Best online travel sites 2022

Use the best online travel sites to plan your trip ahead of time so you can enjoy your time away.

Best Online Travel Sites

  • Buying advice
  • Testing process

The best online travel sites are wonderful not only plan your next trip for peace of mind, they're also a fun way to get excited ahead of your next adventure. You can simply go to one site and plan most of your trip's main parts from flights and hotels to rental cars and excursions. If what you're after is just hotel bookings, check out our list of the best hotel booking sites .

While what many of these sites offer is similar, it's the way in which they do it which is important. The last thing you need is a stress-inducing website when planning to go away to relax and unwind. So we've reviewed the best sites based on their price, of course, but also on the way they work, with the ease of use and clarity as important features. We also checked to make sure you won't suffer any extra charges added on top at the last minute. Plus, we took rewards schemes into account, which could help you save money upfront or in the longer term if you use some sites more than once.

With all that in mind, these are the very best online travel sites out there right now.

The best online travel sites

1. expedia.com: best online travel site overall .

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Best Online Travel Sites: Expedia

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Expedia is a big name in online travel sites and hotel booking services and owns many popular sites like Hotels.com and Hotwire.com. We're fans of the original, though, thanks to its clean and straightforward to use interface. Hit the packages section of the site, and you can add up to five connecting flights, choose to add accommodation for all of or only part of your trip, and tag on car rentals too. 

It's all suitably well laid out, and it only takes a few seconds to start putting together your itinerary. However, we do wish there were a few more options for filtering out accessibility issues. Still, for most people, Expedia.com has everything they'll need, and there's even the option of a cruise too if you fancy it. It's as aspirational to look at as it is useful to, well, use and there are extra discounts for booking multiple parts of your vacation with the site. A Things To Do section rounds off the site's bid to help you plan your entire trip in one place.

2. Booking.com: Best for ease of use

Booking.com

Booking.com

Booking.com is a giant in the world of holiday bookings and not only offers over half a million properties in more than 207 countries but also offers flights and car rental services too. As such you can do it all from this one spot which makes it a very easy-to-use option. That said, there is a lot going on, and the user interface can be a little overwhelming at times. 

But with a superb rewards program, it is a great option that encourages you to keep coming back, making it easier to use as you become accustomed. You can even sort your taxi hire from this site meaning there is very little to think about when you get traveling as it's all been planned ahead of time. You also don't have to pay a booking fee on lots of hotels, allowing you to remain flexible – ideal if you're traveling about a lot on your journey.

3. CheapTickets.com: Best for finding things to do 

Best Online Travel Sites: CheapTickets

CheapTickets.com

CheapTickets is another site acquired by Expedia, but it does things a little differently. You can easily add on flight, hotel, and car or any combination of the three for package deals, although multiple flights are under a different option. So far, so Expedia (if less intuitive), but you can also clearly purchase event tickets from the site, which is far more useful if you want a one-stop-shop place to buy your trip. It's something other sites provide, but CheapTickets is that bit keener to entice you into the process, even if the site itself is a little cheesier looking than others. 

There's also the site's Vacation Value Finder, which lets you tweak how much you're willing to spend and what you're looking for from a vacation before making some fun suggestions. It's perfect for finding a last-minute deal if you don't have your heart set on one place. Students will also appreciate a section dedicated to them with extra discounts once you verify you're a student. All in all, it's a great varied site for numerous different needs. 

4. Priceline.com: Best for user reviews 

Best Online Travel Sites: PriceLine

Priceline.com

Priceline is a big deal in the online travel site world for a good reason. It's effortless to use with options available for flights, cars, hotels, or any combination of the three. It's mildly annoying that Priceline's super cheap Pricebreaker deals don't extend to bundles, so you won't get an incredible bargain like you would if you booked separately. However, combining the set is still a worthwhile deal with discounts offered for the more you bundle together. 

One thing we really appreciated is that every hotel we looked at had dozens of reviews, and they're all from verified customers. It takes seconds to gain a reasonably accurate picture of what to expect from wherever you're considering booking. That's the perfect peace of mind when you're booking online, and you can't be sure of what you're getting without user reviews backing hotel statements up. Clearly laid out, you can focus on enjoying rather than worrying. Finally, Priceline is keen to make its VIP scheme easily accessible with straightforward discounts offered to you over time -- something that not all sites so clearly highlight. 

5. Kayak.com: Best for aggregated results 

Best Online Travel Sites: Kayak

If you're short on time, Kayak is pretty useful. That's because you simply enter where you want to go, and it aggregates results from multiple different sources. While it means you never book directly with Kayak, it does mean you get results quickly and without having to search around yourself, even if you will feel a bit overwhelmed with adverts while you search. 

The site itself looks a little basic, but under the hood is a surprising number of different filters (although no accessibility ones to speak of) and all the critical information you could require, although obviously you'll be sent to another site for the full details. The site also has a deals section, which has some great bargains for things you can do once you reach your destination, along with cheap car rental deals. It might not be pretty, but if you simply don't want to do the groundwork yourself, Kayak has you covered. It can be a real time-saver, and we reckon it's particularly useful if you're mostly researching possible trips in the future and want rough price estimates. Just watch out for the fact you can’t bundle in car rental deals. 

6. Hotwire.com: Best for renting properties 

Best Online Travel Sites: Hotwire

Hotwire keeps things straightforward. All you need to do is enter what you're looking for, and a somewhat dated interface tells you what's available. It's not as pretty as some sites, but we really liked the extensive property type filters available. Want to stay on a houseboat or in a chalet at your destination? Hit the relevant filter, and you can find out if that's an option in the locale. That might not matter if your heart is set on a hotel, but it's a nice bonus even amongst the awkward site layout. 

Elsewhere, it's mostly business as usual, but that's no bad thing. Well laid out discounts are available to compare reasonably quickly, and most locations have plenty of reviews. If you feel like tracking down specific deals, you can do that too, with the site keen to offer up discounts to central locations if you're not quite sure where you'd like to visit next. It feels like the site needs updating when you compare it to its rivals, but it works well and speedily enough.

7. Agoda: Best for private home rental in Asia 

Agoda

Agoda is a great option if you want to look for accommodation that isn't a hotel as this specializes in offering apartments and private rentals. In fact, there are dedicated market managers that work on finding properties, especially in Asia. As such you can find unique destination rentals at decent rates and should you change your mind there is a helpful 24-hour free cancellation policy in place. 

Everything is very easy to use and if you want to make more than one booking you can make great savings. Customer support is also a plus, as there is a 24-hour multilingual customer support service available when booking. With millions of reviews, Agoda makes finding a property very easy with a feeling of trust that can offer great peace of mind.

What to look for in an online travel site

Booking Travel Packages Travel packages can let you combine flights, hotel reservations and car rentals together for a better deal than booking separately. Some companies, like Priceline, pick hotels and flights for you, to get you to your destination for the lowest price. Other companies let you mix and match flights, hotels and car rentals to fit your schedule.

Booking Airfare One of the biggest reasons for searching on a travel site is to find cheap airfare. While there are dozens of airfare-specific websites, travel sites also give you the option to add hotel stays and car rentals. The best travel sites combine flight information from over nine different airlines and let you sort flights by price, number of stops, duration and flight class.

Booking International Travel Finding airfare for international travel is the easiest part of booking an overseas trip. AirGorilla helps you find accommodations and rent GPS units with your rental car, so you can find your way around. Often, sites will recommend hotels that are far from your actual destination or event. Searching for reservations on a site that gives accommodation recommendations will help you schedule an international trip with less stress.

How we tested the best online travel sites

We looked at how easy each site is to use during our testing, such as how quickly the site loaded and how easy it was to find what we were looking for. We considered whether the site felt cluttered with adverts or seemed like a dated interface. We also looked at how easy it was to find Contact Us pages, price guarantee information, and any kind of special deals section. 

We also considered how easily bundle deals could be arranged and how extensive they were and any potential discounts tied to them. We checked filter options to see how flexible and easy it was to look up different needs along the way.

We looked at trips between Los Angeles and Miami, Paris to Lisbon, and New York City to Los Angeles during testing. We also looked at lesser-known routes to see if they were also catered for appropriately.

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Jennifer Allen

Jennifer has been freelancing for over 10 years. In the past, she's written about all things tech and gaming wise for outlets as varied as The Independent, Playboy, Eurogamer, and TechRadar. In her spare time, she spends far too much time watching films, attempting to train her pet guinea pigs, and mastering making the perfect burrito.  She's a full time freelancer, but a regular tech news contributor to Top Ten Reviews.

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  • Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $227+
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  • Dallas Love Field Inn $53+
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Dallas Love Field Airport $54+
  • Wyndham Garden Dallas North $63+
  • Flight Houston - Dallas (HOU - DFW) $46+
  • Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $58+
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  • Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago $124+
  • Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - ORD) $50+
  • Flight Denver - Chicago (DEN - ORD) $52+
  • Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $53+

San Francisco

  • Hi San Francisco Downtown Hostel $50+
  • The Mosser $78+
  • BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection By Wyndham $126+
  • Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $36+
  • Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $42+
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Washington, D.C.

  • Generator Hotel Washington DC $61+
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue $108+
  • Citizenm Washington DC Noma $154+
  • Georgetown Residences by LuxUrban, Trademark Coll by Wyndham $155+
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  • Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $40+
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  • Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $69+
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United States

  • Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $39+
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Los Angeles

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Frequently asked questions about KAYAK

How do i find travel deals on kayak.

Simply use one of our travel search engines to scan for prices gathered from hundreds of travel sites. KAYAK’s search results pages have loads of filter options to help you find deals, discover exactly what you’re looking for and make booking seamless. Plus, there’s no extra fee from KAYAK.

What makes KAYAK a great travel app?

On the KAYAK app for iOS and Android you’ll find all the great travel offers found on the website and much more. There are special mobile rates and app only deals that allow you to save even more money. Plus, you can get notifications straight to your phone letting you know when prices for your next trip have dropped. But the KAYAK app is much more than just a travel app. Use the Trips function to manage your travel itinerary and get up to date status alerts on flights, check-in changes and to store your boarding pass. Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere on your travels, you can still access your travel notes via Trips, as no internet connection is required.

How can I use KAYAK to manage my travel bookings?

KAYAK Trips creates a travel itinerary for you that will give you flight status alerts, can be shared with friends and more. Simply forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] or use the KAYAK app and sync your email account to keep all your travel plans organized in one app, even if you didn’t book with KAYAK. You can share your holiday plans with friends and family and also check out your travel stats for past vacations, like how far you’ve traveled, your most popular cities and how many times you’ve traveled around the world. Even if you don’t have signal, don’t worry, as you can access Trips to check out your itineraries whilst on the road. Your data is safe and secure with us and you won’t have to re-enter credit card info when booking future trips. If you want to make changes or cancel bookings, then you should contact the travel provider, which is provided on the booking confirmation.

What are KAYAK Price Alerts?

Instead of manually checking back in on the price of your next flight or stay, let KAYAK do the hard work for you with KAYAK Price Alerts. Once you’ve saved your search, our data will determine how the price will rise or fluctuate over the coming days. You’ll then get a push notification letting you know when’s the perfect time to book.

Search flights , hotels , rental cars , travel guides and more with KAYAK. KAYAK searches hundreds of other travel sites at once to get you the information you need to make the right decisions.

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Definition of travel

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Definition of travel  (Entry 2 of 2)

  • peregrinate
  • peregrination

Examples of travel in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'travel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English travailen, travelen to torment, labor, strive, journey, from Anglo-French travailler

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing travel

  • pre - travel
  • see / travel the world
  • travel agency
  • travel agent
  • travel light
  • travel sickness
  • travel trailer

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Dictionary Entries Near travel

Cite this entry.

“Travel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/travel. Accessed 12 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of travel.

Kids Definition of travel  (Entry 2 of 2)

Middle English travailen "torment, labor, strive, journey," from early French travailler "torment, labor," from an unrecorded Latin verb tripaliare "to torture," from Latin tripalium "an instrument of torture," literally "three stakes," derived from tri- "three" and palus "stake, pale" — related to pale entry 3 , travail

More from Merriam-Webster on travel

Nglish: Translation of travel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of travel for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about travel

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

What Does Travel Mean to You?

A solo hiker in a yellow jacket sitting in the mountains looking at the scenery around him

A few years ago, I went around the world and asked people what travel meant to them. As I travel the country on my current book tour and hear everyone’s reasons for travel, I’m reminded of that experience.

Travel means something different to every single person in the world.

There are a million and one reasons to travel. Many people travel the world to get the bug out of their system, or to check things off a list to say they’ve been there and done that. Some run to escape their problems. Some people travel simply to get drunk around the world.

For me, travel means many things. Travel is freedom . It’s about being able to do what I want and fill my day with excitement. Travel was an escape. Travel was “elsewhere”. That place where exciting things and people resided. It was escaping the Matrix to learn about the world, why people do what they do, and how they act. It’s about pushing myself to the limit and getting more comfortable in my own skin.

But I wondered what motivates other people to do the same.

I have my theories of course.

But I wanted to hear it from people directly.

So, during an extended trip, I asked people I met on the road one question:

“What does travel mean to you?”

And here is what they said:

I loved hearing everyone’s answers because it so accurately describes all the various reasons that push us to travel the world, learn about the people in it, and ourselves.

