Explore the Capital City of Taipei

Taipei, not to be confused with nearby New Taipei City, is the capital and the fourth largest city in Taiwan. Taipei 101 is the main feature of the Taipei skyline, dwarfing the surrounding buildings at 1,667 feet. Holding the title of tallest building in the world until 2010, Taipei 101 is still a top spot for incredible skyline views of the city, especially at sunset. For history buffs, the National Palace Museum houses a vast collection of art, documents, and artifacts spanning five Chinese dynasties. For animal lovers, the Taipei Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Asia and is mainly known for its Giant Panda House, home to the zoo’s resident pandas Yuan Yuan and Yuan Zai. 

Taipei’s twelve districts each have a distinct charm. The Xinyi District is known for its clubs and nightlife, Zhongshan is known for its creative street art and unique shopping areas, and the Taipei Music Center in the Nangang District attracts acts from around the world. Taipei is also a top spot for LGBTQ+ nightlife, with the Ximending District, particularly the area around the Red House Theater, hosting upwards of 20 gay bars and clubs.

Eat at a Night Market

Night markets are abundant throughout Taiwan, travelers can dine at a new one in nearly every location. Some well-known markets in Taiwan’s major cities include:

• Huaxi Night Market, Shilin Night Market, and Raohe Night Market in Taipei
• Fengchia Night Market in Taichung, a city home to not only delicious night markets but also the purported birthplace of bubble tea, Chun Shui Tea House
• Wusheng Night Market in Tainan, the city that originated coffin bread, a delicious bread packed with sweet or savory fillings
• Wenhua Road Night Market in Chiayi
• Yonghe Lehua Night Market in New Taipei City, the largest city in Taiwan

Many dishes, like the iconic stinky tofu and oyster omelets, are popular across all-night markets. You’ll also find staples like fried chicken, steamed buns called gau bao, and dessert treats like shaved ice and sweet wheel cakes alongside regional specialties like Chiayi’s A’an rice cakes and Raohe’s stewed pork ribs. If you want an expert guide to lead you to the can’t-miss dishes, many guides offer private and group tours.

Take a Cruise on Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake draws six million annual visitors, both tourists from abroad and locals alike. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Taiwan for its sweeping natural landscape. Bike around the lake, hike in the surrounding hills, paddle board on the smooth waters, or take the ropeway station gondola to snap a picture from above. You can’t swim in the lake unless you attend the annual Swimming Carnival during the Mid-Autumn Festival for their long-distance swimming event. However, an easier way to get out on the water is with a relaxing boat tour that ferries you through the placid waters, provides lunch, and lets you visit some of the surrounding temples. 

Visit Tianan

Tainan was the former capital of Taiwan up until the late 19th century. Take in the country’s history at the National Museum of Taiwan, and then head over for some art and culture at the Tainan Art Museum. Tainan is home to the most highest number of temples out of any city in Taiwan. Longshan Temple is a favorite among visitors for its intricate architecture and status as a national heritage site while the Tainan Confucius Temple stands tall as the first Confucius temple in Taiwan. 

For nature lovers, the sicca green tunnel is a stunning break from the city. You can take a raft down the Yenshui River, which is almost totally encased by a mangrove forest. For creatives looking for inspiration, the Blueprint Culture and Creative Park is a unique village and shopping district in Tainan, where converted Japanese military dormitories are covered in avant-garde street art.

Hike the Yehliu GeoPark

Created by erosion and tectonic motion, weathering forces have carved out the unique swooping edifices of the Yehliu GeoPark. Famous features include The Queen’s Hand, Candle Rock, and Fairy Shoe. Yehliu GeoPark Loop is one of the top trails that will take you past the iconic sites and is roughly two miles long. Tour the park with a local to ensure you don’t miss the highlights. 

Soak in a Hot Spring

According to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, the country ranks among the world’s top fifteen spots for hot springs, with over 100 across the country. Beitou is considered Taiwan’s “hot spring capital” and is an easy day trip from Taipei, just a half-hour drive away. Beitou Public Hotspring is by far the most popular spot, as it’s the most affordable public hot spring in the valley. Consequently, it can be crowded at peak times. 

