WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

You probably don't find yourself discussing the topic with your friends and neighbors, and travel insurance isn't always advertised in big media by entertaining spokespeople (or animals, for that matter). Other insurance policies we purchase - life, health, auto and home - are all self-explanatory for themselves.

Wouldn't travel insurance overlap my current insurance coverage?

This is an often asked question when travelers are considering adding a travel insurance policy to their packing list. While your current life and health offerings will cover something that happens to you while you're traveling within your home country, those same benefits may not extend to you when you travel internationally.

But what exactly is travel insurance?

A simple definition of travel insurance, simply put, travel insurance is a very special line, designed to protect your health and assets in the event something goes wrong during your adventures around the world. While it's not uncommon to purchase trip insurance for your travels domestically, you're more likely to find travel insurance options for international trips. You'll especially find travel insurance offerings when it comes to traveling to lesser developed nations, or areas of the world that are potentially in conflict.

Do I need travel insurance to visit another country?

This is another common question - but a very difficult one to answer. When traveling to many western countries on your own, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, or Germany, you will not be required to provide proof of travel insurance. That being said, travel insurance may be able to help you in these nations if you get ill or become injured during your stay.

In developing countries around the world, travel insurance is strongly recommended for many reasons. For instance, the health and sanitation infrastructure in each of these nations may not be constructed to the same standards as the western world. As a result, tap water can contain parasites, and hospital facilities may not offer the same level of care as you would find at home. In this situation, travel insurance may be able to help you find adequate care facilities, and (in certain situations) facilitate your medical evacuation in the event of an emergency.

On the other hand, some countries may demand that you carry a travel insurance policy before you enter their country. For example: in order to apply to visit Russia, the embassy you are applying at could request proof of travel insurance before issuing a valid visa, in addition to other documents. And travelers who are visiting Cuba are always required to carry proof of a travel insurance policy, or else they may be forced to purchase a policy from a local company before entry is granted.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Choosing a place to go when you have the opportunity to travel can sometimes be overwhelming. However, you can easily narrow your choices down with a thoughtful approach. Considering basic concerns, like what you and everyone else coming along enjoys doing, is an important first step. From there, factoring in how much money and time you have will further help you choose between destinations. Finally, comparing your final choices based on additional concerns, like the time of year and ease of travelling, will help you decide between them.

Method 1 Determining Goals and Desires

Step 1

Consider your interests. Write a list of activities that you enjoy. Brainstorm others that you would like to try for the first time. Narrow down your destination options by knowing exactly what you expect to be there waiting for you. Such activities could include:

Physical pastimes, like hiking, swimming, or skiing.
Cultural activities, such as museums, dining, and theater.
Rest and relaxation, such as spa treatments or simply reading a book poolside.

Step 2

Factor in your current needs. Now that you have created a list of things you enjoy in general, take a step back. Examine your life and situation as it stands today. Ask yourself what you would want most out of a trip if you were to go on one this minute. Then go back through your list and cross out those activities that don’t suit your needs at the moment.

For example, if you’ve been working 60 hours per week, fixing your house up during your off-hours, and training for a marathon, you might appreciate more laidback activities that will allow you to unwind, such as sightseeing or cultural/cuisine related experiences.

Conversely, if you’re bored stiff by your routine, you may want to climb out of your rut by challenging yourself with more adventurous pursuits, such as water skiing or even skydiving.

Step 3

Take fellow travelers into account. If anyone will be travelling with you (such as family or a significant other), have them write their own list(s) of preferred pastimes. Share your lists as a group. Discover which activities everyone hopes to experience so you focus on destinations that will make everybody happy.

If there’s an odd duck in the group whose interests don’t match everyone else’s, ask them to prioritize items on their list so at least some of their expectations are met. For example, if their #1 priority is hiking, while everyone else is more interested in museums, shopping, and theater, consider going to a city that also offers a lot of walking tours.

If only you and your significant other are going on this trip, and your lists don’t match, consider letting one person decide on a destination this time around, and then let the other decide your next trip.

