Note that most of the following tips apply to both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which tend to occur about two weeks apart. The two-week break makes it very tough to attend both, but the Paralympic Games are just as exciting and inspiring, so they’re worth consideration in and of themselves.

Getting Tickets to the Olympics

Buying tickets for the Olympics will look slightly different this year than in the past. Previously, event presales were handled by a single vendor depending on where you live — for example, in the United States, ticketing was handled by CoSport. For the 2024 Games, tickets are only available through the official ticketing website of the Paris Olympics. Tickets for Paralympic events are available through the same portal beginning October 9th.

Event tickets tend to be released in waves. The first round of tickets for the Paris Olympics went on sale via a lottery system in March, followed by a second wave in May. As of July 5th, the remaining tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

When choosing events, I have found this strategy to work well: First get something you really care about, and then choose something that seems interesting but you know very little about. For example, at one recent Olympic Games my family went to a tae kwon do event when our son was involved in the sport, and we even saw his teacher there working as a judge. The next day we went to mountain biking, which was wild and very cool, with attendees all running around the fields that connected one obstacle to the next.

Tickets to many events may officially sell out up to a year in advance but are often still available through package deals. A visit to the vendor’s website will tell you a lot about what is on offer.

Figure Out Your Lodging Next

Lodging is likely to be your biggest challenge and is the trip component you should research and lock down first. You can use your favorite search engines to get started, comparing your options to the venues you hope to attend. The venues are set years in advance, so you can start searching fairly early on. Brace yourself, as there is quite a bit of speculative pricing that can go on, and availability can be hard to come by; in fact, one 2020 Olympic hopeful I know booked their entire family into double rooms at a Tokyo “love hotel,” yikes.

The official Olympics ticketing site also offers all-inclusive travel packages that include a certain number of nights’ lodging with a certain number of event tickets—but those tend to be somewhat pricey compared to DIY lodging options. That said, purchasing from the official outlet does tend to ensure some level of quality as well as a centralized location, so it is always worth a look.

Finding Olympic Flights

Many Olympic host cities have more than one airport, and it is worth your while to research airfares to all of them. For the Paris Olympics in 2024, for example, you can choose between Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport.

Paris-Orly is smaller than Charles de Gaulle, but is less busy and located within easy reach of the southern side of the city. Charles de Gaulle offers more flight options from a wider range of destinations and is located to the north. For those flying budget, Beauvais–Tillé Airport may be your best bet.  

Weather, Transport, and Getting to Venues

You’ll want to prepare for extreme weather no matter which Olympics you’re attending—pack plenty of warm layers for the winter Games, and prepare for heat if you’re attending a summer event.

Transport to venues varies tremendously depending on the host city and the location of a given venue. As you get farther from the main venues, transport connections can become more tricky. Strong public transportation in past Olympic cities such as Tokyo and London has been essential. Rio was a different story, but taxis were so affordable that they were actually a preferable option in many cases (just be careful to use sanctioned taxi services).

It almost goes without saying that you should give yourself some extra time whenever you are headed to a competition; if you miss a bus, end up on a long security line, need some time to find the correct entrance, or can’t quite figure out where you are supposed to go, you could miss the most dramatic moments of the competition.

You should also be prepared to walk a bit; entrances may not be right in front of transportation spots, security might be purposely far from the competition area, and the venue itself may be spread out.

Find the Free Events

Even before you start attending competitions, every Olympic host city has some kind of massive public space for exhibitors and sponsors to put on shows, display wares, and more. These are often (although not always) right outside the main Olympic Stadium and have the host mascots running around, interactive games and exhibits, giant jumbotrons showing live events and highlights, and the like. These are worth seeing just to get the overall vibe of the Games, to people-watch, and to pick up (often free) souvenirs. This year, guests can even watch the opening ceremony ticket-free on the upper quays of the Seine.

Additionally, at every Olympics there are a number of events that take place in semi-public places, allowing you to see significant parts of the event at no cost whatsoever.

These are usually distance events of some kind in which the venue is huge and can’t be entirely closed off, or even runs through the streets and public spaces of the host city. These typically include the following:

• Marathon
• Road cycling
• Rowing, canoeing, and kayaking
• Sailing
• Triathlon

I’d also throw in surfing; 2021 was the first year of surfing at the Games, so there is little history of how it is set up, but it seems like a candidate for being able to watch from near the event.

Then there are venues that back up to public spaces. In Rio, rowing was one of these; the lake on which the event took place was right in the middle of Ipanema, and you could see athletes competing from all over the place. The finish line was right next to a small skateboarding spot, and the crews headed right toward the kids skating there, while the start line was against the ring road around the lake at a spot where a small playground and picnic area remained open throughout the Games. The starting tower was surrounded by picnickers, and the local spectators were perhaps 50 to 80 meters from the athletes at the starting line.

These can be a bit tricky to figure out—for example, in London, you could not see rowing at all because the venue was surrounded by a huge moat that prevented anyone but ticket holders from getting anywhere near the course—but if you survey the venues and racecourses, you can usually figure out where you might hang out to see the athletes zoom past.

Consider Heading Home Early or Late

I have found that folks trickle into the Olympic host city over time, but everyone leaves over the same day or two. Leaving the day before the closing ceremonies, or staying on a few days afterward, can often help avoid the stampede as well as keep airfare prices down a bit.

More Olympic Travel Tips

Don’t Overpack

Travel light to each event. The biggest slowdown you will encounter will almost always be bag check lines when entering (this is a rule at almost all large events these days). If you can avoid backpacks and bags, you can save time and aggravation.

Explore the City

Add in some “regular” tourism. Most host cities are exceptional destinations with or without the Games, and can be even better during the Olympics when even the non-sports attractions will get caught up in Olympic fever and put their best foot forward. Definitely visit some non-Olympic events to get a feel for the host city and country while you are there.

Get Official Info

For details on transportation, venue locations, things to do and see, and more, the official site of the Local Organizing Committee is the place to start. Here are the sites for the next few Olympic Games: Paris 2024, Milan Cortina 2026, and Los Angeles 2028. For safety tips, you might also want to check the State Department’s country information and travel advisories.

Get Into the Spirit

The volunteers at most Olympics really bring it when they are out interacting with all of us visiting the Games, and the overall vibe on the ground can be exhilarating. Give yourself over to the whole thing and you can be a true part of the Olympic spirit.

