If the range of journeys offered by Luxury Gold doesn’t go quite far enough for you and you’re more concerned with seeing things beyond this planet, perhaps a stargazing vacation is in your future. Forget white sand beaches and Michelin stars – you want stars and planets, meteor showers and the Milky Way. Before we dig into some of the world’s best places for stargazing, let’s run through some basics.

What is stargazing?

Stargazing is the simple act of observing the night sky for enjoyment. It is – in fact – about so much more than stars. Other objects visible in the clearest night skies include comets (large objects made of dust and ice that orbit the sun), meteors (space rocks that have entered the earth’s atmosphere), asteroids (sometimes called minor planets – rocky, airless remnants left from the formation of our solar system, 4.6 billion years ago), planets (celestial bodies that orbit the sun) and even entire galaxies (huge collections of gas, dust, and billions of stars and their solar systems, all held together by gravity).

How do I stargaze?

To stargaze, you must go somewhere far from skyglow of the city lights and watch the sky. Your eyes will take some time to adapt to the darkness, but then you’ll be able to spot things with the help of apps and charts (and expert tour guides). A red flashlight can help you see in the dark without spoiling night vision.

What is the best time for stargazing?

You want velvety, black darkness, which is usually (but not always) achieved in cold weather on cloudless nights. Light pollution makes it difficult to see the breadth of what the sky has to offer, so avoid bright moonlight by stargazing just after a new moon. When looking for dark skies, you’ll hear references to the Bortle scale, where 1 is the darkest sky available on Earth and 9 is an inner-city sky.

You may also enjoy reading: Five best National Parks in the world you can discover with Luxury Gold

10 Best Places for Stargazing in the World:

1. Jasper National Park, Canada

Located just above Banff National Park, spectacular Jasper is a UNESCO World Heritage site and 97% of it is a designated wilderness area, free of light pollution, so life-affirming night skies are all but guaranteed. On our Majesty of the Rockies journey, we spend three nights at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where the restored heritage cabins make a cosy base to return to after a long evening letting your mind wander along the Milky Way.

2. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan

In Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost park is a subtropical archipelago of evergreen forests, mangroves and coral reefs, with flashes of white sand. After a day drifting through a maze of mangroves in a canoe, the sky opens to you. Just as the park provides refuge for threatened plant and animal species, its residents, tour operators and government agencies also work hard to boost conditions for stargazing. Explore the possibilities of a Luxury Gold journey to Majestic Japan.

You may also like to read: The Most Beautiful National Parks in Western Canada

3. Pic du Midi, France

This is a mountain in the French Pyrenees which is crowned with an iconic observatory. It’s not only one of the best places for stargazing in the world, it’s the oldest high mountain astronomy observatory in the world, and it’s where the moon’s map was drawn up for NASA in 1969. It’s one of the best stargazing sites in the world both practically and culturally. All year round guests can take a cable car to the peak for an otherworldly high-altitude experience – a must for amateur astronomers.

Bookmark for later: The 30 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Need to Visit

4. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

This is the largest reserve in the Southern Hemisphere with pristine dark skies. It’s comprised of Aoraki, Mount Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. The dramatic, Lord of the Rings landscape features enormous glacial lakes and golden tussock grasslands flanked by snow-capped mountains. It’s the ideal setting for a little cosmos-watching and celestial magical.

5. Kiruna, Sweden

At the top of Sweden, in the province of Lapland, Kiruna is an arctic city surrounded by forests, marshes, lakes, rivers and mountains. It’s a popular stop for those chasing the Northern Lights or seeking the Midnight Sun, so naturally it’s one of the best places for stargazing, too – essentially a one-stop-shop for all your worldly wonders. Come for the polar night which lasts for 28 days between December and January – it’s completely dark every day save for a few hours of bluish twilight.

6. The Atacama Desert, Chile

This cool, arid plateau glows with fiery oranges and reds, particularly as the sun sets. And once the sun’s done its thing, the landscape transforms into an amateur astrologist’s playground, with its high altitude, minimal light pollution and dark skies offering mesmerising sights wherever you turn. At the San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations (SPACE) open-air observatory, a large selection of telescopes are set up at different angles.

