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The 2024 WOW List: 95 Top Local Fixers in Countries Worldwide

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The WOW List is a collection of exceptionally knowledgeable and well-connected trip planners around the world. They have been rigorously road-tested, based on my decades of experience as a travel journalist and based on the latest trip reviews from travelers who used my WOW approach to ensure an extraordinary trip. In 2023 they quickly found solutions to the travel complications and disruption that arose: They rerouted travelers away from wildfires and floods, kept them cool and comfy amid extreme heat, helped them bypass unprecedented tourist crowds and lines, restored whole days of sightseeing missed because of flight cancellations, and lessened the impact of hotels’ sky-high prices, understaffing, and skimpflation. We know they did this because of your trip reviews . We continue to monitor trips and update The WOW List in real time.

HOW TO GET A WOW TRIP 1. Find the right local fixer for your needs below. 2. Click their CONTACT button and share the details of your dream trip via my questionnaire. 3. Done! The local expert will reach out to you directly and quickly.

START WITH MY QUESTIONNAIRE • That’s how you get VIP treatment and these WOW benefits . • It’s how the WOW Lister knows that I sent you and that you will be reviewing your trip. Your trip reviews determine who remains on The WOW List. • It’s the only way I can advise you and monitor your trip from the most important moment—the conception and initial design. • It’s the only way your trip will count toward a WOW Moment .

WOW TRIP COSTS AND STYLE What these local fixers do is custom-tailor a private itinerary exactly to your trip goals and travel style, get you special access to iconic sights, and mastermind all the trip logistics so that you don’t have to. Trips start at about $10K to $15K, depending on your destination and timing.

FOR MORE GUIDANCE Not sure where to travel or who is the best fit for your specific trip needs and goals? Click to Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation.

Africa Asia Australia and Pacific Canada Caribbean, Central America, Mexico Cruises and Yacht Charters Europe Middle East South America USA

Egypt Jim Berkeley, Destinations & Adventures International

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Read Jim’s Insider’s Guide to Egypt .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jim Read Trip Reviews

Morocco Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui and Radia Tehitahe, Experience Morocco

Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui and Radia Tehitahe: Morocco

Read Hicham and Radia’s Insider’s Guide to the Sahara Desert .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Hicham and Radia Read Trip Reviews

Morocco Michael Diamond, Cobblestone Private Travel

Michael Diamond

Read Michael’s Insider’s Guide to Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, Morocco .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Michael Read Trip Reviews

Safaris: Southern and Central Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius Cherri Briggs, Explore, Inc.

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Read Cherri’s Insider’s Guides to Namibia Adventures , Zimbabwe , Zambia ,  and Madagascar .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Cherri Read Trip Reviews

Safaris: East Africa and South Africa Dan Saperstein, Hippo Creek Safaris

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Read Dan’s Insider’s Guides to South Africa Safaris   and East Africa Safaris .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Dan Read Trip Reviews

Safaris: Southern and East Africa Julian Harrison, Premier Tours

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Read Julian’s Insider’s Guides to Botswana’s Small Safari Camps   and Cape Town and South Africa’s Winelands .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Julian Read Trip Reviews

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Bali and Indonesia Diane Embree, Michael’s Travel Centre/Bali Barong Tours

Diane Embree

Read Diane’s Insider’s Guide to Bali .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Diane Read Trip Reviews

Central Asia, the Silk Road, and Uzbekistan Zulya Rajabova, Silk Road Treasure Tours

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Read Zulya’s Insider’s Guide to Uzbekistan .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Zulya Read Trip Reviews

China: Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Mei Zhang, WildChina

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Read Mei’s Insider’s Guides to Beijing , Yunnan Province , and China’s Big Cities and Small Villages .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mei Read Trip Reviews

India, Bhutan, Nepal Sanjay Saxena, Nomadic Expeditions

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Read Sanjay’s Insider’s Guides to Agra and the Taj Mahal , Delhi , and Secrets of India .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sanjay Read Trip Reviews

India Bertie and Victoria Dyer, India Beat

Bertie and Victoria Dyer

Read Bertie and Victoria’s Insider’s Guides to Rajasthan   and Mumbai .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Bertie and Victoria Read Trip Reviews

Japan Scott Gilman, JapanQuest Journeys

Scott Gilman

Read Scott’s Insider’s Guide to Classic Japan .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Scott Read Trip Reviews

The Maldives and the Seychelles Justin Parkinson, Linara Travel

Justin Parkinson

Read Justin’s Insider’s Guides to the Maldives   and the Seychelles .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Justin Read Trip Reviews

Mongolia Jalsa Urubshurow, Nomadic Expeditions

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Read Jalsa’s Insider’s Guide to Mongolia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jalsa Read Trip Reviews

Sri Lanka Miguel Cunat, Sri Lanka in Style

Miguel Cunat

Read Miguel’s Insider’s Guide to Sri Lanka .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Miguel Read Trip Reviews

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Sandy Ferguson and Ethan Crowley, Asia Desk

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Read Sandy and Ethan’s Insider’s Guides to Thailand , Vietnam , Southeast Asia , Bangkok , and Laos .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sandy and Ethan Read Trip Reviews

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Daniel Fraser, Smiling Albino

Daniel Fraser

Read Daniel’s Insider’s Guide to Thailand Like You’ve Never Seen It .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Daniel Read Trip Reviews

Australia and Pacific

Australia Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings

Stuart Rigg

Read Stuart’s Insider’s Guides to Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Stuart Read Trip Reviews

French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea) and the Cook Islands Kleon Howe, The Art of Travel

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Read Kleon’s Insider’s Guide to Bora Bora, Tahiti and French Polynesia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Kleon Read Trip Reviews

New Zealand Jean-Michel Jefferson, Ahipara

Jean-Michel Jefferson

Read Jean-Michel’s Insider’s Guides to Active New Zealand and Queenstown .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jean-Michel Read Trip Reviews

New Zealand and Australia Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings

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Read Sarah’s Insider’s Guide to New Zealand and Australia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sarah Read Trip Reviews

Atlantic Canada: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island Jill Curran, Maxxim Vacations

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Read Jill’s Insider’s Guide to Newfoundland and Labrador . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jill Read Trip Reviews

French Canada: Quebec Centuries of history, majestic megafauna, indigenous culture, pristine landscapes, and a strong dose of France, all within a short flight (or even a drive) of many U.S. locales: This is Quebec. Browse Montreal’s street art with an internationally acclaimed artist, hop on a seaplane for a picnic on a remote beach, get VIP access to observe whales and black bears in the wild. Click on the button below and we’ll connect you with a side of Canada you’ve never seen before.

Pacific Northwest: British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies Sheri Doyle, Pacific Northwest Journeys

Sheri Doyle

Read Sheri’s Insider’s Guides to Seattle , San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula , and California Coast .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sheri Read Trip Reviews

Western Canada: British Columbia, Canadian Rockies, Northwest Territories, Yukon Marc Telio, Entrée Canada

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Read Marc’s Insider’s Guide to British Colombia . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Marc Read Trip Reviews

Caribbean, Central America, Mexico

Bahamas and Caribbean Yacht Charters Picture sparkling seas, the waves lapping at your boat, a captain who knows every secret snorkeling spot, toes-in-the-sand beach bars where you can stop for a drink, fabulously fresh seafood—prepared by your private chef—to enjoy at night…. All that can be yours when you charter your own vessel. But of the hundreds that are based in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, which to choose? And how do you know that its crew can make the magic happen, and that its water toys are up to snuff? We know yacht-charter experts who spend a good portion of every year inspecting boats and their crews to find the very best. Tell us what you have in mind, and we can match you to the right specialist for your specific needs.

Belize Patricia Johnson and Rachael Wilson, Absolute Belize

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Read Patricia and Rachael’s Belize Insider’s Guide: Azure Waters, Green Jungle . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Patricia and Rachael Read Trip Reviews

Cabo Julie Byrd, CaboVillas.com

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Read Julie’s Insider’s Guides to Los Cabos Villa Vacations   and Los Cabos Beach Vacations .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Julie Read Trip Reviews

Caribbean Islands and Dive Vacations Meg Austin

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Read Meg’s Insider’s Guide to the Scuba Diving in the Caribbean and Bahamas . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Meg Read Trip Reviews

Costa Rica Irene Edwards, GreenSpot

Irene Edwards on a zip line

Read Irene’s Insider’s Guide to Costa Rica Luxury Eco-Travel . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Irene Read Trip Reviews

Costa Rica Priscilla Jimenez, Costa Rica Expeditions

Priscilla Jimenez

Read Priscilla’s Insider’s Guide to Costa Rica Adventure . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Priscilla Read Trip Reviews

Yes, you can still travel to Cuba. Legally and privately. The Cuba experts we know have worked in the country for years and are well connected to artists, musicians, historians, TV personalities, and the best privately-owned boutique B&Bs, casas particulares , and paladares . They can have you learning the secrets of a perfect mojito from a local bartender, enjoying a night out at a pop-up jazz club, bird-watching on a day trip into the countryside, and strolling Havana with a former architect or journalist (who now earns more as a private guide).

Mexico Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico

Zach Rabinor

Read Zachary’s Insider’s Guides to Puerto Vallarta , Mexico City ,  and the Riviera Maya .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Zachary Read Trip Reviews

Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua Pierre Gedeon, Costa Adventures

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Read Pierre’s Insider’s Guide to Nicaragua . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Pierre Read Trip Reviews

Cruises and Yacht Charters

European Barge Cruises Ellen Sack and Caroline Klein, Barge Lady Cruises

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Read Ellen and Caroline’s Insider’s Guide to France’s Waterways .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Ellen Read Trip Reviews

European Rivers and Luxury Cruises Worldwide Tom Baker, Cruise Center

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Read Tom’s Insider’s Guides to Alaska Cruises and Mediterranean Cruises .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Tom Read Trip Reviews

Expedition Voyages Ashton Palmer, ExpeditionTrips

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Read Ashton’s Insider’s Guides to Antarctica Cruises , Arctic Cruises , and Small-Ship Alaska Cruises .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Ashton Read Trip Reviews

Luxury Cruises Worldwide Mary Jean Tully, Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel

Mary Jean Tully

Read Mary Jean’s Insider’s Guides to Asia Cruises and Africa Cruises .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mary Jean Read Trip Reviews

Yacht Charters Picture sparkling seas, the waves lapping at your boat, a captain who knows every hidden cove, quaint villages to explore by day, fabulously fresh seafood—prepared by your private chef—to enjoy at night…. All that can be yours when you charter your own vessel. Maybe it’s a sailboat on the Dalmatian Coast, a catamaran in Tahiti, a bareboat charter in the Caribbean, or a mega-yacht on the Great Barrier Reef. But of the thousands out there, which craft and crew to choose? We know yacht-charter experts who spend a good portion of every year inspecting boats and their crews to find the very best. Tell us what you have in mind, and we can match you to the right travel specialist for your specific needs.

Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter International

Gwen Kozlowski

Read Gwen’s Insider’s Guides to Austria , Hungary ,  and the Czech Republic . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Gwen Read Trip Reviews

Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg Tom Stinglhamber, Brilliant Ideas

Thomas Stinglhamber

Read Tom’s Insider’s Guide to Belgium . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Croatia (plus Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia) Ala Osmond, Exeter International

Ala Osmond

Read Ala’s Insider’s Guide to Croatia . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Ala Read Trip Reviews

Croatia Jay Ternavan, JayWay Travel

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Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jay Read Trip Reviews

England and the British Isles Travelers bound for the United Kingdom and Ireland seek a broad array of experiences for which there is a broad array of sources. Do you need a castle in the countryside for a 50th birthday party or a manor home for a family reunion near the university where your kid is in college? A week of hiking in the Cotswolds or meeting the most interesting local characters in the hidden pockets of Ireland? The more specific you can be about your trip goals, the better we can direct you to the right fixer for your needs.

England, Ireland, Scotland Jonathan Epstein, Celebrated Experiences

Jonathan Epstein

Read Jonathan’s Insider’s Guides to Killarney and County Kerry, Ireland ,  Scotland , and the Cotswolds . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jonathan Read Trip Reviews

England, France, and Italy Jennifer Virgilio, Queen of Clubs

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Read Jennifer’s Insider’s Guide to Paris with Perks . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jennifer Read England Trip Reviews

Read France Trip Reviews Read Italy Trip Reviews

France Philip Haslett, French Promise

Philip Haslett

Read Philip’s Insider’s Guide to Provence and the French Riviera . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Philip Read Trip Reviews

France Michael Eloy and Alex Zglinski, Trufflepig

Michael Eloy and Alex Zglinski

Read Michael and Alex’s Insider’s Guides to Paris for Food Lovers  and Burgundy . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Michael and Alex Read Trip Reviews

Germany and beyond (Austria, the Netherlands, Scandinavia) Claudia Schwenger, Trufflepig

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Read Claudia’s Insider’s Guide to Bavaria, Germany . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Claudia Read Trip Reviews

Greece Certain Greek islands, especially those visited by cruise ships, can be a mosh pit in high season, and the logistics of getting between islands can be surprisingly complicated. The right expert can steer you to the most reliable ferry operators, ensure there’s a taxi to pick you up at the pier, even arrange for private boat rides to secret islands. There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, of course—each with its own unique character—and the right expert can design an itinerary with just the right combo of ancient history, modern culture, near-empty beaches, sleepy villages, pulsating nightlife, or whatever it is that you want most. Tell us via the button below, and we’ll help as best we can.

Greece Jacoline Vinke, Trufflepig

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Contact Jacoline Read Trip Reviews

Greece Mina Agnos, Travelive

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Read Mina’s Insider’s Guide to the Ionian Islands . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mina Read Trip Reviews

Iceland Iceland has awesome landscapes and unusual adventure activities, from volcano diving to geothermal-pool hopping. But it is surprisingly expensive, and soaring tourism has caused demand—for accommodations, activities, all-terrain vehicles, glacier adventure guides, etc.—to outpace supply, driving prices even higher. What’s more, the country’s tourism infrastructure is geared to mass-market group tours. For the right local fixer to deliver a private, custom-tailored itinerary with unique experiences, click on the “Ask Wendy” button below.

Iceland Chris Gordon, Icepedition

Chris Gordon

Read Chris’s Insider’s Guide to Iceland Adventures . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Chris Read Trip Reviews

Iceland, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands Mads Tange Christensen, Nordic Star

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Read Mads’s Insider’s Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Iceland . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mads Read Trip Reviews

Ireland Travelers bound for Ireland seek a broad array of experiences for which there is a broad array of sources. Do you want to hike the trails of Killarney National Park, stroll through Galway with a local musician, meet artisans and farmers in the countryside, overnight in an 800-year-old castle, or rent a Georgian manor home for a family reunion? The more specific you can be about your trip goals, the better we can direct you to the right fixer for your needs.

Italy   Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio

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Contact Andrea Read Trip Reviews

Italy   Luisa Grigoletto, Trufflepig

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Contact Luisa Read Trip Reviews

Italy, France, England  Jennifer Virgilio, Queen of Clubs

Contact Jennifer Read Italy Trip Reviews

Read France Trip Reviews Read England Trip Reviews

Italy and Switzerland Brian Dore and Maria Gabriella Landers, CIU Travel

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Read Brian and Maria’s Insider’s Guides to Venice , Florence , Umbria , and Tuscany .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Brian and Maria Read Trip Reviews

Italy: The Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera  Anna Merulla and Emanuela Raggio, BeautifuLiguria

Anna and Emanuela

Read Anna and Emanuela’s Insider’s Guide to The Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Anna and Emanuela Read Trip Reviews

Italy: Puglia Antonello Losito and Alison Pike, Southern Visions Travel

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Read Antonello and Alison’s Insider’s Guide to Puglia . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Antonello and Alison Read Trip Reviews

Italy: Sicily and the Aeolian Islands only Marcello Baglioni and Matteo Rota, Agave Travel Creative

Marcello and Matteo

Read Marcello and Matteo’s Insider’s Guide to Sicily . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Marcello and Matteo Read Trip Reviews

Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and beyond in Eastern Europe Greg Tepper, Exeter International

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Contact Greg Read Trip Reviews

Malta Jason and Damon Camilleri Allan, Exclusively Malta

Jason and Damon Camilleri-Allan

Read Jason and Damon’s Insider’s Guide to Malta . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jason and Damon Read Trip Reviews

Norway Torunn Tronsvang, Up Norway

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Read Torunn’s Insider’s Guide to Wild Norway .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Torunn Read Trip Reviews

Norway and Scandinavia Jan Sortland, Norwegian Adventures

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Read Jan’s Insider’s Guide to Norway . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jan Read Trip Reviews

Portugal and Spain Gonçalo Correia, Tours for You

Gonçalo Correia

Read Gonçalo’s Insider Secrets of Portugal . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Gonçalo Read Trip Reviews

Romania Raluca Spiac, Beyond Dracula

Raluca Spiac portrait

Read Raluca’s Insider’s Guide to Romania . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Raluca Read Trip Reviews

Spain and Portugal Pablo Calvo

Pablo Calvo

Read Pablo and Gonçalo’s Insider’s Guides to Spain’s Basque Country   and Portugal .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Pablo and Gonçalo Read Trip Reviews

Spain and Portugal Virginia Irurita, Made for Spain and Portugal

Virginia Irurita

Read Virginia’s Insider’s Guides to Madrid , Barcelona , Andalusia , and The Algarve, Portugal .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Virginia Read Trip Reviews

Spain: Andalusia and Southern Spain Iván Ricoy, Genuine Andalusia

Iván Ricoy - Genuine Andalusia

Read Iván’s Insider’s Guide to Southern Spain . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Iván Read Trip Reviews

Sweden, Finland, and Scandinavia Leigh Landis, Exeter International

Leigh Landis

Contact Leigh Read Trip Reviews

Switzerland and Road Trips Through the Alps Nina Müller, Cosa Travel

Nina Mueller

Read Nina ‘s Insider’s Guide to the Secrets of Switzerland . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Nina Read Trip Reviews

Turkey Karen Fedorko Sefer, Sea Song Tours

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Read Karen’s Insider’s Guides to Istanbul   and Turkey’s Aegean Coast .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Karen Read Trip Reviews

Turkey Earl Starkey, Sophisticated-Travel

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Read Earl’s Insider’s Guides to Istanbul   and Cappadocia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Earl Read Trip Reviews

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Arabian Peninsula Nick Rhodes, Arabian Lux

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Contact Nick Read Trip Reviews

Egypt and Jordan Jim Berkeley, Destinations & Adventures International

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Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and beyond, incl. Central Asia Jonny Bealby and Dan Waters, Wild Frontiers

Jonny Bealby Dan Waters

Read Jonny and Dan’s Insider’s Guide to Oman .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jonny and Dan Read Trip Reviews

Israel Joe Yudin and Jonathan Rose, Touring Israel

Joe Yudin and Jonathan Rose

Read Joe and Jonathan’s Insider’s Guides to Jerusalem   and Israel .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Joe and Jonathan Read Trip Reviews

Morocco (see Africa, above)

Turkey (see Europe, above)

Argentina, Chile, Patagonia, Uruguay Maita Barrenechea, Mai10

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Read Maita’s Insider’s Guides to Buenos Aires   and Argentina’s Wine Country .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Maita Read Trip Reviews

Argentina, Chile, Patagonia, Peru, Ecuador, and beyond Tom Damon, Southwind Adventures

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Read Tom’s Insider’s Guides to Patagonia   and Machu Picchu .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and beyond Paul Irvine, Dehouche Travel

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Read Paul’s Insider’s Guides to Rio de Janeiro   and Trancoso .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Paul Read Trip Reviews

Chile, Argentina, Patagonia Jordan Harvey, Knowmad Adventures

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Read Jordan’s Insider’s Guide to Chile .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jordan Read Trip Reviews

  Colombia Boris Seckovic, Amakuna

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Read Boris’s Insider’s Guide to Bogotá, Colombia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Boris Read Trip Reviews

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Peru Allie Almario, Premier Tours

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Read Allie’s Insider’s Guides to Quito and the Northern Andes   and the Galapagos Islands .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Allie Read Trip Reviews

Peru and Bolivia Marisol Mosquera, Aracari

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Read Marisol’s Insider’s Guides to Secrets of Peru , Bolivia: The Salt Flats Are Just the Beginning   and Peru for Food Lovers .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Marisol Read Trip Reviews

Alaska Judith Root, Entrée Alaska

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Read Judith’s Insider’s Guide to Alaska .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Judith Read Trip Reviews

American West and National Parks Melissa Ladvala, West Bench Adventures

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Contact Melissa Read Trip Reviews

California and Hawaii Jay and Dani Johnson, Coastline Travel Advisors

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Read Jay and Dani’s Insider’s Guides to Maui , Oahu , and the Big Island .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jay and Dani Read Trip Reviews

California and the Pacific Northwest Sheri Doyle, Pacific Northwest Journeys

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Read Sheri’s Insider’s Guides to Seattle ,  the San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula , and the Perfect California Coast Road Trip .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Disney and Orlando Michelle Allen, Travel Magic

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Read Michelle’s Insider’s Guide to Disney World, Orlando .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Michelle Read Trip Reviews

Ski Vacations in the U.S. Rockies  Meg Austin

Read Meg’s Insider’s Guide to Skiing the Rocky Mountains .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

* While these Trusted Travel Experts are road-tested and well-respected, and I have known them for years, I don’t make any representation as to their financial stability or the suitability of their arrangements. I am connecting travelers with trip planners, and can help during the travel-planning process, but I cannot be held responsible or accept any liability for what happens after that. As always, to protect yourself, pay with a credit card and buy third-party travel insurance .

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The Travel Gurus You Should Use to Plan Your Next Trip

Go ahead, call them.

