With 63 National Parks scattered throughout the country, the U.S. boasts an impressively diverse offer of outdoor activities. From hiking up rugged cliffs to floating down peaceful rivers, nature lovers and adventure seekers will always find something exciting to do!

Have you ever had to plan a family vacation that includes young children and/or seniors? Have you been confronted by the challenge of filling out a travel itinerary with accessible but fun activities that fit each family member's wants and needs? 

Keep on reading for some top-notch tips from our expert travel concierge! Here's a list of the best family-friendly activities that you can enjoy in our favorite American National Parks.

During summer and early fall, the Virgin River tends to be at its lowest level and the water at its warmest, the ideal conditions for hiking in the Narrows. Be aware that summer storms can cause flash flooding, so always check the weather forecast before planning your trip and follow the park rangers' recommendations while on site.

The Narrows is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the world: its easy access, spectacular scenery, and picturesque river trail make it a must-do while visiting Zion National Park.

The bottom-up hike from the Temple of Sinawava is the best option for families as it doesn't require a Wilderness Permit and has a pretty accessible difficulty level. 

To reach the Narrows hike, you'll have to cross the 1-mile Riverside Walk that starts from shuttle stop 9 (Temple of Sinawava): this semi-paved, low-difficulty trail is accessible for kids, seniors, and disabled family members. 

After reaching the rocky beach that marks The Narrow's entrance, the path merges with the Virgin River riverbed itself. From here onwards you'll start going upstream, so we recommend wearing appropriate waterproof gear and packing a change of clothes. This section of the trail is slightly more challenging but with proper preparation, it's a very enjoyable experience for nature-oriented kids.

 before heading out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

During early summer (June and July) the beds of Colorado wildflowers that surround the dunes are in full bloom. May and June also mark the peak of the Medano Creek flow, making it a perfect time for water play with the young ones. Although the park's summer weather is tolerable (highs don't go over the upper 70s °F), sand temperatures can get quite high during the daytime: if you plan on going sandboarding we recommend doing it early in the morning or close to dusk.

With over 300,000 acres of wilderness, Great Sand Dunes National Park is an incredible natural site. Home to the most extensive and tallest dunes in North America, the park is a go-to destination for families to enjoy some high-quality sandboarding. 

Due to the dryness of the sand, snow sleds and other winter equipment won't cut it at the dunes, so you'll need to either rent or bring specialized gear. There are no board rentals in the park itself, but many 

 are located in the nearby towns of Mosca, Hooper, or Alamosa.

While stand-up sandboards are ideal for adults tackling the tallest dunes, sand sleds or toboggans are a better choice for kids descending the smaller slopes near the 

. Make sure to wear sunblock and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.

From late spring to early fall (May to September), the park offers plenty of active ranger programs and nice warm weather. Due to the park's high elevation (7,665 ft), temperatures remain mild and tolerable throughout the summer.

, Bryce Canyon National Park occupies the 12th spot on the most visited parks list for 2021 with more than 2.5 million visitors. 

Want to get a different and unique perspective of the park's iconic red rock spires and hoodoos? Interested in exploring the Peek-a-boo Loop Trail — one of America's most picturesque hiking trails  — in a more laid-back fashion? Then slow down and travel back in time to the Wild West by hopping on the back of a horse.

Professional guides and a wide range of various-sized mules and friendly horses make this a fun and accessible activity for family members of any age and riding level. Our trip designing team can help you determine if a short and sweet 1-hour taste of riding is what your group is looking for or maybe an in-depth half-day tour is more up your alley.

While the North Rim closes during the winter season, its most popular area, the South Rim, is open for visitors all year round. Summer is the season most vacationers chose to visit the park, but be aware that it brings hot temperatures and high crowds. Family groups may prefer a time with cooler weather and thinner crowds, hence the periods from March to May and September through November are a better option.

With 4.5 million visitors in 2021, the Grand Canyon was the 4th most visited National Park in 2021. With a sheer size of roughly 277 miles long, 18 miles across, and one mile deep, the best way to fully take in its majestic beauty is from a bird's-eye view you get while aboard a helicopter cabin. 