Step 4

Research travel destinations. Consult online and print publications to find locations offering the experiences that you are seeking and that can accommodate the group you’re traveling with (or just you). Use tourism websites, travel blogs, and travel guides to gain an idea of what is out there. Search by location (say, "Italy") or interests (like "Top 10 Destinations for Rock Climbing"). Ask friends, family, or other associates for recommendations and warnings based on their own travels. However, maintain a healthy skepticism when researching. Be on the lookout for:

Sources that are attempting to sell you something.
Out-of-date information
Reviews based on a different set of criteria than yours.

Method 2 Evaluating Finances and Time

Step 5

Determine your budget. Figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend on travel, so that you aren’t breaking the bank for this trip. At the same time, determine what luxuries you can and can’t do without. With this info, whittle your list of preferred destinations down even further according to cost.

Ask yourself if you are willing to stay at a campground or hostel in order to see the sights you want to see, or if you need comfier accommodations.

Make the same call regarding food: is dining out an integral part of your dream vacation, or are you willing to live on peanut butter sandwiches to reduce costs?

Step 6

Research costs of living. First, come up with a list of items that you expect to purchase while travelling. Then, for each destination you have in mind, research the costs of those items to make sure they don’t exceed your budget. Remember that an American dollar, for example, doesn’t go as far in NYC as it might in Small-town, USA.

Factor in basic items (like, say, grilled cheese sandwiches if that’s what you’ll be living on) as well as items specific to your trip (such as theater tickets).

If you are considering other countries, also factor in the exchange rate between their currency and yours.

Also consider whether each destination has a tourist season, when costs may rise above their off-season norm.

Step 7

Decide how much time you have to travel. Now that you have a firm budget, figure out how long it has to last you. Determine how many days (including travel time) you will spend away from home. Use this number to better decide which activities you want to focus on and how much money you are willing to spend on them.

A brief trip (like a week or two) may enable you to spend more on luxuries like fine dining and accommodations. Or, it may make a steady diet of PB&J seem more doable so you can spend your money on things like scuba gear rentals, Broadway tickets, or high-end shopping.

A longer trip of a few weeks will allow you to visit multiple places, such as all of Holland instead of just Amsterdam. You may have to sacrifice some luxuries in order to stretch your budget, but with so much time at your disposal, you can also utilize more cost-cutting options, such as indirect flights.

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll also need to consider their school schedule and whether or not you want them missing school.

Step 8

Consider travel deals. Look for all-inclusive or partially inclusive travel deals that charge a flat fee for things like travel fare, accommodations, and food. Sign up for alerts from companies offering discounted travel or lodging. If you plan on traveling regularly, find companies that offer loyalty programs.

Method 3 Considering Safety and Convenience

Step 9

Think about convenience. Research the realities of day-to-day life in your dream destinations, as well as any hurdles that you will have to overcome in order to get there. Then ask yourself how much hassle you are willing to endure in order to travel. Weigh this against the benefits of travelling there to make sure that your trip will still be a positive experience in the end. Consider things like:

Whether you will need to get a passport, visa, and/or vaccinations beforehand (which will also have to be factored into your budget).
How developed their infrastructure is in terms of medical services, public transportation, roads, internet and cellphone service, and availability of ATMs and/or currency exchanges.
How comfortable you’ll feel when visiting a country or region where you don’t speak the local language.
What special needs you or fellow travelers may require based on age, disabilities, or medical conditions.

Step 10

Consider the season. In addition to deciding how long you will be travelling, decide when you’ll be going. For each destination, research what weather you should expect during this timeframe. Decide whether these conditions are tolerable to you. Then judge their impact on the activities you hope to pursue while there.

For example, if you don’t mind the extra heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, there is little difference between visiting Puerto Rico in the summer and any other time of the year.

On the other hand, if you’re an outdoorsy type who hates the bitter cold, but who can only currently travel during the winter, you may want to postpone that trip to Maine for another time.

Also consider the weather's impact on your health or those who will be joining you, based on age, medical history, and current health.