Leisure, Garden,

Ala Osmond, Exeter International . Specialty : The former Yugoslavia, especially Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. You can rely on her for everything, from the best hotels to book to the do-not-miss restaurants. Contact : [email protected]

Philip Haslett and Sarah Latrous, Kairos . Speciality : The hidden pockets of southern France that most travelers miss (Philip's speciality), plus Paris, Normandy, and Bordeaux (Sarah's). Truly insider's France. Contacts : [email protected]; [email protected]

Mina Agnos, Travelive . Speciality : Highly personalized itineraries in Greece that will help you to authentically experience the country and its culture. She is Athens-based and can be especially helpful to families. Contact: [email protected]

Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips . Speciality : Christos was born and lives in Greece and knows it intimately. He'll get you the best rooms in boutique hotels, arrange catamaran excursions to remote beaches, wine tastings and foodie extravaganzas, and pair history buffs with just the right, highly knowledgeable guides. Contact : [email protected]

Marcello Baglioni, Agave Travel Creative . Speciality: Insider, luxury experiences in Sicily and the Aeolian islands, assisted by private drivers and culinary, cultural, and outdoor-adventure experts. Contact: [email protected]

Andrea Grisdale , IC Bellagio . Speciality : As Andrea puts it, "I'm 100 percent loyal to Italy." She lives here, has great access, and will perfectly match your interests to authentic Italian experiences. Contac t : [email protected]

Maria Gabriella Landers, CIU Travel . Specialty : Charming, intimate trips throughout Italy focusing on gastronomy, art, architecture, archeology, and history—plus outdoor pursuits. Contact : [email protected]

Clare Watkins, Red Savannah . Specialty : High-end, tailor-made journeys throughout Europe and the UK. A particular passion: hunting for new hotels, from boutique hideaways to the best restorations of classic grand dames. Contact: [email protected]

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : Jack is one of the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--Italy included. Contact : [email protected]

Jason Camilleri Allan, Exclusive Malta . Specialty : Everything Malta. He can help you add a few Maltese nights to any European trip or customize a weeklong dive into the three-island-nation's ancient and fascinating history. Contact: [email protected]

Jennifer Virgilio, Queen of Clubs . Specialty : A la carte, VIP travel arrangements in France, Monaco, London, as well as Italy, Ibiza, and other parts of England. Jennifer is based in Rome. Contact : [email protected]

Philip Haslett and Sarah Latrous, Kairos . Speciality : The hidden pockets of southern France that most travelers miss (Philip's speciality), plus Monaco, Paris, Normandy, and Bordeaux (Sarah's). Truly insider's France. Contacts : [email protected]; [email protected]

Tina Thorman, Nordic Star . Specialty : The North Atlantic, Scandinavia, and the Baltics, done adventurously—river rafting, horseback riding, glacier trekking—or softly and sybaritically. Contact : [email protected]

Leigh Landis, Exeter International . Speciality : Scandinavia. Leigh will arrange the best guides for city tours, explorations of the Nordic culinary scene, fjord cruises, Arctic dog-sledding, and more. Contact : [email protected]

Torunn Transvang, Up Norway . Specialty : Highly personalized Norwegian itineraries based on an extensive network of personal contacts and local expertise. Hike forests and fjords, sleep in a floating tent, rejuvenate at geothermal spas. Contact : [email protected]

Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter International . Specialty : Completely personalized trips for couples, families, and small groups to Central Europe, especially the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and most of Germany. Contac t: [email protected]

Greg Tepper , Exeter International . S peciality : Greg deploys his personal relationships in Russia and the former Soviet Union, where he once lived and where he travels frequently, to get travelers into sites, palaces, museums, and theaters in a way few can. Veils will part. Contact : [email protected]

Clare Watkins, Red Savannah. Specialty : High-end, tailor-made journeys throughout Europe and the UK. A particular passion: hunting for new hotels, from boutique hideaways to modern restorations of classic grand dames. Contact: [email protected]

Switzerland

Philip Kaegi, Cosa Travel . Speciality: Entirely personalized travel to Switzerland, with bespoke itineraries--adventure? ski? culinary? cultural? a combination?--premium hotels, top restaurants, and private guides. Contac t : [email protected]

Karen Fedorko Safer, Sea Song . Speciality : Designing private itineraries for individuals and small groups who want to deeply explore Turkey. Karen also books gulet yacht charters along the Aegean coast and knows the best vessels and crews. Contact : [email protected]

Earl Starkey, Sophisticated Travel . Speciality : Everything Turkey. Earl has lived for years in Istanbul and has a local boutique travel firm while also being part of Protravel International, with all the benefits for his clients of a large agency. Contact : [email protected]

Kate Doty, Geo Ex . Specialty : Unusual, masterfully orchestrated, environmentally and socially conscious, and—yes—luxurious—voyages to Africa, Asia, and the Americas for discerning travelers. Contact : [email protected] or [email protected]

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : One of the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--Turkey, too. Contact : [email protected]

United Kingdom

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : One of the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--the UK inclulded. Contact : [email protected]

Philip McCrum, IAE Tours . Specialty : In Any Event Tours focuses on exceptional travel experiences throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland and can pull strings to get you into almost anywhere you want (and keep the kids engaged). Contact : [email protected]

Clare Watkins, Red Savannah . Specialty : High-end, tailor-made journeys throughout Europe and the UK. A particular passion: hunting for new hotels, from boutique hideaways to modern restorations of classic grand dames. Contact: [email protected]

The Americas: United States, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central & South America

United states.

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : One of the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--the US included. Contact : [email protected]

Melissa Ladvala, MT Sobek . Specialty : National parks, adventure travel, and luxury family vacations in North America . Contact : [email protected]

Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and St. Barth

Lindsey Epperly, Epperly Travel . Specialty : All things tropical, including which Caribbean island will be right for you and the best places to stay and things to do on each. Contact: [email protected].

Chris Evans, Red Savannah . Specialty : Exotic island destinations, which he has spent the last 25 years exploring. Whether it's knowing where precisely to eat on St. Barth, where the best diving is in Borneo, or how to secure an Outer Island love shack in the Seychelles, he has his finger on the pulse. Contact : [email protected]

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : Geographically a generalist rather than master of a single destination, Jack is among the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world. Contact : [email protected]

Zach Rabinor, Journey Mexico . Specialty : Top notch, customized Mexican itineraries. From luxury stays to surfing safaris, from culinary to cultural explorations, Zach will get you into the best hotels, pair you with the best guides, or just point you to the best beach. Contact: [email protected]

Costa Rica & Panama

Irene Edwards, Green Spot . Speciality : Highly customized trips to her homeland, Costa Rica, that combine sophisticated luxury with adventures in nature and ecological sensitivity. Contact : [email protected]

Lindsey Epperly, Epperly Travel . Specialty : Everything tropical, especially knowing which Caribbean island will be right for you and the best places to stay and things to do on each. Contact: [email protected]

Pierre Gédéon, Costa Adventures . Specialty : Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica, where he'll organize customized trips combining whatever you desire: beach escapes, active adventures (hiking, rafting, horseback riding), visits to archeological and colonial sites, and much more. Contact : [email protected]

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : Geographically a generalist rather than master of a single destination, Jack is one of the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world. Contact : [email protected]

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : J ack is one of the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--including South and Central America. Contact : [email protected]

Bobby Betenson, Matueté . Specialty : Entirely customized, insidery, "high-production" itineraries including stays in cities, wilderness areas, and islands; in villas, restored colonial gems, and yachts on the Amazon. This is the Brazilian experience as good as it gets. Contact : [email protected]; [email protected]

Africa and the Middle East

Cherri Briggs, Explore Inc . Specialty : Highly customized safaris Throughout Africa, including Ethiopia and Madagascar and such remote areas as the Congo Basin. Cherri's itineraries--in addition to including stays at to lodges--will further your awareness of conservation issues, of the lives of local people, and of the work of leading researchers. Contact : [email protected])

Cherri Briggs , Explore Africa . Specialty : Highly customized safaris Throughout Africa, including Ethiopia and Madagascar and such remote areas as the Congo Basin. Cherri's itineraries--in addition to including stays at to lodges--will further your awareness of conservation issues, of the lives of local people, and of the work of leading researchers. Contact : [email protected])

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond. Specialty : Jack is among the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--the African continent as well. Contact : [email protected]

Samantha Gee, Red Savannah . Specialty : Sub-Saharan Africa from Ethiopia to South Africa, as well as North Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. She has a particular love of adventure, and will help you live yours. Contact : [email protected]

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : Jack is among the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world. Contact : [email protected]

Phoebe Weinberg, Greatways Travel . Specialty : Unique and highly personalized luxury itineraries for discerning travelers. After 86 trips to the African continent, Phoebe knows virtually every camp, their owners and rangers, and which areas have the most wildlife. Contact : [email protected]

South Africa

Dennis Pinto, Micato Safaris . Specialty : Family owned and operated, Micato for 50 years has set the standard for luxury journeys throughout East and southern Africa, with high-end camps, private bush flights, and top-notch guides. Its non-profit educational arm, Micato-AmericaShare, sends a child to school for every guest on safari. Contact : [email protected]; [email protected]

Dennis Pinto , Micato Safaris . Specialty : Family owned and operated, Micato for 50 years has set the standard for luxury journeys throughout East and southern Africa, with high-end camps, private bush flights, and top-notch guides. Its non-profit educational arm, Micato-AmericaShare, sends a child to school for every guest on safari. Contact : [email protected]

Jonathan Rose, Touring Israel . Specialty : High-end, tailor-made itineraries to Israel--from single-day tours to multi-day guided expeditions with a rich menu of activities--for private groups of any size. Want to add a seamless excursion to Jordan? Done. Contact : [email protected]

United Arab Emirates

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : The UAE has become something of a hub for multi-generational travel and Jack is one of the best connected luxury travel advisors for family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world--the UAE included. Contact : [email protected]

Antonia Neubauer, Myths and Mountains . Specialty : The diverse people, cultures, crafts, religions, and natural environments of this vast continent, which she has spent 30 years exploring. Special interest: Giving back to the communities where she operates. Contact : [email protected]

Edward Gibbons, About Asia Travel . Specialty: Luxury travel in Cambodia and Laos, with a dedicated team based less than 2 miles from Angkor Wat that knows not only the region's best places to stay, eat, and shop, but also how to navigate this iconic site's infamous crowds--an art form. Contact : [email protected]

Melissa Matthews, Red Savannah . Specialty : The length and breadth of Southeast Asia, where her inspection trips and personal holidays have taken her from Vietnam’s peaceful Lan Ha Bay to the remote villages of Sulawesi. Contact : [email protected]

Mei Zhang, Wild China . Specialty: Besides the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, Mei is especially drawn to China's far west, the deserts of the Silk Road, the plateaus of Tibet, her home province of Yunnan, and, yes, the luxury hotels of Hong Kong. Contact : [email protected]

Bertie and Victoria Dyer, India Beat . Specialty : Rajasthan, where they lived for many years. Bertie is especially versed in Moghul architecture, wilderness areas, and Indian history; Victoria's interests include yoga, Indian culinary traditions, and textile design (her bazaar-crawl shopping expeditions are a must). Contact : [email protected]

Scott Gilman, JapanQuest Journeys . S pecialty : Five-star journeys into the soul of Japan, peppered with the kinds of experiences that are normally difficult for travelers to access. Scott has spent decades cultivating local relationships and finding the savviest guides. Contact: [email protected]

Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond . Specialty : Jack is among the best connected luxury travel advisors for multi-generational and family travel, honeymoons, and destination celebrations all over the world, Japan included. Contact : [email protected]

Andrea Ross and April Cole, Wild Frontiers . Speciality : Southeast Asia. Andrea lived for 10 years in Cambodia, and together with April they have an extensive regional network. Andrea specializes in family travel, April in beaches and islands, and both weave philanthropic work into itineraries if desired. Contact : [email protected]; [email protected]

Indian Ocean

Justin Parkinson, Linara Travel . Specialty : The Maldives is often a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so matching you with the right style of resort (and the right activities) is key—and Justin's point of pride. Contact : [email protected]

Australia and New Zealand

Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings . Specialty : Stuart has tested nearly every lodge, heli-tour, yacht charter, and restaurant he recommends and is the man to know for all of Australia's off-the-beaten-track special places and adventures both leisurely and adrenaline-charged. Contact : [email protected]

Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings . Specialty : Let's face it: New Zealand is gorgeous everywhere and awash in some of the world's best lodges (and yes, we all want to move there). Sarah take all that up a notch, with outstanding personalized itineraries for the most, well, discerning travelers. Contact : [email protected]

Headshot of Klara Glowczewska

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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From Booking Safaris to Planning Global Vacations, Here Are the 10 Best Travel Specialists

After a year off-grid, our winning specialists are providing customized experiences from jet travel to road trips., the editors, the editors's most recent stories.

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Roar Africa Safari

Travel specialists have never been more essential than they are right now, with their invaluable ability to pivot, re-book and offer advice. We picked 10 standouts in the luxury field from across the world, a directory of those who embody that above-and-beyond spirit essential in the past year.

Christoper Sitwell, Cazenove + Loyd

top travel experts

Wilmot-Sitwell has been working in travel for more than three decades. The co-owner of a 16-person London-based agency specializes in long-haul luxury, often to far-flung sites in rural Africa and Asia. The team there spent much of 2020 canceling or postponing trips—most recently, unpicking rescheduled itineraries to the Tokyo Olympics when a ban on foreign spectators was announced.

The firm anticipated today’s conscious-travel concerns from the outset, always focusing on owner-run and locally staffed independent operations, such as preservation outfit Campfire in Zimbabwe. Cazenove + Loyd also offsets the entire carbon cost of its research recces via a partnership with CommuniTree , a 12-square-mile tropical reforestation project in Nicaragua. Clients can easily opt into this, too; anyone whose itinerary swoops through the country can visit the project and personally plant the trees.

Learn More: Here

Tanya Dalton, Managing Director UK, Greaves

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Dalton leads the UK office of this India specialist outfitter, which was founded by her Mumbai-born grandfather in 1978 and later run by her mother. With generations’ worth of in-depth experience and exclusive connections at her fingertips, she arranges custom trips as luxe as they are immersive. Depending on their interests, travelers may find themselves granted entrée to private palaces, sacred religious sites and landmarked government buildings; meeting with celebrated curators, authors, artisans, jewelers, chefs or astrologers; or exploring desert wilds while staying at plush mobile camps.

Dalton’s team—45 in Delhi and Mumbai, and 15 in the UK—helped extract some 40 clients from India at the start of the pandemic, as borders closed. Now she’s helping guests plan their return. On her radar currently are safaris to spot India’s rising tiger population, top-end hotel openings in Rajasthan and a new single-suite wooden boat that’s perfect for privately cruising the Ganges, Bhagirathi and Hooghly Rivers.

Jules Maury, Scott Dunn Private

top travel experts

Maury runs this offshoot of the UK-based travel firm, focused entirely on bespoke itineraries. Much of her work during the pandemic involved extended stays for home-schooling families who were looking to live and work in a new locale, whether spending two and a half months at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives or a month in residence at Antigua’s Jumby Bay. Another guest commandeered the five-room Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, an ultra-secluded property accessible only by a 45-minute helicopter ride.

The SDP team follows multiple pro-social protocols when it travels and encourages clients to follow suit, including the Pack for a Purpose program, in which visitors pack requested supplies in their luggage for distribution at the destination. It’s laser-focused on ethical practices, too. Animal welfare is a priority, so providers that offer bullfighting or elephant riding are not used, and there’s a pledge that 90 percent of all operators will not provide single-use plastics to guests by the end of 2023.

Deborah Calmeyer, Roar Africa

top travel experts

The Zimbabwe-born Calmeyer has carved out a discrete niche as the ultimate elite safari planner, with the ability to pull off near-impossible requests, even during the pandemic. Rwanda’s government requires a negative PCR Covid-19 test for visitors, but offers only the throat-swab version at Kigali airport—a problem for one Roar Africa client, desperate to go gorilla-trekking but phobic about anything touching his throat. Calmeyer set up a protocol change, arranging for a nose swab to be administered instead.

She has offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town, with the HQ in New York, and Roar Africa continued to pay drivers, freelance guides and its staff even during lockdown, as governmental support in situ was scant. Roar Africa supports several social programs, including an all-women anti-poaching academy in Kenya, which has so far graduated almost 30 fully trained rangers, and underwrites a scholarship at a college of tourism in South Africa that trains women to work at local hotels and lodges.

Catherine Heald, Remote Lands

top travel experts

Remote Lands’ expertise centers entirely on planning ultra-luxury trips for Americans to Asia, with offices in New York and Bangkok, plus country managers in every locale.

Heald and business partner Jay Tindall try to ensure a positive impression both for their guests and by them, encouraging clients, for example, to fund the digging of a water well for a local family whenever Siem Reap in Cambodia forms part of the itinerary. Conscious of the higher carbon footprint of itineraries that span the continent, the pair deliberately minimize the number of flights, private or commercial.

Last year, a Texas couple who were planning to go solo to Asia to celebrate both his 70th birthday and their 40th wedding anniversary had to postpone, and instead Heald helped them turn their three-week, four-country trip into a reunion with their grandchildren, whom they plan to take along this November.

Beks Ndlovu, Founder of African Bush Camps

top travel experts

Ndlovu has maintained momentum, despite the safari industry’s devastating year. The operator and hotelier kept his entire 600-person staff employed while also unveiling Khwai Leadwood, a new high-design lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It’s the latest in his eco-conscious properties; he has rolled out 16 of them in 15 years across three countries, a remarkable achievement. Each has a light footprint, via solar farms and water recycling, while also offering direct support to surrounding communities via the company’s ABC Foundation.

Even amid the logistical and medical constraints of the past year, Ndlovu seamlessly pulled off a recent journey for 14 people to Zimbabwe via private plane. “There was a lot of juggling, but it was well worth it,” says Ndlovu, who advocates for guests to spend their tourism dollars with brands that preserve wilderness areas and empower minorities and locals. “We continue to make the effort in identifying key talent that we can support and help rise to the surface.”

Cedric Reversade, Unique Properties & Events

top travel experts

Luxury travel was already tilting toward villa rentals before the pandemic made the idea of privacy, and self-containment, even more appealing. The London- and Paris-based Reversade and business partner Koskas offer discreet access to the world’s best rental homes in hot spots like Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and Capri while also acting as a travel concierge.

Take the California client who had bought a piano nobile on the Grand Canal in Venice, just before the first lockdown—and for whom they managed to secure a visa even when borders were shut. They also arranged excursions in the city, like a day on Burano with the glassblowers and a night visit to San Marco. Or the polo-loving English client who ditched her Chelsea townhouse for a seafront estate in Ibiza they’d wrangled on her behalf as lockdowns loomed; she then took trips around Spain, including lunching with a retired rejoneador from whom she bought two horses to ride at her country estate.

Cari Gray, Gray & Co.

top travel experts

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., Canadian expat Gray runs a lean team of about 10 with a particular expertise in active luxury. Take the trip to Argentina and Uruguay which shuttled her guests between cycling spots by private jet. It was due to start just as Argentina shuttered its borders last March, so Gray’s team pivoted, re-booking the group on a similar itinerary in California within 24 hours.

She’s determined that the lavish sums spent by clients truly uplift every destination, especially in developing areas. One pair of travelers sponsored GPS collars on a research project for rescued elephants at a local animal reserve in Namibia and witnessed the process firsthand. And an always recommended pit stop in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco is one of the late Eve Branson’s projects, which employs local women making crafts. It isn’t all do-gooding, though: Gray is renowned for arranging Michelin-caliber chefs to cater alfresco at the end of a day’s hiking.

James Jayasundera, Ampersand Travel

top travel experts

Sri Lanka is one of the rare destinations in Asia that have managed to create a program that allows visitors to experience the country during the pandemic, and no one is a better expert to help navigate an itinerary in that new normal than Rome-raised Jayasundera and his five-person, almost two-decade-old firm. Visitors can stay in designated hotels, he explains, and even go sightseeing, as long as they remain in “bio bubbles” to protect the local populace from imported infection.

Jayasundera started early, noting the preferences of each of his 12-strong family as they traveled constantly in his childhood, and has made such attention to detail a hallmark of his commercial operation. Inclusivity is a longtime passion, with a strong presence in the LGBTQ community among both staff and clients, and efforts to use female guides where possible to offset challenges around equality.

Mark Duguid, Carrier

top travel experts

The 60-person, Manchester-based Carrier plans less than 5,000 trips per year, allowing it to retain a reputation for flexibility. It’s willing to change itineraries within hours of departure and never charging amending fees. Duguid and his team were well placed, then, for the challenges of last year: See the couple from the UK who seized the chance to travel when permitted during a break in lockdowns, heading impromptu to the Maldives as an add-on to a last-minute visit to Dubai. Carrier recognized the appeal of the outdoors for travelers in the last year, too, and created an exclusive trip to Octola in Finland’s Arctic Circle, a five-star private wilderness reserve where local guides hosted open-fire lunches and ran excursions on husky sleds and snowmobiles.

Duguid reports a surge in so-called revenge spending, noting that the average booking value for 2021 has risen 90 percent year over year, with clients indulging in once-in-a-lifetime trips after lockdown restrictions loosen.

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Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

Clint Henderson

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

top travel experts

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

top travel experts

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

top travel experts

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

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The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

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If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

top travel experts

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

top travel experts

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

top travel experts

  • For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
  • When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
  • One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

top travel experts

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

  • Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
  • The best travel credit cards
  • The 18 best places to travel in 2023
  • 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
  • 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
  • Here's how to get through airport security faster

More From Forbes

The 23 best places to travel around the world in 2023, chosen by the experts.

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There’s no denying that travel is back in 2023, thanks to a pent-up demand for all those vacations that were put on hold during the pandemic. But what are the best international places to visit? What are the top travel destinations around the world?

Every year, I round up the best places to visit. This year, in honor of Women’s History Month in March, I tapped into leading women travel experts and influencers to find out their choices for the best international places to travel in 2023.

Want to stay closer to home? For ideas of where to travel in America, check out “The Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2023.”

Brazil-born, San Francisco-based Catarina Mello (@professionaltraveler) in Oman, one of the best ... [+] places to travel in 2023.

This year, the picks for where to go in 2023 span the gamut from European capitals to exotic beach escapes to sustainable rainforest retreats. Compare these choices to last year’s selections for the best places to travel around the world .

But keep in mind: With travel demand soaring and 31% of travelers saying they intend to spend more on international travel this year, costs on the rise and the airlines encountering record demand , don’t delay. Now is the time to book that bucket list trip of a lifetime.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of september 2023, best places to travel in 2023: europe.

Castell Son Claret in Mallorca.

Where to Go: Mallorca

Chosen By: Heidi Mitchell is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal , covering an array of topics from cybersecurity to the psychology of work, and is an award-winning travel writer for publications including Travel + Leisure, Town & Country and the Financial Times’ How To Spend It . She lives between Chicago and London, though she will always be a native New Yorker and a global nomad.

Why : With demand soaring, United Airlines has, for the second year, instituted direct flights from JFK to Palma de Mallorca starting again in April. Since the pandemic began, loads of Europeans and Americans have relocated to this Balearic island known for its wide beaches but which actually shines more brightly inland—where new arrivals are rediscovering the work newly-starred chefs like Santi Taura who makes every dish (literally–including the ceramics) by hand nightly at his tiny DINS restaurant , the pleasures of strolling the cobbled streets of Valldemossa in the interior, the expansive winery of José Ferrer in Binissalem and the challenging bike trails that are best enjoyed in spring and fall, when temperatures are deliciously cool. “I didn’t expect the town of Palma to have such a Moorish influence — that 13 th -century cathedral!—nor did I think I’d feel comfortable walking the streets of Palma at night on my own, but it’s so clean, magically illuminated at night, and buzzing with youthful couples strolling hand in hand,” says Mitchell.

In the un-kissed hours, even if you’ve been to Mallorca before, today you’ll find a renewed energy. Paul Skevington, a former executive headhunter, moved from London to open a premium cycling outfitter called Parietti in what he calls “the Mecca of European cycling,” an island roughly the size of Delaware. He also jokes that Mallorca has become “Founders’ Island,” a community where everyone starts his or her own business, be it a precious little gift shop ( Ca Na Toneta ) or an artisanal apothecary ( Arquinesia ).

If you’re looking to stay out of the hubbub of Palma, where most of the half-million residents reside, make Castell Son Claret your home base. Originally built as a 19th-century castle, the 43-room pile sits on 326 acres, populated mostly by sheep. “I loved waking early after nights of long dinners and bottles of wine to run it off on the property, veering between sheep and wild olive trees,” says Mitchell. The new garden suites deliver transporting floor-to-ceiling views of the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountain range, while the design is a nod to the glamour of the 1960s jet set, reimagined by Spanish design firm Decagano and Juncosa. Its restaurant, Sa Clastra, is run by native son Jordí Canto, who (word has it) has been tapped to receive his own Michelin star.

