From mountain trekking in India to a silent retreat in Bali, I've been fortunate to travel solo multiple times in the past decade. Over the years, I've found that mixing tours with independent travel helps me get the most out of my trips. Meeting people is high on my priority list, as is feeling safe…
Summer is upon us once again and you know what that means: way more people at the airport and all of them in front of you in the TSA line. The agency says it's "ready for the additional passenger volume"—but are you? Whether or not you've traveled by air recently, we've got some helpful pointers,…
River cruising also has the reputation for being expensive. Not to worry—we talked to major experts in river cruises to get their top tips for anyone wondering how to bag a bargain. Opt for off-peak season. Don’t underestimate the savings you can find by opting for a sailing outside of high season. "If you're considering…
If you’re not familiar with upgrade bidding for airline tickets, it’s time to learn. By entering a virtual auction, passengers who have purchased economy tickets offer to pay a bit more in order to score coveted spots in the front of the plane. If successful, you could end up in a business class seat for…
Plenty of people travel for wine, but, paradoxically, wine isn’t easy to travel with, especially if you’re taking a plane. Before you pick up a bottle or two at the out-of-town winery you’re visiting, there are laws to consider, airline policies to familiarize yourself with, and luggage disasters to guard against. We figured a wine…
Summer flying can be tough. Especially this year. Plane engines simply behave differently in the summer, and smart travelers use that information to avoid delays and cancellations.
Flying in the summer always presents challenges. But flying this summer promises to be particularly challenging. Airlines are already dealing…
The Las Vegas Strip is big on endless construction and it's hot on imploding older buildings. But when it comes to creating memorable visual landmarks, modern Vegas usually folds. After the 1990s heyday of iconic Strip architecture passed, most of the towers erected on Las Vegas Boulevard have looked like lightly themed columns of rooms…
The app-based Lightning Lane service, which was introduced as Genie+ at Disney's American theme parks in late 2021 and revised in July 2024, evokes dread in casual visitors to the self-billed Happiest Place on Earth. People who choose to vacation at a Disney park already struggle to navigate high costs and crowds. Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which…
It’s common knowledge that safaris can be eye-wateringly expensive, but taking a walk on the wild side doesn’t have to cost the world. Here’s how to make a quality safari in Africa more affordable.
Bigger isn’t always better. When it comes to safaris, certain destinations have an…
Your credit card may not grant preferred status, but it might get you into airport lounges for free, which can be just as useful. The Delta American Express Reserve card, to take one example, includes 15 visits a year to Delta's Sky Club. Other cards may offer credits for in-flight purchases (like the AAdvantage Aviator…