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Compare flights from 100s of sites.

Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline tickets sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

New York Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Newark (ATL - EWR) $39+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $39+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $51+
• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $52+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $56+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $56+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $57+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $64+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $66+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $70+
• Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $74+
• Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $97+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $116+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $127+
• Flight Denver - New York (DEN - LGA) $137+
• Flight Burbank - Newark (BUR - EWR) $153+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - JFK) $167+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - JFK) $199+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $217+
• Flight Seattle - New York (SEA - JFK) $229+
• Flight San Francisco - Newark (SFO - EWR) $256+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - JFK) $267+
• Flight Ontario - New York (ONT - JFK) $275+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - JFK) $289+

Orlando Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Orlando (BWI - MCO) $35+
• Flight Philadelphia - Orlando (PHL - MCO) $37+
• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $39+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $39+
• Flight Detroit - Orlando (DTW - MCO) $50+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (HOU - MCO) $55+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (IAH - MCO) $55+

London Flights

• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $365+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $379+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $401+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $421+
• Flight Newark - London (EWR - LHR) $421+
• Flight Baltimore - London (BWI - LHR) $427+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LHR) $456+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - London (IAD - LGW) $458+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $462+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $35+
• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $36+
• Flight Dallas - Fort Lauderdale (DFW - FLL) $37+
• Flight Baltimore - Fort Lauderdale (BWI - FLL) $39+
• Flight Chicago - Fort Lauderdale (ORD - FLL) $39+
• Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $39+
• Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $39+

Boston Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $40+
• Flight Houston - Boston (HOU - BOS) $51+
• Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $55+
• Flight Philadelphia - Boston (PHL - BOS) $58+
• Flight Miami - Boston (MIA - BOS) $62+
• Flight Atlanta - Boston (ATL - BOS) $63+
• Flight Orlando - Boston (MCO - BOS) $66+

India Flights

• Flight Chicago - Hyderabad (ORD - HYD) $496+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $506+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $520+
• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $527+
• Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $553+
• Flight New York - Kochi (JFK - COK) $588+
• Flight New York - Hyderabad (JFK - HYD) $601+

Japan Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $526+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $594+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - HND) $739+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - NRT) $750+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - HND) $751+
• Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - NRT) $753+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - HND) $762+

Phoenix Flights

• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $39+
• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $53+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $55+
• Flight Denver - Phoenix (DEN - PHX) $58+
• Flight San Diego - Phoenix (SAN - PHX) $64+
• Flight San Francisco - Phoenix (SFO - PHX) $73+
• Flight Seattle - Phoenix (SEA - PHX) $76+

Honolulu Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $249+
• Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $267+
• Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $277+
• Flight Oakland - Honolulu (OAK - HNL) $282+
• Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $302+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $308+
• Flight Las Vegas - Honolulu (LAS - HNL) $363+

Los Angeles Flights

• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $39+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $54+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $57+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (HOU - LAX) $59+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (IAH - LAX) $59+
• Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $64+
• Flight Atlanta - Los Angeles (ATL - LAX) $69+
• Flight Newark - Los Angeles (EWR - LAX) $69+
• Flight Minneapolis - Los Angeles (MSP - LAX) $76+

Chicago Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - ORD) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $39+
• Flight Houston - Chicago (HOU - ORD) $45+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $47+
• Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $50+
• Flight Orlando - Chicago (MCO - ORD) $66+
• Flight Baltimore - Chicago (BWI - ORD) $68+

Denver Flights

• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Denver (DFW - DEN) $58+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $68+
• Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $68+
• Flight Detroit - Denver (DTW - DEN) $78+
• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $78+
• Flight San Francisco - Denver (SFO - DEN) $78+

Washington, D.C. Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $39+
• Flight Orlando - Baltimore (MCO - BWI) $39+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $40+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (IAH - BWI) $57+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $68+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $73+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $87+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $123+
• Flight Seattle - Baltimore (SEA - BWI) $124+
• Flight Minneapolis - Washington, D.C. (MSP - DCA) $158+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $167+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $178+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $183+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $187+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $194+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $194+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $199+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $213+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $227+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $230+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $251+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - DCA) $251+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - IAD) $258+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $285+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $33+
• Flight Orlando - Atlanta (MCO - ATL) $35+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $38+
• Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $38+
• Flight Philadelphia - Atlanta (PHL - ATL) $38+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (ORD - ATL) $39+
• Flight Dallas - Atlanta (DFW - ATL) $39+

United States Flights

• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $39+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $51+
• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $51+
• Flight Los Angeles - Dallas (LAX - DFW) $55+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $56+
• Flight New York - Fort Lauderdale (LGA - FLL) $61+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $212+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $237+
• Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $267+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $302+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $308+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $336+
• Flight Las Vegas - Hawaii (LAS - USHI) $363+

