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  • How To Plan A Trip In 5 Simple Steps

23 Mar 2023

It is an adventure you’ve always dreamt of, but haven’t been able to plan and execute properly. Here are some useful pointers on how to plan a trip, that put an end to the cluttered chaos by streamlining your vacations to perfect harmony and pure bliss.

Vacations often start off as a wonderful idea and then eventually end up being a nightmare to manage. Often overlooked, a lot of thought and brainstorming goes into perfectly organizing touring plans. The lack of know-how on how to plan a trip often reflects during “unseen hurdles” on a vacation.

With a little bit of preparation and effort in maintaining a personalized trip planner, travelers can overcome 90% of their difficulties they may face during a trip. Here are some handy trip planning tips that will keep your prepared for the proverbial rainy-day.

1. Pick your destination

If you are wondering how to plan a trip with friends or family than you should probably start from either some stunning pics that gone viral on social media, the scenic setting of a movie, or an irresistible story of a friend’s last trip abroad. Touring plans, more often than not, are triggered by external factors.

Picking a destination

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Must Read: 30 Travel Hacks You Must Know If Just-The-Girls Trip Is On Your Mind

Things to keep in mind before selecting a destination

  • There’s nothing to say when a traveler’s mind wishes to visit the beaches, mountains, or a forest. However, picking the right destination according to the season is a key factor in understanding how to plan a trip successfully.
  • Check out the best time to visit all destinations. Usually, the ideal season to visit beaches and mountains is completely different.
  • Consider the cost factor while picking a destination. Some places are more enjoyable in a luxury budget than others. Going to a luxury destination during the shoulder season (a few weeks before or after the official ‘busy season’) can result in some good discounts on hotels and flights.
  • Safety of travelers is a prime concern people specially when you are concerned of how to plan a family vacation. Pay attention to it before stating off the journey (especially when female travelers are included).
  • Ease of accessibility or lack thereof is also a factor that can sway the decision of visiting a destination or not. Generally, the popular destinations have a lot of daily flights, trains, and good highway infrastructure to support the tourist influx.

2. Decide the duration of your trip

There is a fine line between getting bored and enjoying every moment at a destination. However, no destination has a predefined ideal duration. Wondering how to plan your road trip? It often depends on the touring plans and purpose of the visit of the travelers. Some travelers like to see new cities every day, whereas some travelers prefer taking it slow by witnessing and enjoying the subtle nuances of places they visit. This is a key aspect of your trip planning which can help your itinerary and budget both. Additionally, Travel Triangle also offers customize itinerary so if you are concerned of how to prepare an itinerary for a trip, no worries!

Handwriting travel plan

Suggested Read: Things You Ought To Know Before Traveling

Things to keep in mind before deciding the duration of a trip

  • A key aspect of a good trip planner is to correctly estimate the number of days required to visit a destination. A road trip planner would elongate the duration of a trip whereas, a trip planned with flight tickets could be a little shorter.
  • Trips, where the destination is within 8 hours, can also be done on a weekend provided that the night time is utilized for traveling.
  • A trip with a lot of urban destinations will need more time in the sightseeing, and therefore a longer trip duration. Whereas a trip to a tropical beach town would not involve much sightseeing and hence, the duration can be shorter.
  • It is advisable to keep a vacant day in touring plans that exceed 7 days. This gives a buffer to things like flight/train delays, traffic jams, weather hold-ups, or a change-of-heart to extend one’s stay at a particular destination.

3. Book flights, train, or bus tickets, and accommodation

After the ideation is complete, booking tickets for your flight, train or bus transfer well in advance is an important step in learning how to plan your trip to perfection. Since flight and train tickets are subject to availability and prices rise over time, getting the bookings done a few months in advance will help you avoid additional costs on your initial budget. Whether you are planning to explore the hidden places in Goa or savour the local flavour of Rajasthan , advance booking can help you with a hassle-free journey.

Booking flights

Suggested Read: 10 Packing & Luggage Hacks For The Smart Traveler

Things to keep in mind while booking transfers and accommodation

  • Only book the cheaper non-refundable flight or train tickets if you are absolutely certain of your vacation plans. Otherwise, it is advisable to book refundable tickets if booking well-in-advance.
  • Flight prices fluctuate a lot, keep a track on flight prices by using Google Flights Tracker.
  • Expect a surge in prices of flights and accommodations if you are booking tickets for a vacation that falls during the peak season of that particular destination.
  • Use credit cards that give frequent flyer miles and points on every rupee spent on booking flights and hotels to earn great rewards and cash-backs.

4. Plan the day-wise activities and course of action

It always sounds fascinating and adventurous when touring plans are made on a sudden impulse and gut feel. However, the downside of going on such trips is that there could be many days where the scheduling can go haywire because of everything being so last-minute.

Activities on a trip

Suggested Read: Travel Etiquettes Around The World

Things to keep in mind while planning day-wise activities

  • Depending on the budget and time-at-disposal, getting a rough idea of what activities should be done on what day is a vital ingredient in understanding how to plan a trip perfectly.
  • Transfers between destinations should be kept as much as possible during the evening/night. This will provide enough time for sightseeing and activities as most of them are only possible during the day-time.
  • Most of the times, it is better to book activities like water sports, adventure sports, boat-rides, and safari rides at the destination itself to get a better price and some scope for bargaining.
  • In the trip planner, keep only one or two activities in a day if the purpose of the trip is to relax and take it easy during the vacation.
  • At some places, popular tourists activities like skiing, boating, scuba diving etc are closed during offseason. Check the availability of activities before going to the destination.

5. Pack diligently and make all the necessary adjustments

After the bookings are done, it is always advisable for your trip planning to pack your stuff keeping in mind the destination and the influence of external factors on it. The unpredictability of weather, socio-political scenario, or a festive season can adversely affect travel plans.  In order to avoid alteration of touring plans due to these scenarios, travelers should do a bit of research before starting their vacation.

packing for a trip

Further Read: Travel Myths Busted: Don’t Let These Cliched Fables Ruin Your Travel Experiences

Things to keep in mind while packing for a vacation

  • An extra shirt, sweater, pair of jeans, or jumper can always prove handy during trips where the weather is expected to be cold or rainy.
  • Things like sunscreen, lotion, or mosquito repellent sound like unnecessary items but they are very vital in preventing any skin-related diseases
  • As a part of cultural sensitivity and responsible tourism, travelers must research about the destination they are visiting. Reading about the do’s and don’ts is advisable in order to avoid causing any conflict or disrespect to the local people of the place to be visited.

Vacations are experiences that change people for the good. With a better understanding of how to plan a trip, travelers can enjoy their sojourns without any malice or unfortunate occurrence. Book a tour package to your dream destination with TravelTriangle and enjoy a responsible, thoughtful, and considerate way of traveling.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trip Planning In India

Which are some of the offbeat destinations to plan budget trips in India?

Amidst an array of awe-inspiring destinations in India, there are some offbeat destinations that can easily be planned for an ultimate budget trip. Some of these destinations are: 1. Digha - West Bengal 2. Savarkut - Maharashtra 3. Maval - Maharashtra 4. Hampi

Which destinations in India can be explored on a very low budget?

Some incredible places in India can be explored on a very low budget. Some of them are: 1. Pushkar 2. Ooty 3. Lonavala 4. Nainital 5. Rishikesh 6. Hampi

Which place is best to travel for 2-3 days in India?

The best place for a 2-3 day trip in India would depend on your location. If you are located in North Delhi, then Shimla and Jaipur would be a good choice. For people living in South India, Mysore and Coorg must be on the list. For West India, head to Alibaug or Mahabaleshwar. Northeast can head to Pelling or Darjeeling. And East Indians would love to visit Sunderbans or Puri.

What is the best place to visit in South India with a low budget for a 3 to 4-day tour?

Hampi, Coorg, and Ooty are some of the best places to visit in South India if you are a budget traveler.

Which is the cheapest city in India?

Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore are arguably the cheapest cities in India. It is affordable for a majority of Indian citizens to rent out a place in these metro cities. Also, the dining options here are pretty cheap compared to other metro cities.

How can I travel cheaply in India?

If you plan to travel cheaply in India, you can live for free at an ashram in Pondicherry, drink at shacks in Goa that serve vodka shots for INR 60 per glass, travel by state-owned buses in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and prefer staying at homestays.

How much does a meal cost in India?

A meal in India costs INR 100 at street joints, INR 250-500 at medium-level restaurants, and over INR 1,000 at upscale restaurants. Make sure you taste the local street food while you’re in India. The flavor and the aroma of Indian cuisine is distinct and usually hits all your senses.

Which is the cheapest country to visit from India?

There are various countries that you can consider visiting from India on a low budget. Some of them have been listed below: 1. Malaysia 2. Sri Lanka 3. Bhutan 4. Nepal 5. Thailand 6. Laos 7. Singapore

What are some of the best tips to keep in mind while planning budget trips in India?

If you are thinking how to plan a vacation on a budget to India, make sure to go through the following tips. These tips would certainly come in handy while planning your budget trip and will allow you to have a seamless vacation. Check them out: 1. Research thoroughly - Make sure you research in depth about your destination. Research about the best budget hotels, pocket-friendly restaurants, and transportation options. 2. Travel during the off-season - If you intend to have a vacation that is easy on your pockets, it is vital to travel during the off-season, when the demand is less and prices are not inflated. 3. Travel in a group to share costs related to accommodation and transportation. 4. Travel to offbeat places in the country. Places that are already very popular amongst tourists would naturally cost you more. It is wise to travel to unexplored places and save some bucks! 5. Find accommodation in homestays. Homestays are relatively cheaper than hotels. You can also look for accommodation in budget-friendly hostels. 6. Travel via public transport instead of taxi/cab. Keeping these tips in mind would surely aid you while planning your ideal budget trip in India.

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How to Plan the Perfect Customer Visit [+ Agenda Template]

Published: August 02, 2021

Now that the world is opening back up, it’s time to get out there and meet your customers face-to-face. For many newer customers, this might be their first time getting to spend time with you — especially as conferences have moved online.

how to plan a visit

Creating that connection is invaluable. But before you book that plane ticket, it’s essential to create a plan. Planning the perfect customer visit will ensure that you meet your goals and that your customer meeting will be successful. Here’s a look at how you get there.

→ Free Download: 61 Templates to Help You Put the Customer First [Download Now]

Why plan a customer visit?

Jason Lemkin, the founder of SaaStr and EchoSign, has said “ I never lost a customer I actually visited. ” That’s a bold statement — one that's worth taking note of. But why? What is it about customer visits that has such a big impact on customer loyalty?

First of all, you get to make a stronger impression with your customers. No matter what you sell, you aren’t just selling a product — you’re also selling the people behind it.

Your vision, your passion, your knowledge are all play into the perceived value of your product or service. All of these elements come across more strongly when you visit in person. A Zoom call just isn’t enough time to go deep.

Secondly, you get to see how your customers are using your product in person. Are they constantly printing out reports to pin up on a wall? Are you seeing teams walk across the sales floor to point out something on a screen? What kind of working environment and equipment do they have? What other types of software are they using?

Everything happening behind the scenes paints a much clearer picture of who your customers are. And when it comes time to renew or jump on that next customer success call, you’ll have a lot more knowledge ready to draw on.

Finally, meeting your customers in person is a huge motivational boost! When you’re behind a screen for so long, it can start to feel like what you do doesn’t matter — or that you’re not making any real connections. But a visit to a customer’s office can change all that, and really light up your idea of “why” you do this at all.

how to plan a visit

61 Templates to Help You Put the Customer First

Email, survey, and buyer persona templates to help you engage and delight your customers

  • 6 buyer persona templates
  • 5 customer satisfaction survey templates
  • 50 customer email templates

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

5 Potential Goals of Your Customer Visit

Going into a customer visit with goals in mind will help you get the most out of your time there. Here are five goals to consider when planning a customer visit:

1. Understanding Their Business Goals

If you’re visiting a client, you’re likely hoping for a long term relationship. Understanding what their future goals are can help align your product with their needs. These in-depth conversations would rarely come up over a quick phone call.

2. Gathering Feedback

Customer visits provide a unique opportunity to gather honest and in-the-moment insight into what your customers need and want. When you sit next to someone who uses your product in their daily work, there’s a lot more space to have this feedback arise. And documenting it for future sales opportunities and your product team is one of the more productive actions you can take during a customer visit.

3. Referrals

In-person visits are a great time to ask for and give referrals. Ask, “Are there any other companies that you work with that you could see our product being helpful for?” Alternatively, if a pain point is mentioned by the client and you know the perfect company to help solve it, don’t be afraid to build that connection. It’s just another way you can bring value to your customers.

4. Uncovering Opportunities for Cross-Selling or Upselling

While your primary objective shouldn’t be pitching your offering at every opportunity, you might uncover a problem that your product or service can help solve. Noting these potential value-adds can make for more effective, thoughtfully targeted upsell and cross-sell conversations.

5. Testimonials and Case Studies

Customer visits can be a unique source of sales content, including pictures for case studies, video testimonials, and strong evidence-based customer stories. If you plan on making this one of your primary goals, consider asking your client to set the stage for these kinds of materials before you visit so you already know who you’ll be speaking to, before coming onsite.

How to Plan an Onsite Customer Meeting

By putting more effort in before you go, you’ll have a much better chance of achieving your goals and impressing your clients. Here are some key actions to consider when planning your customer meeting.

Thoroughly prepare before the visit.

Before you arrive, make sure you’re up to date on the state of the customer's account. Who are they usually talking to at your company? What customer service tickets have they raised lately? Are there outstanding issues that need to be addressed? These will come up during your visit.

Secondly, understand the current ecosystem your customer is working within. Is your customer in the news? What’s happening in their industry? What threats and opportunities are arising in their business? Being prepared and knowledgeable about their inner workings will make a better impression than coming in blind.

Decide who you’re meeting with.

Start by setting up a meeting with relevant company leadership. That could be the CEO, the founders, or the VP of the functional team you're working with — depending on the company's scale. Bear in mind, while this contact might be the "reason" for your visit, they're probably not who you'll be spending the most time with.

Once you have a meeting scheduled with the company's leadership, plan the rest of your day around meeting with the team leaders and employees using your product — as well as any teams that are open to signing up or expanding the current seat count or contract scope.

Make dinner reservations for you and your clients.

Traditionally, a customer visit includes taking your client out for a nice dinner as a token of appreciation. It also offers a chance for you to get to know each other outside of the limits of the work environment and form stronger relationships.

That being said, this is not a social visit. Keep your goals in mind — even outside of work hours. If you’re familiar with the restaurants in the area, choose a place that has options for every diet and has a good atmosphere for conversations. If you’re not familiar with the available options, ask the client where they’d recommend.

Complete the wrap-up report.

After the visit is over, you still have work to do. Create a wrap-up report for your internal teams back at the office. It should cover key elements of the visit like any confidentiality agreements put in place and who at your company you can share contact information or sales figures with.

Identify any action items that came up during the visit. Include any positive highlights during the meeting as well as any risks or opportunities that arose. Create a copy of the report for your client as well, to show that you were listening to their concerns and that you’re going to follow up with them.

Customer Visit Agenda Template

Use this sample agenda to plan your own customer visit.

10 am: Welcome/Office Tour (30 minutes, w/ Stacy, Raul)

  • Get settled, set up a desk or boardroom for the day

11 am: Executive Meeting (1 hour, w/ Stacy, Thomas, Ankit, Shireen)

  • Overview of status, product usage, any updates
  • Add any bullet points you need to cover here
  • Upcoming changes or challenges for the business
  • New Opportunities
  • Areas of concern

12pm: Lunch

1pm: User Meetings (4 hours, rotating through Marketing teams)

  • Overview of new features
  • Gather feedback from users
  • Sit with teams to review workflow

5pm: Wrap Up meeting (30 minutes)

  • Process or configuration change recommendations
  • General questions and answers
  • Items to be addressed as part of maintenance
  • Enhancement opportunities

6:30pm: Dinner at Restaurant

Internal Notes

  • At the bottom of your agenda, include internal notes that are meant to be shared with your team only.

Plan for success

It’s time to get back out there and meet your clients face-to-face. By planning your customer visit ahead of time, you’re sure to achieve your goals and come out with a stronger understanding of what your clients need.

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How to Plan a Trip

Last Updated: January 29, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 550,390 times.

Before planning a trip have a current passport. Purchase traveler's checks. Keep the receipt in a safe place in case of being stolen. Whether for travel or pleasure, schedule some fun. All trips are meant for adventure, relaxation, and enjoyment. By planning well, you can ensure you that you and your family or friends can enjoy a hassle-free trip with only the good kind of surprises to ensue.

Planning Help

how to plan a visit

Choosing the When, Where, and How

Step 1 Choose your location.

  • Keep in mind weather and climatic conditions, merits and demerits of the place, types of recreation (beaches, culture, shopping), and facilities (transport, eating out, etc). What clothes are suitable? How removed from civilization will you be? What does your destination require?

Step 2 Choose when you want to go.

  • Do you want to go during the off-season or while tourism is booming? The off-season will offer discounts, but it will also mean closed doors and reduced availability.
  • When it comes to weather, do you want to deal with winter or the rainy season? How about when it's hot and muggy?
  • And then there's ticket prices – if you're flying, when is it the cheapest to fly? If you are planning to fly on a long weekend , then you should book the tickets well in advance to get the best deal.

Step 3 Plan a loose itinerary.

  • Make a list. Write down the places you want to visit, including restaurants, museums, malls, and other places of interest. This will help give you ideas and prevent being completely lost when you arrive and do not know what to do.
  • Include how you're going to get around. Does your itinerary involve cab rides? Using the subway? Trekking on foot? If you are taking public transportation, make sure you know how that's done wherever you're going.

Step 4 Be wary of going through a travel agent.

  • Companies that help you in the actual "planning" phase of your trip, would be like Gap Travel Adventures, Get A Trip.com, the Automobile Club of Southern California Travels Division (and their counterparts in each of the 50 States), and the American Express Corporation, whereas the giant travel conglomerates, such as Expedia, Travelocity ,Orbitz.com and Priceline (the 4 largest travel vendors in "gross profits" within the United States), aim at the end booking process.
  • The five things you can do to help yourself and your budget (that you don't need a travel agent for) are the following: 1) Book your flight and hotels at the same time, not separately 2) Be willing to fly mid-week and off-hours 3) Be willing to fly or land at a neighboring airport within 30 miles (48 km) of each other 4) Pay an all-inclusive price when possible, so that meals and gratuities are included, and 5) The actual season you travel – i will differ the rates by 30-40%.

Figuring Out the Logistics

Step 1 Assess your costs.

  • Always add some wiggle room, overestimating rather than underestimating. There are always costs you don't foresee or things you want to do that you haven't accounted for.
  • If the trip is more than you are willing to spend, make cuts where you can. If it ultimately means cutting the trip short, so be it.

Step 2 Make a budget.

  • Ditch that daily sugary latte. If you get a $4 coffee drink three times a week, that's $12 a week, and about $50 a month. That's $300 in six months right there.
  • Eat from home more. Restaurants are great, but they're expensive. If you cook at home, you can save money not only because it's cheaper, but because you'll have leftovers that can last you days.
  • Quit the luxuries for a while. That last drink on Saturday night? Pass. A movie next week? Nope. Heck, cable? Who needs it when you have Netflix? Take a look at what little things are fun, but that you could live without.

Step 3 While you're saving, do your research.

  • It is said that you should book airfare around two months out for the best deals – this is that happy place where airlines start discounting their trips to sell tickets, but haven't yet jacked prices up because they're last-minute.
  • If you're going somewhere that speaks a different language, take the time to brush up on the basics. You'll be glad you did, and the people you interact with will be, too.

Step 4 Get a

  • Many airlines also pair with major retailers, like Target, Amazon, and Apple. If you buy from those stores, you get miles. What's not to like? You're shopping there anyway – you might as well get a free flight for it.

Setting Your Plans in Stone

Step 1 Make your reservations for flights and accommodations.

  • And anything else for that matter, too. Many attractions have ticket sales online where you can skip the lines and go right in. Sure, the idea of waiting in line right now doesn't sound so bad, but for three minutes of work right now you can not waste hours of your vacation standing in a line with strangers wishing past you would've had better sense.

Step 2 Consider travel insurance.

  • Only you know if you are one of these people that changes their mind often, or often does re-scheduling – or if you are one of these people that will fly out in a hurricane, no matter what!

Step 3 If traveling internationally, make sure your documents are in order.

  • Keep your passport, travel documents, visas, and similar items in a safe pouch. You may want to make copies, too, and keep them in a safe place. It will make it so much easier to replace anything that you lost.

Step 4 Notify the right parties that you're leaving.

  • If applicable, put vacation notices on your e-mail, and remember to set your answering machine. Those messages will just have to wait until you get back.

Wrapping Up the Details

Step 1 Buy everything you'll need.

  • Traveling in a car? Make sure to get lots of foodstuffs, water, and things to do. A CD on tape about a road trip or your specific destination will be great to get you in the mood. Consider "On the Road," " Lost in My Own Backyard," "A Walk Through the Woods," or "Washington Schlepped Here," amongst others. Good music is a must, too.

Step 2 Pack light.

  • Stick to basic pieces and a couple pairs of shoes – it's really all you need in terms of clothes regardless of how long your trip is. A few basic shirts and a few basic pants, shorts, or a skirt will do the job. You can then mix and match as necessary.
  • Roll your clothes when packing. This will save you a ton of room and mean you can buy that authentic-looking tiki torch when the mood strikes.
  • Create and use a checklist for packing, which helps consistently remind you of all the odds and ends of packing. You don't want to arrive at the airport and remember you forgot the needed documents at home.

Step 3 Go!

