bright side travel tips

• Hotels & Resorts
• Travel Guides
• Credit Cards
• Airplane Seat Switch Etiquette
• American Airlines Baggage Fees & Allowance
• Amex Centurion Lounges
• Best & Worst Days to Fly
• Best & Worst Days to Fly & Travel for Christmas & New Year's 2024
• Best & Worst Times to Fly
• Best Days & Times to Book Flights
• Best Seats On a Plane
• Best Websites to Book Cheap Flights
• Capital One Lounges
• Chase Sapphire Lounges
• Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Luggage (Steps to Take)
• Delta Baggage Fees & Allowance
• How to Avoid Airline Flight Delays & Cancellations in 2024
• How to Cancel an American Airlines Flight
• How to Cancel a Delta Air Lines Flight
• How to Earn Delta SkyMiles
• How to Earn United MileagePlus Miles
• How to Find Cheap Flight Deals
• How to Find Cheaper Summer Flights for 2024
• How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster
• How to Use Google Flights
• When to Book Christmas Flights - Best Travel Days for 2024
• When to Book Thanksgiving Flights - Best Travel Days for 2024
• United Airlines Baggage Fees & Allowance
• What to Do if Your Airline Cancels or Delays Your Flight
• Worst Seats on a Plane
• Best Atlanta Airport Car Rental Companies
• Best Denver Airport Car Rental Companies
• Best Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Car rental Companies
• Best Miami Airport Car Rental Companies
• Best Orlando Airport Car Rental Companies
• Best Phoenix Airport Car Rental Companies
• Best Websites to Book Cheap Car Rentals
• How to Find Cheap Car Rentals
• Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines
• Can You Bring Food, Alcohol, & Snacks on a Cruise Ship?
• Best Websites to Book Cheap Cruises
• Where Can I Cruise Without a Passport?
• What is Cruise Ship Tendering?
• What is Port Side on a Cruise Ship?
• Best Economy & Budget-Friendly Hotel Brands
• Best Mid-Tier Hotel Brands
• Best Websites to Book Cheap Hotels
• Choice Privileges Loyalty Program Review
• Hilton Honors Loyalty Program Review
• Hostel Booking Tips
• Hotels.com Booking Guide
• How to Find Cheap Hotel Deals
• IHG One Rewards Loyalty Program Review
• Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Review
• World of Hyatt Loyalty Program Review
• Wyndham Rewards Loyalty Program Review
• Best Travel Products
• Destinations
• Family Travel
• Beach Vacation Packing List
• Best Beaches in Florida
• Best Ticket Websites for Tours & Activities
• Best Travel Tips
• Global Entry Program Guide
• How to Check Your Passport Application Status
• How to Make a Travel Budget
• How to Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home
• Passport Processing Times - Current Wait in 2024
• Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2024
• Sustainable Travel Survey 2023
• TSA PreCheck Program Guide
• Travel Insurance Buying Guide
• Ultimate Travel Packing List
• Travel Credit Card Reviews
• Travel Credit Card Strategies & Tips
• Amex Platinum Card Benefits
• Amex Gold Card Benefits
• Best Starter Travel Credit Cards for Beginners
• Capital One Venture Card Benefits
• Capital One Venture X Card Benefits
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Benefits
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Benefits
• How to Use CardMatch
• Ink Business Unlimited Card Benefits

Get The Vacationer Newsletter

Get highlights of the most important news delivered to your email inbox

Advertiser Disclosure

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure : Jones-Dengler Marketing, LLC via The Vacationer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The Vacationer • Travel Guides • Travel Tips

49 Best Travel Tips to Save Time, Money, & Stress in 2024

Traveling locally, across the country, or to another continent is an exciting way to form memories and experience other cultures. But an awry trip can usher in unnecessary stress, expenses, and potential regrets.

These travel tips can help you have a successful trip from the initial planning stages, as you pack your bags, and once you reach your destination. 

Table of Contents

Best Travel Tips While Preparing for a Trip

This collection of tips covers just about everything you should consider when traveling and before you go. You are most likely practicing some of them, making them a good reminder, and others can help prevent uncommon travel surprises.

1. Book At Least Six Weeks in Advance

Instead of carving time out of your schedule to book your trip at a specific date or time (such as Tuesdays at 3 a.m. using a private browsing session to find discounted fares), a more effective strategy is researching travel options at least four to six weeks in advance.

You can still find cheap flights and ideal flight times at least six weeks before departure. Getting on the hunt two or three months before major holidays is also good.  

Last-minute travel savings are possible but you may be unable to get a desired departure time, layover window, or destination. Waiting until the final days can be worth it if you have a flexible schedule and are open-minded about where you travel to.

Learn More: Best Days and Times to Book Flights

2. Travel in the Off-Season or Shoulder Season

Avoiding the peak travel season is one of the easiest ways to pay less for flights and lodging. You also will enjoy smaller crowds and the weather can still be decent for your intended activities.

For example, visiting Spain is delightful in March and April but travel prices are elevated during Semana Santa (Holy Week) when most cities have processions that virtually shut down the city.

Another example is visiting a beach town during the shoulder season. The shoulder season is the time between the peak and the offseason. So you could take a trip to Cape May, NJ from the middle of May to the end of June instead of during the July/August peak. The weather is still good enough during the shoulder season to enjoy most peak-season activities.

3. Compare Multiple Booking Sites

Comparing prices from several travel booking sites can help you find the best rate within minutes. Airlines, hotels, and rental cars offer several slots to third-party booking sites and you can pay less than booking directly from the carrier.

It’s worth your time to check prices directly from the carrier website but also from one or more third-party booking sites (online travel agencies or OTAs) like Hotels.com , Kayak , or Google Flights .

The Vacationer Tip

Along with looking for the best flight schedule and prices, you can use our guide to help find the best seats on the plane and book them for cheap or for free.

4. Book Directly from the Travel Provider

While you can find discounted prices through online travel agencies and third-party booking sites, booking directly from the airline, hotel, or rental car agency provides more protection if you must cancel or reschedule. This is especially important for flights and the 24-hour cancellation rule .

With third-party reservations, you may be locked into a particular itinerary that could be non-refundable or non-changeable. You will need to call the booking site to determine what your alternatives are. If you’re eligible for a refund, it can take longer to receive your funds.

5. Stay at a Hostel to Save Money

Hostels are a common and safe way to secure affordable lodging in Europe and Asia. If you’re traveling solo or in a group and okay with not having as much privacy, a hostel helps keep your travel costs down. 

Despite many misconceptions, most establishments are well-run with clean bathrooms and bedding. You may also be able to get a basic breakfast at some. With that said, be sure to research your options and consider paying a little more to get more luxurious accommodations.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Staying in a Hostel

6. Consider Vacation Rentals for Extended Stays

Vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO have become immensely more popular since the pandemic as people yearned for privacy. While hotels are usually better for shorter stays as you avoid expensive cleaning fees and service fees, a vacation home or villa can be more cost-effective for extended stays.

At a minimum, a rental or an extended-stay hotel is more likely to offer a full kitchen suite that allows you to cook full meals instead of relying on packaged snacks or what fits inside the hotel mini-fridge. 

Vacation rentals can also be cheaper per square foot if traveling as a family. Instead of squeezing into a hotel suite or booking multiple rooms, you have spacious accommodations. If you have small children, the extra space can keep you from losing your mind on rainy days.

The Vacationer’s Tip: While many people focus on spending less for flights, hotels and vacation rentals can have variable pricing. Here is how to find and book cheap hotels to enjoy clean and spacious lodging on a budget.

7. Buy Travel Insurance for Expensive or International Trips

Travel insurance is inexpensive on most itineraries and can save you thousands of dollars if your non-refundable travel is canceled or delayed for qualifying reasons. 

Obtaining coverage is a good option for expensive trips. Picking up a policy can also be worth it when traveling outside the United States as you can have medical coverage and emergency evacuation benefits that your ordinary health insurance may not provide outside the country.

You should also consider booking your trips using credit cards with travel insurance coverage . These benefits are sufficient for low-cost excursions and can activate before your standalone travel insurance policy can. They can also provide complimentary rental car coverage .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the best credit card travel insurance benefits. Namely, you can be eligible for trip interruption and cancellation coverage of up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 per trip), primary auto rental collision damage waiver, up to $500 per ticket in trip delay reimbursement, and up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation  Learn How to Apply Here

8. Consider Annual Travel Insurance Plans

If you travel regularly, an annual travel insurance policy covers multiple trips at a lower premium than buying a new policy for each trip. This is an excellent option for frequent leisure travelers and business travelers.

9. Review Airline and Hotel Cancellation Policies

Your travel plans may change unexpectedly for personal or work reasons. Before you book, take the time to review the cancellation and modification policies just to make sure they are reasonable.

You want to make sure you have a strong possibility of getting a refund or a travel credit to redeem later. Being locked into a non-refundable itinerary may not be worth the savings unless you’re booking right before you go or your travel insurance may issue a refund.

In addition to researching the cancellation policy, be sure to review an airline’s seating and carry-on policy to avoid add-on fees and restrictions. 

10. Choose Early Flights

Early morning flights are the best time to fly for several reasons. First, these departures are less likely to be delayed as it’s a new travel day with rested crews and minimal weather-related interruptions. 

Additionally, these flights can be cheaper as you need to arrive at the airport a little earlier. Routes popular with business travel can be an exception to this rule, but you can anticipate paying less than for a mid-day sortie.

Learn More: How to Avoid Flight Delays and Cancellations

11. Arrive at the Airport Early

Photo: Pixabay

Getting to the airport at least an hour before departure for domestic flights at small airports or when you’re not checking luggage. Plan on arriving at least two hours for domestic flights at busy airports, if you’re checking a bag, or traveling with small children.

What about international flights? Plan on arriving at least three hours before departure to allow additional time for a potentially longer check-in time.

Learn More: How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

12. Qualify for Expedited Airport Security 

If you fly several times a year, obtaining expedited airport security credentials can help you avoid long airport security lines. 

The first step is applying for a federally-administered Trusted Traveler Program, such as:

• TSA PreCheck : Enjoy expedited security at domestic airports only.  
• Global Entry : Get expedited processing at customs lines on international flights plus TSA PreCheck benefits. 
• NEXUS : Ideal for travel between the U.S. and Canada. It also includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits. 

Several rewards credit cards are offering free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee credits to save a few dollars.

In addition to Trusted Traveler programs, you can also shave a few minutes off security wait times with CLEAR at select major airports and stadiums. Where available, this pre-security program can help you reach the expedited TSA security lines sooner. 

Getting a Redress Number can help those who frequently have boarding pass issues, are subject to additional security screenings (including having SSSS on their boarding pass ), and those who experience delayed or denied boardings.

Learn More: How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster

13. Relax at an Airport Lounge

If you have a long layover or arrive at the airport several hours later, visiting an airport lounge (like a Centurion Lounge ) can help you grab a complimentary meal and drink, and recharge your devices. You can also have a comfortable place to sit and the luxury lounges offer spa treatment, sleeping rooms, and shower suites to clean up.

Single-day passes are pricey but there are several credit cards with lounge access . Most lounges allow entry for the primary cardholder and up to two guests complimentary up to three hours before your next flight’s departure.

Airport lounge access is just one way to reduce air travel stress . Check out our article for additional suggestions. 

14. Check Your Passport Expiration Date

Some countries and airlines won’t let you travel if your passport expires within six months. If you’re planning a trip, see if your passport is expiring soon to prevent delaying your trip.

Consider renewing your passport early if you’re approaching the six-month expiration window as the passport processing times can take up to 13 weeks to receive your new document. You can pay extra for expedited processing but the process can still take several weeks.

After submitting your renewal request, you can check your passport application status online .

Finally, use our How to Take Your Own Passport Photo guide to simplify things when applying or renewing.

15. Don’t Go Into Debt for Vacation

As much as you’re earning to get away on a dream trip, it’s probably not worth going into debt for. Whether your bank is offering a vacation loan or you intend on carrying a credit card balance (even with a 0% APR), borrowing money to travel can backfire.

Instead, look for the best options within your spending power. Consider setting aside money each month and delaying your trip if necessary.

In addition to saving up for travel in a dedicated savings account, you can use travel rewards credit cards to redeem points to defray purchases. Some cards offer annual statement credits that reimburse eligible travel bookings. 

Additionally, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards also offer complimentary benefits to spend less.  

Making a travel budget can help you plan for travel expenses so you’re not nervous about running out of cash while you travel or having regrets once you return home.

16. Exercise and Stretch

Once you depart for your trip, be sure to stretch and perform basic exercises as time and space permit. It can be as basic as stationary stretches while sitting in your seat to walking the airport terminal. If driving, stay outside for a few extra minutes at the gas station or rest area.

Stretching and being active once you arrive is also beneficial and can help you sleep better.

Best Travel Tips for Packing

17. only bring a carry-on.

When possible, only bring a carry-on to avoid lost or missing checked luggage. You can also avoid checked baggage fees and excessive weight charges if you overpack. Using the best carry-on can help you find the perfect soft or hard-sided luggage to fit your travel gear.

If you need to check a bag, it most likely won’t get lost but could get delayed. Here’s our helpful guide on what to do during baggage delays .

18. Pack as Light as Possible

Packing is stressful; Many people overpack to ease their anxiety, which sometimes means bringing extra suitcases or paying to check a bag. Write down everything you think you need on your packing list. After it’s complete, cut it down to the bare minimum.

Pack underwear and socks for the number of showers you expect to take; Add an emergency pair for every five or so days of your trip. Shirts and pants can usually be worn multiple days in a row. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can pack even less.

19. Carry-On Overnight Travel Essentials

You never know when a flight delay will turn into spending the night in the terminal or at a nearby hotel. While the airline may provide meal vouchers, you should pack these travel essentials to freshen up:

• A change of clothes, especially extra underwear and socks
• Powerbank (they cost about $20 and have several phone/tablet recharges)
• Travel charger

Even if you’re not stuck somewhere overnight, these small and compact items can also help you rest while on the road:

• Earplugs (great for plane rides and noisy hotels)
• Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
• Travel blanket
• Travel pillow (see the best travel neck pillows )

Adding these carry-on essentials to your packing list can prepare you for nearly any change of plans and to weather a long layover or flight. 

20. Don’t Forget a Power Adapter

A power adapter is essential in most foreign destinations to charge your devices. Traveling to Canada or Mexico is an exception as the standard voltage is 120v and these countries have the same outlet design as the United States. Check to see the adapter requirements for the country you are visiting before leaving.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler recently visited South Africa and needed a Type M adapter. He purchased this Ceptics International Power Plug Adapter Travel Set , which includes 13 adapters for just about every foreign country.

21. Use Packing Cubes

There are a couple of ways to organize your travel luggage to squeeze everything in. Your bag may include built-in storage compartments or you might roll up clothing and put them in packing cubes or vacuum storage bags. If you’re on a budget, rubber bands or plastic bags can also do the job. I recommend the following packing cubes: Veken 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes .

Packing for a vacation can feel like a fine art at times, even as a seasoned traveler. Our travel packing list can cover everything you need to bring so you don’t forget and have to buy something along the way.

22. Bring an Empty Water Bottle

For over 20 years, it’s become ingrained for air travelers to pack liquids in containers containing no more than three ounces. This security rule means you can’t bring a filled water bottle through airport security, but you can bring an empty one.

Most airports have filtered water dispensers in the post-security terminal that you can fill up your bottle with and avoid paying big bucks for bottled water. You also won’t struggle to stay hydrated during your journey.

If you’re driving, consider bringing a travel water filter or a portable filter that you can use in your hotel room to pay pennies for filtered water.

23. Dress Comfortably for the Flight

You should dress comfortably for the plane ride. Dressing in layers with a light jacket or a travel blanket can help you stay warm if the cabin is cool. Bringing travel slippers or slip-on shoes on long-haul flights is another overlooked comfort hack. Wear sweatpants instead of jeans.

24. Bring Duplicate Travel Documents

Take a few minutes to photocopy your critical travel documents such as your government-issued IDs and passport. Be sure to keep these papers separate from your originals in case one set gets lost.

Once you arrive at your destination, you may decide to go out in public with your duplicates and keep your originals plus at least one payment card in the room safe. That way, a pickpocket doesn’t run off with the more valuable set and you still have a way to make purchases. 

Taking it a step further, write down your credit card numbers and the emergency contact number if you need to call and cancel if your plastic goes missing. If you don’t have a phone number, you can also look for a pay phone that should have a toll-free number to contact Visa or Mastercard to cancel your card.

25. Keep Valuables at Home and Bring a Lock

Unless it’s necessary to bring them along for a business function or a personal event, leave your valuables at home. The hassle of keeping them secure and the risk of losing them may not be worth the replacement cost. 

This includes your fine jewelry, watches, and high-end electronics that are nice to use but optional for this trip. Additionally, these items can make you a target for thieves.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler also recommends bringing a luggage lock or a standard combination lock.

26. Install a Luggage Tracking Device

Bluetooth tracking devices like the Apple AirTag are a small and easy way to see where your carry-on and checked luggage are at all times. A single piece is about the size of a coin and costs $30 or less.

27. Bring Comfy Walking Shoes

Most of the world walks more steps than we do daily. Therefore, it’s essential to pack at least one pair of comfortable shoes or sandals to stroll the streets of your destination. Comfortable footwear is also a must-have if you’re staying stateside.

28. Keep a Travel Journal

Consider packing a notebook or diary into your carry-on. Handwriting your favorite travel memories in a journal is an easy way to remember the intricacies that you may struggle to remember years later when you reflect. 

For example, you can write down what you did each day along with exciting facts. Having everybody share their favorite activity for the day is another way to use this journal.

Best Travel Tips for Once You Arrive

29. learn the local customs.

Words and expressions can have different meanings where you’re traveling to. It’s also a good idea to know some of the common phrases and customs the locals practice so you can have a basic conversation.

You can research these details online or in a guidebook.

30. Dress As a Local

Blending in with the crowd can help prevent unwanted attention from panhandlers and pickpockets. For example, don’t wear revealing clothing when the culture favors pants or long dresses. Researching fashion advice for your destination is your best option.

31. Be Wary of Local Scams

Brushing up on the latest tourist scams can help you avoid bad situations. A recent travel guidebook is a reliable way to find the most common tactics for your destination. Two to look out for are unofficial taxis and fake wifi hotspots. 

32. Consider Wearing a Money Belt

Long-time travelers have a love-hate relationship with money belts as they point you out as a tourist if you’re constantly reaching for it in public. Additionally, wearing the belt all day can be a nuisance as it’s an extra layer of fabric you’re not used to.

At the same time, it’s harder to steal a money belt than to grab something from your pockets or purse. They are also inexpensive to buy on Amazon and don’t take up a lot of suitcase space if you decide not to use it.

33. Download Travel Apps

Smartphones make international travel substantially easier as you can download various apps before leaving home so you can hit the ground running.

Some types of apps you may consider downloading for these purposes:

• Offline Maps: Many consider Maps.me to be the best offline maps app and more user-friendly than Apple Maps or Google Maps. You may still try getting paper maps from a local tourism office or bookstore once you arrive though.
• Translation: A translator app for traveling can be pre-loaded with basic phrases with offline access. It may also be able to interpret voice recordings and photographs.
• Jet Lag: Flying to the other side of the world takes a toll on your body and sleep cycle. Timeshifter can help you conquer jet lag quicker while traveling and upon returning home.   

Downloading apps for your airline, hotel, and travel booking sites will help you access your digital reservation information and receive itinerary updates. Some travelers also enjoy downloading tourism apps like Tripadvisor or Yelp to quickly access ratings for attractions.

34. Get an International Sim Card or Phone Plan

Your stateside phone carrier may offer an international plan that you can upgrade to while you’re out of the country. Contract carriers and prepaid providers offer this overseas coverage.

Alternatively, an international sim card can be a budget-friendly and reliable option if you visit multiple countries. Just make sure your device is unlocked and GSM-compatible.  

35. Avoid Eating in Touristy Areas  

You’re likely to pay more and potentially get lower-quality food when eating in touristy areas. This isn’t always the case. For example, dining within sight of Rome’s Pantheon is an exception as there are well-rated restaurants for a memorable ambiance.

However, going a few streets over or to an adjacent community can be the ticket to finding authentic food. Asking your hotel or trustworthy locals can help you find a good spot in addition to researching places to eat online.

36. Lunch Can Be Cheaper than Supper

If you’re only planning on eating out one meal per day, your mid-day meal can be more affordable than in the evening. 

Depending on the restaurant, there can be separate menus for the bar and dining room. Staying in the bar can be more affordable and your meal options can be similar.

37. Use American Chains for Public Restrooms and Wifi

Finding a public bathroom can be challenging in foreign destinations. American restaurants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Taco Bell are more likely to offer public access to restrooms and wifi, although you may need to make a small purchase.

38. Look for Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are common in popular tourist destinations both stateside and internationally. These tours can last a couple of hours and hit the cultural and historical points of interest. They can provide an idea of what you want to spend more time exploring later.  

While these tours don’t have an entry fee, nothing in life is genuinely 100% free ,and leaving a tip is expected in most situations. You may decide to tip more if the guide is knowledgeable and engaging.

39. A Paid Tour Can Be Better Than a Free Tour

You should also compare the free tours to private, guided tours. A paid tour can provide more hands-on support and access to more landmarks. 

In addition to researching the traditional tour providers, the experiences section in Airbnb can also provide curated opportunities to see the sights, enjoy culinary delights, or do physical activities like paddleboarding or folk dancing. 

Further Reading: Best Websites for Booking Cheap Tickets, Tours, & Activities

40. Look for Discounted Sightseeing Passes

Museums and entertainment attractions offer discounted and priority admission with sightseeing pass companies. So, instead of buying tickets directly from the tourist attractions you wish to visit, purchasing a city attraction card in advance can save money and means you won’t need to wait for hours (potentially) to buy a ticket at the door.

For domestic trips, CityPASS® offers discounted packages in approximately 15 major U.S. cities. Entertainment.com can also help you save on experiences in the United States and Canada.

If you’re flying to the “Eternal City” of Rome, Italy, the Roma Tourist Card is worth the upfront cost as you can enjoy these benefits:   

• Skip-the-line access at the Roman Colosseum
• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• Access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
• Audio guides for the Pantheon and Rome
• Free return transfer to or from Rome’s international airports (Ciampino and Fiumicino)
• 10% discount on other attractions, museums, and tours

Depending on the program, you may need to book your pass weeks in advance.

41. Get an Interrail Pass for a Eurotrip

If you’re backpacking Europe or touring several countries, an Interrail Pass from Eurail can make it easier to finalize your transportation plan using an interactive map. This platform lets you visit up to 33 countries by rail with a single pass. 

42. Have a Flexible Travel Schedule

Mapping out an initial plan for each day can help you seize the day and optimize your time of playing tourist. Meanwhile, remaining flexible is pivotal as several variables can alter your itinerary such as:

• A change in the weather
• Accomplishing more than you originally scheduled 
• Making friends with other travelers and having dinner with them
• Realizing a planned activity isn’t as appealing once you arrive 

Another related suggestion is to get out and explore the city and the immediate area on your arrival date (time permitting) so you have a better idea of what to do the next day.

43. Wear Sunscreen Early and Often For Beach & Outdoor Trips

There is nothing worse than getting a bad sunburn at the beginning of a trip. Find a good facial sunscreen and buy a travel-sized container. Apply it to your face and neck a few times per day. For beach trips, either cover up with a hat and clothing or apply strong sunscreen to your body multiple times per day. While it may be annoying, it is much better than dealing with painful and peeling sunburn.

Sunscreen is usually marked up at typical tourist spots. If you check a bag, consider buying what you need before leaving and packing it.

44. Use an ATM Instead of a Currency Exchange Booth

Instead of heading directly to the currency exchange booth at the airport or train terminal, look for an ATM instead. Several should be in the public terminals or you can look for a local bank branch to find a secure location.

Why? ATMs provide better currency exchange ratios than the money exchange booth. Even if you pay foreign transaction fees and non-network ATM fees, you will most likely come out ahead financially speaking.

45. Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Many travel-focused credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , and The Platinum Card from American Express do not have foreign transaction fees. Use cards like those when traveling internationally to avoid potentially expensive fees.

46. Bring at Least One Backup Credit Card

Getting stuck on vacation with no access to money (besides cash) is not something you want to experience; Your main credit card could get lost or stolen. Carry at least one backup credit card (ideally with no foreign transaction fees if overseas) on all trips.

Phil Dengler’s Favorite Travel Tips

Here are a few of Phil’s favorite travel tips.

47. Be Very Flexible – Pick Your Travel Dates Based on the Cheapest Days to Fly

Flights are usually the most costly part of a vacation. I recommend using Google Flights calendar view to find the cheapest days to fly to and from your destination. After identifying those days, book your airfare. You must be flexible, but it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars planning a vacation this way.

Further Reading: How to Find Cheap Flights and How to Use Google Flights

48. Book the Aisle and Window Seats When Traveling in Pairs

I always book the aisle and window seats when flying with my girlfriend or a friend. No one wants to sit in the middle seat, so people rarely select it. Doing this usually gives us the entire row to ourselves.

It does not work on full flights, however. The good news is people are usually willing to trade their middle seat. Simply offer them your aisle or window seat and you still get to sit next to your significant other or friend.

Further Reading: Can You (and Should You) Change Airplane Seats With Someone Else on a Flight?

49. Follow Proper Airline Etiquette

Knowing how to properly act on a plane can better your flying experience. See our following guides for more information.

• Airplane Seat Reclining Etiquette
• Overhead Bin Space Etiquette – Who Does it Belong To and How to Avoid Fights

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Taking the time to plan for a vacation, whether it’s the annual beach trip or you’re trying some new place, lets you practice these travel tips and not stress before or during your expedition. 

The best part is that you don’t need to be a travel pro to successfully implement these suggestions. If you’re a beginner, try adopting several more each time you leave home.

By Josh Patoka

Josh Patoka writes about maximizing travel rewards for The Vacationer. As well, he contributes to several personal finance sites specializing in making money, paying off debt, and investing.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere in the World in 2024

The Best Travel Insurance – Guide to the Top Companies, Cost, & Buying Tips in 2024

How to Avoid Airline Flight Delays & Cancellations – 2024

These Insider Travel Secrets Will Make Your Next Flight a Breeze

From choosing the right drink to avoiding crying kids, here's everything you need to know.