Step 11

Take special events into account. Of course, a special event (like spending New Year’s Eve in Times Square) may be part of a destination’s draw for you. But if not, research each destination’s cultural calendar to see if they will be hosting any big activities during your stay there. If so, gauge whether this will add or detract from your own experience.

Research how large of a crowd will attend based on past numbers. Then find out how this number affects availability for things like accommodations, tickets, restaurant seating, and transportation.

Consider the nature of the event versus the people you will be travelling with. Planning a family vacation to, say, Daytona Beach during spring break may not be the best idea.

Step 12

Make sure the destination is safe. Stay up to date about the current environment for each destination. Although it is impossible to foresee every eventuality, be on the lookout for any trends that indicate consistent danger. If traveling abroad, refer to government websites (such as https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html) for alerts and warnings about specific areas. Always consider:

Health risks, such as outbreaks of diseases.
Civil unrest, like protests, riots, rebellions, and war.
Spikes and trends in crime.
Environmental concerns, like seasons of high-risk (such as hurricane or wildfire seasons).

Method 4 Making the Final Decision

Step 13

Review your final choices. If you’ve narrowed your list to a couple of choices instead of one stand-out, compare the two. Apply the same criteria that you used to eliminate other choices. Find out if one seems more sensible, doable, and enjoyable than the other.

Step 14

Follow your gut. If your final choices still seem equally appealing after a second comparison, forget the checklist. Take a step back, clear your head, and give yourself some time. Wait to see which destination you find yourself dreaming about more. Listen to your heart and go with that.

Step 15

Compromise with fellow travelers. If your group is equally torn between two destinations, work toward an agreement. Ask for everyone’s reasons for their preferred choice. Based on these, try to find a solution by considering things like:

The likelihood of being able to travel as a group again in the future so you can visit both.
Whether individuals in the group will have a chance to go to their top pick on their own in the future.
Timely considerations, like the season, special events, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Whether a previous option that has already been nixed for this or that reason should be reconsidered if everyone can agree to it.

Expert Advice

Keep these tips in mind when you're choosing a destination:

Remember to check the climate. A lot of times, people see photos of beautiful beaches and sunny skies, and they think that will be the weather year-round. However, be sure to check what the climate is like during the time of year you're planning to visit. Otherwise, you could end up visiting the beach during the rainy season.
Check if there any major holidays during your travel dates. Major holidays can be a fun time to visit because it's very festive, but it can also be very quiet, because local businesses and tourist attractions are closed and locals are away on vacation.
Consider the cost of living. While you might find a great travel deal, you may not realize how much it costs for things like meals, drinks, entertainment, sightseeing, and local transportation. Conversely, the airfare might be more than you expected to spend, but the cost of being in the country could be so affordable that it makes up for the cost of the ticket.
Decide how long you'll stay. Consider what you'll do each day while you're on vacation. If you have a solid itinerary, you can avoid planning either too many or too few days in your destination.
Plan any day trips carefully. For instance, sometimes when people are travelling to Paris, they'll think they can pop over to Rome for a day, not realizing it's much further than they thought. Even if cities are in the same country, it might take a 6 hour drive each way.

From Amy Tan

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH HOTEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?

There are a number of factors to take into consideration for choosing the right hotel. Getting it wrong can make for a very unproductive stay for business trips, or a ruined vacation. You want to know that you are getting value for money, comfort and the amenities you want and expect, so here are the key tips for choosing the right hotel.

1.STAR RATING

Although this shouldn’t be the sole factor in deciding whether a hotel is right for you, it should certainly be something that you consider. Choosing the right hotel is about finding the hotel that suits the purpose. Go for a star rating that suits your needs: if you are going away for a business trip for a few days and don’t want to spend a lot of money, you might look at more budget hotels which do not have a rating, whereas for a long vacation you will want the amenities which come with a high star rating.

2.PARKING

A good tip for choosing a hotel is to make sure that you look into whether the hotel has sufficient parking for its guests, and plan your trip accordingly. If there is no space to park, you might want to look into local public transport or alternative methods of getting to the hotel.