  • Don't be tempted to take work or home problems with you – then all this planning will be for naught, making it feel like you're still mentally back home. Leave that laptop and your phone off – now is all about exploring and going on an adventure.

Expert Q&A

Amy Tan

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  • If planning a trip on a severe budget is your number one priority, there are literally hundreds of money saving tips for the actual daily travel plans, that can save you in the hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If peer reviews are more important than shopping by rates, than websites like Trip Adviser.com and some of the top ranked travel blogs, like with Budget Travel and Travel Zoo.com all have stellar reputations for providing unbiased reviews. In Europe, a similar counterpart would be found within Auto Europe.com (full service European travel vendor, not just cars) The Asian markets probably have the widest variety of travel providers. The only reason mentioning names is relevant, is according to Forbes Research many of the other smaller affiliate travel resources have been known to delete from their databases the low-25% of the negative reviews, thus obstructing true peer review analysis. This does not mean however, that one should not consider one of these smaller travel affiliates, though one should do their research and due diligence on that company's trust factor. Many have value-added services the larger companies do not have. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Start learning the language of the country you are going to if you are traveling overseas. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to plan a visit

  • Don't keep sharp objects in your luggage. Security has been greatly beefed up, and your luggage may be checked. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
  • Traveling can be hectic. If traveling to a new place, make sure you keep medication (especially for children). Keep your documents and precious possessions safe. Mugging and theft is common. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

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Pack for a Trip

  • ↑ https://www.theglobetrottingteacher.com/how-to-successfully-choose-your-travel-destination/
  • ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
  • ↑ http://www.seat61.com/spreadsheet.htm#.VBx5XvldUss
  • ↑ https://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/how-to-budget-for-a-big-trip/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d2772aa0
  • ↑ http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/planning-a-trip/
  • ↑ http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-tips/how-to-find-a-cheap-flight/
  • ↑ https://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/the-importance-of-travel-insurance-3.html
  • ↑ http://www.roadtripamerica.com/tips/How-To-Plan-A-Great-Road-Trip.htm

About This Article

Amy Tan

To plan a trip, start assessing your costs by determining where you will stay, like a hotel or a hostel. You should also go online and compare flight prices a couple months in advance for the lowest rates. Additionally, be sure to consider ways of getting around your destination, like rental cars or subways, based on the place you’re traveling to. If you’re traveling internationally, get your necessary documents in order 6 months in advance, like a passport and travel visa, and keep them in a safe place. For more tips on planning a vacation, like how to make a budget, keep scrolling! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Plan a Trip

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Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Have you avoided traveling during the pandemic? Travelers who’ve stuck close to home for the past two years are now looking to resume their wandering ways — maybe you are too.

But where to begin? Perhaps you haven’t planned a trip in a while and need a refresher. Or maybe you just got a new passport and don’t know where to start. We’re here to offer some helpful advice on how to plan your next trip, from choosing dates and accommodations to earning rewards points toward your next big vacation .

Be flexible with your destination and travel dates

Many want to travel to a specific place, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Japan in March, Greece in August, and Turks and Caicos in December all sound lovely, but be aware that high-demand destinations come with a high price tag, especially if you have specific travel dates in mind.

We’re not saying to throw a dart at a map to choose your next vacation, but we do recommend being open to a variety of destinations. Let a fare deal guide your travels.

» Learn more: How to shop for flights

For example, summer is a popular time to visit Europe. However, the autumn and winter months are when you’ll find some of the best flight deals to the continent. It’s also when accommodations are more affordable. So, take the opportunity to explore the world by following the price instead of the destination.

Additionally, be flexible with travel dates. Yes, a nine-day trip can help you include weekends and use less paid time off, but often flights cost more when your dates are nonnegotiable. We recommend being open to flying midweek to take advantage of the lowest fares.

If you want to redeem frequent flyer miles for an award flight, follow a similar strategy but book as soon as you find dates with low-level redemption rates. They can disappear quickly if others are shopping for flights using miles too.

» Learn more: Plan your next redemption with our airline points tool

Research what to do at your destination

If you’re visiting for the first time and are unfamiliar with your destination, it might be difficult to decide what to do once you get there. Cappadocia, a region in Turkey, is famous for hot air balloon rides. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is known for some of the best scuba diving. Finland offers reindeer safaris.

Unless someone you know has been to these places and shared details about their trip, you wouldn’t know this information without first doing some research.

So, if you’ve already booked your flights and know how long you’ll be at your destination, it’s time to learn more about the place. For example, if you have two weeks and are flying to Istanbul, search online for “two-week Turkey itinerary” and read through several travel blogs for ideas.

You’ll likely find out about the relaxing hammams in Istanbul, the magical hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, the ruins in the ancient city of Ephesus and the beautiful beach towns of Bodrum Peninsula. Put together an itinerary based on your interests and decide how many nights you want to spend in each city.

» Learn more: How to find cheap things to do in any city

Book accommodations

Unless you’re going on a short trip to one city, book your hotels after you create an itinerary. For a multi-city trip, decide how many nights you want to stay in each place and book your accommodations accordingly.

If you have hotel loyalty points , look up which hotel chains are present in each location and determine whether a redemption offers good value or if it’s better to pay cash instead.

» Learn more: The most valuable hotel rewards programs this year

If you’d rather stay in a boutique hotel or a guesthouse, look up your options on a site such as Booking.com. The website is a travel agency for lodging, where you can find anything from hostels to five-star hotels. If you sign up for its loyalty program and reserve many stays through the site, you can get discounts on hotel bookings, complimentary breakfast and upgrades at participating properties.

Learn how to get around in your destination

If you’re going on a road trip across the United States, this doesn’t apply to you as your choice of transportation has already been decided.

However, if you’re headed abroad and have multiple cities on the agenda, learn how to best travel around the country. For example, train travel is well-established in Germany, and you shouldn’t have problems traveling between Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich. However, visiting the Greek islands requires either flying or taking a ferry.

Rome2rio is a helpful website for planning transport in any geographical location. Enter two cities and find out the best ways to travel between them, including by bus, train and rideshare.

Open a travel rewards card

Signing up for a travel rewards card before a trip is a great idea. You can pay for everything with one card and meet the minimum-spending requirement faster than you would at home.

We recommend applying for a card that earns bonus rewards on travel and dining. For example, the American Express® Green Card earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel, transit and at restaurants. Use it to pay for lodging, public transport and dining out and earn triple points on most of the spending you do while traveling. Terms apply.

The Citi Premier® Card earns 3 points per dollar on air travel and hotels, at restaurants and in supermarkets, so again, many relevant bonus categories are covered. If you book a hotel totaling at least $500 through the Citi ThankYou Rewards portal and use the Citi Premier® Card to pay for it, you’ll receive a $100 credit back, once per calendar year.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is another great card to use on a trip and earn bonus points. With this card, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel. You can also get an annual $50 credit when booking a hotel through the Ultimate Rewards® travel portal.

» Learn more: The best travel card welcome bonuses right now

Set up lounge access

Many premium travel cards offer airport lounge access. After you book your flights, find out which airports have lounges and how many guests you can bring. Plan your lounge visits based on your layovers.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card come with Priority Pass Select membership that includes restaurant credits (though the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card will lose its restaurant benefit Jan. 1, 2023). You have to enroll in the benefit prior to traveling to get your membership activated before your trip.

If you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express , you have many lounge options. Cardmembers receive access to the following lounges:

Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta Air Lines).

Escape Lounge.

Lufthansa Business Lounge (when flying any class with Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa or Swiss International Air Lines).

Lufthansa Senator Lounge (when flying business class with Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa or Swiss International Air Lines).

Plaza Premium.

Priority Pass (no restaurant credit). Enrollment required.

The Centurion Lounge.

Terms apply.

Buy travel insurance

Although many travel credit cards come with built-in travel protection benefits, such as trip delay, baggage loss and auto rental collision damage waiver, you'll get more protection and higher coverage limits if you buy a separate travel insurance plan.

To compare rates, you can use a travel insurance aggregator, such as Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner), that helps travelers find plans from multiple insurance providers. Enter your trip parameters and some personal details to find the right coverage for you.

When you’re ready to plan a trip

Planning a trip can be intimidating, but putting all the puzzle pieces together to create a beautiful travel picture feels great. Be open to nontraditional destinations and offseason travel dates to get the best deals. Become familiar with your credit card’s perks, or get another card for travel spending while on vacation. Finally, buy a travel insurance policy and have fun.

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

how to plan a visit

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49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)

  • Updated: 01/02/2024

Before you jet off on your next adventure, ensure you have all your travel research and planning in order. To help, use this ultimate travel research checklist  to guide you through the necessary steps for more enjoyable planning and a stress-minimized trip.

I love to travel, though I do not necessarily enjoy all the tedious steps required to get out the door and start having fun. So, I rely heavily on checklists like this planning list , a packing list , and a prep and close-the-house list  to streamline my departure. Leaning on these saves me time and money and helps to avoid unexpected situations, making for worry-free trips. I hope they can do the same for you.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, I have designed this travel research and planning guide to cover the things you must cross off your to-do list before leaving for a trip. 

From the fun stuff like flights, accommodation, and local attractions—to the necessary details, especially for more complicated international travel, like getting visas , knowing about local customs, and purchasing travel insurance , use this list to explore the world confident you have things covered. 

Table Of Contents

Download your free travel planning checklist here.

Prefer not to print? Jump to my explanation of the 14 stages of trip planning  with 49 separate things you should do below. Otherwise, click the image beneath to access and print my free Travel Planning Checklist .

The Importance of Travel Research

Before setting off on any adventure, it is crucial to do your research. Travel research helps you gather information about your destination, allowing you to make informed decision s and avoid unnecessary stress. By taking the time to research and plan, you can uncover hidden gems, know about local events, find the best deals, and arrange your itinerary to maximize your trip enjoyment. 

Plus, conducting research helps travelers be more thoughtful and respectful visitors by being aware of local customs.

Sign up for my monthly Discovery Newsletter & get a free Trip Budget Calculator !

Learn how to further simplify your trip research, planning, and organization for every stage of your trip in “ 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research .”

When to Start Planning a Trip

When is the ideal time to start planning a trip? Whenever you decide to go! Though—several months, or at least six months in advance , is generally best.

However, some destinations, like high-demand national parks with limited visitor and lodging capacity, may require planning up to 12 months or more in advance. 

Plus, it depends who is traveling . Solo or couple travelers can more easily plan last-minute trips as they tend to have more schedule flexibility (i.e., not following family school break schedules) and can choose from more affordable double or single-room lodging options, which tend to be more abundant.

Because families usually require more of everything , from plane tickets to more spacious lodging and even bigger rental cars, planning further in advance becomes more necessary, especially as it allows them to secure the best of these resources at the best pricing. If you are a family traveler or part of a big multi-generational group, you will want to begin planning further in advance—six months to a year is ideal.

14 Stages of Trip Planning & 49 Tips

How you follow these 14 stages of travel planning depends on how long you have before you depart for your trip and your comfort level with leaving things to the last minute. 

Because I do not enjoy the feeling of big to-dos being undone or last-minute scrambles, I aim to complete all 14 stages of travel planning anywhere from one to several months in advance. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable playing your timeframes looser. 

Step 1: Decide on Your Destination (7 Questions)

Step 2: International Travel: Understand Visa & Vaccination Requirements & Travel Restrictions/Warnings (4 Tips)

Step 3: On Budgeting, Know What You Can Spend (Budget Template)

Step 4: Set a High-Level Itinerary (Get Shortcuts)

Step 5: getting there, find the best deals on airfare (3 resources).

Step 6: Getting Around, Rental Cars & Local Transportation Options (6 Tips)

Step 7: Choose Where to Stay (Shortcuts & Resources)

Step 8: Decide, Save & Book the Things You Want to Do (4 Tips)

Step 9: Focus on Food, Reserve Restaurants & Learn About Local Dishes (2 Recommendations)

Step 10: Create, Update & Finalize a Detailed Trip Itinerary (Resources)

Step 11: Plan for Emergencies & Unexpected Situations (3 Tips)

Step 12: Packing & Prepping Your Home Before Your Trip (Resources)

Step 13: Make Your Finances Accessible on Domestic & International Trips (13 Tips)

Step 14: Stay Connected While You Travel (Resources)

You may have several destinations in mind for an upcoming trip—or none at all. To get assistance narrowing down your options, consider your travel wants, needs, and limitations by answering the seven questions below to help you figure this out.

How long do you have to travel?

Your work and school schedules or family obligations may dictate the duration of your travel. Or perhaps budget  constraints cap the number of your away-from-home vacation days.

So, before you choose where to go, know how long you can spend there. If your holiday break is limited, you will want to minimize the time or expense of transportation, guiding you to pick closer destinations or places with direct flights.

What do you want to do?

Do you want a warm week lounging on the beach within reach of an easy and affordable nonstop flight? Or are you looking for a city trip with cultural activities? Perhaps the pull of nature is strong, and you want a hiking adventure? Or a bit of all of the above? Know what experiences you or your group would like to have during your time away and pick a place that meets it best.

This question is linked to the one above but digs deeper. Confirm your potential destination offers the right breadth and depth of activities and cultural or culinary highlights. Are there enough things to do and experience to last your trip and meet your wants and needs? Determine whether these options will make for an ideal visit. 

How to get there?

Explore how to get to your potential destination. Does getting there require a multi-day drive? Or a flight with a long layover? Gain a high-level idea of the time and cost involved with the “getting there” part of travel and confirm your time off can easily accommodate long transit times if required. Then, further dive into this step by learning your best options for getting around  once you arrive, here .

When is the best time to go?

To avoid destinations during their rainy seasons and less ideal temperature times, look up historical weather averages for your potential vacation spot before you commit. Use a helpful site like SunHeron  to look at month-by-month temperatures and rainfall for nearly any destination. Doing this will give you a better chance of having the weather be a helper for a great experience instead of a hindrance

What do you want to pay?

It is never fun to start digging into a trip to an incredible place only to realize a few steps in that you cannot afford it. This exact situation happened to us. Several summers ago, we did not plan far enough in advance for a family summer trip to pricey Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Limited availability and expensive lodging options forced us to backtrack and find a more budget-friendly alternative destination—surprisingly, Vail, Colorado.

So, before committing to a spot, set your budget , then do quick hit searches on the costs of available transportation, lodging, activities, and dining to confirm they fit what you can afford.

Is it safe?

Ensuring your health and safety during your trip should be a top priority, especially when visiting an international destination and you are unfamiliar with the customs and language. Before you go, look up travel warnings , read recent traveler accounts on blogs or social media channels, and even message the account owners with your safety questions. Then, check the local news sites.

Gathering information about recent on-the-ground experiences will help you decide if this destination is right for you.

Step 2: International Travel: Understand Visa & Vaccination Requirements & Travel Restrictions/Warnings (4 Tips)

This step is for international travel. Before buying your plane tickets, understand entry requirements related to passports and visas, if applicable. 

Ensure you have an up-to-date passport & learn about visa requirements.

For international travel, always ensure your passport will not expire soon and it will be valid for your dates of entry. A good rule of thumb is your passport should be valid for six months after entry . However, sometimes it is less. Confirm exact entry requirements by researching this with the official government customs and tourism organization for the country you plan to visit.

A quick online search should get you the answers you need. For US travelers, check and confirm destination requirements on the helpful “ Learn About Your Destination” page of the US State Department website.

If your passport is expired or set to expire within a validity window, like six months, take immediate steps to renew it. In the US, obtaining a new one can take weeks, if not several months. Get all the details you need about obtaining and renewing US Passports here .

Review travel advisories, security alerts, vaccination & other health requirements.

For US citizens planning to travel abroad, search for your destination on the US State Department website , look for travel advisories, security alerts, and detailed information about health matters, including links to vaccination requirements. Or go directly to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Destinations page for extensive health recommendations.

Additionally, maintain your safety by booking lodging  in busier and well-known areas and following the tips I recommend here  to prepare for unexpected emergencies .

If traveling to Europe, know about EITAS, a coming-soon travel permit requirement.

Also, if you plan to travel to Europe, learn about the new electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) for visiting Europe. This coming-soon authorization is not a visa. It is a travel permit. As non-EU Schengen members, US travelers must eventually apply for this new travel authorization before entering Europe.

US travelers, enroll in STEP.

For US travelers for an extra measure of security and safety, consider enrolling your trip with the US State Department as part of their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP . Doing this will share your travel status with the US government which will allow you to receive important safety information about your destination country and help the US Embassy contact you in an emergency. Enroll here. 

Step 3: On Budgeting, Know What You Can Spend

Does your budget determine where you can go? Or does your destination determine your budget? 

An essential part of your travel planning is being realistic about what you can afford . There are few better ways to ruin the effect of a top-notch vacation than to return home after it, realizing you overspent, and then having to contend with the pain of outsize credit card debt and the regret that comes with it. 

Instead, book a trip to a place that meets you where your money is. Memorable travel experiences do not have to cost a fortune.

Use a budget calculator like the one I provide for free with signups to my monthly Discovery travel newsletter , shown above. Or create your own budget that includes the major expense items like transportation, lodging, activities, meals, and incidentals that cover anything from souvenirs to travel insurance to pet sitting.

Once you decide on your destination , determine if you will stay in one place or move around and make multiple stops. Will your path of travel be circular—where you end up in the original place you began so that you are flying into and out of the same airport? Or will it be linear? A linear path means you will fly to one destination and return home from another—requiring plane tickets commonly referred to in the travel industry as open jaw tickets. 

Your budget and available vacation time may dictate staying in one place. Or it will allow you to include several different stops in one trip.  Get shortcuts to quickly determine a high-level itinerary for any destination in this article .

Flights and related on-the-ground transportation costs can often be the most significant expenses of any trip. 

To find the best airfare deals, compare prices across multiple airlines. Consider flexible travel dates to take advantage of cheaper fares and rates. Additionally, look to redeem frequent flier miles or sign up for travel credit cards that give you miles bonuses.

Maximize your savings by learning to find the best fare deals using Google Flights Explore and Google Flights price tracker . Or read this overview of how to track down the best airfare deals .

Step 6: Getting Around, Rental Cars & Local Transportation Options (6 Tips)

Familiarize yourself with these six transportation tips for taxis, public transit, rental cars, and safe walking routes applicable to any new destination.

Plan for how to get around.

Knowing in advance how you plan to get around your vacation spot will impact where you decide to book your lodging . If you plan to rent a car and drive, you will want vacation accommodation that provides easy vehicle access—and ideally nearby and free parking. Or, if you plan to rely on ride shares and public transportation, you may want to ensure close lodging proximity to taxi stands or train or bus stops. 

Familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

Before you arrive at your destination, familiarize yourself with the local transportation . Research different options, such as public buses, trains, ride shares, and taxis, to determine the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get around. These alternatives can be very different in international destinations. 

For example, the most recommended rideshare in Malta, which we visited for a spring break trip , was Bolt, followed by a few others I was unfamiliar with, like eCabs and Ryde.

If you learn about these things in advance, you can pre-download the apps , set up an account, and link payment methods before you arrive. Additionally, consider purchasing local transportation cards or passes, as these often offer discounted rates for multiple journeys.

Get rental car tips & gather resources.

If you plan to rent a car, review these 15 rental car tips which will save you money, reduce potential hassles, and explain how to get complimentary upgrades. Then, understand whether you need to buy rental car insurance —something that even the most experienced travelers get confused by—with this thorough overview .

When traveling internationally, research to find out if you need an international driving permit for your destination. If you do, get this permit in advance, as sometimes the paperwork may take a few weeks. Check to see if you need an international driving permit via this helpful article . 

Learn the (local) rules of the road.

For any international travelers, you will want to familiarize yourself with the local driving rules in the country you plan to drive in advance. Doing so can help you avoid unintentional penalties and minimize the chance of on-the-road incidents. 

US travelers can understand driver safety abroad by referencing this State Department page . This page provides helpful country links and outlines local driving rules—from default speed limits to signaling requirements to where to park.

Consider pre-booking an airport pickup.

Especially for international trips, if you do not feel confident about your understanding of local transportation options, make things easy for yourself upon arrival. Consider requesting your lodging to arrange a pickup for you . This reserved ride will likely be more expensive, though it will give you peace of mind that you will not get things “wrong” when you arrive.

Then, when at your destination, ask for assistance from your accommodation manager or concierge to help better explain your on-the-ground transportation options .

After an international overnight flight, our family sometimes pre-books airport taxis, as we did on a visit to Rome . When exhausted and running on empty from a long and likely sleepless flight, it is a relief to know our in-town transportation is reliably taken care of. 

Know safe walking routes.

If you plan to explore a new destination on foot, familiarize yourself with safe walking paths . Research this ahead of time. Or ask once at your accommodation. The front desk staff and management, who generally live locally, are a valuable resource for sharing the best routes, areas, and times for moving around safely.

Step 7: Choose Where to Stay (Shortcuts & Resources)

Pinpointing the right location for lodging is never easy. To figure it out fast—my first stop is to use the “ Where to stay ” button on Google Hotels , which will show neighborhood-by-neighborhood descriptions and ratings for all major destinations, allowing you to quickly zero in on the right neighborhood for you to stay in. See where to find it in the quick clip below.

Alternatively, run an AI or online search on “ best places to stay in [your destination] ” and review the results. Or, reference up-to-date travel guidebooks , which generally provide a helpful point of view on the best areas to stay. 

Additionally, since I find great lodging in top locations has an outsize positive impact on our travel experiences, I put a lot of effort into finding the best places to stay. 

Get tips on how to do this for your lodging searches in this article .

Step 8: Decide, Save & Book the Things You Want to Do (4 Tips)

Now that you have the framework of your trip set, it is time for the most fun part—figuring out things you want to do once you get there.

Search for things to do online.