Ed Hewitt has covered several previous Olympic Games as the publisher and founder of row2k.com. His writing and photography have appeared in dozens of magazines, newspapers, websites, films, and other media.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to See the Olympics appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Mandarin Oriental Boston

Awarded both the prestigious Forbes Five-Stars and AAA Five-Diamonds ratings, the Mandarin Oriental is the epitome of luxury. The hotel’s Boylston Street location will put you firmly in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood—and it’s directly connected to the Prudential Center, so you can shop and dine without having to set foot outside. 

Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental are surprisingly spacious for an urban hotel, starting at 410 square feet, and outfitted in a chic Art Deco style. 

Make sure to schedule a treatment at the hotel’s famous 16,000 square-foot spa for the ultimate in pampering before you go.

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The Liberty Hotel 

Ever spent the night in prison? You can say you have after sleeping at The Liberty Hotel. Of course, accommodations in this former historic prison turned luxury hotel are a million times more comfortable than a jail cell (but you’ll still find playful nods to its past in the decor throughout). 

The hotel’s aptly named restaurants and bars (Clink, Alibi, and The Yard) attract a vibrant mix of locals and tourists practically every night of the week. The Catwalk (located on the jail’s original Catwalk) is a guest-only bar that offers an unbeatable perch for people-watching.

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The Newbury Boston  

Opened in 1927 as one of the first Ritz-Carlton hotels in the US, this historic property was transformed in 2018 to reopen as the revamped and rebranded The Newbury Boston. Nestled on the edge of the Boston Public Garden, many rooms here offer stunning park views. In the winter, book a Classic Fireplace Suite which features a romantic wood-burning fireplace. 

Make a reservation at the hotel’s Contessa restaurant when you book your stay—seatings for this highly-acclaimed Italian eatery fill up a month in advance.

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The Colonnade Hotel Boston 

Hotels with pools are scarce in Boston (which makes sense, as swimming season is a few short months here.) However, if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to book The Colonnade Hotel as its crown jewel is the property’s gorgeous outdoor rooftop pool. The pool is surrounded by private cabanas and offers a summer experience that’s impossible to find anywhere else in the city. 

When you’re done sunning and swimming, the hotel’s central Back Bay location is primed for exploring.  

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W Boston 

Catching a show in Boston? The W Hotel is the best hotel in the Theater District. The hotel recently underwent a $10 million renovation, and the property looks brand-new. Rooms at the hotel were “inspired by notorious Boston disruptors, from Aerosmith to Edgar Allan Poe,” says the W.

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Boston Marriott Long Wharf 

The Boston Marriott Long Wharf holds an iconic spot directly on Boston Harbor. Take advantage of the location by booking one of the luxury waterfront suites that feature a balcony with stunning harbor views. 

Can’t swing a suite? Treat yourself to a meal at the hotel’s Waterline restaurant, which offers equally amazing scenery. 

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Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport 

With 1,054 guest rooms and suites, the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is one of the biggest in Boston. The Omni Seaport is another rare Boston hotel with an outdoor pool—this one is located on the fifth-floor rooftop and offers gorgeous views of the city skyline. The open-air Lifted Pool Bar & Grill serves up cocktails and a food menu from 11 am – 9 pm daily. 

The Omni Seaport puts a priority on wellness. Maintain your workout routine in the 3,000 square foot gym that’s stocked with Peloton Bikes, TRX stations, and more. Or, focus on self-care with a trip to the full-service Breve Spa.

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Cambria Hotel Boston

The Cambria Hotel is a popular destination for locals in the warm weather who flock to the hotel’s rooftop for a buzzy nightlife scene, creative cocktails, and epic city views. Book a room here to be close to both the rooftop action and the lively South Boston neighborhood next door. 

The Cambria is located right across the street from a T station, so you’ll be able to easily hop on the red line to explore the city.

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Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street 

One Dalton Street, a 61-story skyscraper that opened in 2019, was the tallest building to be built in Boston since the John Hancock Tower went up in 1976. The tower houses the Four Seasons Hotel and the brand’s luxury residential apartments. 

Rooms are as luxurious as you would expect from the Four Seasons, starting at 397 square feet. The suites really shine here, featuring large soaking tubs set in front of floor-to-ceiling windows and private outdoor decks overlooking Boston.

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Boston Park Plaza 

Stay in a piece of Boston’s history (but with modern amenities) at the Boston Park Plaza. The property opened in 1927 as The Statler Hotel and hosted dignitaries and celebrities including Winston Churchill and Judy Garland. When the Park Plaza opened, rooms cost as little as $3.50 a night—today, you can find rooms for as low as $114 per night in the off-season. 

The Boston Park Plaza underwent a $100 million renovation in 2016 that updated and modernized the property while still retaining the historic touches it’s so famous for. 

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Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront

Set on the Boston Harbor just outside the city’s famous North End neighborhood, the Battery Wharf Hotel boasts one of the best locations in Boston. A stay here will put you near the North End’s Italian restaurants, touristy Faneuil Hall, and the TD Garden. 

Many rooms offer waterfront views, and all rooms have windows that can open so you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze—a rarity for hotels. 

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The Ritz Carlton Boston 

Just steps from the Boston Common, newly renovated rooms at The Ritz-Carlton offer park or city views along with large marble soaking tubs, Bose radios, and Frette linens. An in-house Bath Butler can draw a selection of relaxing baths upon demand for total relaxation. 

Continue the relaxation with The Ritz-Carlton’s spa (run in conjunction with Equinox Sports Club) which offers a range of facials, massages, and treatments. 

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The Verb Hotel

If you’re catching a game or concert at Fenway Park, you can’t stay any closer than The Verb Hotel, which overlooks the storied ballpark. Originally a motor inn, The Verb has been completely redone into a stylish musically-themed boutique hotel. 

Music-lovers will find more than 1,700 vinyl records in the lobby library, Audio-Technica Record Turntables in the rooms, and rock n’ roll art throughout. 

Party like a rockstar and then sleep in late the next day—rooms at The Verb feature blackout blinds and the lobby is stocked with nitro-brewed coffee 24/7.

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Moxy Boston Downtown

Looking for a kid-free Boston vacation? The Moxy Boston Downtown bills itself as “Boston’s first adult playground,” and guests are greeted with a complimentary signature cocktail upon check-in. You’ll have to be 21 or over to stay at this party-focused hotel that’s for adults only. 