Taiwan is dotted with upscale hot spring hotels for travelers searching for something more private. Hoshinoya Guguan Hot Spring Hotel near Taichung is largely regarded as a top-tier resort, with indoor and outdoor thermal pools and private bathing areas attached to each room. Other highly rated options include Radium Kagaya, a Michelin Guide recommendation, and Grand View Resort Beitou.

Stroll Through a Bamboo Forest

Although it’s commonly called a bamboo forest, bamboo is actually a tall grass rather than the towering trees they may resemble. These groves are dense and fast-growing, a natural feature across five continents. The Fenrui Historic Trail leads travelers through over four miles of lush bamboo forests, opening briefly to reveal the stunning surrounding mountain views. The Bamboo Forest Trail in Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area is a more leisurely trek, just over a half mile, and gives hikers a chance to encounter some of the birds that call the reserve home, like the Taiwanese blue magpie or crested eagle. 

Hit the Beach

As an island, Taiwan is no stranger to beaches, from white sands to volcanic ash. Kenting National Park is the most popular beach region, encompassing much of the country’s southern peninsula. Beaches here are popular for their white sands and mild to moderate surf. Popular beach day spots include Dawan Beach and Baishawan Beach, which means White Sand Bay. Beyond Kenting, Wushi Harbor and Jinzun Harbor are favored by surfers for their waves, and Fulong Beach, east of Taipei, hosts an annual sand sculpture festival that shouldn’t be missed. 

The post The Best Things to Do in Taiwan appeared first on SmarterTravel.

This small, inexpensive item can help keep you safe in hotel rooms. Wedge a doorstop under the door to your hotel room (from the inside), and you’ll be able to prevent intruders from entering.

I recently traveled alone and was alarmed to find that at two major hotel chains, my hotel room door didn’t have a security chain—so anyone with a key (hotel staff or not) could easily enter my room. Packing a doorstop gave me peace of mind that no one would be able to enter my room while I was inside. On that same trip, another solo traveler I talked to had a rude awakening when hotel staff entered her room unexpectedly at 6 am because she didn’t respond to a wake-up call (that she didn’t actually order). Using a doorstop can prevent unwanted entry and help you sleep better. Even if your hotel room has a security chain, these can be easily broken with enough force, whereas a doorstop makes it nearly impossible to open a door.

If you’re staying in a vacation rental, where multiple people could have keys/the entry code, a doorstop can make sure that no one can’t enter the bedroom you’re sleeping in.

What Is the Best Doorstop to Pack?

Any standard doorstop will be effective at preventing anyone from forcing open the door. If you want to be alerted that someone is trying to enter your room (and scare them off), pack a doorstop alarm. This doorstep features a built-in, battery-powered alarm that will be triggered if anyone tries to open the door. There are three levels of motion sensitivity, and all will set off an extremely loud 120-decibel alarm.

The post The One Thing Solo Travelers Should Always Pack appeared first on SmarterTravel.

1. El Valle de Antón

Visit this village situated in the crater of an inactive volcano. Hikers will love the mountainous trails, and adventurers won’t be able to resist the Chorro El Macho waterfall. Relax in the hot springs in the area – day passes are available at  El Valle Resort, Pozos Termales, and Valle de Antón Suites. The main street of El Valle de Antón is brimming with shops to find something local to buy, and El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center is a great spot to learn about amphibians up close. If you are up for a real adventure, try zip-lining through Canopy Adventures.  It’s a 2.5-hour bus ride from Panama City (Albrook Terminal). 

Best time to Visit: December to April (dry season) for hiking and outdoor activities
Where to Stay: The Golden Frog Inn

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2. Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park

Adventure seekers will love the coral reef of Chiriquí Marine Park. Comprised of dozens of islands and 19 coral reefs, you’ll have exceptional viewing opportunities in the pristine water as you SCUBA dive or snorkel along the coast. Prefer to stay with your feet on land (or on a boat?) – you’ll love one of the whale watches. Between July and October, the waters are brimming with whales mating and calving their young. To get to the Gulf of Chiriquí, you’ll have to fly to David from Panama City, and take a bus or drive to Boca Chica, where you can take a boat to the Gulf. 

