Category: Travel Inspiration

“Workcation” is a term that has gained traction in the last couple of years. According to The Boutique Vibe, “a workcation means taking a short break from your regular working routine but still being able to fulfil your employment obligations and resting at the same time.” Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic many employers have been allowing employees to work from home, which essentially gives workers the freedom to work from anywhere.

While this new corporate culture cuts the ties to traditional office settings for many employees, there are still factors that should be considered for workers to effectively perform and maintain productivity. InsureMyTrip examined specific data points related to work and play to create our list of the top U.S. cities to visit for a workcation.

Best U.S. City for a Workcation

Key Findings

With the average daily cost of an Airbnb of $141, and an average rating for top attractions of 4.68/5 stars on Google, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the best city for a Workcation. In second place is Salt Lake City, Utah, with a rating of 4.81/5 stars for quality of co-working spaces. In third place is Boise, Idaho, with the best rated coffee shops at 4.7/5 stars on Google, and have a high score of 4.67/5 stars for top attractions.

If accommodation is an important part of your destination decision, the top five cities for internet coverage, with 98% of Airbnbs in the area having internet are: Portland, Oregon, Ohio, Columbus, Seattle Washington, Denver, Colorado, and San Jose, California. In terms of the cheapest Airbnbs though, first is Cleveland, Ohio at $130/day, second is St. Louis, Missouri at $132/day, rounding off the top three is Portland, Oregon at $134/day.

If your main concern is your ability to work effectively whilst away from home, the cities of Indianapolis, Indiana and Baltimore, Maryland, each have highly rated co-working spaces, with an average of 4.9/5 stars on Google. In addition, New York has the fastest internet download speed with 581.7 mbps.

If the vacation element of a workation is the most important to you, West Palm Beach, Florida has the best rated coffee shops with an average of 4.64/5 stars on Google. Salt Lake City, Utah has the best rated attractions with an average of 4.7/5 stars on Google.

Solo travel is on the rise, according to Booking.com 54% of women want to travel solo in 2024. With hundreds of cities to choose from it’s important to travel somewhere with great tourism and feels safe. So which city has the best of everything?

At InsureMyTrip we wanted to find out what the best city is for solo female travelers and we wanted to compare these cities to the last three years to see how the rankings have changed. We ranked 62 cities based on data points relating to cost, safety, gender equality (based on gender gap reports from WEForum and Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security), and tourism. This gave us a definitive list of the best places for female solo travel.

The holiday season is synonymous with travel, but a December trip doesn’t always mean a trip to grandma’s house. Many people experience a bit of stress with this festive season, so many use this month as an opportunity to enjoy a vacation. One way to reward yourself for all that holiday shopping is a stay at a five-star hotel – but price may also be a concern at this time of year, and it may be a challenge to justify the expense.

Given these circumstance, InsureMyTrip has reviewed recent data from Luxury Link and Google Hotel Search to identify the most cost-effective five-star accommodations in the U.S.

The Most Cost-Effective Five-Star Hotels in Each State

Some hotel chains are so consistent in their pricing that they are the best performers across several states. The following chains had multiple appearances across various states:

• The Ritz-Carlton – most economical in Colorado and Arizona
• Hilton Hotels – most economical in New Mexico and Pennsylvania

Elsewhere, most of the cost-effective hotels were independent.

Out of the 35 states that currently have five-star accommodations, two-thirds cost less than $300 per night over the Christmas holiday.

Ranking The Most Economical Five-Star Hotels in Each State

The lowest priced five-star hotel in the U.S. is Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, New Mexico. Vdara Hotel & Spa in Nevada, Bar Harbor Grand Hotel in Maine, Rabun Manor Resport in North Carolina and Admiral Weaver Inn in Rhode Island make up the five most cost-effective hotels in an independent state, respectively.

The highest priced five-star hotels are located in Utah and Texas. Here the lowest price for a one night stay is $995 in Utah (Montage Deer Valley) and $603 in Texas (The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston).

Methodology

InsureMyTrip searched for five-star hotels on Luxury Link and Google Hotel Search for a one-night stay for two in December 2021.

Only hotels that served breakfast and were less than $1,000 a night were included in the study.

There’s nothing quite like looking at your calendar and finding the perfect time to take your next vacation. Your entire plan is set. Your travel party has been confirmed. The only unanswered question remaining is: where should you go? Maybe some of your family or friends want to relax on the beach in a tropical location. Still, others might rather explore a historic domestic city. Well, both can be achieved by taking a luxurious cruise along the Gulf Coast. These domestic cruises depart from U.S. cities along the coast and make stops in various locations. So, consider taking a cruise along the Gulf Coast next time you’re looking for a way to incorporate both relaxation and adventure into your vacation. Here are some things you should know before setting sail:

Where Cruises Depart

There are several cruise locations that you can depart from when taking your cruise along the Gulf Coast. Domestic cruises depart from beautiful cities such as New Orleans, Galveston, and Tampa Bay. You can also depart from Southeastern United States locations such as Charleston, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. These double as international cruises in many cases as they take travelers to exotic locations. These destinations include places like the Caribbean, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Bahamas. There are ports all over the country that take cruisers to tropical locations as well as historic cities that are perfect for exploration.