If your best trip experience includes seeing top attractions and activities, you will want to research the top things to do in a destination that best fits your interests. Run AI searches or look online for “things to do in [your destination].”

Travel blogs, social media, and sites like Pinterest or Reddit are helpful for this. Or read a guidebook  or visit Google Travel , searching your destination to get an idea about the top attractions and get recommendations for more things to see or do.

To determine what you want to do most, read reviews from fellow travelers to understand what to expect. Then, consider purchasing tickets or making reservations for the most popular attractions to avoid long queues and secure your spot.

Save your favorites.

My preferred way to keep track of things I want to do in a destination is to save them to a custom list in Google Maps . Doing this gives me quick access to my favorites on my mobile phone via my Google Maps app while traveling. I share why and how to create similar custom lists in this article . 

Check out the guided activity and tour options.

Another good way to round out your research for what to do in any area is by checking out tour booking sites like Viator , Get Your Guide or Airbnb Experiences . Use them to look at the top-rated experiences for your destination. You might discover a cooking class, photo tour, guided hike, history walk, and so much more—activities that could be one of the more memorable parts of your vacation.

Ask for recommendations.

Before your trip, ask your friends, family, and acquaintances for suggestions for what to do in your planned destination if they have already been there. 

And then, when your trip is here, and you finally and excitingly arrive— connect and chat with your lodging managers, taxi drivers, tour guides, servers, and any other locals you can befriend to ask for their recommendations. 

By doing this, we have learned about many things we would have missed if we did not connect with locals, like off-the-radar restaurants, event-related parades, holiday processionals, or the best spots to catch sunsets. While traveling, we value these local recommendations so highly that we often will reshape our entire plan for how we spend a day to accommodate them. 

Step 9: Focus on Food - Reserve Restaurants & Learn About Local Dishes (2 Recommendations)

Does your culinary experience matter to you on vacation? I have a food blogger and cookbook author friend who makes researching places to eat and reserving restaurants her immediate third activity after booking airfare and lodging for any trip. So, if incorporating an epicurean experience into your travel is important, include the two steps below in your pre-trip planning.

Make restaurant reservations.

Search online to get a list of top eateries in your destination. Reference Google Maps, articles, blog posts, or run AI inquiries. Or ask other travelers who have been to the area recently, as they are always happy to share their favorites.

Prioritize the places you want to eat and make reservations. If you cannot do this in advance online, do not sweat it. Do it in person when you arrive. Or ask your lodging for dining recommendations and assistance with booking reservations.

Learn about the food before you go.

Although international trips provide ample opportunities for new food experiences, you do not have to go far from home to indulge in regional food specialties while on vacation. For example, on a fall getaway to Door County, Wisconsin , near our hometown of Chicago, we were sure to order cheese curds, a Badger State specialty, paired with local brews. 

Before your trip, search online for “best food to eat in [your destination]” to see what tops the list. On a spring trip to Rome , it was Jerusalem artichokes. When in Malta , it was a rabbit dish and many other unfamiliar foods.

Eating at different places and trying new dishes, drinks, and snacks can be one of the most memorable aspects of your travel. To get a head start, take a global tour from these food guide and cookbook recommendations .

Step 10: Create, Update & Finalize a Detailed Trip Itinerary (Resources)

Now that you have your transportation, lodging, activities, and possibly even your dining planned or loosely set, it is time to put it all down to paper. 

Use an online app like TripIt to keep track of your bookings and day-to-day plans. Or go semi-old school like I do and put it in an Excel document . Since I have yet to find an app that functions exactly how I want, I created my own itinerary framework that includes all the elements I prefer.

I share this free framework  downloadable in four file types in this article . In it, I also link to more places to find free or affordable trip itinerary templates. 

Then, for safety purposes , share your itinerary with family and friends so they know where you will be when you are away from home.

Step 11: Plan for Emergencies & Unexpected Situations (3 Tips)

Follow these three recommendations to help you avoid or quickly recover from emergencies and unexpected situations while traveling.

Conduct practical safety prep.

Before each trip, familiarize yourself with local emergency service numbers and healthcare facilities in your planned destination. When traveling internationally—particularly to an area at risk for conflict, know where to find your local embassy or consulate. 

Additionally, ensure your family and friends know where you are going and how to reach you. If you created a detailed itinerary  share it with them. Then, continue to check in throughout the trip.

Buy travel insurance.

It is an extra expense every traveler would love to skip. However, given the cost of your vacation and what is at risk—your trip budget, your health, and your property—the cost of travel insurance should be considered an essential and non-negotiable expense, especially for international trips.

Read about why to get travel insurance and where to find it in this article .

My preferred resource for buying travel insurance is InsureMyTrip , an online travel insurance agent and search engine that I use to shop policies from different insurers, buying from the ones with the highest user ratings.

Know what to do in case of theft.

Do you have a plan for what to do in case your wallet, phone, computer, or passport is taken or goes missing? Do you know how to protect your sensitive data? Or how to quickly replace credit cards or a phone? Or get a replacement passport so you can get home?

If not, familiarize yourself with these steps in case your phone goes missing , or read this account of a traveler who had to navigate getting her phone stolen out of her hand in Cartagena, Colombia.

Then, make front-and-back print and digital copies of all IDs, passports, credit cards, and travel insurance policies, keeping copies easily accessible in case of emergency, theft, or loss. Share copies of all items with a trusted friend or family member who can quickly send them back to you if needed.

Step 12: Packing & Prepping Your Home Before Your Trip (Resources)

Taking care to pack efficiently will make your trip a more comfortable one. Before you go, research weather conditions at your destination and plan accordingly. Make a checklist of essential items, such as toiletries, medication, electronics, and travel adapters. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different occasions and temperatures. And remember a travel first aid kit with essential medical supplies.

Because I bring many repeat items every time we travel, I spent a year carefully crafting, updating, and tweaking a universal and printable packing list to reuse for every trip. Using this helps me avoid “recreating the (packing) wheel” every time I leave home, which helps save time and minimizes prep. 

Access, download, and print this universal packing list , which includes a comprehensive medical kit, here . 

Additionally, since I am a fan of checklists and streamlining tasks, I created a second checklist to close the house and prep for packing—that includes to-do items like buying trip-specific gear or picking up medical prescriptions in advance to avoid last-minute scrambles. Check out the list here. 

If you are new to traveling and packing, get 25 of my best packing tips that I follow for every trip.

Step 13: Make Your Finances Accessible on Domestic & International Trips (13 Tips)

Before you go on any trip, be sure to have a plan for how to pay for all expenses, access your cash, and use your credit cards.

On domestic trips: two tips on spending and cash.

If your getaway is domestic, this step should be relatively easy, as how you spend will be similar to what you do at home. However, there are two things you may want to consider before you leave. Getting extra cash from a local no-fee ATM and ensuring you have up-to-date logins with mobile pay apps like Zelle or Venmo. 

Even in this age of high connectivity, it is still relatively easy to encounter a market vendor, fair, or pop-up snack shop that does not accept credit cards. So, you will want a cash supply handy . Doing this will help you avoid unnecessary and out-of-the-way stops at high-fee and out-of-network ATMs. Sometimes, vendors will also accept mobile payments from apps like Venmo or Zelle. 

For example, during a recent domestic trip to New Orleans, our family enjoyed listening to musicians who accepted tips via Venmo, allowing us to scan their QR code and drop some cash—in appreciation of their talent and time. So, before you leave for your trip, if you use these apps, ensure you are actively logged in and can access your accounts.

On international trips: 11 tips for spending, credit cards, cash, and safety.

Prearranging and maintaining comprehensive and secure financial access requires a few more steps when traveling internationally. Here is a list of 10 things you will want to plan for: 

1. Determine which credit card(s) you plan to use . Ideally, choose the one(s) that offers the lowest, or zero, foreign transaction fees.

2. If you use a mobile hands-free payment like Apple Pay, ensure your default credit card linked to your mobile payment account is the card with the lowest foreign transaction fees. 

3. For travelers who do not already use a hands-free payment method like Apple Pay, consider setting it up, as it is a convenient wallet-free way to pay when traveling. Keeping your wallet tucked away may also make you less of a target for potential pickpockets who tend to mark international travelers.

4. If you plan to use a credit card while traveling internationally, process your transactions in the local currency . At the point-of-sale, avoid converting the transaction to your home currency since this often translates into a less advantageous exchange rate. 

5. Know the currency exchange rate between your home and destination country before you leave home—this will help you better manage your spending and budget. Download a currency converter app like XE , to easily translate local prices to your home currency.

6. Plan to take out the local country currency from an ATM when you arrive. Some travelers prefer to pre-buy foreign currency at their local hometown bank before they leave for their trip. However, we are always comfortable doing this at the airport upon arrival.

Know which local ATMs offer the lowest fees for international visitors for cash withdrawals and which charge the highest—and should be avoided. Visit traveler forums and social media groups , or read guidebooks  to learn this information.

7. Bring back up cash in your own currency , which you can exchange in an emergency. Include small bills if you can. You can often use these in a pinch for tips and when you run short on small denominations of local cash. However, local currency—depending on the country—is generally preferred.

8. Remove all unnecessary credit , identity, membership, and banking cards from your wallet that you do not plan to use while traveling and store them safely at home. Doing this is preventative in case of wallet loss or theft. Keeping so many cards at home means you will have fewer to cancel or replace.

9. Make copies of both sides of your banking and credit cards . Keep print or digital copies accessible. For a backup— share them with a friend or family member who will be staying home and can send them to you in the event of loss or theft. 

10. Have a plan for keeping your wallet and valuables safe while on your trip. Assume on an international trip, you may be a target for pickpockets. Make it difficult for would-be thieves by using secure carrying bags and backpacks with zippered pockets.

Practice never leaving your personal items unattended or on the back of chairs. If you need to set a bag down, wrap a strap securely around a leg or arm. Also, ensure all openings are fully zipped and face inward toward your body. Depending on your destination, consider sewing hidden interior pockets to pants or using money belts under clothes to keep cash and IDs secure.

Another helpful step you can take includes being aware of your surroundings and avoiding being distracted in public by your phone while traveling. It is relatively easy for a cyclist or motorcycle rider to whip by and grab an unlocked phone from unsuspecting hands.

11. Finally, before you go, move ample cash into your checking or ATM-linked account to fund your trip and to fully process automatic bill withdrawals to eliminate the possibility of overdrafts or other unpleasant financial surprises that could happen while you are away. If you do not have auto bill payments set up, pre-pay all upcoming bills before you leave.

Note: Many credit cards and banks no longer require you to alert them when you plan to leave the country as they track trip-related purchases like plane tickets, taxis, and hotel bookings. 

However, check with your banking and credit card companies before you go to understand their travel recommendations and to avoid possible suspicious-activity freezes on your accounts.

This step is easy for domestic journeys, as depending on your data plan, you can ideally use your mobile phone to text and call to stay in touch like you would at home. 

However, constant connectivity gets more complicated for international trips. When traveling abroad, you want to determine how you plan to use your mobile phone .

Will you stay off-network and use it only when connected to Wi-Fi? Or pay a daily network international roaming fee—up to a pricey $10 per day with networks like Verizon? Or, instead, buy a data plan from a local network using e-sim technology?

Does this feel complicated? Even to me, a regular international traveler, and others—it does also. Based on your budget and connectivity needs, you will want to figure out which way of staying connected is right for you. To decide, price out international plans from your mobile carrier and then learn more about going the eSIM route with info in this helpful article .

Once you know how you plan to stay in touch, download apps you anticipate you may need to use. When traveling internationally, this may include downloading What’sApp , a global messaging app and voice-over-IP service heavily used outside of the United States. 

When abroad, I frequently use this app to communicate with lodging contacts and tour guides and to confirm reservations.

Additionally, be sure to have all lodging or tour booking apps downloaded and updated on your phone. You will want to access the messaging functionality within apps like Airbnb, Booking.com, or other hotel apps, which you may need to use to send and receive communications. 

Hands-down, thorough travel research is the key to a stress-free adventure. By taking time to gather destination information so you can make informed planning decisions, you can ensure a smooth and memory-making journey. 

From researching your destination and finding the best deals to understanding local customs and preparing essential travel documents, each step plays a vital role in creating your best travel experience.

So, before you embark on your next adventure, check off the items on this ultimate travel research checklist. With research and planning complete, you can explore the world with confidence and peace of mind. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for any unexpected challenges or opportunities that come your way. Happy travels!

Related Reading

If you are searching for more travel planning assistance to help you save time and money and to stay organized, check out the related articles below.

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  • 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research
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  • Pack Faster & Better with This Universal Printable Packing List
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Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. Save money and time by searching this free flight search engine for affordable and direct flight options. Learn more about why to use it here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “Where to stay” button to discover which neighborhood to stay in and which hotel to book. Learn more in this video clip . 

Booking.com. You will love its more flexible cancellation and payment options, user reviews, discounts, and easy-to-use interface for hotels and rentals.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Search any of these tour and experience booking platforms to find and pre-purchase highly rated guided activities.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Discover more travel things to do on Google Travel, then record the places you want to visit on your own Google Maps lists. 

AllTrails . Use AllTrails to find top hiking and biking trails. Get up-to-date route info, like trail difficulty ratings, what to expect, user reviews, and access points. Sign up for   AllTrails+ to download offline maps.

Guide Along . For U.S. road trips and National Parks. Download these 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible and work offline. Hear stories, fascinating facts, and tips for visiting. We loved the  Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. Stay protected using this online travel insurance agent and search engine to shop policies from different insurers. Buy from the ones with the highest user ratings. Learn why to buy it here . 

Want to know the 15 travel apps I have downloaded and updated for every trip? Check them out here .

Janice Moskoff in front of doorway in Valletta, Malta. (Credit: Danielle Cassar)

About the author:  Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog,  Gather and Go Travel . Check out  her bio , learn how she became  a blogger , and discover how to  work with her . Sign up for her monthly  Discovery Newsletter  to get her latest travel recommendations and  how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator .

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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4 Days In New York Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect NYC Trip

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: May 20, 2021  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories North America Travel Blog

4 Days In New York Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect NYC Trip

Planning the perfect first time trip to NYC begins with one very important question: Should you map out a New York City itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days? Well, we’re here to show you why 4 days is the magic number. We have condensed the very best things to do in New York City into an action packed, fun filled and unforgettable 4 day NYC itinerary.

After heavily exploring New York City for 3 non-stop months in early 2021,  we have crafted the perfect 4 days itinerary blueprint for first time visitors to one of the world’s greatest cities.

If you follow this itinerary exactly, you will see all of the top rated paid attractions, walk around the cool and edgy neighborhoods and of course hit the best free things to do in NYC.

Remember, you can always use this example itinerary as a starting point and tailor it to suit your travel style and preferences. 

Let’s break the iconic landmarks and neighborhoods of New York City up into 4 memorable days!

Why 4 Days?

We thought long and hard about 3, 4 and 5 days for the perfect amount of time for a first time visitor to explore NYC.

New York City is one of the best places to visit in the USA but it is not a cheap place to take a vacation. Hotels, food, attractions and transport add up quickly.

However, there are so many awesome things to do in the city, so it’s important to get the balance right.

  • With just 3 days, you will be seriously cramming things in and you will have to cut one or two ‘big’ attractions or neighborhoods from your itinerary.
  • If you stay in the city for 5 days, you might find you have unexpected ‘dead’ time. Plus it starts to get really expensive.
  • Therefore, 4 days strikes the perfect balance between cost, time and making the most of your trip to NYC.

Getting Into NYC

Let’s take a quick look into basic travel logistics and useful tips for getting into the city. All transport terminals can be found on the map located at the end of the NYC itinerary:

Remember if you drive to the city, you will have to pay additional fees for hotel parking. There are tolls to pay as you cross bridges and tunnels, plus traffic is going to cost you time.

We highly recommend leaving your car in the hotel parking lot and using subways to get around once in the city.

The major Amtrak station in New York City is newly built Moynihan Hall, opposite Penn Station (which serves as one combined entity).

Greyhound bus terminal in NYC is at Port Authority, 8th ave and 40th-42nd street. Times Square and Penn Station are within walking distance.

International visitors will land at JFK or Newark, but domestic US travelers could also land at La Guardia. Here’s how to get into the city from each airport:

  • JFK to Manhattan – Take the air train to Jamaica Station and then the LIRR to Penn Station. The LIRR is much easier than taking the subway, especially if you have larger suitcases.
  • Newark to Manhattan – The Newark Airport ‘AirTrain’ will transport you from airport terminal to airport train station. Take the NJ Transit train or Amtrak train directly from Newark Airport station to Penn Station. Easier and quicker than JFK.
  • La Guardia to Manhattan – No direct train links. Take a bus to a subway line or take a taxi, private bus, or private car into Manhattan.

Where to stay on a 4 days in new york city itinerary 1 hotel central park top choice

Where To Stay In NYC

The hotel you decide to book will play an important role in the success and enjoyment of your visit to the city.

Our top tip is to book a hotel near a subway station. If you can help it, you don’t want a 5 or 10 minute walk each time you want to go anywhere in the city and the same back again later that night.

We won’t get into hotels in a big way in this 4 days New York City itinerary. Instead we will list just a handful of the top rated hotels in the most popular centrally located areas for first time visitors.

Read our comprehensive  Where to Stay in New York City guide to find the perfect hotel for your travel style and preferences. It is a very detailed roundup of the top rated hotels in each of the 6 most popular NYC areas.

Important : A high proportion of first time visitors to New York will book a hotel near Times Square. Therefore, for the purposes of this 4 days in New York City itinerary, we will use Times Square as our home base.

Each hotel listed below has a rating out of 10 as per Booking.com included for reference. We have included the popular areas of Central Park, Times Square and Midtown South.

Click on any hotel name to see the prices for your dates:

  • Central Park – M Social Hotel 8.5
  • Times Square – Riu Plaza 8.6
  • Midtown South – Cambria 8.8
  • Central Park – 1 Hotel Central Park 8.7
  • Times Square – CitizenM Times Square 9.1
  • Midtown South – Archer 9.0
  • Central Park – The Whitby Hotel 9.5
  • Times Square – The Chatwal 9.1
  • Midtown South – The Langham 9.1

NYC Itinerary Tips

  • Spend as much time as possible exploring each day and night. You can sleep after your trip!
  • Depending on season, you might have one or two days of bad weather forecast. If there’s going to be a rainy day, switch up the itinerary to make sure you spend as much time inside as possible.
  • Fuel up during the day with the best bagels in NYC , endless slices of the best NYC pizza and hotdogs from street vendors – you are in New York City after all!
  • Visiting New York City at Christmas? Read our detailed guide to visiting NYC in Winter .
  • Book every single attraction you want to do in advance, whether it’s a museum, observation deck, cruise and even lunch or dinner if it’s somewhere popular. With just 4 days you can’t afford to lose time standing in lines or being on a waiting list.
  • Purchase a NYC attraction pass to save money when visiting many of the top attractions in the city. We will cover everything you need to know towards the end of this guide after the itinerary.

Infographic summarizing the best things to do on a 4 days NYC itinerary

Day 1 New York City Itinerary – Central Park, North Midtown & Times Square

Let’s kick things off on Day 1 with an iconic park, world famous art museums, shopping and the first of many observation decks.

Remember, the summer months of June, July and August are peak season in NYC. If you want to avoid the crowds but still have comfortable weather, consider visiting New York in April or another shoulder season month.

Central Park and North Midtown are overflowing with must-visit sights. It will be a busy first day with a lot of walking.

Central Park Bow Bridge in snow and ice winter plan a trip to nyc

Morning – Central Park

There are two awesome NYC bagel joints near Penn Station on 35th street between 7th and 8th avenue:  Liberty Bagels Midtown and Best Bagel & Coffee . Either will set up you perfectly for the day ahead.

After breakfast, walk up 7th avenue from Times Square to Central Park or take the Yellow subway line from Times Sq 42 St to 5 Avenue on the Southeast corner of Central Park.

One of our top tips for your 4 days in New York City itinerary is to walk through Times Square before (or during) sunrise. It’s almost as crazy to see it empty as it to see it buzzing at night.

Central Park is a stunning part of the city you just can’t miss on a first visit to NYC. Walking through the park is up there with the very best free things to do in New York.

It’s also a 4 season urban oasis:

  • Spring – Cherry blossom
  • Summer – Emerald green leaves
  • Fall – Burnt orange foliage
  • Winter – See Central Park in the snow

Once in Central Park, follow this exact path:

The Pond -> Gapstow Bridge -> Wollman Ice Rink -> The Mall -> Bethesda Terrace -> Bow Bridge (but don’t cross it) -> Cherry Hill -> Wagner Cove -> Strawberry Fields -> Ramble Stone Arch -> The Ramble -> Belvedere Castle and finish at The MET .

The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) is our top pick for the best NYC museums . If you are only going to do one, make it this one. We spent 5 hours inside and left feeling like we’d missed a few important exhibits.

It is huge!

Outside of Saks fifth avenue

Afternoon – North Midtown

Once you manage to tear yourself away from The MET, either walk back through Central Park sticking close to the boundary with 5th avenue or walk on 5th avenue itself.

The park is more attractive but the luxury buildings of Upper East Side are impressive and intriguing.

When you reach the corner of 59th street and 5th avenue – where the Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2 is located – you will begin walking down the world’s most expensive shopping street: Upper Fifth Avenue.

If shopping isn’t your cup of tea, why not go for a ‘proper brew’ with afternoon tea at The Whitby Hotel ?

Sandwiches, scones and desserts at one of the top rated hotels in NYC is a luxurious and relaxing way to refuel after standing for hours.

Alternatively, if you love art and can’t wait to travel forward in time from The MET, spend the next few hours perusing New York’s premier Modern Art display inside MoMA .