Everything Tastes Different in the Air

Altitude can affect more than your inner ear—when it comes to your tastebuds, cruising altitude can also make a drastic difference in your palate . The combination of cabin pressure and low humidity combine to dull certain flavors and heighten others, according to Andrea Robinson, a Master Sommelier who selects wines for Delta. Fruity flavors like red berries suffer the most, because much of what we perceive of those tastes are influenced by scent; that’s why most wines on airplanes end to have a fruit-forward profile.

" Wine also seems to be more acidic and watery when consumed in-flight, so you may not enjoy that glass of rosé as much as you would on the ground," says Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant Mapuana Faulkner.

When picking out a sip to match your in-flight meal, you’re better off with a jammy malbec, pinot noir, or chablis than you would be with the barolo or chardonnay you might choose on the ground. Look for bottles that don’t depend on oak aging —that buttery note can come across positively greasy at elevation—and avoid too many tannins which can make wine seem astringent at 30,000 feet.

Lock in That Upgrade

Want to up your chances of getting that first class upgrade? There are the obvious things you can do, of course—like opting in to your airlines rewards program—but there are also some sneaky tricks that can improve your chances.

Dressing for the part , for example, can increase your odds of beating others to the upgrade list. “I am not going to put someone wearing flip-flops up front with our best customers," one gate agent told AirFareWatchdog.com founder George Hobica. So save yourself some suitcase space and slip into your blazer or most stylish boots before you head to the airport.

Another handy trick for improving your seat assignment is to ask the gate agent: "Has revenue management released any first-class seats for miles upgrades yet?" This tip, from frequent flier and author Tilly Bagshawe, can sometimes work when asking about upgrades.

The One Thing You Shouldn’t Drink

Coffee and tea may sound like just what your early morning flight needs, but there’s a good reason you won’t catch flight attendants sipping on either of those brews.

Unlike your other in-flight beverage options, coffee and tea are brewed with water from the plane’s tap, and the regulations for how often a plane’s water tank has to be disinfected gives airlines a lot of leeway. In fact, EPA testing in 2012 showed that 12% of the commercial airplanes they looked at tested positive for coliform bacteria (the class to which e. coli belongs) at least once. Consider this your go-ahead to just have the soda—for once it might actually be healthier.

Your Flight Attendant is a Font of Knowledge

You may not immediately think of your flight attendant's sommelier certification, but if you’re flying Singapore Airlines you could be getting a fully-trained tasting expert anyway. In fact, many airlines have begun incorporating high-end education from dining etiquette and five-star plating to wine tasting into their flight crew training.

"When you’re serving things like Dom Perignon and Bordeaux, you need to have a thorough understanding of what you’re pouring,” a flight attendant from Emirates explained. “We need to know the difference between old world and new world wines, as well as champagnes, bourbons, whiskeys, and other spirits."

There is a "Worst" Season to Fly

Despite the holiday season’s reputation for air travel expense, when it comes to the combination of value and customer service, you might be better off avoiding the summer months.

Between the sunny weather and school being out, most Americans take their vacations in July or August, driving up the price of flights (the period between June 22 and August 27 is projected to have some of the highest fares of 2018 .) Of course, all of those rowdy kids, party-bound collegiates, and surly families who have been traveling too long make it the flight crew’s least favorite season too, which pretty much guarantees that no one on your plane is having a good time.

You Can Get Unexpected Freebies, If You Ask

While airlines don’t exactly advertise it, there are certain above-and-beyond services that you can nab if you bother to ask. A full can of soda instead of the usual pour, a mini-bottle of water, or an extra snack can often be easily acquired from your flight attendant, while unexpected little perks like a sanitizing wipes for your tray table or a band-aid may require a special request but are usually on hand for the flight crew.

Other bonuses may be a little more under-the-table. Many airlines, for example, make it a policy to offer a free premium snack or drink on delayed flights, but they don’t make a point of announcing it—you have to know to ask.

Where You Sit Matters

As for those perks, you may find them more free-flowing if you’re sitting toward the back of the plane. “We like to avoid responding to call bells from the front of the plane because answering one means potentially flaunting whatever item the passenger has requested to everyone else along the way,” a flight attendant told Oyster . “For passengers sitting near the back of the plane, however, it's much easier to slip in that second mini bottle of wine. ”

So Does the Airline You Fly

Pick one airline and stick to it. This strategy will allow you to build up not only bonus miles for future flights, but also the valuable qualifying miles required to reach elite status at your preferred airline. For example, under Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program those who fly at least 25,000 "Medallion Qualifying Miles" (which are based on distance flown and fare class) and spend a minimum of $3,000 on flights taken annually on Delta or its partner airlines are eligible for Delta's first level of elite status: Silver. With that comes access to unlimited complimentary upgrades to first class, a free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, and call priority when contacting customer service by phone .

It Takes a Lot to Get The Look

While you might be too busy trying to get your carry-on stowed to notice what your flight attendant is wearing, the dress code for most airlines is stringent. Everything from skirt length (no more than one inch above or below the crease on the back of the knee at United Airlines) to hosiery thickness (15 denier or less if you’re working for British Airways) is carefully dictated . And that’s just below the neck.

"An 'Emirates red' lipstick with lip liner is required. We like to use Mac’s Russian Red because it stays for a long time. Eyeshadow can either be black or beige, and liquid eyeliner is recommended, ” one Emirates flight attendant said of the airline’s Imaging and Grooming Department guidelines that cover everything from nail polish to hair ties. And for attendants who aren’t sure what to select, the airline even offers classes in makeup application and skincare.

Science Can Help You Avoid Plane-Plague

While there’s no hard data that proves you’re more likely to get sick on a plane than in some other form of transport ( planes are actually cleaner than you’d think ) there’s something about being surrounded by so many people for so long that makes every sniffle and sneeze around seem dire.

Though the old standby of popping some vitamin C certainly can’t hurt, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that those who chose window seats made significantly less germ-spreading contact with other passengers than those in center or aisle seats, with those at the front and back of the plane making the least contact of all.

There’s a Baby-Free Zone

Traveling with little ones is rough, especially if you can’t hand out noise-cancelling headphones a la the Clooneys, and though we sympathize, there are also times we’d just prefer to sit… anywhere but next to a baby.

Of course, there’s no way to guarantee you won’t find up sharing a seat with an unhappy newborn, you can reduce your odds by choosing seats away from the bulkheads. These partitions tend to offer parents the best spots to secure baby seats and bassinets, and end to be the first ones allocated to travelers who are flying with wee ones—which means that if you’re looking to keep your travel time adults-only, you should consider bulkheads your no-fly zone.

Expedited Security Programs Are a Big Timesaver

Airport security and Customs don't have to be a nightmare. Travelers who sign up for Global Entry can use a kiosk to clear immigration when they arrive back in the United States instead of waiting in long lines ($100 for a five-year membership). TSA Pre✓, another government-administered program that is included with Global Entry (or costs $75 for five years on its own ), offers access to a priority line at airport security in which passengers don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets .

Another option is Clear ($179 per year), a service whose value comes in handy even before the airport security screening. Clear members have a special security lane at more than 30 airports and sports stadiums around the country now, where they scan their fingerprints or eyes at a kiosk to confirm their identity . Once that's done, they can proceed directly to the security screening—without ever needing to pull out their ID for a TSA agent to scrutinize.

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Travel @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

The Best Room At: ... Rosewood London

How to Live in a Spa

The Hottest Date Spot for Celeb Couples in L.A.

Forget Aspen. Let's All Go Skiing in Courchevel.

The Best-Looking New Hotels on the Planet

The Best-Looking New Hotels on the Beach

The Best-Looking New Lodges in the Wild

The Best-Looking New High-Design Hotels

The Best-Looking New Minimalist Hotels

Best-Looking New Hotels in Cities

The Best-Looking New Hotels in the Countryside

50 Best Travel Tips

Best travel tips, hacks and advice for traveling around the world from our 10 years of traveling experience. Learn how to travel smart to make the most of your trip.

We love to travel. Traveling gives us the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. It also broadens our horizons. Having said that, at times, it can be pretty challenging and even daunting. And yes, there are many things we wish we knew before we started traveling .

We lived abroad twice, had an amazing year in Canada, once bought a van and traveled around New Zealand for 15 months, climbed the glacier on a volcano in Colombia, dived with playful sea lions at Galapagos, skied in the Dolomites, enjoyed sandy beaches in the Philippines, hiked around Himalayas, road tripped through Red Center in Australia, and so much more.

We've been traveling the world as a couple ever since we first met and on our journey, we try to spend less and see more.

On our trips, we gathered a lot of travel experience that helps us now to travel better . And yes, we made a lot of travel mistakes along the way. But we always try to learn from them, so we don't repeat them in the future.

So, this is our list of incredibly helpful list of travel tips we've picked up from more than 10 years of traveling together.

#1 Create a Travel Journal Before Your Trip

Starting a travel journal is one of the best ways how to start your next adventure. Write before, during your trip and after you leave. Make notes all the time. Record moments. Take photographs. Caption photos.

Recording your travels helps you to look back on your adventures when you return from the journey. You can stick with pen and paper to record your thoughts or create an online journal. Whatever works best for you.

We still have our travel journal we wrote years ago during our trip around New Zealand, and it's amazing to get back to all the exciting things we have seen and experienced after all those years.

The more you travel and see, more you forget. It's nice to have a place to look when you get back home and forget all the small details or funny stories.

As we kept our travel diary from New Zealand, we can quickly find how our trip to Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Tongariro Alpine Crossing was even after all those years.

Write whenever and wherever you can, or make extra time every evening and write down everything you've done that day. Make it a habit.

Keeping a diary is not only great for recording your travels, but it also works as a mirror, and you will learn something about yourself.

#2 Read a History Book

You will learn about the country you travel in, about the local people, customs, how they think, it will influence your own critical thinking, empathy and makes you more knowledgeable.

When we were exploring Peru , the traveling distances between the destinations were huge, so we spent the time on buses reading about the history of this amazing country.

Of course, you can watch the movies all the time, but you won't learn about the country, except that Dwayne Rock is for some unknown reasons extremely popular there.

Instead, try to read a book. Reading especially about the Incas and the Spaniards conquest of the empire was so magical and enlightening, and it expanded further our knowledge about the pre-Columbian times and helped us understand this country better.

We also enjoyed places such as Sacred Valley or Nazca much more.

Extra Tip: Kindle has a perfect travel size and allows you to bring your favorite books with you on a vacation.

#3 Try Local Food

You never know what you will get, and you might end up as we did in Hoi An eating a raw blood soup with animal innards in a family-owned restaurant/furniture store.

After we finished the dinner we were rewarded with a couple of wine rice drinks! This example is a bit extreme, but you get the idea.

Exploring foreign cuisines is fun and definitely worth trying. Local food is part of the cultural experience and is deeply connected with traveling.

On top of that, you support local communities, and the economy as the money you spend stays in the country. Also, seasonal locally grown vegetables and fruits taste so much better!

Moreover, some places such as Melaka or Lima are known as foodies heaven.

#4 Find a Cheap Local Restaurant Away From the Tourist Places

We believe that this advice is more aimed to long-term travelers than for someone who wants to visit the destination just for a week or two and doesn't have time to wander around the city to look for a cheap eatery.

The main square is usually the most popular and touristy place in the town, that means that the prices for the food and service are high and most of the time, overpriced.

Old Town Square in Prague is magical. It's also one of the worst places to have a meal in the city.

Walk for 10 minutes in any direction, and you will be able to find a place that serves a nice meal for half a price (with much better service).

#5 Plan Your Trip Together

It's all about bonding and reconnecting. Sit down together and write down your budget, destinations you want to visit and preferred activities you would love to do.

Do you want to drive around Ring Road ? Or would you rather go exploring the beaches and trails of Manuel Antonio National Park ?

If you're a solo-traveler, plan your journey with friends, or better, invite them to join you on the trip. Couples can share their travel ideas with their partners and families can involve kids.

Planning a perfect holiday is hard work, but when everyone is involved, it's quicker, more efficient, fun and it's amazing what you can accomplish together.

Discuss what kind of holiday you want, plan together and divide responsibilities according to your strengths.

With this simple advice, you will be able to plan your perfect vacation!

#6 Let Someone at Home Know Your Plans

It doesn't matter if you travel solo, with a partner or with friends, always tell someone back home about your upcoming travels, and check in periodically so they know you’re safe.

Regardless of whether you go hiking in Lake O'Hara or Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park , make sure that someone knows bout your plans.

If you go hiking always inform the rangers at the information center or people that you are staying with.

Some countries have online travel database managed by the government where you can register yourself, and they will help you in case of natural disasters, social riots or other things.

#7 Notify Your Bank About Your Upcoming Travel

It's a small but crucial step. Notify your bank that you will travel to a foreign country. There is nothing worse than a bank blocking your credit card without letting you know.

Call your bank and let them know about your travel plans. You can also set it up in your online banking account. The bank is trying to protect you, and if they see any suspicious transactions from overseas, they could lock your account.

We had this unpleasant experience in Rio de Janeiro where we couldn't get an Uber ride because our credit card was blocked.

Extra tip: Make sure to use no-fee bank cards to avoid paying bank fees while traveling. It's irritating to get charged twice while spending money abroad.

#8 Travel With More Than Just One Credit Card

ATM eats your credit card, you get robbed, or your bank will decide to block your credit card for suspicious activity (see travel tip #7). Being stranded in a foreign country without access to your money is every traveler's nightmare.

In Kathmandu , an ATM swallowed our credit card, which was not funny at all.

Always have more than just one way how to access your money.

#9 Keep Emergency Cash

There are ATMs everywhere, and it's never been easier to access your money from almost anywhere in the world.

Despite the fact we recommend you to keep some emergency cash at the hotel, 100-200 dollars per person is enough for emergency situations, and we believe that USD is still the most versatile currency around the globe.

And there are still plenty of countries such as Bolivia or Guatemala where cash is the king.

#10 Learn Common Phrases of the Local Language

Communication is extremely important when it comes to traveling. Saying "Hi" and "Thank you" to a complete stranger in a foreign language will help you get over the language barrier.

It's also very respectful towards the people you'll meet and makes you less ignorant. Locals tend to be more helpful and friendly if you try to say something in their mother language.

You don't need to be fluent in a new language, but mastering some basic words and key phrases will help you overcome lots of difficult situations and make your travels easier. Focus only on words and phrases you will actually need while traveling.

Learn how to ask for general information, food prices, transportation, directions and the word for bathroom.

As we're from the Czech Republic , we can teach you the two most common phrases you can use during the entire trip.

'Dekuji' means thank you, and 'Dobry den' means good day. See, not hard at all.

#11 Always Get a Travel Insurance

Having good travel insurance is cheaper than paying the costs of health care when traveling abroad.

In most parts of the world, medical help is extremely expensive, and it's not worth the risk to save a few bucks.

A great example would be mountain trekking at high altitudes. If you get altitude sickness somewhere in Nepal mountains, the cost of a helicopter ride starts around 6000 USD. But travel insurance is not only about medical coverage.

It's usually a package that covers trip cancellation, lost baggage, trip delay, emergency services, and other things.

You might think that's just another expense, but every smart traveler won't leave the house without good travel insurance.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

#12 Make Photocopies of Important Documents

Every single traveler will give you this advice, and it will help you survive and avoid unpleasant situations in case you get in trouble and lose them.

What copies should I have? Passport, visa, travel insurance, driver's license, airline tickets, hotel/cruise/tour/rental confirmations are among the most important travel documents.

And how should I backup my travel documents? Offline in your phone, online in the cloud, USB flash drive and also don't forget to keep printed copies with you.

We were caught by surprise in domestic flight in Peru from Lima to Iquitos at the airport check-in where they required a printed version of our flight tickets and wanted to charge us 35 USD for printing them.

It was quite a shock after flying experiences with the low-cost airlines in South East Asia where they required from us only to show reservation on the phone.

#13 Share Your Travel Tips and Travel Knowledge

You don't need to run a travel blog to share useful travel tips with others. You can share them in the hostel, on the bus or in the pub over a few beers with other travelers you'll meet during your trip.

When you travel you will meet many travelers who are the most up-to-date source of information.

Are you about to cross the borders from Colombia to Ecuador by land, but couldn't find any recent information?

Ask other travelers in your hostel. You might not only get great travel advice, but you can also find new friends.

#14 Use TripAdvisor (Smartly)

"What? I've read on every single travel blog sharing the best travel tips that TripAdvisor is evil, and I should avoid it at all costs!"

This is not exactly true. TripAdvisor can be a great travel help if you use it with common sense.

There are thousands and thousands of travel reviews, tips, advice, and experiences which you won't find anywhere else and if you learn to filter and process all the information you will find lots of useful travel advice.

And unlike Instagram, you can also find mostly not post-processed and not staged images of places you want to visit to give you a better perspective of the area.

Be skeptical with 5 and 1 stars reviews, people leaving over excited or bashing reviews, especially when the accounts are new, they might be fake.

Focus on sorting the information. If a history fan leaves an excited review of Tikal Ruins , he's just visited, ask yourself first, if you like history, ruins or you have historical background to enjoy the place and prevent the future disappointment.

We also don't use it for finding places where to eat as there are lots of overpriced tourist restaurants.

Simply put, the information is there, but buried under thick layer of unhelpful tips.

#15 Bring a Camera

We love to bring a our mirrorless camera for our travels, trips and vacations.

You can ask yourself if you really need to bring more than a smartphone when traveling, but it's the question only you can answer.

We'll give you a small hint. We believe that modern iPhone is good enough for most travelers, you can take great photos with it, it's light, easy to pack and carry, and overall it's easier to travel with.

We love to carry our mirrorless camera though as there are still lots of benefits over the phones, such as lens selection, zoom lenses, the overall quality, sensor size, battery life, and other things.

We wouldn't be able to capture stunning wildlife photos on the Galapagos Islands without a long telephoto lens. We still take pictures on our phone to make backups, if we want to share them with friends and family or to post them on social media though.

Nevertheless, either you are smartphone user or big camera enthusiast, it's always good to take your camera everywhere you go to capture and preserve travel memories.

Photo Tip: Pack some extra memory cards to make sure you won't run out of space.

#16 Keep Your Devices Charged

You will always run out of battery in the most inconvenient situations. Charging your devices whenever you have the chance is the best way to keep your travels stress free.

Most of the modern smartphones, laptops or cameras eat your battery really fast, but they usually survive a day without charging.

You can always pack a power bank or spare batteries which is extra useful when you travel somewhere without electricity, but most of the time it adds only an extra weight to your backpack.

Every time you see a free socket, plug it in!

Extra tip: Pack a suitable travel adapter so you can actually use the socket!

#17 Bring Spare Camera Battery (or Three)

The main reason behind bringing spare camera batteries for your trip is peace of mind. Your battery can fail, you will travel to a remote place without the possibility to charge it, or you forget to charge it overnight.

Also, batteries lose charge over time and don't work well in cold weather. We like to bring at least three batteries for our trips.

We know that our compact mirrorless camera will not have enough power for a Quilotoa Loop or Salkantay Trek .

Extra battery in your backpack will allow you to take more photos and the extra weight doesn't outweigh the risk of a flat battery.

#18 Backup Your Photos

Make sure you never lose your photos. You probably backup your files and photos at home, but how to keep your data safe when traveling?

Bring more memory cards and change them frequently, transfer your photos to your external disk at the end of the day or upload them to the cloud storage.

Online cloud storage is by far the best and most secure way to keep your photos safe.

Unfortunately, uploading photos in places like Carretera Austral is sometimes impossible due to low internet speed.

These are just a few examples of what to do with your data and how to prevent losing them.

Back up your data now!

Extra tip: If you tend to forget like me, set a reminder!

#19 Beware of Free Public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi might be a great idea if you really need to find where is the nearest grocery store, what time the next bus leaves or how to get back to your hotel but it poses one of the biggest online threats for travelers.

Try to avoid using free Wi-Fi at the airports, coffee shops and other public places for logging into your bank accounts, entering passwords or credit card details.

There are hackers lurking to steal your unprotected data or personal information. Rule of thumb is to use password protected network in trusted places, mind you, it's not risk-free either.

#20 Use Offline Maps for Navigation

Downloading Maps.me is one of the best travel advice we can share with you.

This is a free offline map navigation app, so you don't have to worry about getting lost or reaching the destination. This super useful mobile application also works great for city walks.

Simply add the points of interest while staying at your hotel room and then follow the navigation.

What we love the most about the app is that it displays popular hiking trails, and helps you with outdoor activities and backcountry orientation.

We use it a lot for hikes that don't have the best signage, such as Casa del Arbol or Cerro Gaital , and it works like a charm.

#21 Use Google Translate

Once in a while, you will find yourself in a situation where all verbal and non-verbal communication will fail.

Being able to look something up while buying tickets at the train station or looking for directions can be a lifesaver.

The Google Translate app is a great and helpful tool as it works offline and you don't need access to the internet. Make sure that you don't forget to download languages prior to your arrival.

You can also use camera translation to translate images or text instantly by just pointing your camera, or you can translate whole web pages when looking for certain information.

And if you have internet access, you can Conversation feature which allows you to translate both sides of a spoken conversation.

Pretty neat!

#22 Decide What Types of Places Will You Visit

Beaches, mountains, cities? Before you leave, make sure you know what places you will visit.

You will know what to expect, what to pack, what to do once you get there.

Choosing a travel destination is an essential step of every trip.

Are going to hike in high altitude ? High altitude sickness can cause serious health problems and you better not underestimate it.

Are you going to a country with malaria risk? You might need to purchase medication before leaving and know about the risks of side-effects.

Are you going to visit Louvre in Paris? You might end up waiting in hour-long queues resulting in frustration.

More information you know about the places you will visit, the fewer surprises you'll run into while on the road.

You can research a travel destination before you go and find out everything you need to know before making the trip.

Be prepared.

#23 Visit the Touristy Stuff

Yes, there is a reason why famous tourist places are extremely popular, and everyone wants to visit them.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park are great examples of extremely popular but breathtaking places definitely worth visiting.

Similarly, everyone wants to see Petra or Yellowstone National Park .

These places are usually the most stunning with great visitor's infrastructure, it's easy to get there, and despite the crowds and high fees, it's definitely worth seeing them too.

#24 Visit Non-Touristy Stuff

There are still places in this beautiful world which don't see many if any tourists.

It takes time to get there, they might be not that spectacular, but they have a completely different, almost magical, atmosphere.

Being either dull or with little infrastructure, these places are unable to cater to the need of travelers majority.

The beauty of these places lies in the fact that you can find non-commercial towns, unspoiled nature and deeper connections with the locals.

Like we did find in Playa De Belen in Colombia.

#25 Travel in a Shoulder Months or Off-Season

Great travel advice and one of the best ways to save money and avoid the crowds while traveling .

Lower prices for hotels, airfares, transportation, and the fact that you won't spend several hours queuing to get in a popular tourist site are among the main reasons to make your trip in the off-season.

For example, Europe has the high season in summer due to perfect weather conditions.

But if you're planning to explore the museums or breathtaking architecture of European cities, taste the local cuisine or have a completely different experience from the destination, you can come and visit the places in the off-peak months.

Keep in mind that some places might be inaccessible or closed because of the weather! For instance, Inca Trail is closed in February.

#26 Get Up Early

Most of the tourists are still in the bed around sunrise, and the locals start their new day early in the morning.

Regardless of whether you want to see the sunrise in Tayrona National Park or just roam the streets of Panama City , it's worth the effort.

Every destination has a completely different atmosphere, you will have the chance to see an entirely different side of the place you are visiting. Plus it provides lots of photo opportunities to capture all the magical moments.

You will also feel better and have a more productive day.

And here is one extra tip for photographers. Around dawn, there are fewer people around, the air is cleaner in the morning, has a lesser amount of smog and dust and you will get better and crisper photos than during sunset.

Also sunrise (and sunset) are in general the best times to take pictures as the light is soft and you will get more beautiful photos.

#27 Be Flexible

A flexible itinerary is one of the keys for having a great time on your vacation. Plan some activities for specific days, leave some days open.

And it's always great to have a backup plan. If you're expecting that everything will go without any hiccups during your trip, you might get some unpleasant surprises.

Has your connecting flight been delayed, or are you too tired from jet lag that you need catch up on sleep? Did you enjoy roaming around the streets of Vienna or Sao Paulo and want to stay one more day?

We highly recommend you to allow yourself a few extra days on your trip just in case something goes wrong or you need to adjust the itinerary.

Next time when things don't go your way, stay calm and take several deep breaths.

We had to postpone our trekking adventure and wait for almost a week to set off for our Milford Track in New Zealand because of the heavy rain and danger of flooding.

And remember, best travel stories come from your struggles, bad decisions, and unplanned annoyances!

Stay in Touch!

Hi, we are Lucie & Martin,

and we know how to travel more and spend less!

As independent travelers, we always try to give you our honest opinion and only write about places we visited ourselves.

Enter your email to get our best budget tips & travel guides with inspiring photos! It’s FREE!

We are honored to have you on board!

#28 Get Lost On Purpose

One of our favorite travel tips. If you've just arrived in a new destination and you started looking for your paper or digital travel guide we recommend you to stop, as you will end up at the same place as every other traveler.

Instead, put on your comfortable shoes and start walking. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to go to the city outskirts.

There is not much to see and do anyway, but rather try to explore the tourist places on your own, take your time and immerse yourself in the experience.

Wandering around the cold streets of European city like Prague in winter will make it a once in a lifetime experience.

If you're worried about the safety, the locals will usually warn you.

Like it happened to us when we were dropped off in an unknown, hectic and dodgy looking part of Chiclayo town in northern Peru.

We immediately got a warning from a friendly local woman to keep our phones safely in our pockets and don't use them on the public.

When we first arrived in the city, we were told not to visit the northern part of the town at all!

#29 Leave Your Comfort Zone

Are you stuck in your comfort zone? Traveling around the world gives you tons of opportunity to get out of your comfort zone!

Pushing yourself to do the things that you are scared of is a great way to overcome your fears and anxiety and will bring you amazing experiences and memories!

We always wanted to try mountaineering but had a million excuses why not to do it.

So, we decided to climb the volcano in Colombia at 5000 meters above sea level! As it turned out, it was one of the best experiences we've ever had.

Later on, in Nicaragua, we did the opposite and tried volcano boarding in Leon .

Being said that, getting out of your comfort zone while traveling doesn't have to be only about those planned adrenaline activities.