“Forget what you have heard about package tourists overrunning the beaches here,” says Mitchell. “In fact, forget the beaches, and pack your hiking shoes and an explorer’s mindset. Mallorca today is practically uncharted territory.”

Nneya Richards with ’N A Perfect World in Ragusa, Sicily.

Where to Go: Noto Valley, Sicily

Chosen By: Nneya Richards is a speaker and travel blogger at ’N A Perfect World , a curated intersection of travel, food, fashion and geopolitics inspired by the global-citizen lifestyle of the millennial. Richards aims to empower young people, especially those of color, to travel, as she believes it is through exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings.

Why: “Film and television tourism has always been a thing. It’s arguably Italy’s best PR asset and there’s no doubt that this summer, the Sicilian town of Taormina will be jam-packed with The White Lotus fans,” says Nneya Richards.

Whether lunching at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace —the actual hotel of the HBO show—or passing through the colorful streets that Valentina ( The White Lotus manager) strolled through on her way to work, Richards says that “you won’t be disappointed in this romantic and charming town.”

But if you’re up for a more in depth Sicilian tour, replete with beautiful architecture and baroque splendor that will take your breath away, fly into Catania and head south into the heart of Sicilian baroque architecture: the Noto Valley.

“In the southeast of Sicily, Val di Noto boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites,” says Richards. “This is where you see the true Kingdom of Sicily, even more so, the history of this area dating back to Magna Grecia.”

With the Ionaian sea and beautiful stretches of beaches sparkling during the day and the lit grandeur of the famed Noto Valley towns at night, there’s something for an entire family. “Chocolate fans? Head to the town of Modica,” says Richards. “Love ceramics? Head to an artisanal shop in Caltagirone. The Noto Valley is a can’t miss.”

Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Where to Go: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Chosen By: Jane Anderson is a travel writer and magazine editor based in London. Currently travel editor at Prima magazine , the U.K.’s fifth best-selling monthly lifestyle title, and editor of Companion magazine , a tabloid-style title for guests of 25hours Hotels. She also freelances for the travel sections of The Telegraph and iNews . She is also the co-author of Slow Travel Family Breaks: Perfect Escapes in Britain’s Special Places , recently published by Bradt Guides.

Why: The Isle of Skye became famous as the place that Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to after the Battle of Culloden, thanks to local hero Flora Macdonald. (It’s also home to “The Skye Boat Song,” composed by Sir Harold Edwin Boulton in 1870s and now beloved of Outlander fans.) Part of the Inner Hebrides, Skye is now a place to escape the pace of modern life and take a breath. “It was, and hopefully always will be, a sanctuary,” says Anderson. “My father was from Edinburgh, a place I love and know well, but it took me until my fifties to explore the West Coast of Scotland, a place he holidayed as a young man, and in particular Skye.”

This year sees the opening of The Bracken Hide Hotel , a one-of-a-kind pod hotel and Nordic sauna retreat with a wild swimming pond on the outskirts of the diminutive capital, Portree. Melding rustic charm with a touch of glamour, its luxury cabins reflect Skye’s wild landscape with views of the Cuillin Hills or the Isle of Raasay. The Hub has a restaurant, whisky bar and screening room.

If you prefer something altogether more old-school, head to Kinloch Lodge . Opened by Lord and Lady Macdonald in 1972, and previously their family home, it’s now run by their daughter Isabella Macdonald, who is related to the aforementioned Flora (whose portrait hangs in the wood-paneled restaurant). Along with head chef Jordan Webb, Isabella has brought the hotel’s ethos back to one of seasonality and sustainability with ingredients home-grown in Kinloch’s polytunnels or foraged from the loch shore and forests. Guests can learn these skills from the hotel’s ghillie, Mitchell Partridge or head out with local wildlife expert Stewart Dawber of Skye High Wildlife to spot deer, otters and Golden Eagle

“A highlight of my stay at Kinloch was a whisky tasting with manager Dan in the historic bar where the Macdonald clan discussed joining the battle of Culloden,” says Anderson. “You have to start with the two local distilleries: Talisker , established in 1830, and newbie Torabhaig , producing its first single malt 2021.” To celebrate the 200 th anniversary of the Excise Act (the so-called Year Zero for whisky), Kinloch Lodge has a new package dedicated to the water of life that includes a tour of Torabhaig distillery, a whisky tasting and a picnic lunch.

And finally, don’t miss a meal at Edinbane Lodge , a derelict hunting lodge until five years ago when chef-patron Calum Montgomery, born and raised on Skye, took it over with his family. Taking the title of Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards in March, it also has four bedrooms to crash out in after you’ve feasted on hand-dived Isle of Rona scallops with smoked seaweed butter and the like.

A view of Nice from the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel.

Where to Go: Nice, France

Chosen By: Laurie Woolever is a writer and editor who is the co-author (with Anthony Bourdain) of World Travel: An Irreverent Guide and author of The New York Times bestseller Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography .

Why: “Nice is at the forefront of a new era: A new city-wide tram system offers eco-friendly transportation throughout the city, many streets are now open only to pedestrians and its Old Town district is flourishing with new restaurants and boutiques,” says Laurie Woolever.

The arrival of Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel in a rejuvenated 19th century architectural jewel also marks a big moment for Nice and a triumphant return of one of the most storied hotels on the Côte d’Azur. The Belle Époque-era hotel blends old-world elegance with contemporary luxuries, featuring an elaborate spa and signature experiences like “In the Footsteps of Coco Chanel,” which includes a tour of Château de Crémat (the wine estate that inspired Chanel’s famous interlocking-C’s logo) and a tasting of a cuvee that is only available at the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel.

There’s plenty of exciting food news in Nice, too. “For dining, I love Rouge , a natural wine bar featuring Mediterranean sharing plates founded by a protégé of Yves Camdeborde of Le Comptoir in Paris, and SEEN rooftop restaurant and bar at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel for its elegant menu and spectacular city views,” says Woolever.

Also notable for 2023: The Monaco Grand Prix will be celebrating its 80th run this May, and this year also marks the 76th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival. Nice is a great home base for both.

The coastal road along Lake Thun in Switzerland.

Where to Go: Interlaken, Switzerland

Chosen By: Susan Portnoy is a freelance photographer, travel writer, content creator and founder of The Insatiable Traveler . Her work has appeared in AFAR and Newsweek, with upcoming articles in Smithsonian, AARP, and Travel + Leisure.

Why: Interlaken, Switzerland has been called the Adventure Capital of the World and it has become an incredible home base for a vast array of year-round outdoor activities—from hiking and biking to paragliding, bungee jumping and mountain climbing.

“The more I travel, the more I want to savor a location instead of approaching my trips like a tasting menu and visiting multiple destinations—I want to experience a region in depth,” says Susan Portnoy. “Interlaken checks all my boxes. In the Bernese Highlands, the landscape’s natural beauty is a winner and so many activities—like hiking in Grindelwald or kayaking on Lake Thun—were either in town or less than an hour away by car or train.”

With responsible travel in mind, Switzerland is also renowned for its sustainability practices. “I’m in love with its train system. You can get almost anywhere by train with little hassle, and the passenger cars deserve extra points for always being nearly pristine,” says Portnoy. “A Swiss Travel Pass is a must. It enabled me to jump on public transportation and get discounts on excursions and entry into more than 500 museums, all with one QR code.”

Beside hiking, biking, skiing, or swimming, Interlaken offers more hair-raising options. “The most unusual for me was the Canyon Swing ,” says Portnoy. “Simply put (and sporting a harness), I stepped off a mountain, free-falling 300 feet at 120 mph. Just before I might have hit the boulders in the river below, I began swinging back and forth in a slot canyon.”

For something more low-key, Portnoy recommends a visit to the Funky Chocolate Factory (“to learn about the history of chocolate in Switzerland and create your own book-sized chocolate bars”), The Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel (“it opened in 1898 and has wonderful vignettes filled with antiques from its past”), the Harderbahn funicular (“a must-stop for stunning views”) and Ristorante Sapori e Pizzeria (“with towering ceilings, arches and a gorgeous painted ceiling, it has the opulence of Versailles”).

Cycling to the Barbaria Lighthouse on the island of Formentera, Spain.

Where to Go: Formentera, Spain

Why: “In my twenties and thirties, the Balearics were all about partying on the famed White Ilse of Ibiza. And while I still love a dance, I hanker after the mellower vibes of little sister island Formentera,” says Anderson. “Beloved of hippies and creatives since the 1970s, this Green Isle has largely been kept under the radar.”

Resisting the pressure to build an airstrip, Formentera is only accessible via fast ferry from Ibiza or private yacht—if you’re so lucky—though be warned, the strict laws here protecting the seagrass mean that yachts cannot drop anchor. The precious seagrass gives the surrounding waters that iridescent turquoise hue—as vibrant as any Indian Ocean castaway isle.

“Thankfully plastic bags are banned,” says Anderson, “and all hotels must have a circularity plan encompassing aspects like water use and clean energies.” Vehicles are limited during high season to reduce congestion, pollution and maintain the balance between tourism and daily life for residents. There’s also a Sustainable Tourism Tax . And this year Formentera has committed to the Declaration in Defense of the Night Sky and Right to Starlight, the first steps toward UNESCO recognition as a Starlight Tourist Destination.

One of the biggest attractions of Formentera is its 32 ‘Rutas Verdes’ or ‘Green Routes’ that criss-crosses the island. With over 100km, they give the impression of a much larger landmass when you slow down the pace. All are bike-friendly, passing lighthouses, beaches and mighty defensive towers by the coast or swinging in land by dry-stone walls next to salt flats, windmills, vineyards and ancient archaeological sites, with bird watching and insta-worthy views at every turn. “I recommend an ebike tour with Formentera Ebikes Tours , run by local Bartolo Torres who will keep you fueled with aniseed-soaked figs grown on his family farm,” says Anderson.

“My top tip is to come in the shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October when it’s quieter and less expensive, and slightly cooler—the perfect climate for walking and cycling,” adds Anderson, “and stay at Hotel Casbah , a gorgeous rural boutique hotel with local baskets in the room for you to use during your stay.”

“You’ll find one-off souvenirs at the Pilar de la Mola hippie market, such as dresses made from vintage linen, lace tablecloths and old towels by Coser I Cantar or seagrass-inspired jewelry by Enric Majoral . And check out the forthcoming dates for Formentera Astronomica stargazing event if you’re into the solar system.”

Naousa village on the island of Paros in Greece.

Where to Go: Paros, Greece

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom, travel expert and author of this column.

Why: When it comes to Greek islands, Santorini and Mykonos usually get all the attention. But another spot in the Cyclades is fast becoming the hot destination for true insiders: Paros. You’ll get quintessential whitewashed villages, stunning white-sand beaches and clear-blue Aegean seas, minus the crowds and the high prices.

With its winding streets, the port town of Parikia (sometimes known as Paroikia) is the town most visitors first encounter. But in the northern part of the island, the soulful village of Naoussa is the go-to for the jet set. At night, tables spill out into the narrow cobblestone streets (don’t miss the well-regarded Yemeni ). Meanwhile, al-fresco restaurants like Tsachpinis Ouzeri Ton Naftikon transform the yacht-filled harbor into a buzzing open-air dinner party.

New to the Naoussa hotel scene is Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort , set on the outskirts of town. This luxe escape has 40 suites designed with a crisp aesthetic, plus its own private beach club. Another appealing Paros address: Parīlio , a 33-suite retreat characterized by timeless simplicity and surrounded by pastoral landscapes.

Want to bring a piece of Paros home with you? Head to Anthologist , which has jewel-box boutiques at both Cosme and Parīlio, stocking limited-edition items and artisanal objects sourced by Anthologist founder Andria Mitsakos to reflect the authentic ambience of the Greek islands.

Best Places to Travel in 2023: Europe/Asia

Istanbul during sunset.

Where to Go: Istanbul, Turkey

Chosen By: Anya von Bremzen is a three-time James Beard Award–winning author and a contributing writer at AFAR magazine. Anya has published six acclaimed cookbooks and a memoir, Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking . Her new book National Dish will come out in June 2023. She lives between New York and Istanbul, where she owns an apartment.

Why: “With its layered history, magical waterways, and breathtaking vistas, Istanbul has always been known for romance. But this city that straddles Europe and Asia is also a kinetic modern metropolis revitalized recently by a string of ambitious new projects,” says Anya von Bremzen. “One is Galataport , a mixed-use development with a gorgeous waterfront promenade, acres of retail, a futuristic underground cruise port and dining hotspots like the seafood-centric Sait , trendy fusiony Roka and the Populist bar, which serves up local craft beers and incredible views. Also here: the about-to-open Renzo Piano-designed Istanbul Modern museum and the Peninsula Istanbul , which opened last month across several historic buildings, with stunning rooms overlooking the Bosporus.”

Istanbul’s grandest hotel is the Ciragan Palace Kempinski , which incorporates on its grounds a 19th century Ottoman palace. “It’s a local institution and an icon, and by summer it will unveil a super-opulent renovation of its guest rooms and public spaces overseen by designer du jour, Serdar Gulgun,” says von Bremzen.

For thrilling modern takes on Turkish cuisine, von Bremzen suggests the two-Michelin starred Turk , the new Avlu restaurant at the renovated Four Seasons Sultanahmet and classics like Mikla . “I also adore the city’s brilliant female chefs like Burcak Kazdal, who prepares amazing locavore food at her charming Apartiman ,” says von Bremzen.

Come summer, von Bremzen escapes to Bodrum on the Aegean coast. “There, I’ve fallen for a new hotel called Kaya Palazzo Le Chic , located on one of the loveliest stretches of beach in the area,” says von Bremzen. “Its private pier has a great restaurant, and the spa does amazing massages.”

Another reason to head to Istanbul in 2023? “Getting to Istanbul has never been easier,” says von Bremzen. “ Turkish Airlines , the classy award-winning national carrier recently expanded its U.S. getaways with Newark, Dallas and Seattle–Tacoma.” Hot tip: For travelers with lengthy transfer times in its Istanbul hub, the airline is offering the new Istanbul Stopover Program , which includes two complimentary nights at a four-star hotel for economy class passengers and three nights at a five-star hotel for business-class passengers. “Oh, and the airline’s Istanbul business lounge serves some of the tastiest Turkish food in the city,” says von Bremzen.

Best Places to Travel in 2023: Asia

Alyssa Ramos, founder of My Life’s a Movie, in Tokyo.

Where to Go: Japan

Chosen By: Alyssa Ramos, founder of My Life’s a Movie and a solo female travel blogger, content creator, entrepreneur and social media influencer who travels the world full-time and seeks to showcase unique destinations through her unique photography style and honest, detailed travel tips. Her motto is “Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do.”

Why: “With travel almost completely back to normal, it opens up a whole new contender list for best places to go in 2023,” says Alyssa Ramos. “Topping the list is my current location: Japan. After nearly three years of borders being closed for travel, the glorious country has finally re-opened, and it’s even better than ever.”

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, tourism has been spiking since the country reopened in October. “Despite news of foreigners flocking here, or of it being overcrowded, I’m currently finding it quite spaced out and as always, organized—even during the first Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival Season since pre-pandemic,” says Ramos, who is excited about destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Okinawa.

Some of the big 2023 news in Tokyo includes the opening of Aman Residences, Tokyo —the brand’s first residence-only development—as well as the debut of Aman’s sister wellness-oriented brand at Janu Tokyo and Japan’s first Bulgari hotel . Another big opening: Tokyu Corporation’s new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower , which will be Japan’s largest multi-use hotel and entertainment complex. It will be home to two new hotels: The luxury Bellustar Tokyo (a Pan Pacific Hotel set on the 39th to 47th floors) and the lifestyle Hotel Groove Shinjuku on the 18th-38th floors

When it comes to entertainment, there’s a lot going on in Tokyo, including the soon-to-open Animate Ikebukuro (the world’s largest anime store), digital art collective teamLab’s new immersive production of the Puccini opera Turandot , a new Japanese Cultural and Innovation Center next to Haneda International Airport and Sunshine 60 Observatory in Ikebukuro (which is reopening as an indoor park). Want to see more of Tokyo? Follow Ramos’s guide to how to plan a city self tour by train .

In Kyoto, there’s a ton of news on the hospitality front, including the Ace Hotel (with an outpost of Piopiko from Michelin-starred chef Wes Avila), Marufukuro (in the former Nintendo headquarters) and the Park Hyatt Kyoto (located close to Kodai-ji Temple).

Another one of Ramos’s go-to spots: the islands of Okinawa. “It reminded me of French Polynesia but for a fraction of the cost,” she says. One place to stay is the new Hoshinoya Okinawa , a beachfront island resort in the coastal village of Yomitan. Ramos also recommends the Zamami Islands for the beautiful beaches.

Juliana Broste in Sri Lanka.

Where to Go: Sri Lanka

Chosen By: Juliana Broste is a 12x Heartland Emmy Award-winning travel filmmaker and host, showcasing adventures and fun things to do around the world. Come along for the adventure at @TravelingJules on Instagram or travelingjules.com .

Why : “It’s no secret, Sri Lanka has had a hard time,” says Juliana Broste. “Even with inflation, visitors will find Sri Lanka a spectacular, affordable destination worth the long haul. Loop around the island and you’ll see why this land will keep you guessing—from the hustle and bustle of capital city Colombo to beautiful beaches, rice fields, waterfalls, plains, and mountains.”

There’s a lot to see in a relatively short distance, so have your camera at the ready. “Spotting the wildlife in Sri Lanka is really special,” says Broste, who explored the country on a photo tour . “You can go on safari to an Elephant Sanctuary, go whale watching on the Indian ocean and spy on birds, lizards, jellyfish and monkeys in a mangrove.” On Broste’s bucket list for next time: spotting leopards at Yala National Park.

Sri Lanka has plenty of interesting cultural attractions to explore, including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy . “Be sure to pack an all-white outfit that covers your shoulders and legs when visiting religious sites,” says Broste. “Catching a traditional Kandyan dance performance is a highlight, seeing men and women in traditional dress telling stories through dance.”

Tucked away in hill country, Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” is a cool climate escape where a famous Sri Lankan export, ceylon tea, is produced. “Winding roads reveal rows and rows of tea bushes on the hillside—be sure to stop in for a cup of tea on your visit to a tea factory and plantation ,” says Broste. “Equally as fun: sampling a king coconut on the side of the road along your adventure.”

For an incredible view of Colombo, head to the top of the shimmering pink Lotus Tower for a bird’s eye view of the city. “It’s a symbol of the city and just a touch taller than the Eiffel Tower,” says Broste. “Another famous viewpoint worth the hike is the ancient city of Sigiriya known as Lion’s Rock, with the ruins of an ancient stronghold located atop a dramatic rock outcrop. It’s wild to think how an entire civilization lived here centuries ago.”

A junk boat crossing Hong Kong harbor.

Where to Go: Hong Kong

Chosen By : Currently exploring South East Asia, India-Jayne Trainor is a travel writer and photographer who has contributed to AFAR , Atlas Obscura and Reader’s Digest , among others. She shares her adventures and tips on Instagram @exploringwithindia .

Why : “Hong Kong’s slogan is ‘Asia’s world city,’ and this couldn’t be more accurate. Each time I visit, I wish I’d spent longer exploring—but with diverse cuisine, a burgeoning arts and culture scene and more than two hundred jungle- and beach-covered islands, you’re constantly discovering new things to see and do,” says India-Jayne Trainor.

There has never been a better time to discover Hong Kong: The city is giving away half a million flights this year. The region recently lifted its final Covid restrictions, and the past three years allowed for the development of new luxury hotels, such as The Regent , The Hari and Fullerton Ocean Park , which are also elevating Hong Kong’s foodie reputation to new heights.

Local teahouses and street food still dominate, but flavors from Asia, Europe and North America can be found in restaurants including Jade , Heimat and Mosu . “Mosu is in one of my favorite neighborhoods, the West Kowloon Cultural District. Home to the new M+ Museum and Hong Kong Palace Museum , it’s a constantly growing arts and culture hub, with theaters, performance spaces, cafes and stunning views of Hong Kong’s skyline,” says Trainor. Art can be found everywhere in Hong Kong, which just concluded Art Basel 2023—from the vibrant street murals in Sheung Wan to the new Tai Kwun buildings.

Although Hong Kong is widely assumed to be densely packed with skyscrapers, its hundreds of islands are just a short ferry ride away. Lamma Island and Cheung Chau have a laid-back feel, with golden beaches and waterfront cafes. For a little more adventure, hiking on Sharp Island or across Hong Kong Island to Repulse Bay offer mountainous views and rewarding beaches. “I love that you can go from bustling city to waterfalls and jungle in less than an hour,” says Trainor. “Despite this, whenever I visit I inevitably return to Hong Kong’s most famous attractions such as Happy Valley, Star Ferry and The Peak—catch the Peak Tram to the top for the best views in the city, ahead of the scenic walk down to Hong Kong Park.”

The Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.

Where to Go: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Why : Pre-pandemic, Kuala Lumpur was the sixth-most-visited city in the world, and now after being closed for two and a half years, Malaysia’s capital is back and better than ever, with an historic influx of visitors and lots of news for 2023. “I have had plenty of layovers at Kuala Lumpur and always loved the fabulous airport with the mini rainforest complete with waterfall in the middle,” says Alyssa Ramos. “But Malaysia, and specifically Kuala Lumpur, is a destination I am guilty of highly underrating for many years.”

Ramos describes Kuala Lumpur as a “mini Singapore, but for a fraction of the price, with brand-new luxury high rises stretching towards the sky, many with stunning rooftop pools and direct views of the Petronas Towers.”

This year’s big opening is the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur , which will occupy the top 17 floors of a 118-floor tower overlooking Stadium Merdeka, the UNESCO heritage site where Malaysia declared independence in 1957.

“There are also fantastic restaurants with a wide array of cuisines from all over the world,” says Ramos. Some of the latest hotspots include Sushi Mew at The Westin KL, Jwala for fiery Northern Indian cuisine (the name of the restaurant mens “flame” in Sanskrit) and the Latin American Mano Restaurant .

On the outskirts of town, the Batu Caves are not to be missed. “Just a short ride with Grab (the local rideshare company) will get you to the famous Batu Caves with their hundreds of colorful steps leading up to cave temples,” says Ramos.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

Where to Go: Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Chosen By: Brazil-born, San Francisco-based Catarina Mello ( @professionaltraveler ) is an award-winning luxury travel content creator, photographer, entrepreneur and online educator. Since escaping the office and swapping her digital marketing career at Google for a life as a travel creator, Catarina has grown her audience to over 800k followers across platforms.

Why: “Ninh Binh has been named one of the most underrated destinations in Asia, and it’s often referred to as one of the most beautiful hidden gems on the Asian continent,” says Catarina Mello. “It’s rising in popularity on social media, so it won’t stay a hidden gem for too long. Go while it still offers a very authentic Northern Vietnam experience.”

A fun fact: The 2016 movie Kong: Skull Island was filmed in the province of Ninh Binh. What Mello loves about this area: “Only two hours away from the busy capital city, Hanoi, Ninh Binh is an authentic and fascinating place known for its giant limestone karst mountains, lush valleys, miles and miles of rice fields and winding rivers,” she says. “It’s so beautiful you’ll immediately fall in love with it.”