However you decide to spend the afternoon in North Midtown, be sure to walk by St Patrick’s Cathedral, Atlas, Saks Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.

Top of the Rock is one of the best things to do on a 4 days in new york city itinerary

Evening – Times Square

After looking up at the impressive Rockefeller Center, there’s only one thing to do – stand on its roof. Walk the red carpet entrance on W 50th street, check out the exhibits and take the elevator up to Top of the Rock .

Pre-book your time slot for Top of the Rock and go for the hour before sunset. That way you can watch as Midtown and Downtown turn a golden yellow and orange as the city buildings cast huge deep shadows from block to block.

From Top of the Rock you have awesome views over Central Park, Edge and particularly the Empire State Building, which lights up at night.

Once you’ve seen enough and day has transitioned into night, it’s time to immerse yourself into the eccentric chaos that is Times Square. Even if you know you’re not going to like Times Square, you should at least walk through it one time to experience the electric atmosphere.

Look for the red staircase and take a seat to soak up the sensory overload scenes unfolding in front of you.

The time will come when you can’t take it anymore. At that point, make your way to Refinery Rooftop for a late dinner and cocktail or beer.

Views of the Empire State Building are great but you will need to book in advance.

Day 1 NYC Attractions Summary

If you want to keep track of any attractions you will visit on this 4 days in New York City itinerary, we will list major and minor attractions at the end of each day.

  • Central Park
  • Fifth Avenue
  • Top of the Rock
  • Times Square
  • St Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Saks Department Store
  • Rockefeller Center
  • NYC Rooftop Bar

Do you need help planning your visit to New York City? Our popular 40 + page NYC Guidebook & Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to New York including hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do, example itineraries and so much more!

Day 2 New York City Itinerary – South Midtown, Chelsea & Central Midtown

Day 2 gets you stuck into the meat of Manhattan, New York. The route is a nice, easy to follow square shaped loop and is best achieved by walking.

There are fewer ‘top attractions’ but more chance to walk through some of the residential areas in Manhattan.

Empire State Building in the new york city skyline is unmissable on any NYC itinerary

Morning – South Midtown

Start the day with a visit to the 86th floor of New York’s most iconic building of all – the Empire State Building. There are 50 tickets per day for sunrise but they are expensive.

So if you’re on a lower budget, we’d suggest waiting until right after the sunrise time slot.

Views circling 360 degrees consist of enormous skyscrapers and concrete towers bursting high above the streets of NYC. The exhibits are interesting and you can also pay more to visit the 102nd floor but be aware that floor is indoors.

Take Broadway as far as the Flatiron Building to gaze upon the famous narrowly rounded front edge.

Continue down Broadway passing through Union Square until you reach the incredibly popular and independent Strand Book Store .

By now there are likely to be lines to get in but it’s worth waiting around a few minutes to get inside.

The High Line street view of an ornate bridge

Afternoon – Chelsea

Next up is a 6 block walk along W 14th street as far as Chelsea Market.

Spend a few hours exploring Chelsea Market, find a great spot (such as Los Tacos ) for a quick take out lunch and enjoy the atmosphere.

Walk around Chelsea and the Meatpacking District for another hour or so, there are dozens of trendy bars and restaurants here to grab lunch if nothing takes your fancy inside Chelsea Market.

You will find The High Line starts just a few blocks South of the market and that’s where you’ll be heading next, right on the corner of Gansevoort and Washington.

The High Line is a peaceful and relaxing escape from crosswalks and relentless traffic. An old railroad line transformed into a 1.5 mile long garden oasis elevated above street level is as awesome as it sounds.

This place does get busy in Summer and on warm Spring or Fall days. But by late afternoon it should be beginning to get quieter after the midday rush.

Sunset on the edge at Hudson yards perfect place to visit on a 4 days in new york city itinerary

Evening – Central Midtown

As you walk North, you will see an eye-catching glass building with strange triangular shaped platform jutting out at the top. That is Edge at Hudson Yards and you will be standing on that very platform shortly.

Undergoing significant redevelopment, Hudson Yards has become a modern and futuristic looking area to enjoy. The High Line ends right at the Hudson Yards complex.

Start with Vessel, one of the most unique and awesome pieces of architecture in the city. Next to it is The Shed, a cultural center with retractable shell.

Move inside the main shopping mall at Hudson Yards. It reminded us of a mall in Dubai or Singapore with its pristine finish and upmarket feel. On the 4th floor you will find the entrance to Edge.

Spend time walking around the cool exhibits, explaining how renewable energy, waste and air filtration works in conjunction with the building.

The elevator ride from floor 4 to 100 is our favorite elevator in New York City. You will know why when you’re floating upward.

Views over NYC from Edge at sunset are astounding. We highly recommend this one.

When you’re ready, head up 34th street, passing Penn Station as far as Macy’s. You simply can’t miss one of the world’s most popular department stores on your first trip to NYC.

If you bought a New York CityPASS , you will have a ‘free’ second visit to the Empire State Building after 7pm. So if you’re not observation-decked-out, head back up to floor 82 to see New York shimmering at night.

Day 2 NYC Attractions Summary

Here are the top NYC attractions you have ticked off on day 2:

  • Empire State Building
  • Macy’s
  • Chelsea Market
  • The High Line
  • Strand Book Store
  • Flatiron Building
  • Meatpacking District
  • Penn Station

Day 3 New York City Itinerary – Lower Manhattan & SoHo

Days 1 and 2 have been action packed but day 3 takes things up a notch. Lots of coffee in the morning is a must!

Lower Manhattan is home to an overwhelming amount of touristy things to do in New York. However, with just one day to see it all, we’re going to prioritize only the most unmissable.

Statue of liberty is unmissable on a 4 days in new york city itinerary for first time visitors lady liberty holding torch high into the blue sky

Morning – Lower Manhattan Part 1

Take the red subway line from Times Square 42 St to the South Ferry terminal in time to jump on the very first ferry of the day to Liberty Island.

Again, you will need to book this in advance and we highly recommend you do make the first ferry. That way you get a good start on a long day and you also get Liberty Island to just the one group.

The ferry leaves from behind Castle Clinton in The Battery on Manhattan’s Southern tip.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of the top bucket list activities on your 4 days in New York, and this is the only way you can actually step foot on Liberty Island.

The ferry leaves Liberty Island and makes a stop at Ellis Island before heading back to Manhattan. We thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend getting off at Ellis Island to take the tour inside the National Museum of Immigration.

However, only do this if you either have a lot of interest in this museum or you are a quick explorer because there’s a lot more to get through today.

Once back in Manhattan, it’s time to explore the maze-like street of the Financial District. Start with Stone Street, Broad Street and William Street before reaching Wall Street.

Check out the Trump Building, Federal Hall, Trinity Church and NYSE with the Fearless Girl statue. Consider taking this popular walking tour of Wall Street and the Financial District.

Oculus is one of the most unique buildings in new york city and perfect to add to a 4 days itinerary for lovers of architecture or interior design

Afternoon – Lower Manhattan Part 2

Around 12pm – 1pm is the perfect time of day if you’re planning to take a luxury helicopter tour over NYC for a special occasion. We’d recommend waiting on lunch until after the flight!

If a helicopter ride isn’t on your radar, head straight up to Oculus at the World Trade Center complex. Oculus is one of our favorite buildings in New York.

It looks like a bright white winged dove from the outside and opens up into a vast and cavernous grand hall.

If you want to complete the set of observation decks, One World Observatory is the highest platform in the Western Hemisphere. It offers a unique city view, including Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.

Otherwise, it’s time for a harrowing but unmissable part of your 4 days in New York itinerary – the 9/11 museum. Spend a few minutes walking around the memorial pools before heading inside.

Allow at least 2-3 hours the museum. It’s so sad but engaging and gripping. A timeline of events unfolding almost feels like a tense movie script, but it was a tragic reality.

The museum does a fantastic job of immersing you into the events.

SoHo is a great place to walk around with lovely shops and cobblestone streets

Evening – SoHo

Emotions will be running high but you’ll need to shake it off as you walk North up W Broadway through Tribeca and into SoHo.

SoHo is a ritzy residential / high end shopping area in which you can enjoy some of the best people watching in the city. Walk up and down the quaint grid-style cobblestoned streets, stopping to admire the rows of houses and shops.

If you fancy a sweet treat, don’t miss Dominique Ansel bakery and its legendary Cronut – a croissant / donut hybrid.

Still feeling like walking and exploring at this point? Continue on to Greenwich Village and West Village for more of the same picturesque residential rows.

If not, stick around in SoHo, find a posh place for dinner and relax.

Day 3 NYC Attractions Summary

Here are the top NYC attractions you have ticked off on day 3:

  • Statue of Liberty
  • Wall Street
  • One World Observatory
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Ellis Island
  • Trinity Church
  • Helicopter Ride

Day 4 New York City Itinerary – Brooklyn & Williamsburg

The last day of your 4 days in New York City itinerary is centered around crossing the East River into Brooklyn and back again into Manhattan. Maybe more than once!

One day is doing Brooklyn a disservice. But on a first visit to NYC, there are just so many places in Manhattan you can’t miss.

Let’s take a look at an efficient way to see some of the best bits in Brooklyn in one day.

Dumbo washington street manhattan bridge view is unique and gorgeous

Morning – Dumbo

If you don’t mind an early start, we highly recommend waking up before sunrise and making your way down to Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall on the green subway line.

Walking over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise is one of the best free things you can do in New York. You will have the bridge almost entirely to yourself, perfect for snapping some selfies.

Serious photographers should try to be at Pier 17 during civil twilight. The sun rises behind Williamsburg and Pier 17 has one of the top places to watch sunrise in NYC.

Cross the bridge and once you reach Brooklyn, take the staircase and turn left. Walk 3 blocks straight down Washington Street and you’ll see the mighty Manhattan Bridge dominating the skyline through a tunnel of narrow buildings.

Early morning gives you a better chance of getting a selfie without dozens of others, plus the bridge will be glowing just after sunrise.

This unique spot in Dumbo is one of the best photography and instagram locations in NYC . 

Bars and restaurants in Williamsburg Brooklyn

Afternoon – Williamsburg

You have so many options for places to explore in Brooklyn.

Prospect Park, Greenwood Cemetery, Red Hook, walk around downtown Brooklyn, pick any of the residential neighborhoods to see those typical Brooklyn houses with wide set steps at the entrance and the list goes on.

However, for the purpose of keeping things broader and to give you more of a complete visit to NYC, we recommend you jump on the light green line at Hoyt-Schermerhorn and get off at Metropolitan Ave in Williamsburg.

Trendy hipster Williamsburg is a cool residential neighborhood with tons of bars and restaurants spilling out into the streets centered around Bedford Avenue and Berry Street.

Start at Domino Park and walk all the way up Berry St / Bedford Av to really immerse yourself into Williamsburg around midday. Stop in for lunch and a beer at one of many awesome looking places.

If you’re into street art, make the extra effort to reach the Bushwick Collective. You can jump on the grey line at Bedford Av station and get off at Jefferson St to see entire streets covered in wall art.

Top tip : If you’re trying out pizza slices in each area of NYC, you can’t miss highly rated and always busy L’industrie pizzeria in Williamsburg.

Brooklyn Bridge lit up at night with nobody on the wooden pedestrian path

Evening – Brooklyn

Tear yourself away from the pubs in Williamsburg and head back to Hoyt-Schermerhorn St in Brooklyn.

Make your way over to Montague Street and walk as far as Brooklyn Heights promenade for your first of many Lower Manhattan skyline views. Turn right and follow this all the way around until you’re standing underneath Brooklyn Bridge.

Continue along Water Street and enter Time Out Market . On the river side of the market, you will be able to see the classic Brooklyn Bridge view. Take a ton of photographs from Jane’s Carousel, Pebble Beach and on top of Time Out Market.

Sunset is awesome from anywhere in this area. Grab dinner at a riverside restaurant in Time Out Market, then head back to the other side of Brooklyn Bridge again.

Follow the waterfront Pier 1 promenade until you reach Old Pier 1 for another unique but amazing view of Manhattan.

Finally, take one of the most unforgettable walks in New York City by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge at night when Manhattan begins to sparkle.

Day 4 NYC Attractions Summary

Here are the top NYC attractions you have ticked off on day 4:

  • Williamsburg
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Manhattan Bridge
  • Bushwick Collective
  • Domino Park
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park

4 Days In New York City Neighborhood Itinerary

Does the itinerary above sound a little too touristy for your taste?

If you’re visiting New York City to see the good, the bad and the gritty, spend your days walking around neighborhoods instead of attractions.

Here’s an example of how you could spend 4 days in New York City:

  • 1 – West Village, Greenwich Village and Chelsea
  • 2 – Tribeca, Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita and SoHo
  • 3 – Bowery, East Village and Lower East Side
  • 4 – Brooklyn and Williamsburg

4 Days In New York Itinerary Map

We have created a 4 Days NYC Itinerary Map for you to use as a reference. Each day is numbered by attraction or activity as listed in the itinerary above.

Click or touch your screen to activate the map.

Scroll around, zoom in and out, get to know the area and click on each icon to see how the 4 days New York City itinerary will work.

Understanding the geography of NYC will significantly help you get around and save time once you arrive.

  • Red icons = Day 1
  • Green icons = Day 2
  • Purple icons = Day 3
  • Blue icons = Day 4
  • Orange icons = Transport Hubs

Four major nyc attraction passes displayed in iPhones

New York City Attraction Passes

If you are planning to visit the top attractions in New York, we recommend you purchase a New York City attraction pass .

The idea is simple with these attractions passes;  the more attractions you visit, the more money you will save .

Having used the NYC attraction passes ourselves when we lived in New York, we recommend the New York Sightseeing Pass because its extremely easy to use while offering both flexibility and big savings.

Many of the attractions on this New York Itinerary are included with the NY Sightseeing Pass and we have an exclusive 10% discount just for our readers.

Want To Save Money In NYC?

Use the button below to claim 10% off any NY Sightseeing Pass.

You can also read our guides below to help decide which is the perfect pass for your visit to New York:

  • NY Sightseeing Pass  – The most popular NYC attraction pass option for visitors who want to see as many attractions as possible.
  • New York CityPASS and C3 Pass Review  – How to visit select attractions in New York City at a competitive price point.
  • New York Pass Comparison  – Detailed comparison between each of the 4 New York Passes and which one you should buy for your visit.

Travel Tip : If you have a New York attractions pass, you will not have to pay the extra fee for a sunset time slot at the any of the NYC observation decks when you reserve your timed entry ticket online.

Need Help Planning Your Visit To New York City?

NYC is a vacation planning beast and it can be overwhelming trying to get every aspect right. Trust us, we know!

After living in New York City, we created a comprehensive NYC travel guidebook & itineraries that will answer every question you have about where to stay, what to do, where to eat and how to get around the city.

Click see details below to read more about how we can help you plan your dream trip to New York City!

how to plan a visit

Our Popular NYC Guides

  • Attractions  – Here’s our complete roundup of the very  best things to do in New York City  for all visitors covering free, cheap and iconic attractions.
  • Photography  – Our guide to the  best photography spots in New York City  includes over 60 famous photo locations around the city.
  • Hotels  – Here’s our comprehensive guide on exactly  where to stay in New York City  based on the six popular NYC neighborhoods.
  • Winter  – Are you planning a trip to New York in December, January or February? There are 10 important things you need to know about  visiting New York City in Winter .

Best Of New York City

  • Pizza  – Sampling famous New York pizza is unmissable on any trip to the big apple, here’s our popular guide to where you can find the very  best pizza in NYC .
  • Bagels  – Bagels are the only thing you should be eating for breakfast in New York! Here’s our roundup of where to find the  best bagels in NYC .
  • Museums  – With over 100 museums in NYC it can be hard to narrow down which ones you should visit, here’s our version of the  10 best museums in New York City .
  • New York Attraction Pass – With so many popular NYC attraction passes how do you choose? In this guide, we give you a detailed comparison for all New York passes .

Want more New York City content?  Head to our  New York Travel Guides  to explore more from the Big Apple as well as beautiful upstate NY.

We hope this New York City itinerary helps with planning the most amazing 4 days NYC trip!

Please let us know if you have any questions about planning your 4 day itinerary or New York City on the comments below.

Happy Planning ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy This NYC Guide? Pin If For Your Visit!

Perfect first time visitor 4 days in new york city itinerary every major attraction

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how to plan a visit

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

Share this article!

Karine and Matthieu

Saturday 8th of April 2023

Taking my teenage son during spring vacay and this was super helpful! thank you

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Monday 17th of April 2023

You're very welcome, Karine. We hope you have a fantastic time in NYC!

Monday 25th of April 2022

This is great!! How do we incorporate a broadway play or 2?

Friday 29th of April 2022

Hi Bonnie, if you're planning to squeeze in a few broadway shows we would suggest doing one or two of the observation decks during the day instead of at night so you can do broadway on an evening instead. It might be worth considering staying close to Times Square so you don't have to go far after your shows at night. We'd also recommend booking your tickets in advance, we are just leaving a few days in NYC and it is back to being extremely busy! Have a great time!

Saturday 20th of November 2021

WOW. This was impressive. Your valuable effort and time does not go unnoticed with this post.

Monday 22nd of November 2021

Thank you very much, Levi, we appreciate you taking the time to let us know you found our itinerary helpful. Have a great trip to NYC!

how to plan a visit

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A First Timer's Guide to Napa Valley

Where do you start your napa valley trip, when there are hundreds of wineries, several michelin-starred restaurants, and plenty more offerings for culture, adventure, and wellness.

No matter where and when you go, you won’t go wrong.

Visit in the spring, and you’ll be greeted by an abundance of wildflowers. In summer, it’s a playground for hiking and biking. In the fall, you’ll get to experience wine country at the height of its harvest. And the mild winters are a chance to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of leading restaurants with seasonal food and good wine.

This may be your first visit, but we are pretty confident it won’t be your last.

What's On Your Schedule

Napa Valley Welcome Center

Napa Valley Welcome Center

An inaugural visit to Napa Valley should begin with a stop at the  Napa Valley Welcome Center in downtown Napa. There, you can fine-tune the details of your trip with local experts, pick up maps, take a selfie in front of the wine barrels, and score special offers from wineries. There's even a beautiful bathroom with fresh flowers so you can freshen up for the big day ahead.

Check in to the 62-room Bardessono in Yountville this afternoon. The hotel embraces the spirit of the Napa Valley in every aspect of its design and amenities—and prides itself on sustainability, garnering a Platinum LEED certification. Even the smallest rooms feature 250-square-foot terraces where you can enjoy the area's enviable climate. Signature treatments at the hotel's spa incorporate Chardonnay oil and other wine-based ingredients.

Yountville makes a great base to explore Napa Valley, and the compact town, with fewer than 3,000 residents, also has plenty of charms of its own. A number of wineries have tasting rooms here, so you don't have to get back in your car if you want to visit Chandon ; for a glass of bubbly or Stewart Cellars , a family-owned winery with a tasting hall at the opposite end of town—but don't worry, a walk the whole way across town is a short one in Yountville.

Save the French Laundry, perhaps the area's most famous restaurant, for another evening when you haven't spent the day traveling. Tonight you'll try one of Yountville's more casual options like wood-fired pizzas at  Ciccio , or maybe Mustards Grill , an institution that has been serving California cuisine for more than three decades, in a casual low-key setting.

Oxbow Public Market

Oxbow Public Market

Before you drive south to the city of Napa , stop by the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville. The museum will give you a good historic overview, from the first pioneer winemakers in the 19th century to the phenomenal growth of the region in the last 50 years. In addition to the photos and artifacts in the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary ones focused on local artists.

It's only a few minutes by car to Napa, the "big city" in the valley, with a population of 80,000. Visit the Oxbow Public Market to peruse its selection of produce, gifts by local craftsmen, and outposts of popular restaurants. It's a good spot for a light lunch from places like Hog Island Oyster Co. or the Model Bakery.

Afterward, stroll across the river to First Street Napa. Spanning three buzzy blocks in the heart of Downtown Napa, First Street Napa  is an ever-growing hub for shopping, dining, and tasting. Known for its locally-owned boutiques and independent restaurants and wineries, the district has recently welcomed a surge of new shops like C’est La Paire for chic boots and handbags; The Bennington Napa Valley for vintage finds; and Copperfield’s Books, a mainstay store returning to First Street. Honey Whiskey Boutique as well as nearby Tay & Grace offer up beautifully curated women’s clothing and accessories that capture the Napa Valley lifestyle.

An art of another sort lives on at Napa's Seguin Moreau, where fourth-generation master cooper Douglas Rennie crafts wooden barrels used to age some of Napa Valley's finest wines. The cooperage isn't open to the public, so he encourages visitors to seek out such barrels at wineries like Opus One , Far Niente , Nickel & Nickel , and Duckhorn . "A lot of top wineries have them in beautiful showcase tasting rooms; it's really a sight to see when you walk into a cave or cellar and there's barrel after barrel of the traditional hoops."

You might take him up on the advice and detour to Oakville for a tour of Opus One or Far Niente. While in the neighborhood, why not mix things up with an olive oil tasting at Round Pond Estate in Rutherford (you did have a light lunch, after all). Come dinnertime, circle back to Oenotri in Napa, where you'll be greeted by the aroma of wood-fired pizzas, served along with house-made salumi and rustic Southern Italian dishes.

Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards

St. Helena is where the Napa Valley's winemaking history began, specifically at the Beringer Vineyards , which opened in 1879 and is the area's oldest continuously operating winery. Spend some time exploring the mansion—a recreation of the Beringer family home on the Rhine in Germany.

