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11 BEST Travel Guides for 2024 [Websites & Guidebooks]

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The two best travel guides are Rick Steves for first time travelers—especially anyone going to Europe—and Bradt Guides for off-the-beaten-path destinations and “Slow Travel.” Both are reliable, will give you ideas for what to do, and help you plan the best trip.

The way we travel has changed drastically in my lifetime. Information is more readily available in the digital age, a massive plus for traveling. 

Everyone, including myself, wants to make the most of every trip abroad. That’s why I love reading travel guide books or online guides. 

Some of these guide books help you get off the beaten path. Others give information on tours you can take on your own to learn the history of a certain destination you’re visiting. 

But which are the best?

After years of reading and doing research, I have found the best travel guides for you to use when planning your next trip abroad!

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

A smiling brown-haired woman wearing sunglasses and a backpack slung over her shoulder, holding an example of one of the best travel guides in the form of an open book, with an out of focus city square behind her.

Here’s a quick look at our recommendations

  • DK Eyewitness
  • Bradt Guides
  • Rick Steves
  • Lonely Planet
  • Blue Guides
  • Footprint Guides
  • Frommer Guides
  • Tripadvisor
  • Rough Guides
  • Moon Travel Guides
  • Insight Guides

Table of Contents

#1 DK Eyewitness

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of DK Eyewitness books.

DK Eyewitness is one of the best travel guide books on the market today. But they offer more than just travel information. 

After publishing books for over 45 years, DK Eyewitness Books cover everything from travel, science, history, pop culture, and children’s topics.

Their travel guides give the information you desperately need for travel– such as maps, itineraries, accommodations, where to eat, and more! 

I also love how easy their visuals are to look at. I sometimes get lost in their maps and start imagining myself there (I’m a big daydreamer if you can’t tell!).

DK Eyewitness Travel guide books might not be the most in-depth on a particular location, but they help with travel inspiration. 

If you want more information, DK Eyewitness has a podcast called ‘Where to Go,’ which is another excellent way to get your travel information on the go!

  • 100+ destinations
  • Heavy on history
  • It has both outdoor and city guides
  • Amazing visuals
  • Not as in-depth as other guides

#2 Bradt Guides

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Bradt Guides Books.

A Bradt travel guide is perfect if you’re interested in visiting countries that are less traveled to— written by experienced travelers with fantastic insider tips. 

Bradt travel guide books has a reputation as the “World’s leading independent travel publisher.” They are also the best India travel guide company.

Some unique destinations include Iraq, Sri Lanka, Galapagos Islands, and Grenada. But don’t worry. Bradt Guides also has a British series for those interested! 

Lately, I’ve been striving to travel like a local. Bradt has a ‘Slow Travel’ guidebook series, which I love using these days because it helps me travel like a local. 

The trip ideas are great in detail but might not be for your preferred country to visit. 

Bradt Guides prides itself on being the most comprehensive on the market. Their authors give cultural insights and expressions of interest and knowledge.

You can support Bradt’s Guides even further by subscribing to their Patreon! Here you can pay monthly for a specific tier and earn different things like one free e-book a month.

  • More off-the-beaten-path destinations
  • Slow travel series
  • Has a Patreon page
  • Unique style of travel not for everyone

#3 Rick Steves

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Rick Steves Books.

Rick Steves books are the guide books your mom hands you when traveling to your dream destination in Europe. And that’s a good thing! They’re trusted by many for a reason.

These travel guide books are always up-to-date, thanks to Rick Steves’ research partners. 

Rick’s books will have you feeling like you’re on guided tours! He ensures you’ll have some fantastic cultural experiences. 

I love Europe, but there are many other cultures throughout the world that I’m even more interested in. So, since Rick Steves’ guidebooks are primarily Europe-focused, I’m not as drawn to them.

Also, traveling in Europe long-term can get expensive. His books cater to a more wealthy crowd. 

Pick any European country, and you will have high-quality content on that destination. Rick has visited Europe countless times, and other travel websites can’t compete. 

Rick’s bestseller is his Italy guide, which isn’t surprising. In that guide, he goes over the best places to eat and sleep and how to beat the crowds. 

It’s a good idea to grab a Rick Steves’ book simply for the detailed maps.

  • Best guides for Europe
  • It gives in-depth information for solo tours
  • Perfect for a beginner traveler.
  • Catered to upper and middle-class travelers

#4 Lonely Planet

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Lonely Planet Books.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Lonely Planet , as they’ve been a dominant force in the travel scene for quite some time now. Their goal is to make travel planning easy, and they’ve succeeded!  

I loved using Lonely Planet books when I first started traveling. These books helped me up my game as a budget traveler. 

Lonely Planet dominates the internet with a wealth of online resources. While the information they offer online is easy to access, it can be vague. 

You can subscribe to Lonely Planet on their website for free. I’ve done this, but I’ve found that there tends to be some destinations/articles that are low in detail. 

Considering Lonely Planet’s sheer amount of content, it’s not too surprising that they sometimes gloss over details. 

Their claim to fame is their numerous experts located worldwide. These experts cover adventure travel, family holidays, food and drink, and much more. 

Plus, a Lonely Planet magazine is an amazing coffee table piece, am I right?

  • Backpacker friendly
  • An extensive collection of guides for the entire world
  • Free information is available
  • Some of their content is outdated or not detailed

#5 Blue Guides

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Blue Guides Books.

If you love the art and history of Italy, then Blue Guides is for you! People often plagiarize Blue Guide books due to the amount of accurate information each book has. 

With over 14 books on Italy alone, you won’t find more detailed information on a particular destination than with Blue Guides– they deliver it all! 

Italy was the first country that I visited outside of the United States, and I’m so glad that I had a Blue Guide book with me. 

Their award-winning maps and exceptional attention to detail made it feel like I was on a private tour! 

Be aware: there aren’t a lot of online articles from Blue Guides or many countries to choose from, which could be an issue if you like to visit more unusual locations.

Blue Guides’ first publication date was in the early 1900s, so it’s undoubtedly a top guidebook for a travel junkie!

  • Helps travelers understand art and history
  • Multiple guides on Italy
  • Extremely thorough in their research
  • Not a lot of destinations

#6 Footprint Guides

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Footprint Guides Books.

Footprint Guides is the go-to source for Latin American travel tips for all budgets! My love for this region of the world has only grown since I started using their books.

Even if Latin America isn’t one of your top destinations, they do offer other print books. All Footprint Guides are written by experts who have lived in that destination. 

Unfortunately, for North American travelers looking to plan a dream road trip, you won’t find much helpful information here, as their focus is decidedly on the south. 

Alongside their practical information, Footprint adds a layer of imagination to their guidebooks, giving them an edge that makes them one of the best travel guide series available today!

  • Wide range of budgets
  • Specializes in Latin America
  • Practical information
  • Not much content on the United States

#7 Frommer Guides

Frommer Guides

Does traveling on $5 per day sound appealing to you? Arthur Frommer thought so when he set out to create his Frommer travel guides . 

Alongside some of the best guidebooks, Frommer also offers other forms of information, including podcasts, online articles, and hotel deals!

I love using Frommer guides on road trips because they help me in many different situations. 

I usually like to have a podcast for when I’m driving , a guidebook on specific destinations while I’m in a hotel room, and online sources when on the go. 

Having Frommer guides in all their varied forms is essential since each one typically doesn’t go into heavy detail. 

If purchasing travel guide books doesn’t interest you, then keeping up to date with Frommer’s online travel guides is the way to go.

  • Many styles of information are available
  • Updates information frequently
  • Offer hotel deals
  • It covers only the main details

#8 Tripadvisor

Screenshot of the of the Tripadvisor website homepage.

Tripadvisor is an online source that most travelers have heard about. It’s unique on this list of travel guides because you interact with other travelers!

If you’re looking for help with trip planning, look no further than the Tripadvisor forum . Here you can talk with fellow travelers about your upcoming trip! 

When I have a specific question that needs answering, I always check Tripadvisor first. They have information on most countries, but some info on the forums can be outdated. 

Tripadvisor is great because it’s free! But they’re more than just a review and forum-based platform; you can also book different travel deals and tours through their website.

Sometimes the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming to click through.  If that sounds relatable, you might want to purchase some guidebooks instead. 

Tripadvisor started the wave of online travel planning. They’re worth browsing, even if you just want to write down a few travel tips!

  • Multiple reviews from other travelers
  • Travel deals available
  • Forum can be out of date
  • The massive amount of information can be overwhelming

#9 Rough Guides

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Rough Guides Books.

Rough Guides has grown into a leader in the travel industry with its amazing travel guidebooks and online travel guides. 

What I love about these books is their authenticity. Their recommendations from locals helped to grow them into who they are today.

It all started with their Greece travel guide, and it quickly blew up. Demand increased for more and more Rough Guide content; they released a guidebook series for people who were eager for more. In 2017, Rough Guides expanded even further.

Today Rough Guides are more than just a travel guide company that sells books. They offer tours, custom-made itineraries, and more! I love using their website when planning my next trip. 

These custom-made itineraries and tours are expensive but for a reason. Rough Guides’ experts are located worldwide to give you the best travel experience ever. 

Rough Guides best selling guides offer a ton of background information and local tips, making them worth the high price!

  • Detailed itineraries
  • Personal recommendations from locals
  • An extensive list of countries
  • High prices for tours and custom itineraries

#10 Moon Travel Guides

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Moon Travel Guides Books.

Moon Guides are my favorite guidebooks for traveling around the United States. Planning that perfect road trip is challenging but Moon Guides makes it easier.

Moon’s travel guidebooks are all about traveling sustainably. I’ve used them countless times in the Americas and have found them super helpful.

But Moon Guides don’t focus on the Americas only– they also offer some of the best travel guides for Japan in particular.

I’ve learned to use these books more for research instead of bringing them on my travels– they don’t always hold up with how rugged traveling can get for me.

Moon’s detailed maps are so good in their guidebooks that I fill my phone library with them. They are easy to read and use, which is what I think makes a good map. 

The best travel tips are from locals, and that’s what Moon’s travel guidebooks bring. They don’t have a fancy touring app or anything, but they don’t need it. 

If you want one of the best travel guides for families, then there’s no better choice than making Moon Guides your tour guide when traveling. 

Find your dream destination, get travel inspiration from their maps, and book that plane ticket.

  • Emphasis on the Americas and the Pacific
  • Easy-to-understand maps
  • Many pages of information solely for hotels/accommodations
  • Guidebooks aren’t durable

#11 Insight Guides

Screenshot of a search result page showing a selection of Insight Guides Books.

Insight is one of the best travel guidebooks on the market for a reason. The beautiful photographs in these travel guidebooks will have you daydreaming for days.

Insight guides are perfect for those history buffs out there like me. They combine great information with also some off-the-beaten-track activities. 

Insight has produced over 200 guidebooks and language books. Their books provide information on nearly any country you can think of (besides Mexico).

I love their books because they also have a mini-series.

During the Covid years, I was in the mood to read a lot. I picked a different destination each week and bought a new e-book. 

I could do this because they only cost five to ten dollars! Most of the best travel guidebooks are double this.   

Besides its guidebook series, Insight offers a handmade trip planned by experts to the destination of your choice. What more could you ask for?!

  • Multiple countries in each continent
  • Has language guides
  • Sells hand-picked vacation packages put together by locals
  • Offers mini versions of guides to sell for cheap
  • No Mexico guide

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Guide

A man wearing a red and black checkered shirt reading an open guide book holds hands with woman in a black and white striped tank top, jeans, and a wide-brimmed hat while walking down a European-looking cobblestone street.

What to Look for in Travel Guides

Is the information up to date.

Picking the best travel guidebooks can be an overwhelming process. But the most important thing to watch out for is making sure the information is up-to-date.

Compared to online sources, guidebook information tends not to get updated as quickly for obvious reasons. 

You don’t want a travel guide taking you to a restaurant that doesn’t exist anymore, do you? No. You want to get off the beaten track but not THAT off that it gets you lost.

Pick Locally-Based Travel Guides

My ideal travel style is meeting locals, living, and eating like a local. I have the best travel experiences when I dive deep into the culture.

The best information about a destination comes from locals. When you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, wouldn’t you want to consult someone who has lived there for many years?

When you rely on locals’ recommendations, you’ll truly have an experience of a lifetime. 

Know What Type of Traveler You Are

A young woman in a peach tank top and sunglasses holds a travel guide book under one arm, and checks her phone.

This next tip can be difficult for some, and it can change from year to year. I have gone from being a true budget traveler to somewhere in the middle. 

I used to love history (I still do) and would base my travels around that. Now I seek adventure activities. 

Different types of guides will focus on different things, such as budget travel, adventure, expensive tours, food, or history. 

Finding the travel guide that fits your style will be more beneficial in the long run.

Know Which Destination You Want to Visit the Most

The best world travel guidebooks are often better for certain locations than others. For example, Rick Steves has a reputation for being the best travel guide for Europe and, specifically, the best travel guide for Italy. 

So, choose your travel guide based on which one specializes in the area you’re curious about.

Other Helpful Travel Guides

Travel is a huge industry which means there are more guides than you could ever possibly use. 

If you prefer your travel content in video form, one of the best travel guide Youtube channels is Ryan Shirley . 

His videos showcase the top places to visit in different countries with some of the best drone shots you’ll ever see. 

FAQs About Travel Guides

A woman with short brown hair wearing a black and white striped tank top squints as she opens a Lonely Planet book on Myanmar in front of a blurred background.

Should You Even Buy a Travel Guide?

A travel guide has its place. It may seem outdated to use one, but you can find some of the best information in them. 

Some guides take years to make and are very specific in the details they write for certain locations. The maps tend to be better and easier to read in these types of guides as well.  

Which is better: Lonely Planet or Rough Guide?

It depends on the style of travel you prefer. I prefer budget travel and tend to take fewer tours, so I like Lonely Planet. Rough Guide also has amazing tours if you’re interested in those.

What is the difference between Fodor’s and Frommer’s travel guides?

Frommer travel guides are excellent for those who want an easy read. Fodor is typically the better choice if you want more details about your activities. 

Fodor also has one of the best travel guides for Ireland, so check out Fodor if that’s your destination.

Is it better to travel with a tour guide or alone with a travel guide?

The answer differs from person to person! If you want your trip planned, then a tour guide is perfect. Going alone with a travel guide is nice because you can go at your own pace. 

Do people still buy travel guides?

Absolutely! There’s something different about having a travel guidebook to look at rather than scrolling through a website. 

Rick Steves and Bradt are my favorite travel guides.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Phillip Anderson

Phillip Anderson is a freelance travel writer, personal trainer, and adventure enthusiast. With years of travel experience under his belt, Phillip is an expert in finding the best deals through travel apps and websites. He knows how to find cheap domestic and international flights, like a flight to Peru for as low as $350.

When looking for cheap accommodations, Phillip combines his knowledge of websites like Airbnb, Booking.com & Hostelworld with more unique sites like TrustedHousesitters, for even more savings. Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or local experiences, he teaches travelers to make informed decisions, ensuring their adventures are both memorable and economical. For more from Phillip, check out his website, JaywalkTheWorld.com.

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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Top 10 Travel Guide Websites [2024]: Time to Get Inspired!

Top 10 Travel Guide Websites [2024]: Time to Get Inspired!

With the overwhelming number of travel guides that exist out there, it's hard to find one that'll satisfy your wanderlust or inspire your next travel. Luckily for you, we've found all of the best places to look for travel inspiration. Keep reading to see all of the best travel guide websites that'll help guide your next travels!

best travel guides 2022

Travel guides help us plan our trips better. But, with thousands of sites claiming to be travel wizards, it can be hard to pick and choose the best travel guide sites that fit your requirements. 

While some like to travel with a paperback guide in hand, others prefer to outsource well-detailed itineraries tailored to our preferences. The pundits, perfectionists, and ardent travelers want to take matters into their own hands and plan trips by themselves. They also need guides and recommendations to help with their research and planning.

Well, folks, worry not because our list of best travel guide websites covers it all. Regardless of where you fall on the travel planning spectrum, you'll find a travel guide that'll inspire and prepare you for your next trip. Use these fantastic travel guides and start planning your trips with Pilot!

travel guide while backpacking

10 Top Travel Guide Websites for travel inspiration!

10. lonely planet .

Lonely Planet  is a dominant brand in the travel industry, offering both travel guides and other resources on destinations worldwide. It is mainly geared towards backpackers on a budget. 

Its travel guidebooks, available in both digital and print form, come under a variety of categories such as regions, countries, cities, hikes, treks, etc. They include itineraries, maps for navigation, insider tips from experts, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and other helpful information. 

You can subscribe to their services for a monthly fee of $4.99 or a yearly fee of $39.99. It will give you access to resources on their website and app. You can purchase Lonely Planet books individually too.

Although Lonely Planet is not as resourceful and updated as it used to be, it's still one of the best travel sites to get an overview of destinations. You can also book accommodation and dining options via the website. Check out our full review of Lonely Planet  here . 

  • A collection of over 825 guides
  • Phrasebooks to learn the local language 
  • Covers a lot of destinations worldwide 
  • General travel information about countries is free
  • Complaints on outdated information
  • Unreliable customer service 
  • Travel forum "Thorn Tree" is no longer available 

Lonely Planet Travel guide

9. Fodor's Travel

Fodor's Travel  is another popular website offering travel guides for destinations around the world. Their specialty is the guidebooks available in both print and eBook versions. They have over 300 travel guides covering more than 7000 destinations. The website also has plenty of information, insider tips, and appealing visual content on different destinations. It's great for inspiration and general information. 

Fodor's forum is a great place to get recommendations, tips, and insider advice that will be useful for your trip plans. It has an active community, so it's more likely that you will receive prompt answers. You have to be a member to access all of its features. 

You can access Fodor's Travel website and forum free of charge. But, the guides have to be bought either from the website or sites like Amazon. On average, prices range from $10-$20. You can read our in-depth review of Fodor's Travel  here . 

  • Helpful forum to seek advice
  • Good recommendations
  • Covers a lot of destinations 
  • Incomplete guidebooks (complaints of missing pages)
  • Lack of localized recommendations   

Fodor's Travel Travel Guide.

8. Rough Guides 

Initially,  Rough Guides  was solely focused on selling travel guidebooks in paperback and eBook formats. These books are still a popular choice among travelers today. They provide:

  • Itineraries.
  • Background information.
  • Maps to help you find the way around.
  • Independent recommendations of the writer.
  • Detailed regional coverage.

Books are available at varying prices.

At present, Rough Guides also specializes in providing tailor-made travel guides to suit your personal preferences. You can connect with a local expert to create a special itinerary for you by entering your budget, destination, accommodation and dining choices, preferred activities, and other details. Depending on what you need, you can get everything planned and booked by a local expert or only resort to insider tips. The prices vary based on the kind of service you need.

Besides this, you can also find articles on travel advice, top destinations, and other travel-related subjects on the website. So, even if you are planning the trip by yourself, Rough Rides is a good place for inspiration. 

  • A wide range of travel guidebooks 
  • Personalized itineraries 
  • Local knowledge and recommendations 
  • Not very user-friendly 

Rough Guide Travel Guide

7. ViaHero 

If you are more inclined towards personalized travel guidebooks by locals,  ViaHero  is one of the best to consider. The platform also promises to take the hassle of planning by outsourcing a day-by-day traveling guide from an expert, aka a 'Hero.' The good thing, however, is that you will be updated about every step of the planning.

You can select the destination and review the Heroes available there. Each Hero has a detailed bio outlining their personality, travel specialty, and expertise. You can also check the reviews left by past travelers about them. All you have to do is pick a Hero and specify your requirements. The cost of a customized itinerary is $40 per day. 

The Hero won't be accompanying you, although you will be in touch via email or messaging. ViaHero also posts travel articles for users to read and be informed about the destination(s) they plan to visit. If you want to learn more, check our ViaHero  review . 

