Pro Tips for Digital Nomads

While it may sound like a fun idea to hop on a plane with your laptop to cruise the world while working, there are things you should keep in mind. 

• Always check visa requirements and potential digital nomad visas
• Ensure reliable internet before committing to a location
• Consider co-working spaces for networking and reliable work environments
• Have a backup plan and travel insurance
• The time difference between the location and where the rest of your coworkers are located. If there is a huge difference, it can make arranging meetings difficult. 
• Make sure you check with your employer that it is ok that you work around the world, especially regarding the time differences. Check the policies of your company to ensure working from anywhere in the world is allowed. 

The Best Spots for Digital Nomads

Here are some excellent destinations for digital nomads, considering factors like cost of living, internet connectivity, quality of life, and community:

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Length of stay without Visa: 60 Days
Length of Stay with Visa: 5 years
Minimum Salary: n/a (but proof of $14,000 is needed)
Time Difference from NYC: 12 hours

The cost of living is on the forefront of most people’s minds, so Chiang Mai’s low cost of living and affordable housing make it attractive to many digital nomads. There are many co-working spaces, like Punspace, which has several locations throughout Chiang Mai. Libraries and cafes are also popular spots to work, with reliable internet. Nomads can immerse themselves in the rich Lanna heritage, with numerous temples and festivals like Yi Peng and Songkran. Surrounding the city, you’ll find lush jungles and mountains, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and ethical elephant encounters. The unique and delicious northern Thai cuisine, featuring dishes like Khao Soi and Sai Oua, fresh markets, and abundant street food, means you’ll never be without a tasty meal. 

Thailand has a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) available for digital nomads. You need proof of employment and financial evidence of no less than 500,000 THB (about 14,000 USD). Once approved, the visa is valid for five years. With a twelve hour time difference to the east coast in the US, it may mean late nights or early mornings for any meetings you have to attend. 

Bali, Indonesia (specifically Ubud and Canggu)

Length of stay without Visa: 30 Days (Visa on Arrival issued)
Length of Stay with Visa: 1 year
Minimum Salary: $60,000 (and proof of $2,000 in bank account)
Time Difference from NYC: 12 Hours

Bali is a destination most people think of when thinking of honeymoon or yoga retreats; however, it’s becoming increasingly popular for remote workers. This tropical paradise has affordable living costs with fantastic cafes offering reliable Wi-Fi. Freelancers won’t be able to settle here, as you have to have proof of a full time employer. When not working, you can take in the beauty of one of the many iconic waterfalls like Banyumala Twin Waterfall or Aling-Aling, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tegalalang Rice Terraces, hike Mount Batur, relax on the beach, or take a yoga class. 

Indonesia has a E33G KITAS Remote Worker Visa available for digital nomads.You need proof of employment and financial evidence of no less than $2,000 USD. Once approved, the visa is valid for one year. Like Thailand, there is a twelve hour difference between Indonesia and the east coast of the US, so keep that in mind if you work for a company that has any meeting requirements. 

Lisbon, Portugal

Length of Stay Without Visa: 90 Days
Length of Stay with Visa: 1 – 2 years 
Minimum Salary: $3,400/month (and proof of 1 year rental agreement)
Time Difference from NYC: 5 Hours

If you want to live in Europe without the high cost of living typically associated with it, consider Lisbon. I have a friend who moved to Lisbon a few years ago, and has never looked back. (Granted, this does not make him a digital nomad as he stayed there). Portugal has an excellent quality of life, plenty of high speed internet, and to top it off, is absolutely gorgeous. Lisbon has a thriving co-working scene with spaces like Outsite, Village Underground, and Hub Criativo. When not working, you can explore the historic streets, visit sites like Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortress. You’ll often find digital-nomad-friendly events like a language exchange, where you can practice your Portuguese, or digital nomad Meetups. 

Portugal allows you to stay for 90 days without a visa. Otherwise, it has a D8 visa available for digital nomads. You need proof of employment, a bank account with a Portuguese bank, and proof of at least $3,400 USD of monthly income. You can apply for a temporary stay visa, which is valid for twelve months, or a long-term visa, which is valid for up to two years. There is a five hour time difference to NYC, which may mean having to work when everyone else is out having a good time in the evening. 

Medellin, Colombia

Length of Stay Without Visa: 90 Days
Length of Stay with Visa: 2 years 
Minimum Salary: ~$1,000/month 
Time Difference from NYC: 0 Hours

Looking for a spot that has gorgeous weather all year round? Look no further than Medellin Colombia. It’s super affordable, and has a growing digital nomad community. Housing costs are low (like this gorgeous apartment for just $52/night), public transportation is efficient, and you’ll find Wi-Fi throughout the city. You’ll love the vibrant culture, nightlife, and friendly locals. Explore the street art in Comuna 13, go on adventure at Parque Arví, where you can hike or take a cable car for stunning views, or learn about traditional Colombian culture at Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional Antioquia town.

Colombia  has a Visa V for Digital Nomads available for digital nomads.You need proof of employment and proof of around at least $1,000 salary per month. You will also have to prove you have health insurance through your employer. Once approved, the visa is valid for two years. There is no time difference between Colombia and the east coast of the US, so that is a huge plus to working here. 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Length of Stay Without Visa: N/A
Length of Stay with Visa: 90 Days 
Minimum Salary: N/A 
Time Difference from NYC: 12 Hours

For digital nomads wanting to head to Asia, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect choice. It’s extremely affordable, has fast and cheap internet, and the city is hopping with delicious street food and rich cultural experiences. Digital nomads can find numerous co-working spaces, trendy cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, and affordable housing. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the historic district of District 1 to the trendy district of District 2, offer a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient pagodas to enjoying that delicious street food. For those seeking outdoor activities, nearby beaches and mountains provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, and surfing.

Vietnam does not offer a digital nomad visa, so you have to apply for a regular tourist visa, which is valid for 90 days. You will not need to provide proof of employment or salary. Another twelve-hour time difference to the east coast, which gives it a slight disadvantage to some US employed nomads. 