7. New Mexico Dark Skies Trail, USA

Stargazing opportunities abound in and around the colorfully named Pie Town in New Mexico. It’s been called the dark skies trail since 2017, but the skies have been darker for much longer than that. The best places for stargazing include the Cosmic Campground which has an epic, starry spot that is designated by DarkSky International (IDS) as a Dark Sky Sanctuary. It often hosts public star parties and invite serious stargazers to bring their telescopes.

8. Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the world’s greatest wildlife-spotting destinations by day and one of the best places for stargazing by night. In the dry winter months, the sky is festooned with stars, blanketing the horizon. The hazy, remarkable band of light that may make itself known to your eyes as early as dinnertime is the Milky Way. Our Spectacular South Africa journey includes a three-day safari in Kruger National Park.

9. Zselic National Landscape Protection Area, Hungary

Established in 1976 to protect the natural assets of the North Zselic region, this park encompasses over 9,000 hectares. The Triangulum Galaxy can be seen without telescopes on the clearest nights, and the zodiacal light – a glow of diffuse sunlight scattered by interplanetary dust – is visible in spring and autumn.

10. NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

This one is a private nature reserve established to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. It has been designated a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association. There is minimal tourism on the reserve but at Kwessie Dunes Lodge each bedroom has a special space for stargazing, which is completely open to the sky.

Feeling inspired to see the world in all its glory? Take a look at our collection of small group luxury journeys.

Life is to be celebrated, any time of year and, for those who have been married for a decade, we’re sharing some fabulous 10 Year anniversary trip ideas. Why is 10th anniversary important? It’s possible you spend more time looking after others and less time celebrating each other, and the life you’ve made together – and you deserve to spend more than one night doing that.

It doesn’t really matter what sort of anniversary getaway you go for; the key is finding the trip that brings you together. Maybe there’s a city or small town you’ve always wanted to go to, or one you spent some of those heady early days in that you’d like to return to? Maybe there’s a destination that was in the running for your honeymoon? Or maybe you’ve always fancied a hot air balloon ride or a romantic dinner overlooking the Eiffel Tower?

We’ve put together some 10 Year anniversary trip ideas to help you settle on the right romantic anniversary vacation for you. And while we’re here, you might be wondering: what is a traditional 10-year anniversary gift? It’s tin. Might we suggest a little travel tin to go with your trip of a lifetime?

Napa Valley 

If the sound of a classic locomotive steam whistle makes your hearts skip a beat and you also happen to love wine, rolling hills and gorgeous dinners in red banquette seating, the Napa Valley Wine Train is for you. Peel your attention from the windows to gaze into each other’s eyes as you roll into world class vineyards for wine tastings in your exquisitely maintained 100-year-old Pullman train car.

You may also enjoy reading: Luxury 25th Anniversary Trip Ideas For Silver Celebrations

The Maldives 

If you didn’t get to do the most honeymoon of honeymoons the first time round, what’s stopping you? Now you can do it without the accompanying stress of planning a wedding. For this anniversary getaway, think: lounging together in your overwater bungalow, gazing at the Indian Ocean from your own private plunge pool, relaxing on the beach, taking a sunset stroll on the diamond white sand.

Japan

Perhaps you both have a hankering for an adventure – somewhere far from home, that you’ve always wanted to see. Find love in the bamboo groves, temples and gardens of Kyoto, or the sheer thrills and traditions of Tokyo, or the art and peace of Naoshima, or all of the above. Our Majestic Japan journey will introduce you to castles, hot springs and bullet trains – it’s the romance and adventure you’re lusting after, the Luxury Gold way.

Explore Japan together in Luxury Style on: Majestic Japan

Paris

Just because the City of Love is obvious, doesn’t mean it’s not the most romantic anniversary trip in the world. There’s a reason why it features on our list of 10 Year anniversary trip ideas. To embrace your inner cliche, you will need: a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower from your balcony, a hand-in-hand stroll around some gardens, a cruise along the Seine, copious romantic dinners, a moment together with La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, a kiss on the Pont des Arts, a padlock.