  • Convenient 
  • Travel guides focus on local and uncrowded attractions 
  • Quality, well-detailed itineraries 
  • Service is available only to limited destinations

ViaHero Travel Guide and app.

6. Frommer's 

Frommer's  remains one of the best travel sites because it is very resourceful for travelers. Frommer's offers guidebooks, podcasts, and the latest travel-related information for wanderlusts. They're also one of the oldest travel guide publishers. 

Its titles cater to a range of travel styles, covering every major destination around the world. Its travel guidebooks are available in both eBook and paperback formats. The books are pretty similar to others in the market.

Frommer's website has a treasure trove of travel content, and you can browse them by 'Destination' or 'Trip Ideas.' There's also a separate section dedicated to travel 'Tips and News.' It is especially helpful as travel rules and restrictions are constantly revised and updated on the pandemic. 

There's also a 'Deals & Bookings' section to help you grab great discounts on accommodation, airfares, cruises, and car rentals. Even if you don't want to purchase travel guides, Frommer's is a good website for updated travel information. 

  • Updated travel information 
  • Over 350 travel guidebooks 
  • Good choice of accommodation
  • Guidebooks cover only major highlights 
  • Website looks outdated 

Frommers Travel guide.

5. Tripadvisor 

Obviously, you know  Tripadvisor , famed for both its usefulness and weird reviews. It is a one-stop place to read travel guides, get advice and tips, make reservations, and plan trips.

Tripadvisor is one of the most  popular travel apps  travelers use to seek advice and recommendations from locals or other travelers. It's a great place to find and read reviews – just about any restaurant, hostel, attraction, or different travel experience anywhere in the world. If you can't find a review or discussion about the topic, you can start a discussion in their forum! 

You will also find a lot of content for travel inspiration, including travel guides from ardent travelers and 'Things to Do' lists on different destinations. Besides guides from experts, you can use Tripadvisor to book hotels, tours, activities, accommodation, etc. It's one of the best travel deals websites .

You can also save your favorite places and experiences in a destination and view them on a map. However, if you are looking for a planning tool, we recommend trying a  better travel planner .

  • Active travel forum for trip guidance and tips 
  • Plenty of user reviews to help your decisions 
  • Loads of travel content
  • Attractive travel deals 
  • A mobile app for convenience 
  • Infamous for  fake or biased reviews  
  • A glorified checkout cart, not great for inspiration
  • Reserving and managing bookings is not always streamlined

TripAdvisor Travel guide and app.

4. Localeur 

Localeur  is one of the best travel websites for travelers who want to avoid tourist traps and enjoy local and authentic experiences. It offers useful insights and recommendations from local insiders as opposed to tourists. At present, it covers over 200 destinations and has a user base of 5 million worldwide.

You can find recommendations on everything from road trips to places to eat to shopping tips on the platform. Their local expert base consists of writers, artists, foodies, and other specialists from different fields. It's great to plan your trip and want to cover the best attractions in your itinerary. 

Localeur's main features are only offered to its subscribers. You can go for a lifetime subscription of $150 or a monthly subscription of $10. You get recommendations, personalized travel guides, and two weekly emails for travel inspiration.

But, you can still check out its travel content, featured guides and recommendations, and 'localeurs' for free. Subscription to their newsletter is also free of charge. Read our full review of Localeur  here ! 

  • Reliable and quality recommendations 
  • Information of local experiences
  • Wide range of choices
  • Costly subscription 
  • Limited destinations
  • Recommendations could be biased

Localeur Travel guide website.

3. Atlas Obscura 

Atlas Obscura  is about intriguing people to travel with its attractive and quirky guides and travel content. It publishes stories focusing on nature, science, culture, history, food, and hidden wonders. If you love sights that are hidden, weird, or rare, this travel guide is the perfect choice for you. 

It has an extensive collection of content on unusual attractions and cool dining places in destinations worldwide. They seem to be very informative and attractive to add to the itinerary. The community forums under each destination help you discuss travel-related topics with fellow users. 

Another specialty of Atlas Obscura is their guided tours to amazing places described by them. Most of them are adventure trips to less-traveled places, so there's no doubt that travelers are in a for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The traveling guide website also offers virtual travel experiences. 

Although you can browse travel content for free, membership is mandatory to access experiences and events hosted by Atlas Obscura. There are both monthly and yearly plans to choose from. 

  • Amazing and high-quality travel guides 
  • Focuses on unique attractions 
  • Availability of virtual experiences and guided tours
  • Not so much of a place to get travel guides and tips 
  • Not ideal if you are looking for guidance on usual tourist spots 
  • Paid membership 

Atlas Obscura travel guide.

2. Travel + Leisure 

Of course, no list of best travel sites is perfect without mentioning this leading travel and leisure magazine. While  Travel + Leisure's  focus is primarily on an exotic holiday destination, high-end vacations, its high-quality content is worthy for every traveler. From best places to travel to best gadgets to carry, it is a very informative source that educates travelers on how to best prepare for an upcoming trip. 

Travel +Leisure provides unique accommodation, dining, attractions in different destinations. You will also find content on the latest travel news, deals, tips, accessories, and inspiration on the site. In the 'Travel Guides' section, you can filter guides based on location, language, the best time to visit, and activities.

Last year, the magazine launched its trip booking and subscription features. The Travel + Leisure Go platform lets you book trips to destinations published on the website and other exclusive itineraries. The travel and leisure magazine's subscribers ($9.95 per month) can enjoy discounts on accommodation and other services. 

  • Very informative and updated content 
  • Covers a wide range of travel-related topics 
  • Convenient trip booking feature
  • Travel deals 
  • Limited destinations under 'Travel Guides' 
  • Doesn't offer detailed travel itineraries 
  • Expensive subscription fee

Travel + Leisure Travel guide.

1. Condé Nast Traveller

Condé Nast Traveller is another magazine & travel guide website that caters to luxury travel experiences. The website is a ripe source for travel inspiration, albeit for quite pricey staycations. On the plus side, there's some focus on budget travelers as well. Nevertheless, we think it's one of the best travel guide sites out there with up-to-date information. 

The articles on this travel leisure magazine cover a wide range of topics from best pizza places to shooting locations of famous films to activities for kids while traveling. On the Condé Nast Traveller, you can browse for the best accommodation and dining choices and travel content on style and art. It's a good website for you to get travel ideas from experts in the industry.

You will also find travel news and tips to help you plan and navigate. For those interested, Condé Nast Traveller also offers subscription plans to get its digital and/or print magazine copy delivered to you. The cost varies based on your country.

  • Great, informative content 
  • Promptly updated travel news
  • Focus on unique destinations and attractions 
  • Not for budget backpackers 
  • No trip booking feature

Condé Nast Traveller Travel Guide.

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The Best Travel Guides (Online and Books)

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Even in the digital age, travel guide books are an important part of my travel planning journey. I have read and tried many different travel books and online travel guides. And I pulled together a list of what I think are the best travel guides (books and online resources). 

couple using a map while planning a trip

I return to my favorite travel guides again and again with each trip that we plan. Once you find a travel guide series that you know and trust, it can really speed up the travel planning process.  

But which travel guides are the best? Keep reading for the full list!  

Need help with planning your trip? Check out our guide to the best travel planning resources .  

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

Are travel guidebooks still used now? 

Absolutely! Although you can find a wealth of travel planning help online, the good old-fashioned travel guidebooks are still very much available and in use. 

Some people prefer to use paper travel guidebooks. You can flag important sections and highlight things you want to remember. We’ve even ripped our books up (they’re meant to be used!) and traveled only with the sections covering the cities and sites we visited. 

E-books are also a great option for travel guides. If you use e-books, you can easily travel with several guides without adding a single ounce to your luggage. It’s a perfect option for those who travel carry-on only .

Rick Steves: best travel guides for Europe 

Rick steves guidebooks .

Some seasoned travelers look down their noses a bit at Rick Steves guide books . There’s no reason for that. Rick Steves knows Europe inside and out from decades of traveling, leading tours, writing books, and producing episodes of his wonderful series  Rick Steves’ Europe.  

Rick Steves books are excellent guides and well worth the money. I highly recommend them, especially for travel planning beginners or for anxious travelers who are looking for an expert to tell them where to visit and how. 

His books are kept up to date and quite detailed, even to the point of including full guided walking tours (often several) and detailed guided tours through major sites. 

cover image of Rick Steves Rome travel guide book

  • Steves, Rick (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 604 Pages – 09/06/2022 (Publication Date) – Rick Steves (Publisher)

Rick Steves online 

You can also get a lot of good free travel tips and help on the Rick Steves website, including the forums . There are forums specifically for countries, reviews, and several forums about general travel tips topics. 

They’re a great way to get insight and tips from other experienced travelers…even those who disagree with Rick Steves itinerary suggestions. (Shocked face.)

Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App 

I also highly recommend the Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App . It’s loaded with audio guides for walking tours and top travel destination sites like the Colosseum in Rome and The Louvre Museum in Paris.  

Download the audio tours for your destination so you can listen to them on your mobile device as you explore your destination. 

Rough Guides: my favorite travel guidebooks overall 

Super practical and easy to read, Rough Guides are my top choice for any destination that isn’t in Europe (for which I prefer Rick Steves guide books ). 

The UK-based company was founded in 1982 with the  Rough Guide to Greece . Since then, they have published travel guidebooks for well over 100 destinations all over the world. 

In addition to their main guidebook series, they also offer Pocket Rough Guides, On a Budget, Snapshots, phrasebooks, and inspirational guides like “Make the Most of Your Time on Earth.” 

cover image for The Rough Guide to Greece guide book

  • Guides, Rough (Author)
  • 840 Pages – 10/18/2022 (Publication Date) – Rough Guides (Publisher)

Rough Guides website 

Rough Guides isn’t just a guidebook publisher though. Since 2017 they have offered tailor-made trips to over 70 destinations. created by local travel experts. 

Their website provides some basic itineraries, travel recommendations, and basic destination information for free that can help get you started on planning your travel itinerary . 

Fodor’s 

The great travel writer Eugene Fodor once said “You don’t need to be rich to travel well.” And that’s been kind of my mantra for the last several years. 

In 1936 Fodor wrote the first modern travel guide book . It was for British audiences and he wrote all 1200 pages himself. The book was O n the Continent: An Entertaining Travel Annual .

According to Fodors.com , “The guide went beyond reporting on the sights and for the first time included information about Europe’s culture and people, practical information like how to tip, and was the first to be annually updated.” 

Since  On the Continent  was first published, Fodor’s has been a trusted name in travel guides. They now claim that their travel writers have covered more than 8,000 destinations around the world . 

In addition to the Signature Guides, their other series include Fodor’s Inside, In Focus, and 25 Best. Fodor’s says that  Fodor’s   Italy  is the company’s top-selling guide book. 

cover image of Fodor's Italy travel guide

  • Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
  • 896 Pages – 12/20/2022 (Publication Date) – Fodor’s Travel (Publisher)

Fodor’s website 

Fodors.com was one of the first travel websites when it launched in 1996 . Today the site offers destination guides, general travel content, and forums about specific destinations or general travel topics such as air travel. 

Frommer’s 

The venerated Frommer’s travel guides were launched by Arthur Frommer in 1957 with a guide to visiting Europe on $5 a day (yup. $5.). That guide followed his book about how to travel Europe as a GI (Frommer was in the Army at the time). 

Frommer’s quickly grew to become one of the most trusted names in travel guidebooks. 

Several years ago, Frommer’s was acquired by Google, which pulled the plug on their print books in the spring of 2013.

Arthur Frommer reacquired the company shortly thereafter and then quickly made a deal to get the books back in distribution. Frommer’s then started emphasizing their Easy Guides and Day by Day series, which were smaller and easier to read and carry than the typical large guidebooks they saw on the market. 

cover image for Frommer's Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks travel guide book

  • Gordon, Yvonne (Author)
  • 602 Pages – 08/23/2022 (Publication Date) – FrommerMedia (Publisher)

Frommer’s website 

Frommers.com is a fine place to start planning for a trip for free. Destination information includes city layouts, how to get around, and their top picks for hotels and dining. 

They also provide other general travel content and feature articles plus trip ideas for honeymoons, arts and cultural travel, national parks, family travel, road trips, and more. 

The Frommer’s Travel Show (podcast) 

Pauline Frommer, daughter of Frommer’s founder Arthur Frommer, hosts The Frommer’s Travel Show podcast . New episodes come out approximately once per week or several times a month. 

Bradt Guides 

Known for publishing guides for lesser-traveled destinations (though certainly not less deserving), Bradt bills itself as “the world’s leading independent travel publisher.”  

Bradt guides are the go-to for destinations not covered by other publishers. They say that “over two-thirds of Bradt guides still have no direct competition from other publishers.” 

The Bradts’ first book,  Backpacking Along Ancient Ways Peru & Bolivia , was the first to detail the Inca Trail.

Later they became known for writing guides to destinations “post-conflict.” These included Rwanda, Kosovo, and the Baltic States after the fall of the Iron Curtain. 

In addition to their destination guidebooks, Bradt also publishes a Slow Travel series of UK destinations, a Wildlife series, and general travel literature. 

cover image for Bradt travel guide

  • McIntyre, Chris (Author)
  • 456 Pages – 06/01/2022 (Publication Date) – Bradt Travel Guides (Publisher)

Bradt Guides Travel Club 

Avid travelers can support Bradt by joining their Travel Club through Patreon. There are three tiers: Bradtpacker, Globetrotter, and First-Class Traveller. Each tier offers differing levels of subscriber benefits including things like e-books and access to their bespoke travel planning service. 

Lonely Planet  

Lonely Planet books for a long time were quite popular especially with younger backpackers looking to travel on a budget. The books can be light on the details that certain travelers (beginners, anxious travelers) might wish for when making good decisions about where to spend their travel dollars. 

Lonely Planet books are good for independent and adventurous travelers . Or for those who just want some recommendations but not a prescribed itinerary with a ton of detail.  

In addition to their popular guidebooks, Lonely Planet also publishes phrasebooks, general travel books, food books, and children’s books. 

cover image for Lonely Planet travel guide

  • Mayhew, Bradley (Author)
  • 288 Pages – 03/16/2021 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

Lonely Planet website  

You can get some basic, inspirational travel information to start your travel planning from the Lonely Planet website . Sadly, they set their forums to “read-only” some time ago. In my opinion, the forums were the best (and most valuable) part of the website. 

Marco Polo 

Marco Polo is best known for its compact and colorful pocket travel guides. They also offer spiral-bound itinerary-based guides, phrasebooks, folding maps, travel handbooks, travel journals, city maps, and road atlases. 

Cover image for Marco Polo guide to Santorini

  • Marco Polo Travel Publishing Marco Polo Travel Publishing (Author)
  • 136 Pages – 10/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Marco Polo Travel Publishing, Ltd. (Publisher)

Marco Polo Discovery Tours App 

The free Marco Polo Discovery Tours app offers travelers a variety of guided itineraries through many destinations. For example, you can download a 23-day driving tour of New Zealand with a step-by-step driving tour over both islands. 

DK Eyewitness: among best travel books for visuals 

I enjoy reading DK Eyewitness guides, especially when I’m looking for information about the history and culture of my destination.  The glossy full-color books feature beautiful photographs and illustrations perfect for inspiring your travel itinerary. They cover more than 100 destinations. 

DK was founded in 1974 by Christopher Dorling and Peter Kindersley. They published their first travel book in the early 1990’s promising to show you “what others only tell you.”

They also cover all the usual grounds for travel guidebooks: itineraries, maps, dining and accommodations recommendations, top sites, etc. 

cover image for DK Eyewitness travel book

  • DK Eyewitness (Author)
  • 592 Pages – 04/26/2022 (Publication Date) – DK Eyewitness Travel (Publisher)

Where to Go podcast 

Produced by the team behind the DK Eyewitness books, each episode of the Where to Go podcast dives deep into a particular destination. New episodes come out every two weeks or so. 

Insight Guides 

For more than 40 years, Insight Guides have published guidebooks covering more than 200 destinations. 

In my experience, they’re quite a bit heavier on destination history and culture than any other travel guide I’ve encountered. So, if that’s not something you enjoy, then these guidebooks might not be your top choice. 

Insight Guides series include: Explore Guides, City Breaks, Pocket Guides, City Guides, and Experience Guides. 

Insight Guides Explore New Zealand (Travel Guide with Free eBook) (Insight Explore Guides)

  • Guides, Insight (Author)
  • 144 Pages – 04/01/2018 (Publication Date) – Insight Guides (Publisher)

Insight Guides website

You will find some travel information on the Insight Guides website , making it a decent place to start if you’re unsure of your destination.

The emphasis of their website seems to be on advertising their Insight Guides trip offerings…not that there’s anything wrong with that. 

Atlas Obscura 

Atlas obscura book .

Unlike all of the other travel guidebooks listed above, Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders is not a series of guidebooks but rather one book that details an incredible array of oddities and wonders around the world. 

Here’s how the authors describe their book and website (more on that below): 

“The site, and this book, are a kind of wunderkammer of places, a cabinet of curiosities that is meant to inspire wonderlust as much as wanderlust. In fact, many of the places in this book are in no way ‘tourist sites’ and should not be treated as such. Others are so out of the way, so treacherously situated, or (in at least one case) so deep beneath the surface, that few readers will ever be able to visit them. But here they are, sharing this marvelously strange planet with us.  Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton,  Atlas Obscura , revised second edition, (New York: Workman Publishing, 2019) vii

The revised second edition (published in 2019) added more than 100 new sites to the 2016 first edition. The book is delightful reading if you’re into oddities around the world. I definitely recommend picking up a copy. 

Atlas Obscura

  • Hardcover Book
  • Foer, Joshua (Author)

Atlas Obscura website 

Make sure you stop by the Atlas Obscura website  during your travel planning if you like finding out-of-the-way sites, or unusual places to visit, or want to make it a priority to get off the beaten path. 

You can even take Atlas Obscura trips to some pretty unusual places and even with some unusual activities…such as assisting biologists with bee research at Redwood National Park. 

Atlas Obscura podcast 

Atlas Obscura launched a podcast in March 2021, which I’ve really enjoyed listening to. Early episodes covered sites such as the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, the Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts, and the old Widow Jane cement mine in Rosendale, New York. 

Final thoughts on the best travel guidebooks 

The best travel guides will be the ones that you use and that help you plan a trip that you truly love. I personally like to use a combination of travel guidebooks and online travel planning resources. 

But don’t just follow my advice. Try these guidebook series and online travel guides for yourself and find the ones that you will like and use for your trip planning. 

What are your favorite travel guidebooks?

More articles related to travel guides 

  • Travel planning resources  
  • The top books about travel and self-discovery 
  • Best books to read before you travel to Paris  
  • The best books about the South 

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the best travel guide books

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Michelin guides (the green books) are great!

I used to use the “Let’s Go: Europe” guides, which were great. They were targeting college age students mostly, but they had lots of good information re: trip planning for everyone.

Which guidebooks (and/or websites) are best for planning train/plane travel while in Europe? Any standouts?

Thanks for your very helpful information!

You’re welcome, Wayne. The Man in Seat 61 is THE expert in European train travel. His website is: https://www.seat61.com/ . He’s also pretty active on Twitter. I’d also recommend checking out https://www.rome2rio.com/ for helping with planning transportation for any trip. Thanks for reading!

My family had a great time in Paris. We had a wonderful time there and enjoyed the culture of the region. The nightlife was fantastic, and the city’s elegance is indescribable. We are in love with the place and explore so many places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Cruise on the Seine, etc. After reading your blog I would like to revisit there.

Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for reading!

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

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Forbes Travel Guide Stories

Forbes Travel Guide’s 2022 Star Award Winners By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

April 26, 2022

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Travel has made its big comeback. All of those delayed openings and canceled vacations, conferences and celebratory getaways have given hotels and resorts plenty of time to upgrade their services, rejuvenate their facilities and re-envision a better experience for guests.

