😱 Costa Rica's "Cave Of Death" -- Is An American National Park Pass Right For You?

PLACES    GUIDES    ADVENTURE

Costa Rica is a beloved tropical paradise that just about everyone loves. It's a country filled with amazing things to do — and the terrifying Cave of Death, or Cueva de la Muerte.

Sadly, the cave of death isn't anything to toy around with — it's exceptionally hazardous. The many signs near and at the cave entrance warn of the imminent death, yet people still try their luck.

The America the Beautiful National Parks Pass gives you unlimited free admission to more than 2,000 locations around the United States, from major national parks like iconic Yellowstone National Park and postcard-worthy Acadia National Park to historic sites like Alcatraz Island.

But how can you tell if it's actually worth the money for you?

Nothing says summer like a dip in an idyllic swimming hole with water as blue as Ryan Gosling's eyes. Add a float down a natural lazy river teeming with wildlife, and you have the outline for a perfect day at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in north-central Florida. This 2,500-plus acre park an hour northwest of Gainesville lies at the headwaters of the Ichetucknee River, fed by eight natural springs.

You can spend a glorious morning at the south end of the park tubing downstream, then spend the afternoon snorkeling — or even scuba diving — at the stunningly photogenic Blue Hole, located at the north end.

When you're lugging toddlers along, you're often a shoo-in for the "priority boarding" group, which means you can score those precious overhead bin spaces and buckle up before everyone else floods in. But just because you can board first doesn't always mean you should. It all depends on the situation.

Kauai is known for its wild and rugged terrain. The entire island offers a lush and dynamic landscape, with its rivers, waterfalls, and foliage earning it the moniker, "The Garden Isle." Perhaps no place on the island better represents the marriage of beauty and unforgiving topography than the quiet statement that emanates from the Kalalau Valley.

One of the pleasures of traveling throughout Mexico is experiencing the customary authentic food of the region. Unfortunately, safe procedures for food handling are not always the same from one place to another. It can be even more difficult to know what sanitary practices are in place at street vendors and food trucks you encounter while traveling.

Many of the most important practices, like hand washing, wearing gloves, and preparing food to the right temperatures, could be in use. However, these protocols could fall by the wayside during a lunch rush when customers are impatient. Here's what to look out for...