Swiss Alps

Best For: Foliage Peeping and Hiking

If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, it’s inundated with stunning photos of the Swiss Alps in the fall, displaying a stunning color burst of fall foliage, it’s absolutely beautiful. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and several festivals/special events occur.  

Switzerland is bursting with festivals this time of year. One of the most unique festivals is Alpabzug when farmers bring their herds of livestock return to the village after spending the summer in the Alps. They occur throughout September, with several villages celebrating with parades followed by canteens featuring Swiss food. Christmas markets begin in December (and most of December is still autumn!) – and you cannot miss a Swiss Christmas market! Find unique gifts for everyone on your list. 

The Swiss Alps are bursting with hiking trails, and the fall is the perfect time to explore them, thanks to the glorious foliage, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.  Experienced hikers will love the Lake Oeschinen Loop, a 5.4-mile loop around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lake Oeschinen. Less experienced hikers can try the easier Panorama Trail, Mannlichen—Kleine Scheidegg. You’ll get stunning 360-degree views of the Alps and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding meadows. Zermatt, famous for the Matterhorn mountain, offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Gornergrat and the Riffelhorn.

Hotel Recommendation: The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt is a luxurious 5-star hotel nestled amidst the Swiss Alps. This architectural gem blends Asian-inspired elements with classic European comfort, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a spa, and access to year-round outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains.

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Black Forest, Germany

Best For: Foliage Peeping, Hiking, Christmas Markets, and Charming Villages

The Black Forest region of Germany is fantastic in the fall, with striking fall foliage, loads of hiking trails, charming villages, and home to the world’s biggest cuckoo clock. 

The villages of Triberg, Gengenbach, and Todtnau are quintessential German towns, offering quaint landscapes, museums, and historic buildings to explore. Triberg is home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock, as well as Germany’s highest waterfalls. Gengenbach, located on the western edge of the black forest, features traditional, half-timbered houses, giving it a fairytale feel. Highlights include the Gengenbach Abbey from the 8th century, medieval fortifications with original towers, and the start of many trails in the Black Forest. The Gengenbach Christmas Market starts late in November.  In Todtnau, you can visit the Todtnau waterfall, discover the beautiful Todtnau valley, or visit the Todtnau Museum. 

Hiking in the Black Forest is plentiful. Choose from easy strolls like the Baumwipfelpfad Black Forest (which features a stunning treetop walk) or Mummelsee, or challenge yourself with climbs to peaks like Kandel, Feldburg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest, or Belchen, the third-highest mountain in the Black Forest. Enjoy scenic hikes around lakes like Schluchsee or Schauenburg.

Hotel Recommendation:  Best Western Plus Hotel Schwarzwald

The Best Western Plus Hotel Schwarzwald Residenz offers comfortable rooms, amenities like a pool and sauna, and convenient access to hiking, cycling, skiing, and day trips. From your room’s balcony, you can enjoy beautiful views of Triberg.

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Tuscany, Italy

Best For: Foliage Peeping, Festivals

Gorgeous weather, stunning foliage, and smaller crowds in Tuscany will make you wonder why anyone would visit any other time of the year. Not to mention, it’s harvest season, so you can witness grape harvesting firsthand. 

Festivals are abundant in Tuscany this time of year, and most are food-themed.  In October, head to Marradi, where you can sample chestnut tortelli, jams, and bruciati (roasted chestnuts). In Late October/Early November, Piancastagnaio hosts the oldest Chestnut festival in the Amiata region within the walls of the Aldobrandesca Fortress. Caprese Michelangelo, the birthplace of, you guessed it, Michelangelo, hosts their own chestnut festival the last two weeks of October. You’ll also find Truffle festivals in late October and November in Upper Val di Cecina, San Miniato, and San Giovanni d’Asso. There are many christmas markets throughout Tuscany in November and December. 

Fall is the grape harvest time, so winery visits are a must. You can even participate in a grape stomping and do your part to make a bottle of wine! Wineries are abundant in the area. Try the Brunello di Montalcino at Castello Banfi, or take it another step and book your accommodations there – yes, the Castello Banfi is also a hotel!  Take a tour of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, or visit the historic Antinori Winery, which offers guided tours, tastings, and a wine museum. 

Hotel Recommendation: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is a luxurious resort nestled in the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the resort offers elegant accommodations, award-winning dining, a relaxing spa, and various outdoor activities. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s high-quality wines produced on the estate. With its stunning location and luxurious amenities, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Tuscany.

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Paris, France

Best For: Ambiance, Festivals/Events

Imagine sitting outside at a cafe in Paris, a cup of coffee and a croissant on the table in front of you leaves blowing under your feet, a slight breeze, and crisp air—it doesn’t get much more idyllic than that. And that is why you should visit Paris in the fall—the atmosphere alone is enough to make you fall in love with the city. Fresh off of its Olympic high, Paris is the place to visit these days. 

There are festivals and events aplenty in Paris in the fall. Since 1930, the Fête de l’Humanité has brought concerts, screenings, and shows “around the values ​​of solidarity, open-mindedness, sharing and peace.” You can also enjoy theatre, music, dance, film, and visual arts throughout the autumn at the Festival D’autome a Paris. Fashion Week takes place in the fall, bringing fashion designers and models to the city. Christmas Markets open at the end of November and beginning of December. 

Of course, you can always stroll the streets and museum hop- a perfect fall activity. Top attractions include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre,  and Versailles. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Raphaël

Hotel Raphaël is a luxurious hotel in the city’s heart, steps away from Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms and suites, all featuring elegant décor and modern amenities. There is a restaurant and spa on site, as well as a fitness center. 

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Canary Islands, Spain

Best For: Beaches, Hiking, Warm Weather
If you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, head to the Canary Islands for an extended beach vacation. It’s warm, the beaches are fantastic, and the scenery is beautiful. 

The Canary Islands offer stunning beaches that are even more enjoyable in the fall. With fewer crowds you can embrace the beauty of the beaches without disruption. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or windsurfing without the crowds. Popular beaches include Playa de las Américas on Tenerife or Playa de Caleta de Fuste on Fuerteventura– perfect for anyone wanting to windsurf or scubadive. 

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous than lazing on the beach, the volcanic landscapes of the islands are perfect for hiking. UNESCO World Heritage site Teide National Park features the highest peak on Spanish soil and provides easy, moderate, and challenging hiking trails. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet as you hike on the volcanic soil of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. 