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The Row Hotel 

Formerly a Ford Motor Assembly Plant and now a thoroughly modern hotel, The Row Hotel offers affordable rates just outside of Boston. Located in Somerville’s Assembly Square neighborhood, a new outdoor shopping mall set on the banks of the Mystic River, the hotel is within easy walking distance to a huge number of shops and eateries. If you want to venture into Boston, the nearby T stop makes it easy.

With its location near Legoland and an indoor pool, The Row Hotel is a great pick for family trips to Boston.

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The post The 15 Best Hotels in Boston appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The excursions, tours, performances, and other activities you experience on your travels can make or break a trip. No one wants to be disappointed when an activity booking doesn’t work out or turns out not to be what you though it was—so you’ll want to be able to search offerings, and preferably to compare ratings of them. Plus, it’s essential to make sure you’re booking with reputable ticket websites offering reasonable prices. 

The Best Excursion Ticket Websites for Travelers

Here are seven ticket websites and providers that won’t let you down. Click to read more.

Viator
GetYourGuide
Tripadvisor
StubHub
Airbnb Experiences
Atlas Obscura
Tiqets
Groupon

Viator

Owned by TripAdvisor, Viator is a vast activity and excursion ticket website; one of the largest out there. Travelers can book anything from airport shuttle service, to guided tours, to skip-the-line admission at attractions all over the world. And because it’s similar to TripAdvisor, travelers can also browse reviews of the activity they’re eyeing. Most listings include comprehensive details about the tour and a generous cancellation policy (usually 24-hours prior to the activity with no penalty).

Viator does not operate the tours it sells. Rather, it’s a search engine of things to do. As such, its offerings tend to focus on cities and better-known travel destinations, although that includes excursions out of those places into the surrounding areas; like tours from Boston to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, tours of the Dutch countryside from a departure point in Amsterdam, etc. This makes Viator a great option for travelers who want to headquarter themselves in one hotspot but still experience the broader region. 

GetYourGuide

Another day-tour-heavy option, GetYourGuide overlaps somewhat with Viator, but is focused more solely on experiences and tours (Viator includes services such as airport and in-town transportation services). Functionally, the sites aren’t very different; both offer an opportunity to compare tours and prices. And on that last note, it can be worth checking both: I found the exact same Niagara Falls day tour from Toronto on both sites. GetYourGuide allowed guests to book the base tour without the optional lunch and boat cruise for just $79, while Viator required guests to book the entire package for $138.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor leverages its massive inventory of user generated content to roll the research and booking process into one. Users can access all the standard tour information—such as age range, duration, start time, and language—while also browsing reviews and real-life photos from travelers who have actually booked the activity. The experience pages also feature what percentage of travelers would recommend a given activity, based on the “percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.” The authenticity of the one-to-one style recommendations and opinions of fellow travelers can help give users the confidence to book.

Travelers without a specific landmark or tour in mind can also search for activities organized into top destinations like Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington D.C.

StubHub

For more event-focused resale ticket website StubHub is a useful last-minute option for verified tickets to everything from sports and concerts to comedy shows and theater seats. For the uninitiated, StubHub is a resale marketplace for ticket holders (and, let’s be honest, scalpers) to unload tickets they can’t use. This means shopping on StubHub is a double-edged sword: You’ll likely pay well above face value for high-demand or sold out events, but you can also find great deals at the last minute if the opposite is true. In the former case, StubHub (or similar initial-sale and resale option Ticketmaster) may be your only viable option. And in the latter case, StubHub can be a savvy way to save or even make some money; keep that in mind if you’ve ever bought some event tickets and then couldn’t attend.

Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb is all about living like a local, and Airbnb Experiences is no different. The emphasis here is on small or even private tours led by locals rather than tour companies, with an eye toward unique experiences rather than traditional sightseeing. Sometimes these experiences can be tailored to your interests: I booked a private bicycle tour of Berlin through Airbnb Experiences a few years back, and the guide all but ditched his preset itinerary and improvised based on my interests. As a result I got to see parts of the city I might never have found on my own. 

One important consideration to remember: These are often regular folks, not full-time professional guides or tour operators, so it’s a good idea to bring a go-with-the-flow attitude on your excursion. Your experience may not be as polished or precise as a traditional tour, even if the host has been doing this for a while. Of course, the point of these experiences is to forgo those cookie cutter tours in favor of something different. AirBnB includes reviews and makes it easy to communicate with the experience host beforehand, so don’t hesitate to ask questions prior to booking.

Atlas Obscura

Speaking of forgoing the cookie cutter experience, Atlas Obscura focuses, as its name implies, on all things obscure: The bizarre, forgotten, and hard-to-reach corners of a given city or destination that you wouldn’t normally find on excursion ticket websites. While nowhere near as robust as the other entries on this list, Atlas Obscura also offers a curated selection of tours and experiences. It’s currently in a half dozen U.S. cities, with more to come. Think: A guided wine-and-bug (yes, insects) pairing experience in Los Angeles, or a trip inside a holographer (maker of holograms) laboratory in New York. The tours are offered through Atlas Obscura, but AirBnB handles the booking. After all, anyone can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right? So why not be different and check out a … Sewage Garden? 

Tiqets

Launched in 2014, Amsterdam-based company Tiqets is a comparatively newer ticketing platform that emphasizes flexibility and convenience. Optional free cancellation polices are available on all bookings, allowing travelers to cancel tickets up to 11:59PM the night before the event. Tiqets also offers last minute deals on activities and events like palace tours, broadway shows, and city sightseeing tours. Browse by location or get inspired by their list of Most Popular Places to Visit. Tickets can be managed through their app (iOS | Android).

Groupon

With a broader focus than the other sites on this list, Groupon can find great deals on everything from guided tours to restaurants at your destination. To search specifically for event tickets and travel activities, enter your destination in the search bar and browse their Things to Do category, which includes subcategories like Kids’ Activities, Nightlife, and Sports & Outdoors. From there, travelers can filter by price range, distance from the main destination, rating, and season.

Users can also browse via their Hotels & Travel section to book an entire trip via Groupon Getaways.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The 8 Best Ticket Websites for Booking Day Tours and Travel Activities appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Panama has it all: bustling cities, beautiful natural escapes, and of course the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. 