Cruise Itineraries

One example of an enticing domestic and international cruise is offered by Carnival Cruises. This specific cruise departs from New Orleans, which is a city that all U.S. residents should explore during their lifetimes. Spending a few nights in New Orleans before leaving for your cruise is a perfect way to kick off your dream vacation. After departing from New Orleans, the ship takes cruisers to Key West, FL before bringing them to the Bahamas. This allows travelers to explore a domestic city before setting sail towards more tropical locations. Domestic cruises departing from Galveston, TX bridge the gap to international locations by bringing travelers to countries like: Honduras, Belize, Mexico, and their surrounding islands. This is also a great way for cruisers to explore exotic locations while remaining close to the United States. This means less time at sea for those who may get seasick.

Canada & New England Cruises

If you’re located in or near the New England area, there are plenty of cruises to choose from that depart conveniently right near you. These cruises could also be an option if you’re not interested in the traditional tropical island cruise. Or, you might prefer to see some of the most scenic ports and cities the East Coast has to offer. There are several options when it comes to cruising from New England. These domestic and international cruises take travelers to some ports in Canadian cities such as Halifax, Sydney, Gaspe, and Quebec City. This is a perfect option for those not looking to spend a lot of time on the beach or on various islands. Cruising from New England to Canada can be perfect for those looking for a relaxing vacation. This way, you can take in scenic ports located across the Northeast coast of the United States.

Traveling during the holiday season is a joy for many people, but not everyone is able to get away during the holidays. With family commitments and increased traffic, many travelers are unable to pack their bags. To help bring the joy and excitement of holiday travel to your home, the team at InsureMyTrip has collected some of our favorite holiday traditions from around the world. We invite you to try something new this holiday season and experience these unique traditions from around the world – without even leaving home!

South Africa: Deep-Fried Caterpillar

In South Africa, the locals have a feast like no other. They deep-fry the caterpillar of the Emperor Moth as part of their Christmas feast. While this particular tradition may be best attempted by the more adventurous eaters in your family, you may consider an imitation version as part of your holiday feast.

Germany: The Christmas Pickle (Weihnachtsgurke)

In Germany it is a tradition for parents to hide a pickle somewhere on their evergreen Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. The first child to find the pickle gets a special gift on Christmas Day. The question is…dill or gerkin?

New Zealand: Decorating the Potuhukawa Tree

Are you tired of the traditional fir Christmas tree? Perhaps you should celebrate this year like the people of New Zealand – they decorate a Potuhukawa tree, which is a coastal evergreen tree in the myrtle family that produces a brilliant display of red flowers.

Ukraine: Legend of the Christmas Spider

If the traditions we have shared so far are a little too tame for you and you really want to try something different this year, grab your Halloween decorations from the attic. In the Ukraine the citizens traditionally decorate their trees with an artificial spider and its web. The folktale surrounds an impoverished widow’s children who discover a pine cone on the dirt floor of their home during the summer. The children cared for the budding sapling in hopes of growing a Christmas Tree come winter. The tree grew successfully but the family was unable to afford any decorations on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning they awoke to discover a spider has decorated the tree for them with its beautiful webs, which glistened with gold and silver in the rising sunlight. The family was overjoyed and no longer lives in poverty. With such a positive association, it’s not surprising that spider web decorations are considered good luck and frequently adorn holiday trees in the region.

Czech Republic: The Foretelling Shoe

In the Czech Republic, they practice a tradition in which an unmarried woman stands at an open door and throws a shoe over her shoulder. If the shoe is pointing toward the door when it lands, the belief is that she will get married in the next year. Who needs to wait until wedding season to catch the bouquet?

Iceland: The 13 Days of Christmas (Shoes)

Iceland has an interesting twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas. The Icelandic children leave their shoes on a windowsill for the 13 days before Christmas. Every night, a “Yule lad” travels down from the mountains to leave gifts and sweets in them for the good children. If the child is bad, the Yule lad leaves a raw potato instead.

Slovakia: Christmas Food Fight

There is nothing better – or most unexpected for many American – than a good ol’ fashioned holiday food fight. In Slovakia, this idea is taken to new heights – literally. In this tradition, the most senior male of the household throws a wooden spoonful of loksa pudding (similar to a bread pudding) at the ceiling. The more that sticks, the better the luck for the family will have in the coming year.