Our trusted tour operators offer family-friendly flights that fit parties of 4+ and depart either from the Las Vegas Strip Terminal or the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. 

With state-of-the-art helicopters and highly experienced pilots, the comfort and safety of your group are ensured. You just need to kick back, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable 180-degree view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The park receives 75% of its visitors between May and October when the weather is the warmest. Early June, late August, and the beginning of September are the calmest periods of the park's high season. No matter when you chose to visit, we recommend heading to the groves early in the morning (9 am or earlier) for a quieter, less crowded experience.

Northern California is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world: the giant sequoias. Yosemite National Park — the 8th most visited in 2021 with 4.5 million visitors — boasts three of the biggest sequoia groves in the country: Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove, and Merced Grove.

Close to the park's south entrance you'll find Mariposa Grove, home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias including the largest and most famous specimen, the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant, which can be reached by an easy and accessible 3/4-mile hike.

For family groups, we recommend hiking the 0.3-mile-long Big Trees Loop Trail (easy) or the 2-mile-long Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. These trails feature some of the most popular sights of the park: the Grizzly Giant, the California Tunnel Tree (cut in the late 1800s as a passage for stagecoaches), and the Fallen Monarch (hollowed out by fire before it fell more than 300 years ago).

These are just some national park adventures you can enjoy together with your family, but there are many more to discover! Our mission at Bukitt is to make it easy and hassle-free for you to explore the many natural gems of America. We are your concierge to the outdoors!

5 National Park Adventures to Enjoy with the Family

Most people think of the Dominican Republic as a tropical paradise of white sand beaches and crystalline warm waters. But for the past 20 years, the island has gained worldwide popularity among outdoor sports lovers as the premier golf destination in the Caribbean. While there are 26 magnificent courses scattered across the island, the east coast resorts of Punta Cana, Cap Cana and La Romana are considered the Golf Mecca of the Caribbean: the area boasts more than 250 oceanside holes designed by the world's top golf architects. 

These are the top 7 Dominican Republic courses we recommend every golf enthusiast includes on their bucket list!


 a 250-yard Par 3 which features a long carry-over the water with the iconic Punta Espada cliffs as a stunning backdrop.

 is the first of three Nicklaus's signature courses developed in the Cap Cana area. Awarded the #1 spot in Golfweek's 2022 

in the IAGT's 2020 awards, Punta Espada offers 18 competitive holes — 8 play along and over the sea and the other 10 have stunning ocean views — that expertly incorporate the area's natural elements (tropical foliage, bluffs, beaches, & lagoons) into their design. Nearby accommodations include the top-tier resorts of 

Punta Cana (Puntacana Resort & Club), 2010

 this u-shaped, par 4, 501-yarder features a dramatic forced carry over and around the narrow cliff-lined Bay of Corales. Along with the 16th and 17th holes, it's part of the so-called Devil's Elbow, considered by many as one of the world's most magnificent finishes.

 is a highly-coveted, must-play private course that's part of the Puntacana Resort & Club. Designed by Tom Fazio and inaugurated in 2010, the Paspalum grass blanketed course is known for its immaculate conditioning and its breathtaking oceanfront holes set on rocky cliffs next to the Caribbean sea. The area's natural cliffs, bays, and ocean coves are all creatively incorporated into a design that is as memorable as it is challenging. Since 2018 this scenic course has become a staple of the PGA tour as the home of the 

, the first and only official PGA event hosted in the Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana (Puntacana Resort & Club), 2001

 Arrecife: 36 - Hacienda: 36 - Tortuga: 36 | 

 Arrecife: 3,676 yards - Hacienda: 3,768 yards - Tortuga: 3,483 yards | 

 this par-3, 146-yarder is a narrow island green bordered front and left by a lake. Meant to be a tribute to his parents, Dye's design was inspired by the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. 