Sometimes, it's more adventurous just to talk to someone washing the dishes next to you in a hostel.

Stepping out of the comfort zone has for everyone a different meaning, so try to find your own obstacles you might want to tackle.

#30 You Won’t Be Able to See Everything

Accept it, embrace it, and you will enjoy your travels more. The world is gigantic. Similarly, some countries such as Brazil or Colombia are huge, and it's impossible to see everything.

Prioritization is the key.

Focus on what you want to see and do, what you like, the things that interest you, build the right itinerary and if you plan it well and give yourself enough time, you'll still be able to see a lot and have a great time!

#31 Be Spontaneous

We often see people on their holidays following blindly their perfectly planned itineraries. That's completely understandable. Who doesn't want to have an amazing trip?

But even if you like the things going according to the plan, leave some room for spontaneity.

You might end up with the best travel memories you will ever have!

Completely unexpectedly, we happened to visit a European Cup football qualification game while in Lankaran just because we were curious enough about the crowd marching in the streets and decided to follow them.

When we arrived at the stadium, we bought the tickets and watched the game. I believe that Lucie, who wore a bright pink dress that day, was the only woman attending the game among thousands of Azerbaijani male football fans.

It was not something we planned, but we experienced something new, and it was fun.

#32 Slow Down

What's the rush? Traveling is not a competition. You won't get a gold medal at the end of your trip for checking off every single item on your destination's bucket list.

Slow travel is the best way to immerse yourself in a travel experience, to connect with new people, culture and to enjoy the local cuisine.

Sure, not everyone has three weeks for Cusco as we had, but the idea remains the same.

Forget the checklist of must-do's or activities you can't miss, instead focus on the journey itself, not the destination, keep yourself open to experiences and keep it simple.

Trust us, you will see more.

#33 Use Public Transport

We usually try to use public transport when traveling and even though it's not always the best option how to get from the point A to point B, it will enhance your travel experience.

Quality of the public transport varies from nice clean and safe to smelly sketchy and utterly terrible.

Nevertheless, it's always a great way to observe and learn a little bit more about the country's culture and local people.

Getting around the capital city of Ecuador, Quito , in overcrowded buses or using a metro in Mexico City was something you don't experience every day.

#34 Book Early for Cheap Flights

Airfare is usually one of the biggest parts of every travel budget .

By booking approximately two months in advance, you will get the best deal and save a considerable amount of money.

You don't have to book flights a year in advance to save some money, but leaving it for the last minute will usually cost you more.

Use different flight search programs to compare the prices, check airlines websites directly and try to have a flexible schedule in order to secure the best deal.

Or keep your travel plans open, and if you see cheap flight tickets to Prague , be spontaneous and book them!

#35 Travel Responsibly

There is no secret that mass tourism has huge, and most of the time, a negative impact on the travel destinations fragile environment.

You don't have to follow every single step of guidelines of how to travel responsibly , but every small thing you do will help.

Next time you travel somewhere, buy local food, use public transport or consider bringing biodegradable soap . There are dozens of countries where is perfectly safe to drink tap water. Or you can just stay on the designated trail on your next hike.

Try to think more about what you can do better and minimize your impact. Deciding on which tour operator to go with? There are companies who actually care about the environment.

There are tons of things you can do differently, start with simple one!

#36 Cheapest Doesn't Always Mean the Best

The cheapest bus company has old unreliable buses and overworked drivers, your tour guide doesn't know a single English word, the low-cost flight company will charge you extra for everything, or the rented car will break down.

These are some real-life examples. Our local guide in Colca Canyon didn't speak English, or the bus driver got lost a couple of times on our way to Ouro Preto .

When traveling around the world, mostly in developing or third world countries, there can be a huge difference between the price and quality of the delivered service.

If you're traveling on a low budget you might be tempted to cut the cost of travel as much as possible.

Sometimes it's not worth the trouble though.

And by the way, there are always some ways to save money for travel .

#37 Try Work and Travel Visa

We spent a year in Canada , and another year in New Zealand , and it was one of the best life experiences we've ever had.

You will make new friends, you can greatly improve your level of English if it's not your first language, you will earn money which will make it possible to travel more, you can visit places you've only seen in movies and so much more.

There are tons of reasons to live abroad and Work and Travel visa gives you the best opportunity to do it.

Where is the catch? It's only for young(er) people, and countries have different policies, and rules for issuing visas.

To give you an example, if you're Czech Republic citizen, and want to apply for WHS in Canada, you have to be under 35, and the Canadian government issues only 1000 visas per year.

In the next step they will allocate your application in the virtual pool, and finally, they will randomly select candidates.

Check about the countries policy before you apply!

#38 Don't Joke at the Borders

Border control agents or security personnel do not get sarcasm and if asked, stay calm and give the straight and honest answer.

Regardless of whether you are crossing the borders from Costa Rica to Nicaragua or Chile to Argentina , act naturally.

Also, you should be careful when making jokes on social media about your forthcoming trip. You don't want to be flagged as "possible threat" and be refused to enter the country.

#39 Pack Light and Smart

How to pack all your things into one big backpack is one of the most fundamental questions before setting off on a journey.

And no matter the length of the trip, you'll need to fit all your stuff in a luggage at the end of the day.

Are you going camping to Amazon jungle ? You don't need make-up, tight leggings, and your nice cocktail dress. Unless you want to become lifetime buddies with mosquitoes!

Are you going on a Galapagos Cruise in Ecuador? You might want to leave your heavy trekking boots at home.

Set a weight limit and weigh your luggage. If you're reaching the limit, cut down some of the items.

It happens to us more than often than we pack more than we really need and then we have to lug it around.

But make you sure you have adequate gear for the activities to cope with all the weather conditions your travels can throw at you.

#40 Bring Sarong

One of the most useful and versatile things to bring with you when traveling.

Sarongs are small to pack, light and easy to dry. They are also extremely cheap to buy.

And what are the best ways how to use them? You can use them as beach towels, to prevent sunburnt, as clean bed sheets, blankets, to cover your body at religious sites, or to make a curtain for privacy.

These are just a few examples to show how good and handy they are. We always bring one!

#41 Use Passport Protector

Passport or ID is the most important thing you have while traveling and the last thing you want to get damaged or lost.

Keep it dry and clean in passport holder .

We don't recommend you to use the travel wallets or holders to hold all your important documents in one place though, in case you lose it or you will get robbed, you will lose everything.

#42 Pack Your Stuff in Plastic Bags or Drybags

When backpacking around the world , it's important more than anything to keep your clothes, valuables, documents, and other stuff dry.

You can buy almost anywhere those nice and overpriced plastic travel bags with zippers, or you can use good old garbage bags. They're really strong and dirt cheap, and you don't have to worry if they don't last the whole trip.

Small travel plastic bags are also great for separating your travel liquids from the rest of your things.

Dry sacks are handy to keep your valuables safe in the daypack during the day, for island hopping in El Nido or beach adventures in Bocas del Toro .

For passport and other important documents, you can use a waterproof case .

Lots of people use only the rain cover to protect their things in their backpack, but keep in mind that it's just water resistant, not waterproof.

#43 Pack a Flashlight

A flashlight is one of the things people underestimate the most when they travel.

Every smartphone has torchlight app which is a great feature, but the battery won't last long and if you go hiking in Banff National Park , camping in Iceland or you just get lost in the dark, proper flashlight is irreplaceable.

Headlamp is by far the best travel flashlight leaving your hands free.

Thank you to all of our supporters around the world who follow our adventures!

#44 Travel With a Toilet Roll

There are countries around the world where toilet paper is not always available. Always add it to your packing list and keep a stash of tissues or toilet paper with you!

It’s good to know where you can flush the toilet paper as it's not granted everywhere in the world. In countries such as Peru or Ecuador , use the bin provided.

#45 Beat the Jet Lag

When you arrive at your dream destination take your time to adjust yourself to the daily rhythm and to the time zone difference. Jet lag from a long-haul flight can affect your body for hours or several days.

You can't avoid it, but with a few simple and easy steps, you can minimize the symptoms.

Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, drink plenty of water, pick your arrival time if possible, choose front seats and relax or try to get some sleep depending on the daytime of your destination.

One thing is certain though, traveling east is always harder for our bodies than going west thanks to circadian rhythm known as sleep/wake cycle, which is our internal clock.

#46 Get Vaccinated

Traveling abroad can be very exciting but it also poses health risks, and many countries require that you get vaccinated before arriving.

Visit a travel clinic or medicine specialist who will be able to give you general advice about travel health and travel vaccinations.

When we traveled around South America , it was required to have a yellow fever vaccination in order to enter Colombia .

There was a vaccine shortage in Calgary at the time we lived there, and we were lucky enough to get the partial dose of vaccination so plan your appointments ahead.

Remember, your safety and health are essential while traveling.

#47 Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for life, and every traveler should be mindful of the body's requirements.

Long day city walk or day hike in the mountains can be challenging for the human body, and it's easy to forget that our body needs water. It's recommended to drink 2.5 liters a day though this depends on the activities you do and may vary from person to person.

Don't drink tap water in third world countries and always buy a bottled one.

If you're concerned about the environment and want to avoid using plastic , bring a reusable bottle from home.

Buy only big water bottles, refill it from hotel's potable water containers or use SteriPen .

When we hiked the Annapurna Circuit , we refilled our water bottles in drinking stations or used the purification tablets to get the drinking water and to help conserve the environment.

#48 Carry a Travel First-Aid Kit

An unexpected illness or injury that occur when traveling might make your trip less enjoyable.

For that reason, the first-aid kit is an essential piece of equipment on any of your travels. What are the most common travel illnesses? The flu, sunburn, traveler's diarrhea, motion sickness, bug bites, or altitude sickness.

We ate something bad in San Cristobal de las Casas and under the dog for the next several days.

What should I carry in my first-aid kit? There is no definite answer to this question. It depends on where you go and what you're going to do once you get there.

And remember people who write travel blogs are not doctors, so it's always better to get advice from someone with a medical degree, and not a travel blogger!

#49 Stay Healthy

Staying fit and healthy while traveling is super important.

The most important thing you can do while traveling is to get enough sleep.

Your body will be stronger to fight off viruses, your mind will be happier, and you will enjoy traveling more.

Start your day with a rich and healthy breakfast, eat snacks, stay hydrated during the day, stay safe in the sun, try to get some exercise and get a good sleep.

Also, health and positive thinking go well together.

#50 Travel More

Traveling makes you happier, you can find confidence in dealing with unexpected situations, meet new friends and appreciate your home and family more.

And we truly believe that traveling can change your life !

Travel Resources

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation : When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld .

Tours : Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator .

Rental Cars : When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com , a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Flight Tickets : When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance : World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Share them in the comments!

22 Travel Tips for 2022

It's 2022. Dream. Plan. Travel. Learn. Be safe. Check out my tips to make the most of your next adventure near or far!

By: Jessica Cho + Save to a List

1. Make a packing list on your phone

Even if you aren't really much of a list person, it can’t be denied that having your packing items written down can be useful. Plus, it serves as a good reference to prevent forgetting things when you’re packing up to return home. I’m typically a huge fan of using pen and paper, but I find that creating a list on my phone is most effective since there’s a lower chance the list will get lost, crumpled, ripped, or wet. And, it’s easier to refer to since most people tend to have their phones close by. I like using the notes app on my phone because I can use bullets that can be checked off…a super satisfying feature!

2. Keep your vax card and photo ID on hand

It’s always a good idea to have your Covid vaccination card and a government-issued ID with you whether you’re doing a road trip or flying somewhere. (Note: Airlines may require vax cards as well as IDs.) You never know when you might need to show proof of vaccination at a local restaurant, event, or other establishment. You wouldn’t want to have to forgo doing something you really want to do because you left one or both of these items at home!

3. Bring hand sanitizer, wipes, and at home rapid tests (if you can)... travel size products are great!

It’s always a good idea to have sanitation items with you because you never know when you might need to wipe down a seat, surface, or your hands! Having these items handy is especially useful in covid times. If you don’t want to lug around full size products, CVS or other pharmacies have mini hand sanitizers, which are easy to carry and cute at the same time! 

Note: I found it helpful to pack extra at-home covid rapid tests when I recently traveled outside of the country. Usually before flying back, airlines will require proof of a negative covid test (performed at a clinic or hotel/resort). Taking a rapid test beforehand (or if you’re having any symptoms) can provide some assurance and peace of mind before your scheduled official test.

4.  A pen can come in handy!

A pen never typically makes the cut on my packing lists. It's never something that I feel I would need or really use. BUT… sometimes, they really are good to have with you. On a recent flight out of the country, for example, all travelers were advised to fill out customs forms while we were still in the air to speed up the process upon arrival. The flight crew didn’t have enough pens for everyone, which meant we either had to share with a neighbor, wait our turn, or fill out the papers at customs. It is easier and less stressful to be prepared. Plus, you never know when a spark of random inspiration might strike! You may need something to write. Or maybe you’ll feel like journaling after a particularly profound experience… don’t underestimate the pen!

5.  Don’t forget your SPF…useful in both hot and cold locations!

This one hits close to home. My mom has pushed this on me for years. But she’s right– it’s really important! It's a common misconception that you don’t need to use SPF when it’s the winter time. But, even in the colder months, the light from the sun’s rays can still be strong (especially if reflecting off snow). Protect your skin and remember you need sunscreen even if you're not headed on an island getaway.

6. Do your research

Check regional guidelines for requirements for travel to your destination. Certain places may need travel authorization, COVID PCR testing, or the completion of an online application depending on where you are headed. Get these checked off your to-do list sooner rather than later. Sometimes approval takes time and you don’t want to be stressing out before your travels.  Download offline GPX tracks for hikes, learn the time difference, and check your flight for potential delays.

7. Brainstorm activities you really want to do and prioritize them

Sometimes there are too many things that pique your interest! Making a list of what you want to do can be great for staying organized and brainstorming. I recommend starring or highlighting the activities you feel are MUSTS. With limited time and varying circumstances that might arise, it’s good to establish your priorities so you can plan accordingly and make sure you budget enough time (and money!) for the things that are screaming your name. Plus, it won’t hurt to sign up for tours/activities ahead of time to ensure spots haven’t filled up already.

8. Check the weather!

If there are certain activities or tours that you’re dying to do, make sure you’re planning them on the best days to do them! You’ll thank yourself for doing the sunrise hike with the incredible view on the bright and sunny day with minimal cloud coverage rather than on the one day of your trip it’s expected to downpour. It’s best for morale, comfortability, and picture-taking.

9. Budget and find simple ways to save your money during and leading up to the trip

Travel can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences ever. But it can also be expensive. Don’t let this keep you from believing you can make it happen. There are ways to travel on a budget (road trips + camping, backpacking + staying at hostels, work-exchange/volunteer programs). Adopt smart habits that will ultimately help you cover costs. There are easy ways to do this that will add up. For example, every time you receive coins as change, put the money in a jar to go towards gas money. 

10.  Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do it all or have the best time

While it’s great to have a positive and optimistic attitude, just remember that sometimes things don’t always go as planned. It doesn’t help that we’re constantly flooded with highlight reels and pictures on social media outlets. These are HIGHLIGHTS… not real life all the time. If your vacation isn’t shaping up to be the picture-perfect getaway that your favorite influencer or celebrity was recently on, know that a lot of what you see online can be staged and edited. Be loose and flexible. If one plan falls through, there are plenty of other things and side adventures to choose from. Choose to see the good and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself or the “fails.” Sometimes those are the best memories.

11. Say hello and smile at people

It goes a long way to be friendly with the locals, hotel staff, tour guides, servers, taxi drivers, other fellow vacationers. I always find that smiling, saying hello, and sparking conversation is a great way to learn something new and makes any trip more enjoyable and exciting. You might walk away with a new fact, restaurant recommendation, or friend! On my last trip, I had a lovely conversation with a couple during breakfast who then gave me their business card. Nice people are out there! 

12. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

While it’s definitely important to beware of stranger danger… When appropriate, it can feel so gratifying to connect with others. Speak up and ask questions. You might get the chance to hear another fellow vacationer’s favorite activity or place, leading you to your next adventure. Ask locals about special traditions or favorite authentic cuisine. Ask for directions instead of relying solely on your phone. We need more human connection.

13. Lean into discomfort and become friends with adrenaline

Discomfort is the most direct path to growth. Cherish the adrenaline rush you might get when you give yourself permission to do something more adventurous or out of your comfort zone– whether it be going skydiving or ordering the strangest sounding thing on the menu. These are the experiences that you’ll hold on to and will make you hungry for more.

14. Create a music playlist that will get you hyped for travel!

I love listening to feel-good music that will put me in the right mood to have an amazing day. Make a playlist for yourself or ask your friends to collaborate with you on one so you can all jam out in the car on a good ‘ol road trip or for when you’re waiting to board your plane. Have fun with it! For those going on any outdoor adventures, check out my playlist on Spotify here .

15. Appreciate the quiet moments

Remember: not every moment has to be filled with excitement or “Instagramable” events. Breathe. Relax. Sip your coffee. Read your book in peace. Watch the sunrise or sunset with no distractions. Summon these moments and savor them.

16. Put your phone down

No elaboration needed.

17. Bring a disposable, polaroid or film camera

There’s something so wonderful and nostalgic about a physical photo. Yes, most of us do have phones that we can snap high quality photos. But, remembering a really great trip with physical photos is sure to bring you joy on days you feel like reminiscing. For film and disposable camera pictures, it’s also quite exciting to experience the delayed gratification of seeing how your photos came out when developed. Picking up my rolls of film from my camera shop often brings back good memories from the moments I snapped the pictures and can feel like Christmas morning– a giddiness comes with waiting to see what you got or in this case, what you captured.

18. Don’t forget to contact your friends and family

Sometimes vacationing can feel like it's your time to escape it all and unwind…and sometimes it's about going on daring adventures and staying busy all day. It’s important to remember, however, that there are probably people in your life who miss you or are hoping to hear from you. Even a quick 5 minute call to tell your best friend or mom that you are safe and having fun will be very much appreciated. It’s also a smart way to stay safe. Tell trusted loved ones what you are up to and where you're headed, especially in case of an emergency.

19. Learn through your five senses

This is a good mindfulness practice when you feel like you’ve been moving too fast, are overwhelmed, or are too in your head. Stop where you are and point out one thing you see, hear, smell, taste, and can feel in this very moment. It’ll put you back in the present and allow you to soak in the beauty of what’s around you. Follow this quick grounding practice if you're freaking out about plane turbulence or struggling to relax after a big day.

20. Have a buddy

Having a friend by your side not only makes for great company, it’s also smart to have someone else to keep their eyes on the road too or to help with navigation or manage music in the car. Plus, your friend can take the wheel if you’re feeling tired and need a break. If your goal is to take a solo trip, at least tell a buddy where you’re going and what your plans are so they can check in to make sure you're safe.

21. Welcome your alter-ego

Oftentimes taking a vacation or a getaway, even for a couple days, is an opportunity to escape your everyday life. Putting yourself in a new environment and headspace can be exhilarating and a fun way to discover new parts of yourself. You might really surprise yourself with the new perspectives gained and the things you say “yes!” to. Dare to step into a new version of yourself. If you’re normally a bit shy and slightly stressed, tap into your more confident and go-with-the-flow self!

22. Practice gratitude

Travel is a privilege, not a given. Say thank-you to your AirBnb host, the hotel cleaning person, and the barista at the care where you start your day. Being grateful for your experience can help enhance your memories and experience.

Cover Photo: Julentto Photography

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Do you love the outdoors?

Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.

Journey to Wyoming’s premier snowmobiling destination: Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Samuel Brockway

A couple of snowmobiling newbies hop aboard some steel horse sleds to explore the mountains of Wyoming.

Hiking in comfort: a review of Danner Mountain 600 Evo boots

Meghan White

Picture this: a crisp morning in San Diego, the sun peeking over the horizon, casting a warm glow over Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park.

A peek through God's window

Heather Arnold

There is something about the promise of a warm sunrise and the open road. I answer the call of the mountains. And find peace and calm. And a healthy dose of waffles and walks!

Three-day winter itinerary for Yosemite National Park

Cindy Villasenor

Exploring the San Antonio Valley: The other side of Big Sur

Keith Evans

Exploring the San Antonio Valley, The Valley of the Oaks is to explore pre-history, history, and a most beautiful landscape filled with surprises big and small.

• Local Adventures
• Tours and trips
• Camping Nearby
• Outbound PRO Membership
• Add your property

Mobile Apps

© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy

Travel Tips: The Best 99 Travel Tips You’ll Ever Need

August 30, 2023

Traveling is something that you can only learn with experience. The more you travel, the more you experience and learn.

If you are new to traveling, you are most likely to make a whole lot of mistakes at first and that’s okay.

With time, you’ll know all the things to do and all the things to avoid when planning a trip somewhere or visiting a foreign land.

There are a ton of mistakes you can make as a first-time traveler. These include being reckless, being culturally offensive, missing buses, etc.

You have to think about traveling as you did your first time in a new school. It will take some time but eventually you will get used to how things work.

Meanwhile, here are my 99 travel tips to get you started as a traveler.

The journey might be long and bumpy so hold on tight and brace yourself;

1. Find Photogenic Places & Spots Using Instagram

2. learn common phrases of the local language, 3. read a history book about the place you are visiting, 4. get to know local customs before you go, 5. don’t be afraid to take your kids with you, 6. get vaccinated, 7. let your family and friends at home know your plans, 8. if you plan to visit someone/staying with someone, during your trip, then get them a present, 9. don’t go into debt for travel, don’t spend beyond your means, 10. research your destination, 11. be flexible and don’t over-plan, 12. book early for cheap flights, 13. use points and miles for discounts and even free travel, 14. use a vpn to potentially get a discount on flights, 15. avoid expensive hotels and accommodations, spend your money on experiences not on sleeping, 16. write down your hotel address and phone number.

• 17. Get a VPN for Travel to Protect Your Internet Connection While Abroad (I Personally Recommend ProtonVPN and NordVPN)

18. Take Cash with You and Extra Credit/debit Card

19. let your bank know you’re traveling, 20. pack light, 21. but take extra underwear and socks, 22. pack a pair of sneakers, 23. carry a first-aid kit, 24. always get a compeed for your feet – thank me later, 25. bring your normal clothes you’re comfortable in with you, 26. wear comfortable shoes you already broke into, 27. don’t bring clothes that need ironing, 28. always pack a hat and a sarong/scarf, 29. mark your luggage and write your name and contact information on them, 30. take pictures of your luggage and clothes, 31. take a photo and make copies of your passport and important documents, 32. get your phone unlocked before you leave, 33. invest in a good travel camera, 34. bring an extra camera battery, 35. bring a powerful power bank, 36. put electronics, medications, and extra clothes in your carry-on, 37. go to the airport early, 38. go to the bathroom right before boarding on a plane or taking a bus, 39. get a window seat so you can lean against the wall when you sleep, 40. get the closest seat possible from the doors on the plane, this will save a huge time going through customs, 41. stay hydrated on the plane and on the road, 42. get a water filter bottle and drink tap water whenever you can., 43. don’t change your currency at the airport, 44. track your spending, 45. don’t be afraid to pay to get your laundry done, it’s totally worth it, 46. wake up early, 47. try to exercise during your trip, 48. eat local food frequently, 49. don’t be ashamed to buy souvenirs, 50. visit famous and touristy places, 51. but don’t hesitate to get off the beaten path, 52. also, don’t eat at restaurants in touristy places, 53. wear sunscreen, 54. always have snacks with you, 55. put down your cellphone and enjoy the moment, 56. visit historical places at lunchtime, they are usually less crowded between 12:30 and 13:30, 57. go to local markets, 58. try new food, even if you think you won’t like it, 59. go on free walking tours, 60. make friends with locals, 61. make friends with other travelers, 62. break out of your comfort zone, 63. get lost on purpose, 64. do something that scares you, 65. be spontaneous. say yes to interesting opportunities and don’t stick blindly to your plans, 66. experience traveling alone from time to time, 67. go somewhere new every year, 68. if it feels wrong, it’s probably wrong. don’t take unnecessary risks, 69. abc: always be charging charge your power-bank and your devices whenever you have the chance, 70. get a local sim card with internet data for your phone, 71. always take your camera with you, always, 72. don’t forget to take epic photos of what you’re seeing, 73. take plenty of photos at sunrise and sunsets., 74. cloudy days are actually excellent for portrait photos, 75. take more photos of yourself in those places, 76. take more photos of and with locals, 77. save memories, don’t fake memories. your photos are meant to remind you of good times, not for showing off to others., 78. don’t wear your purse on one shoulder. rather, wear it around your body, 79. never carry your wallet in your back pocket., 80. be aware of pickpockets and scams, 81. use public transportation in big cities, 82. if you need a car then rent it. it’s cheaper than hiring a driver or taking taxis every time, 83. if you hired a driver, take pictures of the car, the license plate, and relevant details about the car and the driver. just in case, 84. never leave any valuables in your car, ever, 85. check if you forgot something in your hotel room before leaving, 86. don’t throw trash on the street, 87. be eco-friendly and minimize your trash, 88. also don’t buy anything made of animal parts, 89. don’t take your trip too seriously., 90. expect everything to go wrong, 91. don’t lose your temper when it does, 92. be kind with your travel partner. try to understand each other and avoid getting into an argument or a fight., 93. also, a fight doesn’t mean the end of your relationship/friendship. don’t be too proud to apologize, 94. compromise, compromise, compromise, 95. slow down to enjoy your vacation and never let yourself be in a rush, 96. keep an open mind and don’t judge other cultures, 97. don’t assume that you know more about a country or a culture than the people who actually live there, 98. be polite, smile often, and be friendly, 99. always, always, be respectful., i- travel tips before you go.

Instagram is one of the most popular social media applications you can resort to if you want to stay updated with the best places in town to visit.

Before you plan a trip to any destination, make sure to check Instagram for all the most scenic places you must visit in that particular town and city.

Each city in every country has certain must-see tourist spots, including places of worship, museums, or even landscapes full of natural beauty that you must visit. Instagram can be pretty useful as a starting point for pinning down which places you should necessarily add to your itinerary.

Visiting a new place will always be easier if you have some knowledge of the local language.

This doesn’t mean that you have to spend weeks picking up the new language. It simply means that you can take out a few hours each week before your trip to learn some common phrases in the local language that will help you when in the foreign land.

Such phrases include “I’m sorry” , “hello” , “thank you” and anything else that you feel is necessary to get you through your trip.