Great Britain: Old-Fashioned Christmas Pudding

In Great Britain, they are more reserved with their Christmas pudding. The tradition says that each member of the family must stir the Christmas pudding in a clockwise motion, prior to it being cooked, while making a wish.

Top Travel Destinations for Golfing

Golfing is one of the most popular activities for those relaxing while on vacation, and it got us thinking – where are the best travel destinations to go golfing? If you’re looking to bring your clubs on your next vacation or weekend getaway, take a look at our “best-of” list. You’ll find the best golf trip destinations for both domestic and international locations, so you can start planning your golfing getaway close to home or overseas.

Best Domestic Travel Destinations for Golf Trips

The United States has no shortage of top-notch golf courses, many of which host major tournaments and events. California and Florida are both highly regarded for the quality and quantity of golf courses. Other oceanside golf destinations in the U.S. include Hawaii, Georgia, and the Carolinas. While these locations have a strong golf history, there are some other more surprising destinations that make the list, such as Arizona, Wisconsin and Michigan. So whether you’re planning your domestic golf trip for the spring, summer, or fall, you’ll have plenty of U.S. options to choose from.

Monterey, California

Monterey is home to Pebble Beach Links, which is arguably the most popular course in the area. That said, the Monterey Peninsula is also home to several other brilliant golf courses along the beautiful coastline, including The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pasatiempo Golf Club, Poppy Hills Golf Club, Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course, Bayonet & Blackhorse Golf Club, and Del Monte Golf Club. The area is known for hosting golf champions frequently among its many picturesque and challenging courses. If you want to play like the champions in the Masters, with a beautiful ocean backdrop, Monterey is a must.

Oregon Coast

Up the western seaboard from Monterey is the Oregon Coast, which is also home to many state-of-the-art golf courses. From the lustrous greens at Bandon Dunes to the perfectly manicured fairways of Florence Golf Links, there is something for every vacationing golfer. Other popular courses in the area include Pacific Dunes, Ocean Dunes Golf Links, Bandon Crossings, Salmon Run Golf Course, and The Highlands Golf Club as well as the recently opened Sheep Ranch.

Phoenix, Arizona

If you are looking for something a little different, the dry heat, challenge courses, and pristine groundskeeping of the greater Phoenix area may be for you. Between Phoenix and Scottsdale, there are over 200 courses to choose from, including the famous Arizona Biltmore which features two PGA Championship courses. Other popular golf spots include Troon North, We Ko Pa, Quintero Golf Club, Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, TPC Scottsdale, The Boulders Resort, Papago Golf Course, and The Raven Golf Club at South Mountain. Best of all, the mix of public and private courses allows travelers to find one course that fits their budget.

The Carolinas

For an island getaway with golf as a number one pass time, Hilton Head is the perfect vacationing golfer’s destination. There are 23 championship courses in the area alone, and the combination of public and private clubs ensures travelers have lots of options no matter their skill level or budget. You’ll find excellent resorts, beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and an endless supply of relaxation. Palmetto Dunes and The Sea Pines Resorts are favorites among avid golfers. Outside of Hilton Head, visitors to both North and South Carolina have lots of options, including Pinehurst, Linville Golf Club, Old North State Club, Grove Park Golf, and Tidewater.

Savannah, Georgia

Nearby Hilton Head is Savannah, Georgia, which also has a rich golf history with many courses to choose from, like the Club at Savannah Harbor and Crosswinds. Additional course options include Augusta National Golf Club, Peachtree, East Lake, Atlanta Athletic Club (Highlands), Ocean Forest, and Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside).

Palm Beach, Florida

Just down the eastern coast from Georgia and the Carolinas is Palm Beach, Florida. The area is home to 100 courses within 20 miles, and the variety of public and private options makes it easy for visitors to the area to find the right course. If you’re looking for a great golf retreat or a little relaxing sport on your next vacation, West Palm Beach has the course for you. From PGA tour courses to the dazzling greens at Ocean Course at the Breakers. These courses aren’t for the budget golfer, but they sure are rewarding to play. Palm Beach Par-3 is a municipal course, which is perfect for vacationers.

Wisconsin – Kohler, Sand Valley, & Green Lake

Many new golfers are surprised to hear that Wisconsin offers some of the best travel destinations for domestic golfers. The state is home to Kohler, Sand Valley, and Green Lake. Kohler is a top choice for golf vacations simply because there are four resort courses located across two different sites. Whistling Straits (Straits Course) has been featured in the PGA Championship, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed option, the River Course at Blackwolf’s Run is ideal. Sand Valley and Green Lake are both located in central Wisconsin and are adjacent to beautiful lakes. The unique designs and different approach to waterfront golfing make these areas top choices for golfers on vacation. Nearby Milwaukee also has several course options, like Erin Hills and Brown Deer Park, for those visiting the area.