Mexico City, Mexico

Length of Stay Without Visa: 4 Years
Length of Stay with Visa: 180 Days 
Minimum Salary: $2,600/month 
Time Difference from NYC: 1 Hour behind

Don’t want to go too far from home? Try Mexico City. The affordable living costs, convenient time zone for North American employers, and plenty of things to do make it attractive to many digital nomads. Digital nomads can explore the city’s historic center,  and visit world-class museums like the Museo Nacional de Antropología. For those seeking outdoor activities, nearby mountains and lakes offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.
Mexico has a Temporary Resident Visa available for digital nomads.You need proof of employment and financial evidence of no less than $2,600 USD. Once approved, the visa is valid for four years.You must also have proof of health insurance that is valid in Mexico. An hour behind EST, it’s a great option for anyone who has employers that require meetings throughout the week.

The post Discover the Best Places to Work Remotely Around the Globe appeared first on SmarterTravel.

While we can’t promise that Jude Law will come knocking on your door, we can promise that home exchange is a unique and memorable way to experience a destination from a new perspective.

What is Home Swapping?

Home swapping, or home exchange, is exactly what it sounds like—travelers mutually agree to exchange houses and amenities for a set period of time. This includes kitchen dishes, washers and dryers, beds, towels, and any other necessary amenities. Some travelers even work out additional deals to swap cars and gym memberships.

How Did Home Swapping Get Started

Home exchange emerged on both sides of the Atlantic around the same time and for the same reasons. The concept was first cooked up in 1953 by a group of European teachers who wanted to vacation cheaply with their limited time off. Around the same time, an American teacher searching for solutions to the same problem launched Vacation Exchange Club, which would become modern-day HomeLink. And thus, home swapping was born. 

Why Choose Home Exchange?

The benefits of home swapping are two-fold. 

For travelers, it offers a more profound way to experience local culture and community than a traditional hotel or rental. Not only will your host home likely be situated in more authentic residential areas, but the opportunity to connect with your host before your trip will give you insider tips on making the most of your stay.

“When you stay in a hotel or short-term rental, you’re paying to be there, but you’re not getting the same experience as you do when you’re staying within the community,” says Justine Palefsky, co-founder and CEO of home exchange community Kindred. She adds, “Swapping homes with someone is actually an opportunity to swap lives with a local.”

The impact can also be far-reaching for communities. Opting for a home exchange, particularly via services like Kindred, which does not allow investment properties to be listed, lifts some of the burden the rental property industry has placed on popular destinations.

“By having members earn nights instead of earning cash for hosting, we have created a model that serves real people looking to travel, not investors looking to earn revenue,” says Palefsky, “Since you don’t make money by hosting, our model doesn’t incentivize businesses to convert residences into short-term rentals.”

This is especially pertinent given the anti-tourism sentiment that erupted this past year, with many destinations restricting short-term rentals or opting to ban them altogether. 

Home exchange allows travelers to avoid the impersonailty of a hotel while, in Palefsky’s words, “ensuring that travel enhances rather than disrupts local life.” 

How to Get Started with Home Exchange

Luckily, travelers’ part of the process can be as easy as signing up for your site of preference.

Most websites require a membership fee and an approval process for listed homes, but often the actual exchange doesn’t cost money aside from any incidental fees.  

Preparing Your Home for Guests

Exchanging homes fosters a sense of mutual accountability and respect—after all, you are both responsible for each other’s property. However, it’s always best to lock away any valuables or items you’d rather not share with guests. When it comes to basic amenities, including spices, condiments, towels, and shared toiletries, assume that anything you leave out is fair game. 

While travelers will expect a home to be more lived-in than a hotel, they also expect everything to be clean and functional on arrival. HomeExchange.com provides a helpful checklist to prep your property for your first exchange and Intervac provides helpful reminders on what to do when leaving your host home, including restocking pantry essentials and leaving a thank you note. 

In place of an annual membership, Kindred charges a cleaning and service fee per exchange that covers professional cleaning services for each host and a one-time Host Kit complete with linens, toiletries, and a lockbox for your guest key. Although a pricier option, these services can ease the apprehension of first-time swappers. 

Can I Swap Homes if I’m a Renter?

While most platforms allow renters to participate, proceed with caution. The unit must be empty at the time of exchange, meaning if you live with roommates, you all must be out of the house for the duration of the swap. It’s up to the tenant to get landlord approval to list a rental. 

HomeExchange.com, the largest home exchange network, claims that “as a tenant, it is your responsibility to verify the terms of your rental contract and to determine if you must notify your landlord prior to inviting HomeExchange members in your home.”

Simultaneous vs. Non-Reciprocal Swaps

If you’re like me, you’ll be scratching your head about the logistics of home exchange. What if you want to travel on dates that no one else wants to travel? What if there isn’t anyone willing to swap in your desired destination? That’s where non-reciprocal swaps come in. 

Unlike simultaneous swaps, where two homeowners decide to exchange homes at the same time, non-reciprocal swaps work like a domino effect. A guest will stay in a host’s house while the host is away or staying in a different host home. In exchange, the host will either be given a future stay at the guest’s home or given credits for future non-reciprocal swaps. Most major platforms offer a form of non-reciprocal exchange, either through their programs like HomeLinks Homesit or the promise of points for a future stay like Kindred’s credit program or HomeExchange’s GuestPoints.

What Type of Traveler is Best Suited for Home Exchange?

While any traveler can benefit from a home swap, there are a few for which it is particularly well-suited. 

Remote workers who need a change of scenery will find it easy to switch from working from home to working from a host home, free from the distractions and unreliable Wi-Fi of hotel rooms.  

Families should also take advantage of home exchange. Swapping with another family with children of a similar age will guarantee that the home you’re heading to will be set up appropriately to accommodate any little ones. 

Retirees looking to take long-term trips benefit from home exchange to keep prices low and preserve a feeling of being at home while away from home. 

However, home exchange is truly for anyone seeking adventure on a budget. According to Palefsky, “we’ve even seen “plant parents” [listed], where people with lots of houseplants love to use Kindred as a way to find a responsible person to stay in their home while they’re out to keep their plants alive!“

Tips for First-Time Home Swappers

Home exchange is less intimidating than it first appears. First-timers should keep these two guiding principles in mind to set themselves up for home swap success. 

1. Get to Know Your Swap Partner

It can be helpful to get to know your host ahead of time so you have a feel for whose life you’re stepping into and who’s stepping into yours. Many platforms offer an option to get in contact with your host beyond the simple AOL-style chat shown in The Holiday. HomeExchange.com encourages members to “establish a relationship of trust with your exchange partners” before swapping, getting to know each other through messages and video chats. Use this opportunity to act as tour guides for each other. Share tips on your home destination and in return ask for advice on what to do during your stay.