As an example I wrote an article that compiles the must-known phrases when visiting Japan . Check it out.

More knowledge never hurt anyone. It’s only human to be curious about a place before you visit it. For the sake of both your curiosity and for efficiency purposes, try to grab a hold of a history book about wherever you plan on visiting.

Anywhere you decide to travel will most likely have a rich history and heritage and it only makes sense to read up on some of this so that you enjoy your trip even more.

Read our guide on the best travel books to read that give intense wanderlust.

The one mistake you want to avoid as much as you can when in a new place is to be culturally insensitive or offensive in some way to the locals.

If you are unaware of their culture entirely, you are quite likely to make this mistake. This is why it makes sense to read up a little on the traditions and customs of a place before you visit so that you understand them better and don’t risk acting in an insensitive manner.

Some people are afraid of traveling with their children, especially if their children are pretty young. Although traveling with toddlers or even infants can be exhausting and even terrifying at times, this is no reason to avoid it altogether.

In fact, traveling helps increase knowledge and if a child is made to travel from a younger age, they develop cultural awareness from that tender age and this shapes them up to be informed, educated, and sensitive adults.

Some countries have strict travel policies and will not allow you to enter their land until you are properly vaccinated. The reasoning behind this is simple – they wish to prevent the spread of diseases from one country to another.

Even if it is not required of you by the country according to its travel policies, it is always a good idea to get yourself vaccinated before boarding the plane to another country. Why risk passing on some sort of infection or disease to another land when you can easily avoid it altogether?

This is perhaps the simplest of all travel tips and is understood even without mentioning. Unless, of course, you have absolutely no friends or family that you are in contact with, it’s always a good idea to inform your close relatives and friends about your travel plans.

This is important because visiting a new place is always risky, and it’s good to know that someone knows exactly where you are in case you need any help or encounter some sort of an emergency.

This shouldn’t be too hard to understand. It’s only common decency that if you plan on living with someone during your travels, or even just visiting them, you should buy them a present in advance of your trip.

It’s best to not leave this till the last minute when you will be chaotic and in a rush. Buy these presents at least two weeks before your intended date of travel to avoid any last minute anxieties.

Traveling can be pretty expensive. The actual costs that you will incur depend on where you are traveling, for how long, and whether or not you opt for any travel packages.

It is never a good idea to spend so much that you are in debt after your trip. If you can’t afford to stay in luxury hotels then don’t include them in your itinerary.

As fun as traveling can be, it won’t be much fun if you can’t afford basic necessities for months after your trip.

II- Travel Planning Tips

Before you begin packing your bags and booking your flights, it’s important to do some research on your destination. This will help you better understand the culture, customs, and norms of the place you are visiting, and ensure that you are prepared for what to expect.

Some things you might want to research include the climate and weather, local laws and regulations, the cost of living and common expenses, and any potential health or safety concerns.

This will help you plan and pack appropriately, and also give you a sense of what activities or sights you might want to see while you are there.

Traveling anywhere requires at least a certain degree of flexibility. It is a basic rule of life that everything is more fun when you don’t plan it down to every little detail.

While it is important to be organized and responsible when visiting a new place, you should always be open to spontaneity.

If things don’t go exactly as you planned, don’t be too disappointed because this will most likely ruin the rest of your trip.

Once you have made up your mind about where you are traveling, it only makes sense to book your flights as soon as you can.

You can hire a travel agent, book a package, or even plan the entire trip by yourself, but whatever you choose to do, make sure to get a head start on the process.

No point paying extra when you can get much lower prices by just being responsible enough to book the flights well in advance.

Once you become a frequent flier, you are likely to receive flying points and miles. The more points and miles you gather, the more likely you are to get a discount on your flights. Sometimes, once you have accumulated enough points, it’s even possible for you to travel completely free of cost!

Generally speaking, travel websites tend to track your IP address and the prices that they offer you are based on where you are browsing from.

Using a VPN for travel , you can hide your IP address and consequently, you might be able to benefit from lower flight prices. For example, if you were to set your IP address to a lower income country, you may be able to book a flight at a lower price.

Similarly, you may be able to set your IP address to the country from which that particular airline operates, and thereby save on flight costs.

Yes, traveling is expensive; but it doesn’t always have to be! There are countless ways you can save money during your travels using hacks such as choosing budget-friendly hotels as opposed to luxury, five-star hotels if you can’t afford it.

Remember that the whole point of traveling is to gain new experiences. If you want to sleep comfortably, you can do that in your own home. Make sure that when you do travel, spend on exploring and discovering new places, rather than on comfort.

In fact, the whole point of traveling is to step outside your comfort zone!

Before you set out for your travels, it is pertinent to do some research well in advance. You need to know exactly which hotels you will be staying at, and the smart thing to do is to write down the contact number and address of wherever you will be staying.

This information is important to keep for yourself, as well as for giving it to a close family member or friend lest they have to contact you in case of an emergency.

17. Get a VPN for Travel to Protect Your Internet Connection While Abroad (I Personally Recommend ProtonVPN and NordVPN )

A VPN protects the privacy of your internet connection when you’re away from your home country. When in a new country, it makes sense to install a VPN well in advance of your travel for the sake of internet privacy.

There are certain websites that you are accustomed to using that may even be blocked in the country you are traveling to. A VPN can make sure that you can access your favorite sites regardless of where you are.

ProtonVPN and NordVPN are two reliable VPNs you can install before your travel dates.

Remember that when traveling, it’s always good to be prepared for the worst. Anything can happen during your travels, things can go wrong and you must be prepared.

As such, always make sure to travel with your debit and credit cards, along with cash. It’s important to have both options in hand because depending on where you are traveling, one option might work while another might not.

For example, if you are in a particular city, some areas such as large malls and restaurants might accept a card while marketplaces and bazaars etc. might only accept cash.

Never make the mistake of limiting your options to only one of the two.

It’s always a good idea to inform your bank that you will be traveling and give them your travel dates. This is important because it’s possible that your ATM card or debit card might not work in a foreign country unless your bank allows it.

You might get into a very sticky situation if you somehow run out of cash sooner than you expect and your debit card refuses to work. So make sure to get these technical processes sorted out well in advance of your trip to avoid any inconveniences during the trip.

III- Packing Tips for Travel

He who travels happily must travel light. Antoine de Saint-Exupery – One of the best travel quotes out there

When going on a trip, it makes sense to pack as light as you possibly can. The more things you carry with you, the more inconvenient things are likely to be for you.

Let’s say your trip comprises of visits to a number of different cities or even countries. The fewer things you carry with yourself, the easier it will be for you to maneuver and move around.

Additionally, the fewer things you carry, the less likely you are to lose things.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand why this is so important. Remember that no matter how much you pre-plan, it isn’t possible to think of almost every possible thing that can go wrong in the trip.

You also don’t know if your plan might somewhat change along the way. For example, let’s say you decide to extend your trip by a few days.

The smart thing to do is to avoid all these problems and simply pack a few extra pairs of socks and some extra underwear.

The most important thing to keep in mind while packing is that your comfort must be your first consideration.

If you aren’t comfortable with the clothes you have packed or the things you have kept with you, your entire trip might get ruined.

You also generally have to walk a lot during trips as you go about exploring and discovering new cities and towns.

This is why it’s always a good idea to pack at least one pair of sneakers with you, wherever you go. Sneakers are comfortable, durable, and perfect for walking long distances.

Whether you are traveling alone or with a group of people, you alone are responsible for your health along the way.

It is possible for you to encounter any number of accidents or incidents on your trip. You could get a small injury like a broken nail or stubbed toe, or a bigger injury, such as a fracture.

In any case, having a first aid box with you at all times of your travel is absolutely essential.

Compeed dressings are meant to relieve you of the pain of blisters on the feet. When traveling, there are usually such large distances to cover that you can get blisters very easily.

Blisters are naturally painful and uncomfortable and can potentially make the rest of your trip not as much fun for you.

So do remember to keep some compeed with you at all times during your travels.

No matter where you are traveling to, you aren’t likely to have too great a time if you aren’t comfortable.

While fashion is important, the first rule of fashion is that you must be comfortable in what you wear. So make sure to at least bring two to three outfits that you know you are 100% comfortable in.

It’s common knowledge that new shoes can be pretty uncomfortable the first few times you wear them. This is why it’s never a good idea to take new shoes that you haven’t worn too often along with you on a trip.

It’s possible that the new shoes start to dig into your toes, or hurt the back of your heel.

Old is gold, so stick to what’s comfortable!

While it is possible for you to take a steam iron along with you on your travels, it will just be an added inconvenience.

Ironing also takes up a whole lot of time you could have spent exploring the new land you are in.

The solution is simple – simply make sure to take clothes that you know for a fact won’t require ironing.

There are certain accessories that prove to be very useful during traveling. A hat or a cap is one such accessory. Hats can protect you from the sun, particularly if you are heading out towards a tropical climate. Hats also look stylish.

A scarf can also serve multiple purposes. If you are going to a country where you are required to dress ‘modestly’, a scarf can be pretty useful. Scarves can also sometimes look very fashionable.

Similarly, if you are going to a beach location, a sarong is a necessary item to pack.

If you have ever traveled on a plane before, you will realize just why this is so important. Flights nowadays are often booked. Among so many passengers, it’s very easily to lose some or your entire luggage along the way.

This can easily be avoided. All you have to do is make sure that all pieces of your luggage have your name and proper contact information on them.

This way, even if you do lose your luggage, you can be assured that it will always make your way back to you.

This is purely a precautionary measure. Just writing your name and contact information on all pieces of your luggage sometimes isn’t enough.

It’s also a good idea to take pictures of all pieces of your luggage and clothing just in case something goes wrong.

This is one of the most important pre-travel steps you need to take.

It’s always a good idea to have copies of each of your important travel documents including your passport, your tickets, hotel bookings, and any other crucial pieces of information or documents you need to travel.

IV- Travel Tips for Packing Tech

Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave for any trip. You don’t want to face any complications accessing your phone when in a completely foreign land.

There is little point of traveling if you aren’t going to make a whole lot of memories and make sure that at least some of those memories are caught on camera and preserved for you to keep for years and years.

This is why it is always worth investing in a decent travel camera well in advance of your trip. The Canon G5X M2 is one camera certainly worth investing in before your travels.

Cameras usually come with batteries.

It’s possible for those batteries to run out or for something else to go wrong with those batteries.

As such, always make sure that you carry extra camera batteries with you each time you travel.

A power bank is a device that can help you charge your phone when on the go. This device is particularly useful during traveling because even if you do take your phone charger with you, a number of things could go wrong.

It’s possible that the charger begins to malfunction or that you are on some cruise or on an exotic island where there is no way for you to charge your phone.

That’s why I actually have 3 or 4 myself 😀

A carry-on bag serves many purposes during traveling. This bag is where you store all of the extra things that are very useful to you such as necessary medications, electronic items such as your laptop and laptop charger, power bank etc.

You might even want to put a few pairs of extra clothing inside your carry on, just in case you need to freshen up during the journey.

Opening the main suitcase mid journey is impossible, so all of the important things that you might need should be stored in your carry on.

V- Travel Tips While on the Road

This is perhaps the number one rule of traveling – you must get to the airport well in advance of your flight.

It’s always better to be early rather than late. So quit being lazy. On the day that you have to travel, wake up extra early, have a good breakfast, make sure all your stuff is with you and is sorted out, then head on over to the airport!

One of the most uncomfortable aspects of traveling is not having access to one’s own bathroom. Since traveling is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, you must not mind this too much.

In order to avoid having to go to the bathroom while traveling, make sure you use the bathroom right before boarding a plane, a ship, a bus, or any other vehicle where it might be difficult to use the washroom.

Although this isn’t necessary, the window seat is always a good seat to select, when on a bus or plane.

Not only is this a more comfortable seat because you can lean against the window and fall asleep, the window seat also offers the best views, especially from an airplane.

If possible, make sure to get a seat as near to the doors of the plane as you possibly can.

The nearer you are to the exit of the plane, the earlier you can exit the plane, and the sooner you can get clearance from customs.

This is particularly important if you have to take a connecting flight because you cannot afford to get late for it.

When traveling, it’s sometimes impossible to remember to drink enough water.

Always make sure that whether you are flying or on the road, you have water with you.

Traveling to another country is scary enough, especially for first timers. You don’t need the added stress of encountering any health problems when in a foreign land.

So drink as much water as you can!

It may not be possible for you to find mineral or bottled water easily when on the go.

The easiest thing to do is to simply carry around a water bottle (with an included filter) with you and fill it up with tap water wherever you may find it.

VI- Travel Tips when Arriving at Your Destination

If you are a frequent traveler, you may have realized that it is never a good idea to get your currency exchanged for the foreign currency when at the airport.

This is because the airport often tends to overcharge and give you a rate higher than what you would get from anywhere outside.

Each time you travel, you will have a fixed amount of money with you. As such, you need to spend it wisely.

Make sure you keep a track of all the money you are spending on internal commute, food etc.

Carry a small notebook in your handbag, or use a dedicated budgeting app, and make a note of each time you spend money so that you don’t go overboard or run out of cash.

Whichever hotels you choose to stay at will most likely have a laundry service. You may be unwilling to use the service because of the money you will have to pay for it.

It’s best to however pay that money and get your clothes laundered because you will be saved from a whole lot of inconvenience later.

Fresh, clean clothes are definitely a blessing, especially when you’re in a foreign land.

VII- Travel Tips During Your Trip

The whole purpose of travel is to explore and discover new places. As such, you want to make the best of your time in the foreign land.

Make sure that you plan out activities for each day of the trip in advance and during the trip, wake up bright and early each day so as not to waste any precious trip time.

Remember, you can always sleep once you’re back home!

Because traveling can be so chaotic in itself, you may forget to care about your physical and mental health. A little bit of exercise goes a long way in this regard.

You can wake up early and do some morning stretches and yoga before starting your day. Alternatively, you can even use an application to keep a track of the number of steps you walk each day. Set a target number of steps and make it your goal to meet your target each day.

There is little point visiting strange new lands if you aren’t willing to step outside your comfort zone. When in a new place, make sure to try out all the local delicacies instead of sticking with food that is readily available.

It can be tempting to buy souvenirs such as bells, magnets, decorative items, or T-Shirts when in a new place.

It’s always a good gesture to buy such things for your family and friends back home or even just for yourself so that you remember this trip for a long time to come.

As obvious as this sounds, some people visit a place and miss out on some of the most famous places to visit because they aren’t aware of them.

Do your research in advance or talk to local tour guides and make sure you visit all the must-see places when in a new place.

While touristy spots are always a delight to visit, sometimes, there are places that no one talks about or visits about are pretty charming. In fact, if you want to get an authentic vibe of the place, its best to sometimes visit places that aren’t particularly famous among tourists.

The problem with only sticking to spots and restaurants that are ‘touristy’ is that these places often tend to get pretty crowded. You also won’t get a feel of the local culture and cuisine if you only stick to restaurants specifically designed to cater to tourists.

This is particularly relevant if you are visiting a tropical region or island. The rays of the sun tend to be pretty strong in these places so make sure to apply sunscreen on all parts of your body that will be exposed to the sun.

Traveling tends to make you pretty hungry, especially when your trip involves a whole lot of adventure an if you’re constantly on the move. Because you can’t always stop at restaurants it’s best to keep some snacks with you on hand in case you get hungry.

The one mistake you should never make when on a trip is to be constantly using your phone. In fact, you should try to avoid social media as much as you can when on vacation. Put your cell phone away, talk to those around you, and enjoy each little moment to the fullest!

If you are in a town or city that is home to a number of historical landmarks that are open for tourists to visit, make sure you plan your visit around lunchtime. This is the time when these landmarks are least crowded and you can even manage to get decent photographs.

Local markets everywhere have a charm of their own. No matter where you are, make sure to visit the night markets and day markets because these can both be pretty interesting in their own ways.

Some places even have floating markets – markets built over flowing water. If you come across any of these, make sure to explore well.

There is little to no point in traveling if you’re only going to stick to what’s considered ‘safe’. Each place you visit will have certain local culinary delicacies that you should at least try out, even if you think you might not like them. Traveling is about collecting new experiences after all!

If the city or town you are visiting has the option of availing free walking tours, make sure you go for these. These walking tours generally tend to be guided and can tell you a lot about the history and culture of the place you are visiting. It’s always good to learn!

Making friends with the locals has a whole lot of advantages of its own. For starters, you can learn some of the local language. More importantly, the locals can guide you on the best places to visit in town and perhaps tell you where you can get the best local food.

It’s always a good idea to befriend those you are traveling with. Not only does this give you a certain support system when in a new land, you can also explore and discover new parts of the city with the other travelers. It’s always more fun when there are more people.

You can even get to know more about the travelers’ home county and this in itself is a learning experience.

VIII- Travel Tips to Live Unforgettable Experiences

The number one rule of traveling is that you step outside your comfort zone and are willing to have all sorts of new experiences.

During your travels, you might sometimes face situations that are entirely unfamiliar and where you may feel where you are uncomfortable and that is perfectly okay.

Strange as it sounds, sometimes, the best way to discover yourself is to get lost deliberately. When in a new, strange land, try to be as adventurous as you can, and what’s more adventurous then getting lost?

So shut your phone and aimlessly walk the streets of a foreign city until you don’t know where you are.

At home, it’s okay to stay away from the things that tend to scare you, but not while you are traveling. During your travels, make sure to do things you were otherwise too scared to do. For example, if there’s something you always wanted to try but never got around to it, make sure you go for it when you’re on your trip.

The only thing you need to ask yourself is, what’s the worst that can happen?

Life is supposed to be an adventure, more so when you are traveling. During your travels, make sure to be as spontaneous as you can.

While it’s important to plan out your activities for each day, it’s equally important to take life as it comes to you and not be too stringent if things don’t work out exactly how you plan them.

While it’s always fun to travel in groups, it’s also sometimes fun to travel by yourself. Traveling by yourself can sometimes help you gain a whole new perspective on life. It can also be enriching for your soul to travel alone.

Being by yourself and discovering new places is fulfilling in itself.

While traveling anywhere is a learning experience, the more places you discover, the more you are likely to learn. As such, make it a point to visit a whole new place each year.

The more places you travel, the more you learn about different cultures, histories and traditions, the more foods you discover and the more lifestyles you experience.

Remember that are instincts are almost always right. If you are in a new place or situation that doesn’t feel right to you, get out of those situations as soon as you possibly can. Taking risks is important but taking unnecessary risks is stupid.

Remember that if you mess up, no one can come to your rescue so far away from home. So be smart and careful whenever required.

IX- Travel Tips for Photography & Tech

You want to make sure that you don’t run out of charge in your phone or any of the other essential devices you need to carry with yourself. The easiest thing you can do is charge your phone and power bank overnight each day of the trip. You don’t want your phone to be off when you are out and about taking pictures!

This will be useful in case you need to contact friends and family back home. Remember, anything can happen when you are on a trip, far away from all that is familiar. This is also particularly important if you are traveling alone.

Furthermore, data is important even just to access GPS settings on your phone. Imagine that you are in a new place and get lost only because you cannot access maps on your phone.

Make sure that wherever you go, you carry your camera with you and that your camera is fully charged. You might not realize the importance of a camera today, but someday, years from now, when you want to look back at the memories from the trip and you have only the photographs you took, you will realize just how important a camera is.

Photographs will be the only memories of your trip for years to come. Even when you are old and wrinkly, photographs remind you of the places you have visited and the people you have seen,

So make sure that whichever photographs you do end up taking are memorable and epic!

Sunrises and sunsets are two of nature’s most incredible phenomena. Some of the best pictures you can capture are those of the sun rising and setting because this is when the sky is in stunning shades of orange and pink. So make sure to get plenty of these if and where possible!

Many people believe that only sunny day pictures turn out decent and avoid taking pictures when the sky is overcast.

Contrary to popular belief however, cloudy days actually make for excellent backgrounds for photographs, particular portrait photographs .

So next time the sky is cloudy, there is no need to shy away from pictures!

Remember, it’s not all about landscape photography. It’s also somewhat about taking pictures of yourself in whichever place you are visiting.

Years from now, you will want to remember the time you were visiting that place. So make sure to get great shots of yourself with the most popular landmarks of that city.

These are important because years from now, these will make for excellent memories. Make sure that each town or city you are visiting, you get at least a few shots of and with the locals.

Locals everywhere are different from each other. They may for example have a unique style of dressing that you want to capture, for memory’s sake.

Remember that the purpose of taking pictures on a trip is to preserve the memories from the trip, for your own sake, and no one else.

If you spend most of your trip going around taking ‘aesthetic’ or ‘Insta-worthy’ pictures then you might as well not go.

X- Travel Tips for Security & Transportation

This is a safety precaution. While traveling, as you go about exploring and discovering a new town or city, it is common that your things may get stolen or misplaced.

As a result, it’s always best to make sure that your stuff is tightly strung across your body. That way, you can keep an eye on your valuables at all times.

If you are visiting a town or city where theft or pick pocketing is common, you don’t want to risk your things getting stolen. As a result, you must take all necessary safety precautions.

Keeping your wallet in your back pocket is never a good idea because a thief may easily steal it, so avoid this as much as possible.

In some countries and cities, street crime and theft is pretty common. If you are visiting any such city, you must be sure to be as careful as you possibly can. Always be on the lookout for pick pockets and don’t trust anyone blindly when in a foreign land.

If you are visiting any of the major cities of the world such as Tokyo, Paris, London, or new York, it’s always best to stick to public means of transportation such as buses.

Public transport generally tends to be much safer than private taxi services.

If for some reason, public transportation isn’t an option for you and you would much rather travel by car, make sure you rent out a car. Renting a car is much more practical and affordable option than taking taxis all the time. Taxis can sometimes be really expensive and even unsafe in certain situations.

When in a completely new land, there aren’t a lot of people you can trust. Anything can go wrong and you always need to be on your guard. When traveling by taxi, make sure you have pictures of the driver, the car and the license plate, just in case.

While you can afford to be reckless when you’re at home surrounded by friends and family who love you, you must always be extra careful during your travels.

Never forget any of your valuables in a public place.

You most likely won’t get them back.

XI- Common Sense

It doesn’t take a genius to understand why this is so important.

It’s possible that you may not gather all your things before leaving and forget some things in the hotel room, so always double check.

You wouldn’t like it if someone came to your country or city and littered the streets. Littering is extremely disrespectful and ill-mannered so make sure to avoid it.

Each place you visit is likely to have dustbins where you can throw your trash, so follow rules and be on your best behavior.

It’s never too late to start thinking about your planet. During the course of your trip, try to minimize your trash in as many ways as you possibly can. A good start would be to carry around a single water bottle with you instead of buying plastic water bottles all the time.

Caring about animals goes hand in hand with caring about the planet.

Avoid at all cost buying anything that is made up of animal parts. Such as handbags made from crocodile leather, lined with tiger fur, or anything made from giraffe parts, for example.

Purchasing souvenirs made from animal skin to bring home with you is ill-advised, just DON’T do it.

Remember that the primary purpose of your trip is to have a ball. Stop trying to take each aspect of the trip too seriously. Let loose, have fun, and treat everything as an adventure.

If you get lost on your way back to your hotel, stay calm, enjoy the moment while it lasts. You will find your way back eventually!

It’s always best to be prepared for the worst. Remember, any number of things can go wrong during your trip, from the time you board your flight till you come back. Mishaps are simply a part of life. Take them as you come and try to enjoy the journey regardless.

When things don’t seem to be going your way, remember to stay calm. Have faith that everything will work itself out eventually.

There is no need to get wound up about things that are beyond your control and the least productive thing you can do is get angry or lash out on others when things don’t go your way.

During traveling, it’s fairly common for people to get irritable with those they are traveling with. It’s possible that the people you travel with have personality differences to you.

Don’t let this ruin your trip however. Be understanding of everyone’s wishes.

Checkout this wonderful video of the Flying The Nest channel where 4 couples share their best advice about How to travel better as a couple:

Even if you do end up having a fight or two with your travel partners, this is perfectly okay. It doesn’t have to imply the end of your friendship or relationship. It is a fight and you will get over it.

A squabble or two are common when traveling with people. Just remember to not take it to heart or let it ruin your trip, or even worse, your relationship.

The key to a successful trip is to compromise as much as you can with those you are traveling with. Remember, they may have preferences you have to take into account.

This is particularly relevant when you are traveling with your partner our with a group of friends. Each person may have a different place they may want to visit, and you may sometimes have to give up some of the places on your ‘must visit’ list for them, even when you don’t want to.

While you do have to cover a lot of places and activities during you travels, make sure to take things slow at times and enjoy yourself thoroughly.

It does make sense to plan out your itinerary well in advance, but you don’t always have to be on the move. Allow enough time for yourself to soak in each moment so that you enjoy to the fullest.

Simply running from one tourist attraction to the next isn’t always important. What’s important is to make sure to enjoy yourself, wherever you are in that moment.

A lot of tourists make the mistake of being judgemental and insensitive when visiting a new place.

If you want people to welcome you to their country, you need to be sensitive towards their culture, heritage, religion, and traditions.

Avoid doing anything that might be offensive. For example, do not visit a mosque or temple with light clothes as this may be considered disrespectful.

No one can know more about a place than its inhabitants. Be very careful to not act arrogant when visiting a new place.

Locals will consider this to be tactless and disrespectful.

Remember, you are only a tourist, not a resident. You should be open to learning new things, but always remember, you know less than them. It is their country after all!

This is a good idea regardless of where you are traveling. Always appear a friendly as you possibly can.

You must be friendly to the locals as well as to your fellow travelers. People always love to be around friendly people and the more kind and outgoing you are, the more you are likely to enjoy your trip!

This is something you must always remember, regardless of where you are traveling. Make sure you are respectful at all times during your travels. Each place you visit has a unique culture, heritage and traditions. In order to learn about these, you must first and foremost be respectful of these differences.

If someone welcomes you with open arms into their country, you don’t want them to think that you are being offensive to their history, culture or traditions.

For more articles on Travelness check out:

About the author

Travel Reporter & Editorial Director

Ph.D. in Geography, Travel Photographer, and Software Engineer. Been on 4 continents and loved them all.

