Welcome to the exciting world of noctourism, where the night sky becomes your playground! As interest in exploring darker skies continues to soar, let's embark on a journey to some of the most fascinating night-time adventures around the globe.

From chasing auroras in Iceland to stargazing in Chile, get ready for an unforgettable nocturnal experience like never before.

The Trend of Noctourism

Interest in the night skies is on the rise, with "noctourism" identified as a top travel trend for 2025 by Booking. A survey conducted among more than 27,000 travelers revealed that approximately two-thirds of them have contemplated visiting "darker sky destinations" to engage in activities like starbathing and observing rare cosmic occurrences.

Changing Perspectives After Dark

According to Stephanie Vermillon, the author of 100 Nights Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Adventures After Dark, night adventures offer a unique way to explore destinations with heightened senses.

Vermillon's fascination with nocturnal experiences sparked during a trip to Morocco in 2010. Following that experience, she delved into activities like hunting for the Northern Lights, leading her to an exploration of night-time marvels around the world.

The Allure of Dark Skies

Vermillon attributes the recent surge in interest in dark skies to significant celestial events such as total solar eclipses and peak aurora activity in 2024-2025. With over 200 Dark Sky Reserves globally, she emphasizes the perspective and awe-inspiring experiences that stargazing offers, making it a humbling and grounding endeavor.

Five Night-time Experiences

1. Chasing Aurora in Iceland’s Hot Springs

Travelers visiting Iceland during the Northern Lights season (September to April) can witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis from naturally heated pools.

Vermillon highlights the magical experience of viewing the Northern Lights and recommends specific locations like Ion Adventure Hotel and Heydalur for a cozy viewing experience.

- Best Time to Visit: September to mid-April

- Where to Go?: Þingvellir National Park, Ion Adventure Hotel (Nesjavellir), Heydalur in the Westfjords

- How to Get There?: Fly into Keflavík International Airport; rent a car or join a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík

- Northern Lights tour: ~$100 USD per person

- Hotel with hot springs access: $250–$400 USD/night

- Why Go?: Soak in a geothermal pool while watching the aurora dance overhead. Many hotels offer Northern Lights wake-up calls so you don’t miss a moment.

2. Up Helly Aa Festival in Scotland

A fiery celebration of Shetland's Viking heritage, the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick is a visually stunning event that pays homage to the island’s Norse roots. The festival, dating back around 200 years, showcases a torch-lit procession and culminates in the burning of a Viking longship, making it a unique cultural spectacle worth experiencing.

- Date: Last Tuesday in January (book accommodations well in advance)

- How to Get There?: Fly to Sumburgh Airport (via Edinburgh/Glasgow) or take an overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick

- Ferry: ~$50–$100 USD

- Accommodation: ~$100–$200 USD/night

- What to Expect?: This Viking fire festival features costumed processions, torchlit parades, and a ceremonial longship burning. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter celebration that immerses visitors in Shetland’s Norse heritage.

3. Stargazing in Atacama, Chile

The Atacama region in Chile offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities with its clear, cloud-free skies and minimal light pollution. Vermillon recommends visiting private observatories and participating in astrophotography tours to witness the stunning Southern Hemisphere constellations in one of the Earth’s driest desert landscapes.

- Best Time to Visit: March–November (clear skies and low humidity)

- How to Get There?: Fly into Calama Airport, then take a 1.5-hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama

- Must-Do:

1. Visit ALMA Observatory (limited public tours)

2. Join local stargazing tours with telescopes and expert guides

- Stargazing tours: ~$30–$60 USD

- Accommodations: Budget hostels from $25, boutique hotels ~$150 USD/night

- Why Go?: With nearly zero light pollution, the Atacama is one of the world’s best locations for viewing constellations in the Southern Hemisphere.

4. Night Safaris in Zambia

Embark on a night safari adventure in Zambia's national parks like South Luangwa and Kafue to witness the nocturnal activities of predators like lions and leopards. Vermillon highlights the thrill of encountering wildlife such as hyenas and bush babies under the starlit African skies, offering a unique perspective on the animal kingdom's nighttime behaviors.

- Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)

- Where to Go?: South Luangwa National Park or Kafue National Park

- How to Get There?: Fly into Lusaka or Mfuwe Airport. It is suggested to arrange safari transfers through your lodge.

- Night safari (included in many lodge packages): ~$300–$600 USD/night (all-inclusive)

- What You’ll See?: Lions, leopards, hyenas, genets, civets, and bush babies. Unlike most African safaris, Zambia is known for allowing night drives, giving you a rare look at nocturnal wildlife behavior.

5. Exploring Taiwanese Night Markets

Taiwan's (China) vibrant night markets offer a sensory feast with a variety of flavorful snacks and bustling stalls that come alive after dark. Vermillon recommends visiting markets like Shilin and Raohe in Taipei to savor local delicacies such as oyster omelette and Fuzhou black pepper bun while immersing oneself in Taiwan's night market culture.

- Best Time to Visit: Year-round (avoid major typhoon months: July–September)

- Where to Go?: Shilin Night Market, Raohe Street Night Market — both in Taipei

- How to Get There?: Fly into Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, take the MRT (subway) directly to night market areas

- Must-Try Dishes: Oyster omelette ($2 USD), Fuzhou black pepper bun ($1.50 USD), bubble tea (~$1–2 USD)

- Why Go?: A sensory overload of lights, smells, and flavors — Taiwan’s night markets are legendary for street food, games, and local crafts.

Ready to Travel by Moonlight?

Whether you’re soaking in Iceland’s geothermal pools beneath an aurora or devouring spicy buns in a bustling Taiwanese market, these experiences prove that the real magic often begins after sunset. Noctourism is more than a trend — it’s a new lens through which to see the world.