Also located in the Puntacana Resort, the P.B. Dye-designed 

 has a total of 27 holes divided into three nines: Arrecife, Tortuga and Hacienda —  the latter added in 2012. On top of 14 breathtaking ocean-view holes, the course boasts 4 memorable ones that are played right along the shoreline. La Cana is the older sister to the Corales, but it's equally as stunning: its layout has even been compared by Golf Magazine to the iconic Californian 

 course. With wide and flat fairways and a more relaxed atmosphere, La Cana is the perfect course for more casual players that want to enjoy a scenic journey while they play: the coastal holes will blow you away with the mesmerizing contrast of the emerald grass against the azure waters, while the inland ones will surround you with exotic tropical foliage, small lakes, and hidden sand dunes.

 an all-carry 175-yard par 3 bling-shot over water to a narrow back-to-front sloped green with deep bunkers guarding either side. 

The first golf course to carry the iconic Hard Rock brand — each hole is named after a famous rock song — opened in 2010 as part of the 

Unlike most of the other courses on this list, Nicklaus's gem is located entirely inland: players are surrounded by big lakes, sandy terrain, and heaps of native tropical flora and fauna. The casual atmosphere and flat terrain make it the perfect course to play a round of golf for players of all skill levels.

La Romana (Casa de Campo Resort & Villas), 1971

 one of the finest one-shooters in the Caribbean, the Dog's final coastal par-3 has a 183 yardage and a wide and shallow green surrounded by seven sand bunkers — a layout that resembles the famous Lake Michigan's Whistling Straits.

Carved out from overgrown rocky land, Pete Dye's masterpiece 

 opened in 1971 as part of the luxurious Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, putting golf on the map in the Caribbean and kickstarting the popular oceanfront layout design. For over 50 years the jaw-droppingly beautiful jewel in the crown of La Romana has been consistently ranked by experts as one of the best courses in the world and it's widely recognized as the most iconic golfing experience in the Caribbean. Such is the picturesque beauty of its 7 sea-hugging oceanside holes, that Dye famously said "I created eleven holes and God created seven".

La Romana (Casa de Campo Resort & Villas), 2005

 this Par 3, 232 yarder is the most challenging of the course's 7 cliff-side holes that drop more than 300 feet to the Chavón River below. It's also one of the most scenic holes to tee off in the Caribbean, with breathtaking 360-degree views of the mountains, the river, and the marina.

In 2002 a second Pete Dye's course joined Teeth of the Dog at the Casa de Campo Resort. Like La Cana, the 27 holes of 

 — considered the most underrated course in the Caribbean by golf enthusiasts — are divided into three distinct and thrilling 9s: Chavón, Marina, and Lakes. The towering La Romana mountains, the spectacular Chavón river, and the endless Caribbean ocean make up one of the most varied and unique golf course backdrops that you'll find anywhere in the world.

 this spectacular 532 yards par 5 — both the most emblematic and hardest hole of the Ocean's 4 championship course — is surrounded by cliffs that force the player to take both strategic and risky shots. Adrenaline and excitement are assured when in every shot your ball can end up swallowed by the ocean.

Previously known as La Romana Golf Club, the 

 course — it gets its name for having 4 spectacular holes right on the sea — is one of the most versatile courses in the country: its numerous starting tees make it so that serious golfers can face an exciting challenge while also offering an entertaining and accessible experience for more casual players. A total of 27 holes are split into an 18-hole par 72 championship course (intended for intermediate and advanced players) and a short 9-hole executive par 27 (ideal for beginners and short game practice). With the gorgeous landscape of Playa Nueva Romana as a backdrop, a round of golf in the 18-hole main course will take you on a journey through four unique landscapes: an exotic tropical forest, a parkland-style setting with lakes and waterfalls, a rocky and sandy desert, and a Caribbean seaside area with white sand beaches and coconut palms.

Don't settle for less when you have the opportunity to play on some of the world's best courses! Teeing off in the Caribbean paradise is an unmissable adventure that should be on every golfer's bucket list. Don't waste any more time and get in contact with our expert travel concierge by filling in our inquiry form: the most unforgettable golfing experience awaits you in the Dominican Republic!