Latest Posts

Travel Blog

Most Hotel Rooms are Terrible: They Don’t Prioritize a Good Night’s Sleep

Read more →

200 Original Travel Slogans that are actually Great

Behind the Hype: 17 Myths About Being a Digital Nomad

Travel Guides You Can Trust

About Travelness

Brand Assets

Recent Posts

Tours & Activities

Tours in Europe

Digital Security

© 2024 Travelness. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use - Privacy policy

5 Essential Travel Tips for 2022

• March 7, 2022

As you know, the last two years have been a bit challenging, especially for the travel industry. On the bright side, however, we are seeing more and more countries opening borders, inspiring our excitement to reconnect with friends and family again and encouraging us to book those long-awaited vacations.

With that in mind, I’ve put together some of my essential travel tips for 2022 to ensure you and your loved ones travel in confidence and with the safety assurances to help you through your journey. 

Thanks to our partner, AAA Travels for sponsoring this post.

Essential Travel Tips for 2022

1. plan ahead and be as flexible as possible.

If you haven’t taken a trip in a while, then you are probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. I get it. Travel, in general, can feel this way sometimes. This is why understanding what resources have either improved or have been introduced lately can alleviate some of your worries – and you’d be surprised how much has changed!

Did you know, for example, that some major airlines have digitized a lot of their pre-travel processes even further increasing their contactless experiences so that by the time you get to the airport everything, from your passports, vaccination cards, and COVID tests results are uploaded and approved online, helping to speed up your check-in process and reducing your time in line?

This is the case for most points of contact now, from renting a car to checking in to some hotels. Before booking, make sure that you have the necessary apps downloaded and if necessary, just give yourself a little extra time for flexibility around crowds.

Also, don’t worry too much about booking tours or general attraction tickets too far in advance (unless of course, they are for high-demand experiences, such as Broadway tickets or theme parks’ exclusive attractions!). Sometimes too much planning can ruin the vibe of spontaneity, which is always fun to keep in mind.

2. Know the Local Rules for Your Intended Destination

In this day and age, every single country has a different set of rules and restrictions for travel. On top of that, these rules often change from month to month. For example, if you plan on visiting, Italy ,  know that you cannot bring just any old mask. They require either FFP2 or KN95 type masks for indoors, and you must show your vaccine card at most places. But then again, by the time you read this, who knows what changes may have taken place!

But please, don’t add more stress by just guessing and going, in fact, I recommend leaning in for a helping hand, especially if keeping track of all the rules feels overwhelming. For example, hire a travel advisor ! They do more than just book travel, keeping track of all the moving parts during your trip so you just get to relax. It feels like quite the luxury, something this working mom can certainly appreciate, plus see all the reasons why you should use a travel agent or travel advisor now more than ever.

I also recommend checking with the US embassy or consulate in your designated destination. They all should have an up-to-date COVID 19 Information page. While you’re there, you should also enroll in their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This allows you to receive up-to-date information via email and provide the nearest US embassy with your emergency information.

3. Book Refundable Travel

When you begin to book your trips, check all the refund policies. Of all my essential travel tips for 2022, this is one of the most important. It’s better to pay a little more to be able to cancel should something happen.

Remember though, airlines are still not charging change fees so you can always rebook.  That’s a savings of 100 bucks domestic to up to 400 dollars for an international ticket.  Woohooo! (Fingers crossed this continues.)  

Any country that requires a PCR or antigen test usually has a window of 72 hours or less that you can test within, so you won’t know until the very last minute if you need to cancel or reschedule. Nothing feels worse than spending hundreds of dollars on a trip and not being able to go or recoup your losses!

4. Pick Accommodation that Puts Safety First

One thing that COVID exposed is how many hotel cleanliness standards really are not up to par. Now more than ever it’s important to book accommodation that puts safety first. Every booking platform has its own guidelines, but I especially love how thorough AAA Diamonds ’ standards are. You can use their search platform on hotels, flights, cars, and cruises to truly know you’re booking the cleanest possible option no matter where you go. 

Even before the pandemic, AAA has spent over 80 years doing unscheduled hotel inspections with trained experts to ensure all the hotels in their database pass their stringent conditions. It’s clear AAA goes the distance. Click here if you want to know the nitty-gritty.

5. Get Travel Insurance

Last but definitely not least, get travel insurance . This is something I recommend regardless of global circumstances, but it’s especially important these days. Even more important, check with your travel insurance to see what their COVID policy is. 

For example, Allianz Travel now has an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement in specific annual travel insurance plans. This means these plans will cover trip cancellation due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, trip interruption if you are ordered to quarantine, travel delay, emergency medical care due, and emergency transportation – all the little details you don’t want to be worrying about while enjoying your time away.

And there you have it! My most essential travel tips for 2022. 

Happy travels as you explore a new place in this new world and remember, wherever your adventures make take you, don’t forget to make it count !

This Post Has One Comment

Agreed! These five points are basically the Torah or Pentateuch of our 21st century Travel Advisor Bible!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for the resurgence of the road trip.…

Wanna know my biggest travel paranoia? Being stranded in my car in a snowstorm….and I…

In this post I talked about being a good host, and likewise I think it’s…

Bright Ideas in Travel 2023

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What constitutes a Bright Idea? Since launching this franchise last September, the Traveler team has continued to revisit and refine the concept to get at just what makes an idea worth celebrating. Is it, for instance, building something that’s never been done before, or finding a way to grow something that, at scale, can create outsized impact? Is it something that pushes an existing concept in a totally unexpected direction, or that fundamentally re-frames the ways in which we think about the world of travel? As it turns out, it’s all of the above.

This list honors the ideas that are approaching travel’s most pressing issues with thoughtfulness and zeal—ideas that straddle the realms of tech, design, sustainability, community, inclusion, accessibility, and conservation. From airports making strides towards universal design and destinations sharing stewardship of lands with their Indigenous peoples to hotel programs that keep local craft tradition alive and next-gen booking platforms that are marrying efficiency with personalization, these 53 innovators are changing the way we travel, one bright idea at a time.

Read more about the Future of Travel here .

Air Travel | Cruise | Destinations | Hotels | Organizations | Planning Tools | Rail Travel | Space Travel

Accessibility ♿ | community 👨‍👨‍👧‍ | conservation 🦏 | design 📐 | inclusion🤝 | sustainability 🌱 | tech 🚀.

Portland International Airport’s new terminal will have a lattice wooden roof.

Portland International Airport | 📐 🌱

The idea: When it opens in 2025, Portland International Airport’s (PDX) new main terminal will be the largest locally sourced timber project of its kind, with much of the wood coming from close partnerships with regional Indigenous communities. Why it matters: Timber has the lowest embodied carbon impact of any mainstream construction material, and this project demonstrates how the travel sector can lead in developing equitable sourcing methods to make it more sustainable. How it works: Imagine applying the farm-to-table ethos to sourcing materials for a historic airport renovation and you get a sense of how Portlanders approach construction (“forest to frame”). When PDX kicked off its $2 billion renovation, it wanted to pioneer a locavore model for sourcing timber. For the new terminal’s lattice wooden roof, the project team led by ZGF Architects and Sustainable Northwest spent two years developing partnerships with small, sustainably managed forests. In all, they’ve sourced 2.6 million board feet of timber from within a 300-mile radius of the new terminal, with much of the wood provided by Yakama Nation, Skokomish Indian Tribe, and Coquille Indian Tribe. In doing so, they’ve gone a long way to bolster the project’s sustainability credentials and avoid extractive clear-cutting practices.

Alaska Airlines | 🌱 🚀

The idea: The airline is working on a hydrogen-electric propulsion system that will achieve zero carbon emissions in flight technology. Why it matters: Zero-emission flights reduce the negative impacts of the aviation industry on air quality. How it works: In late 2021, Alaska Airlines and zero-emissions engine developer ZeroAvia announced plans to create a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying a 76-seat regional aircraft. The engine, called ZA2000, will produce between 2,000 and 5,000 kilowatts of power with a 500-mile range and keep flights free of CO 2 emissions by using hydrogen fuel cells to power the electric motors that spin the plane’s propellers. ZeroAvia engineers are currently evaluating aircrafts to determine the best location and configuration of the onboard systems—including the hydrogen tanks—with a plan to roll out flight testing in the coming years. This effort to create a more environmentally friendly aircraft is part of the “Novel Propulsion” pathway, Alaska’s five-part goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The aircraft, a Bombardier Q400, was presented to ZeroAvia in May; it’ll be retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system to expand the reach of zero-emissions flight technology.

Hawaiian Airlines | 🌱 🤝

The idea: Hawaiian Airlines is ushering in the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians by focusing on innovative collaborations. One of the most impactful partnerships was announced in August 2022 and features an ongoing relationship with Honolulu Community College (HonCC) to help more local students graduate into flourishing careers. Why it matters: The Hawaiian mindset of mālama—to care for people, places, and communities—is at the core of Hawaiian Airlines’ Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), which since launching in 2016 has hired 55 apprentices—10 of whom are current apprentices, and 35 of whom have already transitioned to full-time aircraft mechanics. The airline is creating pathways to economic opportunity for its local communities. How it works: AMAP students not only receive training at HonCC but are also given the opportunity to work part-time shifts at Hawaiian Airlines’ aircraft-maintenance hangar. In addition to their studies, they’re able to receive on-the-job experience with training instructors to repair and maintain airplanes and parts while earning an income.

Kansas City International Airport’s gleaming new terminal

Kansas City International Airport | 🚀 📐🤝

The idea: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) unveiled a shiny new $1.5 billion terminal in 2023 , providing a blueprint for what a truly inclusive airport should be. Why it matters: The upgraded MCI does a lot more than upgrade basic amenities: It shows what an airport should look like in 2023 and beyond. Throughout the entire design process, the Kansas City Aviation Department worked closely with local organizations, including like The Whole Person, Variety KC, and Dementia Friendly KC, to ensure the terminal was as inclusive as possible. How it works: The terminal—complete with new-to-MCI features like Clear kiosks, TSA PreCheck lines, and an impressive array of restaurants and bars—feels like a much-anticipated gift to locals. Inclusive details can be seen throughout the airport, from gender-neutral bathrooms to visual paging boards that alert deaf passengers to any flight changes. Perhaps the coolest new feature of the terminal is the Kansas City Air Travel Experience Simulation, a room that lets travelers walk through every part of the flying experience before actually heading to their gate. Whether it’s a family traveling with neurodivergent children or a solo traveler with aerophobia, anyone is welcome to book the experience online before their travel day.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport | 🚀 ♿ 🤝

The idea: The airport is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to translate gate announcements and display them on nearby screens in real time, so travelers who are deaf or with reduced hearing don’t miss a crucial word. Why it matters: Most timely flight updates are currently only announced over loudspeakers at departure gates in airports around the world, excluding travelers who can’t hear them from receiving essential information. How it works: In December 2022, Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) became the first U.S. airport to pilot talk-to-text technology for live announcements at airline gates, which MSP developed by leveraging Deepgram’s speech-to-text AI. The initial pilot—which includes five departure gates—captures every update made at the gate and displays it on screens as the announcers speak each word. The accessibility breakthrough began with input from MSP’s Travelers with Disabilities Committee. So far, the airport confirms user feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it intends to evaluate a larger rollout across MSP’s two terminals. It’s the latest development in the airport’s inclusivity initiatives; these also include an ongoing expansion of hearing loops, which deliver all announcements directly to travelers’ hearing aids.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) | 🌱 🚀

The idea: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has officially welcomed bookings for the first commercial flights on electric planes, scheduled to take off in 2028. Why it matters: With air travel contributing to about 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions, the Stockholm-based carrier brings fuel-free service within reach for the general public—the most tangible step in the airline industry’s goal to operate with net-zero emissions by 2050. How it works: In June 2023, SAS released reservations on all 30 seats for three inaugural flights on yet-to-be-announced routes in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. This is just one part of the carrier’s stepping-stone goals, including 25 percent lower emissions overall by 2025 (compared to 2005) and fossil-free domestic flights by 2030. The company also plans to cut noise pollution in half (compared to 2010) and operate solely with sustainable materials. By the end of next year, biofuel contributions will be built into the price of airfare to offset travel footprints.

LATAM Airlines | 🦏

The idea: The LATAM Airlines Group set its sights on a radical new sustainability strategy , achievable through meaningful partnerships with regional organizations dedicated to conservation and reforestation. Why it matters: Strategic partnerships protect natural heritage, combat climate change through greater CO 2 capture, and help improve the quality of life for local communities. In this particular strategy, LATAM targets to offset 50 percent of domestic emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. How it works: In October 2021, the Latin American airline announced its alliance with CO2BIO —a project dedicated to the conservation of the Colombian Orinoquía, an area that covers more than 1,400,00 acres of flooded savanna and is home to more than 2,000 species of wildlife and 700 families. The initiative has the potential to capture 11.3 million tons of CO 2 by 2030. To expand its efforts, LATAM is planning to extend reach across the region with projects focused on the conservation of crucial ecosystems in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru in the near future.

^ BACK TO TOP ^

The idea:  Following the automobile industry’s mass migration from fossil fuels, a new era of electrified ferries is being pioneered by players like Norwegian firm Hyke. Why it matters: With the international maritime sector responsible for roughly 3 percent of global emissions and with air pollution contributing to over 4 million deaths annually, the electrification of ships scores big points for improved planetary and human health. How it works: Powered by a mix of solar panels and batteries, Hyke’s 50-passenger smart city ferries tout wide picture windows, open-air decks, and autonomous-ready technology. Launching the electric ferries in Norway—in Fredrikstad in August and expanding to Haugesund later in 2023—Hyke has ambitions to bring its emissions- and noise-free vessels to worldwide waterways as some cities revive urban waterborne transport as a sustainable solution. Apart from the eco-slant, more electric ferries can help ease inner-city congestion and increase connectivity to less-serviced urban locales—not to mention, they’re just plain fun. Next up: Hyke will operate four e-ferries along the Seine during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Hurtigruten Norway | 📐🌱

The idea: Hurtigruten Norway commits to building its first zero-emission cruise ship by 2030 under the project name Sea Zero . Why it matters: Post-pandemic, cruising has come back stronger than ever, and with it, emissions equaling up to 12,000 cars per ship. On average, passengers on a seven-day cruise through Antarctica produce more CO 2 emissions than the average European in an entire year. How it works: Norway’s Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) and Hurtigruten Norway have joined efforts, alongside a consortium of 12 maritime partners, in the pursuit of emission-free marine travel. Currently in a two-year research and development phase, with construction planned to begin in 2027, the vessel’s goal will be achieved by using electric engines equipped with batteries that charge in port and will feature retractable sails with solar panels, AI maneuvering, contra-rotating propellers, and multiple retractable thrusters. With plans to eventually transform its entire fleet to zero-emission vessels, the company is aiming to improve the greater cruise industry’s sustainability record and future of travel.

Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Ponant | 📐🌱

The idea: The French cruise line Ponant has created new technologies that will pave the way for zero-carbon cruising. Why it matters: This year, Ponant announced a massive initiative to create a newbuild ship (the aptly named Swap2Zero) that will have zero greenhouse gas emissions and a carbon footprint that diminishes throughout its life cycle. Set to unveil in 2030, the project falls in line with many countries’ emerging regulations on emissions and will (hopefully) set a new precedent for the shipbuilding industry as a whole—namely choosing materials and equipment that put decarbonization at the forefront. How it works: With the help of hand-selected specialists in shipbuilding and renewable energy, Ponant has designed six technologies that will make Swap2Zero a carbon-neutral ship. Stand-out designs include sails that will provide 50 percent of the propulsion energy using wind power, solar panels integrated into the ship and sails, and fuel cells operating on liquid hydrogen while actively recycling any water produced in the process. The ship will also host scientists and researchers involved in decarbonization technologies to ensure it keeps up with the ever-growing threat of global warming.

DESTINATIONS

Hong kong | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 📐.

The idea: Alongside the Hong Kong government, local architect Marisa Yiu and her team at the Design Trust Futures Studio worked to transform four pocket parks into joyful creative spaces that better reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and local demographics. Why it matters: The UN projects that two-thirds of the world's population, close to 7 billion people, will live in urban areas by 2050. As cities become more densely populated—and the impact of climate change increases—maximizing the physical, emotional, and social benefits of public spaces is becoming more crucial. In Hong Kong, more than 2,000 parks and gardens—many smaller than a pickleball court—are squeezed into awkward-shaped plots of land. How it works: Targeting some of the most neglected parks across the city, the design transformation manifested as spaces with their own vibrant personalities: a brightly colored children’s playground; a Barbie-pink garden with scented grasses and movable chairs and chess tables; a bronze-and-wooded rest area with a gigantic communal table; and much more. As a mark of the Design Trust’s success, the government has now implemented ambitious plans to further develop more than 170 parks across the city.

Muscogee Nation and Macon, Georgia | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🤝 🦏

The idea : A partnership between Macon and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to create Georgia's first national park may lead to their ancestral home, a prehistoric American Indian site reflecting more than 17,000 years of human habitation. Why it matters: As the Muscogee (Creek) Nation ancestral homeland, the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding corridor are home to significant ancestral sites, many of which are still threatened. If legislation passes, it will redesignate not only the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park but the Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and other lands in the Ocmulgee Corridor, as the United States’s next National Park and Preserve—the first to be co-managed with a removed tribe. How it works : The Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative is expected to be legislated and sent to the president’s desk for approval. The 3,000-acre park is where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation once lived and built seven sacred mounds, including the Great Temple Mound—a 55-foot-tall ceremonial mound that took an estimated 10 million baskets of hand-hauled dirt to create. If the legislation is passed, the Ocmulgee Mounds will become the country’s 64th national park, with boundaries expanded an additional 50,000 acres.

Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah development is built in the traditional vernacular of the Najd region.

Saudi Arabia | 📐🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Diriyah looks to the country’s past and its local vernacular architecture with the goal of creating a sustainable, human-centric destination rooted in history. Why it matters: Incorporating the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, considered the birthplace of the modern Saudi nation, the $62.3 billion Diriyah development forms a sharp contrast to the neighboring urban sprawl of Riyadh . The initial phase of the project has received Platinum-level LEED for Cities Certification from the US Green Building Council (it’s the first project in the Middle East to receive the recognition). How it works: It’s largely built in the traditional vernacular architecture of the Najd region, which evolved in response to the harsh climate; key features will include passive ventilation systems and thick walls for thermal insulation. Narrow streets and internal courtyards providing shading and natural cooling also make it a walkable, pedestrian-friendly city year-round, with large-scale infrastructure kept underground. The heart of the project, Bujairi Terrace, will eventually be home to 38 hotels (including properties from Capella, Rosewood, and Six Senses) and over 150 fine dining venues, including Michelin-starred restaurants. Plans also include six museums covering Saudi heritage and “Journey of 100 Stories,” a sensory-boosted exhibit highlighting Diriyah’s history.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 🤝

The idea: One of Florida’s top destinations puts inclusivity and accessibility at the forefront of its marketing campaign. Why it matters: Florida and inclusive rarely appear in the same headline these days. So when Fort Lauderdale launched its “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign in October 2022—an initiative hinged on the very concept of inclusivity—it felt as much an act of bravery as a clever marketing initiative. The idea took around three years to bring to fruition (the pandemic certainly didn’t speed things up), but the campaign feels more vital now than ever—especially if other destinations start following suit. How it works: As its name suggests, the “Everyone Under the Sun” campaign is about making travelers (yes, all travelers) feel welcome. Alongside typical draws like shopping and sunny weather, the tourism board is now showcasing accessible beaches, LGBTQ+ neighborhoods and museums, drag shows, and Black-owned restaurants. (Just check out the “Inclusion & Accessibility” tab featured prominently on Visit Lauderdale ’s home page.) The rebranding also included filming new ads and press photos focused on actually including a diverse group of models. The rest of Florida, please take note.

Zanzibar’s marine ecosystem—including its beautiful beaches and sapphire waters—undergirds the country’s Blue Economy project.

Zanzibar | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🌱

The idea: Zanzibar is spending $54 million to create jobs for young citizens, specifically in the fields of ocean-based activities and tourism. Why it matters: Zanzibar is beloved for its white sand beaches and brilliant blue waters, but climate change and overfishing are posing an enormous threat to the island’s marine ecosystem. How it works: The Republic of Tanzania responded to these global perils in the summer of 2023 by launching the Skills Development for Youth Employability in Blue Economy project—a program that helps Zanzibari youth find jobs focused on oceans and coasts. The project will help prepare around 43,000 youth (40 percent of them female) to start their own ocean-based enterprises. Tanzania is following guidelines laid out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has a strategic plan to reach blue-economy parity, with efforts including coral reef restoration, establishing protected marine areas, and promoting safe tourism practices. The initiative is two-fold: preserve the health of Zanzibar's marine ecosystem and provide opportunities for locals—namely women and marginalized communities—to get jobs and generate income via tourism.

Greece’s Ellinikon development is a stark contrast to the country’s ancient sites—but it’s a landmark in urban regeneration projects.

The Ellinikon | 📐🌱

The idea: Athens’s new coastal development is on track to revitalize its defunct airport as Europe’s largest coastal park. The Ellinikon will be an urban center built with sustainability and accessibility from the outset. Why it matters: Ellinikon represents a landmark in smart urban regeneration and will model mixed-use, accessible, and sustainably built communities. How it works: What to do with an abandoned airport? In Athens, the answer was to start from scratch, reimagining the deserted space as a tech-forward, eco-friendly community. The Ellinikon Experience Park will ultimately become a part of The Ellinikon Park. It spans 75 acres and includes more than 900 trees and 80,000 Mediterranean plants. The Ellinikon Experience Centre will introduce visitors to the smart city of the future via digital and VR displays. Still under development are 30 miles of pedestrian walkways and 18 miles of bike lanes, a marina, Vouliagmenis Mall (Europe’s largest at 45 acres), villas, and residences, as well as another 494 acres of parkland, the largest part of which will be delivered in 2026.

Málaga | 📐🌱

The idea: In its efforts to become a true SmartCity, Málaga strives to improve its energy efficiency by promoting startup accelerators focused on city and tourism management improvements, as well as sustainability. Why it matters: Málaga has become a model for other cities in how it approaches technology, modernization, and innovation to support sustainability. This smart city uplifts research and knowledge, as well as the use of new technologies. How it works: Among local government’s energy and sustainability projects over the past decade are the installation of LED technology in more than half of the city’s street lamps and the expansion of the solar-panel network, which has increased energy production and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, other initiatives are focused on digital transformation—specifically Project Centesimal, which aims to create a telecommunications network that measures environmental statistics. In one instance, the new program will use AI to gain insight into the interests, attitudes, and motivations of both locals and travelers during the city's Feria de Málaga festivities. This essential information will aid in decision-making when these events are organized in the future.

Wildlife Conservation Society Belize

The idea: In an effort to combat degradation of future coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) has launched a streamlined program to help reef systems around the world survive. Why it matters: Coral reefs are at risk of extinction in our lifetime if radical change doesn’t take place. How it works: The GBRF, UNESCO, and the Belize government launched a landmark alliance dedicated to protecting the Earth’s endangered reefs. In May 2023, they released a strategy to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System from the impacts of climate change—the first big outcome of the partnership. With research in hand from the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program , the GBRF is passing this on through knowledge sharing and effective management systems. The pilot project focuses on four threatened reefs, collaborating with Indigenous communities in Belize to promote reef conservation and sustainable fishing and tourism. Beyond the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, the pilot program will work with the Lagoons of New Caledonia, Rock Islands of Palau, and the Ningaloo Coast. The next phase is focused on threatened Pacific reefs.

Peninsula City, Sierra Leone | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: A smart city-development project breaking ground in 2024 is set to revolutionize Sierra Leone’s burgeoning tourism industry by harnessing the country’s natural resources for sustainable growth. Why it matters: In a country still reeling from a decades-long onslaught of punches (civil war, Ebola, and COVID-19, to name a few), Sierra Leone’s rebirth into a burgeoning African tourist destination for urban activities, eco-tourism, and wildlife viewing can serve as a beacon of hope for surrounding nations. The details: One of the most significant tourism projects on the books in West Africa, Peninsula City plays into Sierra Leone’s Transform Freetown strategy , which aims to improve livability and sustainability in the capital. At its core, the project will have a luxury hotel, a tourist resort, a marina, a performing arts center, a medical center, and sustainable housing—all within 35 miles of Freetown. The project will roll out in phases over several years, with significant milestones expected in 2024.

Greece | ♿ 🤝

The idea: Greece is making more than 223 beaches fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. Why it matters: The Greek islands are among Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, welcoming some 33 million tourists each year. But the islands’ famous beaches are not exactly welcoming for disabled travelers—until now. All travelers should be able to enjoy the ocean safely and easily, and Greece is setting a standard for all beaches around the world. How it works: Greece’s former tourism minister Vassilis Kikilias recently announced a new initiative to make a total of 223 beaches across the islands fully accessible to people with mobility issues—220 of which would be ready for summer 2023. The project (rumored to have cost over $15 million) involves installing the Seatrac system, a fixed track mechanism involving a remote control–operated chair that can be moved in and out of the water. The prototype for the system was created in 2009 and commercialized in 2012, and it’s currently installed on shores across Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Latvia, with plans to launch in new markets across Croatia , Spain, the UK, UAE, US, and Turkey this year.

Visit California | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea : Visit California partnered with Kind Traveler to make traveling with an impact straightforward: A simple booking platform enables visitors to channel their tourism dollars to community and environmental organizations. Why it matters: The Travel California–Kind Traveler Partnership speaks to the generation of travelers who seek to leave the destination in better condition than when they arrived. How it works: In April 2023, Visit California and Kind Traveler launched the first state regenerative-travel program. Visitors heading to the Golden State can unlock exclusive rates and perks through Kind Traveler’s Get + Give hotel booking and education platform upon donating $10 (or more) to a local vetted charity. So far, you can choose from 64 participating hotels in California that direct tourism dollars to programs like the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and Rancho Cielo Youth Campus . In September 2023, Kind Traveler will roll out their pilot Every Stay Gives Back program, which fundraises for local charities through hotel bookings, regardless of the booking platform.

Marveling at Wintjiri Wiru

Wintjiri Wiru | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: A breathtaking light show in the skies of Uluru brings the ancient Mala story of the Indigenous Aṉangu people to life—in their own voice. Why it matters: Though Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia has been bringing authentic Indigenous Australian cultural experiences to travelers for years, this is the first time that the tourism operator has told an Indigenous story in this way, on this scale, and in partnership with Uluru’s traditional landowners, the Aṉangu. How it works: Picture 1,200 luminous drones dancing across the desert sky—it’s the world’s largest permanent drone show—depicting parts of the Aṉangu’s Mala story. Narrated by the Aṉangu themselves in their local Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara languages, the score features traditional inma, or ceremonial music. Wintjiru Wiru launched in May 2023, with two nightly performances from May through to December: a three-hour Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner experience and a one-and-a-half-hour After Dark show.