Hotel Recommendation: Dreams Jardin Tropical 

Dreams Jardín Tropical Resort & Spa is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. The resort offers stunning ocean views, fine dining options, a full-service spa, and two outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with balconies or terraces and subtropical gardens. 

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Munich, Germany

Best For: Festivals

Dust off your lederhosen and head to Munich this fall for Oktoberfest. The festival, which takes place from mid/late September through the beginning of October, celebrates Bavarian culture. The city has large beer tents that serve traditional Bavarian food and beer. The festival has parades, live music, and even amusement rides. Check out Oide Wiesn, which gives you a glimpse of what the festival used to be with historic rides, traditional costumes, a museum tent, and more. 

If you need a break from the festivities, Munich still has plenty to do in the fall. You can relax in the English Garden, which will be bursting with fall colors. Explore Munich’s Old Town, which includes Marienplatz, the city’s square, since 1158. The Munich Christmas Market starts at the end of November and dates back to the 14th Century when the city held St. Nicholas markets. 

Munich also has several museums worth visiting, including one of the oldest galleries in the world at Alte Pinakothek. The newest of the Bavarian State Painting Collections Museums, the Museum Brandhorst, is a contemporary art museum with the largest collection of Andy Warhol works in Europe. Art not your thing? Munich is home to one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, the Deutsches Museum. 

Hotel Recommendaiton:  Hotel Torbraeu

The oldest hotel in Munich, Hotel Torbraeu is steps away from old town, and despite opening its doors in 1490, provides guests with modern amenities. Choose from single, double and triple rooms, as well as suites. There is a coffee shop and restaurant on site. 

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Edinburgh, Scotland

Best For: Festivals, Foliage, Ghosts

Scotland in the fall is something special – think falling leaves in an ambience-setting fog. Edinburgh is bursting in the fall, with events and festivals taking place within the backdrop of this medieval city. 

While the city’s biggest festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, takes place just before fall in August, there are still plenty of festivals happening in the city. The International Storytelling Festival in October brings together storytellers from around the world. You can take a workshop, listen to a lecture, or attend a storytelling event. Another fall event, Doors Open Days, allows visitors into buildings for free, many of which are generally not open to the public. You won’t want to miss Edinburgh Cocktail Week in October, featuring a Cocktail Village and a wristband that gets you 5-pound cocktails at 100 bars throughout the city. Edinburgh also has its share of Christmas Markets and festivities beginning in November. 

Halloween is also particularly spectacular in Edinburgh, which is considered one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Visit some of the haunted sites, take a Halloween tour beneath the city’s streets, or attend the Edinburgh Horror Festival. 

Hotel Recommendation: Fingal

Fingal is a luxury floating hotel permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Offering stunning views and elegant accommodations, Fingal features various cabins, dining options, a spa, fitness center, and concierge services. 

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Tips for Planning Your Fall Europe Trip

Weather
The weather in Europe is similar to that of New England for the most part, but of course, it all depends on where you are going. Northern Europe will be cooler, while Southern Europe will have warmer temperatures. Be prepared for rain and colder weather; pack an umbrella and a warmer coat. It would be best to pack layers to be prepared for whatever weather comes your way. 

Crowds
The Autumn is the off-season for travel in Europe, so most attractions will have shorter lines and wait times. 

Accommodation
While fewer people visit than in the summer months, you will still want to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are going during a festival. 

Packing
As mentioned above, layers are key for your European fall vacation. A basic packing list is as follows: 
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sweaters,
Jacket
Raincoat
Accessories: hat, gloves, scarf 
Comfortable Pants
Shirts 
Dress/Dress shirt/pants
Swimsuit (if you are heading to a warmer location or your hotel has a pool)
Umbrella
Essentials: passport, travel documents, medications, toiletries

Budget
Europe is generally cheaper in the fall than in summer, especially regarding flights and accommodations.

The post Best Places to Go in Europe in the Fall appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Purposely missing a flight is more complicated than it may seem at first glance—here’s what happens if you don’t get on your connecting flight. 

Why Would You Skip a Connecting Flight?

Skiplagging, also known as “hidden city ticketing,” is a travel strategy where:

• You book a flight with a layover in your actual destination.
• The ticket includes a connection to a further city, but you don’t intend to take that last leg.
• When you reach your desired city during the layover, you exit the airport instead of continuing to the final destination on your ticket.

Popularized by the airfare site Skiplagged, this hack can save you a lot of money compared to booking a ticket directly to your destination. But is it legal to do?

What Happens if You Don’t Get on Your Connecting Flight?

Hidden city ticketing isn’t illegal, but most major U.S. airlines explicitly prohibit it in their contract of carriage statements. 

If the airline realizes that you are not planning on completing your entire itinerary, it can prevent you from boarding or even ban you from the airline for future flights. For example, a teenage passenger tried this trick using a ticket he bought on Skiplagged, was detained by American Airlines, and was denied boarding.

In general, if you miss or cancel any portion of a plane ticket, the airline can cancel all flights remaining on that ticket’s itinerary. When you miss that first flight, whether or not you cancel or no-show, the entire ticket becomes void.

This rule also applies to connecting flights. If you’re ticketed from City A to City C through a connection in City B, but skip the connecting flight from City B to City C, you can’t use your connecting flight ticket later, even with a change fee. And if it’s a round-trip ticket, the return trips are also toast.

This is why it’s essential to notify the airline if you accidentally miss any portion of your flight—as long as you let the airline know (and rebook the missed leg), you should still be able to fly the rest of your planned itinerary. 

Why is Skipping a Flight Cheaper?

Why would a longer flight be cheaper than a shorter, direct one? For some destinations, there is not a lot of competition for a direct flight between two cities, making tickets expensive. However, there might be more competition on a different route with a layover in the city you want to fly to—so a longer flight going somewhere else (but connecting through your destination) could be cheaper.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Connecting Flight

There are a lot of risks associated with buying a hidden city ticket. 