As travelers return to their favorite properties—or seek out new ones—Forbes Travel Guide has announced its 2022 Star Awards for the world’s most outstanding hotels, restaurants and spas.

For the 64th annual list, FTG ventured into new destinations, such as the Canary Islands, Greece, Ibiza and Malta. The winners include 323 Five-Star hotels, 558 Four-Star properties and 401 Recommended hotels. There are also 74 Five-Star restaurants this year, 112 Four-Star eateries and 67 Recommended restaurants, as well as 102 Five-Star and 193 Four-Star spas worldwide.

To find the best of the best, Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspectors stay at each hotel for three days and two nights, posing as ordinary guests. They test up to 900 objective, rigorous standards, from modern-day luxuries—such as whether a room is set up to enhance sleep or whether the food-and-beverage choices are health-conscious—to more traditional amenities, such as the quality of the décor and the courtesy of the staff. Seventy-five percent of a hotel’s rating relies on service, while the remaining 25 percent is determined by the quality of its facilities.

See the full list of 2022 Star Awards winners here , and learn more about the newest additions to the collection below.

best travel guides 2022

New Five-Star Destinations

Nine destinations earned the top honor for the first time this year. Madrid made a strong debut with two new Five-Star properties: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid , where you can unwind in the four-story spa and feast in celebrity chef Dani García’s Andalusian brasserie Dani, and BLESS Hotel Madrid , whose recently renovated contemporary interiors take cues from the neighborhood’s 19th-century aristocratic homes. The BLESS brand also claimed its first Five-Star award for its Ibiza property, with destination dining at decorated chef Martín Berasategui’s Etxeko.

best travel guides 2022

Joining the Five-Star ranks in Europe are Berlin’s Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel , an Italian Renaissance-style landmark set among Bebelplatz’s grand buildings; the Netherlands’ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam , a string of six connected 17th- and 18th-century palaces along the Herengracht Canal; Malta’s Iniala Harbour House , a boutique gem with 23 eclectic, stylish rooms; Greece’s Katikies Mykono s , a white-washed refuge with sparkling water views; and Zurich’s Dolder Grand , which lives up to its name with panoramic vistas of the city, lake and Alps from its historic hilltop perch.

best travel guides 2022

A white 15-story tower that sits on the highest of Amman’s seven hills, Four Seasons Hotel Amman earned Jordan’s inaugural award in the Middle East. In Asia, the beachfront Halekulani Okinawa , featuring a showstopping pool lined with nearly 1.5 million mosaic tiles shaped like a Cattleya orchid, garnered the Japanese island’s premier prize.

Achievements in the Americas

In the United States, Auberge Resorts Collection had a Five-Star trifecta with The Lodge at Blue Sky , a 3,500-acre adventure getaway near Park City, Utah; Madeline Hotel and Residences , a sophisticated Telluride mountain escape that was renovated in 2021; and White Barn Inn , a New England classic that’s home to a beloved Five-Star restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine.

best travel guides 2022

Massachusetts scored wins with Encore Boston Ha rbor , the largest U.S. gaming resort outside of Las Vegas to earn the prestigious rating; Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston , a modern Back Bay skyscraper; and Chatham Inn , a charming 18-room Cape Cod hideaway.

Other East Coast winners include The Towers at Lotte New York Palace , an exclusive hotel within a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, and The Chanler at Cliff Walk , a Gilded Age waterfront mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.

best travel guides 2022

On the shores of Montecito, California, Rosewood Miramar Beach is a glamorous addition to FTG’s annual Star Awards, laying claim to Santa Barbara’s only Five-Star spa . In Hawaii, the lavish ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki  dedicates each floor to a single suite with an always-on-call butler.

Toronto’s Hazelton Hotel became the first independent boutique hotel in Canada to earn a Five-Star rating. In Mexico, newcomers include Hotel Esencia , a tropical-chic retreat in Tulum that was once the home of an Italian duchess, and Banyan Tree Mayakoba , where every room comes with a private pool. Bathed in white Greco-Moorish architecture, the reborn Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla was the sole new Five-Star entry in the Caribbean.

best travel guides 2022

Big International Gains

Two new additions— Pan Pacific London , a sleek hotel in a 43-story tower, and The Prince Akatoki London , a serene Japanese-influenced getaway—cemented the English capital as the city with the most Five-Star hotels worldwide (to see the full list of 21 top London winners, click here ).

best travel guides 2022

The Maldives and Macau each added new Five-Star hotels. The former unveiled Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru , JOALI Maldives, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi , while Macau’s honorees include Emerald Tower at MGM COTAI ; Grand Suites at Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip ; Hotel Okura Macau ; and Skylofts at MGM COTAI.

best travel guides 2022

More top hotels peaked in the Alps ( Airelles Courchevel, Les Aire lles ; Gardena Grödnerhof ; Park Hotel Vitznau ), the Amalfi Coast ( Casa Angelina ) and Istanbul (Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul). Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers brought honors to the Middle East; and Bulgari Hotel Shanghai ; HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa ; and The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel were new standouts in Asia.

best travel guides 2022

Winning Restaurants

Stateside, three restaurants achieved the coveted Five-Star rating for 2022. Dallas’ Carte Blanche turns out luscious pastries in the morning and then five- or 12-course tasting menus in the evening. At Cara , tucked inside Rhode Island’s newly minted Five-Star hotel The Chanler at Cliff Walk, chef Jacob Jasinski crafts nightly changing blind tasting menus with New England ingredients. Savor French-Japanese fare in seasonal tasting menus in Waikiki from chef Jason Yamaguchi at ESPACIO’s hidden gem MUGEN.

best travel guides 2022

Hong Kong added to its Five-Star restaurants with L’Envol , a French fine-dining destination; Sushi Saito Hong Kong , whose seafood is chosen every morning by chef Takashi Saito at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market and delivered that day; and Tempura Uchitsu , which specializes in a tempura omakase menu. In Macau, two Chinese restaurants also took the top honors: Five Foot Road , which focuses on flavorful Sichuan cuisine, and Imperial Court , which offers a modern take on Cantonese fare (be sure to peek at the dining room’s dragon column). Finally, La Dame de Pic, Raffles Singapore showcases the culinary prowess of world-renowned French chef Anne-Sophie Pic.

best travel guides 2022

Sumptuous Spas

For those in need of some premium pampering, there are plenty of star-filled possibilities this year, whether it be in the country ( Salamander Spa in Middleburg, Virginia), the city ( The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor ; The Spa by Ivanka Trump at Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. ; or The Wellness Floor at One Dalton in Boston), the mountains ( Spa Ojai in Ojai, California, or Edge Spa in Utah) or the Lowcountry ( Spa Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina).

Around the world, seek out The Bulgari Spa Dubai , a sleekly designed oasis, and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Doha , which introduces Qatari ingredients like pearl powder and sand into some services. Not only are they the inaugural Five-Stars in their respective cities, but they are also the first in the Middle East.

Other winning spas include Asaya , a Hong Kong wellness center that provides everything from expressive arts therapy to facials; SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit , where a hydrotherapy circuit should precede slipping into one of the Puerto Vallarta sanctuary’s 20 treatment rooms; and Banyan Tree Spa Mayakoba , where Asian-inspired therapies combine with Mexican traditions and a lush jungle setting.

best travel guides 2022

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As a new year begins, we're excited to shine a light on our Best in Travel 2022 list.

The top 10 cities, countries and regions around the world were carefully selected by our editors to inspire a new year of travel.

Now we're unveiling a whole new series of stories, video interviews, and tips for turning our Best in Travel list into your travel reality, whether that happens in 2022 or further down the line.

These destinations span the globe and allow you, the traveler, to immerse yourself in local culture.

Our how-to guides will show you how to make the most of your trip with tips on how you can have a positive impact on your destination.

Find out how you can sustainably trek to Everest Base Camp, enjoy a stargazer's guide to Chile's Atacama desert, and follow an insider's guide to Nigeria's city that never sleeps: Lagos.

As the pandemic continues to impact an ever-shifting patchwork of places around the world, we're working hard to balance travel and safety, and a sense of caution alongside our sense of wanderlust.

As such, our 2022 list is as much a bucket list for the future as it is a to-visit list for right now.

See the full list here.

Team Wanderlust | 02 December 2022

The best travel books of 2022.

From the latest tales of a TV legend to inspiring fictional adventures, these are the top travel books to come out of 2022, and the perfect Christmas gift for the travel lover in your life...

Readers get 10% off all books marked with * by using the code ‘Wandering’ on the Stanfords website .

Wanderlust members can get 25% off all books marked with * on the  Stanfords website  - or 15% off any other items on their website; click here  to get the code.

best travel guides 2022

Distant Melodies: Music in Search of Home *

By Edward Dusinberre

Combining travel writing with insights into the working lives of string-quartet musicians, Dusinberre illuminates the relationship between music and home by discovering ways in which the former tweaks our longing for a place of one’s own. And when travel is forbidden, he finds the ability of music to affirm home and transcend distance takes on extra significance.

best travel guides 2022

Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects

By Jean De Pomereu and Daniella McCahey

This book retraces the history of Antarctica through fascinating objects drawn from collections across the world. It has been published to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the first crossing into the Antarctic Circle by James Cook aboard the ship Resolution, on 17 January 1773. As such, it presents a gloriously visual history of the White Continent, from Terra Incognita to the expeditions of Shackleton and Scott, to its emergence as the frontline of climate change.

best travel guides 2022

brother. do. you. love. me. *

By Mani Coe & Reuben Coe

Reuben is living in a home, struggling to accept that he has Down’s syndrome, when he sends the titular text message to his brother, Mani, who lives in Spain. Mani returns to England and moves the pair into a farm cottage, rebuilding their relationship through walks in the area in what is a moving paean to brotherhood.

best travel guides 2022

Everything the Light Touches *

By Janice Pariat

A wonderful example of fiction with a strong sense of place. This book journeys across continents as the centuries intertwine in a multi-layered saga that unfolds through the lives of four unique characters, taking us to Italy, India’s north-east and the forests of the lower Himalaya on journeys that change the lives of its protagonists forever.

best travel guides 2022

Parsi: From Persia to Bombay – Recipes & Tales from the Ancient Culture *

By Farokh Talati

Farokh Talati, head chef of London’s acclaimed Spitalfields eatery St John Bread and Wine, gathers recipes from his travels through India and time spent in the kitchen with family. Blending Persian and Indian cooking from west London all the way to Gujarat and beyond, his life is told through recipes, stories and photographs in what becomes something of a love letter to the Parsi culture and people.

best travel guides 2022

Atlas of Geographical Curiosities *

By Vitali Vitaliev

This compendium of curious, interesting, unexpected and downright bizarre geographical anomalies is filled with fun tidbits to reel off to friends. The world is full of little-known corners that have often been the result of diplomatic horse-trading or overly ambitious armies. Discover countries that do not really exist, the world’s only town that lies entirely underground, a hotel room whose bedroom is in France and whose bathroom is in Switzerland, and lots more.

best travel guides 2022

36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake District *

By Robert Twigger

Armed only with an inflatable canoe, Twigger – a man resolutely fascinated by uninhabited isles – journeys beyond the tourists and busy roads to explore Cumbria’s finest. In doing so, he visits both real and remembered islands, drawing inspiration from the Lakeland poets, Alfred Wainwright and others, to redraw his own map of the Lakes and visit a place very different to the one we know.

best travel guides 2022

The Last Overland *

By Alex Bescoby Crossing 23 countries on the mother of all road trips, filmmaker Alex Bescoby recreates a journey originally documented in the mid-1950s, when a group of students drove for the first time from London to Singapore in a pair of Land Rovers. The aim here is to do it all in reverse (not literally), as the author seeks to return one of the original vehicles home, bookending one of the great overland adventures of the last century in buccaneering fashion.

best travel guides 2022

Landlines *

By Raynor Winn Raynor Winn knows the health of her husband is declining, so they set off on another healing walk in what is a sequel of sorts to her last book, The Salt Path. Together, they embark on a 1,600km journey from Scotland to the familiar shores of the South West Coast Path, through Northumberland, the North York Moors and Wales. Each step is recorded in luminous prose as she greets strangers and friends, wildlife and wilderness along the way.

best travel guides 2022

The Writer’s Journey *

By Travis Elborough When writers step outside of their familiar surroundings, special things can often happen, as this collection charting the 35 routes that changed the lives and legacies of some literary giants, from Charles Dickens to Herman Melville, adroitly shows.

best travel guides 2022

By Sarah Malik Safar is the Urdu and Arabic word for ‘journey’. Through a series of interviews with Muslim women from different backgrounds, Sarah Malik delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of travel with often moving results.

best travel guides 2022

Into Iraq *

By Michael Palin In the literary companion to his latest TV series, Palin tracks the River Tigris through Iraq to get a sense of what life is like now in a region that was once the cradle of civilisation but has suffered greatly. There are plenty of patches of light amid the gloom, as the author’s warmth and humour shines through in a vivid portrait of a complex country. 

Read next Wanderlust's exclusive interview with Michael Palin on Iraq

best travel guides 2022

Britain’s Best Bike Ride *

By Hannah Reynolds & John Walsh

There are multiple ways to cycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, and the route created for this book takes inspiration from just how many there are, highlighting the myriad quiet roads, quaint villages and wild landscapes along the way that are worth detouring for. The result is a wonderfully illustrated guide that puts the choice in your hands. 

best travel guides 2022

Endurance *

By Levison Wood

In this engaging anthology, explorer and Edward Stanford Travel Writing Award-winner Levison Wood gathers 100 accounts of human endurance throughout history. Packed full of you-couldn’t-make-it-up stories and adventures, he finds plenty of meat in the enduring nature of the human spirit and the physical determination that it sometimes takes to achieve one’s goals. 

best travel guides 2022

Bridges of the World *

By Giancarlo Ascari & Pia Valentinis

Throughout history, bridges have been used as a way to link people, places and cultures. This collection of stories uses its subject matter as a jumping-off point to explore legends, anecdotes and the inspirational lives of those who designed, built and crossed some of the greatest bridges of the world.

best travel guides 2022

Tourists: How the British Went Abroad to Find Themselves

By Lucy Lethbridge A fascinating study of the emergence of the UK’s travel industry, from the end of the Napoleonic Wars through to the package holiday boom and on to the Instagram era, taking in tour guides and guide books along the way. Lethbridge casts a canny, sharp eye on the British traveller’s often-misguided perceptions of both themselves and their hosts.

best travel guides 2022

My Family and Other Enemies

By Mary Novakovich

Part-travelogue, part-memoir, Mary Novakovich focuses on the relatively little-known Lika region in central Croatia as the battleground for exploring her own complicated relationship with the country and her family’s roots. As she visits and revisits her relatives over the years, she crafts a moving, living portrait of the landscape, the people who inhabit it and the culture and history surrounding them.

best travel guides 2022

By Erika Fatland

Having established herself as one of travel writing’s rising stars with Sovietstan and Border, Erika Fatland ascends to new heights with her fascinating journey among the isolated villages spanning the fractious borders that divide up the Himalaya region. Expect a collision of religion, history, tradition and politics at the roof of the world.

best travel guides 2022

The Draw of the Sea

By Wyl Menmuir What is it about the water that calls us back to it? Using Cornwall and its communities as his muse, author Wyl Menmuir poetically explores our fascination with and dependence on the sea. He talks to fishermen, beachcombers, surfers and other locals about living their lives by the tides, and explores his own personal emotional connection to the water.

best travel guides 2022

Island to Island: From Somerset to Seychelles

By Sally Mills

Isolated, with neither electricity nor running water yet teeming with rare species, Aride Island in the Seychelles is the stuff of Robinson Crusoe-esque dreams. It was certainly enticing enough to lure conservationist Sally Mills and her husband to take a job there. This account of their 20-month experience managing the Aride Island Nature Reserve is a blend of wondrous wildlife and hard decisions, as they try to bridge the vast culture gap with the local rangers.

best travel guides 2022

Taverna by the Sea: One Greek Island Summer

By Jennifer Barclay

More than one traveller has dreamt of spending the summer working at a bar overlooking the Aegean. For her latest intimate insight into Greek island life and culture, Jennifer Barclay does just that, finding herself serving customers and fending off vicious competition at the titular taverna in the old village of Olympos on the Dodecanese island of Karpathos.

best travel guides 2022

The Raven’s Nest

By Sarah Thomas

The otherworldly scenery of Iceland seems to capture most visitors’ imaginations, but Sarah Thomas fell hard for its rugged charms – and a local, too – and quickly decamped to the island. While her marriage plays out in the background, the book details Thomas’ growing connection to and understanding of that extraordinary landscape and the people and wildlife that call it home.

Read next Wanderlust: Off the Page - the brand new travel podcast

best travel guides 2022

Zero Altitude: How I Learned to Fly Less and Travel More

By Helen Coffey It’s no secret that travel has a flying issue, but can we really avoid it and the environmental harm it does? Yes, reckons Helen Coffey, whose book explores flight-free science and thinking with her on-the-road attempts to put it into practice. The opportunities that open up for adventure are encouraging.

best travel guides 2022

Along the Amber Route

By CJ Schüler Now out in paperback, CJ Schüler’s acclaimed – and timely – account of following the millennia-old trade route of those supplying amber to high-end customers takes him from St Petersburg down to Venice, tracing a history of Central European progress and suffering along the way.

best travel guides 2022

Wild Places

By Sarah Baxter

The draw of the wild – the remote, the untamed, the inhospitable, the bizarre – has long spurred travellers forward. Here long-standing Wanderlust contributor Sarah Baxter collects 25 raw areas to visit, from UK spots like Ennerdale, St Kilda and Strumble Head to Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest and New Zealand’s Te Wāhipounamu, all colourfully illustrated by Amy Grimes.

best travel guides 2022

By Leonie Charlton

A paperback release for those who missed Leonie Charlton’s beautifully written memoir about pony trekking in the Outer Hebrides first time around. The journey serves as a cathartic expedition for the grieving writer – but also a great sketch of one of the UK’s wildernesses.

best travel guides 2022

Shape of a Boy

By Kate Wickers

Becoming a parent has put paid to many a traveller’s ambitions. Not Kate Wickers, who relays her family’s misadventures in the likes of Japan, Cuba and Borneo and what she found out on her journeys – usually learned the hard way, and often the funniest way too.

best travel guides 2022

A Trip of One’s Own

By Kate Wills

After her marriage falls apart within a year, journalist Kate Wills takes inspiration from a litany of female travellers and writers throughout history – from Emily Hahn to Gertrude Bell, to Virginia Woolf – to experience the world on her own terms. This memoir recounts her solo journeys and collects plenty of tips for travellers. Now out in paperback.

best travel guides 2022

From the Cliffs of Cornwall to Kilimanjaro

By Eric Marks

Eric Marks, a sprightly 75-year-old, has an ambition to join his nephew and climb Africa’s highest peak. But before he can get to Tanzania, Marks needs to get into trekking shape. This is how he finds himself tackling large northern sections of the South East Coast Path – from Minehead to St Just – where he picks up a taste for walking and meets plenty of characters along the way.

best travel guides 2022

Lost Lanes Central

By Jack Thurston

With many post-pandemic cyclists continuing to enjoy the delights of home, you can avoid the crush of the pack with this guide to 36 routes of varying ability in the under-appreciated Midlands and beyond, taking in the likes of Lincolnshire, Shropshire, the Peaks and the Lakes.

best travel guides 2022

The Slow Road to Tehran

By Rebecca Lowe

Figuring that the best way to discover the truth about a place is to experience it yourself, Rebecca Lowe grabbed her bicycle to wind 11,000km through the Middle East. Taking her from Europe to Iran via Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan and the Gulf, the novice cyclist’s oft-punctured journey allows her to see the human faces behind the headlines. Illuminating, gripping and often funny.

best travel guides 2022

The Green Traveller

By Richard Hammond

It’s something of an understatement to say that green considerations are a major concern for travellers and tour operators alike these days. It’s certainly a reality that the founder of greentraveller.co.uk, Richard Hammond (not the guy from Top Gear), takes very seriously. Here he provides handy tips on helping you plan an eco-conscious trip, including ways to see through “greenwashing” and how to be a more thoughtful visitor, as well as lists for destination inspiration.

best travel guides 2022

The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa’s Greatest Lake

By Mark Weston

Once one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Lake Victoria and the communities that rely on it are grappling with the devastating results of climate change. Mark Weston goes to live on an island on the Tanzanian side of the lake, and paints a vivid picture of a way of life under man-made threat.

best travel guides 2022

Wanderlust Himalaya

Edited by Cam Honan

Get a widescreen dose of trekking inspiration with this glossy guide that’s part coffee-table read, part practical advice. Taking you through Nepal, Bhutan, India, Tibet and Pakistan via maps, alternative itineraries and tips from those who have done it, this book will still look sharp on your shelf while you’re out wandering the roof of the world.  

best travel guides 2022

Walking with Nomads

By Alice Morrison

Adventurer Alice Morrison’s passion for her adopted homeland of Morocco takes her on three expeditions across it, centred on the Draa River, the Sahara and the Atlas mountains. But she doesn’t just shine a fascinating, intimate light on the life and culture outside of the cities – as well as on the sex lives of camels – but also the threat that climate change poses to this already challenging landscape.  

best travel guides 2022

By Simon Parker

People travel for all sorts of reasons. In Simon Parker’s case, it’s to heal. With a close friend dying and COVID-19 looming large – sparking a suppressed anxiety disorder – he sets off on a 5,500km journey around Britain on a bicycle. Along the way he discovers a new sense of hope and optimism, not just in himself but in a country blearily emerging from lockdown.  

best travel guides 2022

Galapagos Crusoes: A Year Alone with the Birds

By Bryan & June Nelson

Imagine spending a whole year on the Galápagos Islands. The late zoologist Bryan Nelson’s 1968 ornithological classic gets updated with the input of his wife, June. Having undertaken the isolated, wild study with him, she further fleshes out the experience of living alone (and often roughly) in this wildlife paradise.