Travelers spend their days biking through rice fields, hiking limestone mountains for incredible views, visiting pagodas and cruising along the scenic countryside and through caves on a local rowing boat. “In Ninh Binh, the cliffs emerge from the valleys covered in rice fields and rivers—and for that reason, the province has the nickname of ‘Ha Long Bay on Land,’” says Mello. “It’s truly magical.”

Where to stay? “ Tam Coc Garden Resort is in an idyllic setting, surrounded by limestone peaks and lush rice fields,” says Mello. “The hotel gardens are beautiful, the swimming pool has magnificent views, and the rooms and villas are full of charm. Not to mention the outstanding service—there’s nothing they can’t arrange or do for guests.

Be sure not to miss Ninh Binh’s special cuisine: mountain goat meat. “The most famous dishes include goat soup, grilled goat meat with five spices and steamed goat meat with ginger,” says Mello.

India's Patrika Gate.

Where to Go: Rajasthan, India

Chosen By: Alyssa Ramos is the founder of My Life’s a Movie and a solo female travel blogger, content creator, entrepreneur and social media influencer who travels the world full-time and seeks to showcase unique destinations through her unique photography style and honest, detailed travel tips. Her motto is “Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do.”

Why : “In two words, I would describe India as ‘beautiful chaos,’” says Alyssa Ramos. “I put India back on my travel to-go list this year after years of it being closed due to the pandemic, and after my recent trip, I was even more impressed than ever.”

As a solo female traveler, Ramos says she has never felt safer in India and loves visiting places like Delhi’s Kahn Market (“you can find upscale shops and a lot of cute restaurants and bars”) and the Andaman Island s (“one of my top secret gem locations”).

But for 2023, Rajasthan tops Ramos’s India list. “It has beautiful architecture, palaces, a huge fort, tons of market shopping and, of course, delicious food,” says Ramos. “Be sure to stop by The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge , where the most famous photo of the Wind Palace can be taken, and say ‘hi’ to the owners Juhi and Karan for me. Order something to support your cafe, or even better, get a tattoo—like I did.”

The big news in Rajasthan is Jaipur’s Villa Palladio . The colorful high-design hotel set on a gracious country estate is from the same folks behind the city’s legendary Caffé Palladio and Bar Palladio. Another exciting opening: Johri & Sons , a buzzing cocktail bar created in collaboration with gin brand Stranger & Sons and boutique hotel The Johri at Lal Haveli. On the outskirts of town is the newly opened 3,765-acre Amagarh Leopard Reserve , where you can spot 16 leopards, 250 species of birds, hyenas, foxes and more.

Ramos also loves the classic hotels like Udaipur’s Taj Lake Palace (“a former summer palace floating in the middle of a lake”) and Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Palace (“the royal family of Jodhpur lives in a wing there”). “If you want to feel like royalty, you have to stay at one of these properties,” she says.

Best Places to Travel in 2023: Caribbean, Central and South America

Author Peggy Bree in Manizales, Colombia.

Where to Go: Manizales, Colombia

Chosen By: A digital nomad from Toronto, Peggy Bree lives in Colombia with her malti-poo, Chilli, and is growing her bespoke creative outlet, blank room . Follow her Instagram for her faith, digital nomad and brand/business life.

Why: Cartagena, Bogota and Medellin have had their moments in the spotlight. Now trending for 2023: Manizales, a quiet central Colombia town that is known as the “City of Open Doors,” thanks to its welcoming residents.

“Manizales is the place to go that is off the beaten track,” says Peggy Bree. “If I had to describe Manizales in one word, it would be ‘epic.’”

Surrounded by the massive volcanoes of Los Nevados National Park, Manizales is located in the Andes coffee-growing region. It’s got coffee plantations to visit, hot springs to soak in and a cloud forest to explore. “It’s a side of Colombia that is a bit more unique and wild,” says Bree. “I’ve never seen as much greenery—including large waterfalls surrounded by bamboo trees.”

The place to stay: Attraversiamo , a bamboo boutique hotel (see Bree’s video here ). “It was inspired by Bali, which the scenery in Manizales matched,” says Bree. “It’s the perfect place to read a book, study and journal.”

Nneya Richards, a speaker and travel blogger at ’N A Perfect World on Grenada's Grand Anse beach.

Where to Go: Grenada

Why: Grenada, known as the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, offers world-class beaches, picturesque waterfalls and plenty of news for 2023. “Grenadians have kept their beautiful green isle a hidden gem. But I understand—it’s paradise,” says Nneya Richards.

It’s now easier to get to Grenada than ever. “With Jet Blue offering more direct flights to Grenada, you can expand your Caribbean horizons,” says Richards.

This year’s hotel openings include Six Senses at La Sagesse , which will mark the brand’s debut resort in the Caribbean. With its dedication to sustainability, the resort will have a variety of indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars using fresh ingredients grown nearby and seafood from local fishermen. The soon-to-open Beach House by Silversands Grenada is a small luxury boutique hotel with one-bedroom villas and two-bedroom suites on the cliff or overlooking Portici Beach.

Richards is also excited about Sandals Grenada on exclusive Pink Gin Beach. “Think: pools in the sky and living rooms in swimming pools. Private plunge pools, cascading waterfalls and meandering river pools and butler service,” she says. “Speaking of waterfalls, a trip to the island is not complete without a waterfall hike.”

Grenada is also home to some of the best chocolate in the world. “When you go to a chocolate factory in Grenada, you can pick the cacao pod off the tree,” says Richards. “That’s just a tip of the iceberg with how well you’ll eat when you’re in Grenada.”

A Caribbean coastline in Costa Rica.

Where to Go : Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica

Why: The ultimate destination for the eco-traveler looking for a one-of-a-kind trip with a low environmental impact in 2023? Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast.

This less discovered coast is getting a lot of buzz, thanks to its mix of culture and wildlife—without the crowds. It’s the ultimate destination for travelers who are seeking a one-of-a-kind trip with a low environmental impact where eco-lodges, rainforest bungalows and boutique hotels are as easy to find as sloths.

Culture seekers will love the small beach town of Limon , which has become ground zero for travelers in search of snorkeling, surfing and Afro-Caribbean music. Or for a uniquely immersive experience, travelers can stay with the Bri Bri—Costa Rica’s largest indigenous community—in the Talamanca, and discover more about their history and traditions.

When it comes to beaches, must-visit spots include Playa Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo, Playa Cahuita, Playa Cocles and Manzanillo. The coast is also home to a number of national parks that showcase a commitment to conservation, including Tortuguero National Park (a nesting site for green turtles), Cahuita National Park (home to sloths and monkeys), Gandoca-Manzanillo Natural Wildlife Refuge (which is home to natural mangrove oyster beds) and Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge (the second largest rain forest preserve in the country).

Best Places to Travel in 2023: Canada

Kelsey Marie on the Talking Rocks Snowshoe Tour at Elk Island National Park.

Where to Go: Edmonton, Alberta

Chosen By: Kelsey Marie, content creator and writer at Travel Noire .

Why: Edmonton is a vibrant urban center in the heart of the wilderness—the largest northernmost metropolis and the capital of Alberta, Canada. Visitors can discover 18 hours of daylight during the summer and castles made of icicles during the winter. When it comes to Edmonton’s culinary scene, there is always something new to be discovered—from experiencing the cool and creative Chinese fusion at Fu’s Repair Shop to the finest prairie cuisine at RGE RD .

“I had one of the most amazing meals at RGE RD. From the decor to the plating, this place is phenomenal,” says Kelsey Marie. “Another must-try at RGE RD: the Road Trip. Your tastebuds will embark on a journey, and you won’t know what's coming next on this blind-tasting multi-course adventure.”

Edmonton’s craft beer scene has also been exploding. Visitors can explore the new unofficial brewery district, Happy Beer Street , which features seven craft breweries like The Monolith , offering mixed-fermentation beers that take a few years to brew. Happy Beer Street continues to grow with the eighth brewery, Ale Architect , opening April 2023.

Many Indigenous groups reside in Amiskwaciy Waskahikan, also known as Edmonton, and the history of the land is long and vibrant. Visitors can discover Indigenous experiences in and around the city, including art at Whiskeyjack Art House , Bearclaw Gallery and the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park . And don’t miss Elk Island National Park. “On a snowshoe adventure with Talking Rock Tours , you’ll learn about indigenous culture and surrounding wildlife and have a chance to become one with nature,” says Marie.

The Victoria skyline at night.

Where to Go: Victoria, British Columbia

Chosen By: Corinne Whiting is a Seattle-based writer contributing to outlets like USA Today 10Best, Seattle Times, Seattle Refined and more.

Why: “One of the unexpected joys of living in the Pacific Northwest turned out to be frequent jaunts to charming Victoria,” says Corinne Whiting. “I love the ease of this compact, walkable city and each visit I seem to discover brand-new treasures.”

In 2023, sustainability and respecting and acknowledging local First Nations are at the forefront. Learn about the Songhees Nation at the Songhees Wellness Centre —where people and traditions come to meet—then venture out in a cultural canoe or walking tour departing from the Inner Harbour.

With its impressive natural landscapes, Victoria also takes “green” to another level as an international leader in environmental initiatives . Just recently, Greater Victoria achieved Biosphere certification , marking a major milestone for the destination. Travelers to Victoria can see additional sustainable efforts in action, whether it’s booking a stay at a carbon neutral hotel like Inn at Laurel Point or Parkside Hotel , dining at Big Wheel Burger (Canada’s first carbon-neutral fast-food restaurant) or seeing the iconic Orca Whales with a carbon neutral and ocean-friendly tour operator like Orca Spirit or Eagle Wing Tours .

In June 2023, Fairmont Empress will unveil a multi-million dollar transformation to its signature Fairmont Gold level (the brand’s exclusive lifestyle hotel experience). The renovated Fairmont Gold will feature the addition of 22 guest rooms and a newly renovated Fairmont Gold Lounge, complete with an expanded indoor lounge and outdoor terrace that provides sweeping water views.

For Whiting, other Victoria highlights include First Nations-led tours and kayaking excursions, as well as magical biking adventures peppered with delicious snacks and pints along the way. “And of course it doesn't hurt that Canadians are some of the nicest folks around, too,” she says.

Best Places to Travel in 2023: Africa and the Middle East

Climbing Sossusvlei dune in Namibia's Naukluft National Park.

Where to Go: Namibia

Chosen By: Melissa Klurman is a travel expert and contributor at Reader’s Digest , The Points Guy and Travel Awaits .

Why: “The rolling red sand dunes and remote Skeleton Coast landscapes of Namibia have long been on my Africa bucket list,” says Melissa Klurman, a travel writer and African travel expert who’s been covering the continent for two decades. “This is the year I finally was able to fully immerse in the wonders of Namibia, and it was well worth the wait,” she says.

What made 2023 the perfect time to visit? “ Natural Selection , a safari company that runs stellar, eco-friendly lodges such as the fabulous Shipwreck Lodge, added a flying safari to reach their camps for the first time,” says Klurman, adding, “this is a true game changer for visiting the visually stunning, and very isolated, desert regions of the country.”

While flying safaris are the norm, and quite necessary, in other safari areas of Africa, such as Botswana, in Namibia driving has been the most popular way of getting around. Being able to fly, instead of drive, says Klurman, made all the difference in her itinerary and makes the under-the-radar safari destination much more accessible for travelers. “I was able to visit Etosha Heights in the northern reaches of the country to see wildlife such as elephant, lion, and giraffe, and then fly to the wildly remote Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge, where life seems all but impossible in the massive sand dunes,” says Klurman. “For the rest of the Natural Selection itinerary, a private pilot flew my group to what is now my new favorite lodge anywhere, Hoanib Valley, comprised of just six tents in what feels like another planet, and then on to the Dark Sky Reserve of Kwessi Dunes all the way in the southern NamibRand.”

An itinerary like this could take 13 days driving, but with help from the travel specialists at Audley Travel who helped Klurman plan her itinerary, “Flying, I was able to do the entire thing in half that time,” says Klurman.

Catarina Mello in Oman.

Where to Go: Oman

Why: “If I had to bet on a destination skyrocketing in popularity in the coming years, I’d pick Oman,” says Catarina Mello. “I’ve been to 57 countries, and to say that Oman is the most underrated country I've ever been to is an understatement. Oman is beautiful in every way. The landscapes are spectacular and so diverse: from pristine turquoise beaches with incredible underwater life to beautiful canyons, mountains, wadis that will take your breath away, a glowing orange desert with giant sand dunes and much more.”

There are castles straight out of a fairytale book, stunning mosques, charming mountain villages, souks and markets with local treasures. “Not to mention the rich culture, the cuisine and kindest and most welcoming people you'll ever meet traveling,” says Mello.

The best part? “It’s an extremely safe, welcoming, and relatively small country, making it easy to explore all its different landscapes by car,” says Mello. “It’s the perfect road trip destination.”

Oman has a lot to offer, but Mello’s favorite places include the Daymaniyat Islands right outside of Muscat, Wadi Shab, Bimmah Sinkhole, Sultan Qaabos Grand Mosque, Wahiba Sands desert, Nizwa Fort and Jabreen Castle.

Best Places to Travel in 2023: Oceania

Watching the locals from a bathroom at Tasmania's Kittawa Lodge.

Where to go: Tasmania

Chosen by: Chloe Sachdev is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer. She has lived all over the world—from Singapore and London to Hong Kong—and now calls Sydney’s Bondi Beach home. Her stories appear in print and online for a range of international publications such as Conde Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, The Times and more.

Why: “Tasmania is wild and untouched with a landscape of wind-battered mountains that tumble into a frothy blue ocean, with a world-renowned food and drinks scene steered by this provenance,” says Chloe Sachdev.

A great example of Tasmania’s food scene is found in the heart of Hobart at Omotenashi . “It’s a set-menu experience, with just 12 seats, that riffs on the Japanese omakase experience but showcases Tasmania’s best produce,” says Sachdev. Another must-visit: Institut Polaire , a wine bar and kitchen dedicated to Tasmania’s cold climate biodynamic and natural wines with a seasonal food menu from local growers, fishers and farmers. “They’ve recently opened The Polaire Suite, a sleek one-bedroom short-stay apartment at Hobart’s waterfront precinct,” says Sachdev.

On the east coast in an old oyster hatch is the newly opened Waubs Harbour Distillery in Bicheno. “It’s the world's closest distillery to the ocean, producing a unique maritime Tasmanian single malt whisky,” says Sachdev. “If you can, time your visit during The Great Eastern Wine Week festival in September, a 10-day food and drinks festival showcasing the best of the best from the east coast region.”

Tasmania has always been known for its epic beauty, best explored by foot on a myriad of overland multi-day walks s uch as the Wukalina Walk , a four-day/three-night First-Nations owned and operated guided walk. “For something shorter but with the same Indigenous significance, there is also Blak-led tours , a tourism company based on Tasmanian Aboriginal stories through guided tours and story-telling projects across Tasmania,” says Sachdev.

Beyond the landscape, Tasmania has a thrilling creative scene, thanks to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart. “Although it opened a decade ago, it still pushes the boundaries; the effect can be seen in its Dark Mofo festival held annually in June for two weeks with bonkers public art, live music, performances, and nocturnal revelry around the city of Hobart,” says Sachdev.

There is no shortage of stays in Tasmania, from thoughtfully curated seaside shacks to shipping containers and luxury lodges . “A recent discovery of mine is Kittawa Lodge on King Island off the northwest coast of Tasmania,” says Sachdev. “It’s a chic boutique lodge on the edge of the wilderness. They’ve recently partnered with The Tasman hotel in Hobart, putting together an itinerary for guests to take in the cultural highlights of Hobart, before transferring to King Island.”

Uluru at sunset.

Where to Go: Northern Territory, Australia

Chosen By: Jen Rose Smith , a journalist who freelances for CNN, Virtuoso and National Geographic .

Why: With Australia’s borders open to international travelers since February, visitors have begun to flock back to the land Down Under. For those looking for an off-the-beaten-track outdoor adventure destination, there’s the Northern Territory. With its outback desert landscapes, hidden swimming holes, colorful outdoor markets, Aboriginal rock art, camel rides, traditional art galleries and spectacular Uluru in the red center, the Northern Territory is unlike any other place on earth.

“Visiting the Northern Territory overturned every idea I had about Australia—it’s a mind-expanding encounter with cultures dating back tens of thousands of years,” says Jen Rose Smith.

New for 2023, visitors can experience iconic Uluru in a new light with a state-of-the-art drone and laser light show that will illuminate the desert sky with over 1,000 drones dancing and weaving in a kaleidoscope of color. Called Wintjiri Wiru , the show tells the Mala story, which is sacred to the Anangu Community and traditional owners of Uluru. “Indigenous traditions and creativity are woven into every part of the landscape,” says Smith.

Additionally, world-renowned artist Bruce Munro is launching a new illuminated art piece called Light Towers at Kings Canyon Resort near Watarrka National Park.

Also new to the area: Finniss River Lodge , Australia’s latest experiential lodge near Darwin in the Northern Territory. The lodge has only six suites and offers activities like air boating, fishing and heli-guides, plus a restaurant with dishes made from local produce.

“Everything I encountered left me wanting more,” says Smith. “The landscape goes from red-rock desert to lush, tropical floodplains where I spotted crocodiles, wallabies, and dozens of bird species—it’s constantly changing. This is a place to really slow down, listen and take in some truly remarkable places.”

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  • Certified travel counselor (CTC): A CTC has the skills of a CTA, advanced industry training and five years of industry experience.
  • Certified travel industry executive (CTIE): A CTIE is a travel industry professional who has management training within the travel agency.

Travel agencies charge fees for services provided to clients to account for time spent researching and booking travel arrangements. Keep in mind that a travel agent’s inside knowledge of travel-related discounts may make booking through an agency less expensive than self-booking over the internet.

  • Airline ticket procurement fee: Travel agencies charge an airline ticket procurement fee for purchasing tickets on behalf of the traveler.
  • Travel agency service fees: Other common travel agency fees include fees for booking hotels and rental cars and for time spent researching trips.
  • Itemization of costs and fees: While there is no law requiring travel agencies to provide an itemized breakdown of costs and fees, you can request this information to ensure fees are reasonable.

International travel planning

Planning a trip to another country is typically more complex than planning a domestic trip due to extra paperwork and the need to know details about the destination country. A trusted global travel agency can help manage details and paperwork on your behalf.

  • Destination-specific research or specialization: Some agents with certification from The Travel Institute are trained in region-specific bookings while others charge for time spent researching destinations.
  • Hotel and flight packages: Using a global travel agency to book international hotel and flight packages can cut costs even after agency fees are added. To check for savings, compare online price listings to prices provided by the agency.
  • Visa and passport requirements: Having visas and passports in order is vital when traveling to other countries, so confirm which documents are needed with the agency early in the trip-planning process.

Group travel planning

Planning a trip for a group can be challenging because some facilities cannot accommodate groups. Travel agencies find suitable venues and transportation for the entire group. A global travel agency can help you with international group vacations.

  • Large-group discounts: Travel agencies have access to discounts based on established relationships with hotels and airline companies to secure a great price for group bookings.
  • Transportation: A large group is not going to fit in a standard rental car. Confirm the travel agency is able to book a van or several cars to meet the group's transportation needs.
  • Itinerary details for the group: In addition to sleeping arrangements and transportation, eating out and visiting tourist attractions can be problematic for a group. Ask the travel agency to arrange the fine points of the group's trip in addition to handling the larger details.

Land and sea planning

Planning a vacation involves more than selecting a country and booking hotel and airfare. Hiring a travel agency can help make sure travelers enjoy every stop in their itinerary.

  • Add a cruise: Talk to your travel agency about adding some sea travel to any vacation. Different onboard accommodations and ports of call allow travelers to extend the reach of their trips.
  • Seamless transfers: Making the transfer from onshore accommodations to a cruise ship can eat up almost an entire day, but a travel agent takes care of the hassle by arranging travel to the port at the right time.
  • Planning excursions: Ask the travel agent to arrange desired shore excursions at the ship's ports of call that enrich other planned itinerary stops.

Types of travel agencies

Commercial travel agencies.

Commercial travel agencies cater to business travelers. These agencies specialize in tracking down deals for business travelers to help companies manage travel costs.

Online travel agencies

Travel agencies that exist only in cyberspace provide clients with the convenience of online booking and discounts that are available only to professional travel agencies. Some agencies offer both online booking and walk-in service for clients.

Niche travel agencies

Niche travel agencies provide clients with specialized knowledge of a region. This enhances the travel experience for clients by ensuring paperwork is in order and providing specific, often first-hand, knowledge of the area tourists are visiting.

Membership associations

Memberships associations give travelers access to the organization's travel planning services for the cost of an annual membership rather than charging per transaction. This type of agency offers the most benefit to frequent travelers.

Who uses travel agencies?

International travelers.

International travelers can cut the stress of planning trips to other countries when a global travel agency manages the details. This includes making sure each traveler has the proper paperwork and booking suitable travel accommodations.

Business travelers

Business travelers can take advantage of savings associated with discounts available only to travel agents. Some travel agencies also handle the detailed expense report paperwork required by the accounting departments of most companies.

Group travelers

Group travelers can save time when looking for accommodations that have room for the entire group by using a travel agency. Group bookings through an agent can also save you money.

Travel bargain seekers

Travel bargain seekers can discuss their travel budget with a travel agent. This is a way to determine what discounts and money-saving packages a travel agency can arrange.

Travel agencies FAQ

Most travel agencies don’t charge customers, meaning the only price you pay is the cost of your trip. Agents are typically paid commissions by the hotels or airlines. Some travel agents may charge service fees from $100 to $500, but that money is usually applied toward the cost of your trip if you complete travel arrangements through the agency.

To know if a travel agency is legit:

  • Review the agency’s website for a physical address and phone number.
  • Check for industry certifications and associations with professional organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors.
  • Read reviews to learn about client experiences. Ask for a list of references.
  • Make sure the agent accepts credit cards.
  • Compare pricing to make sure cost isn’t too high or too low.

No, it’s generally free to use a travel agent. A travel agency may charge a service fee or a booking fee, but it’s common for this fee to apply toward the cost of your trip.

The four main types of travel agencies are:

  • Commercial travel agencies , which cater mainly to business travelers
  • Online travel agencies that help people plan their trips entirely online
  • Niche travel agencies , which specialize in arranging trips to specific areas
  • Membership associations that provide travel services as a benefit to members

Using a travel agent is a more personalized experience than booking online — and sometimes cheaper. Travel agents are experts who can find the best deals on flights , cruises, hotels and activities. Agents are often available 24/7 in case of problems. And there’s usually no extra cost to use one.

Yes, a travel agent can save you money, especially if you’re traveling internationally to unfamiliar territory or if you’re organizing a trip for a big group. In addition to finding you the best deal, a travel agent saves you time planning and researching — often at no cost for services.

Travel agencies:

  • Find the best deals on flights, hotels, cruises and activities for individuals, families, businesses and groups
  • Give clients personalized attention and advice for trip planning
  • Offer trip insurance
  • Save you time and stress
  • Are available 24/7 in case of a problem and advocate on your behalf

No, you don’t need to tip a travel agent. A great way to show appreciation is to refer friends, family members and co-workers. Some people choose to write a thank-you note and/or give a small gift.

