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Your Trip to the Greece: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Greece: The Complete Guide

A visit to Greece can be a dream vacation as long as you know what your dream really is and plan for it. The country's beautiful beaches and world-famous archaeological sites are just two (of many!) reasons to visit Greece . But whatever your reason, use this guide to learn more about the various regions of Greece, how to travel around the country and what to expect of Greece's food, culture, and sights.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : Spring and early fall are the best times to visit when there are fewer tourists but the sea is still warm and the weather fine for outdoor activities.

Language: Greek  . English is spoken in the cities and areas popular with visitors.

Currency: Euro (€)  .

Getting Around: Train service in Greece is limited. An exception is the InterCity Network run by TrainOSE that connects Athens to Thessaloniki and several other cities. Buses, including both local and intercity services, are run by regional cooperatives known as KTEL. The services are not nationally coordinated, so you need to look up KTEL for the region you plan to visit. This KTEL Macedonia website (covering the area around Thessaloniki) is typical. Athens and Thessaloniki have local and suburban public transportation systems. Athen's Metro (expanded for the Olympics) is particularly good, cheap, and clean. Hundreds of ferries connect the mainland to the islands and mainland coastal ports to each other. Private companies run the ferries, and there is no nationwide timetable. Save time and money by using the services of a Greek travel agent to book ferries and for information about buses and trains. Greek websites on these subjects are not well developed for international travelers, but agents are common in ports and city centers.

Travel Tip: Driving in Greece is not for the faint-hearted. Even though many of the highways have been improved in recent years, mountain roads can be hair raising. That, coupled with Greek driving habits, means that the country has a much higher accident rate than elsewhere in Europe.

Things to Do

Eighty percent of Greece is covered in mountains, divided into many peninsulas, and separated by canals  . There are also about 6,000 islands, 227 of them inhabited, and thousands of miles of coast. Getting from one part of the country to another can be complicated so it's important to know, in advance, what you want to do and where to find it:

• Two major cities, Athens , the center of Classical Greece, and Thessaloniki , the heart of Byzantine Greece, are hubs of culture, museums, fashion, nightlife, shopping, dining, and festivals. Both are good bases for touring.
• Fragrant woodlands, dramatic mountains, olive groves and sacred sites dedicated ancient oracles and gods cover mainland Greece. Byzantine fortresses and remote monasteries perch between deep, folded mountain valleys.
• Wherever you go in Greece you'll find thousands of years of history, from the earliest signs of democracy to the temples and theaters of the ancient world as well as the remnants of the Romans and the Byzantines. The Parthenon, the Acropolis , and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi are among the most popular sites.
• The thousands of Greek islands and beaches are an essential part of Greece and Greek culture and are surprisingly easy to reach by plane or ferry. Islands like Crete , Santorini , and Kefalonia are worth a trip on their own.

What to Eat and Drink

Though the foodie scene in the cities is becoming pan-European and international, the best things to eat in Greece are still fresh and local. Octopus and kalamari (fried rings of squid) are popular taverna fare. Fresh Greek salads with feta or local cheeses, a squeeze of lemon and tangy olive oil, are part of every meal. Look for sweets flavored with mastic, a gum from evergreen trees. You may be welcomed to your hotel with a spoonful of cherry or apricot jam and a glass of water.

Take some time to stop at a kafenio (cafe) for coffee and honey-soaked Greek pastries, like baklava and kataifi , or the custard pie known as galaktoboureko . A popular outdoor coffee drink, apparently invented accidentally in Thessaloniki, is frappé. It's made of instant coffee, ice water, and sugar beaten with an electric whisk to form a foam.

The Greeks these days are producing outstanding red and white wines from vineyards in Crete and Santorini. Ouzo, flavored with aniseed, is similar to French pastis drinks. It is sweet and robust and, when added to water, turns white. It packs a lethal punch. If you have a taste for firewater, try the raw spirit made from the byproducts of winemaking. It's called raki in Crete and Tsipouro or Tsikoudia everywhere else. As far as local beers are concerned, microbreweries have caught on, and there are excellent craft beer makers. Look for Red Donkey, a fruity amber ale from Santorini.

Learn more about what to eat and drink in Greece, including the top 10 dishes to try in Greece and the best restaurants in Athens .

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Greece range from quirky Athens boutiques in bohemian neighborhoods like Psirri to corporate giants, like the Athens Hilton in the city center or the luxury Hotel Grande Bretagne in Syntagma Square. The area immediately west of Syntagma Square and into Monastiraki has a concentration of moderately priced three and four-star hotels.

Learn more about the best hotels in Athens, as well as top neighborhoods to visit in Athens .

Getting There

The main international airport for Greece is Athens International Airport , with connecting flights to Thessaloniki, Kalamata , and several of the islands, including Crete and Santorini. Athens Airport is on a main highway and is about 20 minutes from the city center by car or taxi (taxi fares are set by law). Car rental, pick up and drop off, is easiest to arrange at the airport. The cheapest and fastest way to get to the airport from Athens is by Metro Line 3. The airport Metro station is well marked. There are also bus services from the airport to the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio.

To find out more about getting to Greece, explore the best ways to get to Athens Airport , how to take the ferry from Athens to Santorini and how to avoid taxi scams in Greece .

Culture and Customs

Outside of the big cities and major tourist resorts, Greece is a relatively conservative country. In small towns and rural areas, women should dress modestly, avoiding bare shoulders, exposed bosoms, tight or very short skirts or shorts. Even in the cities, cover up before entering Greek Orthodox churches. And, if you are visiting monasteries like the ones at Meteora, don't wear trousers. If you do, the monks will give you wrap around skirts to put on over pants.

Nude and topless bathing is tolerated in many parts of Greece, and on some of the islands, like Crete and Spetses, a short walk beyond the end of a popular beach will take you to a nude beach area. But check with your hotel or a local taverna first. Nude bathing is still technically illegal. On the small islands and in more rural places, Greek families from the small mountain villages visit the beach on weekends with their families. Nude bathing that may be tolerated during the week is not allowed on weekends and school holidays.

Check out everything you need to know about nude bathing in Greece and discover Crete's best nude beach.

Money-Saving Tips

• Travel in the off-season: The most popular time to visit, with the highest prices from June to September. Visit in May or October, and the weather is reliably warm, but prices are much lower.
• Consider self-catering: That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. Efficiency apartments and small villas are usually cheaper than hotel accommodation, and you can save quite a bit by cooking some of your meals yourself.
• Rent an electric bicycle or moped: They're cheaper than rental cars and popular for getting around on islands and in coastal resorts. Just be careful. They are very noisy, and you may not be aware of traffic coming up behind you.
• Take advantage of what's free: Most museums and historical attractions have free admission on certain days or for certain groups of travelers. Look up the site you're interested in on the Greek Ministry of Culture & Sports website . In the left column of your attraction's listing, click on "Information," and you'll find all the free days.

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "General Info."

Greek National Tourism Organisation . "Geography."

Planning a Honeymoon in Greece: The Complete Guide

48 Hours in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary

Traveling Safely in Greece

Don't Make These 8 Common Tourist Mistakes in Greece

Top 18 Things to Do in Athens, Greece

The Towns of Santorini: The Complete Guide

How to Travel from Venice to Athens by Plane, Ferry, and Cruise

Cheap Flights to Athens

How to Travel from Athens to Santorini by Ferry and Plane

Cyclades Islands Map and Travel Guide

Santorini Map and Travel Guide

A Complete Guide to Visiting Mount Olympus

The Top 20 Things to Do in Greece

The Greek Ferry System

The Top 8 Greek Cities to Visit

How to Avoid Taxi Scams in Greece

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1. Sign into your account, search for places to stay or things to do, and tap the heart icon on the image of a listing that you want to save. You'll be asked to create a new trip by giving it a name and saving it to your trip planner.

2. Head to the Expedia homepage, click on Trips in the top right corner (on desktop) or in the bottom menu bar (in the app), and then select "Create a trip".

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How to plan your dream vacation

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself.

MARIELLE SEGARRA, HOST:

You're listening to LIFE KIT...

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SEGARRA: ...From NPR.

Hey, everybody. It's Marielle. You remember the early part of the pandemic when the days of isolation stretched into months? At night, I would lay on the floor of my apartment with my eyes closed and listen to guided meditations, to try to take myself to a happier place. One time the prompt was something like, picture yourself doing something that brings you great joy. The first thing that popped into my head was an image of me wandering the cobblestone streets of some small European village, probably in France. The sun was shining, and every step I took was a feast for the eyes. Medieval houses, colorful flowers resting in vases on outdoor tables, patisseries with gorgeous pastries in the window, just waiting to be eaten.

I didn't realize until that moment just how much I missed traveling and how badly I wanted to look at something outside of my four walls or the blocks of my neighborhood. The next year, I took a three-week trip to the U.K. and France, and I ate those pastries and wandered until my feet hurt and filled a hole that had been growing inside of me.

Big trips can do that. Lale Arikoglu knows what I'm talking about. She's the articles director at Conde Nast Traveler.

LALE ARIKOGLU: On a really basic level, I think it's just being able to have a break from the crush of regular life, whether that's work or childcare or school, wherever it may be, you know, the opportunity to just take yourself out of your routine and be somewhere else and get to immerse yourself in that place to me is, like, the main draw of it.

SEGARRA: Now, when we talk about a big trip, that could mean different things depending on your travel style and your budget. You know, it might be a long road trip or an extended stay at a cottage in the woods or a multi-city tour on another continent. But it's typically something you save up for and plan months in advance. Lale has a big trip coming up. She's going to Peru.

ARIKOGLU: I've been waiting to do it for a long time. The reason to go there is for a friend's wedding. And now I'm building a trip around it, and it's going to be about ten days long with multi-stops, you know, having to choose multiple places to stay. And logistically, you know, it's actually taking some thought and some planning. One of the things that we're going to do when we're there is hike Machu Picchu. There's a group of us going. And Machu Picchu - it's a dream to see and experience.

SEGARRA: Now, it's easy to get bogged down in trip planning. And it might stop you from booking the thing entirely, but Lale says, do it. It's worth it.

On this episode of LIFE KIT, Lale shares her best tips on planning the big trip of your dreams. We'll talk about where to start your search, what logistical questions you should ask yourself and how to actually relax and enjoy yourself once you're there.

SEGARRA: Let's say I do want to take a big trip, right? I'm feeling that itch to travel, but...

ARIKOGLU: Right.

SEGARRA: ...I don't have a destination in mind yet or a duration. I'm really starting from scratch. Where does the planning start?

ARIKOGLU: When you start the planning, you've really got to think what you want to get out of the trip. You know, If you really just want to decompress and relax and rest, then you probably don't want to do some like multi-stop European city trip, right? You probably don't want to hike Machu Picchu. Perhaps it is that you're incredibly bored of your surroundings, and you need adventure and you need excitement. And therefore, you're going to be thinking of some really different destinations. It might be that you're traveling alone for the first time. You've decided to do a solo trip. You know, where is a place that might feel comfortable for you as a solo traveler, but still feels like it's taking you out of your comfort zone? So I think it's sitting with yourself and thinking, OK, what is, like, the goal here? That's takeaway one. Ask yourself what do you want to get from this? Set the mission of your trip.

It feels like another really important detail at the beginning is budget, right? Like, how much money do you realistically want to spend on this trip or can you afford to spend?

ARIKOGLU: And, you know, that's going to look different for everyone. If we're talking big trips, rarely are they spontaneous, right? You're planning for a long time. So that also allows you to save and finance for it. No, there's lots of great savings apps that can just, you know, that take a little bit of money out of your paycheck every few weeks, and you can kind of start, like, a travel fund that way. I think that's quite a nice way to do it. But I think, you know, you can do a big trip on a budget. It doesn't have to be, I think, a lavish, international trip. I mean, you know, we're going into spring and summer, there are so many incredible national parks to see, there are so many amazing, very diverse, different cities. There's, like, so much on your doorstep, so I think you can really argue, you don't have to cross continents to have a big trip. And so if that feels a more affordable way to get away for a couple of weeks, then, you know, look in your backyard.

SEGARRA: Right. I wonder, too, like, part of budget, besides money, is also time. Like, how much vacation time do you have? Do you have any tips for people who don't have that much vacation time?

ARIKOGLU: So I think if you look at the calendar and you look at where the holiday weekends fall, There are some tricks to being able to kind of, like, turn your limited number of vacation days into - kind of you can stretch it out if you bookend it with a holiday weekend or something like that. But on the flip side, it's also most expensive time to travel, right? There is an argument for choosing shoulder season, so that's not traveling to a destination when it's at its peak. And this is great for your own personal experience, but it's also in terms of helping that destination deal with overtourism, overcrowding. If we're talking about Europe, for example, the summers are getting hotter. So avoiding those really intense, hot, summer seasons can actually be really advantageous for your own travel plans.

SEGARRA: Yeah. That seems like maybe the next thing to consider as you're planning a big trip before you start looking at destinations is what time of year are you looking to travel?

ARIKOGLU: Definitely. And that's more of a luxury for some people because If you're having to navigate school holidays, then you're a little bit more limited. But again, it's sort of when you're thinking about carving out those goals and what you want to get out of the trip. Maybe it's the seasonality that's really important. Maybe it's all you want is hot weather and a beach. You know, if you're planning some summer travel, you could totally flip things on its head and go experience winter somewhere. I went to Patagonia when it was entering into their fall in Chile, and it was a really magnificent time to be there, and it was when New York City was going into spring. It felt like upside-down land to be choosing to do that, and it was so wonderful. It was great.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think there's a lot of room for creativity there. And also, as you said, like, it opens up more possibilities if you consider going places during the shoulder season.