Now, tell me in the comments below:

What does travel mean to you?

Share what drives you.  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Meaning of travel in English

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travel verb ( MAKE JOURNEY )

  • I like to travel but, then again, I'm very fond of my home .
  • It's often quicker to travel across country and avoid the major roads altogether .
  • Passengers without proper documentation will not be allowed to travel.
  • The elderly travel free on public transport .
  • We like to travel in the autumn when there are fewer tourists .
  • The tragedy is that cultures don't always travel well, and few immigrant groups can sustain their culture over the long term .
  • around Robin Hood's barn idiom
  • communication
  • public transport
  • super-commuting
  • transoceanic
  • well travelled

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

travel verb ( MOVE )

  • The objects travel in elliptical orbits .
  • In 1947, a pilot flying over the Cascades saw nine metallic flying objects traveling at an estimated 1,200 miles per hour .
  • The elevator traveled smoothly upward .
  • White light separates out into its component wavelengths when traveling through a prism .
  • As the material travels through the winding machine , excess liquid is squeezed out by rollers .
  • Lead dust travels easily from hands to mouth and can't be seen .
  • body English
  • kinetic energy
  • kinetically
  • repair to somewhere

travel verb ( BREAK RULE )

  • foul trouble
  • free-throw lane
  • free-throw line
  • full-court press
  • run-and-gun

travel noun ( ACTIVITY )

  • They offer a 10 percent discount on rail travel for students .
  • The price includes travel and accommodation but meals are extra .
  • His work provided him with the opportunity for a lot of foreign travel.
  • The popular myth is that air travel is more dangerous than travel by car or bus .
  • Passes are available for one month's unlimited travel within Europe .
  • break-journey
  • circumnavigation

travel noun ( MOVEMENT OF OBJECT )

  • It can be difficult to predict the travel of smoke from smouldering fires .
  • The travel of the bullets and blood spatter showed that he was lying on the ground on his side when he was shot .
  • This seemed to prove that light has a finite speed of travel.
  • Striking the ball when the clubhead is already past the lowest point of its travel gives a slight overspin.
  • The actuator then rotates its output shaft to the extremes of its travel.
  • bring someone on
  • non-competitor
  • park the bus idiom
  • play big idiom
  • step/move up a gear idiom

travel | American Dictionary

Travel | business english, examples of travel, collocations with travel.

These are words often used in combination with travel .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of travel

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a large office in which a company's employees provide information to its customers, or sell or advertise its goods or services, by phone

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  • travel (MAKE JOURNEY)
  • travel light
  • travel (MOVE)
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9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly

Ryan Smith

Editor's Note

When it comes to travel, you have a lot of options.

You can book directly through the website of an airline, hotel, rental car company or other travel provider. You can also use online travel agencies like Expedia or Skyscanner. And many banks offer their own portals, such as Capital One Travel and Chase Travel .

While there are some horror stories from cancellations associated with portals, booking with one linked to a credit card in your wallet can be an attractive option.

Consider asking yourself these nine questions to determine the best approach for planning your next trip. They will help you decide whether to book directly, use an online travel agency or utilize a credit card portal for your next vacation.

Will you forfeit status perks and status earnings?

travel sites mean

When booking a hotel room through online travel agencies like Hotels.com or Expedia , you may not receive your stay credit from the hotel brand (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy ). Any nights that would typically contribute toward your status won't be counted.

Moreover, as a member with elite status, you often won't receive the usual perks during your stay — like free breakfast or room upgrades. This applies to all major hotel loyalty programs . Many hotels offer a best-price guarantee , allowing you to request a match to a better price you find elsewhere, even if it's on an online travel agency. With this guarantee, you can enjoy loyalty benefits without spending more than necessary.

The decision becomes less straightforward if you want to leverage perks that require booking through a credit card travel portal — which can include bonus rewards or statement credits. You must prioritize what matters most: receiving elite perks and night credits or earning more credit card points and benefiting from automatic discounts for your stay.

However, it's worth noting that flights booked through third-party sites generally qualify as ordinary revenue tickets and are thus eligible to earn points or miles in the given airline's loyalty program. However, be sure to read the terms carefully to avoid booking restrictive basic economy fares .

Related: Why you don't earn hotel points when booking through an online travel agency

Do you have travel credits you can use from your credit card?

travel sites mean

Several credit cards offer travel credits on your statements when you book through their travel portals.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) offers $300 in annual credits when you reserve flights, hotels and rental cars through the Capital One Travel portal .

Similarly, anyone with The Platinum Card® from American Express can enjoy various benefits of the Amex Platinum , including an annual hotel credit worth up to $200 for prepaid reservations at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties or The Hotel Collection (the latter of which requires a two-night minimum). The perk is issued as a statement credit to your account. Like the Capital One credit, the only way to receive the Amex credit is to book an eligible stay through the American Express Travel portal .

Those with a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card also receive a comparable credit for hotel reservations, though it's significantly lower at $50 per year. Simply book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to have the annual credit appear on your account.

If you have a travel credit you have yet to use, take advantage of it before it expires. But carefully consider its rules to ensure your booking qualifies for reimbursement.

Related: The top 11 credit cards with annual travel statement credits

What will cost you the fewest points?

travel sites mean

If you have accumulated enough points in credit card portals like American Express Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points , you should carefully consider which redemption option will require the fewest points for your upcoming trip.

Sometimes, transferring your points to a partner program and booking through their website may be the most cost-effective option.

On the other hand, it may be cheaper in some situations to keep your points in your credit card account and use them through the card's travel portal. This is especially true for hotels, as transferring points to a partner hotel loyalty program may provide less value than redeeming them directly through your credit card issuer.

This can also make sense for boutique properties that don't participate in a loyalty program.

Always compare both redemption options before transferring your points to ensure that you get the best value .

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable points

What will get you the most points on your credit card?

travel sites mean

Regarding travel expenses, you should consider which credit card offers the best rewards for each purchase .

For instance, the Capital One Venture X (see rates and fees ) card provides 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Additionally, you earn 5 miles per dollar spent on flights booked this way. Comparing these rates to the 2 miles per dollar earned on purchases made outside the Capital One Travel portal, it's clear which option is more advantageous.

Chase follows a similar pattern. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve and book through the Ultimate Rewards portal, you will earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars and 5 points on flights. These rates are significantly better than the 3 points per dollar earned on travel booked through other methods.

The Amex Platinum card presents a more drastic example. It offers 5 points per dollar for prepaid hotels booked through the Amex Travel portal. You also receive 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 in flights per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent). However, for hotel reservations booked directly with a hotel, you only earn 1 point per dollar spent. While you can choose either option for airfare, booking hotel stays through Amex Travel is best to maximize your earnings — though again, you'll likely give up the opportunity to earn hotel points by doing so.

Related: What are points and miles worth?

Do you have to choose between rental car loyalty perks and a better price?

travel sites mean

Online travel agencies and portals are popular because they offer convenience. You can visit a single website and compare results from various rental car companies.

However, there is a trade-off to consider.

When you see a lower price on an online travel agency or credit card portal than a rental car website, you usually won't receive any elite benefits associated with a rental car loyalty program . This is because most online travel agencies and credit card portals do not provide an option to add your rental car loyalty number to the reservation (though there are exceptions ). Even if they do, the rental agency often doesn't honor the associated benefits, such as skipping the line during car pickup.

In such situations, you must decide whether booking the lower price or receiving perks is more important. Ultimately, the decision may come down to the price difference.

Related: Get automatic rental car elite status through your credit card

Will the hotel give preference to guests who booked directly?

travel sites mean

In short: Possibly. You may not receive the same perks when booking a hotel through a third-party website instead of directly with the hotel.

For example, a TPG staffer faced this issue while staying at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort in Orlando. He booked through the Capital One Travel portal to earn miles with his Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). However, this meant he couldn't use the mobile check-in feature and had to wait in a long line at check-in. Additionally, he was assigned a less desirable room near noisy areas like the service elevators and housekeeping storage.

If you're not a light sleeper or prefer in-person check-in, these drawbacks may not be significant concerns. Nevertheless, it's worth considering these factors when deciding how to make your hotel booking.

Related: The best ways to book hotels through online travel agencies and bank portals

Can you get free perks from hotels booked via a portal?

travel sites mean

Why not add free perks to the deal if you're paying cash for a hotel?

With American Express, you can enjoy extras by booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection . However, you will not get these benefits if you book directly with the hotel.

Capital One and Chase offer similar programs through the Capital One Premier Collection , Capital One Lifestyle Collection and Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection . When you book with these programs, you can expect to receive perks that could include free breakfast, a welcome gift or space-available room upgrades.

Related: 6 surprising ways to use your on-property credits at hotels

Will you get free nights added to a hotel booking?

travel sites mean

Adding free nights to your hotel reservation could be a huge differentiator.

For example, the Citi Prestige® Card offers a fourth-night-free benefit . But there are some restrictions and nuances to using this benefit. There's a limit of two uses per year and you must book through Citi ThankYou Rewards to receive it.

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Likewise, you can get a fourth or fifth night free when redeeming select types of hotel points for award stays — which could lead you to book directly with a hotel program.

Related: Can I mix hotel points and free night certificates to get a 4th or 5th night free?

What if something goes wrong with your flights?

travel sites mean

Unlike rental car and hotel reservations made through portals and online travel agencies, flights booked outside airline websites will still earn you miles and frequent flyer status credits.

This is good news, but it gets even better when you realize you can stack rewards by booking flights through online travel agencies . This means you can earn points on your credit card, miles from flying, shopping portal bonuses and rewards from the loyalty programs of online travel agencies .

However, there is a potential issue to consider if unexpected problems arise before or during your trip.

When you book directly with an airline and your flight gets canceled, you can deal with the carrier directly. They will reimburse or rebook you based on their change or cancellation policy . However, this may not be the case for portals and online travel agency bookings.

If the airline cancels your flight due to bad weather, they may instruct you to purchase new tickets for a later flight through your credit card portal or the online travel agency you booked with. If you have a schedule change or want to adjust your reservation, you often need to go back to the third-party site for support instead of contacting the airline directly. This can be a significant drawback when booking flights through a third-party option, particularly if your trip carries a high risk of weather-related issues or you think there's a possibility that you'll need to change (or cancel) your trip.

Related: Flight canceled or delayed? Here's what to do

Bottom line

Having various options for booking trips is great. You can compare prices and use your points and miles effectively. You might even get extra perks that other websites don't offer.

However, having too many options can be overwhelming and confusing.

To simplify the process, consider these nine questions before making your booking. By considering factors such as your travel credits and how the booking will impact your elite status strategy, you can avoid surprises during your trip and make the most out of the rewards you earn.

Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen.

Better Wander

Everything You Need to Know About Travel Accommodations and Lodging

Everything You Need to Know About Travel Accommodations and Lodging

  • Latest Posts

travel sites mean

Travel not to escape life but for life not to escape you, a popular quote. Nowadays, traveling has become more accessible and possible, allowing more people to explore worlds and cities thousands of miles away. As one walks through foreign streets and enjoys a culture different from theirs, another essential aspect is finding that perfect travel accommodation that fully matches your style, goals, and budget.

There are many things to consider in finding the ultimate accommodation for your trip, below is an extensive guide on everything you need to know about travel accommodation as well as some tips and tricks to get the best deals.

What are the types of travel accommodations?

travel accommodations

There are several types of travel accommodations and the options, size, and rate varies depending on the season, location, number of guests, and property amenities to name a few. Discover below the most common travel accommodation and lodging types!

Hotels and Resorts

The most popular type of travel accommodation is hotels. They are comfortable, convenient, and highly flexible depending on your preferences. There are hotels from all ranges of the budget, from low-cost ones to high-end luxurious suites and penthouses. A hotel is also a popular choice among families and people on business trips. Hotels also offer the best form of convenience, comfort, and security among all the other types of accommodation. Some hotels can accommodate one to two guests, there are family suites and multiple bedroom units for big groups. Typical inclusions in a hotel stay also include a private bathroom and toilet, a small closet, a small fridge, sometimes a mini kitchen, and a breakfast buffet. Linens, towels, and toiletries are also provided for each of the guests.

  • Great for: First-time travelers, family with children, a group of friends, couples, solo traveler, business trips
  • How to find the best hostels: Internet, social media, digital and print advertisements, word of mouth
  • Website and Apps: booking.com, agoda.com, kayak.com, airbnb.com

Hostels Worldwide – Online Hostel Bookings, Ratings and Reviews | Hostelworld

Search, Compare and Pick the Best Hostel for You. More than 175 Countries. Secure Booking. Real Guest Reviews. Free Cancellation. 

What makes hostel different from hotels? Well, quite a lot of things. First, hostels don’t have the same level of exclusivity and security. Hostels are for those who either want to cut down some expenses on accommodation as well as experience a more social environment. Hostels also offer everything from private rooms to shared rooms that vary from 3, 4, 6, 8, sometimes even up to 20 people on dorm-type rooms. Some hostels also double as an attraction by itself, with unique features and interiors. These boutique hostels are uniquely designed with detailed interiors and furniture, at times with pockets of garden as well. There are also hostels popular for being “party hostels” with facilities that include an in-house pub or rooftop bar, pools, and beer pong, and billiards tables. In terms of room inclusions, some hostels provide free breakfast, towels, and toiletries, while others don’t. Hostels are especially popular among backpackers due to its cheap fee and its general laidback feel.