The Architectural Guides

The Architectural Guides

A good way to truly understand a country is through its architecture, revealing the true history of culture, politics and economics than underpin it. DOM publishers’ The Architectural Guides don’t just provide an excellently curated list of the most intriguing buildings in a destination for visitors to seek out, but also the context behind their construction and ideas they represent. Successfully combining DOM publishers’ joint passion for architecture and high-quality books, the 150-strong series is not only one of the best on-to-go travel guides to appreciate some more off-the-beaten track destinations – including Bishkek, Iran, Kabul, Kazakhstan, Minsk, Sofia, Tunis and the UAE – but beautifully constructed enough to simply inspire armchair travellers at home. You can find the full catalogue at dom-publishers.com .

The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century Edited by Jessica Vincent

The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century Edited by Jessica Vincent

The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century

Edited by Jessica Vincent

The best travel writing inspires and educates at the same time. Collecting together 30 of the best travel stories of the last two decades, this book doesn’t just send us around the world, but brings it a little closer to us too. And obviously Wanderlust is featured in it!

Crossed off the Map By Shafik Meghji

Crossed off the Map By Shafik Meghji

Crossed off the Map

By Shafik Meghji

Wanderlust contributor and South America expert Shafik’s new title uses a mix of travel writing, history and reportage to tell the story of Bolivia – how its impressive influence helped shape the world, and how its people are responding to the modern world. 

Great Escapes: Alps

Great Escapes: Alps

Europe’s big mountains are gaining travellers’ attention, especially out of ski season. This coffee table book reveals the most picturesque places to stay – historic inns, monasteries, mountain huts, palazzi, even a youth hostel – balancing the accommodation imagery with the widescreen scenery.

How to Become a Professional Travel Writer By Mark Eveleigh & Narina Exelby

How to Become a Professional Travel Writer By Mark Eveleigh & Narina Exelby

How to Become a Professional Travel Writer

By Mark Eveleigh & Narina Exelby

Fancy becoming the next Paul Theroux? This handy title breaks down the practical realities of becoming a proper ‘getting paid’ travel journalist – how to pitch, how to get on press trips, how to balance the books and, of course, tips on actually writing the pieces. 

Black Lion By Sicelo Mbatha

Black Lion By Sicelo Mbatha

By Sicelo Mbatha

The moving, inspirational tale of how Sicelo Mbatha was irresistibly drawn to becoming a guide in South Africa’s Imfolozi Nature Reserve, shaking off a childhood trauma and instead forging an astonishing spiritual connection to the wilderness.

Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain By Matthew Green

Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain By Matthew Green

Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain

By Matthew Green

Historian Green goes on a moving journey across Britain to find the ghosts of places that found themselves lost – whether through disaster or mis-deed – telling the disappeared occupants’ long unheard stories.

Epic Train Journeys By Monisha Rajesh

Epic Train Journeys By Monisha Rajesh

Epic Train Journeys

By Monisha Rajesh

Mixing the spectacular with a good selection of the niche and little-known, the 40 journeys is this well-presented photobook take you from the Andean Explorer in Peru through to The Ghan in Australia.  

Life Lessons From the Amazon by Pip Stewart

Life Lessons From the Amazon by Pip Stewart

Life Lessons From the Amazon

By Pip Stewart

Following her gruelling world’s-first 1,014km journey following Guyana’s Essequibo River from source to sea, Pip Stewart bring home with her a lot of life lessons and a flesh-eating disease. In this absorbing read, she shares the story of her encounters with caiman, jaguars and the indigenous Waî Waî community – and the life-changing perspectives that the experience gave her.

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best travel guides 2022

The 22 Best Places to Go in 2022

By CNT Editors

Fontainhas Santo Antão Cape Verde

This was the year of getting back out there—as vaccines became readily available in the spring and borders opened slowly throughout the summer and fall, our travel calendars began to fill up once again. Now, as we look ahead to what 2022 has in store, it’s clear that our travel priorities have changed. We’re no longer checking destinations off a list; instead we’re being purposeful about why we choose to take a trip, and thoughtful about how our actions impact local communities while we’re there.

This year’s list of the best places to visit reflects these shifts in thinking: We’ve organized these destinations based on some of our favorite reasons to travel, from exhilarating food and drink scenes and historic sites to explore, to new places to soak in the great outdoors. We hope it makes it easier to plan your next big trip—and helps you narrow down where to go first of the 22 exciting places that made our 2022 list. — Stephanie Wu All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Image may contain Food Egg Confectionery Sweets Dessert and Meal

Birmingham, Alabama

Downtown Birmingham is feeling more revitalized than ever, as several historic buildings have been reimagined as restaurants by local chefs. Five-time James Beard finalist Rob McDaniel, who grew up 80 miles from the city, opened contemporary Southern grill Helen in 2020 inside a 1920s shotgun-style building. You can smell his wood-fired meats from the sidewalk, and inside every meal starts with warm angel biscuits topped with whipped cane syrup butter. A block away at The Essential , Southern-bred chef Victor King and pastry chef Kristen Hall have partnered with farmers to serve vegetable-heavy dishes, homemade pastas, and the tastiest desserts in town (look for Parisian-inspired Bar La Fête from the duo in early 2022).

There’s plenty to do downtown as well. The new Urban Supply mixed-use development will bring century-old warehouses in the Parkside neighborhood back to life with restaurants, bars, shopping, and fitness studios when it’s completed in mid-2022. City Walk BHAM is also in the works, adding markets, green spaces, and food trucks to city blocks beneath Interstate 59/20. The project is set to be complete by summer 2022, when the Magic City will serve as the first American host for The World Games , an 11-day, 34-sport event (including tug of war and wheelchair rugby) expected to draw 500,000 spectators. While downtown has its share of big-box hotels for groups, find a quieter stay at Elyton Hotel in a restored historic building, or the boutique Valley Hotel in Homewood, a mere 10 minutes away. —Kelsey Ogletree

Salon 1905 Belgrade Serbia

Since the dissolution of Yugoslavia 30 years ago, many of its constituent nations (Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro) have emerged as major tourism hubs. Yet Serbia has taken a backseat—until now. Belgrade has earned a reputation as a culinary destination, and the Michelin Guide will soon bestow stars on the city, celebrating its East-meets-West cuisine which draws liberally from neighboring Greek, Turkish, and Central European influences. Standout restaurants include Langouste, run by chef Guillaume Iskandar, whose work at Paris’s Garance earned the place a Michelin star. And the opulent Salon 1905 (pictured) serves a tasting menu with Serbian wine pairings that proves domestic truffles, cheeses, and charcuterie can hold their own against Europe’s best.

The nightlife-rich capital city is often compared to Berlin in the ’90s, but its cool-kid persona is getting a luxe upgrade in 2022 with the opening of a St. Regis. The hotel will be set within a 42-floor tower that will be the tallest skyscraper in the Balkans outside of Istanbul and will anchor the new $3 billion Belgrade Waterfront urban revitalization district, a collection of gleaming high-rises and green spaces.

Meanwhile, Serbia’s second city, Novi Sad, has been named one of three European Capitals of Culture for 2022, marking one of the first non-E.U. cities to receive the honor. A progressive hub of music, art, and literature set along the Danube River, Novi Sad has opened several new venues in preparation for its close-up: a former pasta factory, a silk-dyeing facility, and an 1890s château have been transformed into contemporary art galleries and performance spaces that will host events and exhibitions throughout the year. —Nicholas DeRenzo

Credo Restaurant Trøndelag County Norway

Trøndelag County, Norway

Central Norway’s Trøndelag County has become a world-renowned food region in recent years. The area’s diverse landscape—forests, mountains, fjords, and fields—produces high-quality seafood, organic dairy products, and fresh vegetables, which farmers share locally and with restaurants around the world.

Trondheim-Trøndelag was named the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 , and to see what all the fuss is about, food connoisseurs should start at the newly refurbished Britannia Hotel to dine at Michelin-starred Speilsalen , Norway’s Restaurant of the Year 2020. Indulge in head chef Christopher Davidsen’s signature dish, featuring scallops from the island of Frøya fried in organic butter from the town of Røros and served with celery and caviar. Visit Bula Neobistro for chef Renée Fagerhoei’s lamb from Madsøy island with anchovy and green pepper sauce. Stop by chef Heidi Bjerkan’s one-Michelin-star Credo (pictured) for the grilled langoustine tail or langoustine soup, and wrap up your tasting tour at Kraft Bodega , where chef Thomas Bogan serves a delicious dessert of waffles with porcini ice cream, Norwegian apples, and brown cheese—all dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

The region hosts several annual celebrations, like the Trondheim Wine Festival in March, the Trondheim Brewery Festival and the Trøndelag Food Festival , one of Europe’s largest, both in July, and the Trondheim Gin Festival in August. Consider timing your visit around one of these events, where you’re bound to be surrounded by like-minded gourmands. —Kwin Mosby

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Banff Gondola

Alberta, Canada

Alberta’s turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains have always attracted crowds, but there’s a new draw as international travelers return : a spotlight on the area’s Indigenous heritage.

Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum, is now home to the Indigenous Peoples Experience , a 30,000-square-foot immersive exhibit exploring First Nations and Métis culture. For a deeper dive into the region’s thriving Métis community, head to cultural interpretation center Métis Crossing , which recently debuted its new wildlife park and will open a 40-room boutique lodge accented with Métis artwork this month. Later this winter, the property will also launch Whispers from the Stars, an evening experience where Métis knowledge holders will tell stories of the constellations.

The annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in the dark sky preserve of Jasper National Park is also including more Indigenous voices in its programming (think drone light shows narrated by Indigenous leaders). Those planning a stay in Jasper can look forward to the June opening of a new 88-room wilderness-themed hotel from local hospitality and attractions company Pursuit .

And Banff has debuted new experiences including the 360° Dome , a private outdoor dining venue at Fairmont Banff Springs that pairs local fare like bison short ribs with Bow Valley views. Next summer, the historic hotel will debut a $28-million renovation of its Royal Suite and Fairmont Gold rooms. Those visiting this winter can cap off the evening at the Banff Gondola with Nightrise, a multi-sensory experience (running December 2 to March 12) that highlights the historical significance of the Stoney Nakoda Nation through multimedia storytelling against a backdrop of alpenglow-drenched mountains. —Julia Eskins

Hauser  Wirth Menorca on Isla del Rey

Balearic Islands, Spain

Rugged landscapes, a laidback lifestyle, and Ibiza’s infamous party scene have long drawn travelers to the sun-bleached shores of the Balearic Islands. Over the past year, though, the archipelago off the east coast of mainland Spain has refocused its ambitions toward art.

Last summer’s opening of Hauser & Wirth Menorca (pictured)—a new arts center and the gallery’s latest international outpost—was just the starting point. Located on the historic Illa del Rei in Manorca’s Mahón harbor, the site has taken over an 18th-century naval hospital and outlying buildings. With eight galleries, a restaurant, shop, garden, and an outdoor sculpture trail with works by Frank West, Louise Bourgeois, and Eduardo Chillida, it puts the sleepy Balearic island on the international art map with big-name exhibitions, educational activities, and sustainable initiatives .

Art and design stand out at the archipelago’s new hospitality offerings, too. In Mallorca, Can Ferrereta , a boutique hotel housed in a restored 17th-century building, features a Maison Assouline-curated library and works by local and Spanish artists—Joan Miró, Riera i Aragó, Bárbara Vidal—in all its 32 rooms and communal spaces. On relaxed Formentera, the recently opened Casa Pacha has stylish retro interiors by Patricia Galden Studio and statement decorative objects from local artisans. Meanwhile on the hard-partying isle, the Six Senses Ibiza will feature farm-to-table dining, music, art, wellness, and sustainable fashion, as the Balearics’ first BREEAM -certified resort. 2022’s debuts— El Vicenç de la Mar and the Kimpton Hotel Santa Ponsa , both in Mallorca—are bound to have unique draws of their own. —Marianna Cerini

The Loutrel Charleston South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston will honor its African roots in a big way in 2022. The long-awaited International African American Museum is slated to open in the fall, and will examine the African diaspora and Charleston’s role housing one of the largest slave ports in the U.S. The museum sits on the hallowed site of said port, Gadsden’s Wharf, where the tide washes in and out near contemplative gardens. The exhibits will tackle centuries of difficult history and highlight contemporary Black artists, while the genealogy center is designed to help visitors connect the past to the present through their own family trees.

Music lovers will have plenty to look forward to at the Spoleto Festival USA , one of the country’s most prestigious classical music events. The opera Omar , which will have its world premiere at Spoleto, explores the life of a Muslim African scholar who was captured on the border of Senegal and Mauritania in 1807 and enslaved in Charleston. Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens co-composed the score with Michael Abels, best known for his work on the films Get Out and Us. Shortly after, the city will join its three main Juneteenth festivals into a bigger and better Lowcountry Juneteenth Experience to wrap up the celebration.

The historic district has plenty of new places to stay, dine, and further explore the city’s origins. Luxury hotel The Loutrel (pictured) is inspired by Charleston’s renowned gardens, with expansive views from its rooftop terrace, and The Residences at Zero George provide longer stays for those who love the elegance of the award-winning hotel. Finally, don’t miss the refined, creative southern dishes at Lenoir , served by James Beard Award winner Vivian Howard, and traditional French cuisine at Brasserie La Banque . —Sarah Enelow-Snyder

Mandarin Oriental Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul’s cultural scene is poised for the global spotlight in 2022. Billions of dollars have been poured into urban renewal projects that are finally coming to fruition. “I’ve lived here for 23 years and I can really see a major transformation,” says Karen Fedorko, founder of Sea Song Tours . Travelers can follow the newly established  Beyoğlu Culture Road —a two-hour walking trail that knits together many of the city’s new and restored attractions. Begin at Taksim Square to visit the newly built Taksim Mosque and Atatürk Cultural Center, a once-abandoned 1960s architectural icon that has been faithfully restored to house an opera hall, theater, rooftop restaurant, and a façade where live performances are projected. Strolling down Istiklal Street, pop into the beautified Atlas Cinema and neoclassical Istanbul Cinema Museum  before making your way to the Galata Tower. The medieval stone landmark’s redone rooftop is the place for a view of the city’s fabled east-meets-west skyline. The route culminates at the Bosphorus where Galataport , a new arts and culture hub in the Karaköy neighborhood, touts a newly minted world-class cruise terminal, restaurants from international chefs, a revamped fine arts and sculpture museum , and a refurbished Ottoman clock tower in Tophane Square. Opening late next year along the waterfront is the highly anticipated new home of contemporary art museum Istanbul Modern , whose show-stopping Renzo Piano design will house the works of big-name Turkish artists. Travelers can bed down in the just-opened Bosphorus-facing Mandarin Oriental in Kurucesme (pictured) or the Four Seasons in Sultanahmet, which will reopen in 2022 after significant renovation. Or plan a stay at the Peninsula hotel in Karaköy whose waterside rooms, Turkish baths, and swimming pools will give new life to an old port terminal when it debuts at the end of next year. —Nora Walsh

Image may contain Rock Archaeology Slate Cliff Outdoors Nature Hat Clothing Apparel Human and Person

London will be in a festive mood in 2022 as The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign. Events honoring Britain’s longest-serving monarch range from solemn services to rollicking celebrations. The biggest party unfurls over a long weekend, from June 2 to 5, where visitors can join the waving crowds lining The Mall for The Queen’s Birthday Parade (also known as Trooping the Colour), cheer for the races at Epsom Downs, and soak up the street carnival atmosphere of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Raffles introduces its first London hotel with The OWO (pictured), which will house 120 guest rooms and 85 private residences in the splendid Old War Office building that once served as Churchill’s headquarters. If it looks familiar, that might be because the OWO has appeared in five James Bond films. In fact, Ian Fleming was inspired to write the Bond stories when he worked in the building as a naval intelligence officer. 

Other new lodging options include The Peninsula London , overlooking Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, and the Lost Property from Curio Collection by Hilton, combining new accommodations with a preserved façade near St. Paul’s Cathedral. And The Audley, a five-story historic pub in Mayfair, reopens in the fall after an art-filled reimagining by the Hauser & Wirth team, complete with a new restaurant and private dining rooms. —Laura Beausire

Querétaro Mexico

Querétaro, Mexico

Follow any of the shaded, twisting pedestrian alleys in Querétaro, which sits two-hours north of Mexico City , and you’ll arrive at a flower-drenched plaza, often surrounded by Colonial-era convents, palaces, and 18th-century homes, many of which have been converted to modern destination restaurants that rival those of the country’s capital.

Founded by the Otomí people in the 15th century, this city is a crossroads of Indigenous cultures, but has also served as a major base for Franciscan missionaries, a center for silver wealth, and a political seat—in 1917, regional representatives created and signed the country’s constitution. Though Querétaro’s international importance has faded since, its beauty and Baroque architecture remain.

The mid-17th-century Templo y Convento de la Santa Cruz anchors the historic city center, and its recent preservation effort earned Querétaro a nomination for UNESCO’s Jean-Paul L’Allier Prize in 2020, which honors exemplary urban cultural heritage conservation. This might just be the only place in the world where tech and aerospace workers commute on roads that weave under the slim arches remaining from a 1738 aqueduct.

Despite a slow two years during the pandemic and recent flooding, the city is growing as a tourist destination, with new hotels under construction that signal a wider opening to international travelers. One unique offering is already available to book: After sales fell because of COVID, a cheese factory outside of town kept its workers safely on the job by employing them to build the Hotel de Tierra : nine rammed-earth rooms, sustainably built from and on the soil of its adjacent vineyard, Tierra de Alonso. —Naomi Tomky

Rapa Nui Chile

Rapa Nui, Chile

Some 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile in the South Pacific Ocean, UNESCO-listed Rapa Nui is famous for its roughly 900 monolithic moai stone statues sprinkled across the island. Now, just in time for a major anniversary, the world’s most remote inhabited island is preparing to open its borders after almost two years of isolation.