Our Panama Travel Guide gives you the inside scoop on where to stay and what to do across the country for the perfect trip. 

Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by HotelBeds.

The Best Hotels in Panama

Panama has a hotel to suit every type of traveler, from boutique beachside properties to all-inclusive resorts. 

Los Establos Boutique Resort

Perched 4,000 feet above sea level, this 16-acre resort in the heart of Boquete offers stunning views of Volcan Baru. Los Establos Boutique Resort is home to a 100-year-old working coffee plantation, so you’re guaranteed to have the best cup of java along with your breakfast each morning. 

A stay at this all-inclusive resort includes all meals, beverages, and a variety of tours (like ziplining and whitewater rafting). 

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W Panama

The W Panama’s central location makes it easy to explore Panama City. Set in the heart of the business district, the hotel is a quick 15-minute walk from Casco Viejo and just five minutes from La Cinta Costera. 

If you have a furry friend joining you on your Panama trip, the W Panama is a great choice, as it’s a pet-friendly property. 

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Riu Playa Blanca Panama

For a relaxing Panama beach vacation, check into the Riu Playa Blanca. The resort has a prime oceanfront location in Playa Blanca. The all-inclusive package includes meals drinks, activities, and entertainment. 

The family-friendly hotel offers childcare through Riuland, the property’s fun kids’ club.  

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Cosmic Crab Resort

Island paradise awaits at Cosmic Crab Resort, located on the quiet island of Isla Carenero in Bocas del Toro. The peaceful resort sits between the lush rainforest and stunning waterfront. Despite the serene setting, the island is just a two-minute boat ride away from Bocas Town for when you want to liven things up. 

Book one of the overwater mini cabins for a truly special trip.

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Dreams Playa Bonita Panama

Unlimited luxury is the theme at Dreams Playa Bonita. Everything you could possibly want is included with your stay—like meals at the eleven restaurants and bars, top-shelf drinks, entertainment, and premium activities (such as whale watching and turtle hatching tours).

All rooms include private outdoor space, 24-hour room service, and a free minibar. 

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Holiday Inn, Panama Canal

The Holiday Inn, Panama Canal is the best hotel near the Panama Canal. Book a Panama Canal View room and have an unforgettable view as soon as you wake up. The Miraflores Locks Visitors Center is just two minutes away from the property.

The hotel offers a free shuttle to Albrook Mall, where there are more than 500 shops and restaurants to explore.

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Waldorf Astoria Panama

The Waldorf Astoria is one of the most luxurious hotels in Panama, and the property’s premium location just blocks from the Business District and waterfront only adds to the appeal. 

Travelers looking for a bit more space should book the Waldorf’s Condo Suites, which offer incredible Panama Bay and Pacific Ocean views, a suite with a king bed, and a separate sitting area. 

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Red Frog Beach Island Resort

Red Frog Beach Island Resort is one of the best hotels in Bocas del Toro. Located on beautiful Bastimente Island, the resort is surrounded by lush forest and a private Caribbean beach.  

Sleepy Bastimente Island offers plenty of peace and quiet, but Bocas Town is just a 15-minute boat ride away on one of the resort’s own speed boats.

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La Loma Jungle Lodge

In the heart of the Isla Bastimentos rainforest, La Loma Jungle Lodge occupies 55 acres of lush land, stretching from Bahia Honda Bay to the highest point on the island. Just next door, the National Marine Park offers more opportunities for exploration.  

La Loma has its own jungle farm, where the fruits and vegetables grown on property are used for guests’ meals. 

Bungalow-style rooms give the feeling of sleeping in a treehouse and are equipped with private hammocks. Bigger groups can book the open-air, three-bedroom Cacaoc Farmhouse. 

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Aloft Panama

Looking for the best budget hotel in Panama? The wallet-friendly Aloft Panama offers clean and comfortable accommodation at very affordable rates. Located next to the Atlapa Convention Center and featuring over 3,000 square feet of public space with areas to work remotely, this property is popular with business travelers as well. 

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The Best Places to Visit in Panama

Panama’s 30,000 square miles pack in a ton of ecological diversity. You can hike the 12th highest peak in Central America and snorkel among stingrays all on the same trip. 

Panama City

Most trips will start and end in Panama City at Tocumen International Airport, and there are plenty of reasons to stick around this capital city. In a city full of towering skyscrapers, you might be surprised to find a tropical rainforest within the city limits—so you can experience the country’s thriving culture and beautiful nature all without ever venturing out of Panama City.

Things to Do

• Panama Canal: You can’t come to Panama without paying homage to the Panama Canal, one of the seven man-made wonders of the world.
• Cerro Ancón: Hike to Panama City’s highest point.
• Metropolitan Natural Park: A 573-acre park in the heart of Panama City where you can spot wildlife and escape from the hustle and bustle. 
• Casco Antiguo: Panama City’s charming old city is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site.
• Cinta Costera: Rent a bike and cycle (or walk) along this picturesque path running along Panama Bay.
• Visit one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants in Panama City.

Bocas del Toro

If you’re looking for a truly tropical escape, head to the Bocas Del Toro archipelago which is home to some of the best beaches in the country.

Things to Do

• Crawl Cay: Take a dip at one of the best snorkeling spots in Bocas del Toro.
• Check out the nightlife in Bocas Town: Live music and frozen drinks make the perfect nightcap.
• Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park: A protected area with pristine beaches and lots of wildlife.
• Isla Carenero: This small island is just two minutes from Bocas Town, making it an easy day trip.
• Witness one of the most magical sites in nature on a bioluminescent tour.
• See how chocolate is made on a cacao farm visit.
• Learn from the local Ngäbe and NasoTjerdi indigenous cultures.
• Get out on the water by taking a surfing class, renting snorkeling gear, or going diving.

Boquete

Nestled in the highlands of Chiriquí, Boquete draws adventure-loving visitors to this small mountain town for hiking, rafting, and more.

Things to Do

• Climb Volcán Barú: Summit Panama’s highest point, which is one of the only places in the world where you can see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans simultaneously.
• Tour a coffee plantation: This region produces some of the best (and most expensive) coffee in the world.
• Whitewater rafting: Challenge Class II and III rapids on a day trip from Boquete.
• Hike The Lost Waterfalls: This trail takes you through the cloud forest to three waterfalls.

Santa Catalina

Once an undiscovered fishing village, Santa Catalina is now known as one of the best surfing spots in the world. 