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Travel agency reviews

HotelPlanner.com

HotelPlanner uses online technology to connect customers with hotel group sales managers. Founded in 2003, HotelPlanner offers group travel services in more than twenty languages and partners with more than 50,000 hotels worldwide.

  • Guaranteed lowest group rates : For consumers booking 10 or more rooms per night, HotelPlanner matches or beats the prices offered elsewhere.
  • Free room for the planner : The group's coordinator, the person who set up the hotel block, is provided with a free room when booking more than the minimum number of required rooms for the block.
  • Local experts : A local expert is assigned to each group to provide advice about navigating the city and enjoying activities.
  • Easy bid requests : The electronic room-booking process for groups is quick and easy to navigate. Travelers fill in the form and wait for hotels to bid on their travel, cutting out hours spent on the phone and putting negotiating power in the hands of the traveler.
  • Hotels bid on clients : HotelPlanner provides clients with the option to have hotels bid for the client's business, ensuring the best rates and packages.

Tours4Fun

Tours4fun is a full-service travel agency, offering both brick-and-mortar and online customer service options.

Royal Holiday

Royal Holiday Vacation Club offers memberships that let you travel to nearly 200 destinations in over 50 countries. It has over 100,000 members and has been in business since 1983. Royal Holiday Vacation Club is a subsidiary of Park Royal Hotels and Resorts.

Global Work & Travel

The Global Work & Travel Co. is an Australia-based youth travel organization that specializes in travel for people ages 18 to 30. With offices in the United Kingdom and Canada and over 1,200 travel partner organizations, you will get help with planning and logistics at every step of your journey.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Vantage Deluxe World Travel was established in 1983 when it started offering affordable deluxe travel to select groups, like teachers unions and alumni associations. Since then, the company has escorted almost half a million travelers all around the world.

Global Vacation Network

Global Vacation Network is a membership association that provides condominium packages and advice for saving on other travel-related details, such as airfare.

smarTours

The smarTours company has been in business since 1996, offering low-cost group vacation tours to exotic worldwide locales. To date, more than 150,000 satisfied travelers have used smarTours to book their holiday.

Liberty Travel

Liberty Travel is a traditional brick-and-mortar travel agency with a presence in several major cities in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, New England, Illinois, California and Florida.

Fox World Travel

Fox World Travel has 11 regional vacation travel agencies in Wisconsin and has agents who set up trips for corporate travelers all over the United States.

  • Find a way : Agents are trained to find a way to put client requests first, even if the requests are challenging.
  • Group travel : Traveling in groups is made easy with trips designed for wedding parties, schools, media events, and a range of customizable options.
  • Business travel division : The business travel division specializes in meeting the unique needs of business travel like meeting planning services, attendee management, online event booking and more.
  • Travel tools available : Travel tools that simplify traveling, such as currency converters and a flight tracker are provided online for clients to use.
  • Online booking : Vacation packages can be viewed and booked online through the company website.

Zicasso

Zicasso partners with multiple travel agencies that specialize in specific styles of trips or destinations and puts agencies together with travelers. Founded in 2006, by two world travelers, Zicasso serves the luxury travel market from its headquarters in Mountain View, California.

Trafalgar

Trafalgar offers guided tours of popular vacation destinations, such as Europe, North America, South America and Asia, in larger groups of up to 52. Trafalgar also partners with the TreadRight Foundation to support underprivileged communities and work toward sustainable tourism practices.

  • Authentic experiences : The guides that are assisting travelers live and work in the communities being toured.
  • Travel options : All Trafalgar tours are guided tours, but there are numerous options to choose from. Travelers can decide on a family vacation, country explorations, special interest tours and more.
  • Keep options open : Flexibility is built into the travel itinerary for exploring destinations with several nights of free exploration on every tour. This allows travelers to revisit favorite sites or explore areas not covered by the tour group.
  • VIP treatment : Trafalgar trips provide exclusive access to sights so travelers avoid waiting in lines.
  • Friendly experience : Local guides greet clients and treat them as friends, providing comfort and a sense of welcome in a strange land.

Audley Travel

Audley Travel has offered custom-made trips based on client input since opening their doors in 1996. With more than 75 destinations and travel types that range from luxury to road trip, vacationers can create and enjoy their own ideal holiday away.

  • Preplanning assistance : Clients can browse the website or discuss interests with a travel planner to get destination ideas.
  • Detailed planning : A specialist helps plan each detail of the trip until the client is satisfied and approves the itinerary.
  • Pretrip preparation assistance : The assigned specialist is available for questions and reviews the client's itinerary four days before departure.
  • Midtrip support : Clients are provided with a number to call that is manned 24/7 if assistance is needed.
  • Multiple destinations : Trips to over 75 worldwide locations are offered by Audley Travel.

Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.

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Scott Steinberg

Travel expert, tv host, and keynote speaker, projects completed, media appearances, articles written, happy clients, today's top travel expert.

One of today’s top travel experts, expert witnesses, and consultants, award-winning speaker and bestselling author Scott Steinberg is the founder of world-renowned travel, lifestyle, and nightlife trends magazine SELECT: Your City’s Secrets Unlocked™ and the host of video series Going Places with Scott Steinberg™. Recently named the Master of Innovation by Fortune magazine, and hailed as one of America’s top futurists by the BBC and a “top trendsetter to follow” by the Fortune 500, he’s covered travel, consumer, entertainment, and business trends for 600+ outlets from CNN to Good Morning America and The Today Show.

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About Scott Steinberg

The bestselling author of 14 books including Make Change Work for You: 10 Ways to Future-Proof Yourself, Fearlessly Innovate, and Succeed Despite Uncertainty, The Business Etiquette Bible, and Parenting High-Tech Kids, over one billion people have turned to him for insight into today’s top consumer and business trends. A veteran expert witness consultant; producer of live events, meetings, and programs; and the head of management consulting and market research firm FutureProof Strategies, he's a frequent on-air expert for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and CNN. A trusted consultant to the travel, hospitality, and retail industry’s top names, Steinberg has been cited as a top authority by the Associated Press, USA Today, NPR, MSNBC and more. Just a few partners he’s worked with include American Express, Amtrak, American Airlines, Delta, Costco, Hyatt, Verizon, Time Inc. and more.

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Meet the 15 Leading Travel Experts

H ave you ever wanted to go on an adventure but found yourself at a dead end when choosing the destination? Do you struggle with deciding what activities to do? Have you worried about overspending on vacation, unsure of how much things should cost?

Get ready for this journey as we introduce the top 15 most incredible travel experts. They’ll guide you not only on where to go but also on how to make the most of your trip, all within your budget.

These experts know about every nook and cranny of the world and provide a detailed itinerary based on your desired destination. Let’s delve into the profiles of these travel experts, perfect for adventure lovers seeking a memorable vacation.

Jen Altheide

Some journeys don’t merely traverse landscapes; they redefine the very essence of wanderlust. Meet Jen Altheide, the powerhouse behind This Girl Jen! Dream Vacations , whose expertise transcends the typical travel advisory. With a heart full of dedication and a portfolio that shines with undebatable expertise, Jen emerges as one of the top-tier travel advisors and influencers.

At the helm of her boutique travel agency, Jen reshapes wanderlust into bespoke adventures. Her seasoned expertise isn’t just about booking destinations; it’s about orchestrating tailor-made experiences. Every itinerary reflects an individual’s desires – whether they are thrill-seekers, culture enthusiasts, or those craving serene escapes.

What sets Jen apart is her global web of connections, unveiling exclusive gems beyond typical tourist trails. Boutique hotels, offbeat excursions, and cultural immersions become accessible through This Girl Jen! Dream Vacations . Additionally, she imparts invaluable insights, travel tips, and captivating stories through her blogs and Instagram, guiding wanderers toward seamless and enriching journeys.

Jen’s ambitions extend beyond destinations. Currently, she is selling a river cruise charter on  AmaWaterways in October 2025 in the Bordeaux region of France, taking guests through a specific itinerary. Click the link to view the itinerary and book your cabin or email her at [email protected] for more details.

If you are interested in traveling, check out her Instagram or join one of her Group Trips  and discover a whole new world of carefully chosen experiences and travel ideas.

Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough

Roaming the globe with a passport in one hand and a cup of curiosity in the other, meet the dynamic duo behind Wanderers Compass Travel Blog—Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough. As top travel content creators, they’ve transformed their passion for exploration into a vibrant online haven for wanderlust enthusiasts.

With over 53 explored countries and almost 1.9 million miles flown, Joelle and Ryan have crafted a paradise for travelers off the beaten path. Their photography-focused blog captures the essence of unique destinations, emphasizing culture, cuisine, and history. As Level 9 Local Guides on Google Maps, their contributions boast an impressive 47 million views, solidifying them as true authorities in the travel sphere.

Beyond the accolades, Wanderers Compass is a testament to turning dreams into reality. As the co-owners and travel content creators of this thriving blog, they have grown a substantial online presence, amassing 51,000 Facebook followers and 14,000 on Instagram . Members of esteemed associations like IFWTWA and NATJA, Joelle and Ryan have been recognized as top travel experts in LA Weekly’s top ten list.

The duo aims to inspire responsible travel by fostering cultural sensitivity and kindness. As seasoned travel bloggers, Joelle and Ryan encourage you to venture beyond the ordinary, embrace the world with open eyes and a kind heart, and believe that extraordinary adventures await those who explore the less-trodden trails.

Mariek Anselme

In a world where travel seamlessly merges with luxury, Mariek Anselme stands out as a true trailblazer. As the co-founder and CEO of A.M.A Selections , a leading vacation rental brand, she spearheads a journey that embraces digital innovation and AI to redefine the booking experience for discerning travelers. The groundbreaking approach is making waves in the luxury travel segment and combines industry-leading technology and extensive human expertise.

A.M.A Selections, under Mariek and her co-founder Andre’s leadership, rigorously vets the top 1% of verified homes, ensuring reliability and professionalism in on-site assistance throughout each guest’s stay. With over 80 percent of guests booking additional services through the platform’s integrated online concierge, the brand cultivates a personalised touch and delivers unforgettable experiences. Moreover, the platform facilitates seamless trip sharing with friends and family, enhancing the overall customer journey.

Mariek’s achievements speak volumes, having secured pre-seed and seed funding for A.M.A Selections. The accolades follow, with a 2023 nomination by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s premier luxury vacation rental companies. Subsequently, A.M.A Selections clinched the ‘Best Luxury Vacation Rentals Company’ title at the 2023 European Travel Awards, as recognized by EU Business News. Mariek’s influence extends to her acceptance into the Forbes Business Council.

Mariek Anselme and her team are working diligently to position A.M.A Selections as the world’s leading luxury vacation rental platform, delivering a world-class customer experience, etching the brand in bespoke travel planners. 

Jessica Griscavage

Step into the world of travel with Jessica Griscavage , the luminary behind Runway Travel . As the founder and CEO, Jessica infuses her passion and unwavering dedication into every journey, promising unparalleled travel experiences.

What distinguishes Jessica is her extensive knowledge of various travel experiences. Whether it’s exploring iconic cities, embarking on diverse cruises, enjoying villa rentals, discovering the charm of dude ranches, or relaxing on breathtaking beaches, Jessica’s journeys have sculpted her into the extraordinary luminary she is today.

Jessica’s has many achievements including a top spot on the Travel+Leisure A-List for 12 years in a row. Her list of accomplishments also includes the Virtuoso Family Travel Award for 2022. Jessica is an ongoing top performer for prominent luxury hotels, cruise lines, and communities affiliated with the Virtuoso network.

Furthermore, Jessica’s dedication to shaping the industry is evident through influential roles on boards such as the Family Travel Association and advisory committees for prominent organizations. With a specific emphasis on sustainable travel and community engagement, Jessica envisions a future of sustained growth for Runway Travel and impactful philanthropy in 2024.

In a world that’s rediscovering the value of life’s precious moments, Jessica shows the spirit of living without any regrets. Her travel saying is, “I go places because I’d rather remember life by thinking ‘I can’t believe I did that’ rather than ‘If only I had.’ For those eager to turn their travel dreams into reality, Jessica invites you to contact her at  [email protected].

Julie Lanham

If you had to pick just one word to encapsulate Julie Lanham , it would be a toss-up between ‘passionate’ and ‘creative.’ Her zeal and inventiveness shine through in everything she does. As the President of Vacations To Remember and an expert professional travel advisor, Julie has spent over three decades cultivating a career beyond the conventional travel advisory role.

In 1997, after a decade of working as a travel agent, Julie founded Vacations To Remember, driven by the aspiration to provide more than just travel bookings. Her vision was to research, design, and consult with clients, ensuring a personalized and enriching journey. Clients highly value the priceless combination of knowledge, experience, education, and industry contacts that Julie and her team bring to the table. 

As an avid travel researcher, Julie shares her wealth of experience and insights, inspiring readers to see the world through her expert lens. Her blog reflects her true passion for travel, providing practical tips, comprehensive guides, and expert advice for an enhanced exploration of the world tailored to individual desires

With a future focused on continuing to offer unparalleled service, Julie Lanham remains a trusted name for those seeking a travel experience beyond the ordinary.

Graham Carter 

Graham Carter’s story kicks off like a kid’s dream on the plains of Africa, but what started with youthful adventures under the African sun has morphed into a remarkable journey that’s anything but child’s play.

As the Co-Founder of Unforgettable Travel Group , Carter is adding an exuberant and unforgettable touch to otherwise mundane globetrotting. 

Back in 2015, Carter and his team launched Unforgettable Travel Company , which quickly blossomed into a global travel group with offices in the US, UK, Croatia, and Greece. In addition to his jet-set junction, he also owns Cruise Croatia , a luxury cruising and yachting company operating a fleet of 170ft yachts in Croatia and Unforgettable Greece , an emerging player in the Greek travel scene.

When he is not jetting between the companies global offices or discovering emerging destinations for his clients, Carter’s is orchestrating luxury journeys for celebrities and business elite, positioning himself as a highly sought-after travel expert in the luxury travel space. Additionally, he has had the privilege of exploring over 100 countries, enriching his global travel insights.

At the heart of this travel maestro’s vision is a resolute commitment to exceptional service. This resonates through his company’s slogan Why do Ordinary. From privileged behind the scenes access for his clients to tailoring journeys with unique one off experiences, every detail is prioritized. 

In Graham Carter’s world, travel is a transformative experience, where each location becomes a blank canvas on which to paint lifelong memories.

Sarah Jane Begonja

Amidst a vast array of content creators, Sarah Jane (SJ) Begonja stands out. An Australian currently living in Croatia, she runs the established travel blog ‘Chasing the Donkey.’ This blog, with a history of over 12 years and more than a thousand posts, offers detailed travel insights about the Balkans.

SJ and her husband moved to Croatia after he had recovered from cancer. This life-altering experience prompted them to reevaluate their priorities and the type of life they wanted to live. Motivated by their journey and a desire for a more natural lifestyle, Sarah-Jane and her husband co-founded the private transfer company ‘ Octopus Transfers Croatia .’ Balancing her roles as a wife and mother to two children, she continues to chronicle her travel experiences through her blog.

Her website, ‘Chasing the Donkey,’ is a comprehensive resource for travel in the Balkans, providing information on accommodation, transport, activity recommendations, and family-friendly travel plans.

For those planning a visit to the Balkans any time soon, we recommend you follow SJ Begonja’s blog and Instagram for valuable insights and firsthand experiences.

Michael Mucci & Kati Weiss

Embark on a captivating journey with Live Fun Travel , led by the dynamic duo of Michael Mucci and Kati Weiss. As celebrated globetrotters, they have been acknowledged by LA Weekly on their ‘Top Ten List of Global Experts’ in Adventure-based Travel.

With 13 years of nomadic adventures under their belts, they’ve explored wildlife, ancient cities, and hidden gems, sharing incredible experiences with the world. Their travel blog is a gateway to a realm where adventure knows no bounds. What sets them apart? A genuine curiosity and a passion for showing that you don’t need deep pockets or Olympic-level athleticism to explore the world. 

Their travel site is thoughtfully curated to assist you in planning your next holiday, offering destination travel guides that allow you to explore and experience diverse cultures. They have also expanded and offer bespoke adventure travel with their sister site LFTAdventures.com . Explore thrilling and remarkable adventures that are accessible to all with Live Fun Travel .

Alexandrine Wan

Alexandrine Wan is the visionary Founder and CEO of Nani Travels and the NGO Nani Association, hailing from a serene island in the heart of the Pacific. Impressive feats such as planning the wedding of Paul Marciano, the co-founder of Guess? Inc. and Mareva Georges, a French model and beauty pageant in Bora Bora, and addressing the United Nations about sustainable tourism sit among her distinguished career highlights.

Nani Travels is more than just a travel agency – it’s a doorway to sustainable tourism. It offers one-of-a-kind experiences like isolated island glamping with a local guide or partaking in sea conservation expeditions on luxury eco catamaran, marking the beginning of a new tourism period. Alexandrine doesn’t just dedicate herself to business pursuits; she likewise shares wisdom at the University of Tahiti, navigating students toward sustainable entrepreneurship AND is part of the board of sustainable tourism within the government of French Polynesia

Nani Association champions sustainability. Working hand in glove with neighboring communities to foster environmental and cultural preservation, educational growth and amplify cognizance for effectively fruitful tourism results. Alexandrine envisions a future where the positive impact of tourism aids indigenous and remote populations.

Embark on a mindful exploration of the world with Nani Travels , where each journey is designed to create a lasting impact.

Hillary Cummings

Placing romance on top of the world map is Hillary.Cummings , a top-notch Travel Advisor and influencer at 8th Wonder Travel Co. Her expertise in curating unique experiences for couples extends from honeymoons to destination weddings, ensuring each journey is tailored to celebrate love. 

Known as a research and due diligence queen, Hillary’s meticulous planning mirrors her alter ego, Hermione Granger. Her commitment to exhaustive research allows couples to embark on their trips with unwavering confidence. With a portfolio boasting over 500 weddings, Hillary’s passion for romance transcends specialization; it’s a way of life.

As an 8th Wonder Travel co advisor, Hillary excels in transforming dreams into reality by crafting personalized options and managing every detail. From hotel bookings to park passes,she ensures a hassle-free, unforgettable experience for her couples.

This wanderlust romance travel guru has been recognized twice with the prestigious “Shining Star” Award for her outstanding service at her agency. She is committed to excellence and is a member of the CLIA, American Association of Travel Agents, and is certified specialist with Sandals, Princess Cruise Lines, and countless other travel partners worldwide.

As an 8th Wonder Travel Co.advisor, Hillary Cummings envisions becoming the go-to resource for romance travel inspiration. Her goal is clear: to remind couples that their love stories are ongoing, and she is there to help script extraordinary moments and cherished memories, making her a trailblazer in the world of travel planning.

To find your wonder with Hillary , swing by her website or connect with her on Instagram .

Landi Burns

Ever wished your travel advisor was a bit like a wizard? Well, meet Landi Burns, the closest thing to a travel magician you’ll find. 

Landi is an award-winning Luxury Travel Advisor with over 27 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. She has been recognized as a Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist for 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Landi’s not just about booking flights and hotels; she’s your personal travel strategist, spotting details like an eagle-eyed detective.

From the wild plains of Africa to the idyllic beaches of Fiji, she’s been there, done that, and brought back the tales. It’s like having a best friend who’s also a global explorer.

Her mission? To make every client feel like a VIP. She’s not just a luxury travel advisor; she’s a memory architect, building experiences that last a lifetime.

Ready for your own travel saga? Follow Landi on Instagram and Facebook . For a taste of the extraordinary, head to her website . Find her travel wisdom on Conde Nast Traveler and connect on LinkedIn and Virtuoso .

Landi Burns: Because your adventures deserve a touch of magic!

Ashley Cherney

Ashley Cherney, the mastermind behind Your Travel Agent Ashley , isn’t your ordinary travel agent. She’s the architect of dreamy destinations and curator of unforgettable memories. Ashley began her entrepreneurial journey at just 24, driven by a passion for crafting something unique and a willingness to take risks. 

Based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Your Travel Agent Ashley is a premier full-service European travel advising agency. At its core lies the art of crafting international travel plans focusing on enchanting destinations in Europe.

A passionate explorer, Ashley Cherney intricately weaves cultural, adventurous, and personalized experiences. Her expertise extends globally, helping clients book dream destinations from Europe to the Caribbean, and beyond.

Contributing to the travel industry, Ashley is an active member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). She envisions transforming Your Travel Agent Ashley into a global corporation, extending its services worldwide.

Her goal is not just personal success but building a foundation that inspires entrepreneurs in the travel industry. Embark on a virtual journey through her website and social media to gain a fresh perspective on the world of exploration.

Introducing Mary Curry , a seasoned small ship cruise specialist and custom trip planner with over two decades of expertise in curating unforgettable experiences.

A true expert in small ship cruises, Mary is not just a travel enthusiast; she is a matchmaker dedicated to crafting the perfect adventure for her clients.

Renowned as a travel planner at Adventure Life Journeys , Mary specializes in destinations like Antarctica, where her in-depth knowledge helps clients find their perfect fit. From the pristine landscapes of Antarctica to the enchanting Galapagos Islands, each journey bears the mark of Mary’s personal vetting.

With the rich tapestry of relationships within the industry, she secures the best possible prices by skillfully navigating contracts with cruise companies. Her goal transcends the typical role of a travel planner, nurturing deep connections with travelers and industry partners.

Esteemed accolades and industry recognition highlight Mary Curry’s remarkable career. The prestigious Top Travel + Leisure Advisor title truly underscores her exceptional expertise. Additionally, she boasts the honor of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialist in the category of small ship cruising.

Mary is committed to continuous learning, ensuring she remains at the forefront of travel trends. Delve into her journeys for inspiration for your next travel adventure.

Ronda Helton

Ronda Helton ‘s journey into luxury travel is anything but ordinary. As the mastermind behind Travel Connection Group , she stands at the forefront, challenging norms and reshaping the industry. With extensive experience as a seasoned Luxury Travel Designer, Ronda brings a distinctive touch to itinerary planning.

What sets Ronda apart is her commitment to understanding diverse client needs. As a mother to a special-needs child, she navigates travel intricacies with empathy and firsthand knowledge, ensuring seamless experiences for everyone. Beyond meticulous planning, she immerses herself globally, forming genuine connections with guides, hotel staff, and local businesses.

Ronda’s accolades speak volumes, including being named a 2021 Most Influential Leader by Success Magazine, receiving the prestigious Silver Magellan Award from Travel Weekly, and holding titles like Master Specialist for all Hawaiian Islands, Certified Wine Specialist, and Autism Travel Specialist—showcasing her profound expertise.

At the heart of Ronda’s business is a desire to redefine luxury travel, emphasizing genuine inclusivity. Her vision extends beyond conventional success, aiming to lead in special-needs travel and contribute to the DS Foundation. 

A luminary in the travel industry, Ronda Helton doesn’t just break conventions; she sets new standards, forging a future where luxury and accessibility coexist.

Rebecca Adventure Travel

Among travel entrepreneurs, few approach the creation of luxury boutique tours with as much thoughtful precision as Rebecca Braak, the brains behind Rebecca Adventure Travel.