Top 7 Must-Play Golf Courses in the Dominican Republic

Pilgrims from all over the world have embarked on el Camino de Santiago for more than 1000 years. Seven well-established main routes and several other lesser-known ones — each one with a different departure point, difficulty level, and walking length — make up a network of paths that all lead to the ancient Tomb of St. James at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Based on extensive research and first-hand experience, our expert travel designers decided to build a one-of-a-kind experience around the Galician stretch of the most traditional and popular Jacobean route: el Camino Francés. While the French Way's main route stretches more than 790 km and starts — as its name implies — on the French side of the Pyrenees, our Camino adventure covers the remarkable last 156 km starting at the historic settlement of O Cebreiro, the door to Galicia.

Discover the peculiarities of the towns and villages that serve as the starting lines to the 7 stages of our spectacular journey into the natural wonders and cultural traditions of Galicia.

Lugo → 156 km away from the Santiago Cathedral.

O Cebreiro is the first village of the Galician stretch of the Camino Francés and marks the start of the main route's 25th stage. Founded in the IX century — just a few years after the discovery of Saint James' tomb — this settlement's raison d'etre has always been linked to providing hospitality services to the passing pilgrims. 

The gems of O'Cebreiro are definitely its 

, a group of perfectly preserved traditional pre-Romanic houses that were still inhabited until the mid-twentieth century and now serve as an ethnographic museum that depicts the living arrangements of the locals during the medieval era.

O Cebreiro also houses the Camino's oldest functioning medieval church and one of the only pilgrim's hospitals still standing.

Lugo → 134 km away from the Santiago Cathedral.

With a population of fewer than 800 people, it's not uncommon for the number of pilgrims to exceed the number of locals when the town gets overflown during the months of spring and summer.‎

On the route from Triacastela to Sarria, you'll have to pick between two different variants: San Xil or Samos. While the former is considered the original path and it's preferred by most for both being 6 km shorter and boasting beautiful natural scenery, some pilgrims choose the latter as it passes by the Samos Monastery, a beautiful 6th-century Benedictine building that's a must-visit for lovers of history and architecture.

Lugo → 114 km away from the Santiago Cathedral.

Many pilgrims choose Sarria as their Camino starting point as it's located just over 100 km away from Santiago, the minimum distance required to walk in order to obtain the precious Compostela certificate.

You won't only find pilgrims from the Camino Francés walking the streets of Sarria: in this town, the French Way converges with the Camino del Norte, a route that starts in the Basque Country and runs along the Cantabrian coast before turning south into the Galician inland.

Sarria's old town is full of medieval houses and 18th-century palaces. It also has the largest concentration of "albergues" per square kilometer in the whole of Spain: more than 30 hostels and hotels can be found along Rúa Maior, the village's main street.

Lugo → 93 km away from the Santiago Cathedral.

The Portomarín that we know today is not its original version. Although its settlement at the foot of the Minho river dates back to the Medieval era, this historical village had to be refunded in the 1960s after the area was flooded during the construction of the Belesar dam. Many of its most important monuments — including the iconic St. Nicholas Church — were relocated stone-by-stone to the new Portomarín at the top of the Monte do Cristo. To this day, when the day is clear and the reservoir's water levels are low, you can still see the remains of the old Portomarín at the bottom of the valley.

If you look carefully at the river you'll see a series of peculiar V-shaped stone structures protruding from the water's surface. These are the famous "caneiros", the main tools used for the traditional fishing of the eel, the primary ingredient of Portomarín's star dishes: local restaurants serve it in a wide variety of preparations including fried, stewed, or as the filling of the traditional empanada. To wash down the food there's nothing better than a good aguardiente, the other local culinary gem that's been made in the area with the traditional alquitar distilling stills for many centuries. This versatile digestif has a version to satisfy every taste: orujo cream and "licor café" for those who have a sweet tooth, or white orujo and "licor de hierbas" for the ones that prefer sharper and more hard-hitting alcoholic flavors.

