Airline food now rivals what you might find in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Destination of the Day
Oaxaca, Mexico
Surrounded by the rugged Sierra Madre mountains, Oaxaca City is located in a valley at some 5,000 feet above sea level. Bursting with colorful art and architecture, a rich Indigenous history that informs the region's culture, and amazing food, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best destinations in Mexico.
Things to Do
It's easy to fill your days with exciting and fun activities in Oaxaca. Kick off your trip by visiting the Zócalo, the main square and heart of the city, whose cafés and restaurants are perfectly situated for people-watching. Nearby is Santo Domingo church, whose lavishly decorated New Spanish Baroque interior is truly impressive. Take a guided tour of Oaxaca's outstanding Ethnobotanical Garden, then shop for handicrafts such as Zapotec wool rugs, alebrijes (carved wooden animals), and Oaxacan black pottery.
Where to Eat
Oaxaca is one of Mexico's foremost food destinations. The state's great cultural and biological diversity means that there is a wide range of ingredients and methods of preparation, many of these dating back to pre-Hispanic times. As is the case throughout Mexico, corn is the main dietary staple, and it is served in a seemingly infinite variety of ways. Flavorful moles, fresh herbs, dried chiles, quesillo, and handmade corn tortillas are just a few of the elements that make Oaxacan food so special. Oaxaca's dining scene has exploded in recent years, and you'll find lots of fantastic restaurants—many with wonderful atmospheres, beautiful courtyards, or rooftop views. Don't leave without sampling mezcal, a distillate made from agave and the drink of choice in Oaxaca.
Day Trips
During your trip to Oaxaca, you absolutely should carve out time to explore the surrounding area. The archaeological site of Monte Albán, the capital of the Zapotec civilization from around 500 BC to 800 BC, is a great place to learn about Mesoamerica. If you're looking for a souvenir, the town of Teotitlan del Valle has a long tradition of making woolen rugs. Visit a family weaving workshop for a demonstration of their work to see the whole process from start to finish. Or, plan a trip to Hierve el Agua, a calcified waterfall on the side of a mountain. Hike part of the way down to get a glimpse of the "falls," set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and sky.
Your Packing List
You may still see a lot of rain in September, so be sure to pack a rain jacket or poncho. An umbrella can come in handy, but sometimes the rains are accompanied by strong winds that can make it ineffective.
In the fall, Oaxaca sees highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s. It's a good idea to dress in layers, so you can strip down to a T-shirt during the heat of the day, and have a sweater or fleece for the cool evenings.
There is little shade on Monte Albán. If you're planning a trip to the archaelogical site, it's a good idea to use sunscreen and wear a hat.
Snorkeling Molokini Crater is a right of passage for any Maui snorkel aficionado. The crescent-shaped islet, located about 3 miles off the coast of southwest Maui, has some of the highest visibility around, thanks to the protective curves of a volcanic atoll. Even better, the site is considered a Marine Life Conservation District (no fishing allowed), so there is a huge amount of exciting ocean life to see. On any given day, the visibility exceeds 100 feet, and some days 200 feet, but even the shallow spots are teeming with healthy coral and sea creatures.
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