Origin Park | 📐🌱

The idea: The River Heritage Conservancy is creating the Midwest’s first climate-adaptive park, which will span 430 acres in Clarksville, Indiana, and provide green space for more than 1 million residents when completed. Why it matters: Urban parks create equitable outdoor activities for city residents and stimulate local economies with new job opportunities. How it works: First created in 2016 by nonprofit River Heritage Conservancy, Origin Park is a 430-acre urban recreation ground in southern Indiana, within a 10-minute drive from Louisville. The park, envisioned by leading landscape architecture firm OLIN , is designed to be compatible with seasonal floods and usable for more than 90 percent of the year via pathways elevated 30–40 feet. Twenty-two miles of walking and biking trails will include a 3.2-mile multi-use path that links Origin Park to the Ohio River Greenway. The project is currently in phase one—which is expected to be completed by 2026—and includes a 140-acre park with canoeing and kayaking and the 100-acre Buttonbush Woods, both currently open to the public.

Grootbos | 🦏

The idea: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape has enlisted safari guides to help guests learn and study why insects are key to biodiversity—one of the biggest considerations in climate-friendlier travel experiences. Why it matters: Think safari, and you’re likely imagining the Big Five. Minibeast safaris encourage travelers to look harder—and shift their attention to a whole other world. How it works: Grootbos not only carries out vital scientific research into the importance of insects, but they celebrate the ecosystem through art exhibitions and entomologist-led field trips. Grootbos Florilegium is their impressive botanical art project, which illustrates the critical role insects play in pollination. The Explorer program is also coming in 2024, which will encourage visitors to head out on safari with a big white net to catch insects to study. Since this is a new field of research for this part of the world, should you find an insect smaller than 0.11 inches, you’ll likely be credited with discovering a new endemic species.

Phāea Resorts | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Loss of connection to heritage food systems spurred this luxury resort group to create a sanctuary for regenerative travel emphasizing food provenance and responsible consumption. Why it matters: Phāea’s innovative programming shows hotels can foster connection between locals, the land, and traditional agricultural methods. How it works: In 2021, the Crete-raised Sbokou sisters—Agapi and Costantza— introduced Phāea Farmers Program to invest in employees’ agricultural efforts. An agronomist trains staff (and families) in organic farming and sustainable land use. The resort buys the bounty at fair market value, providing an additional revenue stream for employees. To expand the program, the Phāea Farmers Feast launched in June 2023, allowing guests to harvest from on-site organic gardens guided by a Phāea farmer. Executive chef Yiannis Kalliveratakis teaches the ancient Minoan art of slow cooking, further linking guests, farmers, and native culture. Beyond aiming to source 100% of their honey and olive oil from Phāea farmers by 2024, the next phase opens the initiative to farmers outside the resort, seeding a reciprocal relationship between tourism and local communities.

Dinner on the beach at Tanzania’s Manta Resort

One of the diving boat captains at Manta Resort

Manta Resort | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: Off the coast of Tanzania, Manta Pemba Island is taking Africa’s famous terrestrial safari concept underwater for scuba divers with the Pemba Island Coral Safari . Why it matters: In support of conservation and community through Manta’s Kwanini Foundation , the new underwater safari experience gives a guided interpretation of the Kwanini Marine Reserve. The safari helps divers understand the interconnectedness and value of the marine environment in its protected state, with a portion of safari proceeds going to the foundation. How it works: The groundbreaking underwater safari experience uses state-of-the-art full-face masks with built-in microphones to allow two-way communication between the guide and up to two divers. In collaboration with BlueWild EcoVentures and Africa’s leading safari-training experts at EcoTraining , Manta Resort guides have been trained through a pioneering specialty course aimed at interpreting marine wildlife behavior and guiding underwater. Newly launched in July 2023, the safari deepens divers’ understanding of North Pemba Island’s thriving underwater world.

Green Safaris | 🌱 🚀

The idea: Already known for its eco-friendly safari vehicles, Green Safaris recently added an electric dhow (reportedly the first in the world) to its fleet. Why it matters: As the company name suggests, Green Safaris’ collection of lodges and camps (scattered throughout Zambia and Malawi) is all about sustainability and conservation. The outfitter pioneered the “silent safari” concept with its solar-powered accommodations and vehicles, including electric Land Rovers and e-bikes. The latest addition to this eco-friendly fleet is the eDhow, an electric-powered dhow (inspired by traditional wooden boats in Malawi) that started carrying travelers down the Zambezi River in August 2023. “The eDhow is not just a novel addition to our safari experiences but also a testament to the potential of sustainable travel and green technology in the African tourism industry,” said Vincent Kouwenhouven, Green Safaris’ founder, in a press release. How it works: The eDhow runs on a 10kw electric motor that is recharged through an electric power station adjacent to Victoria Falls. Green Safaris plans on using solar power to fuel the boats in the future.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve is launching an initiative in September 2023 to empower and uplift local girls through an ambitious training program. Why it matters: Gender equality remains a struggle in many parts of the world, including East Africa, and the lodge’s targeted engagement with women will help empower them to become leaders in their local communities while expanding their opportunities far beyond. How it works: After opening in April 2023, the lodge is investing in local communities to build a talent network. The initial participants in the immersive six-month apprenticeship curriculum will be trained to build a versatile skill set through mentorship opportunities across the 20-tent, all-inclusive resort, from the front desk and housekeeping to kitchen, food and beverage, and guest services. Communication is emphasized throughout the entire process through feedback sessions, performance assessments, and the pairing of each apprentice with a seasoned professional from the lodge to provide guidance at every step. Apprentices will receive a certificate at the end of the program and the lodge will help them seek employment, either on-site or within Marriott’s greater hospitality network.

Populus | 📐🌱

The idea: When it opens, Populus will be the first carbon-positive hotel in the US. Why it matters: Named for Colorado’s native aspen tree, this 265-room, 13-story hotel is poised to be a benchmark for the future of responsible hospitality development. How it works: Acknowledging that buildings are responsible for 45 percent of greenhouse emissions in the US, Urban Villages—the team behind this landmark downtown hotel—wasn’t content solely achieving the already rigorous LEED Gold status. Decisions like deliberately excluding a parking garage (steel and reinforced concrete are large contributors to a building’s carbon footprint) and offsetting construction emissions by planting over 70,000 Engelmann spruce trees complement its rigorous 100 percent recyclable and compostable waste-management strategy and its plan to run on 100 percent renewable energy. When it opens in spring 2024, the hotel will feature an impressive two-story entrance with 30-foot-tall windows—and a rooftop restaurant offering 360-degree views of Denver and its surrounding mountains.

On the grounds of Southall Farm & Inn

Lunch at Southall’s Sojourner

Southall Farm & Inn | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: This working farm resort introduced agricultural experiences that bring guests closer to the land, including a hydrology plan modeling what sustainable water usage means for healthy ecosystems. Why it matters: With its emphasis on regional food production and local ecosystems, Southall’s mission inherently educates visitors—sometimes through hands-on learning—on the environmental impacts of travel. The hydrology plan—including wetland water recirculation, rainwater collection, and land terracing—reverses damage from poor farming practices and extreme weather, leading to less municipal water usage, more wildlife, and a cooler environment. How it works: The owners’ passion for water conservation and addressing food scarcity manifested as the 325 acres at Southall, which opened in December 2022 in Franklin, Tennessee, after 5-plus years of planning. Through the property’s blend of timeless agricultural methods with innovative technology (hello, property-wide pollinator tracker system), guests learn about food provenance by participating in seed-saving, beekeeping, grafting workshops, and more. Future plans include irrigating more gardens with on-site water and expanding the existing 30 acres of native grasses to reduce watering while maintaining wildlife habitats.

The Idea: Rather than building hotels with great gyms, Siro develops properties that put functional fitness first through partnerships with world-class athletes combined with integrated digital technology. Why it matters: Siro’s programming—developed in conjunction with top sporting figures like British Somali boxer Ramla Ali and medics, trainers, and players from Italy’s AC Milan soccer team—goes far beyond the usual hotel offerings, targeting both serious athletes and those who just want to stay healthy on the road. How it works: Providing more than just celebrity endorsements, the professionals worked closely with Siro’s team of experts to develop programming and testing protocols based around five “biohacking” pillars: fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mindfulness. Stays kick off with personalized pre-assessments and 3D body scans, with individual data loaded onto an app for use during and after each visit to help guests reach and maintain peak performance. Recovery is prioritized as much as training with programs based on elevating visitors' physical and mental endurance. That philosophy continues into the rooms, designed as “recovery cocoons” with soundproof walls, thermogenesis mattresses, and stretching spaces. The first Siro opens in Dubai’s new One Za’abeel development in early 2024, followed by Boka Place in Montenegro later next year.

Ocean Builders’ SeaPod

Ocean Builders | 📐🌱

The idea: Ocean Builders’ SeaPod is an eco-restorative, floating take on the overwater bungalow with a minimal (and moveable) footprint on the seabed and the power to regenerate coral growth on its very structure. Why it matters: With ocean levels rising and more than 1 billion people expected to be living in low-lying coastal areas by 2050, exploring new ways to live along the coast is essential. How it works: The SeaPod uses solar power not only for electricity but also to send electrical currents through the floating steel tubes that support the pod’s living structure, attracting calcium carbonate to the metal—the foundation of coral growth. Ocean Builders is working with reef restoration organizations to pursue 3D-coral printing capabilities to further stimulate coral regeneration on artificial reefs on and around the SeaPod. The company plans to transport its original SeaPod—which welcomed its first guests in June 2023—farther offshore for a true off-the-grid seasteading experience where it will operate entirely on solar energy, wastewater recycling, and rainwater collection. The company is currently in talks to potentially build out fully floating resorts in Dubai and other locales across the Middle East and Europe.

The Place Firenze | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: Hospitality Experience (an Italian-owned collection of hotels and resorts) founded The Place of Wonders, which provides resources for Italian students to continue their education fueled by fees from exclusive guest experiences offered at The Place Firenze . Why it matters: Launched in 2023, the project funds scholarships and training opportunities for aspiring craftspeople in Italy—and lets hotel guests learn more about the cultural traditions of the city they’re visiting. How it works: The Place of Wonders chose LAO (a.k.a. Le Arti Orafe, one of Florence’s best craft schools) as its inaugural partnership, subsidizing a series of three-year scholarships for aspiring Italian students. To finance the scholarship fund, The Place Firenze offers guests exclusive visits to local workshops and ateliers—and 100 percent of the tour prices go directly to the foundation. It’s a symbiotic system in which tourists get to learn about Italy’s craft traditions, and those exact traditions get new life through exposure and an influx of new artists. The foundation is already active in Florence, at the Place Firenze, and plans are already in place to extend the program to Londra Palace Venezia (another Hotel Experience property).

The Original Southern Ocean Lodge

One of the Southern Ocean Lodge’s main draws: its wildlife

Southern Ocean Lodge | 🌱 🦏

The idea: After being destroyed during Australia’s Black Summer bushfires in 2020, the iconic Southern Ocean Lodge was rebuilt and will reopen in December 2023 with a focus on sustainability and fire resilience. Why it matters: In 2020, bushfires burned more than 72,000 square miles across Australia, including almost half of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. Three years later, the island’s tourism industry is still recovering, in large part due to the destruction of its world-renowned Southern Ocean Lodge. The reopening is a boon for local producers of every kind and will help support Kangaroo Island’s economic recovery. How it works: Southern Ocean Lodge will officially reopen on December 6, 2023, and will largely maintain the original lodge’s footprint—though each of the 25 suites has been reoriented ever so slightly to offer even better views of the ocean and coastal wilderness. Upon reopening, the lodge will highlight exclusively local and seasonal food and beverages, from fresh-caught seafood to South Australian wine and beer. To protect against future fires, a 65-foot wilderness buffer—consisting of fire-retardant native succulents and the area's own endemic juniper—has been planted around the lodge.

The idea: IHCL, India’s largest hospitality group, is converting historic and incredibly luxurious Grand Palaces into energy-efficient, future-thinking properties by implementing renewable energy initiatives to reduce their overall environmental impact. Why it matters: These combined efforts have conserved an impressive 1,550 megawatts of energy and 146 KL of high-speed diesel in the last fiscal year, which translates to estimated savings of about $350,000 for the palace hotels and a substantial reduction of 1,536 metric tons of CO 2 emissions. The initiatives light a way forward for heritage properties across the globe, demonstrating how hospitality chains can bring the future to the past with bright ideas and creative solutions. How it works: IHCL is retrofitting its heritage hotels—including Hyderabad’s Taj Falaknuma Palace and Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace —with integral sustainable energy solutions for the future. New integrations include low-flow aerators for taps and showers, solar-power plants, phasing out single-use plastic, building EV charging stations and in-house bottling plants, and more. In May 2023, the group’s landmark hotel— The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai—announced its switch to 100 percent renewable energy, an endeavor that is particularly commendable for a building that opened in 1903.

ORGANIZATIONS

Reshark | 🦏.

The idea: In a global first, ReShark is working to reinforce juvenile leopard shark populations, which have drastically shrunken. Why it matters: Sharks are the second-fastest-declining vertebrae group in the world due to the legal and illegal fishing trade. As apex predators, they are vital to healthy marine ecosystems—but leopard sharks in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, are endangered. ReShark aims to reverse the extinction trend with plans to release 500 of them over the next 10 years to restore the population. How it works: The first three juveniles—whose eggs came from Sea Life Sydney Aquarium—were successfully released in January by Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre (RARCC) and in July 2023 by Misool Foundation. This rewilding project involves the collaboration of 76 working partners from 15 countries and is the first time a captive shark species has been successfully bred with the goal of reintroduction to the wild. The eggs and juveniles are cared for at two purpose-built nurseries, at Raja Ampat Research and Conservation Centre (RARCC) , and barefoot luxury conservation-focused Misool Resort .

Biogents | 🦏

The idea: German company Biogents has created an eco-positive system of mosquito traps as a highly effective—and cheaper—alternative to toxic-chemical fogging. Why it matters: More than an annoyance for hotel guests, mosquitoes are responsible for one of the deadliest diseases in human history: malaria. Eradication is the only long-term solution, and Biogents’s traps offer a sustainable path to a mosquito-free world. How it works: Chemical pesticides eliminate mosquitoes but also take out beneficial insects, as well as potentially cross-contaminating the ocean. So when Eva Malmström, a cofounder of eco-excellent Soneva resorts, caught a TED talk on mosquito control—which she, along with her husband and cofounder Sonu, had been working on—she made it her mission to bring the system to Soneva Fushi . Soon the Dutch entomologist Bart Knols, PhD was in the Maldives, setting up a system of traps that use a combination of visual cues and human-odor bait to lure mosquitoes into a bag. Capturing about 99 percent of the biting bugs, there was an immediate drop in the numbers—and a steady return of bees, butterflies, and birds. The traps have now been rolled out at 10 more resorts in the Maldives, as well as at a handful of hotels in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Healthy Hospo | 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea:   Healthy Hospo  is a nonprofit aimed at improving the physical and mental health, happiness, and sustainability of workers within the hospitality and restaurant industry. Why it matters: The hospitality sector is the behind-the-scenes workhorse of the travel and leisure industry, yet it suffers from toxicity in the workplace and ranks second in terms of suicidal ideation among employees. How it works:  Former global brand ambassador for a large drinks corporation, Tim Etherington-Judge realized the need for a solution and founded Healthy Hospo in 2017 after attempting to end his life in 2016. Healthy Hospo offers a variety of resources and courses that cover the five major pillars of workers’ well-being: sleep, nutrition, mental health, connecting socially and with nature, and exercise. Healthy Hospo takes a preventative approach to health with the belief that it’s better to build healthy workplaces rather than wait for problems to arise and then deal with them. In 2022, Healthy Hospo started working with Business for Health (B4H), a UK-wide initiative to make all workplaces healthier.

Ngamo Primary School kids—and Cobras, the community protection units—watch the rhinos

Community Rhino Conservation Initiative | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🦏

The idea: Community Rhino Conservation Initiative ’s (CRCI) white rhino-conservation project—the first of its kind in Zimbabwe to be located entirely on community land—is working with Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary to return rhinos to the region bordering Hwange National Park and Imvelo Safari Lodges to educate guests on preservation. Why it matters: In addition to protecting Zimbabwe’s near-threatened white rhino population and providing employment for locals, all gate fees from the CRCI directly benefit the surrounding communities. To date, proceeds from the project have expanded the local village’s medical clinic, bringing free health care to five villages in the immediate vicinity. How it works: Launched in May 2022, the initiative successfully reintroduced two white rhinos onto community lands, where they are cared for by a community protection unit (the Cobras ). While the hope is ultimately to reintroduce the animals into the 5,657-square-mile national park itself, CRCI first plans to line the park’s borders with a string of sanctuaries that serve as a buffer zone. After the first sanctuary’s successful launch, the second preserve on community land is currently under construction with plans to house more white rhinos as early as September 2023.

The idea: The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) has developed a new hotel-accreditation system to ensure that people from the LGBTQ+ community are welcomed into safe and thoughtful environments. Why it matters: Many hospitality businesses like to wave their rainbow flags throughout the month of June, but LGBTQ+ accreditation demands a comprehensive dig past the performative. How it works: Founded in 1983, the IGLTA has built a global network of free travel resources for the LGBTQ+ community, from tour operators to destination guides. Now they’ve introduced a hospitality-accreditation program that takes a more comprehensive approach to inclusivity. In June 2023, the W Costa Navarino in Greece became the first property to tick all eight criteria—diversity, equity, inclusivity, policy, community, advocacy, transparency, sensitivity—and earn certification. As a result, the hotel now has an LGBTQ+ liaison, gender-neutral bathrooms, unisex amenities, and public displays of nondiscrimination policies. Twenty-eight more hotels are in the IGLTA’s pipeline; properties in Amsterdam, Osaka, and NYC have already received accreditation.

Coral Gardeners could scale to places like Saudi Arabia, home to some of the world’s most delicate coral reefs.

Coral Gardeners | 🌱 🦏

The idea: Coral gardening is fast becoming a widely adopted strategy for restoring our planet’s dying coral reefs, and while highly effective, it’s often criticized for not being scalable. Coral Gardeners is using AI to help change that. Why it matters: Scientists forecast that the world’s coral reefs, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, could disappear by 2050. Some 500 million people around the world directly rely on reefs for food, coastal protection, income, and more. How it works: Titouan Bernicot founded the organization in 2017 after witnessing the degradation of reefs around his home in Moorea, French Polynesia. He launched CG Labs in 2021, an in-house R&D team to develop AI-assisted technology to scale efforts. Devices like smart buoys relay real-time data to help gardeners optimize planting, while an underwater robot generates 3D imagery of the reef to track the growth of outplant sites. In 2022, the program planted 15,225 corals—double the amount it planted in the previous five years. Coral Gardeners added restoration sites and nurseries on three more French Polynesian islands and has a plan to launch in Fiji by late 2023, all with the goal of replanting 1 million corals by 2025.

Rainbow Registered | 👨‍👨‍👧‍ 🤝

The idea: In an effort to provide a more inclusive and safe environment for the 2SLGBTQI+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex+) community, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce launched the Rainbow Registered accreditation program. Why it matters: In alignment with the Government of Canada’s diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates, Rainbow Registered answers the need for a Canadian program that accredits and promotes businesses demonstrating a commitment to welcoming and accepting the 2SLGBTQI+ community. How it works: Developed by the CGLCC and Tourism HR Canada, with initial funding and support provided largely by the Government of Canada, the program is an internal and external review with a personal assessor to ensure that both employees and customers are being welcomed and celebrated. Areas of consideration include the use of appropriate gender-neutral language and internal evaluations on paid leave for a person transitioning. If needed, they get feedback and recommendations from their assessor and additional support to help improve and tackle some of their blind spots. Rainbow Registered businesses are visible in the community through decals on shop windows and a public listing on the Rainbow Registered website .

Following the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop

PLANNING TOOLS

Whakarewarewa forest loop app | 🚀 👨‍👨‍👧‍.

The idea: Rotorua, New Zealand’s interactive Whakarewarewa Forest Loop app , mixes augmented reality with video, audio, still art, and animation to share Māori stories with mountain bikers setting off on the 20.5-mile trail. Why it matters: Conceived and developed as a cultural collaboration, the app weaves iwi artwork and storytelling throughout the bike journey to enrich riders’ understanding and enjoyment of the place and its people. How it works: As one of New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop meanders among native trees, ferns, and towering redwoods, with views of volcanic Lake Rotorua. Representatives from local iwi partnered with the Rotorua Lakes Council and New Zealand software developers to create a companion app, available in both Te Reo Māori and English, highlighting the land’s significance to the Ngāti Whakaue and Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people. Launched on June 10, 2023, the app has geolocation tools that allow cyclists to pinpoint trail information while sparking tales of the forest into life along the way.

SOSTUR | 🚀 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Panama’s updated tourism model focuses almost entirely on cultural heritage and conservation, including a new digital platform ( SOSTUR ) that makes it easy for travelers to book tours in rural communities. Why it matters: While many tourism models focus on hotels and beaches, Panama offers a compelling alternative: inspiring travelers to visit a country purely for its biodiversity and local communities. The target audience—discerning travelers who seek transformative experiences over five-star amenities—is one of the fastest-growing markets in the travel industry. In fact, Ivan Eskildsen, the erstwhile minister of tourism for Panama, predicts the country’s visitor numbers will exceed 500 million over the course of five years. How it works: In 2022, the Panamanian Alliance for Community Tourism and  APTSO  expanded SOSTUR, a website where travelers can browse and book tours across several pilot communities. Experiences range from hiking through national parks to turtle conservation, and the digital platform includes suggestions for accommodations and restaurants in each location. The result is an easy-access gateway for travelers to not only improve themselves but also to boost the local communities with tourism dollars and awareness.

Ostuni, Italy

Working area in Ostuni

KINO Italy | 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: KINO Italy creates coworking experiences that lure remote workers from crowded digital nomad hot spots and welcome them into fading towns in Italy, where they can positively impact local communities. Why it matters: For small towns and villages with declining populations, taking advantage of the work-from-anywhere revolution presents opportunities to revitalize their ailing economies. How it works: As the pandemic thrust remote work into the mainstream, Serena Chironna and Andrea Mammoliti saw an opportunity to shift the narrative in their home country by partnering with local communities to create monthlong coworking retreats in lesser-known locales. The pair, who themselves had spent time in popular remote work destinations like Portugal, could see firsthand that any such arrangement needed to take a more participatory approach—one that included, and could benefit, locals. The walled Tuscan village of Pitigliano is one participating destination, where KINO works directly with the local municipality to arrange short-term accommodation for workers, who get access to a coworking space and social events with locals. The company, which hosted several pilot retreats in 2022, followed by its first retreats in 2023, has cumulatively welcomed nomads from more than 18 different countries on six different retreats, and they have plans to expand in 2024.

Expedia Group | 🚀

The idea: Expedia Group’s Open World Accelerator is designed to help start-ups in the tech industry fast-track their growth and make travel more accessible. Why it matters: At the beginning of 2023, Expedia Group announced the first cohort of its Open World Accelerator program—an initiative designed to boost start-ups in the travel tech industry, in the hope that these companies would grow and serve as a model for other small businesses. The theme of the inaugural program was “accessibility and inclusion,” with selected start-ups, including Green Book Global, a review website for Black travelers, and Becoming RentABLE, a short-term rental platform that features 36 filters for different disabilities. How it works: For roughly six months, the cohort received technology and business mentorship from industry experts, a nonequity grant, and access to Expedia Group’s online platform. The program ended in June with a “Demo Day” at Expedia Group’s HQ in Seattle, where start-up investors and Expedia Group personnel gathered to discuss partnerships with the first group of start-ups—and some pilot programs are already being tested to improve Expedia Group’s accessibility features. The company will unveil the theme for its subsequent programs in the near future.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) | 🌱 👨‍👨‍👧‍

The idea: Through its national guidelines and brand, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) helps Canadian-wide businesses affirm their quality and authenticity . Details:  Around the world, national associations such as NZ Māori Tourism support and promote Indigenous tourism. There are also quality assurance marks, such as New Zealand Tourism’s Qualmark , that identify high-quality travel experiences, including those run by Indigenous people. In 2021, ITAC combined both concepts by launching The Original Original label to highlight the quality and authenticity of Indigenous-run companies in Canada; it’s awarded only to companies at least 51 percent Indigenous owned. Since then, the initiative has resonated worldwide. In Finland, researchers have invited ITAC to present to help inform their own criteria for a Sámi tourism label. Why it matters: Appropriation of Indigenous culture by non-Indigenous tourism operators has long been a problem. Certification labels allow travelers to better identify Indigenous-owned tourism businesses.

Google’s new sustainability features within their hotel search tool

Google | 🚀 🌱

The idea: Google has invested in search tools that make it easier to find sustainable travel options. Why it matters: Google is used by billions of people around the world, so any eco-friendly steps taken by the company are guaranteed to make an impact. Over the past couple of years, the search engine rolled out tools that help travelers keep sustainability in mind when booking trips, like putting an eco-label on certain hotels. How it works: Google’s latest set of eco-conscious tools has three stand-out features. First is a “Low Emissions” filter on Google Flights, allowing users to see carbon emissions data front and center. Similarly, there is now an “Eco-certified” filter on hotel search results; Google is working directly with the US Green Building Council and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to ensure accuracy. Finally, folks wanting to travel by train can now shop for rail tickets directly on Google Search—the feature exists only in a few countries now, but the company hopes to expand to more locations (and launch a similar widget for bus tickets) in “the near future.”

The idea: This digital trip planner combines the functionality of an online booking platform with the support of a traditional travel agent—and appeals to modern travelers. Why it matters: There is no denying the perks of working with a travel specialist to plan a complicated vacation—but younger generations are famously hesitant to pick up the phone and chat with strangers. That is what makes Nemo, a digital trip planner that launched in 2019, so compelling. The company’s core values of sustainable practices, authentic experiences, and local empowerment are just as forward-thinking as its technology. How it works: Travelers can browse Nemo’s itineraries (which range from safaris in Kenya to island-hopping in Greece) and filter by trip type, destination, personal interests, or preferred month of travel. And the service is about to become even more bespoke: Later in 2023, users will also be able to choose hotels, add transfers and experiences (e.g., guided hikes), and even extend their stay or add on a second destination via the itinerary builder. The Nemo Travel Experts then take care of booking all the reservations and activities.