For lunch, St. Helena's Main Street has a variety of restaurants to choose from, including casual fare like small plates and sandwiches at the Harvest Table or bruschetta and salads at the Clif Family Bruschetteria , a food truck parked outside the Clif Family Winery. Make a quick stop and then continue on to a local winery or two.

Charles Krug is Napa Valley's oldest winery, established in 1861 (because of periods of inactivity, it cedes the "continuously operating" distinction to Beringer). Book a private cabana for a leisurely afternoon, and enjoy the opportunity to sample a number of "estate" wines available only here. Crocker & Starr and Louis Martini Winery , which also has beautiful new private cabanas, are two options near St. Helena. A plus of these by-appointment-only visits is their intimacy and the chance to spend time directly with the winemakers. You may want to call and schedule yours as soon as you have booked your flights.

Another call you will want to make early on in your planning process is to reserve a table at one of Napa's Michelin-starred restaurants. At Thomas Keller's French Laundry in Yountville, for example, reservations open up two months in advance—and they go quickly. (The concierge at your hotel may be able to help you score a table, though they will also need as much notice as possible.) The nine-course tasting menu isn't cheap, but this is a meal you will likely remember for the rest of your life, with each course of the haute California-French dishes exquisitely plated. Other top choices include  La Toque , and the Restaurant at Auberge .

Chateau Montelena winery

Chateau Montelena

Start this morning with a visit to the Chateau Montelena Winery . While the Napa Valley was a thriving wine region since the 19th century, it was an event in Paris in 1976 that helped elevate the region's products in the eyes of wine drinkers around the world. In the "Judgment of Paris," a competition between French and California white wines, the French judges decided that Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay was the best of all of them. The tasting room is open daily while the winery also has a lovely 19th-century chateau and a Chinese garden.

At your next stop, you'll have an only-in-Northern-California experience, namely a mud bath in Calistoga . This West Coast spa town has drawn visitors to its hot springs since the 19th century, and a variety of spas, from basic to luxurious, cater to those who want to experience a "bath" in the warm mineral-rich mud that leaves your body relaxed and your skin glowing. The recently renovated Calistoga Spa Hot Springs offers a bath in the volcanic-ash mud, followed by a deep-tissue, sports, or Swedish massage, among other treatments. Afterward, you can take a post-treatment/pre-dinner nap by the pool.

Calistoga offers up several excellent restaurants for dinner before you head back to Yountville. "Up Valley" favorites include Lovina , with an American bistro menu highlighting figs, tomatoes, and other produce grown at local farms. Evangeline has a menu that may be surprising given its location, with a number of Creole and New Orleans dishes, and an inviting patio with orange trees.

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A wonderland for grown-ups, Napa Valley resorts cater to outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, bon vivants and those seeking serenity

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A beginner's guide to visiting Yellowstone National Park: Everything you should see and do

Clint Henderson

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

I recently returned from an incredible trip to Yellowstone , our nation's first national park. It was very strange to be there in the days of COVID-19, but it was also one of my best visits yet, as it wasn't as crowded as it's been in the past. It was also my first time actually staying inside the park, which was quite a treat.

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Of course, you could easily spend weeks exploring the sprawling 2.2 million acre park and still not see it all. But even a day trip here or long weekend getaway is well worth your time. Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

What to see and do in Yellowstone

Let me start with the highlight: the wildlife.

Among the many rare species you might encounter are grizzly and brown bears, wolves, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, elk, deer, buffalo, moose and every matter of birds. You can easily pull off the road and see any or all of these animals at once. Buffalo, in particular, are known to cause traffic jams as they use the same roads you do to commute.

Baby and mother grizzly bears. Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Travelers will also discover a ton of adventure in this park. You can camp, hike in the backcountry, boat, fish, cycle and, in the winter, you can even try cross-country skiing.

Both biking and hiking are great ways to experience the natural wonder of this incredible park, and there are plenty of mountain biking and off-roading opportunities. Campsites are available from just $5 a night, and there are approximately 900 miles of trails to explore in the park — just be hyper-aware of your surroundings, as you'll be sharing the territory with some fearsome predators. When I was there last, I saw both bears and wolves.

(Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

There are so many amazing hikes here that aren't too difficult and are within walking distance of accessible parking areas. My favorite was probably the hike to Mystic Falls from Biscuit Basin, not too far from Old Faithful. The 2.5-mile round-trip walk takes you to a dramatic waterfall. If you hike a little farther you might luck out like I did and see Old Faithful erupt on the horizon.

Erupting Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Old Faithful

Probably the most famous of all Yellowstone's attractions, Old Faithful is a massive geyser that erupts reliably every 60 to 110 minutes. It's a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and easily accessible by road, and park rangers can tell you when the next eruption is during the day. There are benches from which you can watch the spectacle. It erupts about 20 times per day, and the plume of water and steam can be as high as 180 feet!

how to plan a visit

You can usually stay at a lodge near Old Faithful, but for the 2020 season, only cabins are available.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

This river valley formed by the Yellowstone River is probably my favorite part of Yellowstone. I've been here now in several different seasons and it's always changing, always distinctly different and always awe-inspiring.

how to plan a visit

There are several viewpoints, and it's one of the most dramatic areas in the country. I'm especially fond of Artist Point. As you can imagine, they call it that for a reason.

You can also check out the Canyon's Lower or Upper Falls viewing areas. I highly recommend doing the Brink of the Lower Falls observation point where you can really get a sense of the river's immense power. If you're driving, be prepared to pull over constantly to get a new perspective.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs was one of the first parts of the park that saw policing back in the 1800s when poaching was a problem. The U.S. Army had a base there (it still houses park employees) and it's home to historic Fort Yellowstone.

how to plan a visit

Travelers will also find the Mammoth Hot Springs lodges and cabins, places to eat and even a gas station.

But the best features are the dramatic hot springs laced with boardwalks for closer observations. You can get a good look at the many steaming hydrothermal pools and the travertine terraces. You can walk (or drive) to the Upper Terraces. There's also a hiking trail circling the pools and falls, but bring your bear spray. In a 24-hour span, I saw a grizzly bear and her cubs, and the next morning I saw another grizzly near the road.

There are also herds of elk that call the area home. You're pretty much guaranteed to see elk during a trip here.

Biscuit Basin and Mystic Falls

Not far from Old Faithful you'll find Biscuit Basin, which is home to gorgeous hot springs and small geysers with fairly regular eruptions.

how to plan a visit

The mix of colors and textures in the rocks is striking. You can follow a wooden walkway and it will eventually lead to an easy hike to Mystic Falls and a spectacular waterfall in a river valley.

Related: State-by-state guide to reopening America

There are also plenty of fun family-friendly activities just outside the park in cities such as Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana. Consider, for example, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. You and the kids can see live bears and wolves who can't return to the wild and learn a ton about the fearsome animals from a safe distance.

Whether you're exploring the park by foot or car, don't forget to grab an $80 annual national park pass . Yellowstone National Park normally charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, so if you have any other national park trips on the horizon, you can easily get your money's worth.

Yellowstone National Park June 2020. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

The best times to visit Yellowstone

The peak time is definitely summer when everything is open. It can get hot, but it's generally not humid. You should pack shorts for the daytime, and be sure to bring sweaters, a sweatshirt or a coat. Yellowstone is in the mountains and it gets cold at night even in the summertime.

You can travel here all year long, including during the winter , which would be a magical (albeit cold) time to visit Yellowstone. Warren Smith, a chiropractor at HealthSource in Butte, Montana, told me he has cross-country skied into the park from West Yellowstone, and outfitters will take even take you snowmobiling.

My personal favorite time to visit is in the early fall when the crowds are thinner, and the colors begin to change. Temperatures are more moderate and it's not quite so hot. You get more of the park to yourself and wildlife is more likely to be around. Keep in mind, though, there can be freak snowstorms even in September — so pack for anything.

Read our complete guide on the best times to visit Yellowstone .

how to plan a visit

Where to stay in Yellowstone

There are plenty of places for you to stay in and around Yellowstone. Both vacation rental properties and hotels are plentiful at all five entrances to Yellowstone (there are three in Montana and two in Wyoming).

Related: How to visit the national parks for less

Points hotels near Yellowstone

Search Cook City, Gardiner, Red Lodge or West Yellowstone in Montana for hotels or rental properties near the trio of Montana entrances. There are also plenty of places to bed down at the two Wyoming entrances. You can search Cody, Wyoming and areas in Idaho.

If you're looking for places to spend points, however, there are far fewer options unless you're willing to stay a few hours outside the park in places like Bozeman, Montana or Idaho Falls, Idaho.

There's a nice Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in July started at $281 a night. That's steep, but if you book early you can certainly find better rates. A long weekend in September will set you back $252 a night, or you can use 45,000 IHG Rewards Points per night.

(Image courtesy Holiday Inn/ IHG)

I booked a room here in July and, despite the last-minute reservation, managed to secure a decent rate. Just watch out for added taxes and fees (unlike the rest of Montana, there are taxes in West Yellowstone). The final price ended up being almost $300 a night. Ouch.

(Image courtesy Holiday Inn/ IHG)

There are also two Choice hotel properties travelers may want to consider: An Ascend Hotel for $212 a night and a Comfort Inn starting at $186 a night in West Yellowstone. Choice also has select properties in Livingstone, Montana, but that's an hour away from the park.

(Image courtesy Choice Hotels)

Travelers can also consider the Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone (from 15,000 Wyndham points per night). And if you have Best Western Rewards points, you could try the Best Western Desert Inn or the Best Western Weston Inn , both from 28,000 points per night.

If you're looking for a major chain hotel, you'll need to head to Bozeman, Montana for a Hilton or a Marriott property. Rates are generally better, but it's a good 2-hour drive to Yellowstone. Prices are also high during the peak summer season — yes, even in 2020 — and can easily run at least $250 per night.

When it welcomes its first guests on Aug. 18, the 122-room Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman will be one of the area's most exciting new properties. The art deco building dating back to 1941 and features a whiskey bar, a rooftop pool and a concert hall. It's about an hour from Big Sky and two hours to the north entrance to Yellowstone .

In Big Sky, the relatively new Wilson Hotel, a Residence Inn by Marriott, is one of the first from a major brand in the area.

Related: How to use points to stay near national parks

Staying inside Yellowstone's borders

Within the park, travelers will discover several rustic lodges. Xanterra is the concessioner for all accommodations inside Yellowstone National Park (as well as Glacier and others, too). Many of the large lodges have existed for more than a century, so keep that in mind and manage your expectations accordingly.

Related: I went to Glacier and Yellowstone during COVID-19 and it was weird

Hotels sell out quickly during the high season. Even this summer, with the coronavirus crippling travel, there isn't much availability. In fact, only cabins are available in the park right now. Lodges are closed and are likely to remain shut down for the remainder of 2020. That makes inventory even scarcer than it usually is this time of year.

I was able to find some dates with availability, but prices are high. At Mammoth Falls Lodge cabins, rates were $277 a night for dates in July and August.

Back in June, I stayed in the cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge. They are charming but basic. The beds are small, and there's no air conditioning. Still, it was really fun staying inside the park and having easy access to hiking trails and the beautiful Mammoth Springs.

Mammoth Hot Springs cabins in Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

The cabins at Old Faithful Lodge are cuter and just steps from the famous Old Faithful geyser. They're tiny, sure, but the perfect base for exploring the nearby geysers, mountains and hot springs when I stayed there in June. Rates in August start at $174 a night.

Cabins at Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

If you're thinking about staying inside the park this summer, you want to act fast.

Betsy O'Rourke, chief marketing officer at Xanterra, told TPG earlier this year, "We open the inventory 13 months out and we sell out in a few hours. However, about 30% of that inventory cancels and gets rebooked."

Her advice? Check back frequently. "Our cancellation policy is 48 hours out, so we do get cancellations even close in."

You can find better deals if you're willing to stay at a vacation rental instead. Airbnb has plenty of properties, especially for travelers who want something unconventional like a traditional log cabin, glamping-style tent or a treehouse.

Even last minute, there's availability on Airbnb outside the park. I recommend searching for West Yellowstone or Gardiner. I found plenty of options near Montana's Western entrance to the park starting at $157 a night.

(Image courtesy AirBnB)

Luxury accommodations near Yellowstone

It can also make a lot of sense to use your credit card points to help offset the cost of an upscale stay near the park. Consider redeeming a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book a stay at an independent property. You could also "erase" a qualifying travel charge by using a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

The Under Canvas "glamping" lodge is just 10 minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. I found availability in August for $264 a night. With taxes and fees, a four-night stay would be just over $1,200.

If you really want to splurge, try the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana — it's about 4.5 hours from the park, and rates start around $1,600 a night. Paws Up resort in Greenough, Montana is also a 4.5-hour drive, and rooms will set you back about $1,700 a night. And the first five-star, ultra-luxury hotel in the entire state, a Montage in Big Sky, will debut in 2021.

Camping in Yellowstone

Of course, you can always camp inside Yellowstone. Yellowstone has 12 proper campgrounds with over 2,000 individual spots. You can head over to Yellowstone National Park lodges to make reservations, which cost $27 a night, on average.

Other campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis. They fill up quickly in the summer, and in 2020 not all campgrounds are available because of the pandemic, so your mileage may vary. A search in July found just four of the 12 campgrounds open and accepting reservations. In fact, most were full by 7 a.m.

If you have an RV or camping equipment, you can stay outside the park in the surrounding national forests for very little — or nothing at all. It's called dispersed camping, and travelers comfortable with a more primitive stay should consider the surrounding Custer Gallatin or Bridger Teton National Forests.

How to get to Yellowstone

Flying to yellowstone.

You can fly to a number of cities that put Yellowstone within reach. The easiest and closest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, which bills itself as the "Gateway to Yellowstone." It's the busiest airport in Montana with nonstop service to 21 U.S. cities.

Related: New routes make it easier than ever to visit these top US National Parks

American Airlines has been betting big on Montana and added four seasonal flights last year for this summer. American was set to fly to Bozeman from Los Angeles (LAX), New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and Philadelphia (PHL) and to Kalispell (FCA) from LGA. None of those flights are happening, but we're hoping they return next year.

American normally flies from Newark (EWR), Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) nonstop to Bozeman. I found tickets in September for between $377 and $425 in the main cabin. Award prices started at 25,000 AAdvantage miles in coach or 50,000 miles for first class, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.

United flies to Bozeman from six of its hubs, and Delta Air Lines also flies from six hubs, including Salt Lake City (SLC). At this time, Delta is only flying from Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC). Alaska Airlines has flights from Portland, Oregon (PDX) and Seattle (SEA), and Allegiant flies from four cities including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA). Frontier flies from Denver (DEN), and Sun Country now flies from its Minneapolis hub. JetBlue normally flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) but this summer, they're not flying from New York.

(Infographic courtesy Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport)

Give yourself two hours for the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone depending on traffic, weather and which park entrance you're using. There are a variety of operators that offer guided tours of Yellowstone. Karst Stage is one touring company that operates charter buses and day trips from Bozeman to the park.

You can also fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming. The airport is only 45 miles south of the park. It also gives you easy access to Grand Teton National Park. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all fly to Jackson Hole airport, and Frontier offers seasonal service.

Delta has flights from Salt Lake City for about $300 in the main cabin in August or 23,000 SkyMiles plus $11.20.

(Image courtesy Delta Air Lines)

You could also fly to Idaho Falls, Idaho and its Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). It's just under 100 miles from Yellowstone. Allegiant offers year-round, nonstop flights from Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), and seasonal service from Los Angeles and Oakland (OAK).

Delta offers year-round, nonstop flights from Salt Lake City and seasonal service from Minneapolis, and United has service from Denver. United's flights to IDA were about $347 round-trip in main cabin or 25,000 United miles and $11.20 in taxes and fees.

Sign for WYS Airport at Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Of course, there's always Yellowstone's eponymous airport. Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located just 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park . Delta flies into this airport from Salt Lake City, and I found tickets from $175 in August.

how to plan a visit

Where to eat in Yellowstone

Montana and Wyoming aren't exactly known as foodie paradise. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, but haute cuisine isn't exactly a thing.

Personally, I recommend doing grocery runs and always keeping a picnic ready for those mountain meadows you stumble upon. Be sure to pack lots of snacks, as restaurants are typically only open in the high season and often have limited hours.

They are also few and far between, especially inside the borders of the park, and they're especially scarce in the age of coronavirus. In fact, most restaurants inside the park remain closed, and the few that are open are take-out only. Forewarned is forearmed.

Terrace Grill in Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Smith, the chiropractor from Butte, told me he really likes two places in West Yellowstone: the Slippery Otter Pub that serves bison and elk burgers, and The Branch Restaurant and Bar. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited in early July (probably due to COVID-19). Hopefully, it will reopen next year.

One of the most important things to know about visiting the national parks right now is that most of the bathrooms I encountered in both Yellowstone and Glacier were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. If you go, definitely have a plan for the call of nature. Folks driving motorhomes will be fine, but be sure to plot your visit and use bathrooms wherever you find them.

Getting around Yellowstone

I strongly recommend renting a car (or an RV!) for your trip to Yellowstone National Park. The park is really designed for drivers, with major roads taking you to most of the iconic attractions. Still, if you really want to explore, bring hiking boots. And don't forget to pack your bear spray. You can't fly with it, though, so buy bear spray after your flight.

If you'd rather not drive, seasoned park veterans take visitors on the famous Yellowstone Yellow Bus Tours . The vintage 1920s buses are an iconic part of the park's heritage. The long, yellow buses with rollback tops are perfect for gazing at the mountains without worrying about the notorious curves in the park's roads.

"These days, a fleet of eight vintage White Motor Co. buses ferry visitors on guided wildlife-watching tours, photo safaris, sunset tours and more," says operator Xanterra. "The distinctive antique yellow vehicles have retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows, making them ideal for sightseeing. Plus, they're really cool to ride around in."

They also book up quickly, so you'll want to be aggressive with your planning. But, unfortunately, Yellow Bus tours are not running during the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns.

Vintage Yellowstone postcard of Yellow touring cars. (Image courtesy Xanterra)

You could also bike around the park, but there's not a lot of separated bike lanes. There are, however, a few trails specially designed for mountain biking. There's a complete guide to biking in Yellowstone here , but you can also rent bikes at Old Faithful Lodge.

Bottom line

Yellowstone National Park should be very high on your travel bucket list. It's a great time to go local and explore the nation's many national parks. Yellowstone is a personal favorite, and getting to see wolves and bears here was one of the highlights of my entire year.

If you're traveling to Montana, don't limit yourself to Yellowstone National Park, though. Across the state, there's Glacier National Park and countless sites that tell the incredibly important history of Native Americans in the United States. Big Sky, not far from Yellowstone, is also surging in popularity. It's a great spot for skiing in the winter.

I highly recommend a visit here this year, especially since travelers with a U.S. passport might find they can't venture too far from home. Just be sure to pack your masks and have a firm plan for where to stay — and use the bathroom — before you go.

Additional reporting by Meghan Hunter.

All photos by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.

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Wheatless Wanderlust

How To Plan An Amazing Olympic National Park Itinerary

Olympic National Park is one of three incredible national parks in Washington State , and is by far the most diverse and interesting of the three. The park boasts rocky alpine zones, perpetually moist rainforests, rugged coastal beaches, and more. 

There are only a few places in the world where you can spend the first half of your day in an alpine paradise, surrounded by rocky peaks and sweeping views, and end your day on a beach, with your feet in the Pacific Ocean. 

Olympic National Park is one of them.

That biodiversity is what makes Olympic National Park special, and is why it deserves a visit, whether it’s as a weekend getaway from Seattle or as part of a broader Washington road trip .

Having grown up in Seattle, it might surprise you to learn that the first time I, Matt, visited Olympic National Park was in 2020, in my 30’s.

Olympic is a gigantic park – the 13th biggest national park in the US – that deserves multiple trips to truly take in all that it has to offer.

We’ve been to the park multiple times for 5+ days each, and still haven’t even scratched the surface (though we feel like we’ve done a lot!). Because of its size, you’ll want to be strategic about how you organize your trip to avoid multiple 2+ hour drives to get between areas.

Which is exactly why we’ve written this guide – to help you plan an amazing trip. 

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to plan the perfect Olympic National Park Itinerary – the best things to do, where to stay, how to organize your time – to help you plan an unforgettable adventure. 

We’ve written this guide for 3 days, but we have plenty of suggestions on how to modify it if you have more or less time. 

Planning a trip to Olympic National Park? Don’t miss our in-depth guide to the best things to do in Olympic National Park , the best hikes in Olympic National Park , and our guide to choosing where to stay in Olympic National Park .

how to plan a visit

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need in Olympic National Park?

First of all, we want to stress that Olympic National Park is massive. For that reason, we’d recommend no less than two nights in the park. 3 days in Olympic National Park is even better, because it will give you some time to explore the northwest corner of the park – namely Ozette Lake, Cape Flattery, and Shi-Shi Beach. 

Here’s an idea of what you can cover in 2 or 3 days in Olympic National Park. 

  • With 2 Days in Olympic National Park : Spend one day on the Hurricane Ridge / Lake Crescent area, and one day on the Pacific Coast and the Hoh Rainforest. 
  • With 3 Days in Olympic National Park : Add the northwest corner of the park (Shi-Shi and Cape Flattery) in between the coast and Lake Crescent, and add more Pacific beaches to the itinerary. 

Here are some other things to add, and approximately how much time to add. 

  • If you want to add on the Kalaloch beaches and Lake Quinault , add a half day. You can do this as your last day, and make this itinerary a loop by returning to the I-5 corridor along the southern border of the park through Aberdeen (where Nirvana is from!). 
  • If you want to camp overnight on the beach , add one extra day. 
  • If you want to do a longer, full day hike , add one half day for each one. 
  • If you want to do one of the many amazing overnight backpacking trips in the park , add 2-3 days. 