  • Great for: sociable solo travelers, backpackers, a group of friends
  • How to find the best hostels: Internet, social media, travel groups online, digital advertisements, word of mouth
  • Website and Apps: booing.com, agoda.com, kayak.com, airbnb.com, hostelworld.com

airbnb travel accomadation

Somehow a mix between comfort, convenience, and budget, Airbnb accommodations have recently been popular among travelers. Options in Airbnb vary as well from single rooms to shared rooms, and sometimes the entire property. Another great thing about Airbnb is flexibility. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, traveling with kids, or with friends – from 1 guest to 30+, Airbnb has properties to accommodate you. In terms of interiors, some Airbnbs are designed as well to have that unique flair. Some rooms or properties are beach-inspired, while others have that Scandinavian touch, to name a few. Properties in Airbnb also allow guests to utilize the facilities within the rental – such as the kitchen, pool, gym, etc. There are Airbnb properties as well that allow pets and there are some rentals wherein the host or property owner is also staying within the place – for example, a three-bedroom house or condominium, with two bedrooms available for guests, while the main bedroom is reserved for the host. With the many options in Airbnb, it is important to always check the fine print. Airbnb also has added charges such as website service fee and at times cleaning fee, depending on the host.

  • Great for: a group of friends, couples, solo traveler
  • Website and Apps: airbnb.com

A property commonly found out of town or near beaches, villas allow guest to rent the entire property. This is especially great for families and a large group of friends. When renting villas, the use of the facilities such as kitchen, outdoor BBQ, and swimming pool is often allowed as well. Staying in a private villa during the holiday is one of a kind experience, both for adults and kids.

  • Great for: First-time travelers, family with children, a group of friends, couples

Beach Houses

Beach Houses travelers lodging

A private rental similar to villas, but smaller in a way, beach houses are the ultimate accommodation for beach lovers, These are fully equipped properties situated in the coastal area, allowing guests to enjoy ocean views and the sea breeze any time of the day. Beach houses are also fully equipped with everything that the guests may need, from a fully-equipped kitchen to fishing rods, and sometimes even kayaks and life jackets.

  • Great for: Family with children, a group of friends, couples, solo traveler

A new form of accommodation when traveling, glamping is a combination of glam and camping. The concept is being outdoors but a the same time, retaining that glam, comfort, and style complete with a luxurious interior. There are many ways to do glamping, from tents to treehouses, RVs, cabins, caravans, pods, huts, and A-frame cabins. Glamping accommodations offer five-star amenities at par with hotels and resorts, but at the same time retains that genuine feeling of being one with nature. Depending on the glamping accommodation type, bathrooms and toilets can either be exclusive or shared.

  • Great for: First-time travelers, family with children, a group of friends, couples, solo traveler
  • Website and Apps: glampinghub.com, booking.com, agoda.com, kayak.com, airbnb.com

Popular in the urban or more isolated areas such as mountains or farms, homestays are accommodations, often rooms or space rented out by locals to guests visiting their area. Homestays are great for experiencing the local culture and getting a real feel of being in your destination, often without costing an arm and a leg. Some homestays allow free accommodation in return paying by providing services to the property. Included in these services are helping tend to the farm and the animals, providing carpentry assistance, or lately, even assisting a business in their digital, marketing, and IT needs, enable one to stay in homestays.

  • Great for: A group of friends, couples, solo traveler
  • How to find the best hostels: Internet, social media, recommendations from locals, local tourism board, word of mouth
  • Website and Apps: limited listings at booking.com, agoda.com, kayak.com, airbnb.com

Sleeping pods, hotel capsules

Sleeping pods, hotel capsules

For travelers who simply want a place to rest for the night and store their valuables, sleeping pods or hotel capsules are recommended. These are also ideal for those with long layovers who want to skip booking a hotel room. Sleeping pods/hotel capsules first became popular in Japan, especially with businessmen frequently flying in and out. The pods just allow space to stretch and sleep comfortably, with its own small lamp, and maybe a small pull-out desk or drawer for storage. Luggage is kept on a separate place within the area and there are shared bathrooms and toilets for the guests.

  • Great for: solo travelers, business trips, frequent flyers

Couch surfing

Accessible via an app or its website, CouchSurfing is – as the name suggests – is surfing through couches (but can also be beds). It follows the principle of being in a new town and calling up a friend and wondering if you can stay for the duration of your trip, whether it is in a couch in their living room or a spare bedroom in their place. The hosts and couch surfers interact via a website, wherein both create accounts and submit necessary verification documents for security. The core of CouchSurfing is trust and respect both between the guests and hosts – there are good and bad stories. The views and experiences regarding Couchsurfing vary.

  • How to find the best hostels: Internet, social media, word of mouth
  • Website and Apps: booking.com, agoda.com, airbnb.com

What are the best types of accommodation?

Choosing the best accommodation for your travel is dependent on your travel style, goals, budget, and location. As long as these align, any travel accommodation would be a good fit. There are also instances though that one aspect may need to be adjusted, in favor of the other factors. An example would be going for a higher priced travel accommodation in a more accessible and safer location, compared to a cheaper one but doesn’t generally feel safe. There can also be compromises in terms of room facilities, such as choosing between an air-conditioned room or a fan room, going for solo room or shared, and so on.

Have a place to stay yet? Check out some great options at Hotels.com!

Find cheap hotels, things to do, car rentals, flights and discounts when you book on Hotels.com. Compare hotel deals, offers and read unbiased reviews on hotels.

Accommodation types depending on experience

Accommodation types depending on experience

  • Hotels: For comfort, convenience, and peace of mind
  • Hostels: For socialization, a different experience when traveling, and for lower costs
  • Airbnb: For comfort and convenience similar to a hotel, but at a lower cost, also ideal for travelers looking to rent entire properties
  • Glamping: For travelers who want to explore and stay in the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort and style
  • Couchsurfing: For adventurous travelers looking for free accommodation

Accommodation types depending on budget

  • Low budget: Dorm-type Hostels, AirBnbs, Budget Hotels, Couchsurfing, Homestays
  • Middle budget: Budget Hotels, Shared Room in Hostels, Airbnb Properties
  • High budget: Luxury hotels, AirBnbs, Private Room in Boutique Hostels, Airbnb Properties

Accommodation types unique to destinations

  • City: Hotels, Hostels, Airbnbs
  • Beach/Coastal: Beach houses, hotels, resorts, hostels, Airbnb, Glamping
  • Nature/Outdoors: Hotels, hostels, Airbnb, glamping, cabins, tents, huts, homestays
  • Mountains: Hotels, Airbnb, glamping. cabins, tents, huts, homestays
  • Desert: Hotels, Airbnb, glamping
  • Snow: Hotels, Airbnb

With destinations, in addition to the accommodation types, the actual place also often determine the price and the experience of the place. Accommodations near Disneyland will surely be different in comparison to a rental property in the countryside of France, the capital of Mexico, along the coastline of Australia, and the heart of Bangkok. Accommodations in the city, especially near airports tend to be more expensive as well.

Furthermore, the cost of living in a destination is also an important thing to consider. Generally, accommodations in Europe in comparison to Southeast Asia will vary greatly – both in cost and experience.

The Major Differences Between Hotel, Hostels, and Airbnb

As Airbnb rises to popularity, more and more people are becoming curious about how it’s different from hotels, as well as the difference between hostels and hotels.

Hotels are operated by actual companies and corporations, often with branches locally and globally. Hostels are operated by companies as well, however on a much smaller scale compared to hotels. They also offer private rooms, as well as shared rooms, and dorm-type rooms. Recently, pods and loft-type shared rooms have also been popular among hostels. Airbnbs are operated by individual property owners or hosts, Airbnb itself is just a website where people can register their properties and lease it for guests/travelers.

travel Security

In terms of security, guests can get more peace of mind in hotels, in comparison with Airbnb properties with the entire place being managed by a private individual. The shared space on hostels also makes it less secured compared to private rooms.

Comfort and Convenience

Regarding comfort and convenience, there is a possibility of a draw. Most Airbnb properties are designed to be less expensive than hotels but at the same time, retain its feel and style. Hostels, on the other hand, depend on the type of hostel you are looking at. Same with hotels, these properties range from budget to luxury.

Hotels and Airbnb are both strategically located near popular local attractions, on business districts, and airports. However, Airbnb properties are not just limited to these. There are properties even on less touristy areas, perfect for travelers who prefer the off-beaten path.

Facilities and Amenities

Hotels are fully-equipped with everything a guest might need – from the facilities within the room, as well as the building amenities that include swimming pools, gym, playground, parking, game room, and a commercial area of restaurants, bars, convenience stores, banks, and laundry at the lower floor of the building. For Airbnb, since some properties are located within residential buildings/highrises, they also offer the same amenities. Hostels on the other hand vary, but some also allow the use of shared kitchens, a common area for all, and pools. Other features that guests look out for are Wi-Fi connectivity, access to Netflix (for some), bidet, hot shower, air-condition, and heater among others.

Experiences

travel Experiences

Catering to the needs of their guests; hotels, hostels, and Airbnb often offer the similar experiences of airport transfers, discounted tickets, rooftop bars, and access to tours offered by their partner companies. One unique thing about hostels is that some offer pub-crawls for guests who want to explore the local nightlife. For Airbnb, some hosts also double as tour guides, sometimes providing tips about the locality or even as far as taking their guests around the place.

  • Advantages of Hotels: Comfort, Convenience, Security, Peace of Mind, Hotel Amenities, Good for first-time travelers, guests with children
  • Advantages of Airbnb: Comfort, Convenience, Unique and Local Experiences, Flexibility on cost and payment method, Good for solo travelers or groups, some properties are pet-friendly
  • Advantages of Hostels: Comfort, Convenience, Socialization, Meet and Make New Friends, Flexibility on cost and payment method, Popular among backpackers, Available in private rooms, shared rooms, or dorm-type rooms
  • The Disadvantages of Hotels: Usually the same experience and look/interior every time
  • The Disadvantages of Airbnbs: Less secure, managed by individuals, doesn’t always have housekeeping
  • The Disadvantages of Hostels: Less secure, not recommended for introverts and those who are not comfortable sharing rooms, even with private rooms, some might feel that the place is crowded

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Safety Tips when Choosing Travel accommodation

Research, research, research.

  • One of the most important parts of traveling is researching and this applies to travel accommodations as well.
  • Search the internet for the best travel accommodation deals
  • check for customer reviews (xxx and xx are good sites for these), about the room/property, service, staff, vicinity, environment, accessibility from the airport, access to public transportation, building/property facilities such as kitchen or parking
  • check their social media accounts and page reviews, verified accounts are better
  • Ask for recommendations from family and friends

Read the fine print before the final booking, some rentals have additional charges that often come as a surprise for guests.

booking ticket

  • Services such as airport transfer and massage will have additional fees.
  • Consumed food and beverages inside the fridge of hotels will be charged upon checkout.
  • Airbnb, for example, has a cleaning fee and a service fee from the website.
  • Other usual charges include early check-in or late checkout and requested meals, to name a few.
  • There are also non-refundable deposits on some rentals.

Have copies of all your booking reservations, both digital copy (saved in your phone and online) and hardcopy, printed out for added security.

  • When traveling to a non-English speaking country, it is also best to have the name and address of your accommodation in the local language. This is especially helpful when trying to communicate with taxi drivers or asking the way back to your place after exploring.

Inspect the property upon arrival.

  • Although often, hotel staff and hosts will ensure that the place is in the best condition, it won’t hurt to double-check. Inspect the place, the drawers, linens, pillows, even the bathroom if there are items that should be there but aren’t (or vice versa). When staying in hostels, be wary of bedbugs on shared rooms, especially on dorm-type ones. Check the pillows, lift the mattress. In any type of accommodation, insects and bugs are a no-no. If you find some, immediately call the receptionist and you can either ask for a change of rooms or if possible, get your money back and move to a new place.

Top Recommendations

Top q&as, how to organize travel and accommodation arrangements.

Travel and Accommodation Arrangements

One of the daunting tasks of organizing a trip is arranging the accommodations, especially for large groups. Below is a quick guide on how to organize travel arrangements, whether it’s for a solo trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation

  • Note your accommodation requirements
  • Research the best places that meet your requirements
  • Check the availability of the property
  • Note the details of your booked accommodation

How to Find the Best Travel Accommodation Deals

  • Use travel accommodation websites such as booking.com, agoda.com, and airbnb.com
  • Sign up for memberships to get insider deals
  • Subscribe on the mailing list of accommodation booking websites and hotels for regular promos and discounts
  • Follow the social media accounts of your favorite hotels or hostels to be updated with good travel accommodation deals
  • Note that prices during the peak season and off-peak season vary, as well as weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Prices especially soar during the peak season, as well as weekends, and holidays.

What are the Best Travel Accommodation Websites

  • Booking.com: With millions of properties worldwide, booking.com is one of the go-to websites for booking travel accommodations. Users can filter based on their preferences and there are all sorts of accommodation types available on the website. The payment options are flexible as well, including pay via credit card, pay on the property, or partial payment until a few of the actual booking. The site is also popular for low price deals, promos, and frequent traveler points that can be used as discounts for bookings.