3.LOCATION

The location of the hotel is something which is very important for an enjoyable stay. Make sure you look into whether the hotel is an inner-city hotel or in a more rural area; a city hotel is likely to be more expensive, busier and noisier, but you will have a wider range of local restaurants and other services.

4.REVIEWS

If you want to know how to choose a hotel on recommendation, there are a variety of independent websites which allow users to submit reviews on various aspects of their stay. Avoid any reviews on the hotel’s own website. However, make sure that you take all reviews with a pinch of salt and look into the specifics of the review: if you are not going to eat in the hotel’s restaurant, for example, don’t dismiss the hotel simply because their food service isn’t great.

5.SERVICES

A tip for choosing the right hotel that is often ignored is to make sure you search for the services which the hotel provides. Will you need a place to wash your clothes during a long stay? Will you want to eat in the hotel’s restaurant or is there room service? Is there a crèche, swimming pool or gym? Is there Wi-Fi connectivity in your room? These are all things you should look out for when booking a hotel.

6.ADDITIONAL FEES

A lot of hotels add in fees for things that you might assume are included in the room tariff. Paying for an Internet connection is one of the most common fees that you have to pay at many hotels; if you are on a business trip and require constant access to email, find a hotel which provides free internet usage.

7.MEAL OPTIONS

If you are looking for ways to choose the right hotel, you will want to check into whether they serve meals. If they do, is breakfast offered free of charge, or do you have to pay an additional charge? In fact some hotels even offer rooms with a small kitchenette with basic meal preparation facilities, so that might be something that you also want to bear in mind. This is more important in your budgeting than you might imagine. For example, stay in a charming 2* hotel in Paris without a dining room and it means you have to eat out all the time – this means budgeting for meals in one of the world’s expensive cities!

8.CHAIN OR LOCAL

There are many pros and cons to chain hotels, but you can’t deny that they offer a reliable and consistent service. However, if you want a more personal and unique experience, opting for an independent or family run hotel may be a better option for you. It all depends on your needs!

9.FAMILY FRIENDLY

This tip for choosing a hotel is not just applicable to families, but will apply to everyone. If you want a quiet break away from children, you might want to see if the hotel appeals to families or whether it is more likely to be purely adults who stay there. Look for features like swimming pools and crèches; you will know if families frequently stay at the hotel.

10.PET-FRIENDLY

Another of the important tips for choosing the right hotel is to make sure you know whether the hotel caters for animals to stay in your room with you. This is one of those things which can go either way; some guests will want a hotel which does, while others will expect the hotel to be a pet-free zone. Make sure you inquire bout whether the hotel takes pets before you stay, as it could make or break your vacation.

There’s no magic formula for choosing the right hotel but the key is to make sure you ask all the relevant questions. Know what you want from the hotel and find one that matches those needs. Have you ever ended up in a hotel horror?

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT VISA REQUIREMENTS?

Use Visa Quick Check to get the information you need for your destination. Simply select the country to which you are traveling to determine if a visa will be required for your trip. If a visa is required for travel to your destination country, select Get a Visa and you will be on your way to getting the documents you need. Where ‘No visa required’ is indicated, you must hold the following:

• A passport containing one blank visa page that is valid for 6 months past the date that you will enter the country
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of onward or return flights
• All documents required for your next destination

While a travel visa may not be required, many countries have specific travel requirements beyond the bullet points provided above that you must meet in order to enter your destination country. Go to the Visas page to learn about the specific travel requirements for your destination.

https://visacentral.com/visa-quick-check

THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED TRAVEL QUESTIONS—ANSWERED

What are the most surreal places to visit?

Some of the strangest places on earth are also the most sublime: from the UFO-like dragon's blood trees in Yemen to a rainbow-colored hot spring in Yellowstone to a bridge in Germany that looks like a leftover prop from Lord of the Rings.

Why do you need to turn off all your electronic devices before an airplane takes off and lands?