Tampa Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $38+
• Flight Chicago - Tampa (ORD - TPA) $43+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $45+
• Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Tampa (DFW - TPA) $53+
• Flight New York - Tampa (LGA - TPA) $65+
• Flight Detroit - Tampa (DTW - TPA) $68+

Houston Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $39+
• Flight Philadelphia - Houston (PHL - IAH) $45+
• Flight Orlando - Houston (MCO - IAH) $48+
• Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $53+
• Flight Miami - Houston (MIA - IAH) $53+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Houston (FLL - IAH) $60+
• Flight Detroit - Houston (DTW - IAH) $61+

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $21+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $38+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $39+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $39+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $39+
• Flight Portland - Las Vegas (PDX - LAS) $56+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $66+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $66+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $68+
• Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $70+
• Flight Baltimore - Las Vegas (BWI - LAS) $71+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $76+
• Flight Chicago - Las Vegas (ORD - LAS) $79+

Miami Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $33+
• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $38+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $39+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $39+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $45+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $46+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $55+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $58+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $59+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $59+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $66+
• Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $74+
• Flight Cincinnati - Miami (CVG - MIA) $78+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $81+
• Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $88+
• Flight Cleveland - Miami (CLE - MIA) $99+
• Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $111+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $159+
• Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $163+
• Flight Seattle - Miami (SEA - MIA) $178+
• Flight Ontario - Miami (ONT - MIA) $183+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $48+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $69+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $73+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $78+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $91+
• Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $98+
• Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $101+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (MDW - SFO) $112+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $134+
• Flight Minneapolis - San Francisco (MSP - SFO) $136+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (ORD - SFO) $155+
• Flight Houston - San Francisco (HOU - SFO) $160+
• Flight Houston - San Francisco (IAH - SFO) $160+
• Flight Austin - San Francisco (AUS - SFO) $174+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $78+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $80+
• Flight Burbank - Seattle (BUR - SEA) $81+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $88+
• Flight Santa Ana - Seattle (SNA - SEA) $88+
• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $91+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $91+

Paris Flights

• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $289+
• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $293+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $293+
• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $296+
• Flight Newark - Paris (EWR - ORY) $412+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - ORY) $414+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - ORY) $419+

Europe Flights

• Flight Newark - Barcelona (EWR - BCN) $349+
• Flight New York - Madrid (JFK - MAD) $406+
• Flight New York - Athens (JFK - ATH) $417+
• Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $417+

Florida Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $35+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $37+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $39+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $52+
• Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $56+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $58+

Dallas Flights

• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $37+
• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $39+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $39+
• Flight Phoenix - Dallas (PHX - DFW) $39+
• Flight Tampa - Dallas (TPA - DFW) $47+
• Flight Baltimore - Dallas (BWI - DFW) $56+
• Flight Minneapolis - Dallas (MSP - DFW) $57+

San Diego Flights

• Flight Houston - San Diego (HOU - SAN) $39+
• Flight Houston - San Diego (IAH - SAN) $39+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $39+
• Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $48+
• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $54+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $56+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $68+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was March. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Search cheap flights with KAYAK. Search for the cheapest airline tickets for all the top airlines around the world and the top international flight routes . KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book a flight that suits you best. Since KAYAK searches many plane ticket sites at once, you can find cheap tickets from cheap airlines and for trains and buses quickly.

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Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist

Meaningful and authentic teen travel. explore our 2024 programs..

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Authentic travel.

We are committed to our mission of inspiring youth and providing transformative travel experiences. We use a hands-on approach to discover what it means to live like a local in each destination. Our programs instill a love for travel, hunger for learning, and genuine curiosity about different cultures.

Ditch the tour bus and have a real traveler’s experience with us this summer!

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Europe for Middle School: Greece, Italy & the Islands

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Europe for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps & Venice

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Why TFT is the best in youth travel

Local experiences.

Our mission is authentic travel. We partner with local experts to create enriching experiences that teach teens to be savvy travelers. Every program is designed to be hands-on—emphasizing doing and feeling, in addition to just seeing, so teens discover what it means to live like a local in every country we visit.

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Group sizes of 16-24 students allow us to travel comfortably and to make real connections to each other and the host community. Participants come from a mix of different states, regions, and countries. We also welcome solo travelers — 75% of our teens join us without a friend!

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Travel isn’t just about new places; it’s about new perspectives. We encourage teens to step outside their comfort zone and into cultural immersion. They leave our programs with a better understanding of the world and with the confidence to keep exploring!

The Most Variety

We offer more programs in more destinations than any other teen travel company. With over 100 programs and 40+ countries to choose from, you’re sure to find a program that’s the perfect fit.