2022 marks 300 years since Dutch explorers arrived on Rapa Nui’s shores on Easter Day, which is how the 64-square-mile volcanic landmass acquired the appellation Easter Island. Locals, however, trace their lineage to a thriving Polynesian civilization dating back to the 4th century and take great pride in their native Rapa Nui language and culture, which has experienced a renaissance during the pandemic. And with less food being brought to the island, there was a boom in ancestral agriculture, yielding a bounty of guava and taro root. Some sustainability-oriented initiatives are in place as well, including proposals to limit the number of visitor arrivals to protect its cultural assets from erosion. When the island reopens to fully vaccinated tourists in February, be the first to stay at the newly branded Nayara Hangaroa , where self-drive ATV tours allow guests to take in iconic attractions like the Ranu Kau crater, moai sites at Rano Raraku quarry and Ahu Tongariki, the Orongo ceremonial village, and Anakena beach at their own leisure. For a complete cultural immersion, tap Abercrombie & Kent for local guides, a traditional meal in a friendly home, and insider’s access to the two-week-long Tapati Festival held every February. —N.W.

Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Train Train Track Railway Rail Wheel Machine and Locomotive

When Portuguese sailors first landed on what is now Cape Verde in 1456, they arrived to a largely untouched archipelago devoid of inhabitants and with few natural resources. This remote group of islands—located 369 nautical miles west of Senegal —soon became a stopping point in the transatlantic slave trade, resulting in the unique blend of Portuguese and West African traditions and heritage (many of today’s residents have roots tracing back to each) that exist on the island today.

This year, Hurtigruten Expeditions will launch sailings to the island country, beginning with a 14-day journey aboard its 180-passenger MS Spitsbergen in November. The company is scheduled to be the only expedition cruise to visit Cape Verde this year—and it’s also their first-ever trip to Africa . The ship will make stops at some of the archipelago’s most notable islands (there are 10 in total, as well as several islets), including Santo Antão, with its hikable misty pine forests and steep-cliff canyons, and Fogo, home to the awe-inspiring (and still-active) 9,281-foot-tall Pico do Fogo volcano, western Africa’s highest peak. For those who aren’t on a cruise, an inter-island ferry system and relatively inexpensive domestic flights makes island-hopping doable, too.

And you’ll want to explore on land: Known for its laid-back vibe and innate hospitality, Cape Verde is considered an LGBTQ+ oasis within Africa thanks to progressive laws. Mindelo, on the island São Vicente, hosts an annual Pride parade that will take place in the summer. As Cape Verde’s cultural capital, this colorful port city is a great place to catch performances of morna, a locally honed, melancholic music symbolizing longing for the African mainland, as well as the rousing tunes of accordion-based funaná . Listen from new Mansa Floating Hub , a futuristic-style floating music center that opened in August atop Mindelo’s Porto Grande Bay. —Laura Kiniry

Pearl Seas Cruises Great Lakes Milwaukee

The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes comprise 95,000 square miles of freshwater flanked by thick forests, historic sights, and skyline-speckled cities. But despite the waterside attractions, this stretch of the upper Midwest and Canada has long been off the cruise-industry map. Soon, those tides will turn.

In spring 2022, Viking’s posh new Octantis expedition ship will sail from Milwaukee, Wisconsin , to Toronto and Thunder Bay, Ontario, meandering by Great Lakes gems such as Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes. The vessel, crafted for Viking’s new Antarctic voyages, welcomes up to 378 guests; it’s the largest Great Lakes cruise option to date.

For something more intimate, French cruise operator Ponant and partner Smithsonian Journeys will unveil their own Great Lakes voyages in fall 2022. Itineraries on ships like the 184-guest Le Bellot run from Toronto to Milwaukee, with a stop at Niagara Falls along the way. Ponant and Viking will share these waterways with small-ship cruise outfitters like Pearl Seas Cruises (pictured), Hapag-Lloyd Cruises , and Plantours Cruises .

Thanks to new infrastructure and accommodations, Great Lakes port cities stand ready to host disembarking guests. Milwaukee will debut several new hotels in 2022, including the Kinn Guesthouse MKE Downtown and The Adams Hotel , while Canada cruise hub Toronto has eight new openings on the docket, including a W Hotel . —Stephanie Vermillion

Seven Stars Kyushu Japan

Kyushu, Japan

The southernmost of Japan’s four major islands, Kyushu is known for its vibrant food culture, abundance of historical sites , subtropical climate, and laid-back reputation.

Despite its seemingly remote location, Kyushu is surprisingly accessible, both by air via Japan’s many domestic carriers and by Shinkansen (bullet train). A flight from Tokyo to Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city, clocks in at just under two hours, while a train trip from Shin-Osaka Station to Fukuoka’s Hakata Station takes roughly two and a half.

Kyushu’s rail network will receive a notable boost when the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, connecting the historic port city of Nagasaki with Takeo Onsen in Saga prefecture, opens in the fall. Foreigners can take advantage of highly discounted rail passes throughout Kyushu, with unlimited rides on all trains operated by the JR Kyushu Railway Company .

Onsen lovers have plenty to choose from in Kyushu as well—hot springs are dotted everywhere from the famed black sand beaches of Ibusuki in Kagoshima prefecture to the rural enclave of Yufuin in Oita. In the summer, Hoshino Resorts will open Kai Yufuin , a luxury property designed by famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, featuring 45 guest rooms in the remote onsen town.

Those looking for a bit more adventure should head to the city of Sasebo in Nagasaki prefecture for a luxury catamaran cruise around the Kujuku Islands. Some packages include meals, but there’s also the option to seek out a Sasebo Burger , a popular item whose influence is traced back in part to the large number of American service members who arrived in the city after World War II. —Kat Bee

Uzbekistan

2021 marked Uzbekistan’s 30th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union, just as a slew of new projects set the foundation for the country to be more accessible than ever.

The new airport terminal at Samarkand, opening this month, is a beautiful introduction to the Islamic architecture style found throughout Uzbekistan. The center of the airport is shaped like an open book in a nod to the work of astronomer Mirzo Ulugbek. The high-speed train network, which opened in 2012, is being extended to the ancient Silk Road town of Khiva in 2022, so visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site from the capital city of Tashkent no longer requires hours in a car weaving through desert dunes. A number of exciting openings and events are also set to take place next year, with the unveiling of the Silk Road Samarkand Complex . It will house restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels including the 22-story Samarkand Regency Hotel, the country’s first five-star stay, in the first half of 2022. The first-ever Silk Road Literary Festival will also take place there in the fall, as well as the grand reopening of the renovated State Museum of Arts , designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. —Michelle Tchea

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In Gabon , where dense rainforests spill onto serene tropical coasts, tourism has barely made a whisper. But adventure seekers, nature lovers, and environmental advocates who visit will find incredible biodiversity, and a country determined to put critical conservation and eco-tourism projects in place before the masses arrive.

With over 70 percent of its territory covered in forest, Gabon has already made its mark in the world of conservation. Over the last two decades, the government has secured 15 percent of its land as protected areas and established 13 national parks , nine marine parks, and 11 aquatic reserves, safeguarding the country’s magnificent wildlife and habitats. With the launch of the African Ecotourism Safari project in March 2021 and the anticipated opening of Petit Loango Lodge in early 2022—the first of the African Conservation Development Group ’s sustainable luxury lodges—the equatorial African nation’s exquisite landscapes are gradually becoming more accessible to adventurous travelers.

Beyond the reaches of Loango, find leatherback turtles nesting in sand dunes along the shores of Pongara National Park, spot whales spouting among crashing blue waves in Mayumba, climb verdant mountains and staggering cliffs in Bateke Plateau, explore historic caves and savanna in Birougou, and marvel over waterfalls plunging into the rapids of the blackwater rivers in Ivindo National Park. You’ll also find low-impact tented camps throughout the country, everywhere from Moabi Tented Camp amid the rolling savanna of Lope National Park, to Pongara Lodge on the pristine beaches and mangrove swamps of the namesake national park on the Atlantic Coast. —Alicia Erickson

San Domenico Palace Taormina A Four Seasons Hotel

Sicily, Italy

Last year, the buzz around Italy's largest island was the opening of two flashy resorts: Villa Igiea in Palermo and the Four Seasons on the east coast. Both are spectacular, but you’d be missing the point of a trip to Sicily if you spent the entire time holed up there. Consider the properties as bookends to a trip exploring the core of the region, where slow-living traditions hum on—and are becoming increasingly dependent on outside visitors to survive. United's long-awaited direct flight from Newark to Palermo may finally launch this year, making the destination easier for Americans to reach than ever before.

South of the Four Seasons in the beautiful, Baroque town of Noto , the regal Seven Rooms is where to stay after dinners of fettuccine ai funghi at Manna and a late night passeggiata with locals past the grand cathedrals. This coming summer, its team will open a small retreat on the nearby seaside (the exact location is yet to be announced). A 15-minute drive away in Ragusa, the cheerful Maria Guastella is one of the only sfilato Siciliano embroiderers keeping what was once a grand Sicilian artform alive, and her workshop is open for visitors. Just down the hill is Rosso Cinabro, the last artisan carettiere (cart maker) whose hand-carved and -painted wagons tell a story of the destination centuries ago.

Heading west, the millenia-old temples at Agrigento are also unmissable. Base yourself nearby in Fontes Episcopi , a divine eco-retreat with an ivy-draped courtyard and a lively farm kitchen; in February, it will open three new stand-alone suites with skylights and terraces just behind the pool and orchards. Closer to Palermo, the men in rainboots working the salt flats by Trapani showcase a tradition increasingly threatened by industrial engineering. Watching them work is extraordinary—like so many of the experiences in Sicily, it is a reminder that often the most important reason to go somewhere is to preserve what has always been there. —Erin Florio

Oasia Resort Sentosa Singapore

For years, Singapore has attracted those at the forefront of finance, technology, and business. Now, a 10-year push to transform the republic into a sustainable city promises to lure more eco-explorers—especially now that vaccinated U.S. travelers no longer have to quarantine upon arrival. Efforts are already underway: At the new ABC Waters at Jurong Lake in Singapore’s west, visitors can discover 12,000 square feet of man-made wetlands via sleek wooden walkways that wend toward expansive views of the lake and the occasional glimpse of otters, Malayan water lizards, and jewel-hued tropical birds. Meanwhile, the Rail Corridor—a cross-country rewilding project and nature trail—recently saw the launch of a central 2.5-mile stretch dotted with relics like the hauntingly solitary Bukit Timah Railway Station office, built in 1932 and abandoned in 2011 when the line was decommissioned.

The plushest beds in town will be at the Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa when it opens in 2022, 135 years after the original Raffles Hotel was established. An all-villa sanctuary, it will house 61 butlered villas amid more than a million square feet of tropical gardens. But there are other options for a fresh green perspective, like the new wellness-focused Oasia Resort (pictured), where you can dine on locally farmed barramundi and get a massage with recycled coffee grounds. And those seeking a getaway that’s even more embedded in nature will soon be able to set up camp at Singapore’s first off-grid accommodation by Sentosa Development Corporation on the uninhabited southern Islands. —Audrey Phoon

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Tropical Honduras , an under-the-radar divers ’ and bird-watchers ’ paradise, is fast becoming a hot spot for eco-conscious travelers.

The Cayos Cochinos Foundation —a nonprofit based in its namesake archipelago off Honduras's Caribbean coast—is one of the many sustainability organizations prioritizing the protection of Honduras's rainforests and barrier reefs . The archipelago is already famous for its cerulean waters, white-sand beaches, and spectacular freediving, but in 2022 the Foundation will launch eco-tours allowing travelers to participate in reef cleanup, spot pink boas on hikes, and join scientists in monitoring turtles.

Back on the mainland, zip-line through 400 acres of pristine rainforest in Rawacala Eco Park , which will launch two new hiking trails and bird-watching platforms alongside a revamp of their zip-line systems in 2022. After exploring Copán’s Mayan ruins , visit the nearby Paseo de los Girasoles , a sunflower plantation put in to improve grazing conditions. Visitors will soon be able to enjoy its new farm-to-table café, pergolas, and hammocks—just try to visit before everyone on Instagram catches wind of this photo-friendly spot.

For eco-friendly accommodations, try Rawacala Eco Park’s sister property, Paraiso Rainforest & Beach Hotel , or its new venture, Paraiso Boutique Hotel, opening in 2022 on Utila . The property—which will offer eco-tours through the Cayos Cochinos Foundation—will employ solar panels and recycle rainwater, in addition to reducing plastic waste by favoring local produce. The Grand Roatán Resort will also reopen as a Kimpton mid-2022 with living green walls, a reverse osmosis water generation plant, and a new spa. —Eva Sandoval

Senglea Malta

Seemingly little more than a few specks on a map of the Adriatic, the island nation of Malta has felt like a well-kept secret among European travelers—it’s accessible, just an hour by plane or ferry from Sicily, and its crystalline waters, surrounded by fossil-studded limestone cliffs, are prime for summer sunbathing and year-round scuba diving. Along the coast, there are a whopping 80 wrecks to dive, and the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit is dedicated to maintaining them. There’s a cultural draw, too, as Arabic, Italian, French, British, and Norman influences intertwine in ancient fortified cities, with a cuisine, traditions, and language unlike any other in the region. The island was first inhabited prior to 5000 B.C., after all, with ancient megalithic temples—like Ġgantija and Ħaġar Qim—where visitors can see its storied past.

This might just be the year the destination becomes less of a secret. In 2021, Viking Cruises launched three new itineraries departing from Malta that sailed the Adriatic and Mediterranean, and the cruise line plans to add additional sailings from Malta in 2023. On land—yet still close to the water—three notable properties have opened, including a Hyatt Regency and Marriott Hotel & Spa in the beach town of St. Julian’s, and the decadent Iniala Harbour House in the capital city of Valletta. New transportation, including a recently launched speed ferry, makes it easier than ever to get from the island of Valletta to Gozo. And as for the food scene? Two more Malta restaurants were added to the Michelin Guide in 2021, including ION at Iniala, for a total of five in the country of less than 500,000 lucky residents. —Megan Spurrell

Panama

Copa Airlines’ popular Panama Stopover program is back, allowing travelers to add a one- to seven-day stopover en route to 36 destinations in South America at no extra cost. There are fewer Americans here than in neighboring Costa Rica, and with hundreds of islands on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides, you won’t be fighting for beach real estate. Make like the mammals and freshwater fauna of the Pliocene era, who migrated between North and South America when the isthmus of Panama formed, and linger awhile to explore Panama’s biodiverse jungles and beaches.

Bocas del Toro is a must-visit, with sprawling beaches that never feel too crowded and turquoise waters home to 95 percent of the coral species found in the Caribbean Sea. Memorable wildlife encounters include nighttime snorkeling in bioluminescent waters and exploring the subterranean lakes of Nivida Bat Cave with the help of headlamps and a knowledgeable guide from Hello Travel Panama .

The mountainous region of Chiriquí is equally enchanting, between its beaches and highlands, where active Volcán Barú looms large. Check in at the new 10-room boutique hotel Finca El Oasis and leave at midnight to hike the summit by daybreak for a panoramic sunrise above the clouds. Fuel your hike with locally grown coffee that you can’t find back home, like Chiriquí’s highly valued Geisha coffee. If a hike sounds too intense, there are off-road tours to the top of the volcano too, and canopy zip-lining right on the property. —Amber Gibson

Sumba Island Indonesia

Sumba, Indonesia

With millions of tourists Eat Pray Love -ing their way around Bali every year, it has become increasingly difficult to find a quiet beach or a waterfall without a gaggle of snap-happy travelers nearby. If you’re after a post-pandemic trip of quietude and untamed wilderness, you’re better off hopping on a 50-minute turboprop flight headed east from Bali, to Sumba.

About twice Bali’s size with only a fraction of its crowds, this rugged island is often compared to Bali before its tourism boom. Here, you’re more likely to share sugar-white beaches with grazing sandalwood ponies, and nosy dolphins will often be the only creatures you’re riding a wave with. And there’s more to love: hike through frozen-in-time hilltop villages bookended by ancient stone megaliths, swim in glassy lagoons, and bear witness to pasola, a boisterous ceremonial spear fighting competition (not for the faint of heart), typically scheduled between February and mid-March.

Though Nihi Sumba put the island on the map for deep-pocketed surfers back in 2012, a new crop of boutique resorts now make a five-star visit slightly more affordable. Opened in April 2020, Alamayah combines six rattan-wrapped suites with an Ayurvedic spa and Turkish hammam, plus a restaurant where plant-based dishes and remedial potions by an in-house herbalist take center stage. Mid-2022, Cap Karoso will open a small village of 47 suites and 20 beachfront villas on Sumba’s western tip. Its design melds the French owners’ Parisian flair with Sumbanese ikat and carved wood panels, while the resort’s organic farm will double as an agricultural school and artist atelier. With these hotels making efforts towards sustainable tourism development (Cap Karoso partnered with southwest Sumba’s governor for a 2022 launch of the Kodi Reserve, a coral restoration and reforestation program), the island is unlikely to follow in Bali’s trampled footsteps anytime soon. —Chris Schalkx

West Virginia

West Virginia

Our collective obsession with the outdoors this past year turned out to be fortuitous timing for West Virginia: Last December’s $2.3 trillion stimulus package redesignated the New River Gorge as America’s newest—and the state’s first—national park and preserve in an effort to promote tourism. Comprising some 73,000 acres, the park features 1,000-foot-high sandstone cliffs for climbing, 53 miles of river for whitewater rafting, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, which you can traverse on a guided trek across its 24-inch-wide catwalk.

But it’s not just national parks that benefited: West Virginia state parks are on track to hit a record 10 million visitors this year, and lawmakers approved $42 million in budget surplus for infrastructure improvements, including 20 new cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest and 25 new tree house cabins at Beech Fork State Park. Meanwhile, the new Elk River Rail Trail in central West Virginia is transforming an old railroad line once used to transport coal into a hiking and biking path that, at an eventual 74 miles, will be one of the longest trails east of the Mississippi.

If you need a little more comfort during your stay, the Hotel Morgan recently reopened in Morgantown. The space dates back to 1925 and has hosted the likes of Harry Truman and Eleanor Roosevelt. Next up is the new Schoolhouse Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, which will open in the town’s 1912 high school building. Financed by the Disability Opportunity Fund, the boutique property is being hailed as the world’s first fully accessible hotel, with each of the 30 rooms and suites designed to accommodate wheelchair users. —N.D.

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The Rough Guide to 2022

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

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  • the-rough-guide-to-2022

written by Joanne Owen

updated 8.12.2021

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We asked, and you answered! Huge thanks to the hundreds of travellers who took the time to take the Rough Guides 2022 Travel Survey. From the wheres, whats and worries of travelling in 2022, to your dream destinations and deep-rooted travel aims, the results make for fascinating reading.

2022 Travel Trends

Your number one dream destination japan, crazy about staycations, going green in 2022, active adventuring is in, luxury is out, no work, all play, 2022: a year to explore and recharge.

  • Alone time? No thanks – together is better

Travel is crucial to your good mental health

  • Half of you told us: "I live to travel"
  • Japan is your fantasy trip
  • But Italy is where you'll actually go
  • Forget relaxing –  adventure is top of your list
  • Staycations are here to stay
  • Sustainability matters
  • Out of office! Travel is not a time for work
  • Travel is essential for good mental health

Read on to discover more about what travel really means to you, our readers, in 2022.

In terms of money's-no-object, all-time fantasy destinations, Japan  came out top, followed by  New Zealand ,  Australia  and the  USA .  Costa Rica  and  the Maldives  were up there, too.

If you're one of those dreaming of heading Stateside next year, don't miss the best places in the USA to visit in 2022 .

Wherever you're dreaming of visiting, with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips a local expert in your chosen destination will work with you to plan and book a trip that's just right for you. Or, you can choose from a number of ready-to-go (but fully customisable!) Tailor-Made Trip itineraries .