We've been taught to fear the interference of our portable devices and an airplane's sensitive electronic systems. And despite being told to turn off our darn phones, four out of ten passengers, it seems, disregard these warnings, since there's little hard evidence behind claims that electromagnetic emissions from devices can muddle airplane computers. Still, there's ample anecdotal corroboration, like the flight where a 30-degree navigation error was rectified simply by asking a passenger to turn off a portable DVD player. The issue is still being debated, so if in doubt, flick that Off switch. We might, eventually, long for the days when a chatty seatmate couldn’t make an hour-long phone call.

Do you have to be rich to travel the world?

The beauty of travel is that it’s accessible to everyone, in some form. You don't have to go far to experience a new culture. Plus there are several ways to make most flights affordable, whether by being flexible, searching on new websites like Skypicker and Fairness, or just by planning ahead. Know the best time to book a flight: 57 days in advance for domestic flights, 117 for international. Then again, you could just make traveling the world your 9-to-5

What are some common items savvy travelers bring with them (that less-savvy travelers don’t)?

Don’t forget a small power strip—ideal for sharing a crowded outlet in an airport, and a simple way to keep all devices close by once at a hotel. (Combine that with a Zolt—which powers a laptop and two devices with a charger the size of a lipstick—and it’s even handier.) Keep a photograph of your luggage and passport on your smartphone; lose either of them, and you’ll be grateful for the reference. Pack a scarf—always. And since calling Nespresso coffee is an insult to baristas everywhere, the best in-room alternate is the Aeropress, a nifty gizmo that’s portable, light, and makes killer morning joe almost anywhere.

What’s it really like to be a travel writer?

"For every beautiful beach hideaway, there’s been a missed flight or delay; for every delicious meal, a nasty case of 'Delhi belly," says Traveler contributing editor Krisanne Fordham in her story on this very topic. In short: Traveling for a living is equal parts rewarding and challenging, satisfying and smelly. It teaches you to live—not linger, but really live—outside your comfort zone, to always pack a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, and to never check your bag again.

What are some things airline pilots won’t tell you?

There’s no better Bible of in-flight secrets than Air Babylon, a rollicking romp through 24 hours at an airport compiling anonymous tell-alls from a raft of staff. One sample tidbit: Aviation law decrees that after an onboard death (more common than you’d imagine), planes must land at the nearest airport. No airline wants to pay fines for being delayed, so no one is officially declared dead on board until the plane is landing at its destination.

Where are the best places to travel alone?

Well, we certainly don't recommend Tahiti, where there's an all-but-constant reminder at every juncture that you are alone, a sad friendless figure lurking amid the glowing honeymooners. There are a few places, though, where visiting solo is a bonus, not a burden: notably cruises, yoga retreats, and treks across Europe.

Is India a good travel destination?

One of the best in the world, with a vast variety of destinations clustered together in a single country, from the Miami-esque glitz of Mumbai to the Raj-era holdovers in Kolkata, the parched landscapes and Tuscany-like city states in Rajasthan or the quiet backwaters of Kerala.

How do you pack a suit?

Don’t wear that suit if you want it to arrive wrinkle-free. Instead, heed the advice of our style editor, Jayna Maleri: "Hold your jacket in front of you, with the front facing you, and fold length-wise in half away from you (so the buttons are on the fold and the shoulders are touching). Then carefully turn one shoulder inside out, and wrap it over the other shoulder (you'll know you're on the right track if the lining is now on the outside). Then fold the jacket one more time, in half width-wise. Fold your trousers carefully in half (use their natural crease as your guide), then place the folded jacket on top of them, near the knees. Fold the pants carefully around the jacket, and pack the bundle in the bottom of your luggage. Follow these steps and we promise, it won’t need a frantic steaming in the hotel shower."

What’s the best way to sleep on a plane?

Some seasoned travelers might swear by that knockout cocktail known as an Ambientini (a sleeping pill with a vodka chaser). There are better, safer ways, though—including pre-flight exercise and a few drops of lavender essential oil.

What are some of the best travel locations that most people have not heard of?

