The New Travel Trend That Starts After Dark
After-dark tourism—noctourism—is all about the thrill of exploring at night. Whether that’s staring in awe at the Northern Lights, discovering sparkling constellations in dark sky preserves, or taking a guided hike to enjoy the sounds and sights of nocturnal wildlife, nighttime travel means adventure.
Aurora viewings are almost guaranteed in the Arctic Circle – think Norway, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada’s Far North and Alaska. While you’re waiting for the light show to begin, each region offers spectacular experiences to soak up the local culture.
In the Mediterranean, Athens offers its own after-dark magic. Rooftop views of the Acropolis are unforgettable, but for something a little different, enjoy wine tasting under the stars at a nearby vineyard—Greek varietals somehow taste even better under a full moon.
In warmer climates like Hawaii, discover the eerie thrill of night diving with manta rays or have some glow-in-the-dark fun paddling through bioluminescent plankton in Florida, San Juan and Nova Scotia’s south shore.
In Australia, visitors who fancy a view of Sydney Harbour can climb the city’s famous Harbour Bridge in the dark! In Melbourne, ferry over to Phillip Island before twilight and wait for the march of the penguins as the adorable birds come up the beach en masse and return to their nests.
The African bush transforms after sunset. At Royal Malewane and other luxury safari lodges, guided night safaris give travelers a rare chance to spot elusive predators, hear the calls of nocturnal birds, and witness the wild in a completely different rhythm.
Glowworm-lit caves in New Zealand’s Waipu Caves, stargazing beneath the vast desert sky in Jordan’s Wadi Rum, and firefly-lit forests in Japan each offer a magical glimpse into the world after dark. These unforgettable experiences unfold far from city lights, where nature puts on a show of its own.