Join our Ultimate France journey to make your romantic Parisian dreams come true.

For more celebration inspiration you may enjoy reading 21 Of The Most Romantic Anniversary Trip Ideas

Cappadocia

If hot air balloon rides are high on your list, you will fall for fairytale Cappadocia, famed for its honeycomb-colored volcanic rock landscapes, sculpted by erosion into towers, cones, valleys, and caves in the central Anatolia plateau. On an anniversary getaway here, you’ll soar above those other-worldly views, sleep in a romantic cave hotel and watch the sunrise over breakfast and Turkish tea on the hotel rooftop – the sky will already be dotted with balloons.

The Amalfi Coast

Take your beloved by the hand and go looking for the dolce vita. You will find there is not much sweeter in the world than the dramatic clifftop views, poolside Bellinis, cliff-clinging villages, vineyards, lemon groves and sparkling, azure waters of the Amalfi Coast. Each small town is as ravishing as the one before it. This is an iconic vacation for a special pair of icons.

Extend our Ultimate Italy journey after you’ve said arriverderci to (the also supremely romantic) Venice. 

New Orleans

If you can’t decide between a vacation and a party, go to New Orleans, where noone would ever make you choose. Spend the night of your life together at a jazz club, sip Sazeracs in a world class bar and send your tastebuds wild over oysters, po’ boys, jambalaya, gumbo, freshly baked beignets and – oh – the pralines! Those little golden morsels of sugar and pecan. And that’s just for starters.

Get a taste for the Big Easy on our Southern Grace journey.

England

If your idea of romance includes quaint English villages, chic cocktail bars and secluded hot tubs in the countryside, pack your peacoat for a romantic getaway on the cobbles. In England, you can do it all in a relatively short space of time: his and hers massages in a world class hotel, Michelin star dining, fairytale castles and all the charm and wonder of those quintessential small towns.

Is our British Royale journey the romantic anniversary trip of your dreams?

Arizona 

California has the most National Parks in North America but Arizona has some of the most astonishing landscapes to bask in. If you like the idea of going off-grid together for a while, perhaps the canyons and craters are calling – and not necessarily the grand one. The artsy desert town of Sedona is breathtaking – celebrate your love in its brilliant orange-red glow by day, staring at its star-spangled, inky black skies by night, with romantic dinners and wine tastings in between.

If our 10 Year anniversary trip ideas have inspired you to travel together in luxury style, take a look at our full collection of small group journeys.

From how to dress for a Michelin star restaurant to what the stars mean, many diners have questions before their first Michelin meal. With several Michelin restaurants on our luxury tours, including luxury train travel, we want you to know what to expect at a Michelin star restaurant and that all essential Michelin star restaurant dress code. 

See how Exceptional Dining takes centre stage on every Luxury Gold journey.

What Is A Michelin Star Restaurant?

Yes, it’s that Michelin. The Michelin food guide originated in the early 1900s when the founders of the Michelin tire company wanted to encourage motorists to take road trips—and buy tires. So, they created a guide for those in search of good food on road trips. The guide started by offering a single star and expanded up to three stars. Discerning diners began to refer to the guide in the 1960s and 70s. It has since evolved into a guide that gives a restaurant its highest honor. As a prestigious recognition, fewer than 3,000 restaurants have received Michelin notoriety. 

Image credit: @lemonzurestaurant on Instagram

Enjoy seasonal produce and sensational views as you dine at Michelin-starred Le Monzù restaurant on the Italian Isle of Capri, on Ultimate Italy. 

Michelin Star Restaurant Criteria

To be considered for a Michelin star, a Michelin inspector uses the following criteria: 

1. Quality of products 
2. Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
3. Personality of chef in the cuisine 
4. “Wow” factor and harmony of flavors 
5. Consistency of food between inspectors’ visits 

You may also be interested to read further: How Do Restaurants Get Awarded a Michelin Star?

What Do The Michelin Stars Mean?