Best time to Visit: September for whale watching, December to April for diving
Where to Stay: Bocas Del Mar

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3. Soberania National Park

Known as the “birdwatching capital of the world,” Soberania National Park holds the world record for most bird species observed in a 24-hour period. If you like birds, this is the place for you. Just thirty minutes from Panama City, this refuge has multiple hiking trails, a bird observatory, and guided naturalist tours. You can either rent a car from Panama City and drive, or take a bus from Albrook Transportation Terminal. Buses going to Chilibre and Bahia D stop directly infront of the entrance. 

Best time to visit: January to April (December to January for migrating birds)
Where to Stay: Summit Rainforest and Golf Resort

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4. San Blas Archipelago

To get a glimpse of indigenous people of Panama, head to San Blas Archipelago. Made up of over 350 islands, these islands have been untouched by the tourism industry. Tour around in a canoe with a Kuna (one of the natives of the Islands), or book a tour through a bigger company.  Fans of Money Heist may recognize Isla Pelicano – where Tokyo and Rio lived post-heist. You’ll love indulging in fresh seafood, watching textile demonstrations and learning traditional customs. Fly from Panama City to El Porvenir, Playon Chico, Achutupu, Ogobsucum or Corazon de Jesus. Driving from Panama City to Carti, the nearest port to the islands, takes about 2.5 hours. 

Best time to visit: February to April
Where to Stay: Bungalow Isla Waisalatupo

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5. Indigenous Chocolate Tours

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Take a look at small, local chocolate production with a tour. See how chocolate is produced step by step. See the traditional processing methods that have been used for years, pre-mass chocolate production. Take a class and try your hand at the process, or tour a farm like Bocas del Toro Permaculture Farm. 

Best time to visit: October-November (harvest season)
Where to stay: Red Frog Beach Island Resort

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6. Portobelo Fortifications

Now a UNESCO World Heritiage Site, these 17th and 18th spanish fortresses on the Caribbean coast once served as the defense system for the Spanish crown. You’ll see cannons still in place, ready to guard, old forts, walls and underground tunnels. Located about two hours from Panama City, you can drive or take a bus. The closest city is Colon. 

Best time to visit: January-April for clear weather
Where to stay: Sand Diamond Hotel

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7. Petroglyphs

Throughout Panama there are petroglyphs worth visiting. On Panama’s pacific coast, in Nancito, you’ll find a small museum dedicated to the rock carvings. La Piedra Pintada (the painted stone), in Caldera, is also a fascinating site to see, and can be accessed via a short hike. Throughout the Volcán area, you’ll find petroglyphs, especially near the communities of Nueva California and Paso Ancho. You’d best get a local guide to take you, so you can ensure you do not wander onto private property as you explore. Many tours will feature the petroglyphs. 

Best time to visit: March-April (clearest visibility)
Where to stay: Bocas Del Mar

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8. Pearl Islands

Located about 30 minutes from Panama City, the Pearl Islands are made up of about 200 islands, most uninhabited. These islands provide spots for snorkeling in hidden coves, sport fishing, beach camping, whale watching, and of course, lazing on the beach. Isla Contadora is the most developed, but still peaceful, and perfect if total isolation is not for you. Isla San José has gorgeous beaches and hiking trails, while Isla Pedro González is a traditional fishing village and will give you a taste of the fisherman way of life. 

Best time to visit: December-April for clear waters
Where to Stay: Hotel Mar y Oro

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9. Cerro Punta

The highest altitude in Panama, Cerro Punta is an agricultural center know for flower and vegetable farming. It is also a fantastic spot to visit. Near the border of Costa Rica, hikers will love the Amistad International Park trails, and flower enthusiasts won’t want to miss Finca Dracula, the botanical garden that specializes in orchids. Nearby, you can go swimming at Cañon Macho de Monte, take a coffee tour at Janson Family Coffee– no matter what you do, Cerro Punta is worth the visit! 