Harnessing her savvy as a travel blogger, Braak brings her passion for authentic experiences to life through meticulously curated tours across Ecuador’s Mainland, the Galapagos Islands , Peru, and Colombia.

Born out of her love for horses and established in 2014, this trek troupe specializes in unique and authentic travel experiences, offering thrilling activities including canyoning, expedition cruising, and many others. Rebecca’s focus on cultural appreciation led her to expand her brand with Ecuafina , a travel concept store based in Zutphen, the Netherlands. Ecuafina brings genuine Ecuadorian alpaca goods to Europe under a fair trade business model.

What sets Rebecca Adventure Travel apart is its pioneering role in transformative and wellness travel in South America. The commitment to sustainable tourism is not just a tagline; it’s a core value reflected in actions, such as supporting Puembo’s Antonio de Ulloa School through the Sponsor a School program.

For curating exceptional travel experiences, Rebecca Adventure Travel boasts accolades like Ecuador’s Leading Tour Operator 2023, six TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, and features in prestigious publications such as the National Geographic Luxury Collection. As a leading female-owned agency, it proudly aligns with popular organizations such as Regenerative Travel, Women Travel Leaders, and Journey Woman.

Rebecca Braak, a former KLM professional turned passionate adventurer, embodies the spirit of Rebecca Adventure Travel. With a mission for authentic adventure, this small, experienced team ensures unforgettable journeys with personalized plans and top-notch service.

Meet the 15 Leading Travel Experts

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Travel Advisers: When to Let a Professional Plan Your Trip

An illustration of a person sitting on a folded-out map with books, papers and coffee laid out around the area. That person is inside the head of a beige-colored person wearing a teal telephone headset, and drawings of the Eiffel Tower, a compass, a signpost, a jet plane, mountains and other travel imagery are all around the head.

By Julie Weed

Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software is making research and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, that special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.

So when should you hire a professional, and how does it all work? Here are some tips.

Why should I consider a travel adviser?

It’s easy for a traveler to do the research for a standard trip, said Chris Anderson, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should look for a specialist for the type of tour they are looking for, say a bike trip in Ireland, who can really add value.”

The insider knowledge offered by a travel adviser can add the most value to trips that have multicity itineraries, involve a wide age range of travelers , are very significant (like an anniversary vacation) or are to destinations you are unfamiliar with, said Gary R. Johnson, who has run the travel agency Woodside Travel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. An adviser could help you decide, for instance, in which order to visit European cities based on local events and transportation options.

What can an adviser give me that a booking site can’t?

Travel advisers can help you research the best destinations, lodging, or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering up specific advice that might be hard or time-consuming to find yourself. Those specializing in cruises might know which cabin to choose if you are prone to seasickness, while a safari planner could help you decide which park would be best for bird-watching or seeing specific animals, like rhinos.

Travel advisers typically have relationships with tour companies, hotels and cruise lines, sometimes through networks. Those connections can allow advisers to offer extra perks such as late checkout, free breakfast, airport transfers, a welcome basket or a credit to spend on a cruise ship.

“A good travel agent will be a better steward of your travel budget than you are,” said Guy Rubin, managing director of Imperial Tours , which arranges travel in China.

When bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisers often have direct lines of communication with providers and can do the work of rebooking and changing plans, saving you time and stress.

OK, let’s say I need help. How do I find an adviser?

Networks like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Travel Leaders have websites that can help you start your search for a travel adviser by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a handful to choose from, get on the phone with them to talk about what they might do for you, how they charge and the level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s worth investing time up front, Mr. Rubin said.

Make sure to read over the travel agent’s reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. Anderson said. “If there is no external validation, that’s a red flag.”

How do advisers get paid, and how much will it cost me?

Advisers receive commission from suppliers, typically 10 to 15 percent of the price, when selling cruises, lodging and tours. They also sometimes charge travelers a planning fee, from a few hundred dollars, which may be credited to the final bill if the booking is completed, all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars annually for a luxury concierge travel planner they can call on all year. Mr. Johnson said that he charges a planning fee the first time he works with customers. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.

Advisers may be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. Anderson said. But, he points out, the same is true for the large online services, which promote hotels that pay them larger commissions. Travelers can ask advisers about specific commissions they receive or how they are affiliated with the products they are recommending, he said.

Sometimes a local tour company will package transportation, lodging and experiences for an adviser, who tacks on a percentage before passing it along to a client. But a bill that is not itemized can make it harder to make trade-offs — between a more expensive hotel and a special experience, for example. If pricing transparency is important to you, discuss it with the adviser up front.

How are A.I. and other technologies affecting travel advisers?

While new technologies are allowing do-it-yourselfers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences, and to type questions directly into travel websites, advisers are also taking advantage of those technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, chief executive of the upscale travel planning company Essentialist said his team “uses technology to enhance the human touch,” employing artificial intelligence to choose options from a database of travel offerings selected by a human team. If a couple wants to take an after-dinner stroll, for example, Essentialist’s app will offer up ideas of where to go, based on what part of the city the travelers are in and conversations they’ve had with their travel adviser.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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27 Travel Experts Share Their Best Travel Tips

When you are planning your travel as a first-time traveler or searching for new destinations, my recommendation is to seek advice and the best travel tips from travelers with experience, especially those who have blogs about family travel, solo travel, international travel, etc.

Travel experts have often “been there, done that” and are willing to share their wisdom and travel tips to improve YOUR travel with optimized planning skills, travel hacks, and advice. Especially if those travel tips can save you time and money, give you inspiration on the best destinations, and help you be as prepared as possible for your trips.

My top 5 travel hacks and tips are:

  • Start a Savings Fund for Travel
  • Use Packing Lists
  • Consider Travel Insurance
  • Research Your Destination
  • Plan for Your Electronics

Table of Contents

27 Best Travel Hacks and Tips from Travel Experts

As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links. I would love your support through clicking on the links. Read the full disclosure here.

Ace Travelers weigh in on their 27 best travel hacks and tips for a worry-free vacation.

1. Start a Travel Savings Fund

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Recommended by Just Wander More

One of the BIGGEST barriers to travel is the COST. Especially if you are interested in traveling overseas. What you really need are practical travel tips and suggestions on  10 SUPER EASY Money Saving Hacks for Travel .

Your goal is to establish the habit of saving money  SPECIFICALLY FOR TRAVEL  each month. If you travel regularly, you will find that you build up your travel savings fund, plan a trip , use up your fund, and then start to build again.

Starting today is totally do-able.

Are you planning for a  once-in-a-lifetime travel event ? If you start a travel savings account today as suggested by US News, your vacation fund will begin to grow until you are ready to go.

BUT where do you find the extra money to add to your vacation fund?

Making travel a goal in your life might mean that you begin to make sacrifices in other areas as well:

  • go to fewer movies, plays or musical performances
  • eat out less often and/or bring a lunch to work
  • bring coffee or energy drinks from home
  • cut out cable
  • cancel magazine subscriptions
  • don’t renew your XM radio plan
  • limit clothing splurges

These sacrifices all support your dream of traveling and are worth the effort. You do not have to be excessively wealthy to travel, but saving for travel  should be a PRIORITY.

Are you new to travel? Haven’t traveled in awhile? Looking for more ideas on planning travel? Check out my recently released eBook: SUPER EASY Travel Planning

Super easy travel planning ebook by simplyjolayne includes the best travel tips

2. Use a Digital SIM Card

Travel tip is to download Airalo eSIM app

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach

Often when traveling abroad, the cell phone plan that you use at home won’t include coverage internationally. Most US-based providers offer international plans at additional costs, but these can get extremely expensive , especially if you just want to have internet for navigating and looking up restaurant recommendations.

One of the easiest and cheapest ways travel experts stay connected while traveling abroad is by using an Airalo eSIM . An eSIM is a digital SIM that you can purchase and install right on your phone without having to remove your existing SIM card. This travel tip lets your conveniently get data on your cell phone without having to pay for expensive international plans or rely on WiFi to stay connected. Some Airalo eSIMs also support voice calls 

Airalo offers eSIMs for 80+ countries. You can pick a single country eSIM if you’re visiting one country, or opt for a regional one if you’re visiting multiple countries within the same region (like Europe or the Caribbean). Airalo eSIMs start at about $4.50, with prices varying by country, length of validity, and data amount.

Check out Airalo

3. Apply for a Travel Credit Card

Best travel tips - apply for a travel credit card

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

Travel experts agree that researching and signing up for a travel credit card that makes sense for you and the way you travel is one of the super smart travel hacks: options include Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture credit cards. For making everyday purchases, you’ll rack up reward points, which, depending on the card you choose, can be used to fly to Maui or the Maldives or to splurge on a nicer hotel than you’d usually spring for.

And if you time signing up for the card before you’re about to make several larger purchases (like for your upcoming wedding or move), you’ll usually be able to meet the credit card’s sign-up bonus spending threshold and get those points (and thus, those free flights) even sooner! Isn’t that the best travel tip?

Travel credit cards offer a variety of other benefits for travelers, like airport lounge access, paying for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, plus no international transaction fees when you’re spending abroad. Just make sure you can pay off your credit card every month and that your travel credit card is earning you money (instead of the other way around!).

4. Use the Wise Mobile Banking App

Use Wise debit card for best travel tips

Recommended by Shevaun of Shev Strolls

Once your flights and accommodations are booked, the next big stressor you are probably feeling as you prepare for your trip is “ How do I spend money abroad? ”

And it’s a good question! Learning about new currencies and banking in a different country can be very daunting. Thankfully, you have Wise. Wise is an international mobile banking app recommended by travel experts that is 100% free, and it will be your new best friend as a traveler. It is one of the best travel hacks to remember.

Wise allows you to receive, send, and hold money much like PayPal or Venmo—except it allows you to do so in more that 50 currencies!  You always get the market rate for travel savings when you convert money between currencies, and it has crazy low fees.

The best part? The Wise debit card allows you spend your money like your home debit card, but in the currency of whatever country you are in. 

Not convinced?  Discover all the ways Wise can work for you!

5. Purchase Travel Insurance

Buddhist temple

Recommended by Marya of The Beau Traveler

Travel insurance is often overlooked, especially for first time travelers, but for peace of mind, it is one of the best travel tips to follow.

Many people often forget that anything can happen when you travel, even if you are only planning for a short-term vacation. However, protecting yourself with travel insurance can save you time and money when unfortunate things happen. For example, if your flight is delayed or you accidentally  get sick while traveling , travel insurance can ease your mind.  

Nowadays, you can find many travel insurance plans online. Some even offer annual plans for digital nomads, which are valid worldwide. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry when you travel.

6. Create a Packing List

Colorful luggage

Recommended by Venaugh of Venaugh.com

Ace travelers know that a great time saver for the first time traveler  is to create a packing list. Of course, you may still forget some things, but your packing list is a list you keep improving as time goes by.

Eventually, you will have the perfect list. Create categories for clothes, accessories, and technology like portable chargers . Add in reminders of things to do before leaving the house like closing all ventilation windows that are usually open all the time. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, the type of things you’ll need will vary a bit, so once you have the basics you can make variations for the season and destinations.

Double check your packing list before you leave to reduce anxiety.

Download the International Travel Planner

International Travel Planner

Check out the Domestic Travel Planner

Travel Planner domestic

7. Choose the Right Size of Backpack

Best travel tips for packing your camera

Recommended by Koyeli of Nature Diary

Traveling becomes trouble-free if you carry a the right capacity backpack with you. To understand the capacity of your backpack, you can divide your bag into three zones:

  • Bottom zone:  Ideal for storing items not needed during travel but required after reaching the destination.
  • Central zone:  This zone can be used for bulkier items that need more space. You can pack all your clothes here.
  • Top zone:  You can keep the essential items here that you might need during travel/ hike .

Apart from these zones, backpacks with many pockets and compartments are perfect for storing travel essentials you will need urgently, e.g., first aid kit, medicine, water, etc.

If you plan for a 1-3 day weekend trip , then a 30-50 liter backpack will be perfect. A lightweight backpack with adjustable torso length and ventilation keeps you comfortable on the trail.

You need to carry heavier loads and supplies for trips 3-5 days long or longer. So, it would be best if you choose a backpack  depending on the frame type  with a capacity of 70 liters and more.

8. Pack Solid Toiletries

Use solid toiletries a best travel tips

Recommended by Ali of Travel Made Simple

When you’re packing for a trip, the liquids rules for your carry on bag can really get in the way. One of the best ways to minimize how much liquid you have to deal with is to switch to  solid toiletries for travel .

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Some great options are solid shampoo and conditioner. So many brands exist that are just as good, if not better, than their liquid counterparts. Ethique is one option. Try a few before you travel to figure out which ones work best for you.

Make sure you get a travel soap dish for your solid shampoo and conditioner. But when you’re done with your shower, let the bars dry before you close it up again, otherwise they get mushy.

Beyond shampoo and conditioner, you can also use solid sunscreen. It’s a little bigger than a stick of deodorant and works just as well as the liquid version.

You can also get solid toothpaste tabs, solid laundry detergent sheets, solid bug repellent, and many other things you might not have thought about before.

These non-liquid items don’t have to go in your liquids bag because, well, they’re not liquids. This leaves you more room for other items you can’t replace with solids, and it makes packing a little less stressful.

9. Travel with Carry-On Luggage Only

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Recommended by Kelly of Travel New York Now

If you regularly check blogs about family travel, solo travel or adventure travel, you’ll note that one of the best travel tips is to always double check the amount of allowed luggage on any flight that you book.

While some premium airline carriers have generous baggage allowances, some airlines only include one small handbag with the price of your ticket. And if you arrive at the airport with more luggage than your ticket allows, you can sometimes pay upwards of $100. 

For the best travel savings, please note that the prices for excess baggage are usually much higher when purchased at the airport as opposed to purchasing online and in advance.

Also read the fine print on any airplane ticket you buy : carry-on luggage weight and size allowances can vary significantly from one airline to the next.

10. Pack a Travel First Aid Kit

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Recommended by Bev of Bev & Shams Adventures

A travel first aid kit , is essential when hiking, traveling locally or internationally. It will help you or your family, should you become ill or injured, and you can treat minor injuries without the need to seek further medical attention.

Travel first aid kits come in a variety of sizes; this travel tip focuses on a kit small enough to include in your personal travel bag or backpack . 

First aid kits are easy to find, as most outdoor stores, sports stores and in some places your super store or pharmacy sell them.  

A good first aid kit will include much of what you need—tweezers, antiseptic wipes and antibacterial cream or wash, plasters, burn gels, even a heat retaining foil blanket—if you run into trouble while hiking.  

Alternatively, you could make your own DIY first aid kit. You can customize it to have all the essential things you need while you’re traveling such as: 

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Rehydration packets

If you do use anything from the first aid kit, travel experts recommend that you make sure to replace it as soon as you get home. First aid kits are a lifesaver and something you should never leave home without. 

11. Keep a Digital Copy of Documents

Use LastPass to store travel documents securely

Recommended by Cris of LooknWalk

Travel experts strongly recommend that you keep copies of your documents—physical copies and digital copies—in cloud storage or in a password storage program.

Remember the days when you’d write down on a piece of paper the address of your accommodations, the phone number, and directions? While you may just check Google Maps now, do you still keep a piece of paper with the rest of your important information?

Because technology can fail us, all blogs about family travel, solo travel, and adventure travel would advise that you keep copies of your documents both in physical and digital formats . You should consider scanning all relevant documents and storing them on a flash drive as well as in cloud storage (secured with a password, of course).

If you travel long term, make sure to always have a hard copy of your:

  • Drivers’ license
  • Insurance policy.

Should you happen to lose your key documents, this is one of the travel hacks that makes it easier to get help from your embassy or consulate to get back home if you can show those copies.

12. Use a Water Filter Bottle

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Recommended by Jennie of Jennie Wanders

If you’re doing a lot of traveling, you’ll likely end up in a place where it’s unsafe to drink the tap water. Either that, or you’ll need to stay hydrated whilst on a long hike or out camping. There’s nothing worse than being far from a shop or water source, and it can really have an effect on your mood and overall health if you’re not hydrated.

One of the best travel hacks is to always carry a water bottle with a water filter . Not only will the planet thank you for using less disposable plastic, but you can drink water from any tap, stream, puddle or pond after filtering!

13. Bring a Wheeled Cooler on Road Trips

Red rolling ice chest

Recommended by Donna of Explore the Road

Traveling by car can give you a lot of freedom while vacationing. Careful  road trip planning  allows you to see more, be spontaneous, and drive for as long or as little as you like.

Blogs about family travel are great resources to help you plan.

Plus a road trip allows you to save money on food. Ace travelers and road trippers suggest that filling a cooler allows you to pack easy breakfasts such as fruits and yogurt drinks that you can eat during the drive. Sandwich meats and snacks like string cheese make easy lunches for hikes and other outdoor activities.

Once you reach your destination, it can be hard lugging a cooler full of food down to the beach, to a campsite, or even from the parking lot to your accommodations. Problem solved with a wheeled cooler!

A cooler on wheels will fit all of your food needs for your trip, but you won’t strain yourself having to carry it around. A retractable handle also helps to pull the cooler up stairs. If you are staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, you can even bring your food for the week and unload everything into the fridge when you get there.

One of the Just Wander More travel hacks is to bring a smaller folding cooler for day trips that folds and tucks easily into your luggage for trips close to home and abroad.

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14. Check Hotel Room Amenities Before Packing

Hotel room

Recommended by Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

A mistake that many first-time travelers make is overpacking and bringing unnecessary items that they won’t use.

To avoid this mistake, it is worth checking the room amenities before you start packing. Travel experts recommend checking the hotel’s website to determine what items are provided in your room.

For example, you may be thinking of packing a  hairdryer or a travel iron to keep your clothes neat, however, the hotel room may have these two items, so you can leave them at home.

By leaving unnecessary items at home, you will also have more space in your suitcase to pack other essentials that you will really need during your trip or keep your luggage lighter.

15. Find FREE Campsites

Finding free camping spots best travel tips

Recommended by Anna of Anna Tee

When you’re traveling, camping can be a really fun way to experience a new place, get out in nature, and also log some travel savings! There are lots of ways to find free campsites while you’re on the go.

When you’re traveling around the United States, did you know that you can camp for free in national forests or on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land? Travel experts recommend using the Public Lands app to see the boundaries of public lands in the US. If you want some adventure, you can drive down forest roads and find a spot to camp!

There are also a few apps that you can use to find campsites that ace travelers have visited and reviewed, which can be easier for first time travelers. Some of the best apps include iOverlander and The Dyrt. iOverlander has user-contributed campsites, while The Dyrt features established camping areas (both paid and free) that usually have more amenities.

16. Travel as the Locals Do and Save Money

Travel as locals do for best travel tips

Recommended by Melanie of The Professional Traveller

A great way to see real travel savings while traveling is to travel using public transport. Passes are often available which make it great value too.

For example, a 24-hour train and subway ticket in Berlin costs 8.80 Euros ($9 or £7.50). You can extend this ticket for another 24 hours for 3.70 Euros ($4 or £3).

A single journey on the local transport in Baku costs 12 cents or 10 pence.

The public bus from Istanbul airport to the city centre costs $3 or £2.50. It’s great value for a journey that takes 1.5 hours.

Many cities also have integrated public transport. In London you can travel on the subway, bus, train and boat with one ticket/pass. The cheapest way to take a trip on the River Thames is on one of the local ferries.

Traveling on public transport is a great way to meet local people and enjoy some everyday life too. Drivers and locals are happy to point out stops if places are unfamiliar. This makes public transport a great option whether you are a first time traveler or among the travel experts.

17. Access Airport Lounges

Best travel tips is to gain access to Airport lounge

Recommended by Palo of moonsandroses

Traveling can be stressful sometimes—crowded airports, delays, going through security, choosing  what outfit to wear at the airport —just to name a few. That’s where airport lounges can come to the rescue! If you ever find yourself in the terminal wanting to get away from it all for a few minutes (or hours), you can unwind in the private lounges that are available in almost any big-city airports.

Travel Experts are Familiar with These Lounge Perks:

  • comfortable seating
  • complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • complimentary snacks (and meals sometimes)
  • shower facilities

Although most lounges require you to fly business class, fly internationally and/or be a premium cardholder, there are some simpler ways to gain access to an airport lounge:

  • Subscribe to an annual membership such as Priority Pass
  • Purchase an annual lounge membership with your favorite airline
  • Pay for a day pass at the door

Your options will differ depending on the airport so it’s always a good idea to check with the airport and airline as to the lounges they have to offer as well as the entry requirements. 

18. Practice Self-Care to Reduce Stress While Traveling

Walking along Sand Dollar beach

Recommended by Alex of Wander with Alex

Although we travel to relax and enjoy ourselves, some situations can still cause stress. Travel experts know that tending to your basic needs through self-care activities can help to reduce that stress and enhance your travel experience. Food, water, sleep, and exercise are essential details that should be included in your travel plans. Follow these four basic self-care  travel tips  to help you stay healthy while you are out adventuring:

  • Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Sleep – Most trips have time constraints, so we tend to stretch ourselves thin wanting to see and do as much as possible. But forgoing your rest can lead to exhaustion, low energy, and an all-around bad time. Beat jet lag by adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your trip and plan to get some rest once you arrive at your destination. And be sure to get adequate sleep each night for the next day’s activities.
  • Don’t Forget to Eat and Drink Water – It’s easy to skip a meal unintentionally while you’re out exploring. However, skipping a meal may cause your blood sugar to plummet, resulting in low energy, moodiness, jitteriness, anxiety, and brain fog. Instead, make sure your meals are scheduled into your daily itinerary and pack snacks when there will be a long stretch between meals.

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  • Drink Plenty of Water – Hydration is another basic need we tend to forget while traveling . Adding a water bottle to your packing list and keeping it with you can solve this problem. Also, avoid eating foods with too much salt and drinking too much alcohol.
  • Get Outdoors and Move Around – While you don’t need to get up at 6 AM every day of your trip to hit the gym, you should make sure that you are getting out and moving around. Exercise is good for your metabolism, mental clarity, and mood. Consider scheduling a walking tour to get to know your destination better or take a hike at a nearby state park. You can most certainly get creative when it comes to exercising during your travel

19. Learn Basic Phrases

Bali ocean with pier

Recommended by Paulina of ukeveryday

During travel to non-touristy places, you might find out that most of the people in the area might not speak English. One of the best travel tips from ace travelers? Learn a few basic phrases in another language.

Two of the most spoken languages in the world are Chinese and Spanish. If you already know the  world of siesta , it might be worth learning a few more phrases that will help you during your travel. Some of the most essential are: “How much is this?” and numbers! Can you imagine shopping or paying for a taxi without knowing those basics?

20. Work with a Travel Agent

Main Venice canal

Recommended by Tiffany of Destination Momhood

If you are traveling internationally, or to a popular tourist site (ie., Disneyland), a great suggestion is to work with travel agents aka travel experts.

When working with a travel agent, be sure to ask if they charge a fee. Many travel agents don’t charge a fee, although some do. Travel agents get paid through the hotels, resorts, and tours they book through.

Not only can travel agents help you find hidden gems in the cities you’re visiting, but they can also help you save money through the hotels and other travel sites they use. An agent can also help you find beautiful, less-touristy cities which you may not have first considered. Some agencies even have “specialists” for certain geographical areas of travel.