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  • Airbnb.com: One of the big players in booking travel accommodations, Airbnb has multiple properties globally, from business districts to less touristy areas.
  • 4. Hostelworld.com: The ultimate website for hostels all over the world, hostelworld.com enables travelers to find hostels that fit their needs. Filtering to find properties that offer private rooms, air conditioning, laundry, and 24 hours reception and security are also possible.
  • Kayak.com: A big player in the travel accommodation industry, Kayak.com allows users to search for properties via a map with notes on the top places for sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, etc.

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  • Glampinghub.com: For travelers looking for glamping accommodations, glampinghub is the go-to place. There are several properties available here, as well as different types of glamping accommodations – including beaches, snow mountains, lakes, and farms to name a few.
  • TripAdvisor: A popular booking accommodation website, with a trusted user review library – TripAdvisor is worth checking out.
  • Couchsurfing.org: For free accommodation and meeting new people, couchsurfing.org is the place to go. As mentioned, the experiences vary, but still – it remains an option for those who are interested in trying or those who are having a tight budget.
  • BedandBreakfast.com: As its name suggests, this is the website to go for those who are looking for B&B accommodation.

How to Save on Travel Accommodation

Travel Accommodation

  • 1. Book on off-peak season or weekdays
  • 2. Maximize promos and deals on social media and promos sent via email
  • 3. Consider a shared room on hostels, for travelers comfortable with sharing space with other travelers
  • 4. Use websites like agoda.com or booking.com
  • 5. Check the company website for other offers
  • 6. Avoid consuming the food and beverages on the hotel fridge, grab supplies from the convenience store
  • 7. Search online for local restaurants or bars near your accommodation, in-house restaurants and bars are often pricier
  • 8. Research on getting around your destination to save costs on booking for airport transfers
  • 9. Subscribe to the mailing list of the accommodations and on their social media, for regular and seasonal promos and offer
  • 10. Sign up on insider accounts on websites such as Agoda.com to get members-only discounts.

What are the Best Travel Accommodation Apps

Most of the top travel accommodation websites offer their apps for the convenience of their users. Be sure to have these travel apps ready for easy organization and arrangements of your travel accommodations.

  • Great for: Browsing for accommodations, reservations, and purchasing
  • Available on iOS, Android

Airbnb accommodations

  • Available on: iOS, Android

5. HotelTonight

  • Great For: Last-minute deals and instant booking accommodations

6. Couchsurfing

  • Great for: Meeting new people, free accommodation

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Travel Accommodation

The requirements for the best travel accommodation are often similar: a comfortable and convenient place for guests to rest after exploring their destination, as well as a safe place for them to store their belongings and valuables. Where it varies, however, is on the budget, style, and experience that the travel is aiming for. Once you get that perfect mix of the standard requirements and the personalized experience that varies per traveler – that is then the best accommodation.

For solo travelers, it depends whether you are on a budget, backpacking around Southeast Asia or having an Eat, Pray, Love experience in xxx, or a dream vacation in Paris. Hotels are great for comfort and if you simply just wanna lay down at the end of the day and not worry about anything. Hotels are also ideal for travelers who are very particular with their privacy, accommodation, meals, and staff service.

On the other hand, solo travelers who want to save money but also want to spend the night making friends and partying can opt for hostels. These are highly social places with different pockets for people to meet and hangout. There are common spaces on hostels, there are rooftop/in-house bars, and swimming pools (on some). Some hostels also offer organized tours and pub-crawls, perfect for solo travelers who want to explore but at the same time be part of a group.

Solo travelers on shared hostel rooms are also able to meet all sorts of people and travelers from all over. There are good and bad experiences, of course. In the mix of these, all are Airbnb properties, with facilities according to your needs. There are private rooms in a three-bedroom unit, a spare room on a local’s place, or sometimes private sleeping capsules or pods.

Find the Best Travel Accommodation

For couples on a romantic getaway or a bonding trip, hotels and resorts are the best options. These places offer the utmost privacy and comfort for the couple, without sacrificing security and convenience. For couples who are looking to meet more friends, private rooms in Airbnb and hostels are recommended as well.

Family vacation, groups, trips with children: hotels and Airbnb. As mentioned, the accommodation type varies on how you travel and for large groups, especially with children, hotels or Airbnb (entire property rental) are the way to go. Hotels provide the requirements of traveling as a large group as well as the safety, security, and facilities necessary for families with children. There is optimum security, safety features, and kid-friendly areas such as a playground and a kiddie pool. There are also gyms, bars, salons, saunas, and pools for the adults of the family. Facilities such as a fully-equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry machine, or a laundromat are also available on most Airbnb properties.

Pets are family and while some prefer to leave their furbabies at home or on pet hotels, some lucky ones can join the fun. The good news is that there are several pet-friendly travel accommodations globally, especially on Airbnb rentals and private accommodations. Hosts who prefer to lease the entire property, usually a home, a villa, a cabin, or an RV allows a pet in the accommodation as long as the pets are in their best behavior, do not soil or damage the property, and pose no safety risk on other guests.

When choosing a pet-friendly travel accommodation, it is also important to read the fine print. Some properties only allow small dogs and cats, at times only a maximum number of pets are allowed, or sometimes pets are not allowed inside bedrooms or on the furniture. Updated vaccinations of the pet/s might also be requested by the host or the accommodation. Ensure that all the necessary documentation of your pets are ready and at hand. It is important to note as well that for some travel accommodations, there are additional charges when bringing in pets.

For those who love nature but doesn’t want to be comfortable – glamping is a new experience that is surely a must-try. Imagine looking up to the stars on a crystal dome, in the middle of an island surrounded by a lake or in the middle of a meadow in a lovely forest. Glamping by the beach is popular as well, offering great views of the sea and the luxury of lush linens and breathtaking interior decor. It is the usual environment of a camping ground but the comfort and style of hotels.

There are all types of hotel accommodations depending on the traveler. The important part is to make sure your chosen accommodation fits all your travel requirements. Take advantage of the internet, social media, and the personal recommendations of family and friends. The purpose of the trip affects your accommodation as well. Is it a business trip or a Valentine getaway? How long are you staying, do you prefer accommodations with or without Wi-Fi? These and so much more are to be considered when looking for your next travel accommodation.

Traveling is a fun and enriching experience, whether it is alone, with your special someone, with a group of friends, with family or with your pets. Finding that perfect spot to lay down and rest after a long day of exploring foreign cities and experiencing local cultures, is an important part of traveling. After all, how can one make the most of the trip if they are lacking sleep, if their back hurts from an uncomfortable bed, or their mind is always back to worrying about their valuables? What you need, what the place offers, and the budget – all these combined allow you to find that ultimate accommodation perfect for your trip. Happy travels!

Do you have more tips on finding the best accommodations and lodging when traveling? Let us know below!

Further read:

  • Everything You Need to Know About How to Travel

Mistakes People Make When Booking Travel Through Third-Party Websites

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

Want to use an online travel agency to book your trip? Keep these facts in mind to make the process smoother.

Expedia. Skyscanner. Booking.com. Trip.com. Priceline. These days there are countless third-party platforms for booking flights, hotels, rental cars and other aspects of the travel experience.

While these websites can make the planning process feel more seamless and convenient, there are some potential drawbacks that are important to understand before you make any reservations.

Below, travel experts share the common mistakes people make when booking trips through a third-party service ― and their advice for avoiding these errors during your travels.

Assuming They Have The Lowest Prices

Travel booking websites can be great for comparing prices across different providers and potentially finding exclusive deals. But you’re often going to see the same costs across platforms ― including the travel vendor’s direct website.

“You should not assume online travel agencies have the lowest prices,” said Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer . “While coupons and other promotions can make it appear that you are saving a lot of money, you should always check directly with the airline or hotel.”

When booking a flight, you should check the prices on the airline websites, as well as results on search engines like Google Flights. As you look for accommodations, compare rates on hotel websites and third-party booking systems.

“In many cases, hotels will guarantee the cheapest rate when booking directly with them. In certain situations, third-party booking sites will hide resort fees until the very last moment or put them in an easy-to-miss spot.”

Losing 24-Hour Cancellation Options

“You should not book airfare with an online travel agency if there is a chance you may take advantage of the federal 24-hour cancellation rule,” Dengler said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated that air carriers allow customers who purchased tickets at least seven days before a flight’s scheduled departure to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund without penalty within 24 hours of booking.

“Unfortunately, the flight must be booked directly with the airline,” Dengler noted. “That means third-party booking sites do not have to honor the rule, which means you could be out of luck if you are looking to cancel within 24 hours. If there is any chance you may need to cancel your flight, check with the third-party booking site before you book to see if they honor the 24-hour cancellation rule.”

Not Reading The Fine Print

“Always read the fine print so that you know their return or refund policy,” said Ciara Johnson, a travel blogger at Hey Ciara . “For added protection, book with a travel credit card that has insurance in case something goes wrong. If you’re not booking for a deal, it’s always best to book direct on the company website. It’s likely cheaper to book direct anyhow!”

Ravi Roth , a queer travel expert and host of “ The Gaycation Travel Show ,” echoed this advice. He emphasized being aware of any extra fees or troublesome policies regarding cancellations, itinerary changes and refunds, so you should make sure to read and save your confirmation email with the details.

“I recommend using trusted sites like Orbitz for hotels and Airbnb to book experiences. As for flights, I would try Skyscanner, but while booking, make sure to stick to the major airlines,” Roth noted. “Sometimes folks can find a super cheap flight, but in the fine print, there is a charge for overhead and checked luggage. I cannot stress enough to read the fine print.”

Missing Out On Loyalty Points

If hotel or airline loyalty points and status are important to you, using a third-party booking site might not be the best move.

“Many online travel agencies let you insert your frequent flyer number or hotel rewards number, but that does not mean you will earn status credit and points,” Dengler explained. “Some airlines and hotels will allow you to earn status when booking with online travel agencies, but you should make sure first.”

If you book through a third-party site, you likely won't be able to modify your reservation through the provider.

Trying To Modify Bookings Through The Travel Provider

“Third-party booking sites like Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity are also known as online travel agencies, and they are essentially middlemen between you and the airline or hotel,” Dengler explained. “In other words, your reservation is with them and not the airline or hotel. That means you contact them for customer service instead of the airline or hotel.”

So if access to direct customer service with the travel provider is a big deal to you, avoid these third-party platforms when making your reservations and use them as search engines for comparisons instead.

“While the larger online travel agencies have better customer service than the smaller ones, it is still better to talk to the source directly,” Dengler said. “That is important for both reservation modifications and cancellations. If there is a possibility that there will be severe weather during your trip, I recommend booking directly since there is a real chance you will have to modify or cancel your itinerary.”

Because canceling or making an itinerary change can be a bigger hassle through third-party platforms, make sure to pay close attention when you’re making your reservation.

“Travelers should just ensure to double-check all of their information, such as travel dates, name and contact information when booking via third-parties,” said Casey Brogan, a consumer travel expert at Tripadvisor.

Choosing A Travel Provider That Doesn’t Allow Third-Party Sales

“Be aware that several budget carriers, most notably Ryanair in Europe , technically don’t allow third-party sales of their tickets,” said Marek Bron, a travel blogger at Indie Traveller . “If you book their flights through a third-party anyway, then this is done through a work-around way that’s not supported by Ryanair.”

As a result, making cancellations or changes through the third-party site might be more expensive or challenging than it would have been if you booked directly through the airline. Ensure you can actually get an official confirmation with your chosen air carrier or other travel provider when you book through an external system.

Not Reading The Reviews

Not all third-party booking sites and travel agents are created equal. As such, it’s important to read the reviews of these services before making your reservations through them.

“Check reviews of these third-party sites, such as on TrustPilot, before booking as some of them are to be avoided,” Bron said. He advised paying extra close attention to mentions of customer service, as you might need this to handle changes or cancellations down the road.

“If working with a travel agent, ensure they have the right qualifications and double-check your reservations with the airlines and hotels,” echoed Jessica van Dop DeJesus , a travel media specialist and blogger at The Dining Traveler. “Also, look into travel insurance and check with your credit card to see if they provide any travel insurance services.”

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  • What is a Travel Blog: Definition & Examples from a 6-Figure Blogger

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Table of Contents

Wondering what is a travel blog? I answer that and how you can make money with one!

Travel blogging is all the rage (and or good reason) but there definition for what actually constitutes as a travel blog depends on who you ask.

But I promise, it’s actually pretty simply (and easy to get started).

A travel blog is simply a blog focused on travel. But there’s usually a little more to it than that — while you CAN make a generic travel blog, the riches are in the niches, as they say.

Most travel blogs focus on something specific, like a style of travel (for example, cruises), a specific destination (like Thailand), or something else like what to pack or the best food along the road.

There are PLENTY of niches that you can start with.

If you’re passionate about travel and you want to share your love of it with, then travel blogging might be for you. There is plenty of opportunity, and you can even monetize it to help you create a solid, stable income (with time, of course).

Still not clear on what a travel blog is? No worries.