Best time to visit: January-March for clearest skies
Where to Stay: Los Quetzales Ecolodge & Spa

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The post The 9 Best Hidden Gems in Panama appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, there are a few common mistakes that many travelers make that can easily ruin their trip. To avoid these easy missteps, the travel experts at VIP Santorini gave us their best tips for what not to do on a Mediterranean cruise. 

Editor’s Note: This story was sponsored by VIP Santorini

1. Not Factoring Tendering Time at Ports

If your cruise ship arrives in a port at 11 a.m., you can schedule plans onshore starting at 11:05 a.m. Wrong. Many Mediterranean ports are too small to accommodate large cruise ships directly. Instead, passengers will have to take smaller tender boats to get to shore, which can add extra time for disembarkation and boarding. Be sure to allocate this additional time into your schedule. 

2. Booking Large Bus Tours in Small Towns

We can’t think of a worse way to see a charming Mediterranean village than through the windows of a large tour bus that barely fits down the town’s quaint, narrow, cobblestone streets. Most destinations you’ll visit on a Mediterranean cruise are best explored on foot or with a smaller group. If you sign up for a big bus tour, you might be packed in with 50 or more people and feel rushed. You’ll have to stick to a strict schedule and won’t be able to enjoy the charm of small towns—you’ll miss out on small restaurants and might not be able to visit attractions that can’t handle large groups.

Instead, book a private or small group excursion with a local tour operator who can take you to the hidden gems the large group tours bypass.

3. Falling into the Cruise Ship Excursion Trap

If you book your excursion through the cruise line, avoiding the mega-bus tours mentioned above is hard. A private or small group tour booked with a local provider like VIP Santorini will be better value and provide a better and more authentic experience. However, many cruisers are deterred by the fear-mongering warnings from the cruise line about long waits or missing the boat if they book independent excursions.

Don’t let the warnings scare you off—just make sure you allow plenty of time to get back to the ship before it departs. If you’re afraid you won’t make it off the boat in time for your tour, consider upgrading your ship reservation to a premium class for priority disembarkation.

4. Choosing the Wrong Itinerary 

Although the appeal of a Mediterranean cruise is that you get to see lots of different destinations in one trip, you want to be able actually experience those destinations. So, if you’ve always dreamed of visiting Santorini, don’t choose a cruise itinerary that only stops there for a few hours. You’ll feel rushed and like you didn’t get a true taste of the destination. Make sure you read the cruise’s itinerary carefully before booking, and look for cruises with full-day stops (i.e., the ship will be docked from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) at the destinations that are most important to you.

5. Not Eating Off the Ship

One of the perks of traveling on a cruise is the all-you-can-eat buffet, but save some stomach space for dining off-ship. Shipboard meals are convenient, but tasting the local cuisine is an essential part of travel you don’t want to deprive yourself of.

When you’re onshore, visit local restaurants and markets to immerse yourself in the authentic food culture. VIP Santorini recommends trying the following Mediterranean classics:

• Greek salad
• Olive oil
• Cheese
• Wine
• Spirits, including ouzo or raki

6. Packing the Wrong Shoes

Visiting many Greek destinations, including Athens and the islands, involves significant amounts of walking. You’ll need to be prepared for cobblestone streets, steep hills, and uneven pathways. If you’ve packed uncomfortable shoes or flimsy flip-flops, you won’t be able to explore as much as you hoped and might wind up back at the ship earlier than planned, nursing blisters or sore feet. 

Pack comfortable shoes that are well-broken-in and can handle uneven terrain and many miles. 

Bonus Insider Tips: Santorini & Athens

The experts at VIP Santorini have years of on-the-ground experience across the Mediterranean. Here are their insider tips for visitors to two of the most popular Mediterranean cruise destinations, Santorini and Athens.

Santorini Travel Tips

The old port in Fira, Santorini, is separated from the main town by a steep climb, so be prepared. There are three main options to get from the old port into town:

1. Cable car: Quick and efficient, but expect lines during peak hours.
2. Walking: It is a steep climb up over 600 stairs to reach the town from the old port. Be prepared for a strenuous workout, and also expect to share the stairs with donkeys.
3. Donkey rides: A controversial choice that animal welfare advocates advise against.