2. Be Open to New Experiences

Home exchange works best with a flexible schedule and an open mind. If you’re dead set on a specific neighborhood on a specific set of dates, you may be better served by a traditional hotel. “Be open to discovering places that you ordinarily wouldn’t have thought of traveling to,” says Palefsky, “The beauty of home-swapping is that you can experience places around the world that might be off the beaten track, allowing you to experience neighborhoods that only locals know!”

The post Would You Swap Homes with a Stranger? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Here are the best travel gift cards to help fund their next vacation and some other thoughtful ideas. No matter how much they hate stuff, who wouldn’t want a four-course meal prepared by a chef on their next vacation?

Additional reporting by Megan Johnson

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. 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.

Airline Gift Cards

If your favorite traveler has a favorite airline, purchase an airline gift card to help them afford their next flight. You can purchase gift cards for major airlines like Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines, or purchase a general airfare gift card through a website like flightcard.com.

Travel Gear Gift Cards

A person’s travel gear needs to match their particular travel style, making gifting gear an often disappointing challenge. Skip the guesswork and get the traveler on your list a gift card to their favorite store and let them pick out the gear they really want. Below are a few options for:

Airbnb Gift Card

For a millennial traveler—or anyone who likes alternative accommodations—grab an Airbnb gift card.

Rideshare Gift Card

Rideshares are a convenient and quick way to get around a new city, and they’re a simple way to save on airport transportation. Any traveler can use an Uber or Lyft travel gift card.

Amtrak Gift Card

You can now purchase Amtrak train fare gift cards, making a weekend destination decision that much easier. Gift cards are available on Amtrak’s website in digital or physical form and at select retailers. They are redeemable online, on the app, and at Amtrak ticket offices.

LoungeBuddy Gift Card

Send your loved one off in style with a VIP airport lounge experience. LoungeBuddy is a platform that lets you book airport lounge access at almost any airport. While LoungeBuddy doesn’t offer traditional gift cards, you can book on behalf of the recipient up to two months in advance. Grab a travel postcard and write down your gifted reservation inside as a homemade alternative.

Eatwith Gift Card

Give an unforgettable meal for their next trip, with an Eatwith gift card. The platform offers dining experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Once you know your destination, you can search for locally-hosted culinary spectacles, like a private chef experience in London or watching a flamenco show with tapas in Chicago.

DNA Kit

DNA and genetic testing kits are one of the hottest gifts to give this year. The results could even inspire the recipient to take a trip of a lifetime to discover more about their heritage and ancestors.

Kindle Unlimited Subscription

Travelers have a lot of downtime on the way to a destination, and many like to fill that time with reading. A Kindle Unlimited subscription gets you access to over one million titles and thousands of audio books for just $10 per month. With this gift, unlimited truly means unlimited.

Intrepid Foundation Global Gift

Donating to a charity on behalf of your recipient is truly a selfless gift. Intrepid Travel’s foundation partners with a variety of organizations to support goals such as reforestation, and expanding access to education. Choose between a one-time or recurring monthly donation.

Game of Thrones Tour

Can’t wait for season two of House of Dragons? Gift your token GOT-lover an experience they won’t forget. Viator offers a variety of tours through filming locations across Europe in countries like Croatia, Ireland, and Spain.

Priority Pass

Know someone who is always complaining about hanging out at the airport, or who is always connecting somewhere with a 2+ hour layover? Gift them Priority Pass, which will give them access to hundreds of airport lounges across the globe. 

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry

This gift is great for someone who flies a lot, and also for someone who doesn’t fly as much, so likely wouldn’t spend the money on it. Gift them TSA PreCheck or Global Entry so they can fly through security. There are no gift cards available, and you’ll have to know some pretty personal information (like social security number/passport number), so it may be hard to fill out for them, but you can always print something out and help them fill out the form later, using your credit card information. You could also use a service like Giftly, giving them an $85 gift card they can use for it. 

National Parks Pass

Know someone who loves the outdoors? A National Parks Pass will give them the gift of National Park entry for an entire year. At only $80, it seems a steal. It will give them access to over 2,000 parks and sites across the country. 

Marriott Gift Card

Everyone can appreciate a hotel stay, and with a Marriott Gift Card, you’ll give the gift of a place to stay all over the world, at a number of price points. 

Cruise Gift Card

Cruises are the hottest vacation trend these days, so a Celebrity or Princess Cruise gift card can help someone make their cruise dream a reality. While an entire cruise may be a LOT for a present, any amount of money can go towards a cruise OR, if they’ve already booked a cruise, they can use it towards  excursions, beverage packages, specialty dining, and more.

A Weekend Away for Two

Want to give a special couple in your life a trip away, but the pressure of choosing the location and accommodation seems too stressful? Tinggly allows you to give them that trip, but let them choose where and when they want to go. Recipients will receive a voucher they can use at hundreds of hotels in over one hundred countries, for a two night stay. 

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post Travel Gift Cards and Other Last-Minute Gifts for People Who Hate Stuff appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, choosing the wrong group tour company can quickly turn your dream vacation into a disappointment. It’s critical that you select a tour operator that aligns with your travel style and goals. Do you prefer a small, intimate group or a larger, more social setting? Does the price match your expectations—luxury or budget-friendly? Is the itinerary packed with the destinations you’re eager to see?

We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best group tour companies for 2025, tailored to every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to 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 Adventure Travels to a friend).

These small group tours operate with only 8-16 people per trip and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by activity (walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) and type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all,” European wilderness, and more) 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. 

Exodus Adventure 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 Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour.

Best Bucket List Group Tours: EF Adventures

In 2024, the renowned tour operator EF World Journeys launched a new brand: EF Adventures. True to its name, this division focuses on adventure travel, offering a variety of biking, hiking, walking, and multi-sport tours across Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands.

EF Adventures makes planning complicated tours easy, taking care of flights, transfers, guides, equipment, optional tour extensions, and more—so all you have to do is show up.

After an action-packed day of outdoor exploration, guests can unwind in luxurious accommodations, ranging from 3-star to 5-star properties, each selected to reflect the unique charm of the destination. Whenever possible, EF Adventures chooses hotels with pools or spas, ensuring travelers have the perfect place to relax and recover.

Want to stay motivated in your fitness goals pre- or post-trip? Join EF Adventures’ Strava Group for some friendly competition.