ARIKOGLU: And you get to be in a place and actually be in the place with the people who live there. One thing in August, if you go to Europe, everyone who lives there has, you know, gone off somewhere else on vacation to escape the heat and the tourists, and so, you know, you're in Rome with just all the other tourists and none of the Romans.

SEGARRA: All right, so takeaway two. Before you land on a destination, think about your constraints. What time of year do you plan to travel? For how long? What budget are you working with? If you're short on time, you can make use of holidays or pick a destination closer to home. If you're short on money, think creatively. You know, maybe you do a road trip through some parks or cities nearby.

SEGARRA: It seems like another thing to consider here is, how much do you like crowds? Because for me, it kind of ruins a trip or an experience if everywhere I go is super crowded. I get very overwhelmed by that and overstimulated.

ARIKOGLU: And it's also, you know, who are the crowds? Because there's been times when I've gone somewhere and I've gone and done the same bucket list site that everyone else is, and you're sort of standing there and you're thinking, What am I actually here for? Well, what is the purpose of this? What am I getting out of it? What am I giving to this destination other than just being another member of the crowd?

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think that's an important question, right? 'Cause, like, we have been talking about what are you looking to get out of it, for the most part. But there's another side to this - right? - and it's what am I giving? And also, what am I taking? Like, am I taking too much from this place?

ARIKOGLU: I think about that a lot. When you're planning, be really thoughtful about where you're spending your money. When you're choosing a hotel, is it a hotel that is locally owned? What restaurants are you booking? Where are you shopping? Where are you buying your souvenirs? You know, I think there's lots of ways to be really thoughtful about, you know, how you spend your money, and that can go into your budgeting, as well.

SEGARRA: I know there are certain places that at a certain time, at least, they said, please, tourists, like, please stop coming or stop coming during this time.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. When a destination says that, I mean, it's something to be taken so seriously because they're usually destinations that have an infrastructure or an economy that really relies on tourism. So things have to have gotten pretty bad for a destination to say, take a beat, not right now, and listen to that, and, you know, the place will be better for it when you do go see it.

SEGARRA: I picture it as if you were, like, going to - going over, like, a friend's house uninvited, or, like, if they were like, please, today's not good. Like, our whole family's sick, like, we're all throwing up, and then you were still banging on the door, like, hey, what are you doing? Can I come stay over?

ARIKOGLU: I think that is a perfect analogy. Perfect. And no one wants to be that person.

SEGARRA: No.

ARIKOGLU: I'd hate to be that person.

SEGARRA: That'd be weird behavior.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah.

SEGARRA: Takeaway three, travel responsibly. Research the places you're interested in, and make sure they want tourists at the time you're looking to visit. When you're booking, consider putting your money toward the local economy rather than international chains. Also, learn about whatever destination you choose. Be open to the cultural practices and languages there. And be a respectful visitor.

Anything else that people would want to figure out before they start narrowing down or looking at destinations?

ARIKOGLU: I think it's also thinking about who you want to travel with. Someone can be your best friend, but they can be your worst roommate. I think travel's kind of the same, so kind of finding someone to travel with or a group of people to travel with who you're aligned with in the planning stage, rather than when you get there and then you suddenly discover you all want to do different things. So I think communicating right off the back what you all want out of the trip and what you're excited about and also being really honest with each other about finances.

If you're on a group trip, I mean, it's like splitting the bill, but a thousand times worse. And so I think if you can kind of, like, set some parameters at the start and be really honest about what you feel comfortable spending money on because inevitably, there is going to be some people on the trip who want to spend more money on some things than others.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And it seems like that conversation, there should be some form of that before you book anything.

ARIKOGLU: Yes, 100%. And, you know, I think even if you don't feel comfortable doing it, speaking up if something just feels too expensive.

SEGARRA: All right. So takeaway four, figure out who you're traveling with. You might prefer to travel alone, or if you're going with friends, partners, or family, just make sure you're on the same page about what you want from the trip - the pace, the activities and how much money you can spend.

SEGARRA: OK. So it sounds like we've given people a lot of things to consider before they choose a destination. Once they've done this soul searching, how can they start to find destinations that fit those desires and limitations?

ARIKOGLU: For me, part of the fun of travel planning is doing the research, whether it is a trusted travel publication or reading some books you love or going on to - you know, there's, like, a ton of just, like, online communities of people who love swapping travel tips and actually, I think, can be really helpful.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think it can be helpful maybe to in the brainstorming stage to just, like, not go in too deep but just make a list of places that seem exciting to you and that might fit your parameters. Like, I have a Google Doc, and it's just, like, places that I would be really excited to go.

SEGARRA: When you are considering a destination, how helpful is social media - is - like, seeing where your friends are going or where influencers are going? Is it a good idea to follow those trends?

ARIKOGLU: I think it can be useful in picking things you want to do once you're there, particularly if it's, like, based around, like, big events or openings. You know, we have our best places to go list that runs every year. It could be, like, new train routes, new hiking routes, new museums that have opened, things that are happening in destinations centered around an anniversary. So, you know, kind of consulting those sorts of lists and rounds up as well can be very helpful. But I think, you know, going back to what we were talking about in terms of over tourism or overcrowding - you know, on social media, you will see people at the same spots time and time again. And they're usually spots where just around the corner, there's also something equally beautiful to see.

SEGARRA: Yeah. Like, I remember when Santorini was really popular. And it's like, whew - like, if you could actually see what was going on behind that photo, like, you would hate being there because it's so - it's just way too many people...

ARIKOGLU: Right. Right.

SEGARRA: ...All lining up to take a picture in - against that beautiful backdrop.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And, you know, it's Santorini. It's all beautiful. It's all amazing.

SEGARRA: OK. So takeaway five is to choose a destination. And cast a wide net when you're brainstorming 'cause you never know what's going to catch your eye. Also, Lale says, do your best to think outside of the current travel trends. Though you can use them for inspiration.

So once you've got a destination in mind, how can you start to sketch out the details of the trip? And I guess I should say, how much detail do you really need to figure out?

ARIKOGLU: So I was going to say, don't overschedule yourself, and don't overbook yourself. I think I've been guilty of doing that before, and then you realize that you have no downtime. It might seem like you're being really efficient, but you need a little bit of spontaneity on your trip. Don't overschedule. If there are a few key things you really want to do that you feel you will be crushed if you don't get to do it, then book it. Make sure that's arranged all in advance. So maybe it's finding one thing on each day of your trip. That's what you center your day around and you can frame your itinerary around that, but I wouldn't overschedule.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And then I think when you look at these things potentially sketched out on different days, then you say like, you know, that seems too busy. What's the most important to me here? Like, which of these activities do I want to book ahead?

ARIKOGLU: Right. You know, if you're suddenly realizing - you're like, I am cramming a lot in if I try to go to these three places, then choosing which one to let go.

SEGARRA: Yeah. 'Cause that's always a consideration, too. Like, if you're flying somewhere far, you might think, well, I'm already going to Poland, should I also do Germany?

SEGARRA: There's that impulse, you know? Or I'm going to Poland, so I want to see all of Poland. But that can make for a very frenetic kind of trip.

ARIKOGLU: And you wouldn't tell someone who was visiting America to be like, well, you've come all the way to America, so if you're going to New York, then you also need to go to New Orleans.

SEGARRA: Right, right. Exactly. That's Takeaway 6 - keep your schedule light and malleable. Lally recommends picking only one activity to do for each day of your trip and then building a flexible itinerary around those.

You know, it occurs to me that another element of a big trip when I'm going into them - I know that something's going to go awry during it.

ARIKOGLU: Always (laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah.

SEGARRA: I remember being in Barcelona when I was in college. I went by myself for, like, a week. And I speak Spanish, but it wasn't fluent at the time. And I just got - I just missed being able to easily say what I wanted to say, and I went into, like, a Wendy's or something because I just wanted something kind of American. And I got some chicken nuggets. I couldn't think how to say nuggets in Spanish. Like, I was like, is that even a word, like, in Spanish, or did they just say nuggets? And I just broke and started speaking in English because I was trying to only speak Spanish. And I was like, I give up. Like, can I get some chicken nuggets, please?

ARIKOGLU: The true American in you comes out screaming at chicken nuggets in a foreign McDonald's.

SEGARRA: Yeah, yeah, give me my nuggies.

ARIKOGLU: (Laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah, I just - like, sometimes you just need to go roll up into a ball and eat your chicken nuggies and be by yourself for a minute and then come back out, you know?

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. I mean, like, travel so much of the time is sort of, like, infantilizing because you're so powerless. But it's, like, the same in an airport. You're just sort of powerless at a certain extent when things go wrong. And I think my approach to it - to sort of very taxing and challenging air travel schedules, with connections and potential miss flights and lost luggage and all the things that come with that - is to sort of just give myself up to the airport gods, and just as soon as I'm, like, through TSA, just be like, what will be will be. I'll get there eventually and just, like, I'm powerless. And that's been, like, for me, quite liberating. And it also means that I'm not the person screaming at some poor gate agent when things go wrong.

SEGARRA: Yeah, it's a moment of - it's actually an opportunity for mindfulness. Like, I think that could even be helpful going into a big trip, to tell yourself, like, something is going to go wrong. Yeah, just keep that in mind.

ARIKOGLU: Oh, my God, so much of travel is about being tired and hungry.

SEGARRA: We're really selling this.

ARIKOGLU: I know.

SEGARRA: (Laughter).

ARIKOGLU: I'm like, my whole job is to travel. It's great.

SEGARRA: Isn't it terrible? Yeah.

SEGARRA: I try to remind myself, like - what is the point? - like, go back to those goals. What is the point of this? It's to have a good experience, to meet those needs, to give myself what I've been craving.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And I don't know. This sounds a little cheesy and a little trite, but anyone who gets to travel is really lucky. Ultimately, it's a real privilege that you get to do it. And it's such a freedom and it's such a special thing.Don't make it stressful.

SEGARRA: That's our final takeaway. Something on your trip is bound to go wrong. So once you're there, sit back and try to surrender. After all, traveling in the first place is a treat.

SEGARRA: OK, jet-setters, time for a recap. First, figure out what you want from this vacation. Decide your budget and time constraints. Commit to traveling ethically. Make sure you're aligned with the people you're traveling with. When you choose a destination, cast a wide net and have fun with the research. Don't overschedule yourself, and once you're there, relax and roll with the punches. For more LIFE KIT, check out our other episodes. We've got one on how to find cheap flights and another on how to pack your suitcase like a pro. You can find those at np.org/lifekit. And if you love LIFE KIT and you just cannot get enough, subscribe to our newsletter at np.org/lifekitnewsletter. Also, we love hearing from you, so if you have episode ideas or feedback you want to share, e-mail us at [email protected].

This episode of LIFE KIT was produced by Margaret Cirino. Our visuals editor is Beck Harlan and our digital editor is Malaka Gharib. Meghan Keane is our supervising editor and Beth Donovan is our executive producer. Our production team also includes Andee Tagle, Clare Marie Schneider and Sylvie Douglis. Engineering support comes from Robert Rodriguez. I'm Marielle Segarra. Thanks for listening.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

There's an easier way to plan and organize your trips—here's how

May 14, 2019

[[read-time]] min read

Travel planning is complicated. The number of tools and amount of information you need to sift through when deciding where to go, where to stay and what flight to take can be time consuming and overwhelming. That’s why today, we’re simplifying the way we help travelers plan trips with Google across devices.

When you’re planning a trip—whether you’re on desktop or mobile—we want to help you find the information you need, fast. Last year , we simplified trip planning by making navigation between Google Flights, Hotels, and Trips easier on smartphones. We’re now rolling this out on desktop as well. You can either go to google.com/travel or search for something like “hotels in Tokyo” or “Vancouver” to find travel information from a variety of sources in one place.

As you plan a trip, your research and reservations will be organized for you in Trips. As we continue to evolve Google Trips, we’re making this information more accessible at google.com/travel, and in Google Search and Google Maps. We’re also adding a few new features to make planning and organizing your trips easier.

One place for all of your trip details

Last year , we started adding your trip reservations for things like hotels and flights to a trip timeline for your upcoming trips, when you’re signed into your Google account and you’ve received a confirmation in Gmail. When you go to google.com/travel, you can now make edits directly to your trips timeline, and in a few weeks you’ll be able to manually add new reservations as well.

Whether you’re packing your bags or finalizing your travel dates, the weather is an important part of every trip. You’ll now see the weather for any upcoming or potential trips at google.com/travel—so you can make sure you’re prepared, rain or shine.

Keep track of research and keep planning

It often takes days or weeks to plan a trip. When you need to pick up planning again, we’ll keep track of your trip research across Google. Recent searches, saved places and flights you’re tracking are added automatically to your trips when you’re signed into your Google Account. Soon, we’ll add viewed things to do and saved and viewed hotels to your trips. When you want to continue planning, all of your research will be waiting for you at google.com/travel. If you don’t want to see private results, you can opt out by adjusting your results and web & app activity settings.

When you’re ready to continue researching other parts of your trip, scroll down to see travel articles and find out more about a destination like suggested day plans, popular restaurants around your hotel and events happening during your dates.

Continue planning on-the-go  

When you’re on-the-go or visiting a new place, we’ll do more to highlight things to do, restaurants and more with Google Maps. For instance, last year we made it easier to find the best places to see and things to do when using Google Maps to explore a new place. Now, we’ll also help you get the lay of the land when you’re traveling by pointing out popular neighborhoods nearby and what they’re known for.