Traverse City, Michigan

Across the lake from Milwaukee is Traverse City, Michigan. The area features over 30 public and championship golf courses. Bay Meadows Family Golf Course, Traverse City Country Club, and Interlochen Golf Course are among the top golf destinations in the area, but there is an option for every golfer no matter what skill level or budget constraints they may have. If you plan to travel to the upper Midwest for your next golf getaway, make sure to account for seasonality. Golf courses in the area are not open year-round as they are in some other areas, but they can be great options for those looking to avoid the summer heat or large crowds.

Hawaii

Like California and Florida, oceanside golfing is at its peak in Hawaii. The islands are home to many different courses popular among golf enthusiasts, but the most well-known include Nanea Golf Club, Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Club, the Plantation Course at Kapalua, and Wailea Golf Club. Planning your Hawaii golf trip will depend on which island or islands you plan to visit, but travelers will have plenty of scenic options for hitting the links.

Best International Travel Destinations for Golf Trips

For those looking to head overseas for a trip, there are plenty of great international destinations for golfers. Golf has its roots in Scotland, so there’s no surprise that the country features some of the world’s finest courses. Similarly, Ireland is home to some of the best golf courses, which are frequent spots for professional tournaments and competitions. Golf continues to grow in popularity “down under” as well, with Australia and New Zealand also ranking among the top countries in the world for golf courses.

Scotland

As we mentioned, Scotland is the birthplace of golf and the rich tradition of the sport prevails to this day. Perhaps the world’s greatest course, St. Andrews (specifically Old Course), in Fife continues to be a “bucket-list” course among avid golfers. It’s also a cool bit of history since it’s recognized as the world’s oldest. Scotland is also home to the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Muirfield Golf Club, Kingsbarns Golf Links, North Berwick Golf Club, and Carnoustie Golf Links. As you might expect, the cost of a round of golf at some of these clubs can be high. However, since golf is so popular in the area, there are also a number of municipal courses that are more affordable for amateur players on vacation.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has about 100 golf courses but a population of only around 2 million, so it’s easy to see that the region takes the sport very seriously. Like Scotland, Northern Ireland golf courses date back hundreds of years. As a result, it’s a top destination for vacationing golfers. Those looking to plan a golf trip to the area should check out Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Lough Erne, and Belvoir Park.

Nova Scotia, Canada

While Canada has plenty of great spots to golf, the premier courses in the country are found in Nova Scotia. These courses feature cliffside golfing reminiscent of the classic courses found in the Scottish Highlands. Golfers headed to the area for vacation should consider checking out Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, Highlands Links, Fox Harb’r, Links at Brunello, and Digby Pines.

Australia

Like many top golf destinations, Australia’s best courses dot the coastline. While Perth and the northern coast in Queensland have some great options, the vast majority of the top-rated courses are located in New South Wales, including the cities of Melbourne and Sydney. If you’re planning a trip to Australia, consider hitting the links at Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Barnbougle Dunes, New South Wales Golf Club, Cape Wickham, and Ellerston.

New Zealand

New Zealand is another great option for those looking for golf vacation destinations below the equator. The island nation is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, so it makes sense that it is also home to some of the world’s top golf resorts and clubs. With nearly 400 total clubs with options on both the north and south islands, vacationing golfers have plenty of choices in New Zealand. Some of the most notable courses in the region include Tara Iti, Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch Club, Paraparaumu Beach, Kauri Cliffs, Jack’s Point, and Arrowtown.

If you’re planning to golf on your vacation or business trip, this list is a great jumping-off point but it’s by no means exhaustive. There are new courses and existing clubs that are redeveloped by the golf industry’s top designers regularly, so be on the lookout for new and exciting destinations that didn’t make the cut.

Trip Insurance for Golf Vacations

Over the years, golf has gone from a leisurely pastime to a very competitive sport. For this reason, a round of golf at a premier course is likely to set you back a few dollars. If you’re planning an entire vacation around the sport, you’ll want to consider purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Travel insurance not only covers travel to and from your destination but may also cover baggage, including your prized clubs. Read about travel insurance coverage for golf trips to see how a plan could protect against the unexpected and help make sure your golf vacation goes off without a hitch.

What is The Big E Fair?

If you are looking for a true fall experience in Massachusetts, you really can’t go without a trip to the Eastern States Exposition

When is The Big E Fair?

The exact dates vary year to year, but generally The Big E runs annually from mid-September to early October. Most of the events are scheduled during September and October but some of the shows, competitions, and festivals occur year-round.

Where Does The Big E Fair Take Place?