Top Trip: Connections mean everything on a good tour group, and EF Adventures has the ultimate hookup—the brand’s parent company owns a men’s and women’s pro cycling team. Experience the behind-the-scenes perks on EF Adventures’ Tour de France trip, in which participants will get to ride iconic sections of the Tour de France, experience insider access to the EF Pro Cycling team, and watch the thrilling race finish from a VIP section on the Champs-Élysées.

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 the communities and places where it operates tours better than it 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 

G Adventures offers cheap group tours for travelers on a budget, making dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $979, crisscrossing India’s Golden Triangle for $594, or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $700.)

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

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals and making certain activities optional (for an additional fee). 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 Private Group Travel: Vaya Adventures

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Vaya Adventures 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. Vaya’s team of experts has spent years living and working in the destinations that they handle, so they have the insider knowledge to make a trip truly special. 

On a Vaya Adventures trip, you won’t find yourself stuck in a soulless chain hotel—accommodations are thoughtfully selected to showcase the local culture and include boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and historic homes. 

Top Trip: Hike the Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela, recovering each night in beautiful boutique hotels or traditional Paradores. 

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. EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing for a bucket list trip, 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 earned by companies demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company’s own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 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 18-35. (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience a foodie trip of a lifetime on Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure, which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Arctic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for trips to the polar regions, 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 from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

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 adore 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 weekend trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—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.

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 stuff from point to point.) The solution: DuVine Cycling, a luxury small group tour company specializing 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 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 & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip.

The post The 11 Best Tour Group Travel Tour Companies for 2025 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

First, one quick note: This day is not to be confused with the year-round hashtag #TravelTuesday, a longtime social media mainstay more focused on sharing photos, stories, and other travel information (and sometimes deals) online. The Travel Tuesday we’re discussing here is strictly about the post-Thanksgiving day for deals.

Travel Tuesday only arrived on the scene around 2017, but since then airlines and major travel providers like Orbitz, Travelocity, and CheapTickets have joined in. Those are established ticket sites, but are there actually good deals compared to the rest of the year, or is it just another marketing pitch?

The Psychology of Travel Tuesday and Other Shopping Holidays

Shopping holidays like Travel Tuesday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day exist for one simple purpose: To persuade people to spend money they would not otherwise spend. That’s not to say there aren’t good deals—there usually are. But the goal is to hook you with a good deal for something you already want in the hopes you’ll buy a few things you didn’t want, too.

“The key to sales is that people think they’re getting something,” Robert Schindler, a professor of marketing at the Rutgers School of Business Camden, told Vox. “And so it’s in the interest of the [seller] to reinforce that idea that this is a gift to customers.”

The added urgency of a finite purchasing window compounds the issue because it limits our ability to comparison shop. If you weren’t thinking of buying something but suddenly you’re staring at it for a pretty good price, it’s hard to know if the deal is truly too good to pass up. FOMO (fear of missing out) takes over, and suddenly you’ve bought something you don’t need and didn’t budget for.

Of course, there’s a difference between buying consumer goods and booking travel. It’s much easier to impulse-buy a rice cooker than a trip to Paris; the latter of which requires multiple purchases (hotel, airfare, etc.) and at least some logistical planning. But in either case, the psychology is the same: You may not really have the budget for a trip to Paris, but you’ve always wanted to go! And look how cheap the airfare is! And … **click.** Bon voyage.

Two Tips for Getting the Most Out of Travel Tuesday

You may be wondering if Travel Tuesday really out performs its famous predecessors, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when it comes to flights. While Travel Tuesday is not a guaranteed savings slam dunk, according to Skyscanner it does have an edge when it comes to cheap airline deals. 

“Why the spike on Travel Tuesday? By then, most people have their holiday plans set, and after a shopping marathon from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, they might not be thinking of next year’s trips,” says Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert with Skyscanner, “This lull is when airlines and hotels swoop in with tempting travel deals and offers to get folks planning their next adventure.”

That is to say, there are deals out there for travelers with the patience to find them. So how can you take advantage? Here are two tips for getting the most out of Travel Tuesday.

First of all, focus. If you are planning a trip, focus on that trip and that trip only, ignoring the rush of the deal. If there are no deals for trips you’ve planned or budgeted, move along. However, some level of flexibility in your travel plans can maximize potential savings. If you have wiggle room in your travel dates, try browsing flights with Skyscanner’s Flexible Date Search or Google Flights Explore function. Both features allow travelers to search for the best deals to a destination within a given range of months. For example, a Google Flights search for a 1-week trip to Miami in February may yield deals that would otherwise be hidden by a specific date search.

This leads us to the second tip: Prepare. If you have a trip you want to take, or even a list of destinations and time periods you would consider, start tracking prices ahead of time. This allows you to develop a baseline for a good deal so you’ll know one when you see one. “Travel deals for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday are not as straightforward as sales on TVs and clothes,” says Lindsay, “There can be huge savings, but not all flights have the same discounts.” As SmarterTravel readers no doubt know, this is good practice any time you’re traveling, but especially when navigating the hype and noise of Travel Tuesday.

The post Should You Book a Trip on Travel Tuesday? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Terrible Travel Presents to Avoid

Thoughtful travel gifts are usually the most useful and touching presents, but there are some basics to avoid. Here are some tricky travel presents I tend to avoid gifting, and other items to consider instead.

Avoid: Money Belts

Maybe at one time these were a high-tech travel accessory, but those sad money belts and pouches that dangle on a shoelace-looking string should become a thing of the past. Instead, consider money-hiding travel presents that look a little bit sleeker.

Give: Hidden Pocket Clothing

Clothes with secret pockets show you put a little bit more thought into your travel gift. For men, this Bluffworks Blazer has 10 hidden pockets and is perfect for frequent business travelers. For women, there are plenty of travel dresses with pockets to choose from if you know what she likes. Or for something simpler, this handy Infinity Wrap Scarf with a zipper pocket can stealthily hold money and a passport or cards.

Avoid: A Suitcase

Unless you’re very familiar with what kind of luggage your recipient likes, a whole suitcase can be among those travel presents that are hard to nail. It’s usually a purchase that will be heavily used for years to come, and is therefore a pretty big decision to make for someone else.

Give: Multipurpose Bags

Bags that are multi-purpose, like a versatile backpack, make for better travel presents. The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a unisex option with plenty of pockets, a laptop compartment, a built-in charger, and a sleek design that makes it perfect for the office, business trips, and your weekend travels.