And in the next few months, your trips—including reservations for things like hotels and restaurants—will be accessible in Google Maps, too.

Our goal is to simplify trip planning by helping you quickly find the most useful information and pick up where you left off on any device. We’ll continue to make planning and taking trips easier with Google Maps, Google Search and google.com/travel —so you can get out and enjoy the world.

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Italy: a first-timer’s guide

Feb 28, 2024 • 8 min read

One of the best things to do in Italy? Spend time on the water (coast, lake or canal) © Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

With its iconic monuments, timeless landscapes and irresistible food,  Italy is one of Europe’s most alluring destinations. Its historic cities promise thrilling art and architecture at every turn while its varied coastlines and Alpine heights provide a stunning outdoor playground.

In fact, the country is so packed with possibilities that it can seem almost overwhelming. Where should I go? How do I get there? How much will it cost? This planning guide tackles these questions and provides clear practical advice on how to get the most out of your first Italian trip.

When should I go to Italy?

The short answer is anytime. Spring and fall are best for sightseeing , touring and seasonal food. It’s warm without being stifling and nature is in full color. But with the glorious blue-sky weather come crowds and high-season prices in the main cities.

Summer sees cities empty as holidaymakers head to the coast. Prices skyrocket in popular areas, peaking in mid-August when beaches are packed and resorts full. Meanwhile, the festival season swings into gear with high-profile events such as Il Palio di Siena, featuring a wild bareback horse race around Siena 's Piazza del Campo , and Spoleto’s Festival dei Due Mondi , with musicians, artists and actors performing to passionate throngs.

Winter is generally quiet – except in ski resorts – and it can be wet and cold. But low season rates and empty museums make it a decent option for a city break.

How much time do I need to visit Italy?

Realistically, you’ll need at least two or three days in top cities such as Rome , Florence and Venice . That won’t give you enough time to cover everything, but it will allow you to get a feel for the place and explore some of the headline attractions.

If you’re happy to move fast, you could cover Italy’s highlights on a whistle-stop 10-day tour. That would give you a couple of days each in Venice and Florence, a day in Bologna , Pisa and Naples , and three days in Rome. Alternatively, you could focus on a particular area. For example, with a week you could explore southern Tuscany and parts of neighboring Umbria , or cut a swathe through Sicily’s baroque southeast .

Is it easy to get in and around Italy?

Italy is well served by air with flights from across the world. Major airports include Rome Fiumicino (officially Leonardo da Vinci) and Milan Malpensa , the two main intercontinental gateways, Venice Marco Polo , Pisa International (for Florence and Tuscany), Naples International  and Catania (Sicily’s busiest airport). There are also excellent rail and bus links, especially to northern Italy, and ferries to Italian ports from across the Mediterranean.

Once in Italy, you've got transport options . Trains are best between major cities and along the coasts, while buses are better for the mountains and hilly inland areas. For more remote parts you’ll really need your own wheels. Most major cities have decent public transport, though you can often cover their historic centers on foot.

Top things to do in Italy

Tour rome’s greatest hits.

First port of call for many travelers is Rome, Italy’s charismatic capital. You’ll never be able to cover all of its monuments and masterpieces, but there are some you won’t want to miss. The Colosseum and Pantheon are obvious highlights, along with the Roman Forum and Palatino . Then there’s the Vatican where you’ll find St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (in the Vatican Museums ). And, of course, you’ll want to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to the Eternal City.

For a taste of authentic Roman cuisine, try a slice of pizza from Forno Roscioli or a pasta carbonara at Flavio al Velavevodetto in the Testaccio neighborhood.

Marvel at masterpieces in Florence

One and a half hours north of Rome by train, Florence is the second of Italy’s ‘big three’ (Venice completes the trio). Visitors have been rhapsodizing about the city for centuries and still today it thrills with its Renaissance palazzi (palaces), frescoed churches and artworks such as Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia , Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Galleria degli Uffizi , and Brunelleschi’s red dome atop the landmark Duomo . Art apart, there are markets and boutiques to explore and Negroni cocktails to be sampled, including at the historic Caffè Rivoire .

With more time, you could add a day-trip to Siena or a tour of the Chianti wine country .

Get lost in Venice’s backstreets

As soon as you set foot in Venice you know it’s special. And confusing. To get your bearings take vaporetto (water bus) No 1 along the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco where you’ll find several landmark sights. Chief among these are the Basilica di San Marco and the Gothic Palazzo Ducale , former residence of the ruling Doge. Elsewhere, you can catch modern art at the world-class Peggy Guggenheim Collection and browse colorful produce at the centuries-old Rialto Market .

To fuel your wanderings, Venice is famous for its cicchetti (bar snacks). A top spot for these is the canal-side Bracaro ae Bricoe bar in the Cannaregio sestiere (neighborhood).

Feast on pizza, art and street life in Naples

With Mt Vesuvius brooding on the horizon, Naples is sprawling, loud, sometimes edgy and often magnificent. Its Dickensian backstreets are a joy to explore and its regal palaces showcase world-class collections of Greco-Roman antiquities and baroque art – check out the Museo Nazionale Archeologico and Cappella Sansevero for a glimpse. Then, of course, there’s the city’s revered pizza, served at historic pizzerias such as Da Michele .

Beyond the city, Pompeii is an easy day trip and the Amalfi Coast is within striking distance via the sunny resort town of Sorrento .

Cruise the Italian Lakes

Ringed by brooding Alpine summits and steep wooded slopes, the Italian Lakes have been a popular holiday spot since ancient times. At Lake Maggiore , you can explore the Isole Borromee with their ornate palaces and lavish gardens, while further east you can go celeb-spotting on Lake Como , cruising around its exquisite villas and villages.

To reach the lakes you’ll often have to pass through Milan , Italy’s northern powerhouse. A day here would be enough to take in some of its signature sights: Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper , the fairy-tale Duomo , the Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district.

My favorite thing to do in Italy

Italy’s obvious beauty and blockbuster sights abound, but what I love are its simple pleasures: a leisurely lunch in a favorite trattoria, the sight of pine trees towering over Roman ruins, a glass of prosecco on a Venetian canal-side.

I also love wandering around Rome and seeing how its life plays out against a backdrop of ancient monuments and historic palazzi . There’s always something going on and even without trying I usually come across something special, an amazing baroque fountain or a teeming market in a medieval square. The city’s streets really are an experience in themselves. I mean where else can you wait for a tram just yards from where Julius Caesar was stabbed?

How much money do I need for Italy?

Italy isn’t cheap. Accommodation rates vary enormously between places and seasons but prices are universally high in popular destinations. That said, you can still find deals if you book early and avoid peak periods. Sightseeing can also add up with top sites charging top dollar. On the plus side, eating out doesn’t have to cost the earth, especially if you stick to pizza and gelato.

Some average daily costs:

• Double room in an agriturismo (farm stay) €40-80
• B&B room €60-140
• Coffee (standing at a bar) €1.10
• Midrange meal €25-35
• Glass of wine €5-8
• Museum admission €10-20
• Public transport ticket (Rome) €1.50 for 100 minutes unlimited travel (but only one metro ride)
• High-speed train ticket Rome to Florence €55

Frequently asked questions

This is italy, so do i have to dress up all the time.

In a word, no. When sightseeing go for comfort, especially when it comes to shoes – you’ll be walking a lot and cobbled streets can be murder on the feet. Note also that major religious sights often enforce dress codes, so make sure you can cover your shoulders, torso and thighs. For going out in the evening, smart casual is the way to go.

What’s the score with tipping?

Tipping is not strictly necessary in restaurants as most places add servizio (service) to the bill. If they don’t or if you want to leave something, a few euros is fine in pizzerias and trattorias; 5% to 10% in smarter restaurants.

What’s this about not drinking a cappuccino after 11am?

Italy has a whole (unwritten) rule book on the dos and don’ts of drinking. As a foreign visitor you’ll get a pass if you order the wrong drink at the wrong time, but it helps to know that Italians regard cappuccinos as breakfast drinks, call an espresso un caffè , and drink beer with pizza.

What’s the card vs cash situation?

Businesses are legally obliged to accept digital payments but it’s always best to have some cash on you. You probably won’t have any problems but it’s not unheard of for payment machines to be mysteriously broken in smaller bars, shops, museums or restaurants. Major credit cards are widely accepted (Amex less so).

This article was first published May 2019 and updated February 2024

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49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)

• Updated: 04/06/2024

Before you jet off on your next adventure, ensure you have all your travel research and planning in order. To help, use this ultimate travel research checklist  to guide you through the necessary steps for more enjoyable planning and a stress-minimized trip.

I love to travel, though I do not necessarily enjoy all the tedious steps required to get out the door and start having fun. So, I rely heavily on checklists like this planning list , a packing list , and a prep and close-the-house list  to streamline my departure. Leaning on these saves me time and money and helps to avoid unexpected situations, making for worry-free trips. I hope they can do the same for you.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, I have designed this travel research and planning guide to cover the things you must cross off your to-do list before leaving for a trip. 

From the fun stuff like flights, accommodation, and local attractions—to the necessary details, especially for more complicated international travel, like getting visas , knowing about local customs, and purchasing travel insurance , use this list to explore the world confident you have things covered. 

Table Of Contents

Download your free travel planning checklist here.

Prefer not to print? Jump to my explanation of the 14 stages of trip planning  with 49 separate things you should do below. Otherwise, click the image beneath to access and print my free Travel Planning Checklist .

The Importance of Travel Research

Before setting off on any adventure, it is crucial to do your research. Travel research helps you gather information about your destination, allowing you to make informed decision s and avoid unnecessary stress. By taking the time to research and plan, you can uncover hidden gems, know about local events, find the best deals, and arrange your itinerary to maximize your trip enjoyment. 

Plus, conducting research helps travelers be more thoughtful and respectful visitors by being aware of local customs.

Sign up for my monthly Discovery Newsletter & get a free Trip Budget Calculator !

Learn how to further simplify your trip research, planning, and organization for every stage of your trip in “ 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research .”

When to Start Planning a Trip

When is the ideal time to start planning a trip? Whenever you decide to go! Though—several months, or at least six months in advance , is generally best. However, some destinations, like high-demand national parks with limited visitor and lodging capacity, may require planning up to 12 months or more in advance. 

Plus, it depends who is traveling . Solo or couple travelers can more easily plan last-minute trips as they tend to have more schedule flexibility (i.e., not following family school break schedules) and can choose from more affordable double or single-room lodging options, which tend to be more abundant.

Because families usually require more of everything , from plane tickets to more spacious lodging and even bigger rental cars, planning further in advance becomes more necessary, especially as it allows them to secure the best of these resources at the best pricing. If you are a family traveler or part of a big multi-generational group, you will want to begin planning further in advance—six months to a year is ideal.

14 Stages of Trip Planning & 49 Tips

How you follow these 14 stages of travel planning depends on how long you have before you depart for your trip and your comfort level with leaving things to the last minute. 

Because I do not enjoy the feeling of big to-dos being undone or last-minute scrambles, I aim to complete all 14 stages of travel planning anywhere from one to several months in advance. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable playing your timeframes looser. 

Step 1: Decide on Your Destination (7 Questions)

Step 2: International Travel: Understand Visa & Vaccination Requirements & Travel Restrictions/Warnings (4 Tips)

Step 3: On Budgeting, Know What You Can Spend (Budget Template)

Step 4: Set a High-Level Itinerary (Get Shortcuts)

Step 5: getting there, find the best deals on airfare (3 resources).

Step 6: Getting Around, Rental Cars & Local Transportation Options (6 Tips)

Step 7: Choose Where to Stay (Shortcuts & Resources)

Step 8: Decide, Save & Book the Things You Want to Do (4 Tips)

Step 9: Focus on Food, Reserve Restaurants & Learn About Local Dishes (2 Recommendations)

Step 10: Create, Update & Finalize a Detailed Trip Itinerary (Resources)

Step 11: Plan for Emergencies & Unexpected Situations (3 Tips)

Step 12: Packing & Prepping Your Home Before Your Trip (Resources)

Step 13: Make Your Finances Accessible on Domestic & International Trips (13 Tips)

Step 14: Stay Connected While You Travel (Resources)

You may have several destinations in mind for an upcoming trip—or none at all. To get assistance narrowing down your options, consider your travel wants, needs, and limitations by answering the seven questions below to help you figure this out.

How long do you have to travel?

Your work and school schedules or family obligations may dictate the duration of your travel. Or perhaps budget  constraints cap the number of your away-from-home vacation days.

So, before you choose where to go, know how long you can spend there. If your holiday break is limited, you will want to minimize the time or expense of transportation, guiding you to pick closer destinations or places with direct flights.

What do you want to do?

Do you want a warm week lounging on the beach within reach of an easy and affordable nonstop flight? Or are you looking for a city trip with cultural activities? Perhaps the pull of nature is strong, and you want a hiking adventure? Or a bit of all of the above? Know what experiences you or your group would like to have during your time away and pick a place that meets it best.

This question is linked to the one above but digs deeper. Confirm your potential destination offers the right breadth and depth of activities and cultural or culinary highlights. Are there enough things to do and experience to last your trip and meet your wants and needs? Determine whether these options will make for an ideal visit. 

How to get there?

Explore how to get to your potential destination. Does getting there require a multi-day drive? Or a flight with a long layover? Gain a high-level idea of the time and cost involved with the “getting there” part of travel and confirm your time off can easily accommodate long transit times if required. Then, further dive into this step by learning your best options for getting around  once you arrive, here .

When is the best time to go?