By the end of this handy little travel blogging guide, you’ll understand exactly what a travel blog is and how you can start your own and earn money with it. I LOVE travel blogging, here’s what you need to know about it:

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Digital nomad working on her travel blog on a rooftop in Portugal

What is a travel blog?

A travel blog is a blog that’s specifically dedicated to travel in some capacity.

Travel bloggers share stories, tips and tricks about traveling.

There are a ton of different sub niches, which help bloggers curate their ideal audience with a focus. The more niche the blog, the easier it is to start growing.

What Type of Things Are Included in a Travel Blog?

Travel blogs can feature almost any kind of content related to travel from packing lists to destination guides.

Some of the most popular types of travel content you’ll find on blogs include:

Trip Recaps

These are essentially reviews of specific trips the blogger was on.

These types of posts are focused on the writer’s experience and often take a story-like format.

They often feature original images and snippets about specific activities and experiences they had.

This is a great way to get a snapshot of a location and learn from a blogger’s experience — but it’s not specifically an itinerary or recommendations guide.

Itineraries

Itineraries are great for covering keywords like “three days in Rome” and other time-specific Google search phrases.

These guide you through the essentials of a specific destination and help the reader plan a trip that will make the most of their (often limited) time at the destination.

These are often focused around things to do and places to eat.

Tips are informational content that usually appears in the form of listicles.

These are great for addressing questions that people have about a destination like the top safety tips for solo female travelers.

These are another great opportunity to help people plan their trip (or even start thinking about traveling) and can be destination-specific or more generalized.

Pink suitcase packed with woman's clothes for travel

Packing Lists

If you’re looking for a great opportunity to link to specific gear reviews you have, provide a mass list of affiliate links, and even capture emails, packing lists are for you.

These types of content are listicles, and they are great for helping fill in the gaps that travelers may have and are also great for affiliate marketing.

This is especially popular for hiking bloggers.

Tour and Hotel Reviews

For bloggers that regularly travel, tour, and hotels reviews put a personal spin on whether or not a reader should try a particular tour or hotel.

They cover everything from the rooms, to food, and transportation.

They are great for affiliate marketing but add a real personal spin to them which is great, especially in today’s and age.

Flatlay of a camera, a notebook, binoculars, and sunglasses on a wooden table for a traveler

Travel Gear Reviews

Just like hotel and tour reviews, travel gear reviews cover your personal opinions on what you take with you while you’re traveling.

If you’re a digital nomad blogger , you might review your favorite Bluetooth keyboard, likewise if you’re a scuba diver you might review your favorite flippers.

These are great for affiliate links.

Financial Advice 

Blog articles that are based on financial and budget advice while traveling.

These guides are mostly informational, but you could sell digital products surrounding them. Including these on your travel blog will have to make sense — not ALL will features these.

It’s also important to factor in your audience when you create these, if you run a budget-friendly travel blog, luxury budgets are not what you’ll be talking about.

Flatlay on a white carpet of a brown hat and polaroid photos of a travel blog

Photographs

The BEST travel blogs feature original photographs.

Not only is this great for the reader’s experience, but Google really loves them when it comes to making content that ranks.

Original photographs help better illustrate the story you are telling, and can also be a great opportunity to make money. You can even sell your photographs or use them in your own business ventures.

For this you’ll need a good camera.

Your “about page” has considerably more value for a travel blogger than most believe.

This is where both your readers and Google understand who you are and WHY it’s you that should be telling the story.

Google relies on experience as part of their core ranking factors, and it’s your about page that can help them identify who you are.

See mine here as an example.

Travel bloggers sometimes also create video content.

This isn’t true straight across the board, not everyone works with video. But YouTube is a great place to show off your personality and get more people to know you.

It s also a great place to rank highly in video search which is something Google relies on more and more each day.

Check out my Youtube here .

Special Discounts

Travel bloggers can also share special discounts with their readers.

These discounts are usually associated with your affiliate marketing partners, and it’s a great way to share your favorite things with your readers at a discounted price.

By sharing these significant discounts, you can entice your readers to not only buy from you, but keep in touch to watch for more.

Types of Travel Blog Niches

There are PLENTY of opportunities in the overarching travel niche.

It’s important to point out that while I’ve created a list of many of the most popular, this is not the be-all, end-all of travel blogging niches .

If you’re interested in something that’s not on this list, chances are there’s still an audience out there for you.

Traveling With Kids

Traveling with kids in tow is a whole other travel-related ball game, and there is plenty of opportunity.

Whether it’s traveling with a family of five (you know, since most “family passes” are made for a group of four) or trotting across the globe with children of a specific age, there’s an audience out there seeking tips.

I’ve seen travel blogs about everything you can think of, from heading on a plane with your newborn baby to RVing around the USA with a pack of teenagers in the back.

Family travel is a popular niche because there are A LOT of different types and styles of families out there, and planning a trip is a lot of work. People need the advice from others who have been there done that.

travel sites mean

Ecotourism and Sustainability

Responsible travel is a fast growing niche, and it’s well worth consideration if you’ve just started your own travel blog.

This sub niche of travel focuses on exploring the world without leaving a big impact. It’s aimed at people who want to see the world, but also want to do it in a way that s respectful of the environment.

The idea is that if you can have fun while making a difference (or NOT making one) in the process, why wouldn’t you?

Sub niches of this sub niche could be budget friendly sustainable travel or even luxury ecotourism.

Road Tripping

Traveling in a car is different than traveling on a plane, train, or even a boat.

It means packing smart, heading to destinations that are within driving distance, and seeing the world a little bit slower.

It’s a great way to see a lot of places without spending a lot — and a fun niche to work in.

You can write about how to plan a road trip, where to stay along the way, and even how to make money as you go (like collecting cans for recycling).

RV travel is a slight variation on road travel in that your place to stay goes with you.

There is plenty of opportunity to work in this niche, and it’s a great way to fund your own RV travels (once you have your blog monetized.

You can also blog as a service within this niche — connect with any prospective RV owners and help them to plan their own road trips or offer to provide content to RV parks, campgrounds or even retailers.

Foodie Travel

Traveling is a great way to experience and taste the world around you.

If you’re a foodie, you can help others find the best foodie destinations and places to eat.  It’s a rewarding and delicious way to have fun when you start content creation .

If you want to step up your game, you can add recipes to your blog that help the travelers bring the delicious food home.

This is a great niche if you’re a good photographer or create new recipes.

Man typing on a travel blog on a train while solo traveling with his backpack beside him

Solo Travel

Solo travel is a big trending niche right now.

Not everyone needs (or wants) a travel partner, and many people like to travel on their own. If you’re a solo traveler, you can share your experiences in your blogs and create content that caters to solo travelers.

Affiliate links, display ads and even digital products and courses are popular in this niche.

Destination-specific Blogs

From Mexico to Thailand, destination-specific blogs are a great way to make money with a travel blog.

This is a solid sub niche for you if you know a destination VERY well.

These combine a little bit of all the different blog posts out there, but it’s all focused on one specific place.

Outfits, Gear and Packing Lists

If you LOVE a good packing experiment, this might be the sub niche for you.

It focuses on what you can bring with you along your travels, and helps travelers set up stellar packing lists so they know they’ll have what they need on the road.

This is a great way for those of us that love to test out products and share our reviews.

Two women working on a travel blog in a coffee shop on a laptop

25 Travel Blog Examples

There are SO MANY different kinds of travel blogs out there. From theme parks to traveling with your best furry friend, I’ve gathered a few examples from the best sub niches out there.

You’ll find a quick description of each blog below, and some notes on how they make their income.

It’s important to note that I’m basing income notes on what I can SEE, I don’t have intimate knowledge of the income of these blogs or how much they make.

Sub niche: Fashion and Packing

1. travel fashion girl.

Travel Fashion Girl is the premier fashion travel blog on the ‘net.

It’s won multiple awards and sees millions of visitors per year.

The content is primarily focused on packing lists and guides — what to wear, cool travel gadgets, and the best bags.

It earns its income primarily through affiliates and display advertising, but they also have digital products for sale.

2. Her Packing List

If you’re interested in the fashion and packing sub niche, Her Packing List is another one to look at.

It’s not as established as Travel Fashion Girl, but it covers similar topics. You’ll find content about packing lists, the best bags to travel with, cool new gadgets, and other things that will make your travel experience stellar (and fashionable).

The blog employs affiliate links and display advertising, along with a packing masterclass.

Sub niche: Destination-specific

3. travel mexico solo.

Travel Mexico Solo combines a few niches including solo travel. However, its biggest claim-to-fame is being one of the world’s biggest Mexico travel blogs. When it comes to earning income, the site features affiliate links and display ads, along with a few digital products.

4. The Art of Living in Turkey

Also featuring a country-specific focus, The Art of Living in Turkey focuses on long-term (or even permanent) travel in the country.

Topics vary from purchasing a SIM card to popular Turkish TV shows and sayings.

To our (limited) knowledge, we can only see affiliate links on the blog for income.

5. Ottawa Things To Do

Niching down further, Ottawa Things To Do focuses on the Canadian city of Ottawa.

This city-specific blog features affiliate links and display ads with Ezoic to earn income.

Because of its singular focus, there’s a high potential for sponsored content as well.

6. Uncover the Magic

Destination-specific content doesn’t just encompass countries and cities, it can also cover things like Disney travel!

Uncover The Magic is a Disney-focused blog that talks about all things Disney resorts from Anaheim to Tokyo.

Their income is earned primarily via affiliate links.

Niche: Foodie Travel

7. bacon is magic.

Food is an essential part of travel, especially for foodies.

Bacon is Magic is a food-focused blog that covers the best places to eat around the world, and shares recipes that you can recreate when you’re back home.

The blog features display advertising and affiliate marketing as income earning opportunities.

8. Epicure and Culture

Epicure and Culture features two prominent sub-niches: food and sustainable travel.

You can find everything you need to know about food and drink around the world, along with how to visit countries sustainably.

It features both affiliate links and display ads to earn income.

Sub Niche: Transportation Type

9. stylish cruising.

Stylish Cruising is a blog focused on as specific transportation style: the cruise.

You can learn everything you need to know about taking a cruise from how much to tip, where to go, and what you can expect.

It earns income through affiliate links that point you in the direction of things that help you book the perfect cruise, and make it better.

10. USA Road Trip Now – NOW RETIRED

Road tripping is another popular way to enjoy travel, and USA Road Trip Now combines destination-specific travel (USA) and transportation (via car).

This blog shares the best road trip destinations and gives advice on how to plan them.

There are no obvious income earning channels on this blog.

11. Cool RVers

Traveling in an RV is a great way to explore, and Cool RVers is a blog that helps RVers keep their travel vehicle in tip-top shape and provides tips for the road.

The site earns income via affiliate links and display advertising.

Sub niche: solo travel

12. a single woman traveling.

It’s all in the name with A Single Woman Traveling.

Here you can get tips and tricks for the best gear and destination that will make your solo travel experience top notch.

The site appears to make money from display ads and affiliate marketing.

13. Adventurous Kate

If you’re looking for bigger travel blogs to check out, Adventurous Kate has your back.

This solo travel blog is focused on helping women safely travel the world alone by providing tips, tricks, and destination guides.

The site makes money with affiliate marketing and display advertising.

Niche: Eco-travel

14. pina travels.

Focusing on responsible travels, Pina Travels provides tips, tricks, and destination guides that help you travel around the world while leaving a smaller impact.

It looks like this eco travel site primarily earns income via affiliate marketing links.

15. Soul Travel Blog

The Soul Travel Blog is all about remembering the magic of the journey.

Focusing on sustainability and experience, it shares destination guides and tips to having a truly soulful journey.

They earn income, via affiliate links along with astro-cartography services.

Sub Niche: Family Travel

16. let’s jet kids.

Let’s Jet Kids is all about family fun and traveling.

From road trips to international travel, there are plenty of tips and tricks for family that are looking to take their families on the road.

The site earns money via affiliate marketing.

17. Baby Can Travel

Traveling with babies is a whole different ball game, but Baby Can Travel helps you understand that it’s entirely possible.

Between the right baby gear to keep you and your little co-pilot on the road to where the best baby-friendly destinations are, thus the blog is here to help.

It earns money via affiliate links and display ads.

Sub niche: Digital Nomad / Working Abroad

18. the digital nomad journey.

The Digital Nomad Journey tells you exactly what it is right in the title.

This blog is focused on walking people through setting up and living their best life on the road. It shares tips, tricks, and destination guides.

The site earns income via affiliate links, courses, and digital products.

19. Nina Out and About

If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ve probably heard of my blog, Nina Out & About.

It’s a travel blog focused on expat travel both within Canada and worldwide.

I earn my income via affiliates, display advertising, and digital products.

Sub Niche: Things to Do

20. tales of a backpacker.

For solo women looking to backpack around the world, Tales of a Backpack is the go-to guide.

It covers everything from being a digital nomad and making money on the road to destination guides.

They make their income via affiliates and display advertising.

21. Fat Girls Hiking

Fat Girls Hiking is a digital guide for plus size hikers.

It’s all about finding the best plus size equipment to hitting the best trails. They earn income via affiliates, display ads, merchandise, and donations.

Note that this does actually spin off into local meet-up groups as well.

22. Girls That Scuba

Who doesn’t love a little underwater action?

