Friday, April 25, 2025

Out of This World

Look, no one would accuse me of being a night owl. But if there’s something I’ll gladly stay up late for, it’s the chance to experience some seriously good stargazing. And I’m not alone: Noctourism (that’s nocturnal tourism) is shaping up to be one of the biggest travel trends of the year, with more and more of us heading to destinations that come to life after the sun goes down. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite places to chase the stars. —Phoebe Neuman, Full-Time Travel

FTT FAVORITES

The northern lights over Iceland

According to a survey released late last year by Booking.com, 60 percent of travelers said they were seeking out places with limited light pollution for their next trip. And lucky for them, there are plenty of places—both easily accessible and ultra-remote—where you can witness the night sky in all its glory.

Sunshine and Stargazing >> We’ve rounded up the eight best glamping resorts across the country where you can get your fill of natural beauty by day and night, without sacrificing gourmet meals and hot showers.

Dark Skies >> From the high desert of New Mexico and the mountains of Maine to the islands of Denmark, Cool Material has the inside scoop on the dark-sky parks around the world that should be on every stargazer’s bucket list.

Space Out >> If you aren’t afraid of a bit of heat, head to Joshua Tree, where the galactic center of the Milky Way is visible from the desert on most nights during the summer season. This new ultra-luxe package from Parker Palm Springs may just be the best way to experience it.

Cosmic Calm >> With a design and an approach to hospitality inspired by transcendentalism, Piaule Catskill—a modernist, stargazing-friendly retreat—is the perfect place to check in to reconnect with nature and the universe. Remodelista shares why.

Sleep Under the Stars >> Perched above the grasslands of the Okavango Delta on open-air platforms, the two new Star Beds at Atzaró Okavango Camp in Botswana are the ultimate way to spend the night in nature.

Arctic Auroras >> Want to see more than stars? Head to Iceland, where you can witness the northern lights paint ribbons of green, pink, purple, and red across the night sky. Here’s our guide to what else to do while you’re there.

Stars Align >> In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible from Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. The best way to experience this once-in-a-century celestial event? On a private rooftop overlooking the ancient temples of Luxor, naturally. Book your spot on Geographic Expeditions’ 10-day Egypt’s Eclipse tour to make it happen.

HOTEL OF THE WEEK

Courtesy of Nayara Resorts

Nayara Alto Atacama, Chile

If you’re hoping for great stargazing, you need three things: high altitude, low humidity, and no light pollution. So it’s no surprise that Chile’s remote Atacama Desert—which is the driest in the world and clocks in at about 8,000 feet above sea level—offers up some of the best views of the night sky anywhere on Earth. The luxe Nayara Alto Atacama gives you a front-row seat to the celestial show. By day, you can explore the otherworldly environment of Mars Valley and the Valley of the Moon with the resort’s team of naturalists. And by night, you can take in the Milky Way, as it shines brighter than you’ve ever seen, from the private terrace off of your adobe suite, or head to the on-site observatory (the only open-air observatory in the region) for a private lesson with the resort’s astronomer.

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FTT FINDS
Our latest discoveries and essentials for the road.

The Sarut Group Stellarscope

No astronomer? No problem. This clever stellarscope comes with star maps for most of the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada to help you identify more than 1,500 stars visible to the naked eye.

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Lululemon Oversized Insulated Flight Jacket

Made with lightweight insulation, this easily packable (and surprisingly chic) jacket from Lululemon is definitely going to come in handy for chilly stargazing sessions.

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