To avoid destinations during their rainy seasons and less ideal temperature times, look up historical weather averages for your potential vacation spot before you commit. Use a helpful site like SunHeron  to look at month-by-month temperatures and rainfall for nearly any destination. Doing this will give you a better chance of having the weather be a helper for a great experience instead of a hindrance

What do you want to pay?

It is never fun to start digging into a trip to an incredible place only to realize a few steps in that you cannot afford it. This exact situation happened to us. Several summers ago, we did not plan far enough in advance for a family summer trip to pricey Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Limited availability and expensive lodging options forced us to backtrack and find a more budget-friendly alternative destination—surprisingly, Vail, Colorado.

So, before committing to a spot, set your budget , then do quick hit searches on the costs of available transportation, lodging, activities, and dining to confirm they fit what you can afford.

Is it safe?

Ensuring your health and safety during your trip should be a top priority, especially when visiting an international destination and you are unfamiliar with the customs and language. Before you go, look up travel warnings , read recent traveler accounts on blogs or social media channels, and even message the account owners with your safety questions. Then, check the local news sites. Gathering information about recent on-the-ground experiences will help you decide if this destination is right for you.

Step 2: International Travel: Understand Visa & Vaccination Requirements & Travel Restrictions/Warnings (4 Tips)

This step is for international travel. Before buying your plane tickets, understand entry requirements related to passports and visas, if applicable. 

Ensure you have an up-to-date passport & learn about visa requirements.

For international travel, always ensure your passport will not expire soon and it will be valid for your dates of entry. A good rule of thumb is your passport should be valid for six months after entry . However, sometimes it is less. Confirm exact entry requirements by researching this with the official government customs and tourism organization for the country you plan to visit.

A quick online search should get you the answers you need. For US travelers, check and confirm destination requirements on the helpful “ Learn About Your Destination” page of the US State Department website.

If your passport is expired or set to expire within a validity window, like six months, take immediate steps to renew it. In the US, obtaining a new one can take weeks, if not several months. Get all the details you need about obtaining and renewing US Passports here .

Review travel advisories, security alerts, vaccination & other health requirements.

For US citizens planning to travel abroad, search for your destination on the US State Department website , look for travel advisories, security alerts, and detailed information about health matters, including links to vaccination requirements. Or go directly to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Destinations page for extensive health recommendations.

Additionally, maintain your safety by booking lodging  in busier and well-known areas and following the tips I recommend here  to prepare for unexpected emergencies .

If traveling to Europe, know about EITAS, a coming-soon travel permit requirement.

Also, if you plan to travel to Europe, learn about the new electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) for visiting Europe. This coming-soon authorization is not a visa. It is a travel permit. As non-EU Schengen members, US travelers must eventually apply for this new travel authorization before entering Europe.

US travelers, enroll in STEP.

For US travelers for an extra measure of security and safety, consider enrolling your trip with the US State Department as part of their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP . Doing this will share your travel status with the US government which will allow you to receive important safety information about your destination country and help the US Embassy contact you in an emergency. Enroll here. 

Step 3: On Budgeting, Know What You Can Spend

Does your budget determine where you can go? Or does your destination determine your budget?  An essential part of your travel planning is being realistic about what you can afford . There are few better ways to ruin the effect of a top-notch vacation than to return home after it, realizing you overspent, and then having to contend with the pain of outsize credit card debt and the regret that comes with it.  Instead, book a trip to a place that meets you where your money is. Memorable travel experiences do not have to cost a fortune.

Use a budget calculator like the one I provide for free with signups to my monthly Discovery travel newsletter , shown above. Or create your own budget that includes the major expense items like transportation, lodging, activities, meals, and incidentals that cover anything from souvenirs to travel insurance to pet sitting.

Once you decide on your destination , determine if you will stay in one place or move around and make multiple stops. Will your path of travel be circular—where you end up in the original place you began so that you are flying into and out of the same airport? Or will it be linear? A linear path means you will fly to one destination and return home from another—requiring plane tickets commonly referred to in the travel industry as open jaw tickets. 

Your budget and available vacation time may dictate staying in one place. Or it will allow you to include several different stops in one trip.  Get shortcuts to quickly determine a high-level itinerary for any destination in this article .

Flights and related on-the-ground transportation costs can often be the most significant expenses of any trip.  To find the best airfare deals, compare prices across multiple airlines. Consider flexible travel dates to take advantage of cheaper fares and rates. Additionally, look to redeem frequent flier miles or sign up for travel credit cards that give you miles bonuses.

Maximize your savings by learning to find the best fare deals using Google Flights Explore and Google Flights price tracker . Or read this overview of how to track down the best airfare deals .

Step 6: Getting Around, Rental Cars & Local Transportation Options (6 Tips)

Familiarize yourself with these six transportation tips for taxis, public transit, rental cars, and safe walking routes applicable to any new destination.

Plan for how to get around.

Knowing in advance how you plan to get around your vacation spot will impact where you decide to book your lodging . If you plan to rent a car and drive, you will want vacation accommodation that provides easy vehicle access—and ideally nearby and free parking. Or, if you plan to rely on ride shares and public transportation, you may want to ensure close lodging proximity to taxi stands or train or bus stops. 

Familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

Before you arrive at your destination, familiarize yourself with the local transportation . Research different options, such as public buses, trains, ride shares, and taxis, to determine the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get around. These alternatives can be very different in international destinations. 

For example, the most recommended rideshare in Malta, which we visited for a spring break trip , was Bolt, followed by a few others I was unfamiliar with, like eCabs and Ryde.

If you learn about these things in advance, you can pre-download the apps , set up an account, and link payment methods before you arrive. Additionally, consider purchasing local transportation cards or passes, as these often offer discounted rates for multiple journeys.

Get rental car tips & gather resources.

If you plan to rent a car, review these 15 rental car tips which will save you money, reduce potential hassles, and explain how to get complimentary upgrades. Then, understand whether you need to buy rental car insurance —something that even the most experienced travelers get confused by—with this thorough overview .

When traveling internationally, research to find out if you need an international driving permit for your destination. If you do, get this permit in advance, as sometimes the paperwork may take a few weeks. Check to see if you need an international driving permit via this helpful article . 

Learn the (local) rules of the road.

For any international travelers, you will want to familiarize yourself with the local driving rules in the country you plan to drive in advance. Doing so can help you avoid unintentional penalties and minimize the chance of on-the-road incidents. 

US travelers can understand driver safety abroad by referencing this State Department page . This page provides helpful country links and outlines local driving rules—from default speed limits to signaling requirements to where to park.

Consider pre-booking an airport pickup.

Especially for international trips, if you do not feel confident about your understanding of local transportation options, make things easy for yourself upon arrival. Consider requesting your lodging to arrange a pickup for you . This reserved ride will likely be more expensive, though it will give you peace of mind that you will not get things “wrong” when you arrive.

Then, when at your destination, ask for assistance from your accommodation manager or concierge to help better explain your on-the-ground transportation options .

After an international overnight flight, our family sometimes pre-books airport taxis, as we did on a visit to Rome . When exhausted and running on empty from a long and likely sleepless flight, it is a relief to know our in-town transportation is reliably taken care of. 

Know safe walking routes.

If you plan to explore a new destination on foot, familiarize yourself with safe walking paths . Research this ahead of time. Or ask once at your accommodation. The front desk staff and management, who generally live locally, are a valuable resource for sharing the best routes, areas, and times for moving around safely.

Step 7: Choose Where to Stay (Shortcuts & Resources)

Pinpointing the right location for lodging is never easy. To figure it out fast—my first stop is to use the “ Where to stay ” button on Google Hotels , which will show neighborhood-by-neighborhood descriptions and ratings for all major destinations, allowing you to quickly zero in on the right neighborhood for you to stay in. See where to find it in the quick clip below.

Alternatively, run an AI or online search on “ best places to stay in [your destination] ” and review the results. Or, reference up-to-date travel guidebooks , which generally provide a helpful point of view on the best areas to stay. 

Additionally, since I find great lodging in top locations has an outsize positive impact on our travel experiences, I put a lot of effort into finding the best places to stay.  Get tips on how to do this for your lodging searches in this article .

Step 8: Decide, Save & Book the Things You Want to Do (4 Tips)

Now that you have the framework of your trip set, it is time for the most fun part—figuring out things you want to do once you get there.

Search for things to do online.

If your best trip experience includes seeing top attractions and activities, you will want to research the top things to do in a destination that best fits your interests. Run AI searches or look online for “things to do in [your destination].”

Travel blogs, social media, and sites like Pinterest or Reddit are helpful for this. Or read a guidebook  or visit Google Travel , searching your destination to get an idea about the top attractions and get recommendations for more things to see or do.

To determine what you want to do most, read reviews from fellow travelers to understand what to expect. Then, consider purchasing tickets or making reservations for the most popular attractions to avoid long queues and secure your spot.

Save your favorites.

My preferred way to keep track of things I want to do in a destination is to save them to a custom list in Google Maps . Doing this gives me quick access to my favorites on my mobile phone via my Google Maps app while traveling. I share why and how to create similar custom lists in this article . 

Check out the guided activity and tour options.

Another good way to round out your research for what to do in any area is by checking out tour booking sites like Viator , Get Your Guide or Airbnb Experiences . Use them to look at the top-rated experiences for your destination. You might discover a cooking class, photo tour, guided hike, history walk, and so much more—activities that could be one of the more memorable parts of your vacation.

Ask for recommendations.

Before your trip, ask your friends, family, and acquaintances for suggestions for what to do in your planned destination if they have already been there.  T hen, when your trip is here, and you finally and excitingly arrive— connect and chat with your lodging managers, taxi drivers, tour guides, servers, and any other locals you can befriend to ask for their recommendations. 

By doing this, we have learned about many things we would have missed if we did not connect with locals, like off-the-radar restaurants, event-related parades, holiday processionals, or the best spots to catch sunsets. While traveling, we value these local recommendations so highly that we often will reshape our entire plan for how we spend a day to accommodate them. 

Step 9: Focus on Food - Reserve Restaurants & Learn About Local Dishes (2 Recommendations)

Does your culinary experience matter to you on vacation? I have a food blogger and cookbook author friend who makes researching places to eat and reserving restaurants her immediate third activity after booking airfare and lodging for any trip. So, if incorporating an epicurean experience into your travel is important, include the two steps below in your pre-trip planning.

Make restaurant reservations.

Search online to get a list of top eateries in your destination. Reference Google Maps, articles, blog posts, or run AI inquiries. Or ask other travelers who have been to the area recently, as they are always happy to share their favorites. Prioritize the places you want to eat and make reservations. If you cannot do this in advance online, do not sweat it. Do it in person when you arrive. Or ask your lodging for dining recommendations and assistance with booking reservations.

Learn about the food before you go.

Although international trips provide ample opportunities for new food experiences, you do not have to go far from home to indulge in regional food specialties while on vacation. For example, on a fall getaway to Door County, Wisconsin , near our hometown of Chicago, we were sure to order cheese curds, a Badger State specialty, paired with local brews. 

Before your trip, search online for “best food to eat in [your destination]” to see what tops the list. On a spring trip to Rome , it was Jerusalem artichokes. When in Malta , it was a rabbit dish and many other unfamiliar foods.

Eating at different places and trying new dishes, drinks, and snacks can be one of the most memorable aspects of your travel. To get a head start, take a global tour from these food guide and cookbook recommendations .

Step 10: Create, Update & Finalize a Detailed Trip Itinerary (Resources)

Now that you have your transportation, lodging, activities, and possibly even your dining planned or loosely set, it is time to put it all down to paper.  Use an online app like TripIt to keep track of your bookings and day-to-day plans. Or go semi-old school like I do and put it in an Excel document . Since I have yet to find an app that functions exactly how I want, I created my own itinerary framework that includes all the elements I prefer.

I share this free framework  downloadable in four file types in this article . In it, I also link to more places to find free or affordable trip itinerary templates. 

Then, for safety purposes , share your itinerary with family and friends so they know where you will be when you are away from home.

Step 11: Plan for Emergencies & Unexpected Situations (3 Tips)

Follow these three recommendations to help you avoid or quickly recover from emergencies and unexpected situations while traveling.

Conduct practical safety prep.

Before each trip, familiarize yourself with local emergency service numbers and healthcare facilities in your planned destination. When traveling internationally—particularly to an area at risk for conflict, know where to find your local embassy or consulate.  Additionally, ensure your family and friends know where you are going and how to reach you. If you created a detailed itinerary  share it with them. Then, continue to check in throughout the trip.

Buy travel insurance.

It is an extra expense every traveler would love to skip. However, given the cost of your vacation and what is at risk—your trip budget, your health, and your property—the cost of travel insurance should be considered an essential and non-negotiable expense, especially for international trips. Read about why to get travel insurance and where to find it in this article .

My preferred resource for buying travel insurance is InsureMyTrip.com , an online travel insurance agent and search engine that I use to shop policies from different insurers, buying from the ones with the highest user ratings.

Know what to do in case of theft.

Do you have a plan for what to do in case your wallet, phone, computer, or passport is taken or goes missing? Do you know how to protect your sensitive data? Or how to quickly replace credit cards or a phone? Or get a replacement passport so you can get home?

If not, familiarize yourself with these steps in case your phone goes missing , or read this account of a traveler who had to navigate getting her phone stolen out of her hand in Cartagena, Colombia.

Then, make front-and-back print and digital copies of all IDs, passports, credit cards, and travel insurance policies, keeping copies easily accessible in case of emergency, theft, or loss. Share copies of all items with a trusted friend or family member who can quickly send them back to you if needed.