Lugo → 68 km away from the Santiago Cathedral.

Palais de Rei appears in the Codex Calixtinus — the original 12th-century guide of the Camino Francés — as the final obligatory resting stop before reaching the Tomb of St. James.

The Palas de Rei name — which literally translates to "royal palace" — originated from the fact that Visigoth King Witzia had his official residence at this location during the 8th century.  

This quiet village, located in the A Ulloa county of Lugo, is the house of the Castelo de Pambre, a perfectly conserved 14th-century military building that has been declared a monument of cultural interest and historical heritage by the Spanish authorities. The castle is a historic symbol of the ancient Galician Kingdom and was the central stage of many battles between local noble houses and social revolts like the Irmandiño Revolution.  

A Coruña → 39 km away from the Santiago Cathedral.

From this point on pilgrims from the Camino Francés and the Camino del Norte will be joined in their journey by those coming from the Primitive Way. This path starts from the Asturian city of Oviedo and is considered the original Camino route: it was first taken in the 9th century by King Alfonso II right after the discovery of St. James' tomb.

Arzúa is also known as "the land of cheese" thanks to the Arzúa-Ulloa brand, a locally-produced cheese awarded with the prestigious Denominación de Origen quality seal and known in all of Galicia for its characteristic soft and creamy texture, slightly salty taste, and delicious milky aroma. 

This dairy delicacy — along with the tasty local floral honey —  has become a culinary staple of el Camino and a very important part of the area's economy. 

A Coruña → 18 km away from the Santiago Cathedral.

More kilometers of the French Way go through the O Pino town hall — to which O Pedrouzo belongs — than any other Galician municipality.

O Pedrouzo doesn't have as many monumental buildings as previous stops, but it does boast a wide variety of high-quality bars and restaurants. We recommend you try the traditional dish "zorza gallega", a pilgrim favorite made with locally sourced pork cut into small pieces and marinated in white wine, garlic, and red paprika. Accompany it with some fries or fried eggs and you'll have the last energy push you need before embarking on the final stage of this magnificent journey!

We hope that with this guide you'll see that these little villages with big personalities are more than just a port of call in your journey towards the Holy City of Santiago. Remember: travel, like life, is about the journey, not the destination!

7 Charming Villages Along the Galician Stretch of El Camino Francés

 experience is all about comfort and traveling light. Our trip is not designed as an endurance test focused on reaching a destination, but rather as a transcendental journey of nice, long walks where you'll be able to connect with nature, ancient traditions, and your inner self.

To free our travelers from the burden of unnecessary weight, we provide VIP services such as daily luggage transport services, accompanying support vehicles, and private rooms at the best rural lodgings in Galicia. Although this will allow you to not worry about packing bulky items or bringing extra clothes, there are still some items you'll want to take with you during your daily walks in order to stay dry and be prepared.

Here's a list of the 5 essential items you should always have with you while walking your Camino:

Thanks to our luggage transportation service, you won't have to carry all of your luggage with you. We recommend you bring a small, waterproof hiking backpack during your daily walks. The compact 

 will give you plenty of room for any essentials — especially during spring and summer when fewer layers of clothing are needed —

while still ensuring light and unencumbered travel.

Comfortable and durable shoes are your best friends during El Camino's long walks. Each stage of our route covers more than 20 km, so you can expect at least 4 hours of walking each day. Have in mind that our Camino route, although not high in hiking difficulty, goes through some stretches of fairly mountainous and humid terrain. 

shoes are extremely light and comfortable, with a very grippy outsole that prevents slips and a durable, Gore-Tex waterproof material that will ensure your feet stay dry even in the wettest conditions.

Although Galicia is a relatively cool area of Spain, the long walking days it takes to cover the 156 km long stretch of our Camino Francés route will still make you sweat quite a bit. To ensure a pleasant and safe experience, it's essential you bring enough liquids with you in order to stay hydrated. The stout 64 oz 

 will allow you to carry loads of water while keeping it cool for the whole day. You'll always be able to refill your bottle from the public water fountains along el Camino.