Since the fair is so large with so many participants from all over New England, there are actually a variety of entertainment venues, buildings, and locations used for the events. The main fairgrounds is located at 1305 Memorial Ave in West Springfield, MA (Get Directions). The Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield offers special rates for attendees, but you’ll want to book early. Additional hotels are available as well, but many fair goers prefer to camp at the fairgrounds. Camping sites feature low rates, from as little as $15-25 per day, with full-utility hookups.

What is There to Do at The Big E?

While my family and I go every year, this tradition started before we added our kids to the equation. Any type of traveler will find a good time at The Big E. Whether you are bringing your kids to have a little fun with the animals or in the fairgrounds or you are making a day of it with your significant other, you can’t go wrong with this fair. There is really something for everyone – from rides, games, and farm animals – to great hometown food and handmade crafts.

Agriculture

OK, not everyone has a love for livestock. But my 1-year-old son adores all types of animals. We spent a good chunk of time feeding quarters into the feed dispensers at the petting zoo and feeding the livestock and exotic animals there.

From goats and bulls to donkeys and camels, this petting zoo had it all. Right next door, you could even ride an elephant! (If our son wasn’t scared out of wits the last time we tried to put him on a pony, we may have even entertained the idea.)

Food & Drink

I promise if you eat food, you will be happy at The Big E. You can literally (I mean, literally) find any type of food at the fair. Let’s see – in the three hours that we spent on the fairgrounds, we devoured Bavarian nuts, freshly squeezed limeade, a sour dill pickle (the whole thing), oysters on the half shell, a turkey leg and, oh yea, fried Oreos.

Those didn’t peak your interest? How about – craft beers, sausage and peppers, gigantic baked potato, apple cider, apple cider donuts, blueberry crisp, a pulled pork sandwich, Homestyle chili, vintage wine, delicious ice cream, melt-in-your mouth fudge – the list goes on and on, I promise.

I didn’t even mention the fried food you’ll probably love to try and hate that you devour it. This year was the first year we made the courageous decision to try fried Oreos. Let me tell you, we did not regret it. I wasn’t thinking about the calorie count when I was savoring the melted chocolate and frosting in my mouth. Oreos not your thing? You can get fried pickles, Kool-Aid, butter, cookies; I’m sure if you look hard enough you can find some fried veggies somewhere.

Avenue of the States

The heart and soul of The Big E is the Avenue of the States. With each New England state represented, you can experience all of the region in just under two hours (or less if you’re quick about it). Essentially, you shuffle around each building, following the interested masses, to see the best of what each state has to offer.

While you’ll recognize some of the booths (like Lego, Pez or the Teddy Bear Factory), you’ll also be able to experience booths of small businesses that showcase New England culture. You can try local craft brews, purchase one of a kind pottery and the tastiest spice concoctions, dips and marinades. Every year there is something new in each state to enjoy and discover.

Storrowton Village

If you’ve ever spent a bit of time in Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts (a living museum that recreates life in rural New England during the late 1700s), you pretty much know what you’ll experience when you cross the street into the Storrowton Village area at the fair. They have kiosks selling handmade items that you can picture the pilgrims using at some point – old time toys and games for the kids, steel signs and even handmade straw brooms.

The fair workers in this section are dressed to impress, giving you the real experience. If your kids get tired of playing with the games available, they can sit and have a rest to watch the marionette show. Although, if I’m completely honest, it freaked me out a little bit. Though I’m sure the older kids may have enjoyed it.

This part of the fairgrounds also opens up to a more traditional craft fair that’s chalk full of handmade items you’ll definitely want for your home, but unsure where you’ll put it. Oh, just me?

Carnival Fairgrounds & Rides

What is a fall fair without some carnival rides, am I right? Well The Big E is pretty much a carnival on steroids. From the little kiddos to the big ones, you can find a ride for everyone. If you’re interested in looking at the grounds from above, you can choose one of the two Ferris wheels. If you’re little ones are looking for a little excitement, definitely check out the kid section (most rides require you to be at least 36 inches in height). You will find the thrill seekers in the main part of the carnival.

But if you are really curious, I recommend coughing up the extra buck or two to see the world’s largest pig or the world tallest horse. You can’t miss that.

As worldwide travel restrictions continue to lift, travelers once again have an abundance of vacation destination options to choose from. Our latest research helps indecisive travelers find inspiration for their next destination in a slightly unusual way.

Like people, cities are believed to have unique personalities. And just as a person can be drawn to different people based on their individual characteristics, they can also be drawn to specific cities.

How? Astrology may be the indicator.

Astrological signs, also known as zodiac or star signs, are believed by some to have an influence on important aspects of our personalities. These include things we like, things we don’t like, our strengths and our weaknesses. Based on the widely accepted characteristics of each zodiac sign, we’ve compiled a list of domestic and international cities best suited for each to visit.