The main guide below is written to help you explore the best of Olympic National Park in 3 days. Below the main itinerary, we have ideas on how to spend more and less time in the park. 

Can You Do a Day Trip to Olympic National Park from Seattle?

We don’t think a day trip makes sense here. Even if you JUST focus on Hurricane Ridge, the closest area to Seattle, it’s still a three hour drive AT A MINIMUM that includes a ferry crossing. That’s three hours, one way.  

If you just do that, you’ll be missing out on the biological diversity that really makes the park a special place. If you want to get all the way out to the coast, it’s closer to four hours one way. 

If you’re looking for a day trip, check out our guide to the best day trips from Seattle , which has a bunch of great options (including some good alternatives to Olympic National Park). 

Do You Need a Car to Explore Olympic National Park?

You’ll need to make sure you have a car . If you’re coming from nearby – somewhere in Oregon or Washington – drive yourself. If not, rent a car when you arrive in Seattle.

There’s really no way to explore the Olympic Peninsula without one. We wouldn’t recommend options like the bus. The park is just too big, and there’s very little public transportation coverage out there. If you’re coming from out of state, rent a car at SeaTac airport when you arrive. 

One thing we’ve been dying to try is renting a van from Escape Campervans for one of our many Pacific Northwest summer adventures. We’ve been living in our own van (not the sexy kind, a Honda Odyssey that we’ve outfitted with a bed platform in the back), and want to try a more well thought out version.

They have a location in Seattle , where you can pick up a van and take it out to the Olympic Peninsula for your adventure. 

They’re a great option for camping without having to actually set up or sleep in a tent (we don’t mind, but have to admit sleeping in a van is nice considering that’s what we’ve been doing for the better part of two years now).

They have everything you need for camping, including a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove top and a comfortable bed – and there are van options for 2-5 people. 

It’s pricey, but we think it would be a fun way to explore the park. 

Getting to Olympic National Park from Elsewhere

If you’re planning to come from somewhere farther out, like another state, then flying into SeaTac International Airport is your best choice . This is the main airport serving the Seattle area, and it’s roughly 20 minutes south of the city center (without traffic)

From SeaTac Airport, it’s going to take you two and a half or three hours to drive to your first stop . 

Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

It bears repeating here: this park is massive. For example, it takes a full two hours to get from Port Angeles to the Hoh Rainforest. Which means that using one home base to explore the whole park isn’t really all that practical, because it would require a couple of 2+ hour drives. Usually, we’re 100% on board with picking one base and exploring from there, but doing that would add a ton of extra driving.

For that reason, we would highly recommend using multiple home bases for your itinerary. 

With three full days in the park, we’d spend your first night near Port Angeles , which is the gateway to Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Sol Duc Valley, and your next two nights near Forks , where you’ll be closer to the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific Beaches. 

Note : if you want to camp, make sure to read the section on camping below!

Here are some places to stay in each of those locations. 

We have an entire guide on where to stay in Olympic National Park with more detail on this, if you’re interested in getting deeper on each area.

Staying Near Port Angeles

If you’re not camping, you have a couple of routes you could go here. 

If you want to stay in Port Angeles itself, which is the biggest city near the park, and the town on the northeastern side with the most amenities (like grocery stores and gas station), stay at the Olympic Lodge . It’s clean, comfortable, and it’s the best hotel in town.

On our last trip, we camped in the back of the Emerald Valley Inn , a motel just outside of town, which was a lovely home base for exploring the eastern end of the park. 

If you want a more rustic experience , stay in a vacation rental outside of town towards Lake Crescent. The best location would probably be a cabin around Lake Sutherland , which is conveniently located between Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent

Check out this one bedroom lakefront cabin , or this spacious three bedroom home ).

In the area around Lake Sutherland, which puts you between Port Angeles and its amenities and Lake Crescent and the wilderness, there are also come good options. It’s hard to say no to this cozy cabin on the Strait of Juan de Fuca , or this beautiful custom studio .

Or, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, stay at this incredible beachfront treehouse , which is on our bucket list!

Camping Options : If you’re camping, Heart O’ Hills Campground (first come, first served) is the best option, and Sol Duc Campground is the runner up (reserve in advance). We stayed at Sol Duc on our first trip to the park, and it was lovely. 

Staying Near Forks

We have three solid options in and around Forks for you to choose from. Yes, that Forks. The one with the vampires. 

If you want to stay in the town of Forks itself , stay at either the Forks Motel or the Pacific Inn Motel , which are literally across the street from each other in the middle of town.

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience outside of town , stay at either the Hoh Valley Cabins , which are gorgeous and are along the road that takes you out to the Hoh Rainforest, or the Misty Valley Inn , a cute B&B just north of Forks. 

If you’re camping, stay at Mora Campground (reserve in advance), which might be the nicest national park campground we’ve ever stayed at. We’ve stayed twice! It’s five minutes from Rialto Beach. 

Camping in Olympic National Park

how to plan a visit

There are an abundance of campsites in the park. Only five require reservations ahead of time ( Kalaloch , Fairholme , Sol Duc , Hoh Rainforest , and Mora ), while the rest are first-come, first-served. 

If you’re planning on visiting during the summer months, I highly recommend making reservations several months in advance for the campsites that require reservations. They are usually booked months in advance, especially for summer weekends. 

For campsites that are first-come, first-served (I’m going to start using FCFS as an acronym below), the earlier you get there, the wider selection of campsites you will have . If you show up at 4:00 pm on a Friday or Saturday in August, I wouldn’t expect to easily find a site. 

The best campsite for the Hurricane Ridge area is Heart o’ Hills Campground (FCFS), though you could also camp at Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent (reservations). 

For the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific Beaches , we’ve camped at Mora and found it to be a great base for exploring the area (plus, the campground is really nice). We’ve stayed there twice, and it’s the best campground location for exploring the entire stretch of Pacific coastline. Reserve as far in advance as you can. 

If you want to be closer to the Hoh Rainforest, look at Hoh Campground . I don’t think it’s worth camping out there unless you’re planning on tackling a backpacking trip up the Hoh River. Instead, I’d camp at Mora and make the hour-long journey to the rainforest as a morning trip on your way down the coast. 

For Lake Quinault and the Quinault Rainforest , camp at either Falls Creek or Willaby Campground . Both are technically outside the park in Olympic National Forest, and accept reservations in advance. 

For more on camping in the park, including current campground status, head over to the NPS website . 

Exactly How to Plan an Amazing 3 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary

And now, with all the important logistics out of the way, onwards to the main event! We’re going to give you a detailed 3 day Olympic National Park itinerary that you can essentially copy and paste to plan your own trip.  

Please note that we’re assuming you have THREE FULL DAYS in the park . Which means you’re arriving the night before night 1, and leaving the morning after night 3. If you have a little less time (e.g. you’re coming from Seattle on the first morning, or you need to head back to Seattle on the last evening), you’ll have to make some slight changes, but it’s totally doable. 

If you only have one or two days in the park, we have suggestions on how to spend that amount of time below the main itinerary. Then, use the more detailed sections in the main itinerary to plan your trip!

Finally, if you have more time in the park, you’re in for a treat! We have suggestions on what to do with more time, including some longer hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, camping on the beach, and more. 

Here’s a quick summary of the itinerary below: 

  • Day 1 : Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc Falls
  • Day 2 : Shi-Shi Beach, Cape Flattery, and the La Push Beaches
  • Day 3 : The Hoh Rainforest and Our Favorite Beaches 

Here’s a map of where your trip will take you!

Day 1: Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent

On your first day in the park, explore the northeastern corner, which is where you’ll find gems like Hurricane Ridge (the most accessible high-elevation area), Lake Crescent, and the Sol Duc Valley.  

Hurricane Ridge

how to plan a visit

Start your day out nice and early with a drive up to Hurricane Ridge, which is the highest point in the park that is accessible by car. 

We say early because this section of the park gets extremely busy, especially between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. You could be here waiting for 30-60 minutes for a parking spot if you get here during peak time on a summer weekend.  

Even from the visitor center, the views are spectacular. But the main attraction here, at least to us, is the hiking. 

Plan on arriving before 9:00 am, at the latest. That way, you’ll have no trouble finding parking, and you’ll be able to do the hike up to Hurricane Hill with just a few people around. We arrived here at 7:00 am, and were the only people on the trail up to Hurricane Hill. It was magical. 

The must-do hike here is the short, paved climb up to Hurricane Hill . From there, you’ll have incredible views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and British Columbia to the north (you can see Vancouver’s skyline and the city of Victoria), Mount Baker to the east, and the Olympics to the south, with towering Mount Olympus. 

how to plan a visit

If you’re also looking for a longer hike to do, here are two good options. 

Lake Angeles Trail : The hike to Lake Angeles takes you from just outside of Heart-o-Hills Campground up through the dense forest, and finally to a stunning alpine lake. It’s a tough hike, gaining almost 2,500 feet of elevation over 7.4 miles. You could also hike here from Hurricane Ridge, which is a much more scenic route where you hike along Klahanie Ridge with amazing views, but it’s a MUCH longer and harder hike (12+ miles, 4,500 feet of elevation).

Klahhane Ridge : If the views I just mentioned sound like something you’re interested in, but you’re not up for the hike all the way to Lake Angeles, do the 5 mile hike along Klahhane Ridge instead. You’ll gain 1,700 feet along the way, mostly at the beginning in a series of switchbacks through the forest, but once you get up onto the ridge you’ll have sweeping views, including views of Mt. Angeles. 

Marymere Falls

Your second stop of the day will be the parking lot at Lake Crescent, which is where you’ll park to access the next two stops on this list. This is also where you’ll find the historic Storm King Ranger Station. 

The first of those two stops is the relatively short and easy hike to Marymere Falls. It’s a nice stroll through the forest, which is ferny and wet, and leads you to a 90 foot waterfall with multiple viewpoints accessible by climbing relatively steep wooden stairs. 

how to plan a visit

All-in, it’s a 1.8 mile hike round trip, with 500 feet of elevation gain. The end of the hike that takes you to the two viewpoints is the only piece of the hike that has any significant elevation changes. 

Mount Storm King (OPTIONAL)

how to plan a visit

If you’re up for a longer, more difficult hike at sunset, the hike up to Mount Storm King is a good option. We did it on our last trip out to the Olympic Peninsula, and it’s basically straight up and straight down. The reward is a nice view out over Lake Crescent from the rocky outcropping at the top. 

To be honest, though, the hike itself really isn’t that cool. Or scenic. Or particularly fun.

The views at the top are nice, but the journey to get there is decidedly “meh.” We discovered it because every PNW influencer has done an amazing photoshoot at the top, and the hike fell short of expectations if we’re being honest. We’d opt for one of the two longer hikes near Hurricane Ridge before this one (and it’s not close). 

It’s a relatively short and steep climb, and to get to the summit you’ll have to climb some cables and do some scrambling that might be a little much for people afraid of heights. 

I suggest only doing this one if the weather is good because it can get pretty ugly up there when it’s not. This hike is 4 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,065 feet, and leaves from the same trailhead as Marymere Falls. 

Lake Crescent Lodge

how to plan a visit

After your hike (or, hikes, depending on what you decided to do), head to the incredible Lake Crescent Lodge for an afternoon refreshment. There’s a short hike through the woods from the parking lot where you parked, so you can walk and not have to deal with moving the car and finding a new parking spot. 

The historic lodge was built way back in 1915, and is one of the oldest national park lodges in the country. This is an excellent place to stay to explore the region, but it’s almost always fully booked (once you’re there, you’ll probably understand why). 

At the Lake Crescent Lodge, which is predictably perched on the shores of Lake Crescent, you’ll find a bar and a restaurant, perfect for refueling after a busy morning. You can take your drinks or food out to the patio, or find one of the adirondack chairs on the beach for the best views. Keep in mind that you’re going to pay a premium for the location here. 

how to plan a visit

They also have boat, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, if you’re looking to get out on the water. 

It’s worth lingering a bit and enjoying the lake – you’ve earned it after an action-packed morning and afternoon!

Sol Duc Falls

how to plan a visit

Sol Duc Falls is a gorgeous waterfall that we stopped by on our way up to backpack the High Divide Trail. It’s a little bit of a detour, about a half hour up Sol Duc Road, but we think it’s worth it to see what might be the best waterfall in the park. 

The hike through the forest will be 1.6 mi (2.6 km) and have an elevation gain of just 200 feet (61 m), so just about everyone can do it. 

From the viewpoint on the wooden bridge, you get a nice view of the waterfall and the river flowing into it. 

Where to Stay for the Night

For your first night, stay in the vicinity of Port Angeles. You’ll move to Forks for the next two nights, but staying near Port Angeles puts you in the perfect position to stop by Cape Flattery and Shi-Shi Beach tomorrow morning on your way out to the coast. 

Our recommendation would be to find somewhere between Port Angeles and Lake Crescent. There are some great vacation rentals along the northern coast right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, some good campgrounds, and some amazing places to stay on the waterfront of Lake Sutherland (which is just east of Lake Crescent). 

If you want the comfort and convenience of a hotel in Port Angeles itself, stay at the Olympic Lodge . It’s a great option (probably the best option in Port Angeles) that is close to the road, mid-way between Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, and super rustic and charming. 

Here are some of our favorite places to stay just outside of town. 

Vacation Rentals in Port Angeles / Lake Crescent

If you’re not up for camping, vacation rentals are a great alternative here. There are plenty of places that will put you close to the action at Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, but give you the comfort of returning to a warm and cozy bed after your day of exploring.

Here are a few options we like in the area. 

how to plan a visit

Captain’s Quarters Cabin on the Water (sleeps 2-5): On the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this is a secluded beachfront cabin that is miles away from the stress of life. It’s literally RIGHT ON the water. Beachfront is not an exaggeration here. If that’s not available, the hosts have two other listings that are the same idea ( Halibut Hole Cabin and Codfish Cabin ). 

how to plan a visit

A Unique Treehouse on the Water (sleeps 2-3): This gorgeous, rustic treehouse is right on the water just east of Port Angeles, and is one of the coolest places to stay in the state of Washington. It’s cozy, but it has a fire pit overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It would make a perfect weekend getaway from Seattle . 

A Cabin on the Shore of Lake Sutherland

There are multiple options for this one, here are a couple that caught our eye. 

how to plan a visit

Sunny Lake Sutherland Charmer (sleeps 4-8): Right on the lake with its own dock! Two bedrooms with a variety of other sleeping options, like a murphy bed. 

Lakefront Home with All the Amenities (sleeps 6-8): Amazing wraparound deck with plenty of room for groups and families looking to explore Olympic National Park. 

Heart o’ Hills Campground is just 15 minutes from downtown Port Angeles, and is a first-come, first-served campground surrounded by a towering old-growth forest. 

Sol Duc Campground lies along the Sol Duc River and even features hot spring pools! You can make reservations online. This is where we ended up camping, since we were tackling the High Divide Trail, whose trailhead is nearby.

how to plan a visit

Our campsite at Sol Duc Campground was nicer than others we saw

Day 2: Shi-Shi Beach and the La Push Beaches

For your second morning, head out to the northwest corner of Washington State, where you’ll find some of the least visited parts of the park. End your day with the drive into Forks, and some short beach hikes to the beaches near La Push. 

The first part of your day today will be spent on the land of the Makah tribe – you can learn about the Makah here , and it’s worth taking some time to acknowledge that you are on their land while you’re enjoying this amazing part of the world. 

On the way back to the rest of the park, it’s worth stopping in Neah Bay at the Makah Cultural and Research Center to check out the museum, where you can take some time to learn more about the history of the tribe and the history and tradition of the land you’re exploring.

Important note : You need a recreation permit from the Makah tribe to park at most of the attractions in the northwest corner of the state. You can get one at a bunch of different locations in the area, and it will cost you $20. It’s good for the calendar year. Display it on your dashboard while you’re in this area. 

Cape Flattery

how to plan a visit

Start your day with the drive up to Cape Flattery, which is the northwestern corner of the continental, mainland United States (technically the San Juan Islands are further north).

There’s a 1.5 mile hike (roundtrip) out to a viewpoint, where you’ll have a nice view of the place where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. There’s a lighthouse just offshore. 

It’s an easy hike along a boardwalk for most of the way, and you’ll find yourself in a towering forest of sitka spruce trees, which is peak coastal Pacific Northwest for us. 

Because it’s a short hike, it’s going to be a busy one. But not early in the morning! That’s why we have this first on the itinerary. 

Shi-Shi Beach and the Point of Arches

how to plan a visit

The seemingly long hike out to Shi-Shi beach might scare you off, but you should know that it’s a relatively easy two mile walk out to the beach itself. The longer part of the hike is the flat stroll along the beach out to the south end of the beach, which is where you’ll find Point of Arches.

Point of Arches is a collection of sea stacks – probably the best in the park – that take a little extra effort to get to, but are well worth the journey. It’s a full 8.5 miles (ish) to get out there. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and rain gear. 

Point of Arches is best at low tide, when the tide pools are visible. Check tides here . 

You can camp overnight on Shi-Shi beach, which is one of the coolest things to do in the park. You’ll need both a Makah permit and a park wilderness permit, along with a bear canister to store your food. More information here . 

The La Push Beaches: First, Second, and Third Beaches

how to plan a visit

Give yourself the rest of the day to enjoy all of the beaches near La Push! These are going to be easy-going and mellow hikes. Actually, they’re more like strolls and long walks on the beach, which I have been known to love. 

Before you Google it, yes, the names are actually First, Second, and Third Beach. Second is the best of the bunch, but they’re all worthwhile.

First Beach : The small coastal village of La Push is your entryway to First Beach. Stroll along a mile-long sandy beach that has views onto sea stack islets and large waves. There is plenty of driftwood to look through and potentially find a souvenir. 

Second Beach : This beach is an unsung jewel of wild beaches. There’s two miles of a sprawling sandy beach here, as well as a lagoon, sea stack islets, tide pools, driftwood, and tons of sea life. There aren’t that many people here, which makes it a very peaceful place. It’s a short hike from the parking lot – nothing too crazy at all for families with kids. 

Third Beach: Third Beach is significantly less visited because of the 2.8 mile hike (round trip) that you’ll need to do to access the beach. The trail takes you through towering trees until it reaches a creek that flows into the Pacific Ocean. The sunsets at this, and the other beaches, are postcard-perfect!

Where to Stay for Nights 2 & 3

As a reminder, we’d highly recommend staying in Forks for your second and third nights in the park. The place to stay around these parts is Forks. Yes, that Forks. You know, the one with all the vampires and surprisingly-jacked-and-tan werewolves.

It will put you in the perfect position to explore the Pacific beaches, and the ever-enchanting (and wet) Hoh Rainforest. 

You’ll want to stay here for two nights since Forks will also act as your gateway to the Hoh Rain Forest.

In and around Forks, there are a couple of good options. 

Hotels & Lodges in Forks

Hotels in Forks are few and far between. And honestly, there’s only a couple that I’d really consider. 

If you want a more traditional hotel / motel stay , stay at either the Forks Motel or the Pacific Inn Motel , which are literally across the street from each other in the middle of town.

Further out, you have the Misty Valley Inn , a cute B&B just outside of town to the north with an excellent made-to-order breakfast, and the Hoh Valley Cabins to the south, which are along the road that leads out to the Hoh Rainforest (which is a slightly less convenient location, made up for by the solitude you’ll find in the rainforest). 

Vacation Rentals in Forks

There are some pretty amazing tiny homes, cottages, and cabins in the area that would make a perfect home base for exploring the Pacific Beaches and Hoh Rainforest.

Tiny House in Forks (sleeps 2): If you want to go a little bit more rustic, then look at these two tiny houses in Forks ( Cabin 1 / Cabin 2 ). It’s a perfect choice for couples, particularly if you’re on a budget. You should know that they ARE, in fact, tiny cabins, so don’t plan on having a ton of space to spread out. There’s a nice outdoor firepit, which is the perfect place to enjoy one of those amazing warm Pacific Northwest summer evenings where the sun sets at like, 10:00 pm. 

Wild West Coast Getaway (sleeps 6): The three bedrooms at this charming house promise plenty of space for groups or families looking to explore the coastal area and Hoh Rainforest. It’s pretty much right in the town of Forks, where you’ll have a few restaurants within walking distance, along with one of the only grocery stores anywhere near the park. Plus, a private hot tub!

Camping Near Forks

Mora Campground is the place I would recommend if you are looking for a camping spot. We’ve stayed there twice, and we’re pretty sure it’s one of the best national park campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at.

There are 94 campsites to choose from. It was perfect for a sunset trip to Rialto Beach because it’s roughly six minutes away.

Make sure you make an online reservation in advance (they open six months in advance, to the day). 

Day 3: The Hoh Rainforest and Ruby + Rialto Beaches

Experiencing the rainforests and beaches on the west side of the park is the best thing to do in Olympic National Park, which means this third day is going to be a highlight of your trip. 

The vibrant collection of mosses covering ancient old-growth trees amid an enchanting backdrop of natural beauty is something that captivated us from the moment we first stepped foot in the rainforest. 

Combined with the fact that, just an hour away, you’ll find towering sea stacks rising out of the ocean waves, this is the day that you’ll realize just how crazy the geography on the Olympic Peninsula is. It’s honestly a little unbelievable.

On your last day in the park, explore the Pacific Coast, doing the lush Hoh Rainforest first thing in the morning to beat the crowds (and have some semblance of solitude), and then do the top two beaches on the coast in the afternoon. 

Make sure to pack a picnic lunch (or just some snacks) to enjoy on the beach!

The Hoh Rainforest

how to plan a visit

Head STRAIGHT to the magical Hoh Rainforest. I suggest you get there as early as humanly possible . That way, you will get to experience the sublime ambiance of the rays of sunlight streaming in through the dense forest canopy. You may even get to spot some Roosevelt Elk! 

