Typically when you plan a trip, you’re packing your day with activities. But what if instead of focusing on the a.m. hours, you centered your vacation around the p.m.? That’s exactly what people who are interested in the new travel trend of “noctourism” are doing.
Noctourism refers to travel experiences that occur at night—think stargazing or nighttime excursions. It makes sense that it’s appealing to so many travelers: The world feels entirely different when the sun goes down, and in certain places, it can be downright magical. Isn’t that what everyone wants to feel on their vacation?
This can be especially appealing for travelers who have spent their careers fighting against an internal “night owl” in order to get to work on time. It can be downright freeing to plan a vacation with an emphasis on the evening, rather than feel the pressure to get up-and-at-’em each morning. Staying up late and “sleeping in” don’t have to mean you miss all the sights; it could mean you see completely unique sights.
Chasing the Northern Lights
The northern lights are a bucket-list item for a reason: They’re a stunningly beautiful cosmic wonder, when colorful streaks of light dance across the sky. Tourists have traveled for years to see the natural phenomenon, dubbed aurora borealis, in cold-weather locations all over the globe.Some of the most popular destinations to see the northern lights include Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada and Alaska. Your best bet is to visit during the winter, when these places are dark for most of the day. That gives you more opportunities to see the northern lights.
Camping at a Dark Sky Reserve
But the sky doesn’t need the Northern Lights to inspire awe. When you go to a dark sky reserve—a protected natural area with very low light pollution—you can see just how striking the stars are on their own on a clear night, especially when the Milky Way is visible. It makes you really appreciate just how vast space is.There is one designated dark sky reserve in the United States, in Idaho, but you’ll also find dark sky parks and sanctuaries in forests and deserts alike across the country. It’s a perfect opportunity to go camping (or “glamping”) and stargaze.
Kayaking Amid Bioluminescence
You don’t just see jaw-dropping lights in the sky at night; you can also find them in the ocean itself. There are many waterways where tiny organisms floating in the sea emit bright light, creating a natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence.It’s a surreal experience to be out in the water at night and then be suddenly surrounded by glowing water, whether you choose to rent a kayak or go out in a larger boat.
Embarking on a Night Safari
Sure, you can see plenty of majestic animals during the day on your safari truck. But at nighttime, you may see even more, as nocturnal animals like lions, hyenas, leopards, elephants and more venture out in their natural habitat.Reserves in places from Argentina to Botswana are now offering night safaris, bringing guests out past dusk to observe the time when many of the most fascinating animals are active. And don’t worry about not being able to see—most of these companies will bring special binoculars so you don’t miss a thing.
Going on a Sled Ride
No, sledding isn’t just a daytime activity for kids—in fact, it’s even more thrilling and beautiful at night.Many resorts in the Alps offer night sledding experiences, allowing you to glide down a snowy mountain on an illuminated trail. Not only is it incredibly fun (yes, you do go fast), but it also offers visitors the opportunity to admire the stars and the wintry scenery in a totally different way. Some places even offer fondue so you can warm up with a toasty treat after your nocturnal adventure.
Visiting a Night Market
Most noctourism revolves around experiences in nature, but there are also nighttime experiences for city visitors as well. In fact, many tourists visit specific cities just to check out their night markets, aka open-air markets run after dark, with vendors selling food, local crafts and other wares at stalls.Not only is it usually a great place to sample authentic local cuisine, it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture as you watch the live entertainment, talk to the merchants and admire the artwork. Yes, there’s shopping to be done during the day, but night markets have a special vibe to them, as it’s a livelier and more unusual experience.
Some of the most famous night markets include the Shilin Night Market in Taiwan, the Chiang Mai Night Market in Thailand, the Jemaa El-Fna in Morocco, and the Hanoi Night Market in Vietnam.