Osaka castle with cherry blossom. Japanese spring beautiful scene ,Osaka,Japan

Osaka Castle framed by cheery cherry blossom, Japan © Shutterstock

Moving from dreams to reality (where money is a consideration), we asked where you intend to travel in 2022.

Just under a quarter of you plan to travel somewhere close to home, so it looks like the staycation trend is here to stay. If you're planning a UK holiday next year, don't miss our guide to the UK's best eco-friendly hotels and restaurants .

That said, plenty of you are planning to travel to Europe, with  Italy  revealed as your number one destination, followed by  France ,  Spain ,  Portugal  and  Greece .

The USA is popular too, demonstrating a significant intention to travel further afield. If America happens to be top of your own 2022 wish-list, you’ll find inspiration in  The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA .

Charleston SC, a historic Antebellum home flies the American flag in Charleston, South Carolina ©  James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

Flying the flag in Charleston, South Carolina, USA © James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

From the breadth of destinations you mentioned, it's clear that Rough Guides readers are set on seeing the world in 2022. Wherever you go and however you like to travel, there's a Rough Guides guidebook or ebook to get you there.

A quarter of respondents have the environment is on their mind as they look to 2022. If this is you, don't miss our tips for travelling more sustainably and discover what Rough Guides readers are willing to do to play their part in the results of our sustainable travel survey .

If sustainable travel matters to you, talk to a Rough Guides local expert before planning your next trip. They'll help you arrange a trip that has sustainability at its heart.

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Elafonissi beach in Crete © Shutterstock

Yes, you read that right. Over a third of you declared adventure to be a priority, while only 8 percent plan to take a wellness break, or a luxury travel experience. Yearning for adventure in 2022? Don't miss our guide to the world's best adventure destinations .

costa-rica-rafting-shutterstock_1112629913

Wild water rafting adventures in Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Culture-oriented city sojourns are top of your plans, too – a third of you intend to take a city break in 2022.

A host of you plan to visit Italy and with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips , you can book a trip that’s carefully curated to satisfy your cultural (and culinary) cravings in one hit, such as on a tour of  Italian cities of the Renaissance .

St Mark's Square from the Grand canal. Venice, Italy © volkova natalia/Shutterstock

St Mark's Square from the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © volkova natalia/Shutterstock

While city breaks look set to play a big part in 2022 travel, many participants said they’re planning a beach break, and (chiming with your desire for adventure), a quarter of you want to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experiences.

This desire for beach and bucket list breaks reflect the likes of  Costa Rica  and the Maldives cropping up as your most desired destinations. Both deliver big when it comes to  world-class beaches  and exhilarating outdoor pursuits.

Barafundle Bay Wales

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, a world-class beach in Wales © Shutterstock

Back to adventure again (there really is no getting away from it), wildlife-oriented travel, such as safaris , are a 2022 priority for many.

If you're looking for a wildlife-centred itinerary, discover the highlights of East Africa with Tailor-Made Trips Gorillas, Big Five and Zanzibar tour.

Cuba and Costa Rica are amazing destinations for wildlife-watchers (especially bird-lovers), with stunning eco-lodges to stay in as part of a sustainably-minded adventure experience. How about a room with magnificent mountain views in Costa Rica's Monteverde cloud forest?

Kilimanjaro safari © Shutterstock

A true bucket list experience – Kilimanjaro safari © Shutterstock

All that considered, it’s also no surprise that a whopping 70 percent, of you said you refuse to work during your 2022 travels, while just over a quarter might occasionally check your work emails. 

What do you want from travel in 2022? A resounding number of you expressed a desire to  recharge and enjoy the emotional and mental benefits of travel.

If you've been missing that incomparable feeling of counting down the days to your trip, you're not alone – 22 percent of you love looking forward to a trip almost as much as the trip itself.

Astronomical or Solar Clock with skeleton sculpture, Prague Old Town, Czech Republic © SL-Photography/Shutterstock

Counting down counts for a lot. Astronomical Clock, Prague, Czech Republic © SL-Photography/Shutterstock

Alone time? No thanks – together is better

Given that we’ve spent so long in various states of isolation, it’s no surprise that a mere 3.6 percent of participants are hoping for some alone time.

Many more of you cited reconnecting with family as one of their key hoped-for travel aims. In addition, 15 percent of respondents plan to take a multi-generational trip.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands © Maridav / Shutterstock

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii – another of your dream destinations © Maridav / Shutterstock

Over 62 percent acknowledge the pandemic has changed the way they feel about travel in 2022, with most of those respondents citing that they are now wary of the speed at which a situation can change.

The pandemic has also made travellers more determined to fulfil their  bucket list dreams and make their travel experiences more meaningful.

mask-dance-tibet-nepal-shutterstock_705287206

Tradtiional mask dance in Nepal, a destination many of you dream of visiting © Shutterstock

Half of you told us: "I live to travel"

In a deeper-rooted, longer-term sense (i.e. pandemic aside), 50 percent of you view travel as a means of trying new things and important for your mental health.

Half of you also agreed with the statement: “I live to travel”, while one respondent shared something we couldn't agree with more: " travel is enrichment” . Here's to 2022 travel being as enriching as possible.

If you’re looking for 2022 travel inspiration, you might want to get your hands on a copy of The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2022 , a picture-packed book that reveals our writers’ recommendations for top destinations to visit in the coming year. In the meantime, read our overview of the world's greatest destinations for 2022 trips .

If you’re ready to start making your 2022 travel daydreams a reality, let us connect you with a local expert in your chosen destination, who'll help you plan your perfect Tailor-Made Trip . They'll take the hassle out of planning so you can focus on what really matters – getting excited about your upcoming adventures.  

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.”

Header image: adventure-seeking mountain-hikers © Shutterstock

Joanne Owen

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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The Best Books of 2022

This Year's Must-Reads

The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2022

After two years of limited travel opportunities, we’re ready to explore the world once more

Jennifer Nalewicki

Travel Correspondent

Travel-BookList.jpg

Traveling is about much more than your destination—it’s about the people who live there, and for many travelers it’s the experiences they have alongside locals that are the most memorable. Take, for instance, the story of a journalist who lived with an Iñupiaq family of whale hunters in Alaska before setting off with her toddler to follow the gray whale migration, or a young woman who traveled solo 6,800 miles by bike from Europe to the Middle East, often turning to local farmers and villagers to help her navigate unfamiliar territory. Both women adapted their experiences into books where they relive the laughter (and the pain) they shared with members of the local communities that go far beyond anything found in a guidebook.

Here are ten travel book releases from 2022 that are inspiring us to dust off our passports and experience new locales alongside the people who make them unforgettable.

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo

Visiting all 195 countries in the world is no small feat and a goal that most people can only dream of. Luckily, armchair travelers can live vicariously through author Jessica Nabongo’s epic worldwide adventure in her book The Catch Me If You Can . From retelling the blow-by-blow of a scooter accident in Nauru (an island nation in Micronesia that also happens to be the world’s least visited country) and dog-sledding in Norway to swimming with humpback whales in Tonga and learning the art of making traditional takoyaki (octopus balls) in Japan, the 38-year-old, who’s also the first Black woman to travel to every nation in the world, introduces readers not only to bucket-list-worthy places but also to the people who live there.

Preview thumbnail for 'The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World

In this inspiring travelogue, celebrated traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo―the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world―shares her journey around the globe with fascinating stories of adventure, culture, travel musts, and human connections.

Soundings: Journeys in the Company of Whales by Doreen Cunningham

In an everchanging world threatened by climate change, whales have learned to adapt. Irish British author Doreen Cunningham takes that notion to heart in Soundings , which blends science and nature writing with memoir as she shares her own experiences as a struggling single mother and journalist. Together with her toddler, she follows the migration route of gray whales as they make the long journey between Mexico and Alaska (where years earlier she spent time with Iñupiaq whalers), experiencing from a distance the familial bonds, not unlike her own close relationship with her son, of the marine mammals. “What at first seems a reckless, near-mystical pursuit of an imagined being leads her to find a human pod of her own,” writes the Guardian ’s Edward Posnett.

Preview thumbnail for 'Soundings: Journeys in the Company of Whales: A Memoir

Soundings: Journeys in the Company of Whales: A Memoir

A story of courage and resilience, Soundings is about the migrating whales and all we can learn from them as they mother, adapt, and endure, their lives interrupted and threatened by global warming.

Bridges of the World by Giancarlo Ascari

Italian cartoonist and journalist Giancarlo Ascari has a degree in architecture, so it’s no wonder why he’s fascinated with bridges. Packed with illustrations by Pia Valentinis , Ascari’s book Bridges of the World highlights recognizable spans like the brightly painted Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Victorian Gothic-style Tower Bridge in London, while also highlighting less obvious examples, including the stretch of wire French high-wire artist Philippe Petit strung between the Twin Towers in New York City and dangerously crossed in 1974. In total, Bridges of the World features 50 human-made and natural wonders accented by interesting facts and anecdotes.

Preview thumbnail for 'Bridges of the World

Bridges of the World

Fifty bridges from all over the world to be crossed on foot or with one's imagination.

Black Lion: Teachings from the Wilderness by Sicelo Mbatha

When Sicelo Mbatha was a child, he watched in horror as a crocodile viciously attacked his cousin. Rather than shy away from the cruel realities of nature, the Zulu author, who goes by the nickname Black Lion, confronted them head on to become a wilderness guide. Over the years, he’s volunteered at Imfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, a province located along the coast of South Africa. Because of his childhood encounter, he has learned to approach the savanna and the lions, elephants and other animals that inhabit it from a spiritual perspective. He has since fostered a deeper connection with the local fauna and hopes to pass that mindset on to visitors on his guided excursions as well as readers of Black Lion , his debut book.

Preview thumbnail for 'Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness

Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness

Wilderness guide Sicelo Mbatha shares lessons learnt from a lifetime’s intimate association with Africa’s wildest nature.

The Writer’s Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats by Travis Elborough

Ask any writer, and they’ll likely confirm that a story’s setting plays as critical a role as its plot. Case in point: Would Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel Dracula be as compelling if it wasn’t set in macabre Transylvania? Like Stoker, many literary greats were inspired by places they traveled to before sitting down to write. In The Writer’s Journey , British author and cultural commentator Travis Elborough explores 35 experiences around the globe that influenced authors and helped shape their writings, including Herman Melville’s perilous 1841 whaling voyage on the Atlantic and Jack Kerouac’s cross-country escapades in the late 1940s over “all that raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast.”

Preview thumbnail for 'The Writer's Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats

The Writer's Journey: In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats

Follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s most famous authors on the journeys which inspired their greatest works in this beautiful illustrated atlas.

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry

What comes to mind when you think of the American South? The Civil War? College football? Gone with the Wind ? Imani Perry , an award-winning author and African American studies professor at Princeton University, tackles all of these topics in her New York Times best seller South to America . Combining history with culture, Perry brings readers on an eye-opening journey south of the Mason-Dixon line, from her native Alabama to Appalachia, focusing not only on past civil atrocities that have scarred the region and the country as a whole, but also on the immigrant communities, artists and innovators leading the way to a brighter future.

Preview thumbnail for 'South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation

South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation

An essential, surprising journey through the history, rituals, and landscapes of the American South—and a revelatory argument for why you must understand the South in order to understand America

The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride Through Europe and the Middle East by Rebecca Lowe

While the Syrian War rattled the Middle East in 2015, journalist Rebecca Lowe embarked on a yearlong 6,800-mile grand tour via a bicycle she affectionately named “Maud” from her home base of London to Tehran. During her epic ride, she cycled through Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan and the Gulf, often relying on the knowledge and assistance of farmers, villagers and other locals she met along the way. For her travel memoir The Slow Road to Tehran , she weaves her own experiences as a woman traveling alone through the mountains and deserts of the Middle East with tales about the people and cultures she encountered. Tom Chesshyre of the Critic calls it “modern travel writing at its very best, full of vim and vigor, painstakingly researched, laced with wry humor, political (without being too political), adventurous and rich with anecdote.”

Preview thumbnail for 'The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride through Europe and the Middle East

The Slow Road to Tehran: A Revelatory Bike Ride through Europe and the Middle East

One woman, one bike and one richly entertaining, perception-altering journey of discovery.

Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects by Jean de Pomereu and Daniella McCahey

On January 17, 1773, Captain James Cook made the first crossing into the Antarctic Circle aboard the Royal Navy sloop Resolution . Now, on the 250th anniversary of this monumental journey, historical geographer Jean de Pomereu and historian Daniella McCahey have come together to highlight 100 objects (culled from the National Maritime Museum in London, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and many other collections) that define the world’s least-visited continent. Items that made the cut and are featured in their co-written book Antarctica include the tiny, 22-foot lifeboat used by Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship struck ice and sunk in 1915; a sealing club fashioned out of the penis bone of an elephant seal; and skis that Norwegian explorer Olav Bjaaland used in the early 1900s.

Preview thumbnail for 'Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects

Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects

This stunning and powerfully relevant book tells the history of Antarctica through 100 varied and fascinating objects drawn from collections around the world.

This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments by McKenzie Long

Despite their federal designation as protected land, national monuments in the United States come under threat. Just look at Bears Ears National Monument, a 2,125-square-mile expanse of red sandstone, cliff dwellings and petroglyphs in the Utah desert held sacred by many Native Americans. The Trump administration decreased the monument in size by 85 percent to allow for oil drilling (only for the Biden administration to later restore its protections). In her debut book, This Contested Land , author and graphic artist McKenzie Long sets out by ski, foot and fin to explore 13 sites across the country, including Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Hawaii’s Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, in a series of compelling essays that convey the importance of protecting these natural resources from the threats of development and climate change.

Preview thumbnail for 'This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments

This Contested Land: The Storied Past and Uncertain Future of America’s National Monuments

One woman’s enlightening trek through the natural histories, cultural stories, and present perils of 13 national monuments, from Maine to Hawaii

Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia by Shafik Meghji

The world’s highest metropolis is La Paz, Bolivia, home to two million inhabitants living at 13,600 feet above sea level (higher than Mount Fuji). However, not many people know this fact, nor much about the South American country, for that matter. In Crossed Off the Map , author, travel expert and Amnesty International editorial consultant Shafik Meghji introduces readers to the landmarks, history and current issues of Bolivia. Fellow travel author Tim Hannigan says in the book blurb, “Shafik Meghji is a natural travel writer with a ready mastery of history, anecdote and atmosphere, and [this] is the best sort of travel book—an informed and informative portrait of Bolivia that doubles as a vicarious journey for readers on an epic scale, through high mountains, across the altiplano [high plains] and into deep tropical forests.”

Preview thumbnail for 'Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia

Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia

Blending travel writing, history and reportage, Crossed off the Map: Travels in Bolivia journeys from the Andes to the Amazon to explore Bolivia’s turbulent past and contemporary challenges.

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Jennifer Nalewicki | | READ MORE

Jennifer Nalewicki is a Brooklyn-based journalist. Her articles have been published in The New York Times , Scientific American , Popular Mechanics , United Hemispheres and more. You can find more of her work at her website .

best travel guides 2022

How to Pick the Best Travel Guide Books

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Ann-Marie Cahill

Ann-Marie Cahill will read anything and everything. From novels to trading cards to the inside of CD covers (they’re still a thing, right?). A good day is when her kids bring notes home from school. A bad day is when she has to pry a book from her kids’ hands. And then realizes where they get it from. The only thing Ann-Marie loves more than reading is travelling. She has expensive hobbies.

View All posts by Ann-Marie Cahill

Travel. I love it. I live it. I breathe it . In my view, it all starts with the rush of exhilaration when I choose the magical destination for my next trip…only to come crashing down when I have to choose a damn travel guide to start my research. Because you don’t want to be lugging around every travel guide. You need to narrow it down to the best travel guide books. And I mean, really narrow it down. 

I hate that part.

We’re not talking the travel-inspiring books . We’re talking the more practical side of travel planning. And seriously, there are so many travel guides on the market, it is a nightmare of global proportions to choose only one. Add to that how q uickly the information can date, and you are left wondering if this really is such a good idea.

The thing is, each travel guide has its pros and cons. Some are perfect for the USA, some have a better understanding of the winding roads of New Zealand. There are guides perfect for your architectural adventures through Rome while others take you on a culinary tour of Paris. But unless you have nine months to read up on every travel guide, it’s really hard to know which is the best travel guide books. 

How to pick out the best travel guide books, along with 11 of our personal favorites. book lists | travel guides | how to pick a travel guide | best travel guide books

So I did the hard work for you. I narrowed it down to 11 of the best travel guide books and the reasons why (just so you know I didn’t simply accept whichever book was left on the library shelf). And how did I choose the best? Well, I read each of their editions for a city or country I am already VERY familiar with. Now, usually, we would only be reading travel guides of places we want to learn more about, right? What better way to ‘test’ a travel guide than to see if they know it as well as a local!

Before you start buying up on guidebooks, here are a few tips to help you choose your own:

The Best Travel Guide Books

Lonely planet guide.

best travel guide books

Great for: Big picture travel across a whole country for most regions but especially Oceania, Asia, and the “Shoestring” range. New Zealand is the best ever.

Not so great : They need to update their South America collection. The most recent edition for Ecuador was lacking in detail and encouragement to try new things, especially for the Galapagos Islands. Really felt like at least two of the white male writers phoned it in from their NY base.

best travel guide books

Great for: The best highlights of any city, especially in Europe (e.g.  Paris ). 

Not so great: Personal local touch, or if you plan to stay in one place for longer than a week at a time.

best travel guide books

Recently, they have been changed their focus to a more budget-friendly approach, but I don’t think it is coming through with their local writers.

Great for: Mainstream Travel with an upmarket touch, especially Western Europe (see Frommer’s Europe ).

Not so great: “One block over” travel, stepping away from the regular, e.g. the Melbourne guide did little to entice me into exploring the city’s famous laneways of culture, coffee, and bookshops.

DK Eyewitness

best travel guide books

Great for : visually inspiring your holidays. Beautiful for places like Rome or London. Great guide for Italy . 

Not so great: Day-to-day travel details. Once I stepped out of the Vatican Museum, it was pretty much useless.

Rick Steves

best travel guide books

Great for: First-timers travellers visiting one of the major cities of the world, like London or  Paris

Not so great: Anyone looking for a little more depth, e.g. do not use for Venice—that’s a city you need to be lost in at least once.

Rough Guides

best travel guide books

Great for : Historic or off-the-beaten-track adventures, like SE Asia, NZ, South America

Not so great: Big cities or glossy photos for visual cues. It was of no help in Kuala Lumpur.

Bradt Guides

best travel guide books

Good for: Cultural highlights of countries and regions, especially Macedonia .

Not so great : Asia. The Borneo guide was lacking in details about the various cultures and land issues for the locals.

Blue Guides

best travel guide books

Great for : Book Riot, history and literary buffs, that big cultural holiday you were taking through the Romantic History of Europe. The Blue Guide: Greece (The Mainland) is especially lovely to read!

Not so great: The rave scene in Berlin. Not really the Blue Guide style.

Footprint Travel Guides

best travel guides 2022

Great for : transport. Really useful in busy, stretched out places like Bangkok and Thailand

Not so great : Budget details.

Insight Guides

best travel guide books

Great for: Giving you an idea in your mind of where you want to go. The Insight Guides Turkey  is especially memorable

Not so great: Actual travel. Don’t rely on these books to get you around a city like Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

This is… by Miroslava Saska

best travel guide books

As always, I’m open to suggestion and we LOVE suggestions here at Book Riot. So, if I have missed your favourite, please tell us all about it in the comments. Or if you are looking for a suggestion for your dream destination, ask us!

Bon Voyage!