Although it's drier during late spring and summer, Galicia is one of the wettest areas in Spain. You can expect a humid atmosphere on some of your walks, especially if you set out early in the morning or finish in the late afternoon. We recommend you always carry a foldable, waterproof, lightweight trekking jacket like the 

 so you can always be prepared for the occasional drizzle, the chilly mornings, and the windy afternoons.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, a good pair of trekking poles are a fundamental item to successfully undertake any kind of distance walk. This item will enhance your stability, help you keep a natural walking rhythm, and provide you with support on any type of terrain or degree of inclination.  The 

 is a fantastic option for traveling light in El Camino. With a 100% carbon fiber shaft, these foldable poles are extremely durable, super lightweight, and perfectly portable.

For the second time in history, there will be two consecutive Xacobeo years. If you have the Camino de Santiago on your bucket list, 2022 is a unique opportunity for you to experience this millenary pilgrimage. With our 

, you're one click away from making your dreams come true!

5 Essential Items for Your Camino de Santiago Packing List

Nova Guides is our go-to fly fishing outfitter in Vail. A short drive from town, nestled in the breathtaking Pando Valley at Camp Hale's basin, their private lake is an angler's wet dream as it contains the "Colorado Grand Slam" of trout species: rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat.


Whether you're just a beginner dipping your toes or you're already an experienced aficionado, these are the 10 essential items that you should have in your gear bag before heading off for your fly fishing trip:

: graphite is the most popular material for fly fishing rods: their light weight is a blessing for long fishing sessions, their flexibility assures a smooth cast action, and their stiff back and durability avoids accidental snaps when reeling in big catches. It's best to have a handle made of a material such as cork that allows for an ergonomic and steady grip. Depending on your height, your ideal rod can vary between 7 and 9 feet.

: fly fishing reels should be light and have capacity for a decent amount of line, specially if you plan on doing some long distance casts or expect some long runs with heavy, feisty fishes. Make sure they're made of aluminum or graphite: high-quality and corrosion resistant materials will give you smooth drag and durability against quick strikes and sharp yanks.

: the bigger the catch, the more difficult it is to land it. Landing nets will help you secure heavy fishes without unnecessary struggles. With the objective of improving the balance of fish populations, catch and release practices have become widely popular among ethical practitioners of the sport, including Nova Guides: their private lake is exclusively catch and release. Having a landing net handy will easy out the process of safely removing the hook from the mouth of a fish before releasing it back into its natural habitat.

: in order to assure the survival of the fish upon its release, fly fishers should exclusively use barbless or single pinched hooks. As part of their catch and release regulations, Nova Guides does not allow double, triple, or barbed hooks, nor permits the use of live bait.

: there are countless variations of fishing flies. For trout fishing, dry and nymph flies are some of the most popular options. Improve your fish play and maximize your chances of ending the day with a trophy fish by combining these fly types with streamer techniques and spey or double haul specialty casts.

: this type of lightweight hiking boots have really good traction and will help you be steady on your feet when walking on the irregular terrain of lake beds. They also come with waterproof insulation, something that's specially important when fly fishing during the colder seasons.

: going fly fishing inevitable leads to getting wet. This type waterproof overall will cover you from your lower torso to your feet and will protect you from the discomfort of cold and heavy drenched clothes.

: the glare of the sun on the lake's water surface can be quite hard in your eyes. A good pair of polarized sun glasses will not only protect your eyes from reflected UV rays, but will also help you clearly see what you're doing and reduce the risk of slipping accidents.

: time flies when you're having fun, so you may not notice the adverse effects of standing for hours under the glaring sun until it's too late. A billed cap or a waterproof bucket hat (along with some sunscreen) will prevent dangerous sunburns and provide your eyes with some coveted shade.