Avoid: Ill-Planned Airfare

Booking a surprise trip might seem like a romantic travel present to gift a significant other, but making someone wake up at 5 a.m. for a flight or trek to an inconvenient airport might be a forced commitment you didn’t consider in your excitement. Airfare is usually nonrefundable, after all.

Give: Airline Gift Cards

Consider an airline gift card for a reliable low-cost carrier, like the Southwest Gift Card—so your recipient can take care of the finer details before pouncing on a deal, or so you can book later on together.

Avoid: A Passport Cover

Covers for passports have always perplexed me as an unnecessary accessory that annoys security agents and highlights your most important and at-risk travel document. Passports should be tucked into a secure place, not made bigger and harder-to-stash by a map-printed leather sleeve that says “wanderlust” on it. Most document checks at border patrol will require you to remove it anyway.

Give: Anti-Theft Bag

Arden Cove’s Waterproof Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bags will do a lot more to protect your passport from damage or theft. They’re also stylish, yet durable enough to wear on most trips. The bags come in mini (6.5 by 4.5 inch) and full (8.5 by 6.5 inch) sizes, featuring a light chain strap and plenty of internal pockets. Arden Cove also offers stylish wallets that transform into a belt bag: a great option for those who’d appreciate being able to wear their travel organizer on their waist, like an ultra-chic fanny pack.

Avoid: Shoes

Like suitcases, shoes are a big decision to make for others as travel presents. Unless you know the exact brand, size, and style the person wants, it’s better to leave the trying on and selecting to them. Don’t guilt someone into exploring a new destination with sore feet.

Give: A Scarf or Hat

If you’re not close enough to be gifting them shoes, a cozy scarf or hat is a safer bet. Soft Merino wool or cashmere options will get a lot of use, like this option from Quince.

Avoid: A Neck Pillow

Flimsy neck pillows don’t do much for sleeping on the plane and take up unnecessary bag space if they’re not able to deflate. Even a more high-tech neck pillow can fall flat as a travel present—do you want your giftee to think of you every time they’re uncomfortably trying to get some sleep in a packed plane cabin?

Give: Mini Humidifier Diffuser

Something versatile and relaxing, like a mini humidifier diffuser, is a more thoughtful option for aiding sleep. The SOICARE oil diffuser is an affordable and packable option for travel and works via USB cable that can connect to a power bank, laptop, and more. This diffuser even doubles as a gentle nightlight with seven LED color options, perfect for navigating an unfamiliar hotel room during a midnight bathroom break.

Avoid: Luggage Tags

The only luggage tags I want on my suitcase are the cheap-yet-durable plastic ones that will no doubt get ruined by bag handlers and airport conveyer belts. That’s not exactly something you should be giving as a gift. Higher-end leather ones are a kitschy lost cause, in my opinion, especially if and when they end up traveling through inclement weather.

Give: A Travel Journal

Aim for something that won’t get thrown onto a suitcase and forgotten about. Consider a leather-bound travel journal if the recipient enjoys writing or could simply use a nice notebook to jot down some of their favorite travel memories. Journals are also great for keepsakes like tickets and photographs: Your giftee will think of you every time they store some new travel memories.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 7 Terrible Travel Presents, and What to Give Instead appeared first on SmarterTravel.

You May Regret Being Cheap While Traveling

A cheap flight, inconveniently located hotel, or minuscule rental car may save you money, but they’ll likely still cost you plenty of regret and inconvenience. Want to avoid feeling the regret of being cheap when you travel? Then avoid these mistakes:

Waiting for the Shuttle to an Off-Airport Rental Car

You just survived a long flight and are ready to get to your final destination. Too bad you booked with a shady rental car company that’s located in an industrial area far from the airport. Now, instead of hopping in a car and driving off, you’re trekking to some forgotten corner of a far-off terminal and waiting for a rental car shuttle bus that may or may not come.

Getting up Before Dawn for an Early Flight

Hovering over the “book” button, you think to yourself, “I’m saving $50! I’m so frugal! I get up early for work every day, a 6:00 a.m. flight won’t be that bad!” Until the night before your flight when you’re calculating just how early you have to wake up to be at the airport in time … and realize that you’re going to be spending the first day of your vacation sleep-deprived. Plus, if you have to be up before public transit is running, you may end up spending what you saved on the flight to take a taxi to the airport.

Lying Awake at Night Listening to Your Hostel Roommates Snore

How bad can a 20-bed room in a hostel be? After all, you’ll only be there to sleep, so why bother spending more for a private room? If one of those 20 beds is booked by a loud snorer, a sleep-talker, or someone waking up early for a flight, pretty bad—and will defeat you being in there to sleep, since you won’t get any.

Settling Into the Middle Seat in the Back of the Plane

After spending too many hundreds of dollars on a bare-bones economy ticket, it can be hard to persuade yourself to give another penny to an airline. You’ll stuff everything into a small carry-on and be willing to board last… but when you settle into the non-reclining middle seat next to the bathroom, you will be cursing your past self for being cheap and not paying the fee to select your seat.

When Your Tiny Rental Car Might Not Make It

The economy rental car option seemed like a fine idea when you were looking at it on the website and trying to cut costs, but when your budget vehicle turns out to be comically toy-sized (especially compared to those semi trucks whizzing past you on the highway), you might start to have some regrets about being cheap. See also: that heart-stopping moment when you wonder if your car is actually going to make it up a hill/down that dirt road or if you’re going to figure out how roadside service works in a foreign destination.

Dragging Your Suitcase on Public Transit

Everyone on this packed train hates me, you’ll realize as you try to squeeze your way on with your suitcase while accidentally whacking a few commuters with your backpack. As you’re dragging your luggage up and down the stairs, through crowds, and off the train or bus, you’ll rue being cheap and not just splurging on a taxi.

Stressing Over Your Flight Connection

When you’re on the first leg of a plane journey with a tight connection, every minute your plane doesn’t board, or sits on the tarmac without taking off, feels like an eternity—the flight with the 50-minute layover was the cheapest option, but does that cost savings matter if you miss it?

Waiting in Line to Buy a Ticket Instead of Paying the Booking Fee

This ticket site wants how much to book admission in advance? I’ll wait and buy it at the window, you think… until you arrive at the attraction and discover everything is sold out, or that the line is hours long. Is being cheap worth wasting your precious vacation time standing in line? If it’s a Ticketmaster-esque ridiculous fee, it can be a tough decision.