Girls That Scuba is a blog all about women who head underwater and dive. Everything from the best destinations to how to learn, this is your go-to guide.

They earn income by display advertising, physical products, group trips, and affiliate income.

Sub niche: Special Interest Travel

22. the lady dicks.

The Lady Dicks is a blog and podcast about spooky travel. Focusing on haunted history, it shares where you can stay, stories you might (not) want to hear, and the best destinations to check out.

They earn income via affiliate links and partnerships.

23. Traveling With Your Pets

Who wants to leave your best bud behind? Traveling With Your Pets makes sure you don’t have to do that.

It earns money via affiliates and shares everything from how to cruise with your dog to the best travel kennels you can buy.

24. World Heritage Sites

Another history-focused travel guide is World Heritage Sites.

This blog shares tips and tricks for visiting famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites — perfect for anyone who loves to walk through history.

It earns its income via affiliate marketing.

25. Theme Park Blogger

Another niche, special interest travel blog is the Theme Park Blogger.

Like the title indicates, this blog shares everything you need to know about heading to a theme park.

It earns money via display advertising, and likely also affiliate links.

Man typing on a wireless keyboard working on his travel blog

How to Start a Travel Blog

Pick a niche.

You don’t want to just start a “travel blog.”

There’s A LOT of things to cover under that umbrella, and you certainly can’t cover it all.

For the best opportunity to grow your blog as a beginner, I highly recommend niching down.

Remember that you can always expand your niche when you’re ready, but it can be a bit more challenging to rein it in.

I recommend picking something that you’re knowledgeable, interested in, and, if you can, that you have stellar pictures of — Google loves an original photo.

Set Up Your Blog

There’s a bit of technical work that goes into running a blog, luckily it’s all pretty easy.

You need to decide on a blog name , purchase a domain name and get yourself monthly hosting with a company like Lyrical Host.

From there you install a theme (Kadence is my favorite, and you can use it for free!) and start creating stellar content.

Don’t forget to set up an About and Contact page.

Looking to buy a domain name? I recommend Namecheap !

Find Keywords

If you’re starting from zero, you’ll want to find some low competition high volume keywords.

These are keywords that you’ll have a better chance of ranking content for when you’re first starting out.

As a search engine optimization expert, I’ve got a lot of free education out there that you can learn from and get started.

But simply put, I recommend using a program like RankIQ or Keysearch to help you find those perfect words.

Solid keyword research can also help you build a solid outline that covers the content in detail — enough detail for Google to enjoy it.

👉 Get Keysearch – my favourite keyword research tool – for 30% off with code “sheknowsseo”!

Create Content

When it comes to blogging, creating content is what it’s all about.

No content means nothing to rank or monetize, and if you’re not doing that then I’d say it really isn’t all that worth it.

Honestly, blogging is A LOT of work to be a project you do simply for fun.

You want to create content that fully answers whatever query is being searched on Google. Your goal is to make sure that your reader can find anything they need within your piece and don’t have to look elsewhere.

If you’re not a strong writer, I recommend investing in an AI writer to help you out.

Monetize Your Blog

When it comes to earning money from your blog, you need to monetize the content.

Monetizing your content starts with finding the right affiliate programs to work with. You can do this by checking out a network like Travelpayouts or Impact Radius.

Once you find the best programs, you want to insert links in places they work naturally.

Don’t forget to disclose that you’re working with affiliates (you’ll see my disclosure under the title of this post).

Promote! Promote! Promote!

No one can buy anything from you if they don’t know you’re there.

You need people to come to your blog to earn money with it, so it’s important that you get started telling everyone you know.

Pick a social media platform and start building your brand.

Don’t forget to start an email list so you can bring people back!

Red background with a money cannon being fired around a French bulldog

Do travel bloggers make money?

Yes, you can totally make money travel blogging — I’m living proof of that.

My blog, Nina Out and About makes me over $10,000 per month via a combination of digital product sales, display advertising, and affiliate income. In January 2022, I made over $31k passively this way from that site.

Travel blogging can be a solid way to earn passive(ish, honestly, there’s still a lot of work involved) income that can then be used to fund future travel… if that’s what you’re going for.

I know people roll their eyes when we start talking about earning an income online, but it’s a serious thing that can be done if you’re willing to put the work into it.

Travel bloggers absolutely can make money, and if you’re willing to put the work into it, you might be one of those too!

How much money can you make from a travel blog?

January 2022 travel blog income :

Affiliates = $24,719.80

Digital Products + Email Sponsors = $6,901.74

Mediavine Ads = $1,381.41

(This is all from my one travel blog, not from this SEO site or SEO products related to this site. I made an extra about $150 from my other travel blog too in January.)

How To Make Money With a Travel Blog

Find yourself wondering “should I start a travel blog” and day dreaming about the income you could possibly make… then doubting yourself?

Travel bloggers seriously do make cash, but it’s not necessarily a quick money-making solution.

There’s plenty of opportunity to make money with a travel blog, here’s how most of us do it:

Display Advertising

If you want to be a successful travel blogger, you’ll want to bring in a lot of traffic and monetize with display advertising.

Advertising gets a bit of a bad rap, but realistically it’s why many of the big name bloggers can bring in as much as they do (myself included).

Your goal is to get on a premium ad network like Mediavine or AdThrive. These networks give you the best RPMs that can help you earn the most money, but they’re not easy to get into.

For Mediavine, you’ll need at least 50,000 sessions in the last 30 days, and for AdThrive you’re talking over 100,000 page views.

Affiliate Marketing

You can get started with affiliate marketing as soon as you publish your first post.

Affiliate marketing is when you promote a brands products with tracked links and when your audience clicks through and makes a purchase, you earn a small percentage or fixed amount from the sale.

There are a ton of great affiliate programs within the travel niche.

My favorite network is Travelpayouts that lets you connect with some of the biggest brands in the industry from Viator to BusBud.

But you can find a ton of programs on almost every affiliate network out there.

Digital Products and Courses

From travel packing lists to courses on how to move across the globe, there are plenty of digital products that you can create for your travel blog.

These are a great way to monetize your blog because you make them once and can sell them for as long as you want.

Not to mention that you get a considerably higher payout than you do from affiliates and ad networks (in most cases).

👩‍💻 Looking to create a digital product? This is the best beginner course to get you started!

Merchandise

If you have a bigger brand that people resonate with (or you’re trying to make one), you could consider selling merchandise.

There are plenty of companies that let you create a design and use a print-on-demand model so you don’t have to keep any inventory on hand.

This can be a great way to earn from your audience.

Memberships

If you’ve built a brand that has an engaged audience or group, running a membership might be a stellar idea.

What I like about memberships is that they feature a recurring income that can help you do better financial planning for your business.

Yes, your blog is a business , and having a solid financial plan will make a difference. Memberships are great because you can offer them at a low or high cost (depending on what you’re providing) and you can share as much or little as you want.

Build a community and monetize it, it could be a start of a serious money-making adventure.

This isn’t the best strategy when it comes to travel blogging for beginners, but if you’ve established something it could be a great place to grow.

What is the meaning of the travel blog?

Travel blogs are focused on sharing tips, tricks and insights about travel. The goal is to pave the figurative road for the next travel and make their trip easier and more enjoyable. Whether its sharing the best things to do or what to pack, travel blogs aim to help people travel better.

How do you write a travel blog?

Writing a travel blog starts with gathering the right keywords that your audience is already searching for. Once you’ve found stellar keywords, you need to write solid, engaging content that your audience wants to read. Then you want to optimize and monetize your content, so people can find it on Google and make purchases.

What are the main features of a travel blog? 

Travel blogs feature travel-related content like packing lists and destination guides, a detailed about page that will tell your readers (and Google) what you’re all about, crisp, enticing photos from your travels, and, in some cases even video. The main feature of a travel blog is the written content that attracts and engages your readers.

What is the best travel blog?

The best travel blog depends on what kind of travel you’re looking for. There are plenty of great examples in almost every sub niche from destination-specific content to types of travel. One of the most popular ones is Nomadic Matt.

What is the best WordPress theme for a travel blog?

Kadence is the theme I recommend for travel blogs. Whether you’re looking for something free or a pro-level theme, Kadence has it all. You can use their starter templates to make something that looks nice and has a solid speed. But you can get pro themes from companies like Restored 316. Whatever you’re looking for, you can make it on Kadence.

How much does it cost to start a travel blog?

Starting a travel blog can be a great budget-friendly way to start earning income. While it’s a long-term game, you can get buy spending only a few dollars for month on WordPress hosting. That said, I do recommend that you spend a little extra on a program like Keysearch or RankIQ that can help you create well-optimized content that readers can find and enjoy.

Get the best host for your blog! Lyrical Host increased my site speed and fixes all my tech issues. Get 10% off with code “sheknowsseo”

Conclusion: Is Starting a Travel Blog Worth It?

I make over $10,000 per month with my travel blog, so I’m the first to tell you that starting a travel blog is seriously worth it.

To be clear: blogging about travel (or blogging of any sort) is a long-term game. You’re not going to earn thousands right out of the gate. But if you’re willing to put the work into it, you can see some serious ROI.

There are plenty of sub niches within the overarching travel category, meaning whatever you’re interested in there’s an audience for you.

Whether you want to talk about your solo travel adventures or share travel tips and tricks for heading out with a toddler, the right keywords and content can help you find the perfect audience.

If you love creating content (particularly written content), can snap a quality photo, and might even be interested in hosting a YouTube channel (totally optional), then travel blogging might be worth it for you.

I’ve seen some great success, and I love sharing tips and tricks for getting there.

That dream life you want, traveling and sharing your adventures, it’s well within your reach as long as you’re willing to put the work in.

Read More About Travel Blogging!

  • 100+ Best Travel Blogs that Accept Guest Posts
  • 60 Best Travel Affiliate Programs for Bloggers
  • How to Make Money as a Travel Blogger: 15 Ways I Made $30k
  • Travelpayouts Review: 6 Figure Travel Blogger Weighs In
  • 19 Best Cameras for Travel Blogging & Vlogging
  • Travel Blogging Summit Denver 2022 Review & Key Takeaways
  • Basic SEO for Travel Bloggers: 19 SEO Tips to Scale to Full-Time Income
  • Best Travel Blogging Courses: Which is Worth Your Money?
  • 500+ Travel Blog Names: How to Choose a Unique & Memorable Name in Any Niche
  • 69 Travel Blog Statistics You Need to Know
  • 50+ Best Facebook Groups for Travel Bloggers to Engage and Grow
  • 140+ Engaging Travel Blog Post Ideas for Every Niche
  • How I Grew My Travel Blog by 45k Pageviews in 6 Weeks
  • Niche Site Deep Dive: A DA 13 Travel Blog on Adthrive?
  • Travel Blog Audit: Complete Tutorial To Improve Your Website
  • This Travel Blogger Got Into Mediavine in 1 Year
  • “How Is This Legal?” Travel Blogger Calls Out Google’s Knowledge Graph
  • How This Travel Blog is Winning at SEO Post Helpful Content Update

Like this post? Share it with others!

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🤩 Link Whisper – Internal linking ensures my pages are indexed ASAP and rank higher. I do it instantly with Link Whisper. ( Read more )

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Want to learn how to grow your blog to 6 figures with SEO? Check out my SEO Roadmap for Travel Bloggers course ! It includes all my SEO secrets and strategies that I used to grow my blog to 50k sessions in 6 months and scaled to $30k/mo 7 months later!

Want to organize your SEO strategy?

Get my seo spreadsheets, 10 spreadsheets for bloggers.

SEO Spreadsheets for Bloggers - mock up on a laptop of the spreadsheets with a button saying

Nina Clapperton is a multi-6 figure travel blogger and the founder of She Knows SEO. After sharing her stories of living in over 12 countries in 10 years on all platforms and making $0, she learned SEO and scaled her blog to 50k sessions in 6 months. Within 13 months, she was making $30k/mo passively. Now Nina runs a portfolio of niche sites and helps over 3,500 students grow their blogs. She's on a mission to help bloggers achieve financial freedom via passive income from their hobby blogs.

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I’m a travel expert. These are 5 things I would never do when planning a trip

Traveling is one of life’s great joys — from seeing new places to meeting people from another culture, seeing the wider world is something to be treasured. But even the most experienced travelers can find some moments stressful.

On May 8, travel journalist Mark Ellwood joined TODAY to talk about some of his best tips after a lifetime of living out of his own suitcase.

He offered five things he would never do if you want your trip to go off without a hitch.

1. Travel without insurance

Ellwood says that travel insurance is often very low cost and can save you in a pinch.

“It’s the same price as a cup of coffee per day, give or take, and buys you peace of mind when something goes awry," he said.

Ellwood notes many credit cards offer built-in insurance for any trips purchased on that card but he is also a fan of travelinsurance.com or insuremytrip.com. Both are marketplaces where you can shop around for the best plan.  

2. Overlook considering all airports

While it might not be the most convenient, Ellwood suggests checking the wider metropolitan area for flights at nearby airports.

“Look for airports nearby — you might score a deal better by searching for, perhaps, Stewart, New York, rather than Newark, (New Jersey)," he said. "Always check nearby airports to both your point of origin and destination.”