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Authenticity is ingrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

"Finding your program was a gift! It is the BEST opportunity out there for children to travel the world with like-minded peers & reasonable responsible and fun-loving young adults who want to go and explore these incredible cultures and countries. I appreciated how clear you made it that kids can come without friends and a willingness to make new friends. The trip had it all… adventure, history, independence, amazing people, great food, and beautiful lodging all while keeping mom and dad at home informed and feeling like all is well with their child as they grow and experience this incredible gift of grace. I am very grateful for you all and the HUGE team that makes this program work so smoothly. Thank you tons and tons. Travel on and keep up the great work!!!" Parent Europe for Older Teens: Prague, Austria, Slovenia & Croatia

"This is simply one of the best things we ever did for Ethan. That first trip opened him to a new world. Different cultures, food, diversity, sights, relationships, team building, confidence, independence...only a few of the positive gains for Ethan. Now, he is off to George Washington University with confidence, excitement, and an awareness for others for which we are so grateful. We are pleased and appreciative beyond words to be a member of the TFT family for a lifetime!" Diana S. Paoli, PA

"Thank you for giving Kat such a great experience. She had a wonderful time. You guys are terrific. The great parental bonus -- and I'm sure you hear this all the time -- is the photographs and the daily email. We get to see what the kids are seeing and we get to see the group and we get to see our teen. What could be better? Viewing the pictures became our evening ritual: out on the deck overlooking suburbia, sipping cold drinks, and oohing and ahhing over the photos, feeling almost like we were there. I'm sure you're awash in praise like this -- as you should be. Kat had such an enriching trip. Thank you very much! With any luck she'll be back next summer." Tom and Madora K. Old Lyme, CT

"I have traveled with TFT for four summers now, exploring Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji and Greece. These trips have been the highlight of my summers. They have broadened my horizons and strengthened my confidence. Going on these trips and meeting new people changed how I view the world. I love having conversations with locals and people I meet along the way. The small TFT groups and the knowledgeable and enthusiastic group leaders make for a fun and eye-opening experience. What sets TFT apart is that we immerse ourselves in the culture and we are not just tourists. We meet locals, hear stories about their lives, and it is truly invigorating. Travel For Teens has given me so much more than fun memories over the summer. They have given me the ability to be comfortable talking to anyone, being in new places, having a widened perspective on other cultures, and to be independent. On my Costa Rica and Fiji trips, we volunteered with school children. In a very short time we made deep connections that I will always cherish. I feel so fortunate to have had my eyes opened through TFT to so many beautiful places and memorable people." Anna F. Basking Ridge, NJ

Unforgettable Adventures Off the Beaten Path

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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.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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Venice’s Tourist Fee Is Now in Effect — What to Know

The fee is in place for day-visitors over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stacey Wreathall/Travel + Leisure

Day visitors to Venice on Thursday had to pay to get in as the famous city started implementing the much-talked about day trip fee.

Travelers hoping to explore the Italian city had to pony up €5 ($5.36) per person at the train station. The fee, which was first floated as an idea in 2019 but postponed several times , will initially be in effect for 29 days and cover most weekends through mid-July.

“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’’ Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official, told The Associated Press . “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”

The dates the fee is in effect were displayed on large signs at Venice’s main train station on Thursday, the wire service reported, with separate entrances available for tourists, and residents, students, and workers.

The fee, which is in effect for travelers over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., can be paid online . Day visitors who pay in advance receive a QR code, which they must then show to officials at Venice's main access points.

On Thursday, the AP noted there were stewards available to help travelers unaware of the new rules to download the QR code and pay.

Tourists who are staying overnight will not have to pay the new day fee, but must apply online for an exemption . Overnight guests who book a hotel stay are already subject to a different tax.

This fee is the city’s latest effort to address overtourism. In January, Venice built on that goal by announcing plans to limit the number of travelers allowed on tour groups to no more than 25 people. That rule will apply to Venice’s historic center as well as the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

These efforts come months after UNESCO spared Venice from its list of world heritage sites in danger once again despite recommendations to add it.

Minnesota travel agent under fire again for cancelled trips, customers stranded

Mn travel agent leaves many stranded in costa rica.

A Minnesota travel agent left about 71 travelers stranded with no accommodations in Costa Rica. In March, the same travel agent left some Minnesotans stranded in Florida after cruise booking issues. FOX 9's Karen Scullin has the latest.

(FOX 9) - The stories about Minnesota travel agent Monica Faulkner just keep piling up.

First, a group of cruise passengers say they were left stranded at the dock in March after she apparently didn’t book the trip for them, even though they had paid.

Now, there is chaos in Costa Rica after her travel group lands in the country with no place to stay, and an Aruba group of travelers just found out their Mother’s Day trip was suddenly canceled.