Step 12: Packing & Prepping Your Home Before Your Trip (Resources)

Taking care to pack efficiently will make your trip a more comfortable one. Before you go, research weather conditions at your destination and plan accordingly. Make a checklist of essential items, such as toiletries, medication, electronics, and travel adapters. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different occasions and temperatures. And remember a travel first aid kit with essential medical supplies.

Because I bring many repeat items every time we travel, I spent a year carefully crafting, updating, and tweaking a universal and printable packing list to reuse for every trip. Using this helps me avoid “recreating the (packing) wheel” every time I leave home, which helps save time and minimizes prep. 

Access, download, and print this universal packing list , which includes a comprehensive medical kit, here . 

Additionally, since I am a fan of checklists and streamlining tasks, I created a second checklist to close the house and prep for packing—that includes to-do items like buying trip-specific gear or picking up medical prescriptions in advance to avoid last-minute scrambles. Check out the list here. 

If you are new to traveling and packing, get 25 of my best packing tips that I follow for every trip.

Step 13: Make Your Finances Accessible on Domestic & International Trips (13 Tips)

Before you go on any trip, be sure to have a plan for how to pay for all expenses, access your cash, and use your credit cards.

On domestic trips: two tips on spending and cash.

If your getaway is domestic, this step should be relatively easy, as how you spend will be similar to what you do at home. However, there are two things you may want to consider before you leave. Getting extra cash from a local no-fee ATM and ensuring you have up-to-date logins with mobile pay apps like Zelle or Venmo. 

Even in this age of high connectivity, it is still relatively easy to encounter a market vendor, fair, or pop-up snack shop that does not accept credit cards. So, you will want a cash supply handy . Doing this will help you avoid unnecessary and out-of-the-way stops at high-fee and out-of-network ATMs. Sometimes, vendors will also accept mobile payments from apps like Venmo or Zelle. 

For example, during a recent domestic trip to New Orleans, our family enjoyed listening to musicians who accepted tips via Venmo, allowing us to scan their QR code and drop some cash—in appreciation of their talent and time. So, before you leave for your trip, if you use these apps, ensure you are actively logged in and can access your accounts.

On international trips: 11 tips for spending, credit cards, cash, and safety.

Prearranging and maintaining comprehensive and secure financial access requires a few more steps when traveling internationally. Here is a list of 10 things you will want to plan for: 

1. Determine which credit card(s) you plan to use . Ideally, choose the one(s) that offers the lowest, or zero, foreign transaction fees.

2. If you use a mobile hands-free payment like Apple Pay, ensure your default credit card linked to your mobile payment account is the card with the lowest foreign transaction fees. 

3. For travelers who do not already use a hands-free payment method like Apple Pay, consider setting it up, as it is a convenient wallet-free way to pay when traveling. Keeping your wallet tucked away may also make you less of a target for potential pickpockets who tend to mark international travelers.

4. If you plan to use a credit card while traveling internationally, process your transactions in the local currency . At the point-of-sale, avoid converting the transaction to your home currency since this often translates into a less advantageous exchange rate. 

5. Know the currency exchange rate between your home and destination country before you leave home—this will help you better manage your spending and budget. Download a currency converter app like XE , to easily translate local prices to your home currency.

6. Plan to take out the local country currency from an ATM when you arrive. Some travelers prefer to pre-buy foreign currency at their local hometown bank before they leave for their trip. However, we are always comfortable doing this at the airport upon arrival.

Know which local ATMs offer the lowest fees for international visitors for cash withdrawals and which charge the highest—and should be avoided. Visit traveler forums and social media groups , or read guidebooks  to learn this information.

7. Bring back up cash in your own currency , which you can exchange in an emergency. Include small bills if you can. You can often use these in a pinch for tips and when you run short on small denominations of local cash. However, local currency—depending on the country—is generally preferred.

8. Remove all unnecessary credit , identity, membership, and banking cards from your wallet that you do not plan to use while traveling and store them safely at home. Doing this is preventative in case of wallet loss or theft. Keeping so many cards at home means you will have fewer to cancel or replace.

9. Make copies of both sides of your banking and credit cards . Keep print or digital copies accessible. For a backup— share them with a friend or family member who will be staying home and can send them to you in the event of loss or theft. 

10. Have a plan for keeping your wallet and valuables safe while on your trip. Assume on an international trip, you may be a target for pickpockets. Make it difficult for would-be thieves by using secure carrying bags and backpacks with zippered pockets.

Practice never leaving your personal items unattended or on the back of chairs. If you need to set a bag down, wrap a strap securely around a leg or arm. Also, ensure all openings are fully zipped and face inward toward your body. Depending on your destination, consider sewing hidden interior pockets to pants or using money belts under clothes to keep cash and IDs secure.

Another helpful step you can take includes being aware of your surroundings and avoiding being distracted in public by your phone while traveling. It is relatively easy for a cyclist or motorcycle rider to whip by and grab an unlocked phone from unsuspecting hands.

11. Finally, before you go, move ample cash into your checking or ATM-linked account to fund your trip and to fully process automatic bill withdrawals to eliminate the possibility of overdrafts or other unpleasant financial surprises that could happen while you are away. If you do not have auto bill payments set up, pre-pay all upcoming bills before you leave.

Note: Many credit cards and banks no longer require you to alert them when you plan to leave the country as they track trip-related purchases like plane tickets, taxis, and hotel bookings. 

However, check with your banking and credit card companies before you go to understand their travel recommendations and to avoid possible suspicious-activity freezes on your accounts.

This step is easy for domestic journeys, as depending on your data plan, you can ideally use your mobile phone to text and call to stay in touch like you would at home.  However, constant connectivity gets more complicated for international trips. When traveling abroad, you want to determine how you plan to use your mobile phone .

Will you stay off-network and use it only when connected to Wi-Fi? Or pay a daily network international roaming fee—up to a pricey $10 per day with networks like Verizon? Or, instead, buy a data plan from a local network using e-sim technology?

Does this feel complicated? Even to me, a regular international traveler, and others—it does also. Based on your budget and connectivity needs, you will want to figure out which way of staying connected is right for you. To decide, price out international plans from your mobile carrier and then learn more about going the eSIM route with info in this helpful article .

Once you know how you plan to stay in touch, download apps you anticipate you may need to use. When traveling internationally, this may include downloading What’sApp , a global messaging app and voice-over-IP service heavily used outside of the United States.  When abroad, I frequently use this app to communicate with lodging contacts and tour guides and to confirm reservations.

Additionally, be sure to have all lodging or tour booking apps downloaded and updated on your phone. You will want to access the messaging functionality within apps like Airbnb, Booking.com, or other hotel apps, which you may need to use to send and receive communications. 

Hands-down, thorough travel research is the key to a stress-free adventure. By taking time to gather destination information so you can make informed planning decisions, you can ensure a smooth and memory-making journey. 

From researching your destination and finding the best deals to understanding local customs and preparing essential travel documents, each step plays a vital role in creating your best travel experience.

So, before you embark on your next adventure, check off the items on this ultimate travel research checklist. With research and planning complete, you can explore the world with confidence and peace of mind. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for any unexpected challenges or opportunities that come your way. Happy travels!

Related Reading

If you are searching for more travel planning assistance to help you save time and money and to stay organized, check out the related articles below.

• Google for Travel: Plan Better with These 8 Tools
• Why You Will Love Google Maps for Trip Planning
• Travel Better: How to Best Use Google Flights Explore
• How to Save Time & Money with Google Flights Price Tracker
• 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research
• Rental Car Insurance: When You Need It & When You Don’t
• Pack Faster & Better with This Universal Printable Packing List
• 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack

Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “ Where to stay ” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.

Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list. 

AllTrails . Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.

Guide Along . 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here . My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com . 

Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks , and my free customizable travel itinerary template , downloadable in four file formats.

About the author:  Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog,  Gather and Go Travel . Check out  her bio , learn how she became  a blogger , and discover how to  work with her . Sign up for her monthly  Discovery Newsletter  to get her latest travel recommendations and  how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator .

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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Welcome to Gather and Go Travel , a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, an experienced traveler to over 50 countries and a travel writer, book lover, and blogger. Learn more about me , read our story , and how to work with me .

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13 Clever Ways to Ask: How Was Your Trip?

Traveling is one of our favorite things to talk about.  In fact, we always find ourselves asking others about recent trips and often get the best tips from those who experienced a location or destination first hand.  In this post, we’ll share with you our 13 clever ways to expand on the popular question “How was your trip”, to learn more about someone’s recent travel adventure.

How was your trip?

“How was your trip” – The go-to question to kick off a travel conversation.  We are very intrigued to learn about new locations as well as listening to someone else’s opinion of a location we’ve already been.  Here’s the quick list of our 13 go to questions we ask to dive deeper into the How was your trip, conversation.

• How is the culture? 
• Are the locals friendly?
• How is the food?
• Is it packed with tourists?
• Is it expensive?
• What currency is used? Is credit and debit cards accepted?
• Did you get good weather?
• Is the location heavily dependent on seasons?
• How did you get there?  How was the flight, what route did you take?
• Did you use public transportation?
• Did you learn anything new?
• Would you recommend it?
• Would you go again?

How Was Your Trip - Cultural Questions

How is the culture.

This question is more specific for international travel, however, there are plenty of cultures within the United States depending on which region you visit.  We love to ask about the culture to get an idea of what to expect.  However this is completely subjective so if someone has a bad experience at a particular location, it does not mean you will!

Asking if the locals are friendly ties closely to the question about the culture.  However if you can get a gauge on whether the locals are friendly that will provide insight if a location is welcoming to tourists!  

We found throughout our travels that Denmark (Copenhagen in particular) are some of the friendliest locals we’ve ever met.  But this is just from our experience!

Are you a foodie?  If so then this is likely your go to follow up question after “How was your trip?”!  Many locations have at least one or two food meals or snacks that originated there and are must tries!  One of our favorite local meals is a Belgium Waffle, which we had when we visited Brussels, Belgium .

Below is a picture of a local meal from a recent trip visiting Finland.

Many popular locations can be jammed pack with tourists.  For example, when we were in Switzerland, we visited a lot of the mountain tops in the Swiss Alps.  For one of the mountains we visited, the Top of Europe (Jungfraujoch), there was a massive group of tourists that took over the entire place!  Most of the time we like to avoid group tours so we often find ourselves asking this question and we will visit a place during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.  

How Was Your Trip - Money Questions

This is a general question but you will quickly get a gauge on how expensive a particular location is.  Sometimes food is really expensive, but hospitality is relatively cheap and vice versa.  Sometimes, everything is expensive, like Switzerland (HOLY SMOKES!). 

 We found that the Switzerland is the most expensive country we have visited so far, but Western Europe and Scandinavia are pretty expensive comparable to the coastal cities in the United States. 

Southeast Asia is by far the cheapest location we’ve ever visited. 

Another question that applies for more international travel.  What currency do they use and whether or not they accept credit or debit cards.  The latter part of this question is a game changer for us.  We always try to pay with credit cards whenever possible to get the best exchange rates while traveling, avoid foreign exchange fees, and to accumulate points and miles for future travels.   

How Was Your Trip - Weather Questions

The weather is one of the most critical things that can make or break a trip.  Diving deeper into the conversation with did you get good weather can lead to learning more if the success of a trip is dependent on the weather.  For example if someone is traveling to a beach location and it rained the entire time, their trip may not be as enjoyable as if it was sun shine and rainbows.   

Understanding if a particular location is dependent on seasons is good insight for future travel.  For example, we live in a coastal city in New Jersey close to Atlantic City.  Other than Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore pretty much shuts down after Labor Day until Memorial Day every year so you want to keep that in mind if you want to get your typical Jersey Shore vacation.  

Below are a few of our favorite post on things to do near the Jersey Shore:

Best Things to Do in Atlantic City in the Summer

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20 of the Best Happy Hour Spots in Atlantic City

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Things to Do in Atlantic City in the Winter

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How Was Your Trip - Transportation Questions

How did you get there - how was your flight.

I am always interested in the mode of transportation one took to get to a particular destination.  If someone decides to drive, fly, take a cruise, or train, it’s always interesting learning why they chose the transportation method.  

For someone flying, you can often ask what route they took and if there’s a non-stop direct flight option.  I am a bit of a flight geek so this sparks my interest.  

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Once one gets to a location they often have to get from point A to point B.  Depending on the location will dictate whether or not you chose public transportation or use a rental car.  

We often find ourselves searching the best way to get to and from an airport before we takeoff so we’re not scrambling once we land.  If we’re visiting a city then we will likely use public transportation, trains, buses, or uber.  In a more rural location we often opt to rent a car that way we can travel at our pace.  

How Was Your Trip - Recommendation Questions

Taylor and I always try to learn something new about a particular trip, whether that’s something historical, something about the culture, food, or really anything.  

When talking about one’s trip, ask if they learned anything new, I bet you they did!

Do you recommend it?

We love asking if people recommend a particular destination.   I can honestly say I’d recommend just about every place we ever visited because there’s a unique thing to do in each location.  

This is a great question to ask to see if people enjoyed their trip when asking folks, “how was your trip”.

“Would you go again” is the ultimate question to find out if someone absolutely loved a location.  We are constantly trying to visit new locations since there are just so many amazing places here on planet earth so if we say we will visit a place again, we really really love it!  Now we understand, not everyone is like us and may not want to visit as many places as we do but the general census is if you want to go back to a location, you definitely like it.  

For example, if you’re like my dad, you will make your way to the same spot every year, like Key West, FL (I think it’s his favorite place on earth).  

Overall we hope this post encourages you to talk more about travel and experiencing new places!  If you have any other suggestions on great questions to ask to expand the conversation of How was your trip, please let us know!  Again here’s the quick list of 13 different questions to expand on the question, How was your trip?