1. You can’t check a bag, as your bag will be tagged to the final destination on your itinerary.
2. Even if you fly carry-on only, there is the risk that there won’t be space on the plane for your bag, and it will get checked through to the destination you’re not planning on flying to.
3. You can’t buy a round-trip ticket, as the return fare will automatically be canceled as soon as you don’t make your connecting flight.
4. The airline can deny you boarding and refuse to refund you if they figure out what you’re doing.
5. There could be a schedule change that reroutes your flight through a different connecting airport. 
6. The airline could ban you from flying with it in the future.

When Is It Okay to Skip a Flight?

There are only two cases where you could potentially get away with skipping an onward flight. However, keep in mind that you could still get in trouble with the airline, and the airline could pursue legal action against you or ban you from future flights. 

1. If you skip a flight that’s the final leg on a multi-flight ticket, there’s no other ticket left for the airline to cancel.
2. If your round-trip itinerary is on two separately booked, one-way tickets, the return trip should still be valid if you skip the first trip.

The post Why You Should Never Skip an Onward Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What is a Staycation?

A portmanteau of the words “stay” and “vacation,” a staycation is a trendy way of saying you’re vacationing without ever leaving the area in which you live. The benefits of a staycation are many, from minimizing stressful travel days to saving money, and with the right planning, these stay-at-home adventures can be just as rejuvenating as a traditional vacation.

How to Maximize Your Staycation: 7 Tips for Planning the Ideal Staycation Itinerary

Although planning a staycation involves fewer logistics than your typical trip, creating a thoughtful itinerary will help you maximize your time off and avoid falling into your normal at-home routine. 

Set Boundaries Around Your Vacation Time

It can be easy to slip into familiar routines when you’re in familiar surroundings. To avoid this, set aside time just as you would for a vacation where you’d be traveling. Would you answer that email or make that grocery list on a beach in the Bahamas? If the answer is no, the task can wait until after your staycation. Sticking to a planned itinerary and making concrete plans and reservations ahead of time can help you maintain your vacation mindset.   

Try New Foods and Restaurants

Your favorite local burger joint will still be there when you “get home.” A staycation is an opportunity to explore new cuisines or try restaurants that have been sitting on your city bucket list. You may find a new favorite to add to your takeout rotation. Stretch your budget with happy hour deals and early bird specials, or get a sampling of what your city has to offer through a local food tour. 

Test Out the Tourist Attractions

Travel experts would typically advise against spending time and money in overly touristy areas, but the story differs when exploring your home city. Checking out these cheesy tourist attractions will set a fun tone for the rest of your staycation, and the excitement of your fellow tourists is a great way to see your city with fresh eyes.

Attend Local Festivals and Events

If you’re looking for inspiration for your staycation, plan your itinerary around an upcoming event in your area. Food festivals, concerts, art shows, and marathons abound in the spring and summer. As the weather turns chilly, harvest festivals and holiday markets are plentiful. Smaller local events are often listed on a public activities calendar through the city or can be found on sites like Eventbrite and Meetup.

Book a Walking Tour

Get to know your city deeper by booking a walking tour. These tours are usually guided by local experts who are well-versed in a city’s unique history. These tours can be general or based around a theme, like ghost tours, film location tours, or a historical event like the Boston Freedom Trail. As a bonus, you’ll pick up some local lore to impress any future out-of-town guests. Check out Viator, GetYourGuide, or Tiqets for options in your area.

Set Aside Time for Relaxation

Many travelers forgo relaxation in favor of exploring everything a destination has to offer during their limited stay. A staycation is the perfect chance to grab a day pass and put a nearby hotel spa to good use.

Alternatively, with just a few products, you can turn your home into a hotel-worthy spa and unwind without ever leaving the house. 

You Don’t Actually Have to Stay at Home

For a refreshing change of scenery, you don’t have to book a flight. Book a few days at a nearby vacation rental or boutique hotel. This strategy is beneficial for those who live too far out from the nearest city to justify a day trip. It’s pricier than staying at home, but it’s easier to justify the splurge when you’re already skipping traditional travel expenses like airline tickets, luggage fees, and rental cars.

Staycation Inspiration

Building your staycation around a theme is a great way to spark your creativity. Some possible itinerary themes are: 

Active Staycation: Sign up for a local 5k, tackle the most popular hikes in your arena, organize an informal pickleball tournament with friends

Relaxing Staycation: Book a session at a local spa or get a day pass for a local hotel spa, get a pedicure and manicure at a local shop, do some yoga in a nearby park, visit a botanical garden

Foodie Staycation: Sign up for a local beer or wine tasting, plan a bar crawl with friends, try the highest-rated restaurants in your area, try a cooking class

Artsy Staycation: Visit the museum on a free public admission day, search for open mic nights at local bars and pubs, attend a film screening, do a public art tour of your nearest city

The post 7 Easy Tips to Plan Your Perfect Staycation appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Luggage shipping site MyBaggage.com analyzed data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the period of January 2021 to January 2024 to determine the best and worst airlines for luggage handling. 

American Airlines was deemed to be the worst airline for luggage handling, mishandling over two hundred million bags over the three-year period studied. 

If you must check a bag, try to fly on Spirit Airlines. This budget carrier was surprisingly the best airline for checked luggage. According to MyBaggage.com, Spirit Airlines mishandled around 4.93 pieces of luggage per every 1,000 pieces checked. 

The U.S. Airlines That Mishandle Luggage the Most

Tips for Preventing Lost Luggage

Reduce the chances of lost luggage by following these tips:

1. Pack an Apple Air Tag or other tracking device inside your luggage
2. Remove any old airline stickers or baggage tags before checking your bag
3. Clearly label your luggage with your current contact information
4. Avoid booking connecting flights

The post The Best and Worst US Airlines for Lost Luggage appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour.

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route. 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014, criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799, or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours. EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers, where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35. (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure, which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas, to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour. 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel. All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour, already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling, a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure—no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises.

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families, and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip, already booking dates into 2024.

The post The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fashion Mistakes You Make When Traveling

Dressing badly on vacation is usually done out of blissful ignorance rather than bad intentions. Knowing these common travel-outfit mistakes could keep even the most unfashionable world traveler in check.

Under-Dressing

Americans often dress more casually than people do in most other parts of the world. That habit can come off as a sign of disrespect, or even prevent you from being allowed into certain places. And it’s not just wearing sandals or lacking a suit jacket that you have to worry about.

