For many travellers, experiencing a glorious sunrise or basking in the glow of a spectacular sunset in a new country can often be one of the most memorable parts of their holiday.
But if you haven’t looked up at the sky after the sun goes down, you might be missing out.
In the latest travel trend to gain popularity, ‘noctourism’ – exploring destinations after dark – is having a moment.
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According to recent research from Booking.com, 62 percent of the 27,000 travellers surveyed are thinking of visiting darker sky destinations.
Starbathing experiences (72 per cent), star guides (59 per cent), once in a lifetime cosmic events (59 per cent) and constellation tracking (57 per cent) were all activities the travellers were interested.
Keen to jump onboard the noctourism trend? Here are some of the best places and activities to do.
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Australia
Nocturnal at Scenic World
If you’ve marvelled at the wonders of Scenic World in the Blue Mountains during the day, their annual Nocturnal festival is sure to be a hit too. Running from now until May 11, ride the iconic steep railway into the rainforest to be mesmerised by light installations, holograms and projections.
Big Bend night tour
For a taste of the Aussie bush at night, Big Bend by Night will take you out spotlighting on a nocturnal cart ride. If you’re lucky, you might chance upon kangaroos, wombats and foxes – all in their natural habitat. If you prefer to spot constellations, their Dark Sky Night Tour will take you to the centre of the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, Australia’s first Dark Sky Reserve and one of only 21 in the world.
Europe
Moonlit river cruising
Scenic and serene, river cruising is a great way to see the sights of Europe, and Avalon Waterways‘ Avalon After Dark is putting a new focus on after hours fun. From the new open-air Sky Grill Dinners on deck to extended Sky Deck drink service for wines under the stars, they’ll also be doing more overnight dockings in places like Vienna and Amsterdam and encouraging travellers to explore and enjoy the cities by night.
United States
Night markets
A starlit sky provides the perfect backdrop for over 100 vendors selling food, art and trinkets at the buzzy Queens Night Market in New York City. Open every Saturday from 4pm until midnight, this is a great way to mix with the locals and celebrate all the Big Apple has to offer.
Kayak bioluminescence tour
Take to the water in a glass-like boat to really get up close to glowing dinoflagellates (plankton) on the Space Coast in Florida. BK Adventure launch from Kiwanis Island Park near Cocoa Beach and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge nightly, with the best time to see these neon bright sea creatures in July and August.
United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque night tour
As one of the world’s largest mosques that’s filled with incredible treasures, Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is already an incredible sight to behold. However, make a trip after the sun goes down to be treated to the memorable spectacle of the façade being illuminated and showcasing this building in a whole other light.
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Stargazing in The Darkest Spot in UAE
Take stargazing to the next level at Al Quaa, known as the ‘Milky Way spot’ in Abu Dhabi. The Al Quaa Milky Way Spot: Stargazing in The Darkest Spot in UAE two-day tour takes adventurers deep into the desert where they’ll camp overnight to experience a night sky illuminated by shooting stars, constellations, planets and the Milky Way.