Best U.S. Cities to Visit Based on Your Zodiac Sign

For those of you not quite comfortable with international travel just yet, these are the domestic cities that you may be naturally drawn to:

Best International Cities to Visit Based on Your Zodiac Sign

If you are ready to travel internationally, these global cities may be best for you:

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you believe in the influence of astrology or not, many find it amusing to explore the idea of visiting a new destination based on your zodiac sign. Many travelers welcome a new method of finding vacation inspiration, and you may just find your next trip is written in the stars.

Sources

Zodiac Profile Information

The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist spots in the United States and is the second most visited of any U.S. national park. Each year, around 6 million people travel to the geographic wonder. If you’re planning a family trip or a solo adventure, you may be wondering what there is to do at the Grand Canyon. We’ve compiled some helpful travel tips, FAQs, and most importantly a list of some of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon. While each traveler’s experience will be unique, this list will help you make the most of a visit to the Grand Canyon.

Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

Choosing you accommodations, transportation method, and even planning the right activities depends on who is in your travel group. If you’re an avid solo backpacker, there are endless options for hiking. But if you’re traveling as a family with small children, a day’s long hike through the backcountry may not be the best choice. For this reason, the activities and recommendations highlighted are intended for travelers of a variety of ages and abilities.

Stay in a Hotel in Tusayan

Staying inside a national park isn’t for everyone, especially those who like in-room wi-fi and air conditioning. Tusayan, Arizona is less than 10 minutes from the South Rim park entrance and has all the amenities on a three-block strip, including fast-food & sit-down restaurants, hotels, shops, and fuel stations (even Tesla charging stations). As you can imagine the easy access to the park makes Tusayan a popular choice for all types of travelers, but you’ll want to book well in advance as the hotels fill up fast. If Tusayan hotels are full, you can look in Williams and Flagstaff for additional options. Just know that each is further away–a little over an hour from the park entrances.

Still want to stay inside the park? If you’re traveling to the North Rim, there are two lodging options inside the park. The Grand Canyon Lodge features motel rooms and cabins, and the North Rim Campground features traditional and RV camping (no hook-ups but dump station within the campground). Travelers should note that some of these options are not available during the winter months. The most adventurous travelers may be interested in Phantom Ranch. The ranch is located on the canyon floor, which means it’s only accessible by hike or mule ride.

Grand Canyon West also offers in-park lodging, but again, these options tend to book quickly and well in advance. It’s best to reserve your accommodations well ahead of your trip and plan for seasonality.

Use the Park Shuttle

The park shuttle is fantastic. There are several pick-up stops in Tusayan and a shuttle schedule features pick-ups/drop-offs about every 15-20 minutes. It can be nice to have your own car or a rental, but you’ll really appreciate the shuttle when you cruise into the park and bypass the long line of cars waiting to enter. Grand Canyon West is closed to private vehicles but operates a convenient shuttle around the park. Additionally, certain parts of the South Rim are only accessible by bus. A shuttle service also makes the 4.5-hour trip between the South and North Rims, which is especially useful to rim-to-rim hikers. The North Rim is ideal for those in their own cars or rentals, since it is fully open to private vehicles.

Take a Ride on the Grand Canyon Railway

Another great way to get to the South Rim is by the Grand Canyon Railway. The train runs from the town of Williams, Arizona, into the heart of the park. Traveling by rail is ideal for those looking to spend about a half-day of exploring the park before returning in the afternoon.

Watch the Park Orientation Film

Kids, history buffs, and everyone in between are sure to enjoy the park’s informative orientation film. It’s such a great way to get background knowledge about the national park’s formation and history. The 22-minute film, Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder, is played at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the hour and half hour throughout the day.

Walk Along the Rim Trail

The Rim Trail is incredible. An easy, paved walk, it’s ideal for children and it’s very much wheelchair and stroller accessible. The 3/4 mile section between Mather Point (adjacent to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center) and Yavapai Point is especially breathtaking. Visitors will find it difficult to take their eyes of the canyon as they walk along the rim.

Attend a Ranger-Led Program

On your first visit to the Grand Canyon, it’s a must to attend a ranger program. You, your kids, or anyone in your travel party can learn about fossils, geology, native birds, and animals. There are even ranger-led walks and night sky programs. Pick up a park newspaper when you arrive to check out the schedule for the day or days you’ll be visiting the park.

Get Your Parks Passport Stamped

First, buy a Passport to Your National Parks online, at the visitor center, or bookstore. Then once you’re inside the park, you can purchase the official sticker for Grand Canyon National Park and add it to your passport book. Make sure to keep your eyes open for cancellation stamps as well. There are at least five stamps, including stamps at Yavapai Geology Museum and Desert View. A stamped park passport book is the ideal keepsake for travelers of any age.