On a recent business trip, one member of my group was asked to leave the rooftop restaurant we were all excited to see because he was breaking the dress code with his khaki shorts and Converse sneakers. We all had to leave, and I’m sure he learned his lesson about dressing for a night out in Europe. Most European cultures expect at least non-tennis shoes and long pants for men in more upscale restaurants.

Shoes That Are Just Plain Terrible

Nothing screams “tourist” more than a clunky pair of running sneakers paired with jeans in the name of comfort. You don’t need to look like you’re heading to the gym in order to save your feet from walking. This will of course vary from person to person depending on style preference and perhaps medical need—but lightweight shoes with a little bit of support usually go a long way. I prefer to stick to basics for my travel shoes. Classic, lightweight options like slip-on loafers or ankle boots will get the most use with an array of clothes, and can be transformed with the addition of simple drugstore insoles of your choosing if you want some extra cushion.

In fall or winter a warm pair of sleek Chelsea boots works for both men and women, and can transition from day to night. For warmer months, find a breathable slip-on like Allbirds loungers or Suavs (both also unisex) to avoid having bare feet on the plane. Sandals are packable: Throw a soft yet stylish pair like Sanuk’s Yoga Dawn TX sandals, which have yoga-mat insoles, into your suitcase.

Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are not shoes. Flip-flops are a travel tool that you should only pack in your beach bag for the walk from the hotel to the sand—or in your suitcase’s laundry compartment for use in grimy hostel or spa showers.

For hygiene’s sake, don’t be that person in the airport security line or on the plane wearing flip-flops. For safety’s sake, don’t wear them walking around unfamiliar city streets. They’re $2.99 at Old Navy for a reason: They shouldn’t be worn in public.

Shorts on the Plane

To me, this fashion mistake is more of a comfort issue than anything else: Aren’t people who wear shorts on the plane freezing? Plane cabins are typically chilly, so covering up at least to the shins is a good idea. It might be hot outside the airport, but being comfortable on the plane should take priority, especially for long flights. Try relaxed pants that breathe but will still cover you, like Everlane’s Easy Pant, which are as unrestrictive as shorts.

To airlines, however, shorts are sometimes a modesty issue. There have been instances of women being told to cover up or change into pants before getting on the plane. “The gate and onboard crew discussed the customer’s clothing and determined that the burlesque shorts may offend other families on the flight,” JetBlue said in 2016 of asking a customer to change out of her shorts before her flight. “While the customer was not denied boarding, the crew members politely asked if she could change.”

It’s hard to imagine a man being asked to change his shorts, unless maybe he was traveling in first or business class—but maybe a no-shorts dress code across the board would be appropriate for plane travel.

Revealing Clothing

Women visiting the Middle East are typically expected to be moderately covered, from their knees up to their shoulders. If you’re visiting during warmer weather, opt for light material, like linen pants you can dress up. A pashmina scarf is also a must-have to cover up before entering religious sites that might not allow you in otherwise. It’s a fashion mistake that could definitely ruin your sightseeing plans.

But it’s important to note that there are plenty of countries across the globe that also scrutinize certain types of revealing clothing. Buddhist cultures as well as Buddhist and Hindu temples and Christian churches typically expect women to cover up, and the shorter shorts that are widely accepted in the U.S. might not be a good idea in more traditional and/or religious parts of Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond.

In heavily Catholic Spain, wearing shorts or short skirts on certain holy days, like Easter and during week-long Semana Santa festivities, is considered disrespectful. And before the temperature rises to a reasonable point, even open-toe sandals or men’s tank tops can be considered uncouth. Learning this the hard way myself when I lived and studied in the South of Spain, I put my summer clothing back into my closet until the forecast hit a consistent range of mid-80s Fahrenheit. Make sure you pack at least one back-up option, like longer shorts for women and collared short-sleeve shirts for men.

Obnoxious T-Shirts

It’s a good idea to leave shirts with political slogans, designer logos, or even sports team names at home if you don’t want to be approached about them. Arguing about politics and other controversial topics like religion, money, and sports rivalries might be more culturally unacceptable than you’d think in your destination, and wearing your opinions on your chest could make you a target for those who want to air some grievances. Plus, your travel photos will look better without huge logos or letters distracting from the scenic background.

Backpacks

Unless you’re commuting to class or work, there’s no reason any grown adult should be toting around a huge backpack on an average day out. Travel backpacks in particular can get huge and become a hassle for everyone around you, especially if you’re taking busy public transit or heading to a crowded tourist attraction.

Stash your travel backpack somewhere, anywhere, whether it’s at a hotel front desk for a decent tip or in an airport locker for a small fee. A small cross-body purse or a belt bag that embraces the fanny pack trend can fit all your necessities, and will be a lot more secure when it comes to pickpockets. Museums and other sites usually won’t let you in with a big bag anyway, so you could actually be missing out on some must-see stops if you make this fashion mistake.

Over-Activewear

Athleisure can be a cool and comfortable way to fly—but suiting up in activewear for a day out on the town can be a good way to be pegged as an ugly American. Leave the hoodie and running shoes in the hotel room and opt instead for classic staples made from high-performance material.

A stylish, yet waterproof jacket like Rainout Sutro Trench from Athleta is an investment you’ll wear everywhere, with a loose fit that can be layered for different types of weather. For men, the Cyclone Trench Coat from Public Rec is similarly water resistant. And instead of track pants and running shoes, comfortable travel jeans and a streamlined sneaker, like Mark Nason Nash lace-ups, are just as lightweight and cozy.

SmarterTravel Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Instagram at @shanmcmahon for travel insight and more.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The 8 Worst Fashion Mistakes You Make When Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Stonehenge, England

This group of mystery stones has been described as mystical and magical. But what you rarely see in the postcards is that Stonehenge is wedged between two very busy roads—and that you’re not even allowed to get close to the stones. You’ll pay an admission fee, of course, but you’ll only be able to view the site from afar. (Tourists used to chip off pieces of the ancient rocks as souvenirs. This is why we can’t have nice things, people.)

Instead: Check out Avebury, about 25 miles away from Stonehenge, where an entire town is set inside a stone circle.

Blarney Stone, Ireland

Legend has it that kissing this rock will give you the gift of gab, but judging by how many people smooch the stone every day, we think you’re more likely to come away with a communicable disease. You’ll also have to brave long lines and a vertigo-inducing climb, and you’ll be unceremoniously tipped backwards and headfirst over a ledge by a worker in order to get your peck.