Walking in the Villages

Narrow cobblestone paths connect the picturesque villages of Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli. Exploring these iconic towns means navigating many stairs and uneven surfaces. Take your time, wear breathable clothing, and carry water, especially in the summer heat. 

Recommended Service in Santorini

For a reliable and excellent experience in Santorini, consider using VIP Santorini. They offer tailored tours and transfers, allowing you to explore the island’s stunning landscapes and traditional villages comfortably and at your own pace.

Athens Travel Tips

Athens is a mix of ancient ruins and bustling urban streets. Walking to landmarks like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki markets requires stamina.

Tips for Visiting the Acropolis:

• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip—some pathways around the ruins can be slippery.
• Morning visits are less crowded and cooler, making the climb more enjoyable.

Key Items to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (preferably closed-toe for uneven paths).
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Light layers: The weather can vary between sunny afternoons and breezy evenings.

The post 6 Mistakes Not to Make on Your Mediterranean Cruise appeared first on SmarterTravel.

One of my biggest pet peeves when I am flying is people who cannot follow the rules when it comes to boarding (and disembarking, for that matter). I was thrilled to see that American Airlines is on my side and is testing a new boarding process technology that will crack down on people who try to board earlier than their assigned boarding group. 

The new technology will create an audible alert to the boarding agents, letting them know the passenger is boarding earlier than their boarding group. Agents will then (presumably) ask the passenger to step aside and wait for their correct boarding time. According to a report by CBS News, “gate agents still retain some discretion over the boarding process.” In other words, if they get the alert, it is up to them to decide whether you must wait to board. If you are traveling with a group and have a later boarding group than everyone else, they may let it slide (but they may not!) 

After testing the new protocol at three airports (Albuquerque International, Tucson International, and Ronald Reagan Washington National), they are expanding to 100 airports nationwide before the Thanksgiving travel rush. Julie Rath, American’s Senior Vice President of Airport Operations, Reservations and Service Recovery said in a statement that they’ve heard from their customers “that the ability to board with their assigned group is important to them because it’s a benefit associated with their AAdvantage status or fare purchase,” and that “the initial positive response from customers and team members has exceeded our expectations, so we are thrilled to leverage this technology to deliver for them ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.”

The airline states that “the new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.” 

Airports included in the expansion are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is the busiest airport in the country.

The post American Airlines is Cracking Down on Boarding Group Cheaters appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C.

All Kimpton hotels offer a nightly complimentary wine hour for guests, a tradition that was started at the brand’s first hotel in San Francisco in 1981. Kimpton’s founder, Bill Kimpton, wanted guests to “feel a sense of community and inclusion, and relax at the end of the day.” 

At the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, D.C., the tradition continues strong, and the happy hour is held in a warm and welcoming communal space that encourages guests to socialize. 

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Virgin Hotels Chicago

Join Virgin Hotels’ free loyalty program, The Know, and you’ll get more than just reward points. The Know members get a free Spirit Hour at Virgin Hotels, which includes beer, wine, and cocktails. 

At the Virgin Hotels Chicago, the happy hour is held on the rooftop bar, so guests can enjoy epic views with their free drinks.  

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Kimpton George Hotel, Washington, D.C.

The Kimpton George Hotel puts a local spin on the brand’s famous wine hour, offering themed beverages based on holidays, seasons, or special occasions. Guests who stayed at the George during cherry blossom season, for example, were able to indulge in free cherry cordial and sake cocktail during happy hour.

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Hotel Lucia, Portland, Oregon

Home to over 80 breweries, Portland, Oregon is sometimes called the Craft Beer Capital. So it’s only fitting that the Hotel Lucia offers a nightly free craft beer hour for guests. Between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, the hotel’s bartenders will serve complimentary brews so guests can sample Portland’s best breweries without blowing their budget.  

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James New York NoMad

The James New York Nomad has guests covered from morning to night. The hotel’s lounge, the James Club, serves free coffee and breakfast snacks in the morning, and hosts a wine hour in the evening. 