Things to Do

• Playa Santa Catalina: Black sand beaches with waves for experienced surfers.
• Take a surfing lesson: Playa Estero offers smaller waves and is home to many surfing schools.
• Coiba National Park: Take a day trip from Santa Catalina to this marine reserve where you can swim with the whale sharks between December and April. June through October is both turtle-hatching and humpback whale season, offering plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities.
• Kayak to Isla Catalina: Book a kayaking tour and paddle out to this peaceful island where white sand beaches await. 

Riviera Pacifica

A string of white-sand beaches line the coast of Panama’s Riviera Pacifica, a laid-back destination with plenty of luxury accommodations and all-inclusive resorts to choose from.

Things to Do

• Treat yourself to a massage on the beach
• Indulge in a spa day
• Go surfing
• Try your hand at kitesurfing
• Hit the links on the scenic golf courses
• Go shopping in Coronado

Panama Weather

Panama remains a tropical getaway year-round, with temperatures never falling below the mid-70s. 

Late December through the end of April is considered Panama’s dry season and the best time of year to visit weatherwise. 

May to December is the country’s winter, which brings clouds and rainier weather. Along the coast, rain showers are tropical in nature (lasting only for short periods each day). Travelers who visit during the rainy season will be rewarded with fewer crowds, bigger bargains, greener landscapes, and possible humpback whale sightings. 

The post Panama Travel Guide: What to Do in Panama appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Download Our Ultimate Camping Packing List

Be prepared for the great outdoors with the editable version of our Ultimate Camping Packing List.

Camping Packing List: Gear

Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is the most essential piece of camping equipment—without the right one, you’ll be in for a cold and uncomfortable night. Many sleeping bags are “mummy style,” which can be way too claustrophobic for a good night’s sleep, especially if you’re a side or stomach sleeper.  Sierra Design’s Backcountry Bed 700 / 20 Degree sleeping bag has a unique design that feels more like sleeping with a comforter on your bed at home than a sleeping bag. It doesn’t have any zippers; instead, there are insulated hand and arm pockets to help you completely cover yourself, plus a self-sealing foot vent so you can regulate temperature. The bag has an minimum temperature rating of 16F, which is very impressive considering that it only weighs 2.5 pounds.

Sleeping Pad (Backpacking): Thermarest’s NeoAir XLite is a favorite of many through-hikers, and it’s easy to see why. This three-season air mattress will keep you warm and comfortable even on the rockiest ground, yet it packs down to the size of a water bottle and weighs a mere eight ounces. I love that this mattress doesn’t skimp on comfort despite the light weight—the fabric is super soft, and it uses a patented reflective ThermaCapture technology to trap your body’s warmth and minimize heat loss.

Sleeping Pad (Car Camping): If you’re not hauling all your camping supplies on your back, comfort is more of a concern than weight, and you can go for a plush model like Sea to Summit’s Comfort Deluxe S.I. Sleeping Mat, available in a double size that’s perfect for couples camping together. This mat has an R-value of 5.2, so you can use it even in the winter, and it has 10-centimeter vertical side walls that make it feel like a real mattress. Best of all, this sleeping mat is self-inflating, so you don’t have to waste your breath trying to blow it up before you can finally go to sleep.

Pillows: After a long day in the woods, you’ll want to rest your head on something soft. Short on space? Sea to Summit’s Aeros Pillow Ultralight lives up to its name, clocking in at 2.1 ounces, and is small enough to fit in a pocket when deflated. The pillow is covered with a polyester stretch knit fabric that’s cozy enough that you won’t miss a pillowcase. Got a little extra room in your pack? For just 0.5 ounces more, the Aeros Pillow Premium uses an even more plush fabric covering and is extra comfortable. Both pillows have a thin synthetic fill layer that wicks away perspiration, as well as a curved design that cradles your head. Each pillow inflates in just three breaths and deflates in under a minute.

Tent: Unless you truly want to sleep under the stars (and deal with any inclement weather that comes your way), you’ll need a tent. An easy-up tent, like this one, is quick to assemble or to tear down.

Chair: Relaxing, eating, and sitting around the fire are all better when you’re not on the ground. The CLIQ Chair packs down small for easy transport, but assembles into a comfortable seat in seconds.

Light: Goal Zero’s Crush Light runs off of solar power and can last for up to 35 hours on one charge. It collapses nearly flat, so you can use this on backpacking trips—hang it from your tent as a reading lamp or carry it to light your way on a dark trail.

Solar Charger: If you can’t bear to completely disconnect in the wild, pack a solar charger (like this small foldable one) to power up your phones and other gadgets. Even if you don’t plan on using your phone, this is good to have in case of emergency, as it has a built-in LED flashlight, compass, and whistle.

Camping Packing List: Food and Drink

Bear Bags: If you’re bringing food, you need to also bring a way to protect that food from wildlife. Even if you’re not in bear country, you’ll still have rodents and other animals after your stash. A bear-resistant bag, like this one by Ursack, is made from a bulletproof fabric that can withstand a bear attack and doesn’t need to be hung off the ground (but must be tied to something secure, like a tree trunk). Or go for a lighter-weight odor-barrier bag like this one from Base CampSource, which eliminates any food smell and won’t attract animals to your camp. These should be hung off of the ground in bear country.

Cooking Set: Unless you’re doing ready-to-eat meals, you’ll need to bring utensils and pans for cooking. This one from Bulin has everything you need, from pots and pans to a dish sponge for scrubbing, for an affordable price.

Camping Stove: This gas camping stove from Coleman packs down small when not in use and is lit with the push of a button so you don’t waste time fumbling with matches. The cover unfolds into a set of wind-blocking panels to keep the flames alight.

Instant Coffee: If you’re used to starting off your day with a nice hot cup of coffee, don’t deprive yourself of that in camp. Instant coffee, like these sachets from Tandem Coffee Roasters, are easy to pack and prepare in minutes.

Cups: These collapsible cups are made from a food-grade silicone that is lightweight and packs down small, but can hold hot beverages without scalding your hands.

Water Bottle: If you’re staying at a campground with potable water, where keeping your drink cold is more of a concern than water quality, pack an insulated bottle like this one from YETI. Headed to the backcountry? The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle will give you safe drinking water fast.