3. Exclude lesser-known carriers

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers," Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze's home bases are in the southeast and include the following:

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers,” Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze’s home bases are in the Southeast and include the following:

  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • Tampa, Florida
  • Norfolk, Virginia
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Fort Myers, Florida

4. Neglect geotagging luggage

There's no worse feeling while traveling than waiting for your luggage to appear on the baggage carousel, only for it to never materialize.

But geotagging your luggage can at least help you track it down.

“Geotag your luggage — whether AirTag or similar," Ellwood says. "You’ll always know where your luggage is ... or isn’t."

If your bag doesn't make it to your final destination, you can always tell the airline where it is to help them track it down. 

5. Think there’s a magic time to book a flight

Despite years of rumors, there's really no day or time that's best to book your travel.

“There is no magic day date time to score a deal," Ellwood says. "Instead, the best time is whenever you receive an alert that your route’s gone on sale."

The way to do this is to track your flights ahead of booking them. Ellwood suggests using Google Flights — just type in where and when you're looking to fly, then toggle the alert tab so you'll be notified of any changes.

"This allows you to watch how much it’ll cost and swoop in the moment an airline cuts the price when you want to fly," he says. 

travel sites mean

Sam Kubota is a senior digital editor and journalist for TODAY Digital based in Los Angeles. She joined NBC News in 2019.

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The Guide to Chase’s Travel Portal

Ramsey Qubein

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 .

Table of Contents

Who can use Chase's travel portal?

How to use chase's travel portal, other things you can do in chase's portal, chase travel contact options, chase's travel portal can be lucrative.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are among the most useful rewards you can earn. When it comes time to redeem them, you will be directed to Chase's travel portal. This is where you can book flights, hotels and rental cars with points, redeem them for merchandise and gift cards, or transfer points to other programs.

Should you redeem points to pay for a trip instead of using cash or transfer them to a loyalty program partner to get better value? You'll need to do a little homework to find the right answer as each situation is different.

Chase points are the currency you earn when using cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® . They are superior in many ways to other point currencies because  you earn more than one penny in value  per point with these two cards. For example, when redeeming through Chase's travel portal, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® will net you 1.5 cents in value per point and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will net you 1.25 cents in value per point. When you transfer to a partner, your per-point-value may be even greater.

With the travel portal, you can redeem points to pay for an entire trip or you can use a mix of points and cash to cover a travel booking. You can also pay all in cash, earning 5 to 10 points per $1 spent, depending on the card you have. Using points for travel is the most valuable way to extract value from Chase Ultimate Rewards® for most people.

It's an efficient website, but some irritants snag even savvy travelers. Let's dig into Chase's travel portal's good and bad. You'll find that it is mostly good, if not great.

travel sites mean

Chase cards vary in earning and redemption benefits so you will want to pay attention to which one you use, especially if you have more than one card. The most valuable cards earn Ultimate Rewards® points, but some Chase cards, like the United℠ Explorer Card , earn miles or points in that co-branded program (in this example, United MileagePlus miles ).

Let’s review the cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®, with the most rewarding cards first. Keep in mind that if you have more than one of these cards, you can move points between Chase Ultimate Rewards® accounts to redeem them from an account that delivers more cents per point in value.

These cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® and provide access to Chase's travel portal:

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

Chase Freedom Unlimited® .

Chase Freedom Flex℠ .

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card .

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card .

Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card.

There is an important perk to remember if you have multiple cards. Since the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card offers 1.5 cents in value per point and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offer 1.25 cents in value, it is best to redeem points from these accounts rather than any other Chase card. c

If you have one of those two premium cards and another Chase card (like Chase Freedom Unlimited® , for example), you can move your Ultimate Rewards® points from the Chase Freedom Unlimited® account to a premium card’s account (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card).

This strategy allows you to unlock half a cent more in value in seconds. It’s one of the best benefits of Ultimate Rewards® when you have a premium card and one of its no-fee cards.

Want to earn a bunch of points quickly to make a redemption? The sign-up bonuses on these cards can rake in extra points if you meet the terms and conditions.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

• 5 points per $1 on travel booked through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).

• 2 points per $1 on other travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

Point value in Chase's travel portal: 1.25 cents apiece.

• 10 points per $1 on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals purchased through Chase.

• 5 points per $1 on air travel purchased through Chase.

• 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining not booked with Chase.

Point value in Chase's travel portal: 1.5 cents apiece.

• In the first year, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 4.5% cash back on drugstores and restaurants, and 3% on all other purchases on up to $20,000 in spending.

• After that, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% cash back at drugstores and restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Point value in Chase's travel portal: 1 cent apiece.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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!

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Here’s a primer on what you can and cannot do with Ultimate Rewards® points.

travel sites mean

Log in to your account, then navigate to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® tab on the right of the screen. If you have more than one card that earns this currency, you can see each balance and select the account from which you want to redeem points.

Once you select the card, you’ll be taken to a homepage that shows the points you have earned and how you can redeem them. We recommend sticking to travel redemptions rather than using points for merchandise as the value diminishes significantly with the latter.

travel sites mean

Select the "Travel" tab at the top of the screen. From here, you can decide whether to transfer points to a partner or redeem them as cash for a trip.

One of the best perks of using this travel portal to make a points redemption is that you still earn frequent flyer miles on most airline tickets since these are booked as a revenue ticket (not as an award redemption like when using airline miles to book a flight).

How to book award flights in Chase's travel portal

travel sites mean

This is one of the more popular features of using points, but keep in mind it doesn't feature all airlines, which can be frustrating. Even if you find a flight on an airline's website or third-party booking site, it doesn't mean it will be available at Chase.

travel sites mean

Enter the relevant details in the search bar to find a flight. Results can be filtered by stops, airline or price. Another benefit of this portal is that you aren't subject to award seat availability in the same way you might be when redeeming miles through an airline's program.

If there is a seat that could be bought with cash, you can usually redeem points for it. Plain and simple.

travel sites mean

Compare how many miles you would need if booking directly with the airline with what Chase is charging.

If it would cost fewer points to book directly with the airline, you’ll want to use miles instead. For example, Delta co-branded American Express cardholders can often redeem their miles like cash on Delta’s website (at 1 cent per mile’s value). That’s just average, but if it is cheaper than what Chase is charging, consider that the better option. But don’t forget that airlines will add on taxes and fees when redeeming miles . Airfare booked with Chase Ultimate Rewards® points don't have additional costs tacked on — these are already bundled into the fare.

Another important note is that some low-cost airlines like Allegiant don't appear in search results. If you want to travel on a budget airline, then you'll need to visit those websites to compare fares.

travel sites mean

You can pay in cash, points or a combination. Chase will display particular details about your fare, like whether assigned seats or checked bags are included. This may not take into account any elite status perks you hold.

How to book hotels in Chase's travel portal

You can also redeem points for hotel stays using Ultimate Rewards® points. This is great news, especially when staying at hotels where you may not have  elite status  or don't care about elite perks or points earned.

Keep in mind that when making a reservation outside a hotel’s official reservation channels, you won’t earn points in its program or be able to take advantage of elite status benefits. So if you have status with a hotel chain, this isn't the best value unless you are willing to forgo those benefits.

travel sites mean

Making a reservation is straightforward. Enter the city and travel dates to see a list of hotels available for redemption. Then, you can redeem points or pay in cash for your trip.

travel sites mean

Like with flights, compare the cost of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points with the number of points a hotel’s program is charging. A particular favorite is World of Hyatt, which still uses an award chart and, as a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards®, can often deliver more favorable deals when using Hyatt’s points rather than Chase points.

travel sites mean

For example, it would cost about 9,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to redeem a night at Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport. But, if you transfer points to World of Hyatt, you would need 5,000 points for the same night’s stay.

One of the booking tabs also leads to the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection . This subset of high-end hotels delivers bonus perks like free breakfast, a $100 hotel credit and room upgrades, depending on the property and other things.

You can book directly through Chase or redeem points and be eligible. It’s nice to have elite status-style perks at a hotel where you may not have status or that doesn't have a loyalty program.

How to book car rentals in Chase's travel portal

travel sites mean

This is a great place to reserve rental cars using points, and Chase rental car insurance benefits apply when using the card and paying with points. But, for that to be the case, you will want to pay for part of the rental in cash so the insurance benefits are activated. To do that, pay with a combination of cash and points, and decline the rental company's insurance first.

How to book activities in Chase's travel portal

travel sites mean

Activities available for booking through Chase's travel portal include tours and experiences at home or when traveling and airport transfers. Price comparison plays a role here, too, since many hotel brands have their own platforms like Marriott Bonvoy Moments or FIND Experiences from World of Hyatt. These allow you to redeem points for experiences.

Check which program is cheaper before redeeming Chase points if you find similar options in either program.

How to book cruises in Chase's travel portal

Since cruise bookings can be more complex, you will need to call Chase Ultimate Rewards® at 855-234-2542 to make a reservation. There are many ways to earn multiple points when booking a cruise that may be better than using Chase, but when redeeming points for a cruise , there can be a lot of value.

Using Chase's portal to make a travel reservation is also strategic, as depending on your card, you can earn a healthy stash of points this way. Just be sure to compare the benefits you can earn with the opportunity cost of booking elsewhere.

Benefits of booking travel in Chase's portal

Let’s say you have a premium card like Chase Sapphire Reserve® . It earns 5x points per $1 when booking flights through the portal. The sweet spot is when using this card for hotel stays and rental cars booked via the portal for 10x points per dollar spent. Consider what’s in your wallet, and decide which card will net the most points.

Another benefit is that you will earn miles from flights booked through the portal, even when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® points since these are viewed as a revenue ticket.

Remember, you will want to compare if it is cheaper to redeem airline miles directly through a carrier’s redemption program or if you can use fewer points by redeeming Chase points via the portal.

Sometimes it might make more sense to transfer points from Chase to an airline partner when redeeming a flight (or a hotel program when making a hotel stay). Be as vigilant with price comparison when redeeming miles and points as you would when using cash.

Does Chase's travel portal price match?

No. You cannot submit a lower fare elsewhere for a price guarantee here since this isn't a publicly available site. It is only available to those who have a Chase card.

What else you need to know

When booking through this reservation site, keep in mind that most airlines and hotels cannot assist directly with a reservation. They see this as a third-party booking through Expedia and will direct you to Chase's agents.

Many travelers report the experience can be frustrating when travel disruptions or cancellations occur. Agents are friendly but can sometimes be limited in their abilities, often reading prompts on their screens in international call centers.

It can be a hazard booking a reservation with a third party, but the trade-off in redeeming points is worth it for some travelers.

If you do need to contact a Chase portal agent for support on a reservation made through the site — whether for a flight, hotel booking, car rental or activity — you've got one option: a good, old-fashioned telephone call.

Dial 866-331-0773 for assistance regarding changes or cancellations to your bookings.

You might have better luck dialing the support line for your specific Chase card. You might opt to give one of these a try:

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : 855-234-2542.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 866-331-0773.

All other cards: 866-951-6592.

If you compare prices and consider the opportunity cost of using the portal instead of booking elsewhere, you can almost always come out ahead.

You can save money, earn bonus points and travel better with transferable loyalty points like Chase Ultimate Rewards®. They have the flexibility and versatility necessary to deliver excellent value on travel (rather than being locked into one airline or hotel loyalty program). With the right card (or suite of cards), you’ll be able to accumulate points and benefits.

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

1.5%-5% 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.

Up to $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!

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

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

$200 Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

travel sites mean

travel sites mean

DARK SOULS™ III

travel sites mean

Originally posted by LewdGeek© : What is a SL???? if you cant use complete word when explaining something just dont answer...

travel sites mean

Originally posted by LewdGeek© : The only Incompetant here is you... insulting people on steam forum you should do something of your life. And again what is Soul Level nobody have explain...

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Originally posted by Sprut : necro?

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Originally posted by lpnlizard27 : Holy crap necromancer is a bloody idiot. OP your either denser than Osmium or a flat out troll, there's no way you have 1000 hrs in the series and dont know day one lingo.
Originally posted by Panokkio : Originally posted by lpnlizard27 : Holy crap necromancer is a bloody idiot. OP your either denser than Osmium or a flat out troll, there's no way you have 1000 hrs in the series and dont know day one lingo.
Originally posted by LewdGeek© : And again what is Soul Level nobody have explain...

travel sites mean

Originally posted by Espresso : TL;DR - The symbols indicate that there are players in the area who would see your summon signs and who you could invade. The criteria for finding said players (and thereby marking the areas) involve your weapon's upgrade level (IE: Dagger +1, +2, etc...) and soul level (SL).

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But How Does the Worm Get in Your Brain?

And other questions about parasites.

An image of a tapeworm, Taenia solium, with four suckers in a micrograph film.

By Dana G. Smith and Dani Blum

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s disclosure that a doctor apparently found a dead worm in his brain has sparked questions about what brain parasites are, the damage they can cause and how, exactly, they get there.

How do parasites turn up in people? And what can they do to the brain?

Brain parasites encompass far more than worms. There are “legions” of organisms that can affect the brain, said Scott Gardner, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who specializes in parasites. In addition to worms, common brain parasites include single-celled organisms such as Toxoplasma gondii and some amoebas.