The James Club is equipped with fast and free WiFi, so guests can take advantage of the drinks and snacks while working remotely if they choose. 

Book Here

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.

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According to their survey, the top fifteen countries to travel to in the world in 2025 are as follows: 

1. Iceland
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. Ireland
5. Switzerland
6. New Zealand
7. Germany
8. Norway
9. Japan
10. Denmark
11. Portugal
12. Spain
13. United Kingdom
14. Netherlands
15. Sweden

The Safest Country To Travel To This Year

Iceland, 2024’s number nine spot, takes the top spot this year. Thanks to the country’s only main road, car accidents are rare. Although it has a short shoulder season (part of October and part of April), traveling on shoulder season is unnecessary for an affordable vacation. Flights are usually fairly cheap from the US, and you can easily make it a stop-off on your way (or way back) from Europe on Iceland Air. While crime and accidents are rare, their ranking can fluctuate thanks to active volcanoes, making some years less safe than others. 

Methodology

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection came up with the list by surveying American travelers asking them to rate countries they had visited on safety. Those ratings were then combined with other data like the Global Peace Index and city-level safety scores to calculate an overall safety score for each country, creating a balanced score. 

Specific Travel Safety Categories

The survey given to American travelers also sought to rank countries on specific safety factors. These results differ from the overall safety results as they do not weight them with other data; they are strictly the opinions of the travelers. The top five countries in specific categories included: 

Safety from Violent Crime

1. Norway
2. Canada 
3. Australia
4. Ireland
5. Iceland

Safety from Terrorism 

1. United Arab Emirates 
2. Canada 
3. Ireland 
4. New Zealand 
5. Australia 

Transportation Safety

1. Canada 
2. Australia 
3. New Zealand 
4. Ireland 
5. Denmark 

Healthcare Safety

1. Canada 
2. Norway 
3. New Zealand 
4. Ireland 
5. Italy 

Women’s/LGBTQIA+/People of Color Safety

1. New Zealand 
2. Canada 
3. Ireland 
4. Australia 
5. United Kingdom 

The study also notes the differing results between demographics. For instance, Gen Z found Croatia, Ireland, and the Netherlands to be the safest, while Millennials ranked New Zealand, Canada, and Australia at the top. 

You can read the entire survey results here. 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection provides insurance for trip cancellations, delays, baggage loss or delay, travel medical emergencies, and other travel-related risks. 

The post The Safest Places to Travel to in 2025 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Yesterday, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced that the automatic refund rule for airlines had gone into full effect, just in time for the holiday travel rush. 

In an announcement on Threads, Secretary Buttigieg stated that “passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them-without headaches or haggling.” 

Automatic Refunds for Flight Cancelations and Significant Delays

The new rule means that if a flight is canceled or significantly changed and the passenger does not accept the changed flight, a rebooking, or alternative compensation, the passenger will automatically get a refund without having to request one or go through hoops to try to get one. Please note that “significant delay” has not been defined by the DOT; it is up to the airline to discern what constitutes a significant delay, and it may change from case to case. 

Class of Service Change Refund

Occasionally, the aircraft needs to be changed, and sometimes, you may be downgraded from first or business class to economy. If that happens, you are now entitled to an automatic refund in the amount of the difference in the ticket price. 

Optional Service Fee Refund

If you prepaid for an optional service on board, such as WiFi, inflight entertainment, or seat selection, and your flight is canceled or the airline does not provide the service (sometimes the WiFi is out), you are entitled to a refund. Please note that you may need to notify the airline that the service is not working. 

Significantly Delayed Baggage Return Refund

Passengers who file a mishandled baggage refund are entitled to a refund of their checked baggage fee if the bags are missing twelve hours after a domestic flight’s arrival or fifteen or thirty hours after an international flight’s arrival at the gate, depending on the length of the flight. 

Exceptions to the Automatic Refund

As with everything, there are exceptions to this rule. Situations not included are:

1. You purchased a non-refundable ticket. (there are exceptions to this, as airlines may decide to refund you even if you have a non-refundable ticket). 
2. You cancel a trip due to a personal issue. 
3. You are unhappy with your experience with the airline. 
4. Incidental expenses, such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and meals, are accrued because the flight was canceled or delayed. 