: fly fishing is all about patience and persistence, so it's not uncommon for sessions to last for several hours. Continued exposure to the sun, even during the colder months, can cause dehydration, so make sure you keep a water bottle handy. During your Nova Guide fishing experience, you can head up to their Camp Hale's lodge and have a bite to eat at McAllister's Grill.

Although it's important that you are educated on the basics of fly fishing gear, if you book your trip with Nova Guides, they will make life easy for you: their professional guides will provide you with all the essential gear needed for your adventure. With Nova's invaluable expert advice and guidance, you can rest assured that in no time you will be fly fishing like a pro!

10 Fly Fishing Must Have Items for your Gear Bag (and the Best Guide in Vail)

In the mid-1990s, the iconic winemaking houses Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, and Bryant Family, kick-started a revolution that would forever change Napa Valley's wine scene: the cult wine phenomenon.

cult wines are produced in very limited quantities, usually never more than a few hundred cases per batch. Cult producers run efficient small-scale artisanal operations: they're either local families of the winemaking tradition with a few planted acres, or savvy self-taught enthusiasts that experiment in their garages. For some special batches, "flying winemakers" - traveling consultants that bring their expertise to various estates - oversee the viticulture and vinification process.

intentional scarcity and rave reviews by top wine critics fuel the high demand for cult wines. To acquire a bottle, collectors and wine enthusiasts have to put their names down on long waiting lists. New batches are usually already sold out before they're made available to the public. In the secondary market, the price tags of these high-end bottles can skyrocket into the thousands of dollars.

 cult wines are, with very few exceptions, made with red grapes. Napa's most popular cult bottles are of the Cabernet Sauvignon variety - hence the nickname "cult cab". This grape grows in over 50% of Napa's vineyard acres and was responsible for the catapulting the Valley to its "mecca of the New World wines" status in the mid-70s.

most cult wines are characterized by their very distinct Californian style, often daringly breaking the rules set by the Old World winemaking traditions. Cult Cabs are highly fruit-extracted wines, with big, ripe, and assertive bodies, and a high alcohol percentage.

: although it has inspired similar traditions in other New World wine regions, the cult wine phenomenon is intrinsically Californian.

Napa's O.G. cult wineries are not open for visitors and their products are virtually inaccessible for outsiders: neither headquarters tours nor tasting room events are offered and their buyers waiting lists are exclusive for members.

Nevertheless, in the last few years a group of maverick winemakers have been striving to overthrow the gatekeeping snobbery that permeates California's traditional cult wine scene. These young-spirited and innovative wineries follow the cult wine production and flavor practices of their predecessors, but are committed to run businesses in a way that is more accessible to "outsiders": bottlings can actually be bought from them at reasonable prices that hover around the low three-figures and they allow visitors to make paid appointments for tasting experiences at their facilities.

These are the three new guard cult wineries that any oenophile should add to their Napa bucket list:

 established in 2008 by William Harlan - founder of the quasi mythical cult brands Harlan Estates and BOND - The Promontory winery is his most accessible and affordable project to date, offering tasting experiences reservations for $200 a person. Their bottlings are still expensive at around $800 and their allocation lists can be long, but they're the closest most wine enthusiasts will get to tasting a Harlan bottling without having to wait many years or spending a small fortune.

 located in Saint Helena, this small family winery produces a surprisingly wide range of red grape varieties bottlings at fair prices. Most bottles can be bought on their website and their mailing list for future releases is open to the public. Tasting experiences in their beautiful facilities cost $75 per person (this fee is waived if the visitor purchases 3 bottles). 

 one of the most respected producers of Napa Cabs, Quintessa Estate's red wine 750ml vintage bottle sells for $210 and was given an impressive 99 score by the wine critic James Suckling. They allow visits to their 280-acre estate and host a variety of tasting experiences (from $95 to $195 per person) in their deliciously modern and minimalist indoor and outdoors facilities.