When You Reach Hour Five on the Slow Ferry or Train

The slow ferry/bus/train won’t be that much worse than the express, you think. Imagine all the scenery I’ll see. That sounds like a great, cost-saving measure until you’re trapped on an excruciatingly slow form of transport, experiencing fatigue and pain from sitting for so long, and thinking of everything you’re missing by not arriving sooner.

The post 9 Times You’ll Regret Being Cheap When You Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

How to Preserve Battery Life on Your Phone

But not to worry—there are battery-life preserving hacks that can make all the difference when you’re on the go. Here are eight tips from Apple, T-Mobile, and Verizon to help you preserve phone battery life whether you’re day-tripping or globetrotting to some dream destination.

1. Switch to Airplane Mode (Even When You’re Not on the Plane)

When you’re traveling internationally or in more remote areas, your phone is working hard to keep you connected even if you don’t want to be. No matter where you are, your phone is always searching for a signal. And even after your phone has found a signal, it will keep churning until it finds a better one.

Try this: Turn on airplane mode to disable your cellular service and stop the signal searching. Or, before you travel (especially if you’re going abroad), add an international phone plan with free-roaming, data, texting, and flat-rate calling.

2. Enable Low-Power/Battery-Saver Mode

There’s a gorgeous sunset and your eye has already framed the perfect photo—palm tree, sand, overwater bungalow—but your phone battery is nearly dead. There’s no time to find an outlet and recharge. In this case, it’s best to hunker down and make the most of what you’ve got, so reduce your phone’s performance to stretch your battery life.

Try this: Some phones will let you know when your battery level reaches 20 percent or 10 percent and will give you the option of activating low-power mode or battery-saver mode. It’s a quick one-stop fix, turning off non-essential features. It dims the display brightness, reduces some visual effects, stops automatic email fetching, and completely disables other features  (like iCloud sync on iPhone). If you don’t automatically get the battery saver prompt, then go to battery settings to turn it on. You can also add this to your “swipe up” menu in iPhone’s Control Center menu.

3. Customize Your Notifications and Apps Before Traveling

If you have cellular data turned off, it’s a bit of a thrill to find Wi-Fi when traveling, especially overseas. Unfortunately, the moment you do connect to a Wi-Fi network all your apps automatically start to update and refresh at the same time, eating up your battery. Another drain is when an app frequently wakes up your display screen with notifications.

Try this: Turn off auto-update and some notifications for social apps so you don’t get hit with a bunch of notifications all at once. When you do that, those apps will only refresh and use the battery if you open them manually. Go to your notifications settings to turn off the alerts. Turn off automatic downloads of your apps in Google Play or iTunes store settings.

4. Turn Off Location Services

Sure, location services are handy when you’re wandering Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Elysees, wondering what cafes are nearby, and voila! Google Maps already knows where you are and instantly drops the location pins. But, really, is it worth the toll it takes on your battery to constantly run that app? Probably not.

Try this: Switch off location services and turn it on only at the moment you need it and only for the one app you’re using at the time. In the location services function, you can see which apps are using it and toggle the on/off switch for each. Other battery life zappers to turn off until you need them include GPS, Bluetooth, AirDrop (iPhone), and Wi-Fi. These features stay active by constantly pinging mobile networks. With each ping, your battery life percentage dips lower and lower.

5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re sitting by the pool in Vegas or soaking in the apres-ski scene at an outdoor table in Whistler village, but the temperature does affect your phone’s battery life and battery performance. An Apple device is designed to perform best in temps from 62 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 22 degrees Celsius), for example. Your battery may not charge beyond 80 percent in hotter conditions. Temperatures higher than 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) can permanently damage battery capacity. In cold conditions, battery life temporarily diminishes but returns to normal functioning once back in its comfort zone.

Try this: Keep your phone warm in cold conditions by tucking it in a pocket close to your body. In extreme heat, stash your phone in the shade, out of direct sunlight, or leave it behind in your an air-conditioned hotel room.

6. Adjust Your Screen Brightness and OLED Displays

Your phone’s display screen is the greatest battery consumer, and brightness can make a tremendous difference in battery life. New iPhones and Android devices have OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display screens with better colors and true black, a feature you can’t get on older models. In order to display true black, the pixels actually turn completely off, decreasing the screen’s battery consumption. If you like to use your phone at bedtime, the dimmer light is also less likely to disrupt your sleep cycle.

Try this: Reduce your phone’s brightness to as low as your eyesight can manage or put it on auto-adjust. Auto adjust automatically adapts to save power and compensate for different activities like Internet use. If you have a newer phone, use the true black backgrounds for both the home screen and lock screen. Also, turn on dark themes whenever possible to decrease battery use while within apps.

7. Stop Fetching and Refreshing

Who doesn’t love the instant gratification of seeing “likes” on social media just seconds after posting a fun pic of the day’s travel adventures? Unfortunately, Facebook and Twitter are two of the biggest battery-killer apps because they’re constantly refreshing. Even when they’re not in use they’re updating so that when you open them you’ll see up-to-the-minute info.

Try this: The iPhone battery settings show you what apps are running in the background. In general settings, you can turn off “background app refresh” for any apps your phone is running. On other phones, you’ll need to go into settings then apps and select the specific app to change battery optimization and background activity. Another tip: In your email app you can choose to fetch data manually or less frequently.

8. Download Apps and Content Before Your Trip 

Flight delays and cancellations are unavoidable, and when they happen you’re often stuck at an airport gate where outlets are scarce. Watching movies on your phone or another device might sound like a great idea. But beware of battery drain if you haven’t already downloaded the shows you want to watch and the games you want to play. Downloading a movie or new app can quickly eat up battery life.

Try this: Before you leave home, download TV shows and movies through the Netflix app on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone. If you download shows and movies that are available offline, you’ll be able to watch them later without an Internet connection and the resulting battery drain.

Jamie Moore is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel. Her articles have appeared on USA Today, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, and WestJet.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 8 Genius Ways to Preserve Your Phone’s Battery Life While Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Swiss Alps

Best For: Foliage Peeping and Hiking

If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, it’s inundated with stunning photos of the Swiss Alps in the fall, displaying a stunning color burst of fall foliage, it’s absolutely beautiful. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and several festivals/special events occur.  

Switzerland is bursting with festivals this time of year. One of the most unique festivals is Alpabzug when farmers bring their herds of livestock return to the village after spending the summer in the Alps. They occur throughout September, with several villages celebrating with parades followed by canteens featuring Swiss food. Christmas markets begin in December (and most of December is still autumn!) – and you cannot miss a Swiss Christmas market! Find unique gifts for everyone on your list. 