Instead: Skip the long lines and spend your saved time exploring the Blarney Castle grounds, which are definitely worth the visit … and (probably) won’t infect you with anything.

Mona Lisa, France

Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa painting is quite possibly the most recognizable piece of art in the world. So upon seeing it in person, you might be surprised that your first impression is… “wow, it’s small.” Measuring just 2′ 6″ x 1′ 9″, the Mona Lisa seems even tinier when it’s surrounded by the usual hordes of tourists, all fighting for a glimpse.

Instead: The Mona Lisa may be overrated, but the museum that houses it, the Louvre, is definitely not. Spend your time admiring the other lesser-known art rather than fighting the crowds at the Mona Lisa.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

After you’ve taken the obligatory photos “pushing over” the tower (and accidentally photo-bombed the background of many strangers’ photos), there’s not much to do here except be hounded by the many hawkers who patrol the area. It’s a long journey, especially if you’re coming all the way from Rome, just to see that the tower does, in fact, live up to its name.

Instead: The Duomo di Pisa, a Romanesque cathedral full of artwork, will give you something else to do besides stare at the tower, waiting for it to tip over.

Prague Astronomical Clock, Czech Republic

Sure, it’s the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. But unless your idea of a good time is staring at a giant glorified cuckoo clock while being jostled by fellow tourists, there’s not much else to recommend it. If you must see it, be sure to time it so that you arrive right as the show is starting (every hour on the hour), so you don’t have to waste 50 minutes standing around staring at the clock, waiting for it to perform.

Instead: Catch the time at Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, which houses multiple beautiful clocks inside a beaux-arts railway station that’s been converted into a museum.

Times Square, New York

Flashing advertisements, obnoxious peddlers selling knockoff DVDs, chain restaurants, and hordes of lost tourists looking at maps await you in the five famed blocks of Times Square. Residents of the city go out of their way to avoid this area where personal space goes to die. We’ll never understand why visitors travel all the way to New York City to buy grocery-store candy at the M&M’s World store, dine at an Olive Garden, and gawk at billboards.

Instead: Check out New York’s Museum Mile, a stretch of eight museums along Fifth Avenue. Less crowds, more unique things to gawk at—and there will still be hot-dog carts for you to buy from.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, California

If you’re reading this, you clearly have access to the Internet. So why not just Google famous people’s names instead of traveling to see those names etched into a sidewalk?

Instead: Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum‘s Hollywood location. There, at least you’ll be able to take pictures with inanimate celebrities and briefly fool people on Facebook with your star-studded vacation.

Manneken Pis, Belgium

Yes, the name of this statue in Brussels pretty much translates to “Little Man Pee.” No, we don’t know why tourists flock to look at a statue of a naked child peeing. If you insist on going, time your visit for when the statue has been dressed up by a city employee—you’ll feel a little less like a creep. (Or come during one of the occasions when the fountain’s water is replaced with a keg of beer, so you can at least get a free drink out of it.)

Instead: Visit the Zinneke Pis, a lesser-known sculpture in Brussels of a dog doing the same thing as the Manneken Pis. At least that one is cuter.

Equator, Ecuador

Don’t bother visiting this house of lies. Tourists snap photos at the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City), a park featuring a monument and a painted line that claims to be the middle of the world—0 degrees latitude. Too bad it’s all a deception, and the actual equator is hundreds of feet away in a pretty inaccessible spot. In the park’s defense, it was built before the advent of GPS.

Instead: If you enjoy posing for pictures while straddling lines, head to England and stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line, which is at least in the right place. (You’ll be marking a longitude, not latitude, of 0 degrees, however.)

The Little Mermaid, Denmark

This famous sculpture in Copenhagen, based on The Little Mermaid fairy tale, is actually a copy. The real statue is kept at an undisclosed location, which is probably for the best since the replica has been defaced, vandalized, decapitated, and blasted with explosives. You may feel the same destructive urges if you seek out this site, as visitors on TripAdvisor call it “hard to see, given it’s so small,” “a discredit to Hans Christian Andersen,” and “not a must-see” and say it is “in the middle of nowhere.”

Instead: Pay a better tribute to the author by visiting the Hans Christian Andersen statue in New York’s Central Park, where you can climb on the sculpture for photos.

The post 10 Most Overrated Tourist Traps appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The 6 Best Flight-Price Trackers

Several options generally rise to the top of most evaluations. Here are the top five, in no particular order, plus what makes each one stand out, followed up by some broader flight-tracking options:

• KAYAK
• Skyscanner
• Hopper
• Airfarewatchdog
• Google Flights
• Going

KAYAK

KAYAK (part of the Booking.com empire) is a robust flight price tracker. You can tailor the tracking filters as tightly as you want: by destination, class of service, number of stops, and more. KAYAK can also track hotel prices. Both are possible by selecting the “Track Prices” switch on the left side of the results page once you’ve searched for your specific dates.

Pros of Kayak: It shows Southwest if it is an option for the route you are searching, but does not show you the price is, have to click through to the southwest website. 

Cons of Kayak: Does not offer a loyalty program, so if you book through them there is no incentive for points. 

Skyscanner

Skyscanner, a London-based metasearch system, operates in much the same way as KAYAK. The “Get Price Alerts” button on the search results page enters your trip(s) into the system, and you can manage your account for details. 

As with KAYAK, this flight price tracker doesn’t include Southwest fares. And although it can search hotels, it does not offer a tracking function for them. Skyscanner’s “Get Price Alerts” option on the left side of the results page allows you to choose from email, Facebook, and Google to create an alerts account and start getting emails easily—all you have to do is enter an email address for them to be forwarded to.

Pros of Skyscanner: Real time fare comparison is like no other site, advanced search options. 

Cons of Skyscanner: Displaying of ghost fares that are no longer valid. 

Hopper

According to SaleCycle, the majority of travelers browse for flights on their phones but book them on their computers. Hopper may change that as a mobile app for iOS and Android phones, perfect for those glued to their phones. When the price of a fare drops, you will receive a notification directly on your phone, which you can click on to review the fare. There are no emails to check; just click on the alert. 

They have a great prediction model that tells you if the fare is high and when they think it will drop, so you know when to be on the lookout for those alerts and get ready to book. 

Pros of Hopper: Best tracking when using your phone to book airfare. 