Want to learn more about the ever-evolving Napa wine scene? Visit their amazing dedicated 

. You can also check out our destination 

 for more information on what other experiences this beautiful area has to offer, or plan your dream trip to America's most renowned wine region by 

Anatomy of a Cult Cab (and the top 3 Napa wineries to visit)

The Narrows is one of our favorite hikes at 

. Here are some of our tips to help you get the most out of this Bukitt-list adventure.

 - Odds are you're not the only one eager to take on this extraordinary hike. The Narrows is notorious for crowds. Do yourself the favor by waking up early and catching the 

 to the hike’s trailhead (Stop: Temple of Sinawava). The Narrows is even more magical when you have it practically all to yourself. ✨

 the day before you go to rent all the equipment you need to hike the Narrows safely. The Narrows is wet and has uneven terrain, so having the appropriate gear is key🔑 We recommend renting canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, a walking stick, and a waterproof bag.

 - Temperatures can fluctuate due to the time of day and depending if the sun’s rays aren’t obstructed by the canyon walls. Bring layers in case you get cold and leave some space in your bag to put them in if you get hot. ☀️

 - The Narrows get better and better the deeper you hike - less people and tighter canyon walls. Hikers without a permit can go up to Big Spring (5 miles) for a 10-mile round trip challenging hike. If you are planning on hiking at least 2 miles into the Narrows make sure to pack an energizing lunch, some snacks, and plenty of water. 

 - Desert weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to check 

 - The Narrows’ terrain consists of flowing water and slippery rocks, which can be hazardous. Take your time and enjoy your surroundings, no need to rush.

 - The best time to enjoy this quintessential slot canyon hike is in the summer and early fall. This time of year brings warm temperatures and longer days. Add 

 - You are going to get wet, there is no avoiding that, but that is part of the fun. What isn’t fun is sitting in wet shoes and clothing on your shuttle ride back. Pack a change of clothes and shoes to change into after your hike. Use the bathrooms at the trailhead and bring a plastic shopping bag to carry your wet clothes. 

 - We want Zion National Park and other natural places to remain beautiful. Do your part and leave natural places the way you found them. Dispose of all waste properly, take photos not things, and follow all the 

Want a deeper look into The Narrows? Zion guru has an awesome 

Top 9 tips for exploring the Narrows (and the best place to gear up)

I’m one of those people that loves traveling, not that it makes me unique, but I prioritize travel so much that it influences my life decisions. Since the summer of 2018, I’ve worked guiding trips all over North America and got the opportunity to not only visit the national parks I’d dreamed of going to but also to really get to know them inside and out. After traversing most of the continental U.S. and supporting travelers from all over the world, I relocated to Colorado to work as a ski instructor at Breckenridge for the winter season. I had plans to return to my seasonal tour guide gig last June but 2020 had other plans. With COVID-19 spreading and communities hunkering down, I found myself without the opportunity to go off on my next adventure.

In the first few months, everyone’s concern was to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy. Month after month, cabin fever settled in. Dinner conversations were filled with fear of the future and regret for things that had been left undone. For many, having to reset our lives within the confines of our homes was sort of a wake-up call; The universe reminding us how fragile life can be and to not take it for granted.

Countless reflections have been shared on what we have all collectively missed during the pandemic: real human connection, being outside, routine, among others. For me, the lost opportunities for travel was a hard pill to swallow. And while I couldn’t invest time, resources, or experience in traveling during the pandemic, I got to work to create something that would allow me and others the chance to get back to the outdoors. I noticed a common theme when talking about traveling with clients, friends, and family. There was no shortage of desire to discover new places, want to be thrilled by adventure, or longing to connect with foreign cultures, but they felt overwhelmed and discouraged by the intricacies of travel planning.

We founded Bukitt on that mission: to give travelers access to incredible trips that go beyond the expected and are designed with them in mind. We want travelers to get out there and experience travel in the best way possible; with tailored experiences, local insights, expertly crafted itineraries and guides, luxury stays, world-class dining, and hand-selected adventures -- all without the stress. Bukitt adventures are designed for travelers who want more out of their trips. We are proud of making sure you get the most out of every second.

Bukitt is born: welcome to a new era of travel

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