This past Saturday, Minnesota travel agent Monica Faulkner took a group of about 71 travelers to Costa Rica.

Even though the group paid in full, the travel agent apparently hadn’t put their money down on accommodations. At some point, Faulkner had called a liaison in Costa Rica at the last minute to find property owners who would take her group to various condos, AirBnB’s and other places.

A Costa Rica property owner told FOX 9 the whole thing was so odd, but she figured the hotel must have been overbooked, so she was happy to help. But she noticed Faulkner was kind of avoiding the group she brought with her.

"She [Faulkner] was like ‘don’t say anything to these people," Costa Rica property owner Jennfier Little said.

Then Faulkner signed a lease with Little and handed over her passport as collateral with a promise to pay for two nights in two days, which would be on Monday. They set up a meeting spot, but Faulkner didn’t show up.

"We heard she might have been abducted, then we heard she was at the hospital, then we heard all this stuff," Little said.

Little even went to the luxury condo she had booked for her and her family and knocked on the door. Faulkner wasn’t there, and she had the door slammed in her face, she said.

On Wednesday, the property owners were told to meet Faulkner again for payment when Little said Faulkner demanded her passport back. Little and her husband refused, but Faulkner grabbed it anyway.

Little recorded video of Monica on the phone, supposedly trying to send her the money owed.

"PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, none of that was going through," Little said. "Then other people she owes money, $3,051 – they sent her an invoice on PayPal, and that’s when she started acting like she was going to pass out."

Meanwhile, the travelers who were put into the last minute accommodation were kicked out because Faulkner had not paid the property owners. Some of them flew home, while others paid extra to stay.

But it wasn’t just Costa Rica. FOX 9 was told by other travelers set to vacation in Aruba that their trip was suddenly canceled two weeks before they were set to leave.

After receiving no confirmation or room numbers from Faulkner, the travelers called the hotel they had reservations at to find out more, and found out they were never booked. The travelers allegedly paid Faulkner at least $2,500 each for a room.

"I gave him [the hotel] the name of everybody in my party, and they said no one has a room under their name. I’m like that’s crazy because we gave this lady a total of $5,600," said Antionette Steele.

On Sunday, Faulkner called some of the Aruba traveling party saying the trip was canceled, while others just stopped getting communications all together. Another woman who was set to go on the Aruba trip, Renee Pepper, said Faulkner’s number was going straight to voicemail and she wasn’t responding to Facebook messages.

Little received all but $125 returned, she believes because she had her sign a lease.

Others in Costa Rica were more trusting and are currently out well over $10,000. They tried to file court papers to stop Faulkner from leaving the country, but she reportedly left on Thursday.

No one on the Aruba trip has yet to receive any money back.

Minnesotans stranded after cruise booking mishap

Dozens of Twin Cities cruise passengers were left stranded in Florida after cruise ship booking issues with a travel agent and Carnival Cruises. FOX 9's Karen Scullin has the story.

Survey: 1 in 3 American travelers plan to go into debt for vacations

Perhaps your summers hold fond memories of strolling along the beach, hiking mountains or trying new foods at a destination hundreds of miles from home. If so, are you planning to keep the travel streak going this year? Would you go into debt for it?

A new Bankrate survey found that only about half (53 percent) of Americans are planning a summer vacation in 2024. Of those who plan to travel this summer, more than 1 in 3 (36 percent) are willing to go into debt to pay for it.

On the other hand, another half (47 percent) of Americans plan to skip their summer vacation this year, citing affordability as the main issue (65 percent).

Some summer travelers plan to take on debt for their vacation.

More than one-third (36 percent) of aspiring summer vacationers said in the survey that they plan to use debt to pay for their travels.

This is par for the course when compared to another March 2024 Bankrate survey that asked Americans whether they’d go into debt to pay for fun this year. In that survey, 27 percent said they’d be willing to go into debt to travel, 14 percent to dine out and 13 percent to attend a live entertainment event this year overall — not just in the summer.

Ted Rossman, Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst, cautions against racking up expensive credit card debt.

“I don’t want to tell people they can’t have any fun, but I do worry about taking on debt for discretionary purchases such as vacations, especially with credit card balances and rates at record highs,” he says.

A majority of summer travelers will pay with a credit card.

Credit cards are summer travelers’ preferred payment method — 62 percent will use a credit card for at least some of their trip expenses. Forty-three percent of summer travelers plan to use a credit card that they pay in full, and 26 percent plan to use a card and carry the balance over multiple billing cycles. Some people are doing both.

Interestingly, a January 2024 Bankrate survey found that, of the 44 percent of credit cardholders carrying debt from month to month, 2 in 3 cardholders try to maximize rewards. If you can pay your balance in full, a travel credit card is a great way to earn while you spend and put rewards toward future trips.

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