If you have any questions about about traveling in anyway shape or form, please let us know in the comments below!

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If you have a loved one traveling right now and want to wish them a safe flight, here are 20 ways to wish someone a safe flight !

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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a trip in vs. a trip to

• Thread starter totox80
• Start date May 20, 2020
• May 20, 2020

Hello everyone, Would it be possible to use the preposition in after the noun trip instead of to ? In that case, is there any difference in meaning? Example: - a) The had organized a trip in [region/state/defined area/city - e.g. Normandy, California, the Alps, Berlin ] - b) They were on a trip in [region/state/defined area/city] Thank you .  

Lee Ann Sosa

Senior member.

"in" and "to" in a sentence about trips have slightly different meanings. They had organized a trip in Normandy. This sounds like they are already in Normandy, traveling around and seeing things. They had organized a trip to Normandy. This sounds like they are still back at home, waiting for the trip to start. But really, the difference is not very big, and everyone would understand you whichever word you used.  

If you are trying to emphasize that they visited several places in that location I would use "around". They organized a trip around Normandy.  

• May 21, 2020

Thank you very much!  

“How was your trip?” Strategies for the Perfect Reply

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Social Responses

When your friends, family, and even coworkers know you were away for a trip, it’s common for them to ask about it. The next time you see them, you’ll get questions like “How was your trip?”, and others asking for details about your trip.

Your response will depend on different things, most importantly how close the person is to you, and secondly how your trip actually went. We’ll guide you on how to navigate the “How was your trip?” question in several situations so you don’t become overwhelmed by everyone asking.

Things to pay attention to before replying to someone not close to you

  People you are not so close to will ask you “How was your trip?” as a form of small talk, or even as their way to be a bit nosy. It’s up to you to decide if you want to share the details with this person or not.   Here are some things we think you should pay attention to before replying to someone you are not close to when they ask, “How was your trip?”:  

How To Answer, “How Was Your Trip?”

  When we don’t mind sharing the details about how our trip went with the people we are close to, we can sometimes be short in our responses. Saying your trip went ‘well’ or was ‘good’ to your close friends is simply not enough and they deserve better answers than that.   These 10 questions will help you to better answer “How was your trip?”:   1. What was your favorite part of the trip?   2. What did you learn on this trip?   3. How are you going to use what you learned from this trip in the future?   4. What is one thing that surprised you most on this trip?   5. Tell them about the best meal or drink that you had while traveling   6. What is the difference between how people live there and here?   7. How did you get around?   8. Is there anything you wish you had packed?   9. What advice would you give to anyone going there for the first time?   10. Would you go back?   Once you can answer these questions for yourself, you can use these responses to curate more detailed and better answers to “How was your trip?” 

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If it’s a business trip

  When you get asked “How was your trip?” and it was for business, you’ll want to avoid using words such as good and bad, especially when speaking to your boss and colleagues. Instead, mention the highlights of your trip or anything that stood out.   This is what you can say:  

When the boss asked

When a colleague asked

If the trip was amazing

  When you go off for holiday, whether it’s for a week or just the weekend, the people you told beforehand will likely ask you about it the next time you see them.   When you have had an amazing time, this is what you can say when asked “How was your trip?”:  

When friends or family ask

When colleagues or neighbors ask

If the holiday trip was bad

  When the trip hasn’t gone so well, it’s harder to come up with an answer to “How was your trip?”. Still, your friends, relatives, and others that ask the question will expect a response.   Here’s an idea of what you can say when asked “How was your trip?” :  

15 Sincerest Thank You Notes for Your Business Partner

  After your trip, the most important thing you should be focused on is getting back into the groove of everyday life. When you’re asked, “How was your trip?”, don’t stress yourself for an answer.   We’ve given you 30. Just pick one!  

30 Best Replies to “How Was Your Trip?”

It is a delightful experience to have someone who seeks to know how your trip went. There could be some expectations in your heart before you leave. However, you can share your journey experiences just as it is.

In this article, there are 30 interesting replies to ‘How was your trip’ that you can get clues from on what your response should be.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

30 Best Responses to “How Was Your Trip?”

• ‘Fantastic! I enjoyed every moment of it.’
• ‘Awesome! I explored new places and tried different meals.’
• ‘Great! The trip was an excellent breakout from my shell.’
• ‘Wonderful! I made some unforgettable memories.’
• ‘Amazing! It was a much-needed recess from everyday activities.’
• ‘Excellent! The atmosphere was totally nice.’
• ‘Lovely! I learned about the local culture and traditions.’
• ‘Fantastic! The trip was as satisfying as the destination.’
• ‘Incredible! I found out hidden talents in me along the way.’
• ‘Superb! The weather couldn’t have been better.’
• ‘Fantastic! I found peace and ease.’
• ‘Terrific! I studied the city’s history and landmarks.’
• ‘Awesome! Every day brought new experiences.’
• ‘Great! I’ll hold dear the memories from this journey.’
• ‘Fantastic! I connected with locals and fellow visitors.’
• ‘Amazing! The trip had the perfect mix of excitement and calm.’
• ‘Memorable! I explored diverse landscapes.’
• ‘Fabulous! It was a journey filled with joy and laughter.’
• ‘Wonderful! I engaged with the locals.’
• ‘Fantastic! The trip was an entertaining one.’
• ‘Lovely! I explored both urban and natural wonders.’
• ‘Awesome! The trip left me feeling refreshed and inspired.’
• ‘Great! A perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.’
• ‘Incredible! The beauty of the surroundings was thrilling.’
• ‘Fantastic! I found incredible items and spots.’
• ‘Amazing! The trip allowed me to unwind fully.’
• ‘Superb! I was captivated by the charm of the place.’
• ‘Wonderful! I found surprising treasures during my trip.’
• ‘Excellent! The trip equipped me for a change of pace.’
• ‘Fantastic! I loved the local markets and calm neighborhoods.’

1. ‘Fantastic! I enjoyed every moment of it’

One of the best ways to respond when someone asks you how your trip was is to tell them that it was a fantastic experience, especially if you enjoyed your time during that moment.

You can explain further how delightful your experience was and how you didn’t want it to end so soon.

Sentence examples:

• The hiking was simply breathtaking. I enjoyed the sunset by the beach as well.
• Exploring the sites and trying local delicacies was an enjoyable experience.

2. ‘Awesome! I explored new places and tried different meals’

In response to how your trip was, you can say in detail what stood out the most for you. In most cases, it could be the new places you visited or even the varieties of meals you explored.

However, tell them that it was an awesome experience.

• Going through the markets and munching street food was a delightful part of my travel adventure.
• It was great! Each day brought a new meal experience, from traditional to modern dishes.

3. ‘Great! The trip was an excellent breakout from my shell.’

This response is simply the best for you if you are an introvert who loves to stay indoors and finally has the opportunity to go on an adventure.

You can say that you had a great trip, and the journey was simply remarkable since it afforded you the chance to break out of your shell.

• Stepping out of my comfort zone was remarkable. I joined a local dance class and built new friendships.
• I engaged in cultural activities that caused me to break free from routine.

4. ‘Wonderful! I made some unforgettable memories.’

Most times, adventures afford one a chance to make memories. However, you can highlight the fact that the memories you gained during your trip were wonderful.

You can go further to give a breakdown of how those memories have shaped your life.

• Going around ancient places brought new friends to me and created lasting memories filled with laughter.
• A lucky road trip led to surprising encounters and memorable moments that will stay with me forever.

5. ‘Amazing! It was a much-needed break from everyday activities’

A trip away from the norm is an opportunity to take a break from your typical daily activities. In such a case, you need to admit that the trip you embarked on has afforded you a break from your usual engagements, especially if you were getting used to them or they were quite burdensome.

• I escaped the hustle and bustle; the countryside provided me with a peaceful retreat from the demands of my daily life.
• During this period, I disconnected from technology and put myself in nature. It was a refreshing break.

6. ‘Excellent! The atmosphere was totally nice.’

It is quite appropriate to say that your trip summarizes that you enjoyed a super nice atmosphere. It tells a lot about the people and the place in general, and, of course, how easily you adjusted to the place you journeyed to.

• The charming atmosphere of the town, with its colorful streets and cafes, created a pleasant atmosphere.
• The lively cultural events and friendly locals made the atmosphere full of warmth.

7. ‘Lovely! I learned about the local culture and traditions.’

It’s a beautiful thing to be an inquisitive person. If you embark on a trip and you seek to know about the people of that place and their traditions, you can employ this reply to describe how your trip was.

• I participated in a traditional festival, and that experience gave me an idea of the local culture’s richness.
• I visited the museums and interacted with locals to look into the unique traditions of the region.

8. ‘Fantastic! The trip was as satisfying as the destination.’

This response is a great way to express your satisfaction with the trip you embarked upon. While using this statement, your body language should be in accordance with your words.

You can further say what made it satisfying and what stood out in the new environment for you.

• The journey itself, filled with unexpected happenings at first, was as fulfilling as reaching the final destination.
• Through the here-and-there tough process of the journey, the overall trip was incredibly satisfying.

9. ‘Incredible! I found out hidden talents in me along the way.’

One of the beautiful things a trip can open you up to is self-discovery. It is possible that you stumble on a talent that you never knew was inherent in you as you serve or engage in something during your trip.

That could be a sign that you need to develop that talent. However, you can employ this response in such a case when someone asks you how your trip was.

• Joining a local art class during the trip revealed a passion for painting that I never knew existed within me.
• I tried various adventure sports, which unveiled a hidden thriller side dimension to my personality.

10. ‘Superb! The weather couldn’t have been better’

If you enjoy the weather in the new environment of the place you journey to, you can spill it out when someone seeks to know about the experiences you had during your trip.

It will be more reliable when you describe the climate condition of the place and its effect on your skin, the plants, or the animals there.

• The weather is superb. There are sunny days and cool evenings—just the perfect climate for exploring outdoor and indoor activities.
• They’ve got ideal weather conditions that made my whole experience of the trip comfortable and enjoyable.

11. ‘Fantastic! I found peace and ease.’

Beyond sharing your experience about a trip with someone, you can tell them precisely what stood out for you. Peace is fundamental when it comes to engaging in fulfilling activities.

You can say how peaceful you felt and how you navigated through the trip with ease.

• My quiet retreat in the mountains allowed me to have moments of reflection and a deep sense of peace.
• Strolling through serene gardens and meditating by a quiet lake was the highlight of a profound sense of peace for me during the trip.

12. ‘Terrific! I studied the city’s history and landmarks.’

As an enthusiastic student of history or an inquisitive person, your point of attraction may be a city’s history and landmarks.

Since it’s a great thing to get this information about a place you visit, you can say it to someone who wants to know about your trip.

• I explored historical sites and museums, and this gave me a rich understanding of the city’s cultural heritage.
• I toured iconic landmarks and got interesting narratives about the city’s history.

13. ‘Awesome! Every day brought new experiences.’

There are certain trips you embark on, and new things keep unfolding every now and then.

You may learn about new places, people, and events on such trips. When you are asked how the trip was for you, you can talk about the truckload of information that got to you daily.

• From sunrise hikes to random meetings with locals, each day was filled with unique and surprising experiences.
• I tried different activities, such as cooking classes and cultural workshops. Every day brought a fresh and exciting experience.

14. ‘Great! I’ll hold dear the memories from this journey.’

This response is suitable when you cannot tell exactly what you enjoyed best during a trip or you do not have so much time to share your experiences during your adventure.

You can simply crown it all with a positive, I’ll cherish the memories from this trip’ and emphasize that it was a great one.

• I capture beautiful moments with a travel journal and photographs. It will be a cherished reminder of the wonderful experiences.
• I received cultural souvenirs that will serve as lasting reminders. I am reserving the memories for years to come.

15. ‘Fantastic! I connected with locals and fellow visitors’

This comment is suitable for you if the highlight of your trip was connecting with the identity of the place you went to.

You may admire their lifestyle, their hair texture, or simply something about them that fascinates you. You can explain how nicely you bond with them too.

• I joined the community events and engaged in discussions with locals. It was so exciting!
• I made friends with fellow travelers during group activities. This added a sense of togetherness during the trip.

16. ‘Amazing! The trip had the perfect mix of excitement and calm.’

It is quite beautiful to enjoy calmness and joy at the same time during a trip. You can employ the reply ‘Amazing! The trip had the perfect mix of excitement and calm’ if you enjoyed serenity during your journey and had fun due to the exciting atmosphere you encountered.

• Interesting adventures like hiking were at the top of my list. However, we have moments of relaxation by the beach.
• I explored the rowdy markets during the day and had peaceful spa retreats in the evenings.

17. ‘Memorable! I explored diverse landscapes.’

Instead of stopping at saying that you had a memorable time, you can add that you explored diverse landscapes for the first time if you have hardly had such exposure.

You can add imaginary pictures to your description so that they will understand how the trip has broadened your horizons.

• I experienced the unique beauty of the environment. From lush green valleys to deserts, the trip surrounded a wide range of landscapes.
• I trekked through mountains and cruised coastlines. The whole urban trip was a memorable journey.

18. ‘Fabulous! It was a journey filled with joy and laughter.’

If you had a fabulous time away from home, your response to how your trip was can be, ‘It was a journey filled with joy and laughter.’

This statement points to the fact that you enjoyed your journey to the fullest and beyond aesthetics; you had a joy-filled moment.

• I had moments of laughter during impromptu dance sessions. The journey was indeed hilarious and full of joy.
• I attended local celebrations and artistic performances that created a lively and fabulous atmosphere.