Meals: Don’t feel like cooking while on vacation? There are plenty of tasty ready-to-eat meals these days that just need boiling water to eat. Check out our editors’ taste test of Good to Go meals here.

Camping Packing List: Hygiene

Wet Wipes: If no shower is in sight, these Surviveware biodegradable wet wipes are designed for “no rinse bathing and showers.” Thankfully, they’re unscented and hypoallergenic.

Dry Shampoo: Similarly, a small container of dry shampoo can help remove sweat, smells, and oil—no water required.

Hand Sanitizer: Hygiene is really important while camping, especially if you don’t have a clean water source for hand washing. Use hand sanitizer before eating, before preparing food, and after using the bathroom.

Camping Shower: Can’t go that long without a shower? A small solar shower bag can be filled up and heated by the sun to give you a quick hot shower.

Quick-Dry Towel: This microfiber towel dries up to four times faster than a regular cotton towel, and packs down very small.

Biodegradable Soap: Coleman’s Camp Soap comes in spill-proof sheets that are biodegradable and can be used for hand washing, showers, and dish washing.

Biodegradable Shampoo & Conditioner: This eco-friendly 3-in-1 conditioning shampoo and body wash from Stream2Sea is biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reef safe.

Toothbrush and Paste: Make sure you use potable water when brushing your teeth, and pack a small toothbrush and toothpaste set like this one.

Camping Packing List: Miscellaneous

Trashbags: Always pack out what you pack in (even trash), so don’t forget the trashbags.

Sunscreen and Bug Repellent: Badger offers both sunscreen and bug repellent made from natural ingredients in easy to apply packaging.

First Aid Kit: Don’t go camping without a first-aid kit—even if you just use the bandages for blisters, you’ll be glad you have it.

Caroline Morse Teel is still working on her camping packing list. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from camp.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

The post The Ultimate Camping Packing List: 29 Essentials appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Travel booking site Kayak aims to take the guesswork out of buying a plane ticket with its new Best Time to Travel tool. The site uses data from billions of travel queries to predict future flight prices and help travelers decide when the best time to go is—and when to buy for the best deal. 

How it Works

On the Best Time to Travel homepage, enter your destination and choose one of the preselected lengths of trip options (four days, seven days, or 14 days). There’s no way to filter down by airport here, only by city.

The tool will then tell you what month you should go for the best weather, the least amount of crowds, and the cheapest airfare. This can be helpful if you’re flexible on when you’re traveling, but if you have specific dates in mind, you’ll have to wait until the third step to get more customized data.

After you’ve completed step one, the tool allows you to narrow your trip down by month, and then will display the best dates to travel along with a price chart so you can see how fares fluctuate throughout the month. 

Once you’ve picked the dates you want to travel, scroll down to step three, where you can plug in your exact itinerary and Kayak will show you the latest date by when you should book your flight by in order to get the cheapest price.

The post This New Tool Will Tell You Exactly When to Book Your Flight for the Best Price appeared first on SmarterTravel.

And while would-be travelers are accustomed to clicking around on travel search engines to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars, many people don’t realize that they can use these same types of sites to book cruises, too.

But is there one best site to book a cruise? That depends on what you’re looking for. Sometimes the best cruise website is actually a cruise line’s own site—since technically, cruise booking websites aren’t allowed to undercut the prices that the cruise lines set.

Often, though, the best cruise search engines are indispensable for locating incredible deals, including ones that throw in booking incentives worth hundreds of dollars—in Amazon gift cards, complimentary shore excursions, onboard freebies, and so on.

To save you the hassle, SmarterTravel investigated the glutted space of cheap cruise sites to determine which are worthy of listing as the best cruise websites; below are a few that come highly recommended.

The Best Sites to Book a Cruise

• Expedia (including Travelocity and Orbitz)
• Priceline
• TripAdvisor
• Avoya Travel
• CheapCaribbean.com
• CruiseDirect
• Cruise Critic
• Costco Travel
• Cruisewatch

Expedia

Expedia is an obvious first mention in a list of the best cruise booking sites, in part because it’s an absolute juggernaut (Expedia also owns Travelocity and Orbitz). Its cruise-booking interface is simple and straightforward, only requiring you to enter your preferred sailing destination and date range, as well as how many passengers you’ll be bringing along. Then Expedia does the heavy lifting for you, with comprehensive results that make it one of the best cruise search engines.

On Expedia, it’s common to find bookable cruises for 70 percent off face value, with the ability to sort by price so the best cruise deals come up at the top of the list, saving you the scrolling. A sample search for a mid-June cruise to Alaska, for example, quickly came up with a seven-night itinerary starting at $389 per person—that’s less than $56 per person, per night for a mostly inclusive weeklong vacation.

Expedia’s cruise deals tend to come paired with other enticing offers, including steep discounts on pre-departure hotels when you book both your cruise and hotel through Expedia. There’s also a dedicated 800 number that lets you speak to Expedia’s cruise experts and, often but not always, a generous amount of onboard credit thrown in for good measure.

Best feature: Sheer search power. Expedia’s easy-to-use cruise search engine generates a useful and well-ordered list of the best cruise deals, without much effort required from the user. Also, Expedia’s prices frequently match what the cruise lines themselves offer.

Priceline

Priceline is another powerhouse among cheap cruise websites. The initial interface comes off a bit clunkier than, say, Expedia’s or Kayak’s, but the tradeoff is that you can quickly search by cruise line, both standard and luxury, as well as by cruise length and departure port.

Using the seven-night Alaska example, Priceline brought up an itinerary aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas that starts at just $374 for the full week—roughly $53 per night. Hard-to-believe cruise deals like this show up on Priceline with regularity, which is part of what solidifies it as one of the best cruise websites.

Also adding to the appeal: deals exclusive to Priceline, plenty of bonus amenities (examples include $50 in onboard credit, third and fourth guests sailing free, and free specialty dinners for two), no money down to book certain sailings, frequent onboard credit sales, an 800 number to call should you need assistance while booking, and a loyalty club that’s ties in with every cruise line’s loyalty program. Priceline also lets you click a “senior discount” box if that applies to you.

Best feature: Priceline’s “110% Best Price Guarantee” promises that if you find your cruise listed at a lower price on another website within 48 hours of booking, then Priceline will refund you 110 percent of the cost difference, including port charges.