Sustonica | 🚀

The idea: A new certification program introduces sustainability standards for short-term rental properties. Why it matters: The hotel industry has many certifying agencies that measure environmentally sustainable operations; the same is not so for short-term vacation rentals. How it works:  Based in Spain, Sustonica aims to correct this issue by establishing criteria based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on energy and water conservation; community involvement; and waste reduction. Specifically, these standards would include the use of energy-efficient appliances, recycling bins, and dual-flush toilets. The threshold for certification is low: A rental must score at least 20 percent of possible points—but, crucially, the program doesn’t end there. To renew the certification each year, rentals must show a 2–4 percent annual gain depending on their current score. The certification badge, which owners may use on websites and rental platforms, aims to help travelers easily find greener options among vacation rental choices. Launched in 2023, Sustonica is on track to certify 70,000 rental properties this year.

A route through Auvergne, France

RAIL TRAVEL

The idea:  France is working to eliminate the need for intra-country flights —and make fast and sustainable travel available across the country—by heavily investing in its southeastern rail network. Why it matters: Earlier this year, in an ongoing effort to cut carbon emissions, France banned domestic short-haul flights between cities where the same journey could be made by train in under two and a half hours. The extensive rail network is getting a further boost with a 14-billion-euro initiative that will connect Bordeaux with two cities: Toulouse, in Occitaine, and Dax, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, essentially making the destinations reachable from Paris within a three-hour train ride. The project complements France’s 2-billion-euro program to double the number of bicycle lanes, making it one of the greenest countries to travel in. How it works:  Work will begin in late 2023, and the Bordeaux-to-Toulouse rail section is expected to open in 2030. Elsewhere in France, the next-generation high-speed trains —which are made from 97 percent recycled material—will be in service in time for the 2024 Olympics.

Coradia iLint | 🌱 🚀

The idea:  Germany debuts the world’s first hydrogen-powered trains , marking the beginning of emissions-free rail travel. Why it matters: As hydrogen-powered train service expands, passengers can travel on transportation networks that emit nothing but steam. How it works:  In 2022, Germany unveiled the first-ever network of 100 percent emissions-free passenger trains, called the Coradia iLint. Powered solely by hydrogen and emitting only water vapor, the network passes through idyllic North Sea landscapes and charming small towns on a 150-mile loop in Lower Saxony, between Hamburg, Bremen, and Bremerhaven. The hydrogen cars run on behalf of the Lower Saxony regional transport company (LNVG) through the company EVB in Lower Saxony, and RMV in the Frankfurt area. LNVG has ordered 14 Coradia iLint hydrogen railcars and will gradually replace the existing Coradia Lint 41 diesel railcars. Currently, five railcars are in service. Step by step, the number of hydrogen trains will be expanded until all diesel railcars have been replaced, proving the viability of fossil-free rail travel, having already saved nearly 425,000 gallons of diesel and 4,400 tons of CO 2 (annually) vs. traditional trains. Five months after northern Germany’s successful launch, Frankfurt unveiled its first hydrogen-powered train cars.

SPACE TRAVEL

The idea: Commercial spaceflight could reach historic heights as the Polaris Dawn voyage aims to set a new record for the highest Earth orbit ever flown. Why it matters: As the first in a series of three flights funded by fintech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, the Polaris Program represents a more ambitious era for citizen-led space travel, with private citizens carrying out increasingly sophisticated missions. How it works: This isn’t merely another flight where billionaire space tourists wave at Earth from its orbit. Yes, there will be one billionaire onboard—Isaacman, Shift4’s CEO and a trained pilot. When the Polaris Dawn mission finally takes off—potentially by the end of 2024—the four-person crew will spend up to five days on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket attempting to achieve a series of firsts, including being the first commercial mission to complete a space walk. While it’s not anywhere near Elon Musk’s eventual dream of settling on Mars, Polaris Dawn will also research the impact of space travel on human health. It’s another leap forward for the growing private space tourism economy.

Lead editor: Betsy Blumenthal

Editors: Arati Menon, Erika Owen

Lead visuals: Pallavi Kumar

Supporting visuals: Andrea Edelman, Danielle Amy

Illustrations: Giorgia Ascolani

Production: Caitlin Morton

Research: Alexandra Sanidad, Anna Gladwin, Anika Sackrider

Copy: Joyce Rubin, Marisa Carroll, Rachel Whalen

Lead social media: Mercedes Bleth

Supporting social media: Kayla Brock

Contributors: Alicia Erickson; Amy Eckert; Ayesha Khan; Caitlin Morton; Carrie Honnaker; Elaine Glusac; Elissa Garay; JD Shadel; Jen Murphy; Jonny Bierman; Juliet Kinsman; Karen Gardiner; Krisanne Fordham; Kristin Braswell; Laura Beausire; Lee Cobaj; Marta Sahelices; Nicola Chilton; Rachel Chang; Smitha Menon; Terry Ward; Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

25 Questions (and Answers!) About the Great North American Eclipse

The McDonald Observatory’s guide to one of nature’s most beautiful and astounding events: What you might see, how to view it safely, how astronomers will study it, how animals might react, and some of the mythology and superstitions about the Sun’s great disappearing act.

1. What’s happening?

The Moon will cross directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun from view along a narrow path across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Viewers across the rest of the United States will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering only part of the Sun’s disk.

2. When will it happen?

The eclipse takes place on April 8. It will get underway at 10:42 a.m. CDT, when the Moon’s shadow first touches Earth’s surface, creating a partial eclipse. The Big Show—totality—begins at about 11:39 a.m., over the south-central Pacific Ocean. The shadow will first touch North America an hour and a half later, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Moving at more than 1,600 miles (2,575 km) per hour, the path of totality will enter the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The lunar shadow will exit the United States and enter the Canadian province of New Brunswick near Houlton, Maine, at 2:35 p.m. (3:35 p.m. EDT).

3. How long will totality last?

The exact timing depends on your location. The maximum length is 4 minutes, 27 seconds near Torreon, Mexico. In the United States, several towns in southwestern Texas will see 4 minutes, 24 seconds of totality. The closer a location is to the centerline of the path of totality, the longer the eclipse will last.

4. What will it look like?

Eclipse veterans say there’s nothing quite like a total solar eclipse. In the last moments before the Sun disappears behind the Moon, bits of sunlight filter through the lunar mountains and canyons, forming bright points of light known as Baily’s beads. The last of the beads provides a brief blaze known as a diamond ring effect. When it fades away, the sky turns dark and the corona comes into view— million-degree plasma expelled from the Sun’s surface. It forms silvery filaments that radiate away from the Sun. Solar prominences, which are fountains of gas from the surface, form smaller, redder streamers on the rim of the Sun’s disk.

5. What safety precautions do I need to take?

It’s perfectly safe to look at the total phase of the eclipse with your eyes alone. In fact, experts say it’s the best way to enjoy the spectacle. The corona, which surrounds the intervening Moon with silvery tendrils of light, is only about as bright as a full Moon.

During the partial phases of the eclipse, however, including the final moments before and first moments after totality, your eyes need protection from the Sun’s blinding light. Even a 99-percent-eclipsed Sun is thousands of times brighter than a full Moon, so even a tiny sliver of direct sunlight can be dangerous!

To stay safe, use commercially available eclipse viewers, which can look like eyeglasses or can be embedded in a flat sheet that you hold in front of your face. Make sure your viewer meets the proper safety standards, and inspect it before you use it to make sure there are no scratches to let in unfiltered sunlight.

You also can view the eclipse through a piece of welder’s glass (No. 14 or darker), or stand under a leafy tree and look at the ground; the gaps between leaves act as lenses, projecting a view of the eclipse on the ground. With an especially leafy tree you can see hundreds of images of the eclipse at once. (You can also use a colander or similar piece of gear to create the same effect.)

One final mode of eclipse watching is with a pinhole camera. You can make one by poking a small hole in an index card, file folder, or piece of stiff cardboard. Let the Sun shine through the hole onto the ground or a piece of paper, but don’t look at the Sun through the hole! The hole projects an image of the eclipsed Sun, allowing you to follow the entire sequence, from the moment of first contact through the Moon’s disappearance hours later.

6. Where can I see the eclipse?

In the United States, the path of totality will extend from Eagle Pass, Texas, to Houlton, Maine. It will cross 15 states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Tennessee, and Michigan (although it barely nicks the last two).

In Texas, the eclipse will darken the sky over Austin, Waco, and Dallas—the most populous city in the path, where totality (the period when the Sun is totally eclipsed) will last 3 minutes, 51 seconds.

Other large cities along the path include Little Rock; Indianapolis; Dayton, Toledo, and Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo and Rochester, New York; and Burlington, Vermont.

Outside the path of totality, American skywatchers will see a partial eclipse, in which the Sun covers only part of the Sun’s disk. The sky will grow dusky and the air will get cooler, but the partially eclipsed Sun is still too bright to look at without proper eye protection. The closer to the path of totality, the greater the extent of the eclipse. From Memphis and Nashville, for example, the Moon will cover more than 95 percent of the Sun’s disk. From Denver and Phoenix, it’s about 65 percent. And for the unlucky skywatchers in Seattle, far to the northwest of the eclipse centerline, it’s a meager 20 percent.

The total eclipse path also crosses Mexico, from the Pacific coast, at Mazatlán, to the Texas border. It also crosses a small portion of Canada, barely including Hamilton, Ontario. Eclipse Details for Locations Around the United States • aa.usno.navy.mil/data/Eclipse2024 • eclipse.aas.org • GreatAmericanEclipse.com

7. What causes solar eclipses?

These awe-inspiring spectacles are the result of a pleasant celestial coincidence: The Sun and Moon appear almost exactly the same size in Earth’s sky. The Sun is actually about 400 times wider than the Moon but it’s also about 400 times farther, so when the new Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun—an alignment known as syzygy—it can cover the Sun’s disk, blocking it from view.

8. Why don’t we see an eclipse at every new Moon?

The Moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted a bit with respect to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic. Because of that angle, the Moon passes north or south of the Sun most months, so there’s no eclipse. When the geometry is just right, however, the Moon casts its shadow on Earth’s surface, creating a solar eclipse. Not all eclipses are total. The Moon’s distance from Earth varies a bit, as does Earth’s distance from the Sun. If the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun when the Moon is at its farthest, we see an annular eclipse, in which a ring of sunlight encircles the Moon. Regardless of the distance, if the SunMoon-Earth alignment is off by a small amount, the Moon can cover only a portion of the Sun’s disk, creating a partial eclipse.

9. How often do solar eclipses happen?

Earth sees as least two solar eclipses per year, and, rarely, as many as five. Only three eclipses per two years are total. In addition, total eclipses are visible only along narrow paths. According to Belgian astronomer Jean Meuss, who specializes in calculating such things, any given place on Earth will see a total solar eclipse, on average, once every 375 years. That number is averaged over many centuries, so the exact gap varies. It might be centuries between succeeding eclipses, or it might be only a few years. A small region of Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, close to the southeast of St. Louis, for example, saw the total eclipse of 2017 and will experience this year’s eclipse as well. Overall, though, you don’t want to wait for a total eclipse to come to you. If you have a chance to travel to an eclipse path, take it!

10. What is the limit for the length of totality?

Astronomers have calculated the length of totality for eclipses thousands of years into the future. Their calculations show that the greatest extent of totality will come during the eclipse of July 16, 2186, at 7 minutes, 29 seconds, in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of South America. The eclipse will occur when the Moon is near its closest point to Earth, so it appears largest in the sky, and Earth is near its farthest point from the Sun, so the Sun appears smaller than average. That eclipse, by the way, belongs to the same Saros cycle as this year’s.

11. When will the next total eclipse be seen from the United States?

The next total eclipse visible from anywhere in the United States will take place on March 30, 2033, across Alaska. On August 22, 2044, a total eclipse will be visible across parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The next eclipse to cross the entire country will take place on August 12, 2045, streaking from northern California to southern Florida. Here are the other total solar eclipses visible from the contiguous U.S. this century:

March 30, 2052 Florida, Georgia, tip of South Carolina May 11, 2078 From Louisiana to North Carolina May 1, 2079 From Philadelphia up the Atlantic coast to Maine September 14, 2099 From North Dakota to the Virginia-North Carolina border

12. What is the origin of the word ‘eclipse?’

The word first appeared in English writings in the late 13th century. It traces its roots, however, to the Greek words “ecleipsis” or “ekleipein.” According to various sources, the meaning was “to leave out, fail to appear,” “a failing, forsaking,” or “abandon, cease, die.”

13. Do solar eclipses follow any kind of pattern?

The Moon goes through several cycles. The best known is its 29.5-day cycle of phases, from new through full and back again. Other cycles include its distance from Earth (which varies by about 30,000 miles (50,000 km) over 27.5 days) and its relationship to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic (27.2 days), among others. These three cycles overlap every 6,585.3 days, which is 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours.

This cycle of cycles is known as a Saros (a word created by Babylonians). The circumstances for each succeeding eclipse in a Saros are similar—the Moon is about the same distance from Earth, for example, and they occur at the same time of year. Each eclipse occurs one-third of the way around Earth from the previous one, however; the next eclipse in this Saros, for example, will be visible from parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Each Saros begins with a partial eclipse. A portion of the Moon just nips the northern edge of the Sun, for example, blocking only a fraction of the Sun’s light. With each succeeding eclipse in the cycle, the Moon covers a larger fraction of the solar disk, eventually creating dozens of total eclipses. The Moon then slides out of alignment again, this time in the opposite direction, creating more partial eclipses. The series ends with a grazing partial eclipse on the opposite hemisphere (the southern tip, for example).

Several Saros cycles churn along simultaneously (40 are active now), so Earth doesn’t have to wait 18 years between eclipses. They can occur at intervals of one, five, six, or seven months.

The April 8 eclipse is the 30th of Saros 139, a series of 71 events that began with a partial eclipse, in the far north, and will end with another partial eclipse, this time in the far southern hemisphere. The next eclipse in this Saros, also total, will take place on April 20, 2042.

First eclipse May 17, 1501

First total eclipse December 21, 1843

Final total eclipse March 26, 2601

Longest total eclipse July 16, 2186,  7 minutes, 29 seconds

Final partial eclipse July 3, 2763

All eclipses 71 (43 total, 16 partial, 12 hybrid)

Source: NASA Catalog of Solar Eclipses: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros139.html

14. What about eclipse seasons?

Eclipses occur in “seasons,” with two or three eclipses (lunar and solar) in a period of about five weeks. Individual eclipses are separated by two weeks: a lunar eclipse at full Moon, a solar eclipse at new Moon (the sequence can occur in either order). If the first eclipse in a season occurs during the first few days of the window, then the season will have three eclipses. When one eclipse in the season is poor, the other usually is much better.

That’s certainly the case with the season that includes the April 8 eclipse. It begins with a penumbral lunar eclipse on the night of March 24, in which the Moon will pass through Earth’s outer shadow. The eclipse will cover the Americas, although the shadow is so faint that most skywatchers won’t notice it.

This article was previously published in the March/April 2024 issue of StarDate  magazine, a publication of The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory. Catch StarDate’s daily radio program on more than 300 stations nationwide or subscribe online at  stardate.org .

15. How can astronomers forecast eclipses so accurately?

They’ve been recording eclipses and the motions of the Moon for millennia. And over the past half century they’ve been bouncing laser beams off of special reflectors carried to the Moon by Apollo astronauts and Soviet rovers. Those observations reveal the Moon’s position to within a fraction of an inch. Using a combination of the Earth-Moon distance, the Moon’s precise shape, Earth’s rotation and its distance from the Sun, and other factors, astronomers can predict the timing of an eclipse to within a fraction of a second many centuries into the future.

Edmond Halley made the first confirmed solar eclipse prediction, using the laws of gravity devised only a few decades earlier by Isaac Newton. Halley forecast that an eclipse would cross England on May 3, 1715. He missed the timing by just four minutes and the path by 20 miles, so the eclipse is known as Halley’s Eclipse.

16. What are the types of solar eclipses?

Total : the Moon completely covers the Sun.

Annular : the Moon is too far away to completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight around it.

Partial : the Moon covers only part of the Sun’s disk.

Hybrid : an eclipse that is annular at its beginning and end, but total at its peak.

17. What are Baily’s beads?

During the minute or two before or after totality, bits of the Sun shine through canyons and other features on the limb of the Moon, producing “beads” of sunlight. They were first recorded and explained by Edmond Halley, in 1715. During a presentation to the Royal Academy of Sciences more than a century later, however, astronomer Frances Baily first described them as “a string of beads,” so they’ve been known as Baily’s beads ever since. Please note that Baily’s beads are too bright to look at without eye protection!

18. Will Earth always see total solar eclipses?

No, it will not. The Moon is moving away from Earth at about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year. Based on that rate of recession, in about 600 million years the Moon would have moved so far from Earth that it would no longer appear large enough to cover the Sun. The speed at which the Moon separates from Earth changes over the eons, however, so scientists aren’t sure just when Earth will see its final total solar eclipse.

19. How will the eclipse affect solar power?

If your solar-powered house is in or near the path of totality, the lights truly will go out, as they do at night. For large power grids, the eclipse will temporarily reduce the total amount of electricity contributed by solar generation. During the October 14, 2023, annular eclipse, available solar power plummeted in California and Texas. At the same time, demand increased as individual Sun-powered homes and other buildings began drawing electricity from the power grid. Both networks were able to compensate with stations powered by natural gas and other sources.

The power drop during this year’s eclipse could be more dramatic because there will be less sunlight at the peak of the eclipse.

20. What are some of the myths and superstitions associated with solar eclipses?

Most ancient cultures created stories to explain the Sun’s mysterious and terrifying disappearances.

In China and elsewhere, it was thought the Sun was being devoured by a dragon. Other cultures blamed a hungry frog (Vietnam), a giant wolf loosed by the god Loki (Scandinavia), or the severed head of a monster (India). Still others saw an eclipse as a quarrel (or a reunion) between Sun and Moon. Some peoples shot flaming arrows into the sky to scare away the monster or to rekindle the solar fire. One especially intriguing story, from Transylvania, said that an eclipse occurred when the Sun covered her face in disgust at bad human behavior.

Eclipses have been seen as omens of evil deeds to come. In August 1133, King Henry I left England for Normandy one day before a lengthy solar eclipse, bringing prophesies of doom. The country later was plunged into civil war, and Henry died before he could return home, strengthening the impression that solar eclipses were bad mojo.

Ancient superstitions claimed that eclipses could cause plague and other maladies. Modern superstitions say that food prepared during an eclipse is poison and that an eclipse will damage the babies of pregnant women who look at it. None of that is true, of course. There’s nothing at all to fear from this beautiful natural event.

21. How do animals react to solar eclipses?

Scientists haven’t studied the topic very thoroughly, but they do have some general conclusions. Many daytime animals start their evening rituals, while many nighttime animals wake up when the eclipse is over, perhaps cursing their alarm clocks for letting them sleep so late!

During the 2017 total eclipse, scientists observed 17 species at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. About three-quarters of the species showed some response as the sky darkened. Some animals acted nervous, while others simply headed for bed. A species of gibbon had the most unusual reaction, moving excitedly and chattering in ways the zookeepers hadn’t seen before.

Other studies have reported that bats and owls sometimes come out during totality, hippos move toward their nighttime feeding grounds, and spiders tear down their webs, only to rebuild them when the Sun returns. Bees have been seen to return to their hives during totality and not budge until the next day, crickets begin their evening chorus, and, unfortunately, mosquitoes emerge, ready to dine on unsuspecting eclipse watchers.

A NASA project, Eclipse Soundscapes, is using volunteers around the country to learn more about how animals react to the changes. The project collected audio recordings and observations by participants during the annular eclipse last year, and will repeat the observations this year. Volunteers can sign up at eclipsesoundscapes.org

22. How will scientists study this year’s eclipse?

Astronomers don’t pay quite as much professional attention to solar eclipses as they did in decades and centuries past. However, they still schedule special observations to add to their knowledge of the Sun and especially the inner edge of the corona.

Sun-watching satellites create artificial eclipses by placing a small disk across the face of the Sun, blocking the Sun’s disk and revealing the corona, solar prominences, and big explosions of charged particles known as coronal mass ejections.

Because of the way light travels around the edges of an eclipsing disk, however, it’s difficult to observe the region just above the Sun’s visible surface, which is where much of the action takes place. The corona is heated to millions of degrees there, and the constant flow of particles known as the solar wind is accelerated to a million miles per hour or faster, so solar astronomers really want to see that region in detail. The eclipsing Moon doesn’t create the same effects around the limb of the Sun, so a solar eclipse still provides the best way to look close to the Sun’s surface.

For this year’s eclipse, some scientists will repeat a series of experiments they conducted in 2017 using a pair of highaltitude WB-57 aircraft to “tag team” through the lunar shadow, providing several extra minutes of observations.

Other scientists will use the eclipse to study Earth’s ionosphere, an electrically charged layer of the atmosphere that “bends” radio waves, allowing them to travel thousands of miles around the planet. Sunlight rips apart atoms and molecules during the day, intensifying the charge. At night, the atoms and molecules recombine, reducing the charge.

Physicists want to understand how the ionosphere reacts to the temporary loss of sunlight during an eclipse. They will do so with the help of thousands of volunteer ham radio operators, who will exchange messages with others around the planet. During last October’s annular eclipse, when the Moon covered most but not all of the Sun, the experiment showed a large and immediate change in the ionosphere as the sunlight dimmed.

NASA also will launch three small “sounding” rockets, which loft instruments into space for a few minutes, to probe the ionosphere shortly before, during, and shortly after the eclipse.

Another project will use radar to study changes in the interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s atmosphere, while yet another will use a radio telescope to map sunspots and surrounding regions as the Moon passes across them.

One project will piece together images of the eclipse snapped through more than 40 identical telescopes spaced along the path of totality to create a one-hour movie of the eclipse. The telescopes will be equipped with instruments that see the three-dimensional structure of the corona, allowing solar scientists to plot how the corona changes.

23. What have astronomers learned from eclipses?

Solar eclipses have been powerful tools for studying the Sun, the layout of the solar system, and the physics of the universe.

Until the Space Age, astronomers could see the Sun’s corona only during eclipses, so they traveled around the world to catch these brief glimpses of it.

Eclipses also offered a chance to refine the scale of the solar system. Watching an eclipse from different spots on Earth and comparing the angles of the Moon and Sun helped reveal the relative sizes and distances of both bodies, which were important steps in understanding their true distances.

During an eclipse in 1868, two astronomers discovered a new element in the corona. It was named helium, after Helios, a Greek name for the Sun. The element wasn’t discovered on Earth until a quarter of a century later.

An eclipse in 1919 helped confirm General Relativity, which was Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity. The theory predicted that the gravity of a massive body should deflect the path of light rays flying near its surface. During the eclipse, astronomers found that the positions of background stars that appeared near the Sun were shifted by a tiny amount, which was in perfect agreement with Einstein’s equations.

Today, astronomers are using records of eclipses dating back thousands of years to measure changes in Earth’s rotation rate and the distance to the Moon.

24. How did astronomers study eclipses in the past?

With great effort! From the time they could accurately predict when and where solar eclipses would be visible, they organized expeditions that took them to every continent except Antarctica, on trips that lasted months and that sometimes were spoiled by clouds or problems both technical and human.

During the American Revolution, for example, a group of Harvard scientists led by Samuel Williams received safe passage from the British army to view an eclipse from Penobscot Bay, Maine, on October 21, 1780. Williams slightly miscalculated the eclipse path, though, so the group missed totality by a few miles. (The expedition did make some useful observations, however.)

In 1860, an expedition headed by Simon Newcomb, one of America’s top astronomers, journeyed up the Saskatchewan River, hundreds of miles from the nearest city, braving rapids, mosquitoes, and bad weather. After five grueling weeks, they had to stop short of their planned viewing site, although at a location still inside the eclipse path. Clouds covered the Sun until almost the end of totality, however, so the expedition came up empty.

King Mongkut of Siam invited a French expedition and hundreds of other dignitaries to view an eclipse from present-day Thailand in 1868. He built an observatory and a large compound to house his guests at a site Mongkut himself had selected as the best viewing spot. The eclipse came off perfectly, but many visitors contracted malaria. So did Mongkut, who died a few weeks later.

An expedition in 1914, to Russia, was plagued by both clouds and the start of World War I. The team abandoned its instruments at a Russian observatory and escaped through Scandinavia.

The eclipse of July 29, 1878, offered fewer impediments. In fact, it was a scientific and social extravaganza. The eclipse path stretched from Montana Territory to Texas. Teams of astronomers from the United States and Europe spread out along the path. Thomas Edison stationed his group in Wyoming, where he used a tasimeter, a device of his own creation, to try to measure the temperature of the corona. Samuel Pierpoint Langley, a future secretary of the Smithsonian, was atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. Maria Mitchell, perhaps America’s leading female scientist, decamped to Denver. And Asaph Hall, who had discovered the moons of Mars just the year before, journeyed to the flatlands of eastern Colorado.

Thousands of average Americans joined the festivities, paying outrageous prices for some of the best viewing spots. Some things, it seems, never change.

25. What about lunar eclipses?

While solar eclipses happen during new Moon, lunar eclipses occur when the Moon is full, so it aligns opposite the Sun in our sky. The Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. In a total eclipse, the entire lunar disk turns orange or red. In a partial eclipse, Earth’s inner shadow covers only a portion of the Moon. And during a penumbral eclipse, the Moon passes through the outer portion of Earth’s shadow, darkening the Moon so little that most people don’t even notice it.

Lunar eclipses happen as often as solar eclipses—at least twice per year. This is a poor year for lunar eclipses, however. There is a penumbral eclipse on the night of March 24, with the Moon slipping through Earth’s faint outer shadow, and a partial eclipse on the night of September 17, in which the Moon barely dips into the darker inner shadow. Both eclipses will be visible from most of the United States.

Explore Latest Articles

Apr 09, 2024

UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings

Apr 05, 2024

A UTotal Solar Eclipse

Visualization of Flood, Disease and Climate Modeling through the Eclipse Path of Texas and Beyond

Watch CBS News

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:54 AM EDT / CBS News

The solar eclipse will be visible for millions of Americans on April 8, 2024, making many excited to see it — but how you watch it matters, since it can be dangerous for your eyes. 