[Ed.’s Note: This article originally incorrectly stated that The Insight Guides is produced by the Discovery Channel; they’re produced by APA Publications, which is not affiliated with the Discovery Channel.]

best travel guides 2022

You Might Also Like

New Historical Fiction for Your Book Club

Nine of the best travel books for 2022

We round up the top titles hitting the shelves this season, from travel memoirs and guidebooks to nature writing and fiction with a firm sense of place..

From top left, clockwise: The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century; I Came All This Way to Meet You: Writing Myself Home; The ...

From top left, clockwise: The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century ;  I Came All This Way to Meet You: Writing Myself Home ;  The Instant ;  Isle of Wight ( Slow Travel);  The Quest for Adventure, Discovery and the Great Unknown ;  Villager. 

1. The anthology: The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century

This collection of some of the most exciting travel writing published in the UK over the past two decades was chosen by the likes of Levison Wood, Monisha Rajesh and the book’s editor, Jessica Vincent. Detailing everything from an overnight train journey in Iraq and a swim below the ice in Lake Huron to riding the rapids on Congo’s River Lulua, it features several extracts from stories published in this very magazine. Summersdale, £16.99.

2. The memoir:  I Came All This Way to Meet You: Writing Myself Home

From the  New York Times  bestselling author Jami Attenberg, this is a tale of a life spent on the road — from the highways of the US as the daughter of a travelling Midwest salesman to a young adulthood roaming the globe in search of self-realisation. A bold memoir by way of travelogue, Attenberg’s book explores how we are shaped by place, friendship, independence and class, in a clear-eyed examination of the creative life, and of what it means to find home. Serpent’s Tail, £14.99.

3. The nature travelogue:  The Instant  

Bestselling nature writer Amy Liptrot explores the streets, clubs and parks of Berlin, encountering the city’s surprising bounty of wildlife, including goshawks, raccoons and hooded crows. In this part travelogue, part collection of nature writing, the Wainwright Prize-winning author (for  The Outrun ) once again interweaves the wonder of her outer world — the cycle of the moon over Berlin, the flight paths of migratory birds — with a sudden romantic charge in her personal life. Canongate, £14.99.

4. The novel:  Villager

This first run at a full-length novel by Sunday Times bestselling writer Tom Cox tells the tale of an itinerant Californian musician who blows into the West Country village of Underhill to write what will become a series of cult folk songs. But his story is only uncovered decades later when some teenagers find something mysterious buried on the moors. It’s a tale covering two centuries of folklore, psychedelia and ‘earth magic’ — and of rural communities that hold ancient secrets. Unbound, £16.99.

5. The adventurer's tale:  The Quest for Adventure, Discovery and the Great Unknown

More than three decades since his first expedition, pioneering adventurer Benedict Allen is still exploring a planet that’s now almost entirely mapped and charted. Treading the line between memoir and meditation on the meaning of travel, Allen delves into what it means to be an explorer in the 21st century and reveals how he’s been shaped by remote communities, illustrating his belief that travel should not be about conquering or marking your place in the world, but letting the world mark you . Canongate, £18.99.

6. The guidebook:  Isle of Wight ( Slow Travel)

In the latest of Bradt’s Slow Travel guides to British regions, writer Mark Rowe celebrates England’s largest island in all its surprising diversity. Maps and guides cover everything from walking and foraging to biking and history, while detailing the island’s landscapes — downland, estuaries, hills, saltmarshes and meadows — its huge concentration of independent food producers and superlative fossil-rich beaches. Bradt Guides, £15.99.

7. The cookbook:  The Ocean Cookbook 2022

Fishermen from 18 countries have united to compile this year’s Ocean Cookbook , partnering with a team of international chefs to rustle up recipes in support of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), founder of the world’s leading sustainable seafood eco-label. The global band of fish-loving foodies includes Umar Papalia, a tuna fisherman from Indonesia’s Maluku islands, working with local chef Ari Galih to create a tuna curry, while Scottish fisherman Andrew Bremner lands the catch for Mitch Tonks’ dish of pan-fried haddock and fennel.  MSC, free.

8. The destination deep-dive: Crossed off the Map: Travels in Bolivia

Combining travel writing, history and reportage, Shafik Meghji explores how a country often overlooked by the world has impacted cultures worldwide, noting its unexpected influence on the Industrial Revolution in Europe and the dynastic collapse in China. After a decade of research trips for  The Rough Guide to Bolivia , Meghji has produced a book that champions the dramatic landscapes, distinct cultures and diverse peoples of this South American nation, and its deserved place on the modern stage. Latin America Bureau/Practical Action Publishing, £14.95.

9. The family travel book: Shape of a Boy

Learn life lessons from an itinerant writer whose mantra is: “Have kids, will travel.” Journalist Kate Wickers shares frank, self-deprecating anecdotes of her adventures and misadventures with her three boys, taking in the jungles of Southeast Asia, the waterfront in Havana, the searing heat of an Egyptian desert and more. The author’s candid stories reveal how to overcome disappointment on the road, how to say sorry and move on, and how to breed a spirit of parental perseverance, whether you’re travelling with an infant, toddler or teen. Quarto, £9.99.

Published in the April 2022 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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Top 5 Best Travel Guidebooks to Buy in 2022

By Alice Ross | ACCESSORIES

  • ACCESSORIES » Top 5 Best Travel Guidebooks to Buy in 2022

best travel guidebooks 2022

The best travel guidebooks are those that offer accurate and detailed information to help you plan a successful trip. With the popularity of e-books, which allow you to read books directly on-screen, reading travel guidebooks has become even more common today. Handily, many travel guide series are now available in this convenient format.

At some stage of your trip planning, it's useful to buy travel guides to learn about your destination and find recommendations on what to do, where to stay, etc. in the places you're going to visit. These guidebooks can now be downloaded directly onto your electronic devices or bought as hard copies. 

While you can now easily find articles and blog posts about specific destinations or activities online, I still encourage people to pick up the best travel guidebooks, as they often compile the most useful information all under one cover. By doing this, you are more likely to make the most of your trip.

From Print Book to E-Book

I have just started using e-book versions of travel guides - not only because they are lighter and cheaper, but also because they can be easily updated to include the most recent information. It’s very clear why more and more people are opting for a digital version of travel books.

Another reason I love e-books is that if you're about to go to another place and need to get a guidebook for something you had not thought of before your trip, you can easily download one within a few seconds. Moreover, you can choose to get it instantly in any language you desire.

reading the best travel guidebooks as ebooks

In addition, with e-books, you no longer need to purchase the whole book if you're going to visit only one city or a specific part of the country. Many imprints now give you the option to select only the chapters or sections you need. 

On top of that, Kindle and other e-book reading devices also allow you to download newspapers and magazines. For all these reasons, an e-reader is a perfect travel companion and an accessory I now pack with me everywhere I go.

There’s no doubt that finding your accommodation, activities, and destinations is easier when using the best travel guidebooks. These guides are filled with the best and most relevant details for your trip, and usually offer top tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your stay. While some people prefer to travel completely spontaneously, for many, traveling with at least a general outline of a plan is more comfortable.

These travel guidebooks can be a smart investment for business travelers who don't have a lot of time on their hands to research the best sights and activities, as they condense most of the essential information. Some other important features also include maps, places to eat, budget expectations, cultural and hitorical facts, and tips and warnings.

Tips for Buying the Best Travel Guidebooks for Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to a place you’re not very familiar with, getting a travel guide is a smart way to learn some reliable facts. But how can you find the right travel guidebook for you? Here are some useful tips to help you choose.

woman with books

Specials Discounts and Other Ways to Save Money

You can save money by getting a guidebook that offers coupons and discounts. By simply doing this, you can even lengthen the duration of your trip. Hunt for special discounted tours, meals, accommodations, etc.

Some companies even match coupons from rival companies. So even though you don't have a coupon for a specific location, it still pays to ask a provider if they will match the price offered by a competitor.

Colorful and Detailed Illustrations

reading books

If you read a guidebook and it makes you feel like you’re already at your destination, that’s when you know you've found the right guidebook for you!

You may want to look for a travel guidebook that contains pictures that showcase your destination, as well as other relevant, informative illustrations. Why is this important? Well, while it is not necessary, wouldn't it be nice to get a visual expectation of what you are going to see when you finally arrive at your destination? On top of that, having a guidebook with many pictures in it is more attractive and will make you want to read more of it.

A Reliable Publisher

best travel guidebooks library

Anyone can write a travel guide, but *ahem*, do you really need everyone's tips and advice?

Each person has a different style of traveling, so you can expect their content to differ greatly. It is important to seek out the up-to-the-minute, most accurate information from actual travel gurus. You’ll then have an idea of the best travel guidebooks by checking out the reviews on travel forums and blog discussion boards.

Straight To the Point

Look for a travel guidebook that will not waste your time. After all, the entire point of using a travel guide is to make planning easier and less stressful for you. So, make sure that the guidebooks you choose are filled with the right information.

travel books

Pick travel guides that contain complete and updated phone numbers, addresses, and operating hours. Furthermore, choose a guidebook that tells you how long you should spend in each place. It is also very important to know the age-appropriateness of the locale. To help you budget, it can be useful to get an idea of expenses such as accommodation costs and rental prices . And most of all, the best travel guidebooks should outline when is the best time to go to a certain destination and why.

Top Travel Guidebook Series

As I mentioned earlier, finding travel guidebooks should not be difficult, but finding the right one for you can take some trial and error. So, to help you, we listed five of the best travel guidebooks available today.

From Majorca to Sicily via Cyprus or the Algarve, the   DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are going to take you on a dream journey around the world with their gorgeous images. In fact, their glossy illustrations might even convince you that you are already there.

best travel guidebooks dk eyewitness travel

Published by Dorling Kindersley, which is headquartered in London, these picture-loaded, splendidly colored books offer information that will make you excited to go to your destination, whether it is a trip to Europe or Asia . Their strong visual focus draws you in and makes you look forward to the adventures that await.

The DK Travel Guides’ Eyewitness series give you a better visual tour of your destinations than any other travel guidebooks. They contain wonderful images that bring the words to life. These include cutaway illustrations showing the interiors of historical places and museums, and bird’s-eye view images of landmarks and villas.

With their ever-growing list of destinations on all seven continents, the Eye-witness Travel Guides cover well-traveled cities, islands, and all the essential information to make your trip easier.

This is a great choice for people who like to create a set itinerary before setting off on their trip. Again, this guidebook series has more visual charm than any other, with detailed maps, stunning pictures, and 3D graphics to help you fully appreciate the main landmarks of your destination.

Fodor's Travel Guides

A long-standing reference in travel publishing,   Fodor's has been creating reliable European guidebooks for American travelers since the mid-1930s. By contrast with the DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, Fodor's coverage is more comprehensive than inspiring.

However, this well-known, top-tier international travel guide series has recently undergone a makeover. It has transformed from the formerly basic travel books called Fodor's Gold Guides and adopted an updated magazine style appearance to become Fodor’s new full-color travel guides – an amazing change!

best travel guidebooks fodor's

Frequently updated with fresh releases, Fodor’s Guides continue to grow in the hundreds of volumes. They cover at least 7500 destinations worldwide.

Researched and written by locals in the featured destination, these very informative guidebooks are loved for their painstaking coverage and precise detail.

Complete with ratings, they provide you with the insight and tools to learn which wonders, hotels, restaurants, and attractions will transform your trip to a new destination into an adventure of a lifetime.

Of the 300 destinations presently covered by a rising number of guides, the mainstay series of Fodor's travel books are advertised as their Full-Color Guides.

Lonely Planet

Name a country and I assure you that there is a Lonely Planet guide for it! Moreover, the brand also publishes regional guides, city guides, and picture guides to make you feel inspired and enthusiastic about your next trip abroad. 

lonely planets

The global standard for an amazing guidebook, the Lonely Planet imprint covers most countries in Europe, Africa , Asia, as well as the Americas. This series offers wide-ranging, informative facts, suggestions for low- and mid-range budget accommodation, and useful on-the-ground travel tips.

These guidebooks are full of information that you can start reading long before your trip starts. You will find chapters about your destination's culture, history, and a lot of extremely useful travel tips.

Lonely Planet guidebooks are so precise that they even share the exact timetables for public transportation! They also have a location for where to take the bus. There is no doubt that this is one of the best travel guidebooks out there.

Rick Steves

While   Rick Steves guidebooks are not as popular as some of the other options listed here, this doesn’t mean that they're not as reliable. His books offer some easy-to-follow information that is ideal for new travelers. Rick Steves makes sure that his series is written in a style that even less experienced travelers can easily follow. These guidebooks are designed to help travelers have a smooth experience and broaden their cultural experiences.

rick steves

Rick Steves has research partners who help him update his guidebooks with new and optimized information. He focuses on sharing information about the places people should go when visiting a certain destination and disregards what he thinks is just not worth it. With this in mind, it is perfect for travelers who have limited travel time.

With a nearly cult-like following for his travel brand, Rick Steves has guided, educated, and cultivated travelers through every side of Europe. His tips and on-point suggestions give both newbie and experienced travelers an extensive introduction to European history and culture, while letting them experience the best of Europe personally.

In Rick Steves' European guides, you will find his personal travel recommendations to be trustworthy, genuine, sincere, and always reliable. His recommendations on where to go, what to do, what to avoid, and what to see are kept reliably up to date.

Rick Steves' guides are famous for encouraging travelers to eat and stay in small local businesses, a lot of which he has been personally patronizing for many years.

Rough Guides

Are you a budget traveler who would rather spend a night in a dorm than in a hotel? Have a traditional meal at a hole-in-the-wall stall rather than in a high-rated restaurant? Do you like the idea of exploring on your own rather than being in a group of tourists or taking a tour? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then   the Rough Guides guidebooks are for you .

best travel guidebooks rough guides

These guidebooks are perfect for backpackers who want to explore off the beaten path and avoid crowded destinations. Conversely, they are probably not ideal for those who are planning to stay in the city. The Rough Guides include extensive language guides and a higher level of detail than any other guide you will find on the market.

This British series is researched and written by Europeans who are very familiar with the contemporary scene of each country. While accommodation listings can be rather scarce and bland, the information about attractions tends tends to be particularly in-depth.

These guidebooks might not have all the eye-catching photos of other series, but they do provide their readers with detailed, well-researched, and well-written information on off-the-beaten-path locations and local favorites that you would not read about in your typical guidebook. It's a very solid choice for backpackers and adventurous explorers.

So, that’s our list of five of the best travel guidebooks you will find on the market in 2022. You have to keep in mind that the best guidebooks should provide you with genuine, excellent information regarding your destination or the trip itself.

All the guides listed in this article are trustworthy and have helped a lot of travelers over the years. Luckily, you can now carry them, together with all your other favorite books , without adding extra weight to your luggage by buying them in e-book format.

Hopefully, this article has helped you decide on the right guidebook for   your trip . If you have any questions or suggestions to help improve this article, let us know in a comment below!

Read more: How to Plan a Backpacking Trip? Let This Article Guide You! How to Plan Your Europe Itinerary 3 Weeks on a Budget

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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The Tatler Travel Guide 2022 is here: Discover the award winners now

Tatler Travel Guide 2022

Tatler Travel Guide 2022

‘If we are to make reality endurable, we must all nourish a fantasy or two,’ as Marcel Proust so wisely said; and I have known many fantasies in the last year, from deepening my spiritual life on a Welsh holy island – an alluring and properly magical destination – to lying poolside at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, snacking on a sensational club sandwich. Sybaritic as well as spiritual. (But, hey, who’s judging?) 

Then there was that ne plus ultra of fantasy and Tatler Hotel of the Year, Castello di Reschio. This was a true utopia where, back in August, I just wanted to relish life: riding, picking wildflowers and watching shooting stars over the weekend of San Lorenzo’s feast day.

But all the hotels celebrated in this year’s Tatler Travel Guide – and they are the world’s best – have an elusive something: tranquillity, a sense of authenticity, breathing space, the thrill of the new or the joyful nostalgia that comes with revisiting places you know and love, such as Claridge’s, a force field of glamour that can be felt IRL or from afar.

And let’s not forget the hoteliers that are trying to do some good. Because, ultimately, the biggest luxury a traveller can experience is staying in one of those environmentally- and socially-conscious places that allow guests to make a difference to the lives of those they visit (such as Nomad’s Chada Katavi Camp, another of our award-winners). This year, more than ever, Tatler wants to shine a light on the sustainable stars and those on the frontline of conservation. 

Last year was for dreaming, this year is for doing. The times are uncertain but, armed with the right advice, we can keep our sense of adventure and still live it up a little. Bon voyage!

Delilah Khomo, Travel Editor  

Discover the Tatler Travel Guide only with the January 2022 issue, on sale now. Subscribe now to get 3 issues for just £1, plus free home delivery and free instant access to the digital editions.

AWARD WINNERS

Castello di Reschio Italy  rescio.com

Hotel of the Year

Castello di Reschio, Italy

Nomad's Chada Katavi Tanzania  nomadtanzania.com

Best for Community and Conservation

Nomad's Chada Katavi, Tanzania

nomad-tanzania.com

The Pig in the South Downs England  thepighotel.com

Best for Comfort and Ease

The Pig in the South Downs, England

thepighotel.com

Airelles SaintTropez Château de la Messardière France  airelles.com

Best Hotel for Style and Service

Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière, France

airelles.com

The Newt in Somerset England  thenewtinsomerset.com

Best Hotel Restaurant

The Newt in Somerset, England

thenewtinsomerset.com

Image may contain Water Wood Interior Design and Indoors

Best for Romance

Le Sirenuse, Italy

lesirenuse.it

Image may contain Pool Water Building Hotel Resort and Swimming Pool

Best Hotel Spa

Amanzoe, Greece

Cheval Blanc Paris France  chevblanc.com

Best City Hotel

Cheval Blanc Paris, France

chevblanc.com

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Best Beach Hotel

Jumby Bay Island, Antigua

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Best for Art and Soul

Eden Nairobi, Kenya

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Best Grande Dame

Brown's Hotel, London, England

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25 Best Summer Vacations Everyone Should Consider in 2024

From Monaco to Napa Valley, these summertime getaways have something for every type of traveler.

best travel guides 2022

The term “summer vacation” conjures images of sunny afternoons at the beach and leisurely drives through the countryside. While plenty of travelers have their go-to spots, others view summer as the perfect time to embark on a new adventure, such as hiking to Machu Picchu, surfing in Nicaragua, or road-tripping through the American West.

No matter how many passport stamps you've collected or countries you've checked off your list, there's always a new corner of the globe to discover. Summertime getaways to places like Scotland and the U.S. Virgin Islands have recently been growing in popularity among travelers, joining the ranks of classic summer vacation destinations like Greece and Italy.

From river cruises to train adventures to African safaris, these are the best summer vacation ideas for 2024.

Enjoy la dolce vita in Italy.

When it comes to romance, few places rival the allure of Italy. You've got the history of Rome, the art of Venice, the fashion-forward vibe of Milan, the dreamy Mediterranean coastline, the wineries of Tuscany, the pizza of Naples, and more. During the summer, temperatures can soar to over 85 degrees, so consider visiting a destination by the sea or a lake, where you can escape the heat. For a true Italian villeggiatura (summer vacation), book a room at Passalacqua on Lake Como or Borgo Santandrea on the Amalfi Coast .

Take a road trip from Charleston to Savannah.

While it's mighty hot in the South during the summer (we’re talking temperatures in the 80s and 90s), there's plenty of sweet tea and lemonade available to cool you down. Begin your trip in the port city of Charleston, where you can wander picturesque cobblestone streets, walk the promenade along the ocean, photograph the colorful, historical homes of Rainbow Row, and eat your weight in crab cakes, hush puppies, and other Southern classics. Stay at The Loutrel , a luxury boutique hotel just steps away from some of the best things to do in Charleston .

Then, hop in the car and make your way to Savannah, about two hours south. While the coastal Georgia city has similar architecture and Spanish moss-draped oak trees, it also boasts dozens of world-class museums and art galleries where you can escape the heat. Check into The Alida , named one of the best hotels in Savannah by T+L readers.

