of everything from extra batteries to spare memory cards.

4. Always Prepare for the Worst

No matter how hard you try to keep your camera safe, bad things happen, and it could end up stolen. Crime happens just about everywhere in the world, and you could be a target if you carry a lavish, shiny camera.

To avoid becoming the next target, make sure your camera bag doesn’t look too fancy and new. It’s better to go for a bag that looks ordinary. It’s also a good idea to cover up the brand of your camera with a sticker or some tape.

While it’s easy to replace a camera, it’s not so easy to replace all those memories that you captured. When you’re out and about, use multiple memory cards throughout the day, just in case something happens.

5. Don’t Travel Alone

Traveling alone can be scary, and you may become a target if you put yourself in a vulnerable situation. Thieves usually go for tourists who are alone and have expensive valuables with them, like a fancy camera!

Don’t walk around alone with a target on your back, either travel with a friend, another group of tourists, or find someone else who’s also taking photographs and tag along. You’ll be safer in a crowd, plus, you’ll have a friend who can keep an eye out for anyone suspicious.

6. Use a Safe Storage Place

It doesn’t matter if you stay in a fancy hotel or camp in the woods, you always need to store your camera and equipment in a safe place. Depending on where you’re staying, you might have access to a safe in your room, but these safes can sometimes be too small to fit in all your equipment.

If all else fails, consider handing your camera and your gear in at the front desk, so they can lock it away. If you do choose to do this, remember the previous tip about keeping a record of everything you have, you can never be too careful.

7. Clean Your Camera Regularly

Traveling is exciting, so you might find yourself completely forgetting to clean your camera regularly. If you’ve been to different places around the world, you’ll know that each place comes with its own set of problems.

For example, there’ll be plenty of dust and sand if you’re visiting a desert area, like Namibia. Traveling close to the sea means excess moisture, which can lead to fungus growth on your camera lens. Ideally, you should wipe your camera lens off every time you use it.

There are two main reasons you need to always keep your camera clean; preventing little specks of dirt and dust from ruining your photographs, and granting your camera a longer lifespan by looking after it properly.

8. Plan Ahead for Different Weather Conditions

If you’re traveling to Japan, you could face a lot of snowfall. Perhaps you’re visiting Hawaii, which is well known for being wet and humid. You know that you need to clean your camera regularly, but are you prepared for the different weather conditions you could face?

Whether it’s snow, rain, sand, extreme humidity, or wind, you need to know how to keep your camera safe. Consider buying a rain cover for your camera. It won’t just protect it from the rain, but also from small grains of sand and dust.

If you’re out taking photos in harsh weather conditions, always bring a dry cloth with you in the event that your camera does get a little wet. The worst decision you could make would be to change lenses when you’re shooting outside in bad conditions. Rather, choose your lens and put it on before you go outside.

Traveling With Your Camera Can Be Easy, Safe, and Fun

Your camera is exceptionally important to you and probably very expensive, so is it possible to travel wherever you want and still keep your camera safe? Of course! With these eight tips, you can travel safely and forget about all the anxiety. Always take your camera along with you when you travel so you’ll be able to capture amazing photographs everywhere you go.