Elizabeth Preske

Associate Editor

Hello, TripSavvy readers! I just got back from North Carolina's Crystal Coast, an 85-mile stretch of coastline along the southern part of the Outer Banks. After months of bundling up in a coat and scarf, it felt refreshing getting to shed my layers and embrace the sun for a few days.

This was my first time visiting North Carolina, but it won't be my last. I spent my days gorging on freshly caught seafood at local eateries including The Island Grille and Caribsea Restaurant, hanging out with wild horses on Rachel Carson Reserve, and exploring Cape Lookout National Seashore, recently designated an International Dark Sky Park. Most mornings, I'd wake up at 6:30 a.m. to see the sunrise over the coast, either from the beach or my vacation cottage, and breathe in the stillness of the hour. It was utterly relaxing, a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a reminder that warm weather will soon be here to stay.

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Destination of the Day

Tenerife, Spain

The largest island in Spain's Canary Islands archipelago, picture-perfect Tenerife welcomes over 6 million visitors per year. With its stunning white sand beaches, unique ecological diversity, and abundance of dramatic cliffside vistas, its popularity is no surprise. A playful paradise packed with culture and outdoor adventure, Tenerife is a dream destination for travelers all over the world. If you're planning a trip to this tropical gem, here's what to know.

Things to Do

A natural wonderland packed with adventure and no shortage of things to do, Tenerife graces many a bucket list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teide National Park is one of the crown jewels of the island. Home to the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano, the world's third-tallest volcanic structure and the highest peak on Spanish soil, this destination is also known for its incredible stargazing. To marvel at black sand, head to Playa Jardín on the north side of the island in Puerto de la Cruz. Or, get off the tourist track and head to Chinamada, where you'll find half-underground houses and photogenic cliffsides.

What to Eat and Drink

In Tenerife, you can enjoy traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and gazpacho, but there are a few dishes unique to the island that are worth trying, too. The best known traditional dish on the island is gofio, a type of corn or flour that is made from roasted grains. It serves as the base of many Canarian dishes such as grilled meats, fish, and stews, but it's sometimes whipped into a sweet mousse. Tenerife is also one of six Canary Islands that produces its own wine; with high altitude vineyards, wines have been produced here for over 500 years.

Where to Stay

As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has the advantage of offering a wide variety of places to stay for travelers of all budgets. From luxury resorts in the buzzy South to hostels and cozy bed and breakfasts, you'll be spoiled for choice. For those looking for glitz and glam, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama, a pink palace surrounded by lush gardens and tropical foliage, is not to be missed. For the more wallet-conscious, the family friendly Gran Oasis Resort is a popular choice, as well as the unpretentious and all-inclusive Barceló Tenerife.

Vacation Like a Pro

Carve out time to visit the small mountain village of Masca, hidden in a volcanic formation called Macizo de Teno; it's one of the most photogenic places in Tenerife.

Astrid Taran
Senior Special Projects Editor

Your Packing List

Keep in mind that Spaniards usually dress according to the season—not the weather. That means that even if it's sunny and warm, don't be surprised if you see locals wearing light jackets and long pants (it's not summer yet, after all).

A good rule of thumb when visiting Spain in April is to pack layers. Bring scarves, cardigans, light T-shirts, and similar clothing items that can easily be layered. Temperatures can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings but are generally pleasant during the day in most places, so it's good to have options.

Don't forget to pack sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen!

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Get Inspired

Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China actually isn't visible from space. Regardless, it is the longest man-made structure in the world and worth seeing when here on Earth. Stretching 13,000 miles over mountains, forests, reservoirs, and desert, the Great Wall took a millennium to build, and standing on its ramparts gives one simultaneously a sense of experiencing something collectively epic and individually infinitesimal.

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