Explore the cities of Colombia.

Colombia continues to climb the list of must-visit countries for curious travelers, and for good reason: Medellín offers immersion into art and culture, while Cartagena pairs history with seaside allure.

Often called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its year-round warm weather, Medellín is especially pleasant in the summer when temperatures range from around 65 to 75 degrees. Days can be spent sipping gin cocktails on outdoor patios, hiking nearby mountains, exploring the surrounding rain forest, and getting a great calf workout (the town is built on hills).

While you're in the port city of Cartagena, you'll travel back in time to the 16th century through its iconic Old Town, which features colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Plus, the nearby white-sand beaches are never too crowded. Temperatures reach the upper 80s all summer, so prepare for sweltering days. Find some relief in a room at the Casa San Agustín . 

Pretend you're 007 in Monaco.

If you haven't been to Paris, summer is a special time to visit. But, if you've had your fill of lazy sunset picnics along the Seine, consider Monaco instead. This tiny independent city-state on the Mediterranean coastline of France oozes international spy vibes. You'll feel like an extra in a James Bond film as you gamble at upscale casinos, sample local dishes at La Condamine market, or stroll along the boardwalk, admiring Monaco's hillside beauty in the pleasant summer weather, with highs of around 75 to 80 degrees. Complete your storybook vacation by checking into the iconic Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo . 

Get lost in the Medina of Marrakesh.

The North African country of Morocco is diverse, with a rich history and plenty of unique experiences to engage your senses. Whether you spend your time perusing the rows of local goods that line the winding lanes of the Medina of Marrakesh or riding a camel into the sunset and losing count of the stars in the Sahara Desert sky, a summertime trip is both invigorating and enticing. It's outside of the high season, so if you can take the nearly 100-degree heat, you'll benefit from fewer crowds and a calmer getaway — well, as calm as it can get while you bargain for tiles and dodge motorbikes. Book a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech for private villas with lush gardens and open-air spa treatments. 

Laze around in Montego Bay.

A hop-and-a-skip from the East Coast, Montego Bay on Jamaica's north coast is an idyllic spot to disconnect for a hot second. And by hot, we do mean hot: Temperatures can reach the high 80s in the summer, creating the perfect conditions for lazy days spent reading, dipping into the calm waters, and sipping rum cocktails. Relax at a resort or venture out to explore some of Jamaica's best beaches , such as Doctor's Cave Beach or Walter Fletcher Beach. If you're into snorkeling or scuba-certified, the protected waves of Montego Bay Marine Park are a must, too. Stay at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas to get a feel for the island's barefoot luxury. 

Summit Machu Picchu.

The dry season (June, July, and August) is one of the most popular times of year to visit Machu Picchu due to the blue skies, lush green grass, and awe-inspiring views. Whether you're up for the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail or would prefer the Inca Rail , it's wise to spend a few days sightseeing and acclimatizing to the altitude in the nearby city of Cusco. The former capital of the Inca Empire is full of charm, with a hilltop that lights up at night, bustling local markets, and countless alpaca stores to splurge on a sweater for the chilly nights. For the best views of Machu Picchu, climb the mountain in front of it, Huayna Picchu. Then, return to the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco , where the hotel’s historic trappings and oxygen-enriched rooms are the perfect way to rebound after a day in the Andes.

Eat your way around Lima.

For foodies who prefer eating to sightseeing on vacation, Lima will feel like the holy grail of culinary destinations. There are countless restaurants with Michelin stars and affordable tasting menus. During June, July, and August, the Peruvian capital boasts sunshine-filled days and little rain, with balmy temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. When you're not restaurant hopping, you can learn how to surf, snap photos of impressive graffiti art, and pet the countless cats who live in Parque Kennedy. Word to the wise: If you want to dine at top restaurants Central or Astrid & Gastón , you'll likely have to make reservations weeks or months in advance. Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel provides all the comforts of a five-star hotel alongside Peruvian cuisine, a rooftop pool with Pacific Ocean views, and a convenient location for exploring the area, including the hip Barranco neighborhood.  

Ride the swells in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is one of the top places to put your surfing skills to the test, and the waves during the wet season lend themselves to beginners and experts alike. This Central American country, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, features more than just no-filter-required sunsets — various regions mean you can experience everything from lakes to volcanoes. Before you leave, make sure you see the city of Granada, which is rich in Spanish colonial history. While there, book a room at Tribal Hotel for boho-chic interiors and icy poolside drinks to help you beat the upper-80-degree weather. 

Go wine tasting in Napa Valley.

For a whole season of long, tipsy summer days, the Napa Valley region outside of San Francisco offers sunshine and foodie-approved meals. If you can make it in July, sip your way through Festival Napa Valley , which highlights a range of wineries offering their best blends. For a more playful afternoon, consider booking a luxurious tasting journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train .

Wine country’s own Auberge du Soleil has residential-style accommodations and an on-site French restaurant with outdoor dining, so you can sip local pours while taking in sweeping views of the verdant countryside. 

Pretend you're not a tourist in New York City.

Ask any New Yorker and they'll agree: Summer isn't exactly the best time to visit the Big Apple. Between the unforgiving heat trapped by skyscrapers and an influx of tourists from around the world, most locals find any excuse to escape the concrete jungle in the summertime. However, there's an upside: New York City has plenty of free outdoor festivals this time of year, including Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage . Plus, with less competition from in-the-know residents in late summer, you'll have a better chance of snagging reservations at trendy restaurants. Seek out rooftop bars, munch on artisan bites in Brooklyn, or make a break for the Hamptons if you have the time — and patience (the heading-out-of-town traffic is no joke).

There’s no shortage of world-class accommodations in the city that never sleeps. Whether you prefer classic stays at places like The Plaza or The Carlyle , or hip hotels like the Arlo Hotel , Soho Grand Hotel , and the Pendry Manhattan West .

Visit Mexico during the low season.

Outside of hurricane season, which peaks in September, summer is one of the best times to visit Mexico for fewer crowds and lower prices. If you can put up with the 90-degree heat of July and August, and occasional rainy days, you'll likely find some great deals on all-inclusive resorts and flights. Check into one of the sleek all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos , explore the rich arts and culture scene in Puerto Vallarta, or go on a wellness retreat in the Caribbean beach town of Tulum.

Go on safari in South Africa.

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

For many seasoned travelers, South Africa holds a special place in their passports (and hearts). Each corner of this country presents a different climate and experience, and a getaway during the dry season can be particularly enchanting. There's plenty to see and do, from spotting animals in Kruger National Park and hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town to seeing the cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope and sipping your way through the wine region of Franschhoek.

If you can swing it, try timing your vacation in September when you're more likely to spot elephants, leopards, and many other species as they search for watering holes. June through August is technically winter in South Africa — you'll want to pack sweaters instead of swimsuits for this summer vacation — so expect mild days with chilly nights. There are several amazing safari lodges, but we recommend andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge inside Kruger National Park for an intimate, immersive Big Five wildlife experience.  

Hike the U.S. national parks.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Haleakala in Hawaii — we could go on and on about the breathtaking landscapes and adventures that await in our nation's national parks, and summer is prime time for a visit. You're likely to enjoy sunny blue skies and starlit evenings, and you'll have plenty of time to disconnect from the digital realm and tune into the rhythms of nature. Some parks are free to visit, some are underwater, and all are unique. Camp out without sacrificing comfort at Under Canvas , which has locations with access to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, and Acadia national parks, among others.

Traverse Europe by train.

From college students to retirees, many travelers place a European trip at the top of their list — and for good reason. Eating a croissant beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris, bicycling along the canals of Amsterdam, discovering historic castles in Ireland , and eating gelato while strolling past ancient Roman ruins in Italy are just a few of the incredible experiences that await in Europe. Grab a Eurail pass to hop between countries for a low price with minimal hassle.

See Florida from coast to coast.

The Sunshine State has it all — beaches, the Everglades , Key lime pie, the glamour and exclusivity of Palm Beach, the vibrant sizzle of Miami, and the tropical island vibe of the Florida Keys. Everyone should take time to explore Florida, from St. Augustine to Key West — home to the southernmost point in the continental U.S. — at least once in their lifetime. Of course, you'll want to hit the central city of Orlando for attractions like Walt Disney World, Epcot, and Universal Orlando. Plus, there are spectacular stays all across Florida, from seaside resorts to charming inns to all-inclusive idylls. 

Take a cruise.

It's hard not to have a good time on a cruise. Meals and drinks are typically included, your ship comes equipped with a wide range of activities, and you sail from port to port, hitting a multitude of new destinations while only having to unpack once. What more can you ask from a summer vacation? For an even more refined and intimate take on cruising, try a river cruise through Europe .

Travel through the Wild West.

Put on your pioneer pants and head out for an adventure in America's Wild West. With history, wide-open spaces, and cowboy lore from centuries past, you'll feel as free as it comes in places like Colorado or Nevada. And you can’t get more Western-chic than at Amangani in Wyoming near Grand Teton National Park .

Try driving an electric vehicle on the Nevada Electric Highway , which features EV charging stations, including Tesla Superchargers. The route's combination of Gold Rush ghost towns and tomorrow's technology makes it a road trip of the future and the past all at once.  

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway.

On the West Coast, State Route 1 — better known as the Pacific Coast Highway — runs along rugged cliffside terrain and expansive beaches, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country, if not the world. Plan your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary around the spectacular sunsets and plentiful photo ops. The summer weather will be beautiful, if toasty, with an average daily high in the upper 70s or 80s. Spend at least a couple nights in Big Sur at the Post Ranch Inn for classically California cool accommodations and sweeping Pacific views.

Not in the mood for a road trip? Tackle the Pacific Coast Highway by train on Amtrak's Coast Starlight route, which runs from Los Angeles to Seattle and hits spots like Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Portland along the way.

Backpack in Southeast Asia.

You've seen the photos — now it's time to explore Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia yourself. Take a cooking class, go temple hopping, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary , and live it up — even on a budget. Prices for food, hotels, activities, and excursions are often much lower than in many other parts of the world. Those looking for luxury can also find high-end accommodations such as Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia, the Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, and Amanpuri in Thailand.  

Get Adventurous in New Zealand.

For those who prefer the snow to the shore, beat the heat and travel to New Zealand, which experiences winter from June to August. You’ll be happy for the 50- to 60-degree weather when the country’s epic hiking, climbing, and bungee jumping get your blood pumping. And make no mistake: You will be spending all of your time outside. New Zealand is renowned for its gorgeous landscapes, from beautiful beaches and the fjords of Milford Sound to the wonder of the  Waitomo Glowworm Caves and charming locations used in The Lord of the Rings . 

Sip rum swizzles in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Americans don’t need a passport to enjoy these three islands in the Caribbean. Whether you choose St. John, St. Croix, or St. Thomas (or hop between the three), you’ll find white sand, world-class snorkeling, and tropical surroundings in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each has its own vibe. Go to St. John for a luxurious, private island-like atmosphere; St. Croix for the food ; and St. Thomas for the lively atmosphere of a tourist hot spot. Stay at a beachfront all-inclusive resort for a stress-free escape.

There are several rum distillers on the islands, so you can sip a locally sourced rum swizzle while you enjoy average summertime temperatures in the low 80s.

Golf in Scotland. 

David Alexander/Getty Images

The U.K.'s northernmost nation is known for its gorgeous lochs, beautiful castles, and the windswept Highlands. From whisky distillery tours to walking the magnificent  West Highland Way to exploring the cosmopolitan centers of Glasgow and Edinburgh, there’s no shortage of things to do in Scotland . Plus, the sun doesn't set until around 10 p.m. in the Highlands in June and early July, so you'll have even more daylight for exploration.

But the real reason to take a summer vacation in Scotland is found on the green. This country is a golfer’s dream with more than 550 courses and a long legacy of seaside links. There are plenty of coastal spots for the ultimate summer game, like the Fairmont St. Andrews , where you'll have two courses to play and a chic room to return to at the end of the day.

Snap your way through Japan. 

You might miss the spring cherry blossoms, but there are still plenty of beautiful places in Japan to photograph in the summertime. Pose in front of the country’s tallest peak in the Fuji Five Lakes area or capture Tokyo's frenetic energy at Shibuya Crossing. In Kyoto, you’ll get plenty of pictures of temples, shrines, and bamboo forests for your scrapbook. From enjoying white-sand beaches in Okinawa to seeing the wildflowers in Hokkaido's national parks, these are moments you'll want to remember.

Go island hopping in Greece.

Nothing says summer vacation like the Greek Islands. From sipping ouzo by the Aegean to snapping a few windmill pics for Instagram, this is the perfect Mediterranean getaway. Of course, you’ll have to deal with more crowds and hotter temperatures in July and August, but it’s a popular time to visit for a reason. More restaurants and bars are open and you’ll find more available ferry routes, opening up the entire archipelago for your summer vacation. Start in the Cyclades (where you'll find the famous islands of Mykonos and Santorini) before moving on to lesser-known Greek Islands like Antiparos, Symi, or Syros.

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Best Cruise Insurance Companies of April 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best travel insurance coverage that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Companies

  • Nationwide Travel Insurance : Best Overall
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Nationwide Nationwide Travel Insurance

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  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
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  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

  • Cancel for any reason coverage available

AXA AXA Assistance USA

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

  • Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
  • Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

Seven Corners Seven Corners Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
  • Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

HTH Worldwide HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
  • Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
  • Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
  • Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

World Nomads World Nomads Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
  • Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
  • 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
  • Trip protection for up to $10,000
  • Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
  • Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
  • Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

Cruise Insurance Reviews

Best cruise insurance overall: nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability: AXA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a preexisting conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances.

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses.

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience.

Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs.

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

Timing is everything. Purchasing your insurance soon after booking your cruise can often provide additional benefits and ensure you're covered for any early surprises. As you get closer to your trip your coverage options may get more expensive, and certain providers may not be able to offer you coverage.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like SquareMouth is a good place to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

How to Pick The Best Cruise Insurance for You

When buying travel insurance for a cruise, consider the additional risks that are specific to cruising. These include hurricanes and other weather-related concerns, strict cancellation terms, high pre-paid costs of a cruise, and the distance to emergency medical assistance.

To find the policy that's right for you, it's best to compare several different cruise insurance policies based on the pricing and coverage they provide. Remember too that all reputable insurance providers will offer a "free-look period." This allows you to return the policy you've purchased for any reason, within a specific time period, for a full refund.

The most important coverages to look for in cruise insurance are:

  • Medical coverage — This coverage will pay for medical bills outside the US. But because treatment can be more expensive while onboard, make sure your policy offers sufficient coverage ($100,000+).
  • Medical evacuation coverage — This coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if you become sick or injured during your journey. But an evacuation from sea will be more expensive than one from land. So you'll want to make sure your coverage has sufficiently high limits ($250,000+).
  • Missed connection (missed port of call) coverage — This type of coverage will help you catch up to your itinerary if you miss your port of call for a covered reason, like a delayed flight on the way to the airport.
  • Coverage for hurricane warnings — With this type of coverage, you don't actually need to be affected by the hurricane. You can cancel and be reimbursed for your trip if the NOAA issues a hurricane warning. If you're cruising anywhere during (or on the tail ends) of hurricane season, this can come in handy. Just note: You can't buy travel insurance to cover a weather event once a storm or hurricane has been named.
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR) — This is the most comprehensive coverage you can get, as it allows cancellations and reimbursement for pre-paid expenses for any reason. This can be a wise add-on for cruise coverage given the often higher prepaid expenses associated with cruising. See our guide to the best CFAR travel insurance options to learn more.
  • Preexisting conditions — This coverage ensures that no known health conditions are excluded from coverage. Obtaining a preexisting condition waiver usually requires purchasing your travel insurance soon after booking your trip.
  • Personal possessions insurance — Because of the events and fancy dinners cruise ships hold, you might take more valuable clothing or jewelry with you on a cruise. This type of coverage will insure your belongings against loss or theft while cruising.
  • Baggage loss and delay — This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount for essentials if your bags are delayed or if your bags get lost en route.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim, and before you travel so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cruise Travel Insurance

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

best travel guides 2022

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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  1. 10 Best Travel Guide Websites (2022): Top picks for inspiration!

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  2. Ultimate Travel Guide 2022 by Greenspring Media

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  3. 17 Best Places to Travel in 2022

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  4. These are the world's most visited destinations in 2022

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  5. Top Travel Destinations For 2022

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COMMENTS

  1. 11 BEST Travel Guides For 2024 [Websites & Guidebooks]

    Bradt travel guide books has a reputation as the "World's leading independent travel publisher.". They are also the best India travel guide company. Some unique destinations include Iraq, Sri Lanka, Galapagos Islands, and Grenada. But don't worry. Bradt Guides also has a British series for those interested!

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  3. Top 10 Travel Guide Websites [2024]: Time to Get Inspired!

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  4. The Best Travel Guides (Online and Books)

    The best travel guides inspire and inform. Discover all the top travel guide books and online tools to help you plan the trip of your dreams. ... 840 Pages - 10/18/2022 (Publication Date) - Rough Guides (Publisher) $28.99 −$5.50 $23.49. Read reviews on Amazon. Rough Guides website .

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    The top 10 cities, countries and regions around the world were carefully selected by our editors to inspire a new year of travel. Now we're unveiling a whole new series of stories, video interviews, and tips for turning our Best in Travel list into your travel reality, whether that happens in 2022 or further down the line.

  11. The best travel books of 2022

    The best travel books of 2022. ... DOM publishers' joint passion for architecture and high-quality books, the 150-strong series is not only one of the best on-to-go travel guides to appreciate some more off-the-beaten track destinations - including Bishkek, Iran, Kabul, Kazakhstan, Minsk, Sofia, Tunis and the UAE - but beautifully ...

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  14. The Rough Guide to 2022

    Destination Guides. Language Guides. New Releases. Returns & Refunds. Shipping. We asked you, our readers, to tell us what travel means to you in 2022 and which destinations are at the top of your wish lists - and the results are in!

  15. The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2022

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  16. How to Pick the Best Travel Guide Books And 11 Of Our Favorites

    Bonus note: LP has a whole extra range of books like The Not-For-Parents Travel Book and The Solo Travel Handbook. But that's a whole other series. Great for: Big picture travel across a whole country for most regions but especially Oceania, Asia, and the "Shoestring" range. New Zealand is the best ever.

  17. Nine of the best travel books for 2022

    Maps and guides cover everything from walking and foraging to biking and history, while detailing the island's landscapes — downland, estuaries, hills, saltmarshes and meadows — its huge concentration of independent food producers and superlative fossil-rich beaches. Bradt Guides, £15.99. 7. The cookbook: The Ocean Cookbook 2022

  18. Forbes Travel Guide Star Rated Hotels, Restaurants & Spas

    Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. We verify luxury. Forbes Travel Guide Star Rated Hotels, Restaurants & Spas ... We rate only the very best — over 2,000 hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises in more than 85 countries (and counting). Maldives.

  19. Where to travel 2022: The best destinations to visit

    Alamy. Tulsa: This Oklahoma city's big travel news of note in 2022 will be the opening of the Bob Dylan Center, scheduled for May 10. Adobe Stock. Valencia: Home to a population of around 800,000 ...

  20. Top 5 Best Travel Guidebooks to Buy in 2022

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  21. The Tatler Travel Guide 2022 is here: Discover the award winners now

    Tatler. Travel Guide 2022 is here: Discover the award winners now. In the Tatler Travel Guide 2022, available with the January issue, Delilah Khomo unveils the most fabulous hotels to add to your must-visit list. 'If we are to make reality endurable, we must all nourish a fantasy or two,' as Marcel Proust so wisely said; and I have known ...

  22. Fodor's Go List 2022

    Woody Guthrie. 02:19. Fodor's Go List showcases the best places to travel in 2022. While the COVID pandemic continues to affect how we travel, we're focusing on the best places to travel in the ...

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  25. Best Cruise Insurance Guide 2024: Sail Securely With Top ...

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