19. ‘Wonderful! I engaged with the locals.’

This reply is most suitable for people who love to connect with others. You can say that you had a wonderful time, as the trip granted you the opportunity to connect with the local people in that place. It will be great if you share the contents of your conversations or what made your connection with them remarkable.

• I participated in community activities and volunteered in my own capacity after having meaningful interactions with the locals.
• Dining in restaurants and attending local gatherings made me engage with the people, and I enjoyed it so much.

20 .’Fantastic! The trip was an entertaining one.’

‘The trip was an entertaining one’ is an encouraging way to respond to how your trip was, especially if you enjoyed so much entertainment during your stay.

You can further use this statement to encourage someone to embark on the same adventure or a similar one with the assurance that it is not boring but worth it.

• I attended interesting street performances and cultural shows that were so entertaining and lively.
• I explored nice attractions and attended local events, which made the trip less enjoyable and entertaining.

21. ‘Lovely! I explored both urban and natural wonders.’

Beyond seeing beautiful sites and having joyful experiences, you can enjoy a mix of urban and beautiful elements of nature.

This response is a suitable one if you intend to talk about your lovely urban and nature experiences.

• I roamed through busy city streets and then rested at serene national parks. This was a nice and mixed exploration.
• Discovering colorful sites in urban centers and then the calm of gardens portrayed the summary of my lovely experiences.

22. ‘Awesome! The trip left me feeling refreshed and inspired.’

You can return from a trip with mixed feelings. However, if you had a lovely experience that got you fired up and exposed, you can say that the trip left you feeling refreshed and inspired.

This statement gives a glimpse of how the trip left you in a better state.

• I breathed in the fresh mountain air and experienced the beauty of nature, which creatively inspired me.
• Visiting cultural hubs and art galleries ignited a sense of inspiration, and this made my trip more than a vacation but a source of restored energy.

23. ‘Great! A perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.’

When someone asks you how your trip was, your reply could be, ‘A perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.’ By employing this statement, you highlight that you enjoyed a mix of fun and rest as well.

This made the trip a profitable one.

• I had thrilling activities like river diving and finished off with a nice time at the spa.
• Exploring historical landmarks during the day and enjoying peaceful evenings by the waterside contributed to my completely balanced travel experience.

23. ‘Incredible! The beauty of the surroundings was thrilling.’

‘The beauty of the surroundings was thrilling’ is a suitable response to how your trip was if you had a great time and you were blown away by the beauty of the environment.

This statement reveals how captivating the environment of the place you traveled to looks.

• Gazing at the beautiful landscapes, from the magnificent mountains to the quiet lakes, was a thrilling experience.
• Sunset views over valleys and cityscapes created moments of beauty that were truly exciting.

25. ‘Fantastic! I found incredible items and spots.’

As a tourist or someone who has explored diverse landscapes, your experience could be that of making new discoveries.

Your response to how your trip was in this case could be that ‘you found out incredible items and spots.’

• Exploring local markets revealed unique handicrafts and treasures that were so beautiful to behold.
• I ventured off the paths to discover hidden gems and spots that added an extraordinary touch to the trip.

26. ‘Amazing! The trip allowed me to unwind fully.’

You can share your experience of having time to relax and rest after a trip when someone seeks to know your experience. Simply say that ‘the trip allowed you to unwind fully.’

This statement is also suitable when you have had a lot of things to deal with before going on the trip.

• Relaxing on nice beaches and enjoying spa treatments made me enjoy full relaxation.
• I embraced slow activities like nature walks and meditation, which allowed me to unwind fully.

27. ‘Superb! I was captivated by the charm of the place.’

‘I was captivated by the charm of the place’ could be the best way to describe your superb trip adventure. You can also express yourself using this statement by saying that you didn’t want to leave the place you traveled to due to the captivating occasion you had.

• The historical architecture of the streets created an enchanting atmosphere that captivated my senses.
• The local folklore and traditional performances added a charming atmosphere that made the atmosphere truly captivating.

28. ‘Wonderful! I found surprising treasures during my trip.’

‘Wonderful! I found surprising treasures during my trip, which shows that you had a great time seeing new things and exploring treasures. You can show them pictures that you took on those adventures and say how much you enjoyed them.

• The markets and hidden bookstores revealed surprising treasures that became the highlights of my journey.
• I had encounters with local craftsmen who created handmade souvenirs, which were so beautiful.

29. ‘Excellent! The trip equipped me for a change of pace.’

A trip beyond being an adventure could be a time to enjoy a new experience of change. You can reveal the things that have changed about you since you embarked on the trip or those things that are currently undergoing transformation.

• The moments of solitude and reflection during the trip provided clarity and prepared me for a positive change.
• During the trip, I engaged in mindful activities and wellness practices that equipped me for a positive shift in pace.

30. ‘Fantastic! I loved the local markets and calm neighborhoods.’

You can employ the positive and engaging response that it was fantastic and that you loved the local markets and calm neighborhoods.

This statement paints the picture that the people in the environment are nice and accommodating.

• I explored the markets filled with beautiful colors, which allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture.
• I strolled through calm neighborhoods with charming cafes and friendly locals.

From reading the responses shared, you might have gotten a clue as to how your response should be composed.

Simply be free with the person you are sharing your happenings with and ensure you bookmark this article for future reference.

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Sunflowers, roses and wildflowers: A guide to New Jersey's most colorful gardens

From world-class flower farms to unknown gardens and trails, the Garden State has all the flowers to entice any plant lover looking for color.

Here are 8 great places to see the best flowers in New Jersey:

Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit

Nestled in Union County, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a floral oasis. Its vibrant landscape is filled with colors and scents, showcasing a rich variety of native and exotic blooms. From the delicate petals of springtime tulips to the bold splashes of summer roses, every season brings a new spectacle of floral beauty to delight visitors of all ages.

Greenway Meadows Park, Princeton

This expansive park offers a picturesque landscape of rolling meadows, shady groves, and flowery spots, providing a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Among its many charms are the many flowers that live there. From the cheerful daisies and sunflowers to the delicate blooms of wildflowers, the park got a lot to delights visitors throughout the seasons.

With its ample green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas, this park is perfect for relaxed yet playful moments.

Durr's Bluebox Produce and Flowers, Wrightstown

This charming gem for flower enthusiasts has a bounty of fresh flowers on sale. You can pick up your own flowers from the ground and create a fresh bouquet. Edible produce is also available on this acclaimed farm market.

Five Ponds Loop, Ringwood

Looking for a retreat away from the crowds? If so, this trail got you covered.

Through this secluded, 5.7-mile hike you can enjoy wildflower beds scattered throughout the trail. The hike has many small ponds and is suitable for bikes too.

Dalton Farms, Swedesboro

Renowned for its vibrant fields of flowers, the farm offers visitors a breathtaking spectacle of color and fragrance. At this farm you can see fields covered with sunflowers, zinnias, lavender, dahlias and tulips. Dalton Farms is an unforgettable floral experience for many. Admission to this farm cost $14 online, or $20 at the entrance. Tulips and daffodils can be picked for $2 per stem or ten for $10.

Rutgers Gardens, North Brunswick

This 180-acre botanic garden features dozens of gardens filled with azaleas, irises, allium blooms and many other species. Every garden is different from one another containing a specific collection of flora, such as the Donald B. Lacey Garden, a photographers attraction known for its extensive beds of irises, herbs and vegetables.

Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge

One of the biggest tulip farms in the country, this magical place is filled with flowers as far as the eye can see. When you visit, you'll find yourself surrounded by rows of colorful blooms of tulips and fragrant hyacinths.

This 300-acre farm has over 8 million tulips on display. Visitors can roam around, pick up some tulips and maybe take some photos.

A ticket is required to enter the farm. The are selling online for $15 and $17, depending on the day.

Brookdale Park Rose Garden, Montclair

Everywhere you look, there are roses in all shades and sizes, filling the air with their sweet scent. It's a peaceful place where you can stroll among the over 500 rose bushes in close to 150 varieties. While the garden is open year round, peak blooming times are in June and September.

Where to fly on a budget this summer

Airfare experts share their forecasts for summer vacation destinations that won’t break your budget.

This summer is shaping up to be another scorcher , and the demand for summer travel is piping hot, too. If early 2024 trends are any indication of what’s to come, “it’s looking to be busier than 2023,” said Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the flight booking site Going . Recent airport passenger volume numbers have regularly exceeded last year and pre-pandemic levels.

Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com , says airline capacity has rebounded from pandemic complications, but strong travel demand means summer flight prices can be high, depending on when you’re hoping to go. Flying in June, July or early August will be more expensive than later in the season, according to the company’s summer forecast .

“And it’s not just the airfare,” Klee said in an email. “Expensive hotel rates and crowds everywhere make Western Europe tricky for the summer.”

Despite the price tag, “people are going to go,” said Melanie Fish, the head of global public relations for all Expedia Brands, including Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com . “When we look at searches for destinations, they are definitely up year over year.”

For popular destinations like Europe , Klee and Fish say to push trips later into August, September or even October. Not only will prices soften, but you’ll alleviate some of the strain of overtourism .

“My number one tip is go ahead and take that summer vacation, but maybe hold on to take that big, big trip in September,” Fish said.

According to Expedia’s summer 2024 travel outlook , we’re currently in the sweet spot for shopping for early summer flights at the best rates, as Fish says lower fares tend to pop up 21 to 60 days out. It doesn’t hurt to start your search even earlier, setting up price alerts to flag when airfare drops. If you can swing it, look to fly on a Monday for international trips or a Tuesday for domestic trips to save up to 15 percent on fares, Fish added.

It’s not impossible to find good deals on airfare, whether you’re looking for a tropical beach trip , a mountain adventure or a vibrant city. Here are places that are trending cheaper — and the destinations you’ll want to avoid.

Go to Mexico

Sun, surf, culture, chilaquiles — Mexico is always a good idea , but particularly so this summer. With the opening of the new airport in Tulum , U.S. airlines have been adding gobs of new flights to Mexico, particularly to beach regions. “We’ve seen a healthy amount of deals down to Mexico resort areas like Cancún,” Nastro said.

Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner , says three Mexican cities — Cancún, San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta — are among the top 10 destinations offering travelers the best bang for their buck in 2024.

To escape the summer heat, Phyllis Stoller, president of the Women’s Travel Group , recommends high-altitude destinations like Mexico City or Ixtapan de la Sal, a town near Mexico City with thermal springs.

Avoid European port cities

If you’re considering a visit to a popular European city that’s also a cruise hub, beware. Not only will you be battling the usual summer crowds, you’ll be joined by thousands of day-trippers flooding into the ports — meaning Barcelona, Venice , Athens and Santorini.

Sandra Weinacht, who co-owns the tour company Inside Europe Travel Experiences , says you can avoid some of the madness in these hot spots by staying in neighborhoods away from the typical tourist zones. You can also visit top sites in the late afternoon or evening, after cruise travelers have returned to their ships.

Better yet, wait to visit until the shoulder season

Go to Colorado

Epic hiking, breathtaking nature and more craft beer than you could ever try in a lifetime: The Centennial State is a domestic gem. Ashlee Collins of Inspirato , a luxury travel and lifestyle subscription service, says Vail is popular among members this summer. Not only is the ski resort beautiful sans snow, it’s drivable for many, cutting a significant cost for travelers.

Airfare to Colorado is looking more reasonable than other domestic vacation hubs. Nastro recently spotted a Miami-to-Denver, round-trip fare over the July Fourth holiday for just $199. She says an average round trip from major U.S. cities is running between $173 and $250, but those prices are expected to climb upward of $350 the closer we get to summer.

Avoid places at risk for wildfires

Wildfires have become an unfortunate fixture of summers in the Northern Hemisphere. Last year’s fires in Europe — including those in Cyprus and Greece — were among the worst so far this century, the European Commission reported .

Stoller says fire risk has been a factor in her summer travel planning; she nixed a New England cruise after remembering how bad smoke was last year because of the fires in Canada . “None of us can predict everything, but that would be something I would be aware of,” she said.

Extreme heat is also an issue. Last July, Southern Europe experienced excessively high temperatures from a “heat dome.”

“There’s a concern about heat,” Stoller said. “Last summer was really painful.”

Go to the Caribbean

The Caribbean has its peak tourist season during the winter, when Americans flock to warmer waters. That means summer trips to the region tend to be quieter and cheaper.

“You can go under $300 to pretty much all of the islands: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Aruba, Dominican Republic,” said Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer travel expert at Hopper . She’s seen similar price point flights to Colombia.

Lindsay of Skyscanner also said Puerto Rico and the Bahamas offer some of the most affordable flights from the United States this summer.

Avoid Paris

Unless you’re going for the Olympics , skip the French capital this summer.

“Paris is always a top destination in the summer, but this summer … it’s going to be on another level,” said Madison Pietrowski, head of U.S. brand at GetYourGuide .

Not only are hotel prices high, “we’re seeing that some of the top attractions like the Louvre have raised their ticket prices,” Pietrowski said.

Nastro says the crowds are going to be “bananas” during the Games, and not just in Paris. Olympic travelers are likely to add on other French destinations to their trip, like Nice — which will host soccer games — or the Côte d’Azur, which already gets popular in the summertime.

Even if you try to get ahead of the rush by visiting before the July 26 start date, you may still have some Olympics-related headaches in the French capital. As the city races to finish prep, “you might find that there’s going to be eyesores and scaffolding and loud noises early in the morning,” Nastro said.

Go to rural Europe

Interest in Western Europe has not slowed down, and Americans are expected to surge back en masse this summer. If you’d like to avoid them, put rural European destinations on your radar.