A  solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light . When the moon blocks some of the sun, it's a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs,  NASA explains . Either way, you need eye protection when viewing.

"The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

Here's what to know to stay safe.

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous?

Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

Some say that during a total eclipse, it's safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it. 

"Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move," notes an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA , adding, "even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse" can temporarily or permanently damage your vision. 

Do I need special glasses for eclipse viewing?

Yes.  Eclipse glasses are needed to protect your eyes if you want to look at the eclipse.

Regular sunglasses aren't protective enough for eclipse viewing — even if you stack more than one. 

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," Brinton said.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the  ISO 12312-2 international safety standard , according to NASA, and should have an "ISO" label printed on them to show they comply. The American Astronomical Society  has a list  of approved solar viewers.

Can't find these, or they're sold out near you? You can also  make homemade viewers ,   which allow you to observe the eclipse indirectly — just don't accidentally look at the sun while using one.

How to keep kids safe during the solar eclipse

Since this eclipse is expected to occur around the time of dismissal for many schools across the country, it may be tempting for students to view it without the proper safety precautions while getting to and from their buses. That's why some school districts are  canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.

Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, vitreoretinal surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, said parents should also be careful because it can be difficult for children to listen or keep solar eclipse glasses on. 

"You want to actually, in my opinion, kind of avoid them even looking at the eclipse, if possible," he said. "Never look directly at the sun, always wear the right eclipse sunglasses if you are going to look at the sun and make sure that those are coming from a reliable source."

Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse "viewing" early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium. 

That way, you "have an idea of what to expect," he said. 

He also recommends the foundation  Prevent Blindness , which has resources for families about eclipse safety.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

While your eyes likely won't hurt in the moment if you look at the eclipse without protection, due to lowered brightness and where damage occurs in the eye, beware: The rays can still cause damage .

The harm may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes trouble starts to appear one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said. 

How long do you have to look at the eclipse to damage your eyes?

Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say. 

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. He said he's had patients who have suffered from solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

Deobhakta treated a patient who watched the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without proper eye protection. She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision. 

"The crescent that is burned into the retina, the patient sees as black in her visual field," he said. "The visual deficit that she has will never go away."

How to know if you've damaged your eyes from looking at the eclipse

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said, but added, "right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

More from CBS News

Look at the solar eclipse too long? Doctors explain signs of eye damage

Is it safe to take pictures of the solar eclipse with your phone?

How to make pinhole cameras to watch the 2024 solar eclipse safely

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred.

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Totality stretches from Texas to Maine

Simple tips to safely photograph the eclipse with your cellphone.

Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

Shots - Health News

Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

• 2024 solar eclipse
• eclipse 2024
• 2024 eclipse
• Traffic patterns
• total eclipse

The 5 stages of the 2024 total solar eclipse explained for April 8

On Monday (April 8), a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Americas. Here's how it will play out.

Stage 1: First contact

Stage 2: second contact, stage 3: totality, stage 4: third contact, stage 5: fourth contact.

On Monday, April 8, the 2024 total solar eclipse will sweep through the sky over North America. 

While all of North America and Central America will experience at least a partial  solar eclipse , those within a path with a width of approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers) passing over 15 U.S. States. Mexico, and Canada will also witness a totality as the moon entirely covers the disk of the sun.

You can  watch the total solar eclipse live on Space.com . You can also keep up with all the eclipse-related action with our   total solar eclipse 2024 live updates   blog.

Don't be in the dark about the 2024 total eclipse

There are three major types of solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse like that on April 8 occurs when the moon is relatively close to Earth and blocks the entire disk of the sun. 

Because the moon's orbit around our planet is an ellipse, sometimes it is further away and thus appears smaller. An eclipse at these times sees the moon only an obscure part of the solar disk, with the sun appearing as a glowing ring of fire. These events are called annular solar eclipses , and the last one seen over the U.S. occurred on Oct. 14, 2023.

Finally, a partial solar eclipse is an event that happens when the Earth, moon, and sun are not perfectly aligned, resulting in the lunar disk only covering part of our star, making the sun appear as if a bite has been taken out of it. Partial eclipses also happen at the beginning and ending stages of total and annular eclipses.

On April 8, 2024, the moon will be in its new moon phase , and it will look relatively large, meaning it is capable of covering 100% of the sun's disk as viewed from the narrow path of totality. The fraction of the diameter of the sun covered by the moon is known as the magnitude of a solar eclipse . On April 8, 2024, this value will be 1.0566,  according to EclipseWise.com , slightly more than total coverage. 

Get the Space.com Newsletter

Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

NASA has released an interactive map of the total eclipse, which space enthusiasts can use to track the totality as it drifts across the globe. However, location won't be the only factor affecting the appearance of the total solar eclipse on Monday. The eclipse will pass through 5 distinct stages, with each of these phases occurring at different times across different locations.

What are the stages of the annular solar eclipse? 

In the initial stage of the eclipse, the moon will begin to pass in front of the sun, kick-starting a partial solar eclipse. During this phase, the darkened lunar disk of the moon will make the sun appear as if a bite has been taken out of its illuminated face. This "bite" will get bigger and bigger as the totality approaches.

During the first stage of the total solar eclipse, some onlookers will be able to see rapidly moving, long, dark bands called " shadow bands " on the sides of buildings or the ground. Bailey's beads , caused by light streaming through the valleys on the horizon of the moon, may also be visible at the moon's edges during this initial stage. These phenomena repeat during the second partial eclipse that occurs after totality.

On April 8, this stage of the partial eclipse will first be seen near Pu‘uali‘i, Hawaii, at  6:27 a.m. local time (12:27 p.m. EDT, 1627 GMT).

First contact will last for between 70 and 80 minutes, and its conclusion will be marked by a single bright spot, or " diamond ring ," appearing at the edge of the moon. This marks the second contact stage and heralds the oncoming totality. 

On April 8, the total solar eclipse will make landfall at Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, at 9:51 a.m. local time (12:51 p.m. EDT, 16:51 GMT).

Stage 3 and the mid-point of the total solar eclipse is the totality.  At this point, the moon completely covers the solar disk. During the totality of the outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona may become visible as white streamers at the edge of the moon. This region is usually washed out by bright light from the solar surface, the photosphere. The inner atmosphere of the sun, the chromosphere , may be visible as a wispy aura around the edge of the moon.

The totality may also make stars and planets visible in the darkened sky that are usually not visible from America during daylight hours. 

On April 8, the first location to experience totality will be Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico at  11:07 a.m. local time  (2:07 p.m. EDT, 1807 GMT). The first location to experience totality in the U.S. will be Near Florentino Ramos Colonia, Texas, at 1:27 p.m. local time (2:27 p.m. EDT, 1827 GMT).

The duration of the totality depends on the path from which the eclipse is viewed. In Mexico, totality will last for 40 minutes and 43 seconds. Skywatchers in the U.S. will collectively experience totality for 67 minutes and 58 seconds. Onlookers in Canada will experience the totality of the solar eclipse for 34 minutes and 4 seconds.

The fourth stage of the total solar eclipse, third contact, will see the moon start to move away from the disk of the sun, thus ending the totality and starting the second partial eclipse period. Brightening appears on the opposite side of the moon as it did during the second contact period. At this time, skywatchers will get another chance to spot Baily's Beads along the edge of the moon and shadow bands on the buildings and ground around them, with this stage mirroring the second contact stage. 

The total solar eclipse ends on the Atlantic coast at 5:16 p.m. local time (3:46 p.m. EDT, 1946 GMT). 

The fifth and final stage of the total solar eclipse. The moon moves away from the disk of the sun, meaning that at fourth contact, the moon is no longer even partially eclipsing the sun. At this point, 2024's total solar eclipse will be over.

On April 8, on the Atlantic coast of  Newfoundland and Labrador, the partial eclipse phase ends at 6:18 p.m. local time (4:48 p.m. EDT, 2048 GMT).

— A 'horned' comet may be visible during the 2024 total solar eclipse

— How photos of the April 8 solar eclipse will help us understand of the sun's atmosphere

— How fast will April's total solar eclipse travel?

If you intend to view any of these stages, the most important thing to consider is how to safely view it. Looking at the sun without adequate protection at any time is harmful to the eyes, so eclipse watchers should take precautions on Monday. 

Sunglasses, regardless of how dark they are, can't protect the eyes from the effect of the sun, so specialized eclipse glasses made from safe solar filter materials will be needed. If skywatchers intend to watch the event with a telescope, special filters will be needed to make this a safe viewing experience.

Our how to observe the sun safely guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar observations.

Following the 2024 total solar eclipse, skywatchers in the U.S. will next get the opportunity to see a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033 . The totality of this eclipse, which will last 2 minutes 37 seconds, will be visible in Alaska. Following this, on Aug. 23, 2044 , a total solar eclipse will be visible from the U.S. states of Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota, as well as from much of Canada.

Under a year later, on Aug.12, 2045 , another total solar eclipse will sweep over the U.S., visible from California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, as well as from the Caribbean, and South America.  

Submit your photos! If you capture a photo of the April 8 total solar eclipse and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send photos, videos, comments, and your name, location and content usage permission release to [email protected] .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Robert Lea is a science journalist in the U.K. whose articles have been published in Physics World, New Scientist, Astronomy Magazine, All About Space, Newsweek and ZME Science. He also writes about science communication for Elsevier and the European Journal of Physics. Rob holds a bachelor of science degree in physics and astronomy from the U.K.’s Open University. Follow him on Twitter @sciencef1rst.

Total solar eclipse 2024: Live updates

These solar eclipse 2024 photos from our readers are absolutely amazing (images, video)

Satellite views of solar eclipse 2024: See the moon's shadow race across North America (video, photos)

Most Popular

By Daisy Dobrijevic April 08, 2024

By Alexander Cox April 08, 2024

By Monisha Ravisetti April 08, 2024

By Tariq Malik April 08, 2024

By Kimberly H. Breuer April 07, 2024

By Pedro Braganca April 07, 2024

By Mike Wall April 07, 2024

By Jeff Spry April 07, 2024

By Sharmila Kuthunur April 07, 2024

• 2 Total solar eclipse 2024: Live updates
• 3 These solar eclipse 2024 photos from our readers are absolutely amazing (images, video)
• 4 I proposed to my fiancée under the diamond ring of the 2024 total solar eclipse. (She said 'Yes!')
• 5 'Heavy' history: ULA launches final Delta rocket after 64 years (video, photos)

Essential Travel Tips

• Podcast Episode

Add a plot in your language

User reviews

• March 25, 2024 (United Kingdom)
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 8 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Why You Shouldn’t Point Your Smartphone Camera Directly at the Sun During Today's Solar Eclipse, According to NASA

And what to do instead.

LeoPatrizi/Getty Images

It’s eclipse day, and while you may want to take photos of the rare phenomenon, NASA warns it could actually damage your smartphone camera.

Ahead of the eclipse happening on Monday, the agency warned on X that the bright sun could damage the phone sensor, just like any other camera when pointed directly at the sun

“This is especially true if you’re using any sort of magnifying lens attachment on the phone. You would need to utilize the proper filters just like on any other camera,” NASA wrote in its post. “The best practice would be to hold a pair of eclipse glasses in front of your phone’s lenses when photographing the Sun at any point other than totality.”

The total solar eclipse , which has been dubbed the Great American Eclipse, is expected to cross the country from Texas and go all the way to Maine, starting near Eagle Pass, Texas, at about 1:30 p.m. CT. The eclipse is an especially big deal since the next total solar eclipse won't be visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044, according to NASA .

For those who do want to capture the phenomenon on film (or camera roll), NASA does have a few tips to save your lens.

First, use a filter. A filter for your camera is just as important as wearing good solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes — and NASA said you can even hold those same glasses up to the camera to capture photos. But if you’re in the path of totality, remember to remove the filter when there is 100 percent coverage “so you can see the Sun’s outer atmosphere – the corona.”

Second, remember there’s more to photographing a solar eclipse than the actual sun.

“The real pictures are going to be of the people around you pointing, gawking, and watching it,” NASA photographer Bill Ingalls said in a statement. “Those are going to be some great moments to capture to show the emotion of the whole thing.”

Lastly, remember any camera can be a good camera, but there are certain pieces of equipment that can help like a tripod to steady your shots (especially in low lighting).

Tips & tricks

"Tips & Tricks" contains clever tips, insightful insights, and surprising tips. Our blog combines curiosity with practicality, offering a variety of articles that'll keep you informed, entertained, and always ready for whatever comes your way. Navigating life's complexities can sometimes feel like a maze with no exit in sight. That's where our "Tips & Tricks" section comes into play, offering nuggets of wisdom that can help turn life's everyday challenges into opportunities. This is not just another self-help guide, but a carefully curated collection of articles, each brimming with ingenious advice and unexpected solutions that can make your day a little brighter and your life a lot simpler. In a world where everyone seeks beauty and personal wellness, our section provides unconventional beauty hacks and wellness tips. Learn about the historical beauty secrets of Hollywood stars, understand how common daily habits might affect your appearance, or explore the most appropriate hairstyles for your specific features. Our content doesn't just skim the surface; it delves deep, dissecting issues at their root and providing comprehensive solutions. Our section serves as a practical guide to professional life. It equips you with the subtle nuances of dressing for success, helping you make that stellar first impression and land your dream job. Our articles are designed to educate and empower you, giving you the confidence to step into any room knowing you're at your best. But life isn't just about looking good and doing well at work. It's also about being prepared for emergency and unforeseen circumstances. Our "Tips & Tricks" section stands out by offering survival tips not typically taught in school, ensuring you are always ready, regardless of the situation. Our section is a treasure trove of knowledge, a library of lifehacks always at your disposal. It's a place where you can learn something new every day, from understanding why dandruff appears to dealing with a child's tantrum effectively. This is practical knowledge packaged in an easily digestible format, making your journey of learning and discovery as enjoyable as possible. The beauty of the "Tips & Tricks" section lies not just in the diversity of the topics covered but also in the way the information is presented. It's not a lecture, but a conversation. It's not preaching, but sharing. Our articles are written in an engaging, accessible style, making even complex ideas easy to understand. So, step into the world of "Tips & Tricks", where learning is fun, and knowledge is empowering. Let's embark on this journey of discovery together, finding creative ways to navigate life's challenges and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Here, every click promises a new insight, a different perspective, a better way of doing things. And who knows? The next article you read might hold the solution to a problem you never knew you had. Let's explore, discover, brighten up your life, one tip and one trick at a time.

Recent Stories of Tips & tricks

16 fashion rules you need to remember to look classy.

Clothing isn’t just about how it looks; it tells a lot about who we are. What we wear says a ton about our personality, what we stand for, and even how we’re feeling. Whether it’s the sleek vibe of a sharp suit, the relaxed vibe of your favorite jeans, or the timeless style of a little black dress, each outfit sends its message about us.

10 Tips That Can Help You Smell Like a Rose Without Expensive Perfume

There are about 400 different types of receptors in our nose that help us feel different smells, from pleasant to disgusting. Scientists have found that we don’t just use our sense of smell to find out whether food has gone bad or not. Scents help us choose a suitable partner, know the approximate age of a person and understand whether they are sick or not. So, it’s no wonder that many of us want to smell nice. We decided to put together tips that can help you with this.

16 Tips That Helped Internet Users Find More Money in Their Savings Pots

People are often skeptical about money-saving tips because, in their opinion, these tips are just too difficult to follow. Some people are too lazy to use reusable towels, and others are simply not ready to give up their daily cup of cappuccino. But here are a few tips that people decided to try and were happy with the results.

12 Things That Are Not Worth the Money We Spend on Them

With the help of colorful advertising, manufacturers manage to sell us absolutely useless things. We diligently search for these items on the supermarket shelves, spend a lot of money on them, recommend them to our friends and family, and then we are disappointed to find out that they are totally useless. Or that they work quite well, but are very overpriced.

7 Ways That Can Help You Spot a Fake Item

The market for counterfeit goods is incredibly large, ranging from Adidas trainers and Louis Vuitton bags to Chanel perfumes and make-up. Marketers work hard to convince us to pay a fortune for these products, while others take advantage of this situation and offer the same products at ridiculous prices. Although knock-offs are often difficult to distinguish from the originals, counterfeits can be dangerous, as they do not pass the necessary controls and certifications.

Why You Need to Stay in the Car If Someone Threw an Egg at Your Car Window

That seemingly innocent egg thrown onto your car window might not be just a harmless prank. Beyond the immediate mess, it could be a deliberate act with potentially serious consequences. Here’s some useful information you might need if you face such a problem.

10 Outdated Hairstyles That Can Ruin Even The Most Flawless Look

Trends in hairstyles and hair colors tend to change so rapidly that people sometimes don’t have time to keep up with them. We decided to study the anti-trends so that our readers could make the right choice of hairstyle when they decide they want to change their looks.

13 Simple Tips to Make the Economy Feel Like First-Class

Overcoming sleep, noise, and food challenges on flights is crucial for a positive landing experience. We focus on optimizing our economy class flight for enhanced comfort and enjoyment at our destination. Let’s see what tricks we have for you today.

Ex-Hotel Manager Reveals Tips for Spotting Red Flags in Your Room

In a series of TikToks, Melissa Hanks, a former hotel manager, divulged the hidden realities of hotel rooms that might send shivers down your spine. From checking dirty AC-filters to warning of the usage of the ice bucket, these tips might be helpful for your upcoming staycation.

The Strangest Cleaning Tip a Woman Used to Remove Period Stains From Her Boyfriend’s $10K Mattress

Anyone who menstruates has likely encountered the unexpected challenge of dealing with blood stains. Despite our best efforts to prevent them, they can happen unexpectedly, like this one woman who accidentally stained her boyfriend’s costly mattress. Seeking a solution, she turned to the internet for effective cleaning hacks and found a surprisingly cheap one.

15+ Time-Tested Cleaning Tricks That Are More Effective Than Ultra Modern Cleaning Products

Few people like to deal with cleaning, especially when it comes to removing stains from the toilet, clothes, or furniture. Luckily, various cleaning products are now available in supermarkets to help you with this. However, some of them can be quite expensive. So, the Internet users shared their time-tested cleaning tricks online.

15 Women Disclose Their Little Secrets to Remain Safe When Living Alone

In critical situations, our brain has the capacity to come to the rescue. When identifying a threat, it can trigger a survival mechanism and take the necessary action. However, for women living alone, to be actually prepared for potential risks in advance enhances personal safety. To address this, we’ve compiled precautionary measures that 15 female Redditors has taken that you might have never thought of.

Trending stories of Tips & tricks

7 life hacks that help royals avoid awkward situations.

Just like celebrities, royals are always under the camera’s lens. The public discusses every step they take, every gesture they make, and every look they create. That’s why they have to watch their appearance like nobody else. In order to always look perfect, royal ladies use some small but helpful tricks.

10 Tips That Can Up Your Self-Defense Game and Make You Safer

Knowing how to fight and defend yourself can be a life-saving skill. But before it comes to that, there are some things you can do to make the environment around you safer, or at least minimize the risk of ending up in a dangerous situation. Such seemingly unimportant things, like how and where you park your car or what seat you choose on public transport, can actually work to your advantage.

10 Tips That Could Help You in Emergency Situations

In tough situations, our body often goes into fight or flight mode, and our mind then decides to either face the problem or run away. More often than not, this means we’ll be nervous. However, if we already know what to do before a tough situation comes around, it might help us keep calm. For that reason, we at Bright Side have gathered a few tips and tricks on how to act quickly and remain calm during such situations.

20 Smart People Who Know How to Hack Their Way Through Life

Every one of us has encountered household challenges at least once. But sometimes, it’s not that bad because this is the right time for some ingenious ideas. For example, you can freshen up your kitchen with contact paper, make a DIY shelf for spices, and so on.

10 Clothing Tips That Will Make You Look 10 Years Younger

People who are young at heart actually have a more slowly aging brain, a study finds. And we obviously want to look the way we feel about our age too, so clothes play quite a significant role. However, it may be not that easy to properly choose the ideal style by just checking out the new collections stores have to offer.

10 Shoe Buying Mistakes That Make Our Feet Suffer

The first shoes were created thousands of years ago to protect our feet. Although we don’t have to worry about stepping on snakes when walking down an avenue these days, it’s worth paying attention to certain characteristics of footwear to prevent them from becoming a nuisance for our feet and our wallet.

13 Tips on Everyday Life That Our Parents Didn’t Teach Us

We never stop discovering new things about life — that’s the beauty of it. You may have gone decades without knowing some tricks that could make things easier or less time-consuming, but worry not, other people are nice enough to share their findings with everyone.

12 Actions That Society Still Stigmatizes Even Though They’re Healthy for the Body and Soul

Comments made by our family members or loved ones are often comforting words for our souls that help us feel a little happier. But sometimes, their words can hurt. They may not perceive something the right way, even if that thing is a totally healthy and beneficial habit for our well-being. Ideas about how to do things are rooted in societal norms, and many of them don’t make sense.

10 Tricks to Protect Yourself From Pickpockets

Over 400,000 pickpockets hit the streets each day, and good ones are really creative people that carry lots of tricks up their sleeve. In order to protect ourselves, we need to be as crafty as they are and see things from their point of view.

14 Dressing Rules That Everyone Should Learn Once and for All

Coco Chanel, a renowned fashion icon of her time, once wisely remarked, ’Dress shabbily, and they remember the dress; dress impeccably, and they remember the woman.’ This statement carries with it a timeless truth that resonates through the ages. It’s difficult to contest her insight because clothing plays a pivotal role in shaping our image and how we are perceived by others. In a world where first impressions are often the only chance we get to make, our choice of attire becomes a potent tool for self-expression and communication.The significance of clothing in our lives goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s a reflection of our personality, values, and even our mood. Each outfit we choose has the power to convey a different facet of ourselves, whether it’s the confidence exuded by a perfectly tailored suit, the comfort of well-worn jeans, or the elegance of a classic black dress. Our clothing choices can speak volumes before we utter a single word.

20+ Smart People That Put Every Inch of Their Apartments to Use

When you realize that you have way too many bottles in your bathroom and way too many clothes in the closet, it’s time to do something about the space you have at home. You can ask professionals for help or try to do it yourself. The most important thing is to be patient.

8 Tips to Outsmart Marketing Tricks and Become a Genius Shopper

Marketing professionals are experts at driving up sales and encouraging overconsumption. They use every trick in the book to persuade you to purchase something, whether it be a product or service. It’s no surprise that we frequently fall for these traps and wind up spending far too much on something we don’t need. The good news is that there are tricks to avoid such marketing traps.

Best of the Week of Tips & tricks

10 things about your appearance that can make you unattractive.

Christian Dior once said: “Simplicity, good taste, and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.” Some of us tend to forget about the third one, which undermines the value of the first two. Many can relate to a situation where a beautiful image created by your new shoes is spoiled by a price tag you forgot to peel off.

7 Psychological Effects That Influence Millions of People

The human brain can act really weird sometimes! It makes us behave irrationally, believe in total nonsense, and can even change our memories. However, every decision we make is made for a reason. So what exactly is it that determines the choices you make?

What Could Happen If You Start Sleeping Without Wearing Pajamas

Everyone dreams of having a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, restless nights become more frequent as we get older due to the changes in our circadian rhythms or internal body clocks. Some people resort to medications or other techniques in their quest for a peaceful slumber. But there’s one simple thing we could do to improve our sleep and health — go to bed in our birthday suit.

15 Women Shared Safety Tips That Once Saved Their Lives, and We Want You to Hear Them Out

As sad as it may be, we have to accept that the world isn’t always a safe place, especially for women. And being aware of that can help all of us be prepared in case we end up in a potentially dangerous situation. Some women had to learn first-hand how to react in these cases, and they’ve decided to share their experience in hopes that it will help others in the future.

The 9 Most Common Style Choices That Age You

Individual style preferences form throughout the years. However, a style habit can actually act against you and your current age.

12 Etiquette Rules That Can Make You Look Like Royalty If You Know Them

There are many times when we wonder why we do things a certain way, and usually, there’s a very rational reason behind it. For example, Queen Elizabeth is known for always carrying her handbag in her left hand because she wants to keep her right hand free for handshakes. The only time she will change her purse placement is if she wants to let her staff know that she wants to end a conversation.

Monthly Top Picks of Tips & tricks

A woman tackles the 9 most common annoyances people have with fashion.

In the world of fashion, every clothing problem can be solved within a few clicks by buying a new piece. But a blogger named Hannah Warling came up with ways to look perfect in any type of clothing without rushing to buy something new. She shares simple tricks that tackle common clothing difficulties that all of us face, and these hacks are simply bra-velous.

13 Job Interview Tricks That Can Put You at the Top of a Recruiter’s List

Experts claim that 90% of any conversation is forgotten after 48 hours, and all you’re left with is an impression about your interlocutor. In order to get the job of your dreams, you need to make the HR manager like you. And it’s not just about what we’re going to tell them, but about how we’re going to do it.

7 Places on Your Body to Use Deodorant Besides Your Armpits

It is highly possible that you own a deodorant. As a matter of fact, the deodorant market is worth about $74 billion dollars annually. And most people use their product as a way to reduce sweat and bad odor on their armpits. However, this isn’t the only task that deodorants can accomplish.

10 Effective Ways to Handle Unwanted Situations

Whistles, unsolicited comments about a person’s figure or clothing, being teased in public — these exist on a daily basis. Research numbers revealed that 77 percent of women and 34 percent of men have experienced catcalling. And these incidents are so prevalent that the offended parties are forced to come up with their own strategies for dealing with these awful hecklers.

8 Survival Tips to Use When One Second Decides It All

In a matter of seconds, you can go from swimming calmly to getting into trouble in the water. It’s important to assess a dangerous situation, and then to react to it. There are many risky situations we can get ourselves into, and knowing how to quickly survive in the face of danger is the absolute key. Although we hope you don’t find yourself in the middle of any threatening emergencies, we at Bright Side understand that unusual circumstances are bound to happen when we least expect them.

20 People Who Brilliantly Solved Their Problem by Thinking Outside of the Box

Learning new ways to solve problems is a part of our daily lives, and it’s especially cool if you’ve found a new and brilliant approach. Like using a bra to support a growing watermelon or using the hood from a sweatshirt as a means to carry a pet around. There are always new ways to solve problems, all we have to do is find them, or think differently and solve them ourselves.