Take Lots of Photos

With the emergence of digital photography, there’s no need to savor your snaps! Plan ahead and make sure you have plenty of blank space on your photo card. That way, you can take as many photos as you like. The Grand Canyon is so vast that it’s impossible to capture every detail in a single photo. If you have experience with panoramic photography, the Grand Canyon is the ideal subject. All of your photos will look great next to your stamped park passport book too!

Become a Junior Ranger

While not for everyone, those traveling with kids will definitely want to take advantage of the Junior Ranger program. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged as they earn badges and patches. You can pick up an activity booklet at any visitor center inside the park. Once you complete the activities and attend a ranger-led program, you’re ready to be sworn in on the spot by a park ranger.

Bring Sandwiches and Eat Along the Rim

Another great way to enjoy the Grand Canyon is to bring your own sandwiches or any other picnic fixings with you and enjoy your lunch at the edge of the rim. Families will enjoy quality time as they bond over the trip while solo travelers can relax in a moment of solidarity. Benches line the rim, so it’s easy to take a rest or grab a bite when you need to.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Journey to the Grand Canyon

While the Grand Canyon is a stunning destination on its own, there are additional must-see experiences that you’ll want make time for on the way. Activities and popular stops vary depending on which park entrance you’re headed for, but some fun examples include half-day rafting trips at Glen Canyon Dam and slot canyon tours at Antelope Canyon. You can also take in the views from Horseshoe Bend in nearby Page, Arizona. If you’re on the other side of the South Rim, plan to make stops along historic Route 66 in Seligman and Chloride.

How to Travel to the Grand Canyon

Most people who visit to the Grand Canyon fly into Phoenix or Las Vegas. There’s also a regional airport in Flagstaff, which is only about an hour from the South Rim. Travelers should note that while this flight service is convenient, airline tickets typically cost a bit more than they would for larger airports. Additionally, Salt Lake City is a popular landing spot for those visiting the North Rim. Just know that no matter which airport you choose, you’ll likely need to rent a car to take you the rest of the way. Public transportation options are limited in this region of the country.

Common Travel Times to the Grand Canyon

Getting to the Grand Canyon isn’t as easy as flying direct for most travelers, so we took a look at some of the most popular routes and travel times. The below times are approximate and assume non-stop travel one way. However, if you’re like us, you’ll want to make some planned and unplanned stops along the way to make the most of your Grand Canyon trip.

• From Flagstaff: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
• From Sedona: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes
• From Phoenix: Approx. 4 hours
• From Las Vegas: Approx. 5 hours
• From Salt Lake City: Approx. 8 hours

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

One of the most common questions travelers ask is “when is the best time to go to the grand canyon?” The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is typically March – May or September – November. During these months, the daytime temperatures are cooler and there are fewer visitors to the park. The peak season is during the summer, but lodging is limited due to the large crowds. Savvy travelers often take advantage of promotional deals run during this time, so it’s a great way to reduce the cost of your trip. While the South Rim is open all year, many parts of the park including the North Rim are closed after the first snowfall of the year.

Travel Insurance for Grand Canyon Trips

No matter how you get there and what you do at the Grand Canyon, make sure to protect your investment with travel insurance. Depending on the travel protection plan purchased, insuring your Grand Canyon trip can help cover flight delays, baggage loss, medical mishaps, and even medical evacuation in extreme cases. While we hope that every traveler has the best experience at the Grand Canyon, we recommend purchasing travel coverage for the trip just in case.

The Danube River snakes its way through 10 countries – starting off in Germany and ending in the Ukraine. It is the longest river in the European Union (at nearly 1800 miles long) and – no surprise – also one of the most popular waterways for river cruising with many popular ports and attractions to discover along the riverbanks. Not sure if a trip down the Danube is right for you? Here’s some tips on where to go, what to do, and top Danube River cruise lines to check out.

Popular Danube River Cruise Ports & Destinations

Danube River cruises tend to debark in Hungary, Germany or Austria with popular stops in cities like Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Nuremberg. Along the way, river cruisers can spot old-country villages, historic castles & medieval fortresses, museums, performance halls, and classic churches. Delectable cuisine and beverages, including local wine and beer offer the perfect complement to complete the Danube River experience.

Danube River Cruise Lines & Companies

For those interested in a river cruise down the Danube, there are several options available. Price, attractions, and the people in your travel party are just a few considerations to take into account when deciding on the best Danube River cruise line for your trip. Some of the most popular companies that service the Danube river include Tauck Tours, Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, and Adventures by Disney.