The parking situation at the Hoh Rainforest is extremely limited, which means they’ve started limiting capacity at the entrance station during peak times with a one car in, one car out policy. Between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, there will be a line on a summer weekend. We know, because we accidentally got a late start last time and got caught in an hour wait to park.

how to plan a visit

Do yourself a favor and get there by 9:00 am at the latest, both for the best experience in the rainforest, and so that you don’t have to wait for parking.  

Did you know? Olympic National Park was put on the path to becoming a National Park in part to protect the calving grounds of these elk at the base of Mt. Olympus? Teddy Roosevelt made it a National Monument in 1909, and it became a National Park in 1938 thanks to FDR. 

Also, the early morning is the best time to visit because there won’t be that many people around, making it more of a solitary experience with the rainforest. The ambiance is much more pleasant without hundreds of people talking and kids screaming. Believe us. 

Once midday rolls around, there’s tons of people, given how accessible it is to explore. Keep that in mind, so you get to enjoy it to its fullest.

There are a couple of short hikes to do here, and a longer option that is customizable to what you’re up for. 

how to plan a visit

Hall of Mosses : The Hall of Mosses is a short 0.8 mi (1.3 km) loop through lush rainforests where you will see moss-covered trees, banana slugs, elk, and more. There’s also plenty of signage with helpful information about everything you’ll be seeing.

Spruce Nature Trail : The Spruce Nature Trail is a 1.2 mi (1.9 km) roundtrip stroll through the Hoh Rain Forest that takes you through ancient groves and relaxing areas of this exceptional rainforest.

how to plan a visit

The Hoh River Trail : If these Hoh Rain Forest hikes are too short for your liking, you can also hike part of the Hoh River Trail . This is a 37-mile (59.5 km) backpacking trail that takes you all the way out to the base of Mount Olympus, so if you’re following this itinerary you’ll just want to hike a few miles along the river before heading back to make it to the beaches. We’ve done the hike out to Mineral Creek Falls , and it’s a lovely hike that’s basically flat the entire way. 

how to plan a visit

Ruby Beach is a little bit of a detour from the Hoh Rainforest, but we think it’s worth it. From the turnoff to the Hoh Rainforest, you’ll take a left and head south on 101 for 15 minutes to reach the parking lot. 

Ruby Beach is probably our second favorite of the Pacific Coast beaches (after Rialto, which you’ll hit later in the evening). The driftwood on the beach and the sea stacks just off the coast are gorgeous, and impress us every time we’re here. 

If you’re up for another beach walk, do at least a part of the 6 mile (9.7 km) round trip hike that looks out onto sea stacks and Abbey Island. 

how to plan a visit

If you happen to be here at low tide, you may even see some starfish and other sea life while you’re at it.

2022 Update : Ruby Beach is closed for the summer of 2022 (June to September) for construction. It’s a huge bummer, but in this wet part of the world, the only real time to do construction is in the summertime, so here we are. You can continue south past Ruby to the Kalaloch Beaches for lunch instead (and to see the Tree of Life). 

Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall at Sunset

how to plan a visit

The evening is the perfect time to catch that glorious Pacific Ocean sunset that you have to see in person to truly believe.

The sunset at Rialto Beach is one of the top memories of our two year US road trip. The picturesque sea stacks emerging from the ocean add to the breathtaking backdrop of the daily sunset. Plus, we saw multiple bald eagles hanging out in the trees. 

You should know going in that it’s coastal, so there’s a pretty high chance that you won’t be able to see a sunset at all because of the fog or clouds that enshroud this part of the world for most of the year. 

However, if it’s a clear day, you’re in for a treat.

If you want to have the best chance of seeing a sunset here, you should come during the summer months. However, it will stay chilly year-round, so bring something warm to wear.

You definitely shouldn’t miss the stroll down Rialto Beach to an incredibly gorgeous spot called the Hole-in-the-Wall . Which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like, only prettier.

how to plan a visit

To get there, you’ll walk for about an hour down the beach, passing by a couple of incredible sea stacks that tower above you. Eventually, you’ll reach a point where a natural arch has formed in the wall thanks to countless years of erosion. 

There are some pretty cool tidepools on either side of Hole in the wall to explore – remember not to touch or disturb the sea life!

Top Travel Tip : Make sure to check the tides – you need to do this walk at low tide, otherwise you’ll either not be able to get there, or you’ll get stuck out there and have to do some rock climbing to get back. We used this site to check tides. 

What to Do with More Time in Olympic National Park

Here are some excellent additions to this itinerary if you’re lucky enough to have more than 3 days in Olympic National Park. 

With a full extra day, you can easily add Lake Quinault and Kalaloch (it’s also possible to make this itinerary a big loop and do those two on the way home to Seattle / Portland, looping around the south end of the park to get back to I-5). 

Lake Quinault & the Quinault Rainforest

how to plan a visit

On the southern Pacific Coast, you’ll find another lake and another fern-laden rainforest waiting for you. 

Just like with the Hoh Rain Forest, the Quinault Rainforest gets packed. I’d actually recommend heading here later in the day when the crowds start to thin. The Quinault Rainforest Nature Loop is a quick 0.5 mi (0.8 km) trail that takes you through an incredibly mossy forest with a dizzying array of fungi and animals.

Lake Quinault is a massive glacier-fed lake that is surrounded by mossy old-growth rainforest. It is around this lake that you will find some of the most massive Sitka Spruce trees in the entire world! It’s no wonder it’s called the Valley of the Giants.

There is a 31-mile (49.9 km) loop road that circles the entire lake that is a great place to do some wildlife spotting. Head out around sunset and you might see some elk, black-tail deer, cougars, bald eagles, bobcats, and black bears. 

how to plan a visit

Just south of Ruby Beach is Kalaloch Lodge and the many sandy beaches surrounding it. There’s a nice campground here, and it’s also where you’ll find the Tree of Life, a tree whose roots have been exposed after years and years of erosion. 

There are four wide beaches to explore here. You can find more information on the area here . 

You can stay at the Kalaloch Lodge in one of their lodge rooms (hotel-style), or one of the oceanfront cabins. For the price, the facilities are a little rundown (as they tend to be in national park lodges, which are almost always at full capacity), but the location and ambiance can’t be beat. Book well in advance – it’s completely full during the summer. 

Like we mentioned, you can combine this area with Lake Quinault for a fourth day on this itinerary. Plus, if you do that, you can follow 101 south to loop back to Seattle or Portland. 

Backpacking in Olympic National Park

how to plan a visit

Over the past two summers, we’ve had the privilege of tackling two amazing backpacking trails in Olympic National Park, and loved them both. 

Keep in mind that you’ll need a bear canister for any overnight camping – including on the beach – in Olympic National Park. We have this one , and highly recommend it. Other friends have one of the clear, screw top ones, and prefer using ours. 

If you’re planning to do any overnight backpacking, make sure to stop at the ranger station in Port Angeles to get your backcountry permits, bear canisters (for rent if you need them), and information about the park.

If you’re 16 years old or older, it will cost you $8 per night. Any overnight stay in the wilderness will carry this fee, so make sure you get your wilderness permit ahead of time. You can also print them at home ahead of time. 

More information on backpacking in the park here . 

The High Divide / Seven Lakes Basin

how to plan a visit

The first we did was the High Divide / Seven Lakes Basin , which is about as spectacular a backpacking trip as we’ve ever done. You’ll start from the Sol Duc Falls parking lot, and make a big 19 mile loop that takes you up to the High Divide, a rocky ridge with spectacular views of the Olympics and the Seven Lakes Basin below. 

Along the way, you’ll pass several spectacular alpine lakes, including our favorites Heart Lake and Lunch Lake.

You’ll need to snag permits as early as possible – they routinely sell out, especially in recent years. You can check availability on recreation.gov .

how to plan a visit

Do it in three days / two nights, spending one night up on the High Divide (at Lunch Lake!), and one night at Deer Lake or Sol Duc Park (depending on which direction you want to hike). 

We liked doing it clockwise, which is a more gradual climb up and an easier climb down, but you could easily do it in the other direction. 

The Enchanted Valley

how to plan a visit

The second backpacking trip we did was the Enchanted Valley , which we tackled midweek last summer.

This one is less about the spectacular mountain views, and more about hiking into a beautiful, secluded valley only accessible to people willing to hike the 13 miles in. 

We did three days / two nights here, but would recommend an extra night if you can swing it because hiking the entire 13 miles in one go was a little much. Better to spend a night on the trail there and back to break up the long days. 

how to plan a visit

Definitely make sure to spend a night in the valley itself, which is where you’ll find the picturesque chalet that’s in all the pictures (it’s not actually being used at the moment).

We loved this hike, though the valley isn’t so secluded these days (there are routinely 100 people camping in the valley on summer weekends). 

What to Do with Less Time in Olympic National Park

If you have one or two days in the park, you’ll need to be a little more strategic with your time. Here’s how we’d spend either one or two days in the park. 

Olympic National Park in 2 Days

If you have two days in Olympic National Park, we’d devote one day to each area (the two areas being Hurricane Ridge/Lake Crescent and Pacific Beaches/Hoh Rainforest). 

Spend your first morning at Lake Crescent , doing the hike to Marymere Falls and adding the climb up to Mount Storm King if you’re feeling adventurous before heading to the Lake Crescent Lodge afterwards. 

Then, take a slight detour out to Sol Doc Falls , and head up to Hurricane Ridge for the afternoon and sunset. Hike Hurricane Hill around sunset for an unforgettable experience. 

On your second day, head out towards Forks and make a beeline straight for the Hoh Rainforest . Try to arrive as early as you can to avoid the crowds and the lineup at the gate. Hike the Hall of Mosses and part of the Hoh River Trail to see the dense, wet rainforest in all its glory. 

From there head down to Ruby Beach for a picnic lunch and to admire the sea stacks just offshore. End with a walk on Rialto Beach out to Hole in the Wall for an unforgettable sunset. 

Olympic National Park in One Day

Like we mentioned above, Olympic National Park really isn’t a great day trip destination (if you’re looking for a day trip, make sure to read our guide to the best day trips from Seattle!). 

However, if you have only one day and one night in the park, we’d focus on the northeastern corner around Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and the Sol Duc Valley. Which means you can follow day 1 of this itinerary as written!

How to Get to Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is not really that close to Seattle, which means it’s a long way to go for a day trip (we wouldn’t recommend it). However, with a few days and a car, it’s a fairly accessible slice of wilderness that is easily reached from the Seattle area and from Portland, Oregon. 

Getting to Olympic National Park from Seattle

There are a couple of easy options if you’re coming from Seattle – drive around, or take the ferry to Bainbridge . Both take roughly the same amount of time, but the ferry is a spectacular way to travel out to the park (though it isn’t free). 

how to plan a visit

The crossing will take you about 35 minutes, and it’s going to cost you $16.40 (includes the driver) for the car, plus the walk-on fare for everyone else in the car ($9.25 per adult, and $4.60 for kids). 

The fees are here if you want to take a look. Schedules are here – they come roughly every 60-90 minutes, and you’ll want to show up 20-30 minutes early because they do fill up, particularly on summer weekends. 

The alternative is to drive around through Tacoma , cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and head north along the Hood Canal. Eventually, you’ll connect with Highway 101, which runs from the northeast side of the park alllll the way down the coast to the southwest edge of the park, and even down to California. 

Getting to Olympic National Park from Portland

Despite being in Washington State, Olympic National Park makes for a nice weekend getaway from Portland .

If you’re coming from Portland, you’re going to be closer to the south end of the park. The easiest way to get there is to hop on I-5 north out of Portland and cut over to US-101 at Olympia (via US-12), which will take you around the south end of the park. 

From Portland to Forks, it’s a five hour drive. From Portland to Port Angeles, which is where we have this itinerary starting, it’s four hours or so. 

A note if you’re coming from Portland : The best way to do this itinerary from Portland is to make it a big loop, and you can do it in either direction. Which means you’re going to have a long drive on either end.

The Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

Unlike other places in Washington State (namely the Cascades), Olympic National Park is fairly accessible year round thanks to most of the park being at relatively low elevation.

The coastal areas are definitely accessible year round, and Hurricane Ridge is also reachable for the most part, except during big winter storms. Outside of summer, plan on being wet!

Summer : From our experience, the summer months are the best time to go . Yes, there are TONS of people, but the weather is warm, dry, and generally pleasant. Overall, most people prefer visiting the park in July and August . This is when the temperature will be at its warmest and most comfortable. Virtually all roads and facilities will be open as well.

Early to mid-fall : The period between Labor Day and mid-October is also a nice time to visit the park. Crowds will be much more manageable with all the kids back in school, and the weather is still pretty good.

Though, we should note that it’s more unpredictable, and you’re likely to see more rain the deeper into October you go. Plus, active elk (rutting season!) and sprinkles of fall color make fall a lovely time to be out on the Olympic Peninsula. 

Winter : In the winter, you’re going to find cooler weather, coastal fog, and even snow at some higher elevations. And more importantly, far fewer people.

Some roads are closed, which means you won’t be able to access different parts of the park (see road closure information below). 

Spring : In March and April, the park awakens from a long, wet winter slumber, and snow starts to melt at higher elevations as you get into May. Still, it’s definitely going to be wet, so pack a rain jacket and some waterproof boots. 

Seasonal Closures : Depending on what time of the year it is that you’re going to visit this beautiful park, there may be some seasonal and temporary closures. You can check road closures and the status of different areas of the park here . 

These three days are bound to fly by when you follow this itinerary full of the best things to do in Olympic National Park! We’re pretty sure you’ll fall in love with all of these places just like we have.

I still talk about the sunset on Rialto Beach as one of my fondest memories of our Washington State road trip in the summer of 2020. 

I’d love to hear about your experience, so feel free to share it in the comments below!

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Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

25 Comments

Thank you for writing this! Wife wanted to do a trip to Yellowstone last year but didn’t end up working out because of other plans. Now we’re planning one to Olympic National Park for early-mid June this year in a rental RV (I hope there are still enough campgrounds!) for 7 days. I am thinking that I will roughly follow the itinerary outlined in your blog here – just take it slower and spend roughly two days in each place. Please let me know if this sounds like a good idea.

Based on your recommendations and our interest, I will definitely want to go to Hoh Rainforest, Sol Duc Hot Springs, Hurricane Hill, Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach and Lake Quinault (hoping to catch some fish and do some boating/kayaking too). Wish us luck! Thanks again!

We recently returned from four days in the park that we visited in late September. We enjoyed the hiking despite being unable to get to hurricane ridge but I’d say the following: 1. Less ranger support than I’m used to. Many locations were unmanned so getting their perspective which I always liked was difficult. 2. Forks is really hit or miss for food or lodging and is expensive. 3. The Makah cultural center in Neah Bay was an unexpected treat. The staff and quality of the exhibits was well worth the hour diversion. The impact on the indigenous people who lived in the area before European settlement is something to understand. 4. We had Beach whiteout three of four days. The hikes were great but I’m told that it’s not uncommon to get a thick marine layer that can make seeing the coastline an iffy proposition.

This was so helpful! I appreciate your post so much! I felt overwhelmed when I begun planning this trip, but this laid it all out for me!

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you found it helpful – that’s what we’re trying to do.

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How to Plan the Perfect Multi-island Trip to Hawaii

These eight tips will help you travel between Hawaii's islands with ease.

Matt Anderson Photography/Getty Images

The Hawaiian archipelago includes more than 100 islands, atolls, and islets. But if you’re planning a visit, don’t worry, as you need not plot a 100-island itinerary. With the majority of the islands uninhabited and inaccessible, you can focus on four of the eight largest islands: Kauai , Oahu , Maui , and the Island of Hawaii (often referred to as the Big Island), with the option to add on a few others.

Here are some tips for planning an epic multi-island trip to Hawaii .

Determine travel dates and destinations.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Ideally, you should spend at least one week on each of the four islands. But if you don’t have a full month, plan for four to five days per island, then choose one or two regions within each. 

Make a list of things you want to do in order of importance. This will help you determine where to base yourself on each island and what to eliminate if needed. For example, if sleeping near an active volcano and night snorkeling with manta rays are two activities topping your list, book a couple of nights at the historic Volcano House — the only lodging within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — on the Hilo side of the Island of Hawaii and a few nights at Mauna Kea Resort or The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the Kona side, where you can join a guided small group night snorkel with Manta Ray Advocates .

Don’t forget to factor in flight and drive times. Although some islands appear small on the map, weather, road conditions, and traffic can impact overall travel time. 

Also, consider when to go . Hawaii has microclimates, so weather can vary, but in general, summer is warm with minimal rainfall. This is ideal for beach lovers, but it’s also one of the peak travel times, with families visiting during summer break. Expect higher rates and larger crowds during this time, as well as the weeks surrounding major U.S. holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. 

You may find lower rates and thinner crowds during the winter (with the exception of the holiday season), but the colder months are generally wetter, so if you’re traveling to Hawaii from November through March, be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain, and possible road closures and activity cancellations. The shoulder seasons from March to May (excluding spring break and Easter) and September to October tend to have comfortable weather conditions and slightly fewer crowds than peak seasons.

Identify your travel style.

Some travelers crave leisurely days at the beach, while others prefer an action-packed itinerary. Some gravitate toward lively, larger cities, while others enjoy slower-paced small towns . Discuss your expectations and interests with your travel companions so you can hone in on the regions, tours, and hotels best suited to you.

Do your research. I often hear visitors comment that Oahu is "too busy," yet they haven't ventured beyond Honolulu. Honolulu is the capital city and home to about one million people, so yes, it’s busy. Find an oasis amidst the chaos: With convenient locations, Espacio and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach are tranquil retreats in the city. Or, if you’re not interested in the urban experience at all, skip the capital and head elsewhere on Oahu . 

You might be tempted to schedule every hour of your itinerary in order to make the most of your trip, but don’t overbook. Allow time for rest, and aim for balance, so you don't wind up exhausted. Follow an active day of touring with some leisure time or a spa treatment.

Plan your route.

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Although you can start and end wherever you choose, it’s wise to look at flight schedules to plot an efficient route. Kauai is in the northwest, and the Island of Hawaii is in the southeast, so starting in Kauai and traveling southeast — to Oahu, Maui, and then the Island of Hawaii — makes sense logistically. It also provides variety, from the slower pace of Kauai to a mix of urban adventures and cruising the countryside on Oahu and Maui. You'll end with a bang on the Island of Hawaii, where you can feel the energy of volcanic activity. In this case, you’ll also be following the order in which the islands were formed, so it’s a great way to experience them from oldest to youngest and observe the geological evolution along the way. 

When booking flights, consider multicity rather than a round-trip option. If you’ll be traveling the Kauai to the Island of Hawaii route suggested above, you can arrive in Kauai, book onward interisland flights to Oahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii, then depart from Kona. Keep in mind that some interisland flights are not direct and may require a stopover in Honolulu or Kahului, for example, so be sure to check before booking. You can often secure direct interisland flights by choosing one that departs earlier in the day.

Enlist the help of experts.

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While you can travel around the islands on your own, we recommend booking some guided experiences. Native Hawaiian guides and cultural practitioners, in particular, offer personal stories and context that will give you an entirely different — and much richer — experience. Plus, by booking with Native Hawaiian experts, you’re supporting the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture. 

Many hotels, like ‘Alohilani Resort and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Oahu and Ka’anapali Beach Hotel on Maui, are increasingly providing complimentary, Native Hawaiian-led activities that include hula, Hawaiian language lessons, lei-making sessions, and sunrise ceremonies. Other properties, like Timbers and Kukui’ula on Kauai, offer farm tours to acquaint guests (and their taste buds) with the abundance of plants and produce grown there. Some hotels, including Halekulani , provide private tours or discounted or free entrance to local sites of significance such as Bishop Museum , Iolani Palace , and Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design . Be sure to ask about these offerings prior to booking your hotels. 

When it comes to physical activities such as hiking, guided tours with reputable operators like Kauai Hiking Tours help ensure your safety. And in some cases, a guided tour can afford access to extraordinary places, like Hualalai crater, a sacred site located on private land that only two tour operators — Uluha'o O Hualalai and Hawaii Forest & Trail — have permission to reach. (For a beachside stay nearby, check out Four Seasons Resort Hualalai ).

Some expert-led trips from operators such as Kailani Tours can also help you maximize your time by bringing you to a variety of sites in one day, allowing you to enjoy the ride rather than worry about logistics and navigation. 

Make reservations.

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Many popular places such as Hanauma Bay on Oahu now require reservations, and popular tours, including sunrise at Haleakalā on Maui and sunset at Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii, often sell out, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible. Arnott’s Adventures offers sunset and stargazing tours from Hilo, and if you’re on the Kona side, check out Hawaii Forest & Trail’s Summit & Stars Give Back Experience .

You should also secure dinner reservations so you don’t miss out on your top choices or waste time waiting for a table. And don’t forget car rentals for each island, too; these do sell out and — with the exception of Honolulu, where shuttles, public buses, and ride-share options are available — it can be difficult and expensive to get around without your own wheels. 

Pack your bags.

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One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling to Hawaii is assuming it’s always sunny and warm. If you’re planning to visit multiple islands, you’ll likely encounter a variety of microclimates and changing weather conditions. Come prepared with layers and appropriate footwear for your activities, and always pack a rain jacket. And, of course, pack a Hawaiian shirt or two.

Bring binoculars, too, to get a better view of wildlife such as endemic birds and migrating whales, as well as dynamic landscapes. If you’re fortunate enough to witness volcanic activity, you’ll be happy to have these on hand for a close-up view of bubbling lava. Some tours do include outdoor gear and equipment; inquire when booking. 