The Swiss Alps are bursting with hiking trails, and the fall is the perfect time to explore them, thanks to the glorious foliage, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.  Experienced hikers will love the Lake Oeschinen Loop, a 5.4-mile loop around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lake Oeschinen. Less experienced hikers can try the easier Panorama Trail, Mannlichen—Kleine Scheidegg. You’ll get stunning 360-degree views of the Alps and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding meadows. Zermatt, famous for the Matterhorn mountain, offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Gornergrat and the Riffelhorn.

Hotel Recommendation: The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt is a luxurious 5-star hotel nestled amidst the Swiss Alps. This architectural gem blends Asian-inspired elements with classic European comfort, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a spa, and access to year-round outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains.

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Black Forest, Germany

Best For: Foliage Peeping, Hiking, Christmas Markets, and Charming Villages

The Black Forest region of Germany is fantastic in the fall, with striking fall foliage, loads of hiking trails, charming villages, and home to the world’s biggest cuckoo clock. 

The villages of Triberg, Gengenbach, and Todtnau are quintessential German towns, offering quaint landscapes, museums, and historic buildings to explore. Triberg is home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock, as well as Germany’s highest waterfalls. Gengenbach, located on the western edge of the black forest, features traditional, half-timbered houses, giving it a fairytale feel. Highlights include the Gengenbach Abbey from the 8th century, medieval fortifications with original towers, and the start of many trails in the Black Forest. The Gengenbach Christmas Market starts late in November.  In Todtnau, you can visit the Todtnau waterfall, discover the beautiful Todtnau valley, or visit the Todtnau Museum. 

Hiking in the Black Forest is plentiful. Choose from easy strolls like the Baumwipfelpfad Black Forest (which features a stunning treetop walk) or Mummelsee, or challenge yourself with climbs to peaks like Kandel, Feldburg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest, or Belchen, the third-highest mountain in the Black Forest. Enjoy scenic hikes around lakes like Schluchsee or Schauenburg.

Hotel Recommendation:  Best Western Plus Hotel Schwarzwald

The Best Western Plus Hotel Schwarzwald Residenz offers comfortable rooms, amenities like a pool and sauna, and convenient access to hiking, cycling, skiing, and day trips. From your room’s balcony, you can enjoy beautiful views of Triberg.

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Tuscany, Italy

Best For: Foliage Peeping, Festivals

Gorgeous weather, stunning foliage, and smaller crowds in Tuscany will make you wonder why anyone would visit any other time of the year. Not to mention, it’s harvest season, so you can witness grape harvesting firsthand. 

Festivals are abundant in Tuscany this time of year, and most are food-themed.  In October, head to Marradi, where you can sample chestnut tortelli, jams, and bruciati (roasted chestnuts). In Late October/Early November, Piancastagnaio hosts the oldest Chestnut festival in the Amiata region within the walls of the Aldobrandesca Fortress. Caprese Michelangelo, the birthplace of, you guessed it, Michelangelo, hosts their own chestnut festival the last two weeks of October. You’ll also find Truffle festivals in late October and November in Upper Val di Cecina, San Miniato, and San Giovanni d’Asso. There are many christmas markets throughout Tuscany in November and December. 

Fall is the grape harvest time, so winery visits are a must. You can even participate in a grape stomping and do your part to make a bottle of wine! Wineries are abundant in the area. Try the Brunello di Montalcino at Castello Banfi, or take it another step and book your accommodations there – yes, the Castello Banfi is also a hotel!  Take a tour of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, or visit the historic Antinori Winery, which offers guided tours, tastings, and a wine museum. 

Hotel Recommendation: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is a luxurious resort nestled in the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the resort offers elegant accommodations, award-winning dining, a relaxing spa, and various outdoor activities. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s high-quality wines produced on the estate. With its stunning location and luxurious amenities, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Tuscany.

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Paris, France

Best For: Ambiance, Festivals/Events

Imagine sitting outside at a cafe in Paris, a cup of coffee and a croissant on the table in front of you leaves blowing under your feet, a slight breeze, and crisp air—it doesn’t get much more idyllic than that. And that is why you should visit Paris in the fall—the atmosphere alone is enough to make you fall in love with the city. Fresh off of its Olympic high, Paris is the place to visit these days. 

There are festivals and events aplenty in Paris in the fall. Since 1930, the Fête de l’Humanité has brought concerts, screenings, and shows “around the values ​​of solidarity, open-mindedness, sharing and peace.” You can also enjoy theatre, music, dance, film, and visual arts throughout the autumn at the Festival D’autome a Paris. Fashion Week takes place in the fall, bringing fashion designers and models to the city. Christmas Markets open at the end of November and beginning of December. 

Of course, you can always stroll the streets and museum hop- a perfect fall activity. Top attractions include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre,  and Versailles. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Raphaël

Hotel Raphaël is a luxurious hotel in the city’s heart, steps away from Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms and suites, all featuring elegant décor and modern amenities. There is a restaurant and spa on site, as well as a fitness center. 

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Canary Islands, Spain

Best For: Beaches, Hiking, Warm Weather
If you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, head to the Canary Islands for an extended beach vacation. It’s warm, the beaches are fantastic, and the scenery is beautiful. 

The Canary Islands offer stunning beaches that are even more enjoyable in the fall. With fewer crowds you can embrace the beauty of the beaches without disruption. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or windsurfing without the crowds. Popular beaches include Playa de las Américas on Tenerife or Playa de Caleta de Fuste on Fuerteventura– perfect for anyone wanting to windsurf or scubadive. 

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous than lazing on the beach, the volcanic landscapes of the islands are perfect for hiking. UNESCO World Heritage site Teide National Park features the highest peak on Spanish soil and provides easy, moderate, and challenging hiking trails. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet as you hike on the volcanic soil of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. 

Hotel Recommendation: Dreams Jardin Tropical 

Dreams Jardín Tropical Resort & Spa is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. The resort offers stunning ocean views, fine dining options, a full-service spa, and two outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with balconies or terraces and subtropical gardens. 

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Munich, Germany

Best For: Festivals

Dust off your lederhosen and head to Munich this fall for Oktoberfest. The festival, which takes place from mid/late September through the beginning of October, celebrates Bavarian culture. The city has large beer tents that serve traditional Bavarian food and beer. The festival has parades, live music, and even amusement rides. Check out Oide Wiesn, which gives you a glimpse of what the festival used to be with historic rides, traditional costumes, a museum tent, and more. 