Tripadvisor

Many people think of Tripadvisor mainly as a travel review site, where you go to get real talk on hotels and attractions, and to see non-glamorized photos of places as seen through actual travelers’ eyes. But Tripadvisor is also an excellent site for travel deals, including on cruises.

Tripadvisor Cruise, which launched in April 2019, is among the best websites for cruise deals—it lets you nab the lowest price by comparing more than 70,000 ocean and river cruises from some 60 of the best cruise websites. It’s got an attractive, inspiring landing page, and its newest function, “Explore Ship-tinerary pages,” lets you browse full ship profiles, details, photos, and itineraries.

Though Tripadvisor is technically a meta-search site for cruises, which means that it will send you elsewhere to actually book, its search engine lets users sort by destination, length, cruise line, and month of travel. The default search results are ordered by “best value”, unless you specifically click that you’d rather see the results organized by price, cruise length, departure date, or cruise ship. Even when you click on “price,” the lowest-priced offering doesn’t always come up first, though it only takes a few seconds of scanning to determine which itinerary has the lowest price—that seven-night Royal Caribbean International trip to Alaska came up on Tripadvisor starting at $365.

Best feature: What makes Tripadvisor one of the best sites to book a cruise? In addition to having one of the best cruise search engines, Tripadvisor lets you read other cruisers’ candid reviews of the cruise that you’re considering, so that you get the non-sugarcoated truth about each sailing.

Avoya Travel

A rarity on the internet, Avoya Travel is a family-owned company that has been dealing in travel for more than 55 years. Avoya is one of the best sites to book a cruise in part because of its patented technology that lets travelers search cruises by destination, date range, cruise line, and last-minute status—and then get matched up, in real time, with one of Avoya’s expert vacation planners, who use that algorithm to customize a cruise booking to your specific preferences. (From Avoya’s website: “…we combine the ease of online search, with the expertise and personalized service of Independent Vacation Planners, plus secure exclusive deals and extras so you get more out of every vacation.”)

Avoya’s team of staffers and wide network of independent agencies make for a cruise booking website that’s a bit different from the rest. Its front page shows the “Best Travel Deals,” which might include half-off cruise fares, onboard credit, prepaid gratuities, and free or reduced airfare.

Like several of the other best cruise websites, Avoya offers a low-price guarantee; if you book a cruise with Avoya and then find a lower rate on another website within 24 hours of booking, Avoya will refund the difference.

Best feature: Avoya offers free membership, and members get exclusive deals and discounts, access to unpublished fares, first dibs on promotions, the ability to save favorite searches, and the right to book, change, or cancel travel without incurring any Avoya fees.

CheapCaribbean.com

When looking for the best site to book a cruise, don’t be put off by CheapCaribbean.com’s overly specific moniker. Despite the site’s name, it offers cruises all over the world. The site’s vibe is beach-oriented and a bit cheeky, with a front page that can overwhelm—but click on the “Cruises” tab, and a cleaner interface appears. There you can search by cruise line, ship, destination, departure date, and departure port.

CheapCaribbean.com offers refunds on 24-hour cancellations (within certain parameters) and a “110 percent best price guarantee,” a promise that if you find a lower price on the same cruise within 48 hours of booking, the company will refund you 110 percent of the difference. The site also lists traveler reviews about each cruise ship (as supplied by Cruiseline), though the reviews often include comments about the ship’s destinations other than the one you’re considering, which isn’t entirely helpful. There’s also a live chat widget if questions come up while booking.

Best feature: Helping to make CheapCaribbean.com one of the best cruise search engines is the fact that it lets you check boxes for additional discounts, including a senior discount, discounts by state (just enter your ZIP code), and past guest discounts if you’ve previously sailed with, say, Princess, Norwegian, or Disney.

CruiseDirect

Its front page is clunky and sort of in your face, but CruiseDirect is still one of the best cruise sites for a variety of reasons. As a cruise-only company, CruiseDirect doesn’t deal in flights, hotels, or rental cars, allowing it to focus its full capacity on helping you find the best cruise deal possible. On the site, you can search by destination, departure port, month, length of cruise, and cruise line. There’s real-time online chat and a contact number for support from a cruise expert. If you aren’t quite ready to buy, you can “heart” cruises to save them as favorites to refer back to later.

CruiseDirect offers perks on most sailings, like onboard credit, free drinks, free Wi-Fi, free gratuities, free travel insurance, or a free specialty dining experience—check out the “Bonus” box on the cruise listing you’re considering to see what extras it comes with.

Best feature: Like some of the other cruise websites on this list, CruiseDirect offers a “best price guarantee,” which means that if you find a lower price on another cruise booking website within 24 hours of your initial booking, you’ll get refunded the difference. But one key difference between CruiseDirect and the other cruise sites is that you don’t have to pay the cost of your cruise up front, just a deposit—and then if your cruise fare drops before you’ve made your final payment, CruiseDirect will readjust your rate accordingly.

Cruise Critic

A subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic has similar search results to that site, but it offers a bit more comprehensive information for seasoned cruisers who want more details before they book. Cruise Critic has tons of filters and sort options to help you find what you want, including everything from cruise line to cruise style (family cruises, luxury cruises, cruises for the disabled). Each itinerary clearly lists what is and isn’t included in the fare; Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, and port taxes and fees are among the common exclusions.

Certain itineraries are marked with graphics declaring that the ship has won one of the site’s “Cruisers’ Choice” awards, denoting vessels that Cruise Critic members declare to be the among the best in categories such as cabins, entertainment, and family-friendly features.

You can sign up for price alerts, which will notify you by email when the fare on your selected itinerary drops.

Once you’re ready to book, Cruise Critic shows you a variety of offers from some of the best cruise booking sites, including bonuses such as onboard credit and prepaid gratuities. Then you click off to the site of your choice to make your purchase. Prices generally match what’s advertised on Cruise Critic.

Best feature: Under each search result is a tab for “reviews” where you can read reviews from Cruise Critic members who’ve previously traveled on the ship. On certain cruises you can click over to a full-length write-up of the ship by one of the experts on the Cruise Critic editorial team, including detailed information on dining options, cabins, entertainment, dress code, and more.

Costco Travel

When you think of Costco, you probably think of bulk food and toilet paper. But the next time you’re booking a cruise, it’ll be worthwhile to pull up Costco Travel, which is, unexpectedly, one of the best cruise websites.