Consider additional islands.

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If you have time and want to add another island to your trip, there are a few options available to visitors. You can take the ferry from Maui to Lanai for a day trip or spend a night or two and sink into that relaxed island life. 

If you’re interested in visiting Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, allow a few extra days. Keep in mind that flights to Molokai are limited, and as the island is home to vulnerable kupuna (elderly people), it's slowly reopening to visitors since the pandemic started.

If you prefer a private tour to a neighboring island, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea can charter a yacht or helicopter from Maui to Lanai or Molokai. 

Although you’re not permitted to step ashore on Ni'ihau, the “Forbidden Island,” without an invitation, you can snorkel the waters nearby on a Holo Holo Charters Super Tour . 

Travel with aloha. 

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For you, Hawaii may be a dream destination. For those who live here, it's home and, for many, sacred. Travel with respect : Stay on marked trails, don’t enter private property, obey warnings (from posted signs, lifeguards, and law enforcement), and be mindful that the environment is fragile and the land has cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance.

Be flexible, too. Don’t be attached to a particular expectation or activity. Sometimes, plans change due to weather (like that time I flew to Kauai to see the famed cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast and colors of Waimea Canyon, only to find it all covered in clouds and fog). If you’re lucky enough to visit Hawaii, embrace the unexpected, stay present, and aim to enjoy the experience — rain or shine. 

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Travel Advisers: When to Let a Professional Plan Your Trip

An illustration of a person sitting on a folded-out map with books, papers and coffee laid out around the area. That person is inside the head of a beige-colored person wearing a teal telephone headset, and drawings of the Eiffel Tower, a compass, a signpost, a jet plane, mountains and other travel imagery are all around the head.

By Julie Weed

Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software is making research and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, that special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.

So when should you hire a professional, and how does it all work? Here are some tips.

Why should I consider a travel adviser?

It’s easy for a traveler to do the research for a standard trip, said Chris Anderson, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should look for a specialist for the type of tour they are looking for, say a bike trip in Ireland, who can really add value.”

The insider knowledge offered by a travel adviser can add the most value to trips that have multicity itineraries, involve a wide age range of travelers , are very significant (like an anniversary vacation) or are to destinations you are unfamiliar with, said Gary R. Johnson, who has run the travel agency Woodside Travel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. An adviser could help you decide, for instance, in which order to visit European cities based on local events and transportation options.

What can an adviser give me that a booking site can’t?

Travel advisers can help you research the best destinations, lodging, or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering up specific advice that might be hard or time-consuming to find yourself. Those specializing in cruises might know which cabin to choose if you are prone to seasickness, while a safari planner could help you decide which park would be best for bird-watching or seeing specific animals, like rhinos.

Travel advisers typically have relationships with tour companies, hotels and cruise lines, sometimes through networks. Those connections can allow advisers to offer extra perks such as late checkout, free breakfast, airport transfers, a welcome basket or a credit to spend on a cruise ship.

“A good travel agent will be a better steward of your travel budget than you are,” said Guy Rubin, managing director of Imperial Tours , which arranges travel in China.

When bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisers often have direct lines of communication with providers and can do the work of rebooking and changing plans, saving you time and stress.

OK, let’s say I need help. How do I find an adviser?

Networks like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Travel Leaders have websites that can help you start your search for a travel adviser by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a handful to choose from, get on the phone with them to talk about what they might do for you, how they charge and the level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s worth investing time up front, Mr. Rubin said.

Make sure to read over the travel agent’s reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. Anderson said. “If there is no external validation, that’s a red flag.”

How do advisers get paid, and how much will it cost me?

Advisers receive commission from suppliers, typically 10 to 15 percent of the price, when selling cruises, lodging and tours. They also sometimes charge travelers a planning fee, from a few hundred dollars, which may be credited to the final bill if the booking is completed, all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars annually for a luxury concierge travel planner they can call on all year. Mr. Johnson said that he charges a planning fee the first time he works with customers. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.

Advisers may be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. Anderson said. But, he points out, the same is true for the large online services, which promote hotels that pay them larger commissions. Travelers can ask advisers about specific commissions they receive or how they are affiliated with the products they are recommending, he said.

Sometimes a local tour company will package transportation, lodging and experiences for an adviser, who tacks on a percentage before passing it along to a client. But a bill that is not itemized can make it harder to make trade-offs — between a more expensive hotel and a special experience, for example. If pricing transparency is important to you, discuss it with the adviser up front.

How are A.I. and other technologies affecting travel advisers?

While new technologies are allowing do-it-yourselfers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences, and to type questions directly into travel websites, advisers are also taking advantage of those technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, chief executive of the upscale travel planning company Essentialist said his team “uses technology to enhance the human touch,” employing artificial intelligence to choose options from a database of travel offerings selected by a human team. If a couple wants to take an after-dinner stroll, for example, Essentialist’s app will offer up ideas of where to go, based on what part of the city the travelers are in and conversations they’ve had with their travel adviser.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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Joe Biden coming to NH after State of Union, to focus on 'lowering costs'

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MANCHESTER — President Joe Biden is coming to New Hampshire Monday, ramping up his 2024 campaign efforts following his State of the Union speech Thursday night.

Biden will be delivering remarks in Manchester, followed by a campaign event later, according to a White House announcement. Exact locations and times were not immediately announced. The White House stated Biden will be speaking about "lowering costs for American families."

Ready for the general: Biden launches swing-state tour, massive ad buy against Trump

The visit comes soon after the president’s State of the Union address in which Biden  discussed a wide range of issues including providing aid for Ukraine and restoring abortion rights.

Biden's visit to the state will be the first one since winning the New Hampshire primary through a write-in campaign . He had declined to appear on the ballot because of a dispute over which state should go first in the nominating contest.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

'My predecessor,' Laken Riley, Israel: Takeaways from Biden's fiery State of the Union

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FACT SHEET: Biden- ⁠ Harris Administration Continues the Fight for Reproductive   Freedom

Nearly two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to choose, millions of Americans are living under extreme state abortion bans. These dangerous laws are putting women’s health and lives at risk and threatening doctors with jail time, including life in prison, for providing the health care they have been trained to provide. And Republicans’ extreme out-of-touch agenda has put access to fertility treatments at risk for families who are desperately trying to get pregnant. Tonight, Kate Cox and Latorya Beasley will join the First Lady as her guests at the State of the Union. Kate, a mother of two from Texas, has experienced the devastating consequences of state abortion bans and courageously spoke out about her experience seeking the care she needed to preserve her health—becoming one of the first women in 50 years to have to turn to the courts to ask permission to receive the abortion that her doctor recommended. She, like too many other women across the country, was ultimately forced to travel out of state for care that she would have been able to receive if Roe v. Wade were still the law of the land. After a ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court put access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) on pause in much of the state, Latorya and her husband, who had been preparing for another round of IVF, learned that their embryo transfer was abruptly canceled. This heartbreaking setback in her and her husband’s journey to have their second child through IVF is yet another example of how the overturning of Roe v. Wade has disrupted access to reproductive health care for women and families across the country. President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that stories like Kate’s and Latorya’s should never happen in America. But Republican elected officials want to impose this reality on women nationwide. They are doubling down on their assault on fundamental freedoms by proposing ever-more extreme bans in states and three national abortion bans in Congress. And, just last week, Senate Republicans blocked a vote to safeguard nationwide access to IVF. Their ongoing disregard for women’s ability to make these decisions for themselves and their families is outrageous and unacceptable. Tonight, President Biden will again call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law so women in every state have the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions. And the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to take executive action to protect access to reproductive health care, including through ongoing implementation of the President’s three Executive Orders and a Presidential Memorandum issued since the Court overturned Roe v. Wade . To date, the Administration has taken action to:

  • Protect access to abortion, including FDA-approved medication abortion;
  • Defend access to emergency medical care;
  • Support the ability to travel for reproductive health care;
  • Strengthen access to high-quality, affordable contraception;
  • Safeguard the privacy of patients and health care providers; and
  • Ensure access to accurate information and legal resources.

Protect Access to Abortion, Including FDA-Approved Medication Abortion The Administration will continue fighting to protect a woman’s ability to access abortion care, including by defending access to FDA-approved, safe and effective medication abortion. The Administration will continue to:

  • Protect Access to Safe and Legal Medication Abortion.   On what would have been the 50th anniversary of  Roe v. Wade , President Biden issued a  Presidential Memorandum  directing agencies to consider further efforts to support patients, providers, and pharmacies who wish to legally access, prescribe, or provide medication abortion. This Presidential Memorandum followed independent,  evidence-based action  taken by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow mifepristone to be prescribed by telehealth and sent by mail as well as to enable interested pharmacies to become certified to dispense the medication. As a result of the new pathway established by FDA, many pharmacies across the country—including major retail pharmacy chains—are now certified to dispense medication abortion. This new option gives many women the option to pick up their prescription for medication abortion at a local, certified pharmacy just as they would for any other medication.
  • Defend FDA Approval of Medication Abortion in Court.   FDA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are defending access to mifepristone—a safe and effective drug used in medication abortion that FDA first approved more than twenty years ago—and FDA’s independent, expert judgment in court, including in a lawsuit before the Supreme Court that attempts to curtail access nationwide. The Administration will  continue to stand by  FDA’s decades-old approval and regulation of the medication as well as FDA’s ability to review, approve, and regulate a wide range of prescription medications. Efforts to impose outdated restrictions on mifepristone would limit access to this critical medication in every state in the country.
  • Partner with State Leaders on the Frontlines of Abortion Access.  The White House continues to partner with leaders on the frontlines of protecting access to abortion—both those fighting extreme state legislation and those advancing proactive policies to protect access to reproductive health care, including for patients who are forced to travel out of state for care. The Vice President has led these efforts, traveling to 20 states and meeting with more than 250 state legislators, health care providers, and advocates in the past year. And, on what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe , the Vice President launched her nationwide Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour to continue fighting back against extreme attacks throughout America.
  • Provide Access to Reproductive Health Care for Veterans.   The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued a final rule to allow VA to provide abortion counseling and, in certain circumstances, abortion care to veterans and VA beneficiaries. Under this rule, VA provides abortion services when the health or life of the patient would be endangered if the pregnancy were carried to term or when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. When working within the scope of their federal employment, VA employees  may provide  abortion services as authorized by federal law regardless of state restrictions. 
  • Support Access to Care for Service Members.   The Department of Defense (DoD) has  taken action  to ensure that Service members and their families can access reproductive health care and that DoD health care providers can operate effectively. DoD released policies  to support Service members and their families’ ability to travel for lawful reproductive health care, including abortion care and assisted reproductive technology services, and to bolster Service members’ privacy and afford them the time and space needed to make personal health care decisions.

Defend Access to Emergency Medical Care All patients, including women experiencing pregnancy loss and other pregnancy-related emergencies, must be able to access the emergency medical care required by federal law. The Administration will continue to:

  • Defend Access to Emergency Abortion Care.   Republican elected officials have put women’s lives at risk by banning abortion even when a doctor determines that an abortion is necessary to prevent serious health consequences. The Administration is committed to ensuring that women who are experiencing pregnancy loss and other pregnancy-related emergencies have access to the full rights and protections for emergency medical care afforded under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)—including abortion care when that is the stabilizing treatment required. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  issued guidance  and Secretary Becerra  sent   letters  to providers affirming the Administration’s view that EMTALA preempts conflicting state law restricting access to abortion in emergency situations. The DOJ has taken action defend and enforce that interpretation before the Supreme Court, which is expected to rule by June.
  • Educate Patients and Health Care Providers on Their Rights and Obligations for Emergency Medical Care. To increase awareness of EMTALA and improve the procedures for ensuring that patients facing all types of medical emergencies receive the care to which they are entitled, HHS issued a comprehensive plan to educate all patients about their rights and to help ensure hospitals meet their obligations under federal law. This effort included the launch of new accessible and understandable resources about rights and protections for patients under EMTALA and the process for submitting a complaint. HHS will also disseminate training materials for health care providers and establish a dedicated team of experts who will increase the Department’s capacity to support hospitals and providers across the country in complying with federal requirements—to help ensure that every patient receives the emergency medical care required under federal law.

Support the Ability to Travel for Reproductive Health Care Women must be able to cross state lines to access legal reproductive health care. In the face of threats to the constitutional right to travel, the Administration will continue to:

  • Defend the Right to Travel.   On the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade , President Biden  reaffirmed  the Attorney General’s statement that women must remain free to travel safely to another state to seek the care they need. In November 2023, DOJ filed a statement of interest in two lawsuits challenging the Alabama Attorney General’s threat to prosecute people who provide assistance to women seeking lawful out-of-state abortions. DOJ explained that the threatened Alabama prosecutions infringe the constitutional right to travel and made clear that states may not punish third parties for assisting women in exercising that right. DOJ continues to monitor states’ efforts to restrict the constitutional right to travel across state lines to receive lawful health care.  
  • Support Patients Traveling Out of State for Medical Care.   HHS issued  a letter to U.S. governors inviting them to apply for Section 1115 waivers to expand access to care under the Medicaid program for women traveling from a state where reproductive rights are under attack and women may be denied medical care. HHS continues to review pending waiver applications and encourage state leaders to develop new waiver proposals that would support access to reproductive health care services.

Strengthen Access to High-Quality, Affordable Contraception Contraception is an essential component of reproductive health care and has only become more important in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade . In addition to FDA’s approval of the first daily oral contraceptive for over-the-counter use, the Administration will continue to:

  • The Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and HHS issued new guidance to clarify standards and support expanded coverage of a broader range of FDA-approved contraceptives at no cost under the Affordable Care Act. This action builds on guidance issued in July 2022 to clarify protections for contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
  • The Office of Personnel Management strengthened access to contraception for federal workers, retirees, and family members by issuing guidance to insurers participating in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program that incorporates the Departments’ guidance. OPM has also newly required insurers that participate in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program to take additional steps to educate enrollees about their contraception benefits.
  • The Secretary of HHS issued a letter to private health insurers, state Medicaid programs and state Children’s Health Insurance Programs, and Medicare plans about their obligations to cover contraception for those they serve. The letter targets a wide range of payers to advance compliance with existing standards and underscore the Administration’s commitment to ensuring that women across the country can access affordable contraception.
  • The Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and HHS issued a Request for Information to solicit public input on how to best ensure coverage and access to over-the-counter preventive services, including contraception, at no cost and without a prescription from a health care provider.
  • Vice President Harris and the Department of Education convened representatives from 68 college and university leaders in 32 states to hear promising strategies from leaders of postsecondary institutions for protecting and expanding access to contraception for their students and on campus.
  • The Gender Policy Council, Domestic Policy Council, and leaders from the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and HHS called on private sector leaders to take robust additional actions to further expand access to contraception.
  • The Gender Policy Council and the Department of Health and Human Services joined a convening focused on strategies to expand the role of pharmacies and pharmacists in promoting access to contraception and breaking down barriers for consumers.
  • Expand Access to More Women Under the Affordable Care Act.  The Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and HHS  proposed a rule  to help ensure that all women with private health coverage who need and want contraception can obtain it without cost sharing as guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act. Millions of women have already benefited from this coverage, which has helped them save billions of dollars on contraception.
  • Support Access to Family Planning Services Through Title X Clinics.   HHS has strengthened access to care through Title X clinics, which have played a critical role in ensuring access to a broad range of high-quality family planning and preventive health services for more than 50 years. HHS provided funds to help these safety net clinics deliver equitable, affordable, client-centered, and high-quality family planning services and provide training and technical assistance for Title X clinics. Last year, HHS provided $263 million to over 4,000 Title X clinics across the country to provide a wide range of voluntary, client-centered family planning and related preventive services. The Title X Family Planning Program remains a critical part of the nation’s safety net, providing free or low-cost services for 2.6 million clients in 2022.
  • Promote Access to Contraception for Service Members and Their Families and Certain Dependents of Veterans.  To improve access to contraception at military hospitals and clinics, DoD expanded walk-in contraceptive care services for active-duty Service members and other Military Health System beneficiaries, and eliminated TRICARE copays for certain contraceptive services. And VA proposed a rule to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for certain types of contraception through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Safeguard the Privacy of Patients and Health Care Providers The Administration is committed to safeguarding sensitive health information and strengthening privacy protections for women and health care providers. The Administration will continue to:

  • Strengthen Reproductive Health Privacy under HIPAA.   HHS  issued a proposed rule to strengthen privacy protections under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). As proposed, this rule would prevent an individual’s information from being disclosed to investigate, sue, or prosecute an individual, a health care provider, or a loved one simply because that person sought, obtained, provided, or facilitated legal reproductive health care, including abortion. By safeguarding sensitive information related to reproductive health care, the rule will strengthen patient-provider confidentiality and help health care providers give complete and accurate information to patients. Prior to the proposed rule ,  HHS  issued guidance  reaffirming HIPAA’s existing protections for the privacy of individuals’ protected health information.
  • Take Action Against Illegal Use and Sharing of Sensitive Health Information.   The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has  committed  to enforcing the law against illegal use and sharing of highly sensitive data, including information related to reproductive health care. Consistent with this commitment, the FTC has taken several enforcement actions against companies for disclosing consumers’ personal health information, including  highly sensitive reproductive health data , without permission.
  • Help Consumers Protect Their Personal Data.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  launched a guide for consumers  on best practices for protecting their personal data, including geolocation data, on mobile phones. The guide follows a proposed rule that would strengthen data breach rules to provide greater protections to personal data. Separately, HHS issued a how-to guide for consumers on steps they can take to better protect their data on personal cell phones or tablets and when using mobile health apps, like period trackers, which are generally not protected by HIPAA.
  • Protect Students’ Health Information.   The Department of Education (ED)  issued guidance to over 20,000 school officials to remind them of their obligations to protect student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The guidance helps ensure that school officials—at federally funded school districts, colleges, and universities—know that, with certain exceptions, they must obtain written consent from eligible students or parents before disclosing personally identifiable information from students’ educational records, which may include student health information. The guidance encourages school officials to consider the importance of student privacy, including health privacy, with respect to disclosing student records. ED also  issued a know-your-rights resource  to help students understand their privacy rights for health records at school. 
  • Safeguard Patients’ Electronic Health Information.   HHS  issued guidance  and a final rule affirming that doctors and other medical providers can take steps to protect patients’ electronic health information, including their information related to reproductive health care. HHS makes clear that patients have the right to ask that their electronic health information generally not be disclosed by a physician, hospital, or other health care provider. The guidance also reminds health care providers that HIPAA’s privacy protections apply to patients’ electronic health information.

Ensure Access to Accurate Information and Legal Resources The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has led to chaos and confusion. To help ensure that Americans have access to accurate information about their rights, the Administration will continue to:

  • Ensure Easy Access to Reliable Information.   HHS launched and maintains  ReproductiveRights.gov , which provides timely and accurate information on people’s right to access reproductive health care, including contraception, abortion services, and health insurance coverage, as well as  how to file a patient privacy or nondiscrimination complaint . DOJ also launched justice.gov/reproductive-rights, a  webpage  that provides a centralized online resource on the Department’s ongoing work to protect access to reproductive health care services under federal law.
  • Hosted a Convening of Lawyers in Defense of Reproductive Rights.   DOJ and the Office of White House Counsel  convened  more than 200 lawyers and advocates from private firms, bar associations, legal aid organizations, reproductive rights groups, and law schools across the country for a convening of pro-bono attorneys, as directed in the first Executive Order. Following this convening, reproductive rights organizations  launched  the Abortion Defense Network to offer abortion-related legal defense services, including legal advice and representation.

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Biden signs major government funding bill just in time to prevent a shutdown

DC: U.S. Capitol Building and Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a major government funding bill into law, defusing fears of a partial shutdown .

A White House statement announcing that Biden had signed the bill thanked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers for their leadership on the issue.

The Senate voted 75-22 on Friday to pass the funding bill to keep a slew of agencies afloat through September. The 1,050-page measure is a collection of six appropriations bills negotiated by Schumer, Johnson, Biden and top appropriators in both parties and chambers. It funds the departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Transportation and many other parts of the government, after leaders split federal funding into two packages.

It passed the House on Wednesday by a vote of 339-85.

The Democratic-led Senate approved the legislation after some delays caused by Republican demands for amendments, which leaders in the chamber resolved by granting votes on multiple GOP-pushed measures before passing the main bill.

“After months of hard work, we have good news for the country: Tonight the Senate has reached an agreement avoiding a shutdown on the first six funding bills,” Schumer said before the vote. “We will keep important programs funded for moms and kids, for veterans, for the environment, for housing, and so much more.”

“I want to thank our appropriators. You’ve done such a fine job,” he said.

Senate leaders faced a tricky balance with GOP demands for amendments on immigration and other items. If an amendment came up and passed, it would have sent the bill back to the House, all but guaranteeing a shutdown. Instead, they struck a deal on vote timing designed to keep the bill intact.

Next funding deadline: March 22

Tougher work still lies ahead. The remaining six appropriations bills, which include contentious issues like how to fund the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, face a deadline in just two weeks, on March 22. Negotiators haven’t reached a deal on how to resolve that yet, much less written legislation to do so.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., the top Democratic appropriator in the House, said the remaining six bills are “in various stages of negotiations” as “staff on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, are working on them.”

“We worked hard to get these done,” DeLauro said. “I’m optimistic about getting the next six done.”

Johnson, for his part, said the bill passed Friday contains conservative wins including cuts to the FBI, Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He said Republicans achieved that “with divided government and a historically small House majority.”

Democrats have highlighted the package’s funding for WIC, a program that provides food assistance for women, infants and children, among other wins.

how to plan a visit

Kate Santaliz is an associate producer for NBC News’ Capitol Hill team.

how to plan a visit

Sahil Kapur is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

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