When you’re traveling internationally, you must not only consider the transportation of flights but also their train systems. Navigating that on your own may become overwhelming if you have never done it before. An agent can help you navigate the train and flight systems and put them together in an itinerary for you. Having a travel itinerary is extremely helpful, especially being in a new place.

If you have any issues while you are on your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agent . Sometimes small hiccups come up being in a new country. Your agent is there to help and wants your trip to go as smoothly as possible. 

21. Research Your Destination

Pinterest, one of the essential travel planning apps

Recommended by Jeanine of Let’s Go Awandering

Once you have your  travel destination chosen , no matter where it is, one of your next steps is to do some research. Great resources include blogs about family travel, solo travel blogs, and adventure travel sites. This can include how to get there, accommodations, things to do, and costs at destination.

Looking at things to do, your obvious friend is a search engine. Enter Google and Pinterest . However, don’t discount or disregard social media. There are plenty of ace travelers and companies on social media with local knowledge who are willing to help find that perfect spot.

To get the best results from any search engine, using specific keywords returns the best information, whilst “must do” and “best things to do” are a great start. More specific phrases such as “non touristy” and “crowd free places” narrow your searches significantly. Alternative words that can also be used are “secret”, “hidden”, “unique” etc. Additionally, if you like to do a specific activity add this to your search, e.g., “[activity] in [destination]”.  

Search for pages, communities, blogs about family travel, groups or #hashtags for the area you are looking for on Twitter , websites, and Instagram . As an example, “traveling to/in [destination]”, “travel [destination]”, [destination] travel community, #travelto[destination]. You can then search any specific questions or read articles posted in the group.

A Few More Travel Hacks and Tips…

  • 22. Travel in the Off Season
  • 23. Apply for an International Driver’s Permit
  • 24. Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Flights
  • 25. Pack Essential Electronics
  • 26. Plan for Your Camera Gear
  • 27. Ask the Hotel Concierge for Ideas

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best travel packing hacks.

Bring a carry-on, not a checked bag. Use packing cubes to stay organized. Use packing lists.

Are there more travel hacks?

Don’t exchange money at the airport. Travel during “shoulder season” to get lower rates. Bring your own reusable water bottle. Get TSA PreCheck. Download Google Maps offline.

How do you survive a long airport layover?

Long Airport Layover? Creative Things You Can Do To Pass the Time Sleep Watch a movie Walk to get exercise Plan your next trip Play a game Charge your devices Visit an airport lounge Catch up on work and emails Pamper yourself

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Best travel tips for experts

Final Thoughts on 27 Travel Experts Share Their Best Travel Tips

If you are new to planning a vacation or if you are looking for tips to streamline your travel planning, you are quickly learning that there is a lot to consider. Thankfully, travel experts have weighed in on their best travel hacks and tips to help you have the most successful trip ever.

Bookmark this page for insider tips and advice that will help to make your next vacation seamless and memorable.

Travel savvy is something you learn over time through experience and making a few travel mistakes along the way. These super smart travel tips will help you enjoy travel savings, find optimal transportation, explore off the beaten path and simply become a better traveler (and maybe avoid a few missteps along the way).

You may also enjoy more travel hacks and tips…

  • 17 Super Smart Things to Do Before Leaving on Vacation
  • How to Travel Like a Pro: 15 Essential Travel Tips from Frequent Flyers
  • 10 SUPER EASY Money Saving Hacks for Travel
  • 10 Super Smart Travel Hacks to Plan the Perfect Trip
  • 15 Top Trending Apps for Planning Adventures and Travel
  • 24 Super Smart Apps for Your Next Adventure

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I’m a Colorado-based travel blogger with a passion for exploring the world, enjoying family time, and taking fantastic photographs. I am also a book writing, creative thinking, detail loving, frequent flying, comfort loving mom of three girls and wife to an amazing guy.

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28 comments.

Great tips! I totally agree with so many of these, especially getting a travel credit card and/or a credit card that gives you access to airport lounges. Gaining airline miles and being able to hang out in lounges before flights are such game changers!

These are great tips! I’ve never really thought about buying a SIM card locally which is such a good idea.

These are all great tips! I am definitely going to check out the eSim card. It seems so much easier than always having to get a local Sim card.

That seems to be the opinion now.

These are great tips and some I had not considered like the sim card for international travel and the wise banking app. What a helpful list!

So glad it was helpful. We can always learn something new and helpful for travel.

Totally agree will all your excellent tips! Especially, that having a separate travel/vacation fund is the key to how to travel more and saving money.

Some amazing tips here! I had no idea that digital sim cards existed, I’ve been spending a lot on local sim cards over the past few months so that is a great tip!

Agreed. I need to check them out too!

Great tips Jolayne! I’m about to embark on a 3 month trip and where to keep my documents and passwords has definitely been on my mind. Thank you for the detailed tips!

That sounds so fun. Where are you headed?

What a great collection of tips from travellers. I went through the list and nodded. Although I am still searching for all the right solid toiletries that work for me. And no matter how I try, I can’t travel with just a carry on! 

Especially with all of the cruising that you do. You wouldn’t want to bring just a carry on.

As always, you have some great travel tips! I think it’s time for me to get a digital sim card, so I will check it out. Found some more tips as well, so thank you!

Yeah, I need to check out the digital sim card as well.

Thanks for the tips! Great information here. Okay now I know I’m getting old. I had no idea you could purchase non-liquid shampoo. 🙂

I always try to travel more in the off-season, especially any of our bigger trips to save money….so much cheaper that way!!

I love all these tips, they’re so useful!! I didn’t know a digital sim was a possibility either, such a good idea!

We used Airalo on our last trip and it worked like a charm.

Yes yes and yes to everything mentioned here! My favourite tip is the reusable bottle – I practise that myself and it goes a long way in making a small change in plastic pollution 🙂 Also didn’t know about the Wise banking app. I will check it out for sure, thanks!

My husband uses Wise often.

What a great list. So many top tips.

Travel experts have learned from experience.

I loved all of your tips! 🙂

Thanks. They make travel so much easier.

These tips are wonderful. I haven’t traveled internationally in so long, some of these i had no idea about. I’m going to pin for my future travel! Thanks for sharing!

I hope you can get back to traveling soon.

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18 Travel Experts Share Their Tried-and-True Favorite Luggage Brands

By Nila Do Simon

The Best Luggage Brands According to Travel Experts

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

The joys of travel can be interrupted by unforeseen curves in the road, but how your luggage holds up doesn’t have to be one of them. A reliable suitcase that performs well in every type of travel situation is the stuff of legend. Whether you're packing for a road trip , multi-leg airport journey , or a leisurely cruise , bringing the right luggage can make the experience even more rewarding (and a touch less stressful).

With countless suitcase options on the market, we’ve enlisted the help of industry professionals and frequent travelers to help you wade through the selections—and share a bit of their own luggage strategy. Veteran Delta Air Lines flight attendant Andrea Davis has logged countless trips around the globe, and the biggest suitcase advice she has is to bring a hard-shell option because it “usually receives less damage, and the maneuverability with four wheels is unbeatable.”

From sturdy checked bags to flexible carry-ons , these tried-and-tested pieces of luggage have gotten our experts through their travels with ease, functionality, and in most cases, style. Let’s dig through their picks for the best luggage brands.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

Briggs & Riley

“I am in love with my Briggs & Riley Baseline spinner. The CX compression and expansion allows me to adjust to my travel needs. It’s lightweight for a bag of its size, plus I love the colors—my bright blue allows me to spot my suitcase quickly amongst the sea of black bags. For a carry-on, I love my It Luggage replicating cabin roller bag. It’s sleek, light, and very reasonably priced.” —Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

top travel experts

“I often have to cart my suitcase around to meetings; my Rimowa is sleek enough to sit in boardrooms, durable enough to get banged around, and lightweight so that lugging it isn’t a chore.” —Tom Marchant, owner and co-founder, Black Tomato

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top travel experts

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SteamLine Luggage

“Airports can be a bleak setting, but seeing my SteamLine luggage is a reminder of romantic travel days past. It always brings a smile to my face. Travel is amazing, but the process of getting places can be stressful. With SteamLine Luggage, I can take a bit of that control back and add some beauty to the process of getting away.” —Leora Novick, founder of Persephone Social , a hospitality-focused social media agency

top travel experts

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Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, and Bag

“ Paravel has a wide selection and a core focus on producing sustainable, carbon-neutral luggage. I particularly like the Aviator collection, which is made from recycled materials yet feels luxurious and timeless. Paravel offsets all emissions in the production process from sourcing to delivery, so I like knowing that I’m contributing to a good cause when buying its products.” —Joan Roca, CEO and co-founder of Essentialist , a members-only travel service

top travel experts

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top travel experts

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“Within the last month I was in Santa Fe , New Mexico, biking in Norway, and now in route to Dallas , Texas,” says Myron “Mylo” Fowler, a National Geographic photographer, mountain biker , and an activist for Navajo Nation. “The Thule Aion allows me to pack gear, clothes, laptops, battery banks, and my water bottle much more efficiently with the layout of the bag, and it is incredibly comfortable. From the heat, rain, or the travel shuffle, the Thule Aion is my favorite travel bag for various assignments. And, the materials it is made of are absolutely durable.” Another perk: Thule's Aion collection is Bluesign certified and made from 100 percent recycled materials.

top travel experts

“For smaller items, I really like Tumi . My backpack and carry-on trolleys are all Tumi. For larger suitcases, you can’t go wrong with a Samsonite lightweight hard-top. Their customer service is exceptional—they replaced my two-year-old suitcase recently because the airline ripped off one of the wheels, no questions asked. Checked-in bags get pounded and beaten up and I would not want to spend a lot of money on an item that has to be replaced after a few years (if you travel frequently).” — Gary Portuesi , president and owner, Authentic Italy

top travel experts

“I always like Victorinox,” says Navin Sawhney, CEO, Americas at Ponant . The company's hard-sided luggage is especially sturdy, not to mention sleek: Pieces in the Lexicon collection, for example, feature polycarbonate shells, puncture-resistant zippers, and a combination lock.

top travel experts

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The North Face

“I don’t have just one [kind of bag]. My Patagonia roller duffel is handy. I almost always have my North Face duffel, since you can make it big or small with straps, and reduce it to a carry-on. We recommend unusual colors so that you can find your bag easily. Having one that’s waterproof is super handy, since we can go from plane to boat to kayak. And with active travel, it’s nice to have two bags—one for more formal, clean stuff, and the other for shoes or gear or dirty clothes. It’s very important to have good bag tags so that on arrival, staff can make sure that the right bags get into the right room. Always helpful to have a lock as well!” — Cari Gray , founder, Gray & Co.

top travel experts

“My pick goes to Away , though of course I’d love a Globe-Trotter suitcase —they’re so chic,” says Martin Brudnizki , founder of the eponymous design studio. The New York –based luggage brand's high-profile collaborations, which have featured the likes of tennis player Serena Williams and photographer Gray Malin, keep its inventory feeling fresh and covetable.

top travel experts

Eagle Creek

“My current bag has survived more than 200 safaris ,” says Nicky Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of Kenya's Angama Mara . Bonus: The sustainably-minded company also touts its own in-house repair center to help keep your gear in tip-top shape—and out of a landfill.

top travel experts

“I love my tiny, lightweight carry-on from Lipault. It has wheels, is soft-sided, and can squeeze into most overhead compartments.” —Mary Celeste Beall, owner, Blackberry Farm

top travel experts

Métier London

“You can’t beat Rimowa for checked-in suitcases. I also like Métier London for travel and day bags and pouches.” —Jannes Soerensen, general manager, The Beaumont

top travel experts

“I’m a fan of Arc’teryx, especially its rolling duffel,” says Landed co-founder John Montgomery . Founded in Canada, the sporting goods company's slick gear, from anoraks and insulated jackets to backpacks and harnesses, is smart and tough.

top travel experts

“Delsey’s suitcases are inexpensive, lightweight, and have great wheels. They’re also French—and all that implies.” — Richard Bruce Turen , owner and managing director, Churchill & Turen LTD

top travel experts

“I love the Tumi carry-on, the largest model—it expands or shrinks, depending. There’s also the Rimowa aluminum , which I love. It’s the trunk suitcase on wheels.” — Mary Jean Tully , founder and CEO, Tully Luxury Travel

top travel experts

“I love Ghurka luggage, which is made in the US. Beautiful, simple, and by now, part of me.” — Francis Ford Coppola , director and hotelier

top travel experts

“I think it’s important while traveling to blend in and not call attention with jewelry, dress, or accessories—so I stick with basic suitcases like Travelpro . I’m also a fan of Baggallini; my go-to travel tote, backpack, and purse are all Baggallini. I also always have my passport in a RFID-blocking passport holder.” — Linda Allen-Speer , owner, Cruises by Linda

Baggallini Avenue Tote

“I love my Head travel bags. They are huge and fit a lot of stuff—not just my tennis racquets—in special compartments for my long trips.” — Taylor Fritz , top-ranked US men’s tennis player

top travel experts

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The Best Board Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers, According to Experts

Portrait of Lauren Ro

Playing a board game as a family is a fun way to spend quality time together, even if your kiddos are quite young. As Kelsey Demers, cofounder of the site, the Tabletop Family , tells me, “It’s never too early to start engaging your children in games,” adding that little ones as young as 15 to 24 months will start to show an interest in them. Choosing games with short play times to match their natural attention spans is a good place to start and will ensure a smooth game night. Demers recommends allocating about two to three minutes per year of age they are so that the games don’t “overly tax their attention spans and end in frustration.” And just because they’re young doesn’t mean they can’t make strategic choices. “You want to look for games that provide age-appropriate strategy opportunities,” says Demers. “We want kids to learn that they have some say in what happens in their game.” Otherwise, the games won’t be engaging or teach them to think critically. Chidi Paige , a game designer and science educator, adds that preschoolers like doing things with their hands, so she recommends games that involve dexterity and a timed element as well.

My older son, Augie, has loved playing games since he was 2, and now that he’s 5, we’ve tried quite a few as a family. Whether cooperative or competitive, there’s a board (or card) game out there that will appeal to every toddler and preschooler. As Paige points out, “Every child is different. Understanding each child’s needs and interests is crucial in choosing the right games for them.” I rounded up a few of my personal favorites and also consulted gaming experts including Demers and Paige, as well as other parents (including Strategist staffers) for their recommendations to bring you the 15 best board games for kids aged 5 and under. (While most games provide age ranges, they’re merely suggestions — though you should be aware of small pieces that can be choking hazards for kids under 3.) If you’re looking for board games for kids older than 5, check out our roundup here .

Best board games for ages 2 to 3 years old

First Orchard

Ages: 2+ | Play time: 10 minutes

Demers and Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang both love this game from German company Haba for first-time gamers. Designed for ages 2 and up, the cooperative game involves gathering fruit from trees and putting them in the basket before a hungry raven enters the orchard and eats them up first. The pieces are big and bright and great for small hands to move. Demers likes that it teaches children about taking turns, learning to lose, and also helps them practice their colors. “In fact, my kids love it when they lose because they find feeding the fruit to the raven so funny,” she says.

Here, Fishy, Fishy!

Ages: 2+ | Play time: 5-10 minutes

For the youngest gamers, Demers also recommends starting with this Haba game that involves fishing. A roll of the colored die tells each player which sea creature to “catch” using the magnetic fishing pole. If they catch it successfully, they get to place a corresponding puzzle piece into the puzzle board.

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

Ages: 3+ | Play time: 5-10 minutes

A Strategist favorite, this game is a great introduction to games for younger kids. (It’s one of the first ones my son played, too.) It includes logs, rubbery acorns, and a squirrel-shaped squeezer that’s used to pick the acorns up and place them in the logs. It teaches color matching, exercises fine motor skills, and requires strategic thinking. The game pieces are well made, too, making them a pleasure to handle.

HiHo! Cherry-O

Similar to the squirrel game above, this one involves gathering fruit from trees and placing them in buckets. But landing on a dog, bird, or spilled basket means that you’ll have to put some — or even all — of your fruit back. The fruit pieces are quite small and do require a bit of fine motor skills to pick up, but it’s good practice for little hands. You can also play competitively or cooperatively. This game is in my family’s rotation of games and is very easy for preschoolers to grasp. It also helps them practice counting.

Story Time Chess

Ages: 3+ | Play time: 20 minutes

“We love this game because it offers a fun, less intimidating way to learn chess,” says Paige. Incorporating characters, eight different stories, mini games, and activities, Story Time Chess introduces the game of chess to even the youngest of players in an engaging, easy-to-understand way. Paige’s daughter, who is 7, especially loves that the characters have names and faces. It also comes with a double-sided game board. “This versatility allows us to use the same game pieces to play chess (when we are ready),” says Paige.

Best board games for ages 4 to 5 years old

Yeti in My Spaghetti

Ages: 4+ | Play time: 5 minutes

Here’s a more straightforward game that’s easy to learn and play right out of the box. A yeti is placed on a pile of plastic spaghetti noodles that players remove one by one without letting the yeti fall into the bowl. It’s fast-paced and silly, perfect for younger kids, and requires some agility to remove the strands without being too challenging. It’s a great, quick party game.

Zingo!

Ages: 4+ | Play time: 10-15 minutes

Zingo is a fast-paced, bingo-based matching game that uses a dispenser that shoots out tiles. It’s another favorite of Chidi and her daughter, as it’s “quick and easy to learn,” especially if your kid already knows how to play bingo. Paige loves the cute images that she says are “fun and inviting,” and because it requires thinking fast, she also appreciates the dexterity aspect of the game, which she says keeps her daughter “constantly engaged and alert.”

Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found It! Game

Ages: 4+ | Play time: 15-20 minutes

This scavenger-hunt game will delight kids who love Richard Scarry’s Busytown universe. (It’s one of my son’s favorite games.) Players move different characters (including Lowly Worm and Hilda Hippo) along the path with the goal of getting them to Picnic Island before the pigs eat all of the food. Along the way, players help Goldbug find hidden objects around town (under a time constraint) by placing magnifying glass-shaped tokens on top of them. We love playing this as a family, as it’s fast-paced, exciting, and actually pretty challenging to locate the clues on the six-foot-long game board. While it looks like the Busytown version is currently unavailable, there’s a Disney-themed one that Paige loves to play with her family. “The timed scavenger hunt is engaging, and the race-against-time component increases excitement,” Paige says. “I like the cooperative aspect because it fosters team-building skills.”

Hoot Owl Hoot!

Ages: 4+ | Play time: 15 minutes

Demers also loves this game from Peaceable Kingdom that involves working together to help owls fly back to their nest before the sun rises. For ages 4 and up, the game requires strategic thinking and planning ahead, as players choose which owl to move based on its position on the board. “The best part about this game is how kids will learn to strategically choose which owl to move based on how far it’ll move down the path,” says Demers. “If they’re only ever moving random owls, they’ll never win. It’s so fun to watch kids figure this out!”

Viva Topo!

Ages: 4+ | Play time: 20-30 minutes

This is another favorite of Demers, who says it’s great for 4- to 5-year-olds. The objective of the game is for the mice to gather as much cheese as possible while also escaping a cat. It comes with wooden pieces, including 18 mice with tails, cheese wedges and wheels, and a custom die. Player can opt to move their mice off the track to escape the cat, but will score fewer points in doing so. “There’s a lot of fun risk versus reward strategy for kids to explore if they want to — otherwise it’s just fun to run away from the cat!” explains Demers.

Dinosaur Escape

Ages: 4+ | Play time: 10 minutes

This cooperative game includes a memory component in which players uncover tokens that will send dinosaurs to safety. But they have to get there before the volcano erupts. It’s another favorite of ours because it moves fast and requires some strategy. Plus, the little dino toys and 3-D volcano pieces are fun for little kids to handle.

Monza

Ages: 5+ | Play time: 10-15 minutes

This was the first board game my son Augie played. Although it’s billed for ages 5 and up, he started playing this when he was about 2 (with assistance). It’s a great introduction to games, especially for car-obsessed kids. It’s a competitive game that involves racing cars on a colored track based on the rolling of dice. There are six colored dice, and all are thrown each turn. The colors that turn up on each one indicate which grid to move to next, but players have to be strategic about the order in which they move from color to color. It involves a fair amount of strategy and thinking ahead, but even younger kids can pick it up quickly. Augie loves choosing the color of his wooden car and assigning colors to me and my husband. It’s also quite exciting to throw six dice at once into the box.

Race to the Treasure!

Ages: 5+ | Play time: 20 minutes

Yang also loves this game for older kids; it’s one she started playing with her daughter when she was 4. (My son loves this one, too.) A cooperative game, it involves placing keys and an ogre snack on a grid, then building a path to the treasure before the ogre gets there first. “It’s great for learning turn-taking, reading numbers and letters in a table format, and strategizing about how to lay the path pieces to pick up the key tokens and reach the treasure,” says Yang. “And because there’s a little randomization to it, it doesn’t get overly repetitive or boring to play.” It’s the perfect length for a preschooler or kindergartener, too, lasting just long enough to hold their interest. Yang also likes that the pieces are sturdy, not too small or too numerous, and rules that are “simple enough that you don’t have to relearn them every time you pull out the game (or stop mid-game to figure out what happens next).”

Rhino Hero

Ages: 5+ | Play time: 10 minutes

Another game of balance and dexterity, Rhino Hero involves building a skyscraper out of cards while trying to move Rhino Hero up the floors without toppling it over. My son loves playing this game at bedtime, as it moves pretty quickly but also requires some patience. I like that it’s a compact game that includes only cards and a small wooden rhino token, making it easy to pack for a trip or day out.

Sum Swamp

Ages: 5+ | Play time: 10-15

If you want to level up a bit and introduce actual mathematics to your child through a game, check out Sum Swamp, an addition and subtraction game designed for kindergarteners that Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio recommends. Her younger daughter plays it at school, and it involves getting swamp creatures through the mire without getting stuck by rolling three dice — two numbered ones and another with plus and minus signs — to create a math problem. The answer indicates how many spaces to move.

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The best hair diffusers for curly hair in 2024, according to hair experts

Using a diffuser is an essential part of many NBC Select editors’ hair care routines.

Your collection of hair tools may be filled to the brim, but if you have waves, curls or coils and are looking to enhance curl pattern and eliminate frizz, a hair diffuser may be worth considering. Typically sold in a set with a hair dryer , hair diffusers can provide many benefits for curly textures .

“Diffusers are the perfect hair accessory for anyone with wavy to curly hair because they help to keep the natural curl pattern while minimizing frizz or disruption of the curl pattern,” says Ebony Gordon , owner and founder of Virginia-based Hairista Studio.