The damage varies depending on the type of parasite and where it ends up in the brain. “Some of them actively invade the tissues and destroy tissues,” said Dr. Daniel Pastula, chief of neuro-infectious diseases and global neurology at University of Colorado Medicine. Others cause problems because of the inflammatory reaction that they trigger.

Humans are typically exposed to tapeworms through raw or undercooked food or through food contaminated with feces.

“A lot of these things are transmitted to humans through feces,” said Dr. Edith L. Graham, a neurologist at Northwestern Medicine.

Doctors consulted by The New York Times speculated that Mr. Kennedy described symptoms of an infection with larvae from the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, one of multiple types of tapeworm that can infect the brain. When a person accidentally swallows pork tapeworm eggs, the eggs hatch in the intestines, and the larvae can travel to other organs, including the brain. There, they form cysts, causing a condition known as neurocysticercosis .

It can take months, or even years, for people to show signs of infection. Symptoms vary based on how many cysts develop and where they are. (Cysts can form in the eyes, muscles and spinal cord.) Generally, though, people with neurocysticercosis experience headaches and seizures, and they sometimes feel confused, struggle to pay attention and have issues with balance. The condition can be fatal.

Another type of parasite that can affect the brain is known as a brain-eating amoeba . Infections of this kind are extremely rare but can lead to a potentially fatal swelling of the brain or spinal cord, said Tajie H. Harris, an associate professor of neuroscience at the University of Virginia. The organisms enter through the nose when people swim in lakes and rivers, and then travel to the brain. People have also been infected through using neti pots or other sinus rinses with untreated or non-sterile water.

Toxoplasma gondii

One of the most common parasitic brain infections is toxoplasmosis. Over 40 million people in the United States may be infected with the parasite that causes that infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . People can be infected by eating undercooked meat or shellfish that is contaminated, by drinking contaminated water or by accidentally swallowing the parasite when they encounter it in cat feces, as when cleaning litter boxes.

The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis can linger in humans for years — potentially, for someone’s entire life — but most people will not develop symptoms. “For the most part, our immune system does an amazing job at just handling and dealing with this parasite, allowing us to live our lives without ever knowing,” Dr. Harris said.

But it can make some people feel like they have the flu. People with compromised immune systems are at risk of serious illness and brain damage if infected, and developing fetuses can be severely affected if pregnant women are exposed. (That’s why doctors sometimes advise pregnant women to avoid coming into contact with cat litter.)

How do you figure out if you have a parasite?

“You wouldn’t know yourself, unless someone is looking,” Dr. Gardner said. Sometimes a patient’s blood can be tested for antibodies that are produced in response to a parasite. In other cases, doctors diagnose infections with an M.R.I. or C.T. scan.

Treatment options vary because infections span such a wide range. Many are treatable with antiparasitic drugs, which patients may need to take for weeks. Doctors may also prescribe steroids to help with inflammation. Some patients will undergo surgery to remove cysts.

In the United States, severe infections from brain parasites are rare, Dr. Pastula said, “but in other parts of the world, they’re more common.”

Fortunately, many of these infections are preventable, Dr. Pastula said. To lower your risk, especially while traveling internationally, he advised washing hands thoroughly before you eat or prepare food, cooking food properly and ensuring that the water you’re drinking is clean.

Dana G. Smith is a Times reporter covering personal health, particularly aging and brain health. More about Dana G. Smith

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum

Crews prepare for controlled demolition as cleanup continues at bridge collapse site

Crews are preparing to conduct a controlled demolition to break down the largest remaining...

BALTIMORE (AP) — After weeks of preparation, crews are scheduled to conduct a controlled demolition Sunday evening to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, which came crashing down under the impact of a massive container ship on March 26.

The steel span — which is an estimated 500 feet (152 meters) long and weighs up to 600 tons (544 metric tons) — landed on the ship’s bow after  the Dali  lost power and  crashed into  one of the bridge’s support columns shortly after leaving Baltimore. Since then, the ship has been stuck among the wreckage and Baltimore’s busy port has been closed to most maritime traffic.

Six members of a roadwork crew plunged to their deaths in the collapse. The  last of their bodies  was recovered from the underwater wreckage earlier this week. All the victims were  Latino immigrants  who came to the U.S. for job opportunities. They were filling potholes on an overnight shift when the bridge was destroyed.

The controlled demolition will allow the Dali to be refloated and guided back into the Port of Baltimore. Once the ship is removed, maritime traffic can begin returning to normal, which will provide relief for thousands of longshoremen, truckers and small business owners who have seen their jobs impacted by the closure.

The Dali’s 21-member crew will shelter in place aboard the ship while the explosives are detonated.

William Marks, a spokesperson for the crew, said they would shelter “in a designated safe place” during the demolition. “All precautions are being taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said in an email.

Officials said the demolition is the safest and most efficient way to remove steel under a high level of pressure and tension.

“It’s unsafe for the workers to be on or in the immediate vicinity of the bridge truss for those final cuts,” officials said in a news release Sunday.

In a videographic released this week, authorities said engineers are using precision cuts to control how the trusses break down. They said the method allows for “surgical precision” and the steel structure will be “thrust away from the Dali” when the explosives send it tumbling into the water.

Once it’s demolished, hydraulic grabbers will lift the resulting sections of steel onto barges.

“It’s important to note that this controlled demolition is not like what you would see in a movie,” the video says, noting that from a distance it will sound like fireworks or loud thunder and give off puffs of smoke.

So far, about 6,000 tons (5,443 metric tons) of steel and concrete have been removed from the collapse site. Officials estimate the total amount of wreckage at 50,000 tons (45,359 metric tons), about the equivalent of 3,800 loaded dump trucks.

Officials previously said they hoped to  remove the Dali  by May 10 and reopen the port’s 50-foot (15.2-meter) main channel by the end of May.

The Dali is currently scheduled to be refloated during high tide on Tuesday, officials said Sunday. They said three or four tugboats will be used to guide the ship to a nearby terminal in the Port of Baltimore. It will likely remain there for a few weeks and undergo temporary repairs before being moved to a shipyard for more substantial repairs.

The Dali crew members haven’t been allowed to leave the grounded vessel since the disaster. Officials said they have been busy maintaining the ship and assisting investigators. Of the crew members, 20 are from India and one is Sri Lankan.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FBI are  conducting investigations  into the bridge collapse.

Danish shipping giant Maersk chartered the Dali for a planned trip from Baltimore to Sri Lanka, but the ship didn’t get far. Its crew sent a mayday call saying they had lost power and had no control of the steering system. Minutes later, the ship rammed into the bridge.

Officials have said the safety board investigation will focus on the ship’s electrical system.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Northern lights shine in Show Low, Arizona.

Northern lights from geomagnetic storm seen across Arizona

Taken in Maricopa

La Niña likely returns, what does it mean for the monsoon?

Around 2 a.m., a law enforcement situation shut down parts of the Loop 101 near the Loop 202...

Suspect’s name released after deadly shooting involving DPS trooper on Loop 101 in Tempe

Cheyenne Benthin says Gilbert Police refuses to close the death investigation of her toddler...

Gilbert mom accuses police of interfering with ‘parental relations’

Arizona's Family has received emails from viewers who've had problems with their new IDs while...

Arizonans have one year left to get new ID for domestic air travel

Latest news.

Asher Sullivan

‘Praying for some hope’: 10-year-old boy remains on life-support after getting swept away into storm drain

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Mexico was felt in Yuma on Sunday.

Earthquake tremors felt in Yuma

Firefighters are working to control a wildfire that started Saturday near the Four Peaks...

Peak Fire burns near hiking area in Tonto National Forest

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Earthquake tremors felt in parts of Yuma

Authorities said the Peak Fire started Saturday afternoon three miles east of State Route 87...

Peak Fire burns 360 acres in Tonto National Forest

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  1. 17 Best Travel Sites in 2023: List of Top Websites for Traveling

    Overall, the best website for traveling is Expedia. It's one of the biggest and most trusted booking sites in the world, covering everything from flights and hotels to cruises and car rentals. Expedia is the world's leading online travel service, so it's no surprise that it's also among the best websites for traveling.

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    The best online travel sites. 1. Expedia.com: Best online travel site overall. Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. (Image credit: expedia)

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    Categories of travel websites include: People writing travel blogs about their own experiences, sometimes including advice for travelling in particular areas, or in general. Some examples of websites that use a combination of travel reviews and the booking of travel are TripAdvisor, Priceline.com, Liberty Holidays, and Expedia.

  5. Everything You Need to Know About Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

    Expedia. Kayak. Priceline. Orbitz. You know them, and maybe you even swear by them to book your flights or hotels. These names and many more are online travel agencies, or OTAs. From the big names to the small, these are some of the most popular flight search engines to hunt for a bargain. And while we tell readers that there's no search engine ...

  6. What is KAYAK? Your guide to finding flights

    Step 1: pull up our site (or app). First things first: type kayak.com into your browser (or just click that link) and you'll find yourself on our homepage. Hi, welcome. From here, click on " Flights ", which is the first option on the left-hand navigation bar under "Sign in". Speaking of signing in, creating a KAYAK account makes it ...

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    Paris. #1 in World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024. France's magnetic City of Light is a perennial tourist destination, drawing visitors with its iconic attractions, like the Eiffel Tower and ...

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    KAYAK searches hundreds of other travel sites at once to find the information you need to make the right decisions on flights, hotels & rental cars.

  9. Travel Definition & Meaning

    travel: [verb] to go on or as if on a trip or tour : journey. to go as if by traveling : pass. associate. to go from place to place as a sales representative or business agent.

  10. What Does Travel Mean to You?

    For me, travel means many things. Travel is freedom. It's about being able to do what I want and fill my day with excitement. Travel was an escape. Travel was "elsewhere". That place where exciting things and people resided. It was escaping the Matrix to learn about the world, why people do what they do, and how they act.

  11. TRAVEL

    TRAVEL definition: 1. to make a journey, usually over a long distance: 2. If something travels well/badly, it…. Learn more.

  12. Book travel via a portal or directly: How to decide

    It offers 5 points per dollar for prepaid hotels booked through the Amex Travel portal. You also receive 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 in flights per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent). However, for hotel reservations booked directly with a hotel, you only ...

  13. Everything You Need to Know About Travel Accommodations and Lodging

    Accommodation types depending on experience. Hotels: For comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Hostels: For socialization, a different experience when traveling, and for lower costs. Airbnb: For comfort and convenience similar to a hotel, but at a lower cost, also ideal for travelers looking to rent entire properties.

  14. What does sustainable travel mean?

    For travelers, sustainability is the word—but there are many definitions of it. Most people want to support sustainable tourism, even though the concept remains fuzzy. The word "overtourism ...

  15. Mistakes People Make When Booking Travel Through Third-Party Websites

    Trying To Modify Bookings Through The Travel Provider. "Third-party booking sites like Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity are also known as online travel agencies, and they are essentially middlemen between you and the airline or hotel," Dengler explained. "In other words, your reservation is with them and not the airline or hotel.

  16. Travel Advisories

    You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov ...

  17. Navigating the tourism digital landscape: The interrelationship of

    All of the items reported relatively good mean scores, with the three highest scores from interactivity, where tourists feel they can freely choose what they want to see on online travel sites (Mean (M) 1/5 4.23, Standard Deviation (SD) 1/5 0.968), they can get information from online travel sites very rapidly (M 1/5 4.12, SD 1/5 0.933) and ...

  18. What is a Travel Blog: Definition & Examples from a 6-Figure Blogger

    A travel blog is a blog that's specifically dedicated to travel in some capacity. Travel bloggers share stories, tips and tricks about traveling. There are a ton of different sub niches, which help bloggers curate their ideal audience with a focus. The more niche the blog, the easier it is to start growing.

  19. online resources

    Most travel websites, especially those presenting deals and allowing comparison of different packages, show the price per traveler. Same case for advertisements on Internet and billboards in cities. When I want to dig further into a deal, I enter the number of travelers, which is 2 by default.

  20. Travel

    Find facts, photos, information and history, travel videos, flags, and maps of countries and cities of the world from National Geographic.

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    Traveling is one of life's great joys — from seeing new places to meeting people from another culture, seeing the wider world is something to be treasured. But even the most experienced ...

  22. Chase Travel Portal: What You Need to Know

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 866-331-0773. All other cards: 866-951-6592. Chase's travel portal can be lucrative. If you compare prices and consider the opportunity cost of using the portal ...

  23. Defense Travel System

    Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm ET. Save time at the airport and find out how you can participate for free. Access the Joint Travel Regulations and other travel policies. Featuring the best practices in industry and plug-and-play components, Defense Travel System streamlines the entire process involved in global Department of Defense (DoD) travel.

  24. New symbols next to some locations on the Travel menu?

    TL;DR - The symbols indicate that there are players in the area who would see your summon signs and who you could invade. The criteria for finding said players (and thereby marking the areas) involve your weapon's upgrade level (IE: Dagger +1, +2, etc...) and soul level (SL). Originally posted by Espresso:

  25. Countries with Travel Warnings for American Tourists Right Now

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  26. But How Does the Worm Get in Your Brain?

    And other questions about parasites. By Dana G. Smith and Dani Blum Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s disclosure that a doctor apparently found a dead worm in his brain has sparked questions about what ...

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