Cons of Hopper: Filters are not as extensive as other sites. 

Airfarewatchdog

Airfarewatchdog, SmarterTravel’s sister site, will send you an alert the instant a price goes down so you can snag it before it is gone. Choose from a specific route or all deals from a specific departure city. 

Adding cities and routes is straightforward and simple, even after you have signed up- you can easily update your alerts without having to dig around. You can choose how often you want to get alerts, either up to seven times a week, three times a week or once a week.

Pros of Airfarewatchdog: Their Do-Not-Send Airlines option. Hate Spirit? Have a disdain for American? You can easily add the airlines you don’t want alerts from under your account settings.

Cons of Airfarewatchdog: Some fares you get alerts for are hard to find on the site.

Google Flights

Lastly: Not a website so much as a broader platform built into the internet giant Google, Google Flights provides an outstanding range of choices for tracking flight prices. For any trip of interest, you can enter an origin/destination, travel dates, how many tickets you want, and class of service, plus screening for the number of stops and other variables to track as many individual flights as you want. notifies you if the fare goes below the value when you first entered the search. It covers most airlines except for Southwest, which does not provide its fares to any metasearch systems. It notifies you by email on as many specific searches as you set it to. Google Flights does not include hotels. As an added bonus, Google Flights will also tell you the cheapest time to fly to a given destination, or the cheapest place to fly in a given time period, if you’re unsure of where and when to travel.

Pros of Google Flights: You can choose if you want to get alerts for specific dates or just for the route you are searching for in general, no matter the date – you just want the best price. 

Cons of Google Flights: They don’t always display the lowest price available. 

Going

Going, (previously Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a membership-based model. You can choose from three tiers: free, premium, and elite. The higher your status, the more deals you will be sent, and the more likely you will get the best deal for the routes/cities you choose. The paid memberships only make sense for people who travel a lot, otherwise, if you are just looking for a good deal, there is no need to pay for a membership. 

Going is by far the most aesthetically pleasing airfare site out of all the ones we have mentioned. Each deal is accompanied by a photo of the destination (or of an airplane) and has a generic price range listed, making fares seem cheaper than they might be but making the user feel like they are getting a deal. 

Pros of Going: Easy step-by-step alert sign-up. 

Cons of Going: They make it seem like you need a paid membership to continue, but you don’t. A Skip button is in the upper right-hand corner of all the sign-up pages as you set up your account. 

For premium fares (premium economy, business, and first-class), you can use any ITA Matrix-based site, which covers all fare classes. Those who want more detailed information on first—and business-class deals, however, can subscribe to several paid sources like First Class Flyer and Notiflyer, starting at $99 per year. Read more about where to find deals on premium airfare here.

Additional Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

• Be flexible with your travel dates and times. Weekdays and off-peak hours are generally cheaper than weekends and holidays.
• Consider flying into budget-friendly airports or nearby regional airports.
• Sign up for email newsletters from airlines you prefer to receive updates on promotions and sales.

Following these tips and leveraging flight price trackers can significantly increase your chances of scoring the best deals on your next airfare purchase.

The post Flight Price Trackers: 6 Sites That Will Find the Cheapest Airfare for You appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Pants can come with a variety of problems: waistbands digging into your skin, fabric wrinkling, or not being able to wear them with any other outfits. You may find yourself wishing you could just wear sweatpants and call it a day. However, sweatpants don’t exactly have a reputation of being stylish, so,  if you want to travel and still have a little style, we’ve got you covered. 

There are four key elements that go into the best travel pants: comfort, fabric, style, and versatility. These options for men and women tick all the boxes, so you know you’re making a good investment. Below you’ll find categories for athleisure, activewear, and business casual, as well as many styles including plus-size options.

Table of Contents

Best Athleisure Travel Pants

ADAY Turn It Up Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These tailored, slim-fit pants are available from size XS to XL and are comfortable for all shapes and sizes. Two side pockets make them ideal for a busy travel day and the elastic waistband adds to a high comfort level.

Fabric: 5/5. These pants are stretchy, pill-resistant, breathable, and thermo-regulating.

Style: 5/5. When paired with a button-down, these pants can be dressed up; when paired with a tee, they can be dressed down. The three-inch cuff at the hem adds a stylish detail, too.

Versatility: 5/5. These go straight from the plane to a casual dinner or meeting.

Lululemon ABC Pant Classic Warpstreme

Comfort: 4/5. A favorite among male travelers, Lululemon’s ABC line of pants is favored for comfort and stretch.

Fabric: 5/5. A patented fabric, Warpstreme provides a coveted four-way stretch. It is also machine washable and can be dried in the dryer on low.

Style: 5/5. These pants look like a classic work pant and can easily be worn in a casual setting or dressed up with a linen or cotton blazer.

Versatility: 4/5. My boyfriend literally lives in these … at the office, while traveling, on the golf course, or hanging out at a brewery, these are his go-tos. The combo of style and comfort can’t be beaten when looking for a travel pant for men. Running a marathon is just about the only thing he wouldn’t do in them.

Duluth Trading NoGA Namastash Slim Leg Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These ultimate travel pants from Duluth have not one, but six pockets to stow all of your day-of-travel essentials. The three-inch wide waistband (with interior drawstring) is tummy-flattening, and the fit is designed for both curvy and straight body shapes.

Fabric: 5/5. Duluth’s special NoGA fabric is silky and super stretchy. It has more than 850 five-star reviews, meaning that it must be that good. Fans of the fabric rave about its figure-flattering features and support. It also wicks moisture, has UPF 40 sun protection and is machine-washable.

Style: 3/5. While this pair of women’s travel pants is slightly more like a legging, the back pocket and slightly flared leg details dress ‘em up.

Versatility: 4/5. These pants are slightly more casual and could also be worn as activewear.

Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings

Comfort: 5/5. Not too tight and not too loose, these Motion Ankle Leggings make for a super comfortable trip. 

Fabric: 5/5. The ultra-soft double-knit fabric is breathable & comfortable, and the 4-way stretch material makes these pants your new go-to. 

Style: 4/5. There isn’t too much special about these leggings- they are just that- leggings, but they are definitely a step up from some basic leggings. 

Versatility: 4/5. Leggings can always be used for several different occasions, easily dressed down with a sweatshirt, but can quickly change into a nicer outfit with a dressier tunic and cute flats, heels, or boots. 