How To Get A Refund For Your Canceled Flight

If you believe you are entitled to a refund, contact the airline in writing about your refund and the situation surrounding the request (canceled flight, significant delay, etc.). You should receive a refund within a reasonable amount of time—within seven days for flights booked with a credit card and within twenty days for flights booked using cash or check. If the airline refuses your refund request, you should file a complaint with the DOT.

The post New Airline Automatic Refund Rule Takes Effect: What Travelers Need to Know appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Let Flight Deals Decide Your Destination

If you don’t have your heart set on a specific destination, you can save a ton of money by letting flight deals influence where you travel to. You’ll be able to fly for even cheaper if you can be flexible on the dates you travel as well.

Google Explore is a great tool for finding amazing flight deals across the globe. You can put in your home airport and travel dates (which can be specific dates or as broad as a “one week trip in the next six months”) and you’ll see a map showing cheap flights to a wide range of destinations. 

Explore Alternative Modes of Transportation

Flying may seem like the fastest way to travel between destinations, but when you factor in getting to and from the airport, waiting in security lines, and checking in, sometimes other modes of transportation can turn out to be quicker—and cheaper.

Before you book a flight to get to your next destination, check out Rome2rio. The site will show you all of the available options for transportation between two spots, including buses, ferries, flights, and driving. It’s especially useful if you’re looking to book a multi-destination trip. 

Pick Destinations Where the Dollar Goes Further

It’s easy to spend less when you travel somewhere where the dollar goes further. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to see how pricey a destination is before you travel. Known as the Big Mac Index, this list ranks countries by how cheap a standardized item is to purchase. The list uses McDonald’s Big Mac hamburger as the comparison item, as it’s something that’s available in almost every country in the world. 

Avoid Unnecessary Fees

Inflation is bad enough—don’t make your trip more expensive than it already is by paying foreign transaction fees. These are sneaky fees (up to 5% of the purchase price) that many banks and credit card companies charge consumers for using their credit or debit cards abroad to pay in foreign currency. 

There are plenty of options for cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees (or even ATM fees), so be sure to use one when you travel—Capital One, for example, doesn’t have foreign transaction fees for any U.S.-issued credit cards.

Price Out the Whole Trip Before You Book

Find an amazing flight deal? Make sure you quickly check prices for your entire trip before you press “buy.” Any savings from the flight could be eaten up by the costs on the ground if you choose an expensive destination.

Price out the cost of a hotel, rental car (if needed), and average cost of meals to get a better idea of how much your trip will cost to be safe before you book anything non-refundable.  

The post 5 Money Saving Secrets for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Inevitably, you’ll make a wrong turn, realizing your mistake only after walking for what feels like miles. The moment of truth comes when you reach a dead end or an emergency exit, forcing you to retrace your steps with embarrassment and annoyance. This scenario is particularly irritating when you’re already running late for a meeting or trying to catch a flight.

While getting lost in a hotel might seem like a trivial concern in the grand scheme of travel woes, these minor inconveniences can accumulate, adding unnecessary stress to what should be a relaxing or productive trip. The time spent navigating back to your starting point can throw off your entire schedule, not to mention the frustration it causes.

Fortunately, seasoned travelers have developed clever strategies to combat this common problem. One particularly ingenious trick recently gained popularity thanks to a TikTok video shared by flight attendant @allycase1 shared on TikTok. Her simple yet effective method has the potential to save countless travelers from the dreaded hotel hallway maze.

The hack is beautifully straightforward: upon first entering your hotel room, take a moment to place your shoes near the door, with the toes pointing in the direction of the elevator. This visual cue serves as a personal compass, instantly orienting you each time you leave your room. 

If you’re not comfortable leaving your shoes by the door, you could use other items as directional markers. A cup set to one side of the door or even a simple note with an arrow drawn can serve the same purpose.

The post This Simple Trick Will Make Your Next Hotel Stay Easier appeared first on SmarterTravel.