We spoke to experts about what to look for when shopping for hair diffusers. We also put together a list of what to shop based on their recommendations and guidance.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best hair diffusers | The best hair diffusers in 2024 | How to shop for hair diffusers

Selected. Our top picks

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How we picked the best hair diffusers

Hair diffusers help maintain curl patterns and control frizz, according to our experts. When shopping they recommend keeping the following factors in mind: 

  • Type of diffuser : There are a few different types of hair diffusers available. A cup diffuser, also known as a bowl diffuser, cradles the curls in its base as the hair dries. Cup diffusers are best known for creating definition and hold, says Brittany Johnson, hairstylist and senior brand marketing manager at Mayvenn Hair , a wig and hair extension brand. A hand diffuser, known for faster drying time, helps create volume at the roots and is ideal for medium to long hair types. Finally, there are sock diffusers, which is one of the most universal diffuser attachments because it can fit over a variety of blow dryer types, according to Johnson. Just keep in mind that they aren’t as reliable in terms of shaping or creating curl or wave definition, warns Johnson.
  • Special features: While some diffusers come with a no-frills design, others offer special features like multiple heat settings, collapsibility and more. “Hair diffusers that come with various heat settings allow you to have full control over the amount of heat distributed into each curl, which can mean less damage,” says Gordon. Also, pay attention to how the diffuser is constructed, as this will help you select one for your specific hair length and density. “Diffusers with longer teeth or a deeper bowl are ideal for long, dense hair types,” says Johnson. “This will ensure that more of your hair can coil inside of the diffuser, effectively drying your hair.”

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select These top-rated hair diffusers are easy to travel with

The best hair diffusers in 2024.

We spoke to hair experts about their favorite diffusers and compiled their recommendations below. We also included a few highly rated products that are in line with expert guidance as well as some NBC Select staff favorites. Our list has both hot tools that come with diffuser attachments, as well as just diffuser attachments you can use with any compatible hair dryer.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

While you can purchase Dyson’s diffuser attachments separately, Gordon recommends this hair dryer that comes with five attachments, including a diffuser. “The diffuser attachment on the Dyson magnetically adheres to its base and ensures full control over diffusing every curl,” she says. Johnson is also a fan of Dyson’s diffuser attachments, saying that they give you “voluminous and defined curls and waves without unnecessary heat damage.” This is due to the tool’s airflow technology, which means faster drying time and less exposure overall, according to the brand.

Type: Bowl diffuser | Compatible with: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer | Special features: Long prongs, magnetic attachment

Bed Head Curls-in-Check Hair Diffuser Dryer

Bed Head Curls-in-Check Hair Diffuser Dryer

Because this doubles as a blow dryer and diffuser, it can save space in your travel suitcase. Aside from its three heat and two speed settings, it features tourmaline ionic technology to prevent frizz and enhance curls, according to the brand.

NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin is a fan of this travel-friendly hybrid diffuser. “Instead of worrying about buying a hair dryer that my diffuser attachment would fit on, I bought this , which is basically a diffuser and blow dryer in one,” she says. “I love that it’s one piece, which gives me less hair tools to store, and it has multiple heat and speed settings so I can really customize my diffusing routine. I use this every time I wash my hair and have owned it for a year. I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Type: Bowl diffuser | Compatible with: Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer | Special features: 3 heat and 2 speed settings, ventilated prongs

Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer

Pattern The Blow Dryer

Pattern The Blow Dryer

Pattern Beauty’s diffuser attachment comes with its blow dryer, which is specifically made for curly and coily hair types, says Johnson, who recommends this five-piece set. “The diffuser is a bowl shape that cups curls as they dry,” she says. Gordon is also a fan of this dryer, and uses it for clients with thicker, coarser curls. It has ventilated prongs, which means more consistent airflow from root to tip, according to Pattern Beauty. Plus, the dryer itself has three heat and two speed settings, allowing for some customization when it comes to styling your hair.

Devacurl Devafuser

Devacurl Devafuser

Johnson recommends the Devafuser by Devacurl, which works with the brand’s Devadryer or with other hair dryers that are compatible in terms of diameter, circumference and length. “The unique hand shape is made to mimic the scrunching effect created with fingers, sans the frizz and friction created when you’re touching your hair too much during styling,” says Johnson.

To use it, Devacurl recommends setting your blow dryer on low to medium heat to avoid burning your scalp or damaging your hair . Next, hold the blow dryer near the scalp to dry the roots, cradling the ends of the curls and pushing toward the scalp in a scrunching motion.

“This is the first diffuser I ever used and it really taught me just how much of an impact diffusing my hair could have,” says Malin. “The long fingers reach the roots of my hair and add volume, plus it easily slides onto most standard-sized hair dryers, in my experience.”

Type: Hand diffuser | Compatible with: Hair dryers with a barrel diameter of 2 — 2 ½ in., barrel, circumference of 5½ — 6 ½ in., and barrel length of 2 ½ — 6 ½ inch. | Special features: 360-degree airflow

Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser

Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser

Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer & XXL Diffuser

While the Curlsmith hair dryer has several speed and heat settings, its eight-inch diffuser is the star of the show. According to Gordon, this tool “eliminates frizz better than any diffuser on the market.” It’s also made specifically for wavy, curly and coily hair types, and is designed to accommodate three different diffusing methods for all hair types.

For wavy hair types looking to increase their bounce and tightness, Curlsmith recommends cupping your waves section by section into the diffuser bowl and holding it close to your roots for a few seconds. To set curly hair types and minimize frizz, hover the diffuser around your head without touching your curls, beginning close to the roots and moving down toward the ends, making sure to flip your hair in different directions to encourage movement, according to Curlsmith. Finally, to elongate coily hair, the brand recommends gently stretching a section of hair and drying it with the diffuser for a few seconds per section.

Type: Bowl diffuser | Compatible with: Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer | Special features: 360-degree airflow, De-frizzing technology

T3 Soft Touch 3 Diffuser

T3 Soft Touch 3 Diffuser

Compatible with select T3 products only, Gordon recommends this diffuser, which increases volume, defines curls and reduces frizz on those with curly or fine hair, according to the brand. The diffuser includes vented finger extensions for more even heat distribution and quicker drying times, according to T3. It also comes in two color options, white and graphite, that match the color of the dryer itself.

Type: Bowl diffuser | Compatible with: T3 AireLuxe , T3 Featherweight 3i , T3 Featherweight StyleMax | Special features: Vented finger extensions, 2 color options

Hot Sock Diffuser

Hot Sock The Ultralight Diffuser

Hot Sock The Ultralight Diffuser

If your blow dryer didn’t come with a diffuser attachment, consider this budget-friendly option that’ll fit onto any dryer. It’s lightweight and easy to tote around, making it great for travel if you’re strapped for space. To use, slip the diffuser onto the nozzle of your dryer, ensuring there’s at least two to four inches of space between the sock and the end of the dryer. Then, place the diffuser onto your ends and scrunch it up to the roots, letting it set for a few seconds.

Type: Sock diffuser | Compatible with: All blow dryers | Special features: Universal fit

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select There are 9 types of curly hair — here's how to identify and care for yours

Frequently asked questions.

A hair diffuser is a tool that attaches to the end of a hair dryer and helps control airflow. These attachments come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but their main purpose is to help maintain your curl or wave pattern while heat styling, says Johnson. They often come as an attachment with a hair dryer, but they can be purchased separately as well.

There are many benefits to using a hair diffuser. For one, they "help smooth the hair by controlling airflow and dispersing it in concentrated areas, helping to keep the hair’s cuticle smooth as it’s drying," says Johnson. This is ideal for maintaining shape on those with curly or natural textures, as the hair isn’t manipulated as much as it would be if you were to use your hands, and thus, the hair's natural curl pattern won't be disturbed, says Johnson.

Also, if your hair is lacking volume (or has trouble maintaining it), diffusers can help create more of a boosting effect. "By lifting the base of your roots while drying, [diffusers] help set your style and give it longer-lasting volume," says Johnson. Finally, because the airflow of a diffuser is much more controlled, it can help improve the efficacy of your styling products, says Johnson.

According to Johnson, hair diffusers can actually help limit heat damage on the hair. "Many diffusers are used with medium or cool heat instead of blasting your hair with the warm or hot air that you’d use with a regular nozzle," says Johnson. In any case, for further protection against damage, Gordon recommends using a quality heat protectant as well as products with enough lubrication or "slip" to make it easy to detangle the hair (like a leave-in conditioner or detangling conditioner).

How to shop for hair diffusers

When shopping, our experts recommend looking at several factors, including size, weight and hair type. Below, we highlight their suggestions of things to consider.

Size is key

If your blow dryer didn’t come with a diffuser attachment, you’ll want to make sure the diffuser you choose securely fits onto the nozzle of your dryer. Some hair diffusers also come with an adjustable or slip-on design that makes it easy to use with various models. In any case, make sure you’re considering the diameter of the diffuser to ensure proper fit.

Consider your specific hair

All hair types can use hair diffusers, but they’re especially good for those with wavy or curly hair. “No matter the density, length or texture of one’s curls, a diffuser is essential in controlling frizz, defining the curl effortlessly, reducing drying time and enhancing the curl pattern overall,” says Gordon.

For tighter curl patterns, such as 3b to 4c, a diffuser can help set your hair products and speed up the drying process, says Johnson. Diffusers for hair types 2a to 3a can help encourage curls to form as well as create more volume and definition. For people with straight hair, using a diffuser can limit heat damage and encourage any underlying wave pattern, says Johnson.

Aside from hair type, hair length can play a role in what diffuser you choose. “For shorter hair, using a diffuser can help set your part line and shape without having to unnecessarily manipulate your hair,” says Johnson, who recommends a shallow cup diffuser if you have short hair. For medium to long hair, try a deep cup diffuser or hand diffuser. These can help create volume and lift while still setting curls and creating longevity in your style, says Johnson.

How to use a hair diffuser

Like any hair tool, using a diffuser can take practice as you figure out what method you prefer. “Diffusers are generally best used when you let your hair air dry a bit beforehand,” says Johnson. “To use a diffuser, layer any styling products as you normally would and then begin to diffuse your hair on a low to medium heat setting.” To create more volume and shape, Johnson recommends diffusing beginning at your roots, then working your way through the mid-shaft of the hair.

If your hair is permed, using a diffuser can be a great way to maintain your curls. “Just be mindful of the temperature and the amount of heat you’re using,” says Johnson. “As with any hair type, always use a heat protectant beforehand and move the diffuser around periodically to avoid keeping the heat in one place for too long.”

Depending on your specific hair needs, there are some tricks when it comes to using a diffuser. For extra lift, try diffusing your roots while your head is upside down. To lock in your style, switch to the cool setting to set and fully dry the curls right before finishing the diffusing process, Gordon says. And, to avoid frizz, Johnson recommends avoiding touching your hair with your hands while it’s drying.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. 

  • Brittany Johnson is a hair stylist based in San Francisco, CA and a marketing manager at Mayvenn Hair, a wig company.
  • Ebony Gordon is the owner and founder of Virginia-based Hairista Studio.

Why trust NBC Select?

Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and hair care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to hair experts and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Michelle Rostamian is a freelance beauty, wellness, and lifestyle writer.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

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Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

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Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

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Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

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Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

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Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

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Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards logo

Vote for your favorite small town in the South!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

The South is known for its charm, hospitality, and rich history. But it also has some of the most beautiful and diverse small towns in the country. Relaxing getaways, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights await across the region in these 20 small towns — each with a population of less than 25,000 — that have been nominated by an expert panel. Which small town do you think is the best in the South? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, April 1 at noon ET. The winning small towns will be announced on Wednesday, April 10. Read the official Readers' Choice rules . 

The South is known for its charm, hospitality, and rich history. But it also has some of the most beautiful and diverse small towns in the country. Relaxing getaways, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and culinary...   Read More

Best Small Town in the South Nominees

Abingdon, Virginia

Abingdon, Virginia

Alexander City, Alabama

Alexander City, Alabama

Ashland, Kentucky

Ashland, Kentucky

Batesville, Arkansas

Batesville, Arkansas

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Brevard, North Carolina

Brevard, North Carolina

Carrboro, North Carolina

Carrboro, North Carolina

Fairmont, West Virginia

Fairmont, West Virginia

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulfport, Florida

Gulfport, Florida

Lynchburg, Tennessee

Lynchburg, Tennessee

Maysville, Kentucky

Maysville, Kentucky

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Seneca, South Carolina

Seneca, South Carolina

Sevierville, Tennessee

Sevierville, Tennessee

St. Marys, Georgia

St. Marys, Georgia

Starkville, Mississippi

Starkville, Mississippi

Thomasville, Georgia

Thomasville, Georgia

West Monroe, Louisiana

West Monroe, Louisiana

About 10best readers' choice awards.

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

Chez Chesak

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Chez Chesak

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

Kyle McCarthy

Melody Pittman

Melody Pittman

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog  and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing.  Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok , Youtube, IG , and FB . After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada. 

Melody Pittman

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

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  • European Cruises

10 Best Greece Cruises, According to Travel Experts

These are the best Greece cruises for island hopping with ease.

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Courtesy of Variety Cruises

With its stunning beaches, rich history, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, a trip to Greece is always a great idea. However, since the nation is home to more than 6,000 islands — some of which are only accessible by boat — your best bet is to explore via cruise. Just take it from Rob Clabbers, Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel founder, who tells T+L that “Greece and the Greek isles are just the perfect destinations to explore by ship” since “a cruise allows you to see more islands and gives you a unique vantage point.” Several of the best Greece cruises also include visits to neighboring countries like Turkey and Italy, for example, which allow travelers to experience several cultures and countries in one action-packed trip. Intrigued? We don’t blame you: Ahead, check out our favorite Greece cruises for every type of traveler, along with itinerary recommendations and expert insight.

Meet the Expert

Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel, a Chicago-based travel agency. 

Mary Curry is a T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist.

Kari Dillon is the owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, an agency specializing in theme park and cruise vacations.

Megan Guinnup is a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar

According to Clabbers, this small luxury cruise line is perfect for those who prefer “a smaller, more casual yacht-style experience.” Per the pro, the onboard vibes are best described as “upscale, but not stuffy or over-the-top.” It’s also worth noting that “each ship offers a water sports platform with kayaks, water trampolines, stand-up paddling, snorkel gear, floating carpets, and other ‘toys’ that are deployed (weather and location permitting, of course) at least once on most Greek itineraries.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Windstar’s Greece itineraries, Clabbers is quick to call out the popular Treasures of the Greek Isles voyage, which sets sail each week from May through October. Passengers can visit beloved ports of call like Mykonos and Santorini, along with “lesser-known (and less-crowded!) places like Monemvasia and Patmos.” As part of the experience, guests have the unique opportunity to feast among the ruins in neighboring Turkey as part of the line’s complimentary Evening in Ephesus “after-hours” event, which, per Clabbers, features a decadent five-course dinner accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Speaking of culinary offerings, it’s worth mentioning that Windstar is the official cruise line partner of the esteemed James Beard Foundation, which means you can expect some of the top eats at sea.

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Cruises

“A new entrant in the luxury travel industry, Explora Journeys offers all the style and comfort of a modern European luxury resort property on its 922-guest yacht-inspired Explora I and, launching later this year, Explora II, ” explains Clabbers. The line has taken the industry by storm, doing away with cliche cruise staples like main dining rooms, large buffets, and notoriously small staterooms. Instead, says Clabbers, guests can choose from a selection of “excellent restaurants that other companies would call specialty restaurants,” as well as “four swimming pools, each with their own vibe,” and all-suite accommodations, some of which boast private plunge pools. Per the pro, it’s worth noting that “Explora Journeys is the first luxury line that offers a dedicated youth activity program and facility year-round;” as such, it’s an excellent option for multi-generational families looking to cruise Greece in style. 

Itinerary: Sailing round-trip from Athens, the aptly named eight-night A Journey from Athens to Athens itinerary includes a mix of popular ports like Mykonos and Santorini, along with hidden-gem locales like Syros, which is famous for its neoclassical architecture, a buzzy main town, and (essentially) crowd-free beaches. The cruise also visits the serene resort town of Marmaris in Turkey before heading to its final port of call, Kos , a gorgeous Greek island known for its sandy beaches, white-washed buildings, and historical sites.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

According to Clabbers, " Celebrity Cruises was launched by a Greek shipping family," so the line has deep ties to — and many officers who hail from — the country. What’s more, he says, "When you visit Greece, they are taking you to their homeland, and it shows in their passion and love of the Hellenic nation." The line offers a range of larger ships and, thus, more options between accommodations (from economical inside rooms to luxurious suites in The Retreat), itineraries, restaurants, and entertainment; as such, Celebrity is "a great option for adults and families who like more activities on their ship." 

Itinerary: The nine-night Best Of Greece itinerary cruises round-trip from Athens on select dates from May to October and takes place aboard the 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity , which Clabbers described as one of the line’s “smaller and more seasoned ships.” The first port of call is Santorini, followed by Ephesus in Turkey and Mykonos. “Additionally,” says Clabbers, " Infinity   travels to Volos and Thessaloniki, ports that are not typically visited by large ships.” Kavala, located in the northern part of the country, serves as the final port of call before heading back to Athens. Here, cruisers can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and architecture — plus some seriously stunning landscapes (from lagoons and lakes to wetlands and beaches) along with lush flora and fauna.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet

Courtesy of Silversea cruises

Silversea offers a variety of Greece cruise itineraries, and it’s one of few truly luxe all-inclusive cruise lines. Per Clabbers, the 596-passenger Silver Moon offers all-suite accommodations and a classic small-ship feel — complete with excellent meals, beverages, and shore excursions all included in your cruise fare. Speaking of the latter, he says, “The inclusion of shore excursions also makes it easy to dive deeper into Greek culture and culinary experiences.” 

Itinerary: While you can’t go wrong with any of Silversea’s Greek itineraries, Clabbers especially recommends the seven-night Athens to Athens cruise, which “calls on highlights, but adds places like Souda Bay in Crete, Nafplion, Patmos, and Rhodes ,” where he recommends visiting the “temple ruins at Lindos, with views over the Mediterranean, and then walk in the footsteps of the Crusaders in the old town.” The cruise also stops in Nafplion, which, despite its romantic seaside setting and lovely beaches, is yet to be uncovered by most American travelers — for now, at least.

Variety Cruises

According to T+L A-list travel advisor and small ship specialist Mary Curry , this local Greek cruise line offers its own fleet of yachts, most carrying fewer than 50 passengers. Since the ships are so small, says Curry, “you can travel a bit further off the beaten path.” Variety offers a handful of Greece itineraries, including specially themed hiking and wine cruises.

Itinerary: Travelers craving a true off-the-beaten-path experience can book the seven-night Unexplored Greece voyage, which sails round-trip from Athens. The first port of call is Ikira, a tiny island known for its hot springs that also happens to be one of the world’s Blue Zones. Then, it’s off to Patmos, known for its fascinating history and unspoiled beaches, before overnighting in Lipsi, a laid-back isle famous for its gorgeous scenery. On board, guests can taste the destination’s famous wine, Aposperitis. The fun continues in Levintha, inhabited by a single family who raises animals and runs a restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh-caught fish. After, it’s off to Amorgos, where scenic hiking and beautiful beaches abound. The next day, you’ll stop at Panagia Hozoviotissa, a cliffside monastery dating back to the 10th century, before heading to Koufonisia, which boasts majestic caves and rock pools accessible only by boat (thankfully, Variety as you covered). The final stop of the day is the serene island of Iraklia, which offers clear-blue waters ideal for swimming. After remaining here overnight, you’ll head to the final port of call, Serifos, where guests can visit a remote beach, followed by an onboard BBQ feast to refuel before heading to Chora, a fairy-tale village.

Courtesy of Ponant Cruises

This French-owned cruise line offers an impressive fleet of small luxury ships. Additionally, says Curry, “Most cabins have private balconies, and travelers who plan early are rewarded with excellent value for the money.” What’s especially unique about Pontant, explains the pro, is that they “partner with Smithsonian Journeys on select departures to offer an enrichment program of included lectures and shore excursions in each port.”

Itinerary: Curry especially recommends the seven-night Cruising the Greek Islands of the Southern Aegean sailing, which will cruise round-trip from Athens in July and October 2025. The cruise calls on aforementioned spots like Patmos, Rhodes, and Amorgos before visiting Adamas in Milos, a volcanic island teeming with postcard-worthy white-washed towns and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Adamas itself is a tiny fishing port where colorful boats shimmer against the blue waters. Finally, it’s off to Mykonos and Napflion before finally disembarking in Athens.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is world-famous for its exciting onboard offerings for children of all ages — including character and superhero meet-and-greets, dining options themed after beloved Disney princesses, and live performances galore — making it a favorite for families hoping for a fun-filled Greece vacation.

Itinerary: "Setting sail aboard the Disney Dream on the seven-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles itinerary is nothing short of magical!" says Megan Guinnup , a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels . Cruising round-trip from Rome, the ship calls on Naples before exploring Greece. In addition to popular ports like Athens and Mykonos, you'll also visit Chania on the island of Crete, which offers a bustling harbor, exquisite architecture, and cobblestone streets that look like they were plucked straight from a (Disney) fairy tale. After exploring each locale, the fun continues back on board, where, per the pro, "there is enchantment everywhere — meeting beloved characters, enjoying deck parties with Mickey and Minnie, and indulging in exquisite cuisine."

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

This mega-ship line truly has it all: Flashy entertainment and onboard activities — which, depending on the ship, can include everything from water slides to zip lines — and plenty of drinking and dining offerings to appease even the pickiest eaters. Guinnup and Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels, recommend setting sail aboard Odyssey of the Seas , which offers several Greek itineraries. "On board," says Guinnup, "There's a plethora of activities to enjoy, from bumper cars and roller skating to exquisite dining and a bionic bar — there's something for everyone!"

Itinerary: The seven-night Greek Isles itinerary sails round-trip from Rome with stops in Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Naples. Keep in mind that because the ship is so large, Santorini and Mykonos are both tender ports. With that in mind, Dillon recommends springing on The Key, an optional add-on that includes priority tender access so that you can spend as much time as possible on land basking in its beauty.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s adults-only line has taken the industry by storm with its innovative offerings, including 20-plus restaurants instead of buffets, an onboard tattoo parlor, adult-focused entertainment offerings, and a two-story nightclub.

Itinerary: Dillon especially recommends the seven-night Greek Island Aglow itinerary for travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only option. She continues, telling T+L, “Not only does this sail to the islands of Santorini and Rhodes, but it [also] has an overnight in Mykonos, which is world-famous for its lively party atmosphere.” As a bonus, the cruise also calls on Bodrum in Turkey, which boasts beautiful beaches, flower-filled cafes, and a bustling nightlife scene.

Celestyal Cruises

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Greece-based Celesytal Cruises prides itself on offering an authentic Greek vacation experience. Additionally, Celesytal is unique in that it offers year-round Aegean Sea sailings cruising round-trip from Athens and ranging in length from three to 14 nights. On land, Celeystal guests can choose from a selection of the line’s “Authentic Excursions,” which are specially curated, small-group, expert-led experiences designed to take travelers off the beaten path. Options — including walking food tours and pottery-making demos at a local factory — abound, depending on the particular port of call.

Itinerary: The seven-night Idyllic Aegean voyage visits Thessaloniki (which offers an eclectic combination of history, nightlife, and gastronomy), Kuşadası (a popular Turkish resort town), and Heraklion (the capital of Crete) before heading to iconic isles like Santorini and Mykonos, where the ship will remain overnight. Before returning to Athens for disembarkation, you’ll also stop in magnificent Milos.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

IMG_5767

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

IMG_5859

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Screen Shot 2015-04-01 at 5.17.53 PM

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

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Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

IMG_5826

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya metro station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

IMG_5893

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

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January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

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December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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