We’re all keen to explore countries and destinations that are unspoiled or unexpected, even if we’re probably still subconsciously following trends. (This year, Myanmar, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, and Sri Lanka are some of our planned far-flung getaways.) But we'd also like to reframe this question: What are some of the best destinations you haven't heard of in well-known, heavily trafficked cities? Paris, perhaps, or London? Consider somewhere reasonably central, but slightly under the radar—say, Canal St. Martin in Paris and Shoreditch in London. They're easy to reach and a offer a wonderful "wow"moment of discovery.

What are the best airport hacks?

Download the GateGuru app before your next trip: It shows maps and amenities for any terminal, so you can better plan where to eat lunch or whether you can arrive early for a quick manicure. Don't forget that Zolt charger we mentioned earlier, so your phone doesn't die before takeoff. And, of course, sign up for Global Entry.

If I visit your country, what’s the one meal I shouldn’t miss?

It’s the same answer everywhere: breakfast. No meal is more distinctive or diverse. While sandwiches for lunch might be a global go-to, breakfast is still gloriously localized, whether you're eating bird’s nest–like pancakes filled with spicy curry in Sri Lanka or flaky, just-baked croissants in France. In Russia, however, it’s probably best just to skip it.

How do you get a flight upgrade?

The days of relying on an amenable attitude and a smile to score a cushy seat are, sadly, over. But some strategies still work: First, fly often and use miles whenever you can. And never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned complaint when an airline overbooks your flight.

What’s it like to quit your job, grab a backpack, and travel the world?

Tons of people dream about leaving their jobs to travel, and while that semi-permanent vacation can often be exactly what you've imagined, you're guaranteed to encounter a few surprises—not all of them pleasant. Here's the truth—and the best way to prepare yourself—from a woman who did it.

NYC or San Fran?

As New Yorkers, we're biased in favor of bagels, de Blasio and the Bronx (and it seems like our readers agree). We’ll admit it, though: You can spend a killer long weekend in Manhattan or the Bay Area.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever met on a plane?

We can’t match the experience of a guy who met his wife on a plane, but we’ve encountered chatty ex-congressmen keen to tell the real-life story behind a blockbuster movie. And if you're lucky, you get to sit next to Bill Murray. Then again, the most interesting people aren’t necessarily fellow passengers but the crew: wedged onto a jump seat, staring straight at you, it’s easy enough to strike up casual chatter. We’ll never forget the veteran ex-Pan Ammer who regaled us on and off for an entire flight with stories. It was like a trip to aviation’s Golden Age rather than to California.

What’s the best city in the world?

We'll defer to the best experts—our readers. In this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, the best cities in the world include Budapest and Florence, while stateside, New York is the top big city and the best small city is Charleston, S.C., a long-time favorite.

Which airline is best?

According to our readers, internationally, it remains the perennially beloved Singapore Airlines.

What are the most beautiful beaches in the world?

Antigua may claim to have 365 beaches, one each for every day of the year, but other strips of sand rival the Caribbean island for sheer beauty (we’ll take quality over quantity any time). from an overlooked island in the Philippines to a beach made up of jet black sand in Hawaii.

What are the most beautiful places in the world?

Beauty may be subjective, whether Yemen’s futuristic forest of dragon’s blood trees or the Blue City of Jodhpur?

What are the best apps for travel?

By far the best transit guide (RIP HopStop) is CityMapper. It's free, and offers real-time directions via public transport, on foot, or by car plus a plethora of nifty bonuses for a selection of major world cities, from Tokyo to London, New York and even Hamburg. Even if you’re not wondering whether the inbound aircraft will make it on time for your flight, there’s a wondrous joy to watching the crowded skies via another free app, FlightRadar24. LoungeBuddy (also free) helps with trips to unfamiliar destinations, allowing you to verify what status or access you might have to a refreshment oasis at the airport. We’ve used Postagram several times to send cards from places, like Russia, where they’re hard to find—the app is free and stateside delivery of that personalized keepsake costs just 99 cents apiece.

Where should I go now?