Weinacht is bullish on Spain’s Rioja region , the Basque countryside and the central Italian region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany but does not see the same levels of tourism. She’s also a fan of Carinthia, the least-populated state of Austria. “It is castle- and lake-dotted, doesn’t get too hot, and oh, the food and stories the cities and villages can tell,” Weinacht said in an email.

Weinacht says she’s been getting more requests from Americans for trips to her homeland, Germany. The country is easy to navigate with its high-speed trains, and offers a mix of small and big cities spread across powerhouse wine regions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and many food festivals . According to Skyscanner, airlines in the United States have been increasing their flights to Germany — namely, Frankfurt, an international business hub — meaning you may be able to find more deals.

Avoid Sicily and Amalfi

If your dream Italian destination has been featured on TV lately, that’s a red flag. The last season of “The White Lotus” spurred an interest in already popular Sicily ; the same is happening to the Amalfi Coast thanks to the new Netflix miniseries “Ripley.”

“They’re really going to be the most expensive and they’re going to be pretty crowded for the summer,” Schwimer said.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

Will I get seasick on a cruise? Here's what travelers should know.

Mackenzie Pollock had a feeling she’d get seasick on her first cruise .

The 29-year-old Oregon resident tends to get carsick, so when she felt nausea on a Caribbean sailing with Princess Cruises in February, it wasn’t a surprise. And she came prepared. 

Pollock talked to her doctor before the trip, who prescribed Scopolamine patches. She also stocked up on Bonine tablets after seeing videos about it online. “I’m a librarian,” she said. “I do copious amounts of research on everything.”

There were “days here and there” during the 20-day trip when she felt sick, like when they went in and out of Florida and sailed through a thunderstorm. But between the two medications and other coping strategies like sitting on her suite’s balcony, she was able to manage it and enjoy her time with family.

Getting seasick can put a damper on a cruise, but there are ways to keep it from ruining your trip.

Why do people get seasick?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. That happens when there is a difference between the information you get from your visual system, your inner ear and receptors in your muscles, according to Dr. Kathleen Cullen, a professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. In a cruise ship cabin, for instance, the surroundings might appear stable even while the vessel is moving.

“And this mismatch between what your visual system is experiencing and what your balance organs are telling your brain about how you're moving is sort of an alert signal to your brain that something is wrong,” said Cullen. “So, it's a sensory conflict that actually is the big problem.”

Motion sickness symptoms can include nausea, dizziness and vomiting. 

Some travelers are more vulnerable than others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those include kids between 2 and 12, and people who have a history of migraines, vertigo and vestibular disorders. “Pregnancy, menstruation, and taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives have also been identified as potential risk factors,” the health agency said on its website .

On the other hand, people older than 50 are less likely to develop it, and toddlers and infants are usually immune.

What is the worst cruise for seasickness?

While modern cruise ships have stabilizers that reduce their roll, some itineraries are more prone to choppy waters.

“If you're doing a transatlantic over to England , the North Atlantic can be pretty gnarly, especially in the winter,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises. The Drake Passage, a feature of many Antarctica expedition sailings , is also notoriously treacherous.

Travelers can seek out calmer seas, though. ( Click here for USA TODAY’s guide to the best times to cruise by region.)

Where is the best cabin to avoid seasickness?

The bow of the ship tends to bounce up and down, said Pickett. “Lower in the ship, middle (and just aft of middle) minimizes the movement,” he added.

Booking a stateroom with a window so you can keep an eye on the horizon or getting fresh air – like Pollock did on her balcony – could also be helpful, Cullen said.

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

How do I stop being seasick on a cruise?

Travelers can bring medications and other remedies with them. Prescription Scopolamine patches can help get passengers “over the hump,” Cullen said. There are also other over-the-counter medications like Dramamine.

Those can make users drowsy. Travelers should talk to their doctor about their options ahead of their cruise.

Ginger candies or ginger ale – made with real ginger – and acupressure wristbands may also be helpful.

After you board, Cullen recommends watching the horizon on the ship’s outer decks. “That's a pretty good way to keep yourself, initially, from getting motion sick if you're prone to it,” she said.

The CDC offers other suggestions , including lying down, closing your eyes and sleeping; limiting caffeinated and alcoholic drinks; eating small portions of food often; and not smoking.

What other options do passengers have?

Cruise ships generally have onboard medical staff that can treat a range of ailments, and Pickett said the vessels keep a supply of seasickness medication on hand.

During an Antarctica expedition I took with Aurora Expeditions in December, crew members also placed barf bags around the ship that passengers could grab if they felt sick while outside their rooms.

Pollock said feeling seasick didn’t put her off cruising, and she and her family plan to take another. “It was frustrating when it happened, but it didn't overshadow the trip at all.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

More From Forbes

10 perfect jobs for people who love to travel.

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With many jobs requiring frequent travel, some professionals purposely seek out these opportunities ... [+] that afford them the chance to see the world.

My parents and extended family were almost all teachers and educators. With two months of summer off from work, along with plenty of vacation days, they had the privilege of enjoying both their work and traveling around the world.

They were bitten by the wanderlust bug. At family events, everyone would share their most recent exciting trip. My family seamlessly blended their love of travel, exploring new and different sites, with their occupation of teaching elementary, middle and high school students.

Is Frequent Traveling Compatible With Your Lifestyle?

With many jobs requiring frequent travel, some professionals purposely seek out these opportunities that afford them the chance to see the world. During the job search process, it is critical for professionals to consider how much travel is required to perform a specific role successfully. By carefully evaluating the travel requirements, candidates can make informed decisions about jobs that are a compatible fit for their circumstances, preferences and career aspirations.

Extensive travel can disrupt personal and family life, making it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Professionals with caregiving obligations may find frequent travel particularly burdensome or impossible.

However, for those who have wanderlust, a career that offers the opportunity to get paid to explore new places may be a dream come true. In these roles, accommodations and travel expenses are often covered, while you get to immerse yourself in different cultures.

Jobs For Travel Lovers

If you have been bitten by the travel bug, here are 10 occupations you should consider that will earn you a paycheck for traveling.

Traveling for work and meeting new people can strengthen your professional network and lead to potential clients and customers. Moreover, demonstrating that you can adapt to new environments can be a valuable soft skill in your career.

1. Flight Attendant

Average Base Salary: $39,077

Job Summary: A flight attendant is a trained individual who ensures the safety and comfort of passengers on an aircraft. They provide customer service, conduct safety demonstrations and respond to emergencies during flights.

Qualifications: Applicants are usually required to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Successful completion of an airline-specific training program or orientation is necessary. This training is provided by the airline and covers aspects such as safety procedures, emergency protocols and customer service. Flight attendants must also be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration to work on each type of aircraft they serve on.

2. Airline Pilot

Average Base Salary: $108,544

Job Summary: An airline pilot is a professional responsible for flying and navigating airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft. Their duties include conducting pre-flight checks, developing flight plans, ensuring the safety and integrity of the aircraft and maintaining communication with the flight crew and air traffic controllers.

Qualifications: Airline pilots typically need a bachelor's degree, experience as a commercial or military pilot and must meet FAA requirements, including completing 250 flight hours with a pilot ground school. After you have passed your written ground school test and logged your hours, you will need to pass a check-ride with the FAA.

3. Management Consultant

Average Base Salary: $92,345

Job Summary: Management consultants work closely with domestic or international clients to provide business solutions to organizational issues involving maximizing business performance, business processes and revenue streams. A management consultant can offer expertise in a range of fields, such as business management, marketing, business strategy, supply chain and employee productivity.

Qualifications: Most employers require applicants to have completed, at minimum, a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, such as business administration, economics or finance.

Average Base Salary: $77,965

Job Summary: An auditor examines an organization's records, accounts and finances to ensure accuracy and compliance, as well as identify and mitigate risks. There are several disciplines within auditing, including financial; environmental, health and safety; external; internal; forensic and information technology. Because auditors attend frequent client meetings, they travel extensively to company sites, including internationally.

Qualifications: Similar to the education path of an accountant, aspiring auditors are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, like finance or business.

5. Tour Guide

Average Base Salary: $35,290

Job Summary: A tour guide leads visitors through historical sites, museums, geographic destinations or outdoor excursions, extolling relevant cultural, historical and practical knowledge.

Qualifications: Most tour guide jobs require at least the completion of a high school diploma, while some employers desire a four-year degree to lead a museum tour. Additionally, some states require you to obtain a tour guide license.

6. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Average Base Salary: $75,806

Job Summary: A pharmaceutical sales representative travels to different locations to sell pharmaceutical products and devices to healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses.

Qualifications: To become a pharmaceutical sales representative, most employers require at least a high school diploma or GED. Your qualifications will lie in your ability to build relationships and be persuasive.

7. Travel Nurse

Average Base Salary: $114,279

Job Summary: A travel nurse is a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who works short-term contracts in various locations where healthcare facilities are understaffed. When contracts end, travel nurses either extend their stay at the same hospital or move on to a new location and opportunity.

Qualifications: Travel nurses must complete a state-approved nursing program, an associate degree in nursing or a B.S. in nursing to pursue licensure where they permanently reside. They must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination.

Typically, you cannot become a travel nurse right out of college, as clinical experience is generally required.

The Nurse Licensure Compact allows licensed RNs to practice legally in 39 participating states. If your location does not fall under the NLC, you must apply for state-specific licensure before you begin employment. Some states may fast track temporary licenses.

8. Construction Manager

Average Base Salary: $91,022

Job Summary: Construction managers oversee the development of buildings and infrastructure, managing tasks onsite, scheduling, budgeting and supervising projects from start to finish. Although they have a main office, construction managers travel to field offices on-site.

Qualifications: When hiring construction managers, most employers prefer they have a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture or civil engineering. However, it is possible to get hired with an associate degree in construction management or technology combined with relevant work experience in the field.

9. Professional Interpreter

Average Base Salary: $53,543

Job Summary: A professional interpreter enables communication between two or more parties who speak different languages. Interpreters can only render oral language, while translators specialize in written text. The most common areas of specialization include: conference, guide, media, public sector, medical and legal. Interpreters, especially liaison or escort interpreters, travel frequently to provide language support.

Qualifications: Professional interpreters are generally required to hold a bachelor's degree, while organizations like the United Nations recommend a master's degree. They should be highly proficient in at least two languages, including the source language (the language spoken by the interpreter) and the target language (the language in which they are interpreting).

10. Diplomat (Foreign Service Officer)

Average Base Salary: $97,246

Job Summary: The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity and protect American citizens while advancing U.S. interests abroad. American diplomats can be employed at any of the more than 270 international embassies or consulates.

Qualifications: While there is no specific academic degree or professional experience required to become an FSO, all applicants must undergo a rigorous hiring process. This consists of a written Foreign Service Officer test, a written personal narrative, an oral interview combined with role-playing exercises and a medical and security clearance review.

Diplomats are generally skilled negotiators with outstanding interpersonal skills who possess knowledge of foreign policy and languages.

Digital Nomad

Alternatively, the digital nomad lifestyle offers a unique work experience that comes with the autonomy of not being chained to an office. Like the name implies, it affords professionals with the opportunity to work remotely while traveling freely.

If you are looking for a job change that will be more suitable to your desire to travel, consider freelance projects or finding companies that offer remote positions. A downside to the digital nomad lifestyle is that you will be responsible to cover your own travel expenses, such as transportation, lodging and meals.

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Injured Guardians reliever will travel with team to Atlanta and Texas

• Updated: Apr. 25, 2024, 2:46 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 12:16 p.m.

James Karinchak will travel with the Guardians on their upcoming trip to Atlanta and Houston while he continues to rehab his injured shoulder. MLB Photos via Getty Images

• Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — James Karinchak was spotted in the Guardians clubhouse ahead of Thursday’s series finale against Boston at Progressive Field. The right-hander has been on the 60-day injured list since March 28 as he continues to recover from shoulder soreness that he experienced in spring training.

Manager Stephen Vogt said Karinchak will travel during the upcoming six-game road trip to Atlanta and Houston under the watchful eye of Guardians trainers and coaches.

“It’s a good time for our pitching guys to get their eyes on him,” Vogt said. “He’s getting closer to getting to the mound, so we just thought it would be a good time for him to come get with the guys, mix in with them. Also, just a chance for our trainers and pitching coaches to get their hands on him and see where he is at.”

Karinchak has progressed to throwing at 250 feet and is continuing to build toward a return to the mound, Vogt told reporters Tuesday. He is not eligible to come off the injured list until May 30, but will likely need several rehab appearances in minor league games before then.

Karinchak split last season between Cleveland and Triple-A Columbus, spending three extended stints on the major league roster. He finished with a 3.23 ERA in 39 innings across 44 appearances. Karinchack was 2-4 with a 3.90 ERA through 32 outings before he was optioned on June 10.

In his August and September stints with the Guardians, Karinchak made 10 scoreless appearances in 12 outings and posted a 1.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts. Karinchak’s walk numbers climbed in 2023 as he pitched to a 6.46 walks per nine innings and a career-low strikeout to walk ratio of 1.86. Still, the righty held opposing hitters to a .178 batting average and had the third-lowest opponent average among MLB relievers from 2019 to 2013 behind Devin Williams and Josh Hader.

More Guardians coverage

• The most surprising thing about the Guardians; Evan Mobley, difference maker; Deshaun Watson vs. Russell Wilson: Terry’s Talkin’ podcast
• José Ramírez’s grand slam ties Jim Thome for 12th on Guardians’ all-time hits list (video)
• Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox starting lineups for April 25, 2024: Game No. 25

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