Tauck Tours

Travelers that book a cruise with Tauck Tours can enjoy wine tastings at private vineyards, visits to medieval towns, and entertainment during visits to cities like Bucharest, Budapest, Prague and Vienna. Tauck Danube cruise durations range from 8 to 25 days long and cost anywhere from around $3,000 – 12,500+. Duration, attractions, events, and amenities as well as seasonality influence the price points of the packages. Some of the highlights from Tauck include but are not limited to:

• Private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna featuring a gala dinner and Viennese performers
• Private aperitif and dinner in Prague at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle
• A private tour of Prague’s Baroque libraries, Strahov Monastery
• A private underground dinner in Wieliczka Salt Mine outside of Krakow
• Early-opening visit to Pergamon Museum in Berlin
• Wine-tasting event at the village of Weissenkirchen, in Austrian wine country
• Interactive onboard workshops, seminars and performances by Tauck’s “maestros”
• A visit to the Opera House in Bratislava with special guests
• Sitting in on an orchestra rehearsal in Vienna
• Music and talk with a professor at Mozarteum University in Salzburg

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises offers river cruisers another great option. Cruises range from 8 to 23 days. Price points start as low as $2000 and run up to around $8000 depending on the package’s amenities, stops, and events. Viking River Cruises accommodates all types of travelers, from couples looking for a romantic getaway to seniors who want to take in a performance of Overammergau, The Passion Play. Some highlights for Viking River Cruises along the Danube include:

• Enchanting Passau, set where three rivers meet
• Lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley
• The baroque splendor of Melk Abbey
• Vienna’s elegant architecture
• The splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig
• Scenic beauty of the picturesque Danube Bend
• Budapest’s stunning Chain Bridge and Parliament Building
• Soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate
• Romania’s rural culture and rich folklore
• Belgrade’s impressive Kalemegdan Fortress

Avalon Waterways

Another cruise line, Avalon Waterways, offers more personalized service and options. Some of the shortest itineraries are just 4 days long, while the longest can last as many as 24 days. Avalon also provides a number of different accommodation and extension options as well. The wide range of durations, accommodations, and price points allows cruisers more flexibility in finding the best Danube River cruise for their vacations. Some of the river cruise highlights include:

• Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk
• Hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
• Scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley
• Free time in Dürnstein
• Guided sightseeing visit to St. Martin’s Cathedral
• Guided walk in Regensburg, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria
• Free time in Linz
• Guided walk in Passau
• Guided tour of Budapest, see Heroes’ Square
• Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour

Emerald Waterways

Emerald Waterways allows travelers to choose from a range of contemporary Danube river cruises and experiences. For example, the 8-day Danube Explorer river cruise provides cruisers an intimate look at the beautiful cobblestone streets of Passau, Bavaria as well as glimpses of history through a 900-year old Benedictine Abbey located in Melk, Austria, while also providing options for active travelers including bike and walking tours. There are fewer options than other companies, but travelers can still select from 8-day cruises costing around $3000 to 11-day excursions up to $5000+. Emerald assures adventurers that no two days on a Danube river cruise are ever alike, so take a look at some of the highlights to find your ideal itinerary:

• Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
• Guided tour of Melk Abbey
• Guided tour of Vienna
• Tour of hidden gem Novi Sad
• Historical architecture of Melk sightseeing
• Hike to Veste Oberhaus
• Bike tour on Danube island
• Afternoon tea with Mary Berry in Vienna
• Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Adventures by Disney

Everyone knows Disney and now families can book a Danube river cruise designed just for them. Disney offers an 8-day cruise with excursions like bike rides from Melk to Krems and a visit to city Sound of Music made famous, Salzburg. While there are fewer options through Disney, the packages are ideal for family travel. Ships and riverboats are sailed by AmaWaterways and prices start at around $4800. Here are some of the highlights for Disney Danube River cruises:

• Visit Budapest Central Market Hall & Lazar Equestrian Park
• Panoramic Tour of Budapest
• Budapest Walking Food Tour
• Bratislava Walking Tour
• Lunch at Schloss Hof
• Panoramic City Tour of Vienna
• Tour Schönbrunn Palace
• Private Marionette Show
• Strudel-Making at Schönbrunn Palace
• Bike Ride to Klosterneuburg Abbey
• Mozart & Strauss Concert
• Explore the Melk Benedictine Abbey
• Tour of Dürnstein & Hike to the Castle
• Tour Salzburg, Explore Mondsee
• Explore the Salt Mines, The Sound of Music Sing-Along
• Walking Tour of Passau with a Marzipan-Making Activity

Danube River Cruise Insurance

No matter which cruise line or itinerary you choose for you Danube river adventure, you should consider purchasing insurance to protect against unforeseen hiccups along the way. While plans and policies vary, river cruise insurance can cover many of the prepaid, non-refundable costs associated with your trip. This can include situations like lost/stolen baggage, connection delays, and other travel mishaps. River cruise insurance is especially important for travelers going on walking excursions or bike tours, since accidents can happen and you’ll want to be prepared just in case. Get a quote today and compare prices, coverages, and options with our unbiased recommendation engine.