If you need a break from the festivities, Munich still has plenty to do in the fall. You can relax in the English Garden, which will be bursting with fall colors. Explore Munich’s Old Town, which includes Marienplatz, the city’s square, since 1158. The Munich Christmas Market starts at the end of November and dates back to the 14th Century when the city held St. Nicholas markets. 

Munich also has several museums worth visiting, including one of the oldest galleries in the world at Alte Pinakothek. The newest of the Bavarian State Painting Collections Museums, the Museum Brandhorst, is a contemporary art museum with the largest collection of Andy Warhol works in Europe. Art not your thing? Munich is home to one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, the Deutsches Museum. 

Hotel Recommendaiton:  Hotel Torbraeu

The oldest hotel in Munich, Hotel Torbraeu is steps away from old town, and despite opening its doors in 1490, provides guests with modern amenities. Choose from single, double and triple rooms, as well as suites. There is a coffee shop and restaurant on site. 

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Edinburgh, Scotland

Best For: Festivals, Foliage, Ghosts

Scotland in the fall is something special – think falling leaves in an ambience-setting fog. Edinburgh is bursting in the fall, with events and festivals taking place within the backdrop of this medieval city. 

While the city’s biggest festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, takes place just before fall in August, there are still plenty of festivals happening in the city. The International Storytelling Festival in October brings together storytellers from around the world. You can take a workshop, listen to a lecture, or attend a storytelling event. Another fall event, Doors Open Days, allows visitors into buildings for free, many of which are generally not open to the public. You won’t want to miss Edinburgh Cocktail Week in October, featuring a Cocktail Village and a wristband that gets you 5-pound cocktails at 100 bars throughout the city. Edinburgh also has its share of Christmas Markets and festivities beginning in November. 

Halloween is also particularly spectacular in Edinburgh, which is considered one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Visit some of the haunted sites, take a Halloween tour beneath the city’s streets, or attend the Edinburgh Horror Festival. 

Hotel Recommendation: Fingal

Fingal is a luxury floating hotel permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Offering stunning views and elegant accommodations, Fingal features various cabins, dining options, a spa, fitness center, and concierge services. 

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Tips for Planning Your Fall Europe Trip

Weather
The weather in Europe is similar to that of New England for the most part, but of course, it all depends on where you are going. Northern Europe will be cooler, while Southern Europe will have warmer temperatures. Be prepared for rain and colder weather; pack an umbrella and a warmer coat. It would be best to pack layers to be prepared for whatever weather comes your way. 

Crowds
The Autumn is the off-season for travel in Europe, so most attractions will have shorter lines and wait times. 

Accommodation
While fewer people visit than in the summer months, you will still want to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are going during a festival. 

Packing
As mentioned above, layers are key for your European fall vacation. A basic packing list is as follows: 
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sweaters,
Jacket
Raincoat
Accessories: hat, gloves, scarf 
Comfortable Pants
Shirts 
Dress/Dress shirt/pants
Swimsuit (if you are heading to a warmer location or your hotel has a pool)
Umbrella
Essentials: passport, travel documents, medications, toiletries

Budget
Europe is generally cheaper in the fall than in summer, especially regarding flights and accommodations.

The post Best Places to Go in Europe in the Fall appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Purposely missing a flight is more complicated than it may seem at first glance—here’s what happens if you don’t get on your connecting flight. 

Why Would You Skip a Connecting Flight?

Skiplagging, also known as “hidden city ticketing,” is a travel strategy where:

• You book a flight with a layover in your actual destination.
• The ticket includes a connection to a further city, but you don’t intend to take that last leg.
• When you reach your desired city during the layover, you exit the airport instead of continuing to the final destination on your ticket.

Popularized by the airfare site Skiplagged, this hack can save you a lot of money compared to booking a ticket directly to your destination. But is it legal to do?

What Happens if You Don’t Get on Your Connecting Flight?

Hidden city ticketing isn’t illegal, but most major U.S. airlines explicitly prohibit it in their contract of carriage statements. 

If the airline realizes that you are not planning on completing your entire itinerary, it can prevent you from boarding or even ban you from the airline for future flights. For example, a teenage passenger tried this trick using a ticket he bought on Skiplagged, was detained by American Airlines, and was denied boarding.

In general, if you miss or cancel any portion of a plane ticket, the airline can cancel all flights remaining on that ticket’s itinerary. When you miss that first flight, whether or not you cancel or no-show, the entire ticket becomes void.

This rule also applies to connecting flights. If you’re ticketed from City A to City C through a connection in City B, but skip the connecting flight from City B to City C, you can’t use your connecting flight ticket later, even with a change fee. And if it’s a round-trip ticket, the return trips are also toast.

This is why it’s essential to notify the airline if you accidentally miss any portion of your flight—as long as you let the airline know (and rebook the missed leg), you should still be able to fly the rest of your planned itinerary. 

Why is Skipping a Flight Cheaper?

Why would a longer flight be cheaper than a shorter, direct one? For some destinations, there is not a lot of competition for a direct flight between two cities, making tickets expensive. However, there might be more competition on a different route with a layover in the city you want to fly to—so a longer flight going somewhere else (but connecting through your destination) could be cheaper.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Connecting Flight

There are a lot of risks associated with buying a hidden city ticket. 

1. You can’t check a bag, as your bag will be tagged to the final destination on your itinerary.
2. Even if you fly carry-on only, there is the risk that there won’t be space on the plane for your bag, and it will get checked through to the destination you’re not planning on flying to.
3. You can’t buy a round-trip ticket, as the return fare will automatically be canceled as soon as you don’t make your connecting flight.
4. The airline can deny you boarding and refuse to refund you if they figure out what you’re doing.
5. There could be a schedule change that reroutes your flight through a different connecting airport. 
6. The airline could ban you from flying with it in the future.

When Is It Okay to Skip a Flight?

There are only two cases where you could potentially get away with skipping an onward flight. However, keep in mind that you could still get in trouble with the airline, and the airline could pursue legal action against you or ban you from future flights. 

1. If you skip a flight that’s the final leg on a multi-flight ticket, there’s no other ticket left for the airline to cancel.
2. If your round-trip itinerary is on two separately booked, one-way tickets, the return trip should still be valid if you skip the first trip.

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