Alo ⅞ High-Waist Airlift Legging

Comfort: 5/5. Described as “second skin,” these high-waist leggings from Alo may just be the closest thing you’ll find to traveling with no pants on (or in pajamas at least). Super comfortable 

Fabric: 5/5. The double-layered waistband provides comfortable support without rolling down and the compression fabric fits tight to the body without being too constricting. 

Style: 4/5. Like the Motion Ankle leggings above, nothing is too unique about these leggings. They are a stylish and well-executed basic that will get you through travel days with ease.

Versatility: 4/5. Great for the plane, working out during your trip, or as a warm base layer to an outfit in colder climates.

Athleta Women’s Venice Jogger

Comfort: 5/5. Super soft fabric and a knit waistband give these pants the ultimate stamp of approval when it comes to comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The Sculptek Light™ fabric is super light and stretchy. It’s also quick-drying, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants is semi-fitted with a tapered leg and has a mid-rise, sitting just below the natural waist. Four pockets (two secured front and two back) make accessing your essentials on travel days even easier.

Versatility: 5/5. These travel pants make up the perfect travel day uniform but can also be dressed up with a silk blouse and heels to go out on the town.

Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The pull-on jogger style of these pants couldn’t be more comfortable, especially with the knit waistband and hidden drawstring cord.

Fabric: 4/5. The lightweight fabric is ideal for warmer climates and water repellent with 50+ UPF.

Style: 5/5. These pants have four large pockets, ideal on travel days, and the elasticized cuffs allow you to adjust the length from capris to full length.

Versatility: 4/5. I personally love the jogger-style pants for versatility. You can hike, bike, or work out in these and keep them on for dinner or other casual activities.

Public Rec All Day Every Day Pant

Comfort: 4/5. As Public Rec itself says of these pants, “a more stylish alternative to sweatpants, a more comfortable alternative to jeans.” With an elastic waistband and interior drawstring, you have all the comfort elements of the perfect travel pant for men.

Fabric: 4/5. This pair of travel pants have a spandex-nylon blend that is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. Elements like a faux front fly and tapered bottoms give this pair of travel pants a smart finish.

Versatility: 5/5. Reviewers comment that they have ordered these pants in every color because they can’t wear them enough.

Best Activewear Travel Pants

Coalatree Unisex Slim Fit Trail Head Pants

Comfort: 4/5. The elastic waistband and drawstring are super comfortable and the fabric is thicker than that of most hiking pants, but still stretches. These pants have a 4.5 star rating based on 1966 reviews.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are waterproof, quick-drying, antimicrobial, and tear-resistant, and they have a four-way stretch.

Style: 4/5. The unisex style is flattering on most figures and has four handy-yet-stylish pockets.

Versatility: 4/5. While these pants don’t do double duty for something like a business dinner, they could pass for sit-down meals at a casual restaurant or nature lodge. Plus, you can wash them easily and will get multiple re-wears.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants

Comfort: 5/5. The soft and stretchy fabric of these pants make them perfect for travel. With a snap closure waistband, they don’t gape. They also feature two side-zip security pockets.

Fabric: 5/5. The nylon-elastane blend is soft and stretchy. Other fabric features include UPF 50 sun protection and water and stain repellency.

Style: 4/5. Featuring a mid-rise and straight leg, these pants have a feminine and flattering fit.

Versatility: 4/5. These convertible pants come in tons of neutral-colored options to go with any outdoorsy vacation. While these travel pants do have a sportier look, they can be dressed up.

Patagonia Men’s Quandary Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These pants have a curved waistband to reduce gapping and help them stay in place during activities.

Fabric: 5/5. They’re water repellent, lightweight, quick-drying, stretch-woven, sun protective with 40+ UPF—can the fabric be any better?

Style: 4/5. The slim-straight fit is designed to be stylish and comfortable, but reviewers note that the pants are best for lean to medium builds. Five pockets make this pair of pants even better on travel days for easy access to essentials.    

Versatility: 5/5. Great in all seasons, the Quandary Pants go from trail to town.

Best Business Casual Travel Pants

Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants

Comfort: 5/5. These pants were made famous by a crowdfunded campaign and are known for their comfort. With a thicker waistband and super stretch material, reviewers rave about comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The rayon-blend fabric is machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and stretchy.

Style: 4/5. The Dress Pant Yoga Pants come in a variety of cuts: boot-cut, straight-leg, skinny-leg, and cropped-leg to fit almost any body type.

Versatility: 4/5. These are the ultimate comfortable dress pant. They look better dressed up but are comfortable enough to be a staple in your travel day uniform.

Cotidie Harriet Trousers

Comfort: 4/5. With faux back pockets, front pockets, and a tailored leg, these trousers don’t look like leggings, but they sure are as comfortable as leggings are, thanks to the stretchy waistband and elastane-blend material.

Fabric: 4/5. These pants are made with StellaForm, a nylon and elastane blend that’s machine washable, stretchy, wrinkle-resisting, and moisture-wicking.

Style: 4/5. With a slim leg and fitted look, these chino-style work pants are stylish and practical for business travelers.

Versatility: 4/5. These are one of the dressier-looking pairs of travel pants on the list, so if you need to look like you’re at the top of your game while traveling, choose these.

Bluffworks Ascender Chino Pants

Comfort: 4/5. While the waistband of these pants looks like a chino, it’s actually stretchy for a more comfortable fit. They are also designed to hold everything you would need in a travel day, including an anti-theft hidden money pocket and two designated phone pockets for the things that matter most.

Fabric: 4/5. Wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, soft, and lightweight, these pants check all the boxes.

Style: 5/5. This pair of travel pants for men is the classic chino style, so if that’s the style of travel pants you’re looking for, these are it.

Versatility: 3/5. These are definitely more for dinners and the office, but equally comfortable as activewear.

Linksoul 5-Pocket Boardwalker Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants have five pockets, so you’ll have no shortage of options for stowing your travel day essentials. Reviewers love the stretchy fabric for comfort and a modern fit without being too tight.

Fabric: 4/5. Designed for golfers, these travel pants are breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, made from a soft cotton-poly-spandex blend.

Style: 5/5. These pants are styled like more traditional pants.

Versatility: 4/5. Go from the plane straight to the green in these versatile travel pants.