The site doesn’t look fancy—it’s pretty bare-bones, visually—but the upside of going with a no-frills cruise-booking website is that Costco Travel offers extremely competitive prices, as well as some of the most attractive incentives, usually in the form of Costco Cash delivered to you after you get home from your cruise.

Though there’s no single point of contact if you need to call and discuss your cruise booking, Costco Travel’s call center is staffed with helpful agents from early morning until evening, seven days a week, and passengers can rest assured that Costco won’t go out of business before they set sail. Note that a Costco membership (starting at $60 per year) is required to book with Costco Travel, and that Costco doesn’t accept American Express.

Best feature: Rock-bottom prices—plus lots of cash back if you play your cards right: Costco Citi cardholders earn 3 percent cash back on cruise purchases, which can combine with the 2 percent Costco Reward for Costco Executive Members for a total of 5 percent back on Costco Travel’s already super low cruise rates.

Cruisewatch

Pondering which is the best site to book a cruise? Keep Cruisewatch in strong consideration—more than a typical cruise booking website, Cruisewatch bills itself as a “digital cruise advisor” that couples data power with personalization.

As an artificial intelligence cruise advisor, Crusewatch created technology that makes searching and booking a cruise more efficient—the first, it calls “Cruise Price Prediction.” In short, Cruisewatch collected and stored the daily price for each ship and cabin over a span of five years, resulting in millions of data points—and a massive database that informs exactly when cruise prices are lowest, and when the greatest saving potential exists.

Thanks to this comprehensive price history, Cruisewatch can predict cruise prices and drops with an accuracy rate of around 80 percent. Using the site’s cruise price prediction alerts, travelers can save up to 71 percent just by booking at the right time.

In addition to being able to predict prices, Cruisewatch tailors user search results to match their established preferences through customizable profiles and other similar features. This means you won’t waste time wading through cruises that may be cheap but don’t align with your vacation goals.

Best feature: Cruisewatch’s easy-to-set price alerts, based on tons of data, allow users to be notified in real time of the best new cruise deals the minute they come online.

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Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter @avitalb or on Facebook.

Editor’s note: Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

The post The 9 Best Sites to Book a Cruise appeared first on SmarterTravel.

As with most issues involving air travel, what happens if you miss a connecting flight depends on your specific situation.

Missed Connecting Flight Due to Airline

If the missed connection is the airline’s fault (a delayed initial flight due to mechanical problems, for example), the airline should rebook you on the next available flight. If the next outbound flight is the following morning, the airline should either book you on another airline or provide accommodations and meals. But these arrangements are voluntary on the airline’s part; they’re not mandated by any law or regulation.

The DOT, however, recently announced its intention to propose rules requiring airlines to provide compensation to passengers impacted by delays or cancellations within the airline’s control. These rules are expected to be outlined later this year and aim to alleviate the financial burden on the stranded passengers who must find alternative accommodations, meals, and transportation.

Missed Connecting Flight Due to Weather

If inclement weather leads to a missed connecting flight, the airline will help you rebook but likely won’t offer any compensation for meals or accommodations. (That said, it never hurts to ask.) Travel insurance can be very useful in this type of situation, as it will often pay for expenses that an airline won’t cover.

Missing Your Flight Because of Something Within Your Control

If something within your control causes you to miss your connecting flight, you’re essentially on your own. This could include mishaps like missing your first flight because you were sitting in traffic, booking too tight of a connection, or getting too distracted at the airport bookstore to hear your boarding announcement. The airline will almost certainly help you rebook, but it’s under no obligation to do so, and you may have to pay a change fee plus any applicable fare difference.

Keep in mind that airlines generally won’t assume responsibility for missed connections on two separate tickets. For example, if you book one leg of your trip on JetBlue and the second ticket on United, United will not take responsibility if JetBlue’s flight doesn’t get you to the connecting airport on time.

While bad weather and mechanical problems are obviously beyond your control, you can take steps to give yourself a better chance of making your connection. Be sure you have plenty of time between flights, particularly if you’re flying into a large or notoriously busy airport or if you’ll need to go through customs and immigration. If it’s cheaper to book two separate flights on different airlines, it’s particularly important to leave extra time for the connection.

For help figuring out how long your connection should be, see what you need to know about making a connecting flight.

The way I see it, spending a little more time waiting at the gate beats being stranded at the airport or running desperately from one terminal to another trying to make your flight.

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No matter where you’re flying, find your hotel for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels.

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post What Happens If I Miss My Connecting Flight Through No Fault of My Own? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The DOT just announced “plans to launch a new rulemaking” that will require airlines to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled because of reasons within the airline’s control (such as mechanical issues or crew staffing). Stranded passengers could receive coverage for expenses incurred due to the delay including meals, hotels, taxis, and rebooking costs. 

“When an airline causes a flight cancellation or delay, passengers should not foot the bill,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This rule would, for the first time in U.S. history, propose to require airlines to compensate passengers and cover expenses such as meals, hotels, and rebooking in cases where the airline has caused a cancellation or significant delay.” 

These rules would not apply when flight disruptions are due to a reason outside of the airline’s control, such as bad weather.

Most major U.S. airlines voluntarily offer these reimbursements—last year, the DOT unveiled an interactive airline customer service tool that helps flyers find out what they are entitled to if their flight is delayed or cancelled, and many airlines were pressured into increasing the compensation offered. The DOT now wants to make these voluntary reimbursements into law to give flyers more protection.

As part of the new rules proposal, the DOT is publishing a new site, FlightRights.gov, and expanding its airline customer service dashboard to show if additional compensation, such as cash, miles or vouchers are offered to passengers on delayed/cancelled flights.

Biden wants to push airlines to offer more than just a refund if a flight is cancelled, saying that if the cancellation or delay was within the airline’s control, “You deserve to be fully compensated. Your time matters. The impact on your life matters.”

Biden hopes that by holding airlines accountable for delays and cancellations, the number of disrupted flights will decrease. He pointed to a study that found that after the E.U. required airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays, the number of flight delays decreased. 

The White House did not give a firm date as to when these new rules will be proposed, only saying “later this year.”

The post Airlines May Soon Have to Pay Passengers for Delayed or Canceled Flights appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour.

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route. 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124, criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559, or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours. EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers, where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29. (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas, to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour. 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica, which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel. All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour, already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling, a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure—no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises.

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families, and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip, already booking dates into 2024.

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