The Michelin star awards are issued yearly. A restaurant can both have a star added and taken away from year to year. Unlike other restaurant recognitions, Michelin stars are awarded for the food only. Restaurant style and degree of formality are not considered. An overview of the meaning of the stars: 

One star: high quality cooking 

Two stars: excellent cooking with the personality and talent of the chef evident in the dishes 

Three stars: exceptional cuisine of chefs at the peak of their profession where cooking is elevated to an art form  

You may also enjoy reading: 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants Around The World

Preparing For Your Meal

Now that you know what you have to look forward to, there’s a lot you can do in advance to make the most of your dining experience. Be sure to inform the restaurant of any dietary requirements or intolerances in advance. Michelin-starred restaurants are accustomed to accommodating vegetarian, vegan and gluten–free as well as other specific dietary requirements. When traveling with Luxury Gold, your travel concierge is also a great point of contact to share any dietary restrictions with. Then, of course, its time to turn your attention to the Michelin star restaurant dress code. 

Image credit: @olivetreebath on Instagram

Taste the best of English cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurant The Olive Tree in Bath, on our British Royale journey.

What To Wear To A Michelin Star Restaurant

Dining at a Michelin Star restaurant is not just about enjoying exquisite cuisine; it’s also an experience that often calls for refined dress. While there is no official Michelin star restaurant dress code, and specific attire required depends on the restaurant and location, dressing smartly is generally the best approach.

For men, a tailored suit or dress pants paired with a crisp button-down collared shirt is a safe choice. A blazer adds sophistication, and a tie may be required at some establishments, so it’s wise to check the restaurant’s guidelines in advance. This can also apply for jeans. Opt for polished dress shoes to complete the look, avoiding overly casual footwear.

Women have a broader range of options but should aim for elegant attire, such as a sophisticated dress or a chic blouse paired with tailored pants or a skirt. Accessories like statement jewelry can always enhance any outfit, and this is the perfect reason to go bold. Heels or stylish flats are suitable for footwear, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style.

Regardless of your choice, keep it at least smart casual and avoid items like shorts, flip-flops or gym wear. Ultimately, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable while respecting the fine dining atmosphere of a Michelin Star restaurant.

Other top tips for a Michelin star restaurant dress code are:  

• When in doubt, dress a little nicer. Dining in a Michelin star restaurant is a special opportunity, so why not elevate your time with a bit dressier attire? 
• Consider the restaurant. Learning a bit about the style and décor or the restaurant will help you to select an outfit that matches the formality of the setting. 
• One strategy is align your dress to the star rating. This simple formula translates to more business casual for 1-star restaurants, while a 2 or 3-star restaurant might call for dressier attire. 
• Don’t be shy about contacting the restaurant. It’s perfectly common and acceptable to contact the restaurant to ask what type of attire patrons wear. Some restaurants even post their attire on their website. Or, ask your friendly travel concierge.

If you love fine dining you will enjoy reading: These Are Our 15 Favorite Michelin Star Restaurants in Italy 

Courses And Pairings

Now that you’ve found the right look for you and the restaurant, it’s time to focus on the meal. Many Michelin star restaurants will present you with a tasting menu and the choice of a drink pairing. A trained sommelier will have matched the beverages with each course to enhance the flavors of the dishes. Because of the multi-course menu, both the dishes and pours of these pairings will be less than a full main course dish and glass of wine. 

Image credit: @borkonyha on Instagram

On our Harmony of Central Europe luxury tour, enjoy Hungarian/French fusion Michelin-starred dining in Budapest at Borkonyha Winekitchen

The Service

Be prepared for attentive service. You should expect your waitstaff to often be close by, enhancing your experience.  Your waiter will fill your glass, replace your napkin should you step away, and probably clean the crumbs from the table at the end of the meal. 

How long do Michelin Star Meals Take?

A meal at a Michelin restaurant is an experience to remember. And part of that experience is taking your time and savoring each course. Most meals last at least two hours, and often three to four hours. Rest assured that the chef has your experience in mind and has thoughtfully paced the courses and wine pairings for your benefit. In short, settle in and relax into a decadent, memorable evening. 

Where will Michelin dining take you? Browse our collection of luxury small group journeys, many of which include Michelin starred dining.