Bluffworks AirlineTrevi Pant

Comfort: 5/5. These business casual pants are made from lightweight polyester with some stretch. When paired with the elastic waistband, they couldn’t be more comfortable if they tried.

Fabric: 5/5. The fabric is machine washable and provides odor and moisture-wicking control, and it doesn’t wrinkle.

Style: 5/5. The polished pants are designed to look like business casual chinos.

Versatility: 4/5. Whether you are traveling for business or just want a refined look, these pants are stylish, comfortable, and provide travelers with an extra perk: eight pockets (and three of them even have a zipper closure).

prAna Men’s Brion Pants

Comfort: 5/5. Stretchy and breathable, these pants are made with a spandex blend. Reviewers call them “outrageously comfortable.”

Fabric: 5/5. prAna’s sustainable, stretchy “ReZion” fabric is wrinkle-, water-, and stain-repellent, and is lightweight, quick-drying, and UV-protective.

Style: 5/5. The slim-fit-style pant is available with multiple inseam options, making them flattering on most body types. Plus, the five pockets keep all of your travel day essentials secure.

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you’re traveling, doing indoor climbing, or going out to dinner, these pants work.

Vuori Ripstop Pant

Comfort: 4/5. These pants feature an elastic waistband, are stretchy, and have a draw cord for the perfect fit. The slimmer fit does mean a narrow leg, so size up for ultimate comfort.

Fabric: 5/5. The DuraTerra™ ripstop fabric made from 98% Organic Cotton, 2% Elastane features a two-way stretch

Style: 5/5. The midrise waist and slim fit make these a polished look, and they can be easily dressed up or down. 

Versatility: 5/5. The slim fit of these pants makes them ideal for whatever occasion comes your way – you can easily go from a flight to a business meeting in them, and smarten them up with a jacket or nice blouse and dressier shoes. 

Everlane 90’s Cheeky Jean

Comfort: 4/5. While many jeans may not be super comfortable for travel, these jeans from Everlane beg to differ. Once they are broken in, these jeans will be your go-to for comfort. 

Fabric: 4/5. Unlike most of the pants we have here, these jeans have no stretch to them, but their loose-fitting, lived in style still makes them super comfortable, despite no stretch. After washing, they do take a bit before they loosen up. 

Style: 5/5. These jeans are straight and super cute. Like any jeans, they are easily dressed down or up, with the right shoes, shirt, and accessories. 

Versatility: 5/5. Isn’t versatility the point of jeans? You can wear them for almost any occasion, and they work great for going from the airport to a meeting or dinner- just add a belt and change your shoes! 

Boston Proper Beyond the Travel Pant

Comfort: 5/5. You can never have too many dressy yoga pants like these travel pants from Boston Proper. They are super comfortable for travel and work. 

Fabric: 4/5. Made with 95% nylon/5% spandex, these pants are stretchy, but may seem a bit flimsier than you’d like. However, they don’t wrinkle, making them perfect to pack in your suitcase. 

Style: 5/5. From the yoga studio, the airplane, to the office, the style of these travel pants cannot be beaten. Plus, they are available in three lengths. 

Versatility: 5/5. Whether you dress them up or down, these pants can fit the bill no matter what the occasion is. 

FAQ About Travel Pants

What are the best travel pants for long flights?

As most things, it depends on your circumstances. If you are just traveling for leisure, a basic legging will do the trick for women, and you can’t go wrong with the Women’s UA Motion Ankle Leggings. They are a typical legging, with a pocket to keep anything you want handy while traveling, they allow for movement, and are super breathable, making them perfect for any trip you take. For men, the Public Rec All Day Everyday pants are our pick. More stylish than sweatpants, but just as comfortable, you’ll be a happy traveler when you wear these! As far as something dressier goes, for guys we pick the Prana Brion Pant II. They are super comfortable with 5 convenient pockets, and can easily be dressed up when you need them to be. For Women, our top choice is the Cotidie Harriet Trousers they are insanely comfortable, yet super stylish. 

What are the most comfortable travel pants? 

This depends on your personal preference, but typically, the simpler, and the more stretch, the more comfortable they are going to be. Alo’s ⅞ High-Waist Airlift leggings are a basic legging, but are soft, stretchy, and are probably the closest you will come to wearing pajamas while you travel. Again, for men the Public Rec All Day Everyday are going to give you the most comfort while on the road. 

Should I wear shorts or pants on a plane?

It’s really a personal choice—but just keep in mind that it can get chilly on airplanes. You also may want to consider  your bare legs hitting up against the seat at the airport and on the plane, if you aren’t going to be able to shower shortly after you land, you may want to consider pants so you don’t have to worry about germs. 

What material is best for travel?

Again, this can boil down to personal preference, however, a lightweight, breathable, stretchy material is going to be best. Typically stretchier material won’t wrinkle, which is an added bonus on top of comfort.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Whether you’ll be spending most of your time stuck in a conference center on a business trip, partying with bachelorettes, or gambling at the casino, it’s important to pack these essentials. This is the ultimate Las Vegas packing list. 

Clothing

When deciding what clothing to pack for Las Vegas, keep in mind the wide temperature swings you’re likely to experience during your trip. It may be hot outside during the day, but casinos, restaurants, and conference centers are often overly air-conditioned. Las Vegas is a desert city, so temperatures can drop significantly once the sun goes down. The answer: packing lots of layers.

The Best Clothing to Pack for Las Vegas

• Cardigan or blazer for layering
• Casual shorts, shirts, and dresses for daytime
• Swimsuits
• Dressier evening outfits for clubs or nice restaurants
• Sport Jacket for men (some restaurants that still require dinner jackets)
• Lightweight jacket for nighttime 

Shoes

You may think of Las Vegas as a sedentary destination, but you’ll be surprised at how many steps you rack up. The Strip is over 4 miles long, so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget to pack sandals you can wear to the pool during the day and dressier shoes for evenings out. 

What Shoes to Pack for Las Vegas

• Sandals 
• Good walking shoes
• Dress shoes

Miscellaneous

In Las Vegas, you need to guard against the sun, dehydration, hangovers, germs, and blisters. Packing these miscellaneous items can help you stay safe and comfortable.

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Portable charger
• Electrolytes
• Cash for tips
• Bandaids for blisters
• Advil
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs

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