tourist guide list

Meet the locals:

• Tourism News
• Wildlife Streaming
• Board of Directors
• Tourism Publications
• Important Notices
• Tender Documents

Tourism Hotline: 1912

• Sri Lanka At A Glance
• International Endorsements
• 10 Good Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
• Marvels of Sri Lanka
• World Class Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan Legends

12 Things to Do in Colombo

Suggested Itineraries

• Lesser Known Attractions

Sri Lankan Heritage

Provincial Tourism

• Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
• Interactive Map
• Tourist Attractions
• Beach Holidays
• Wild Safaris
• Adventure Sports
• Adventure Tours
• Whale Watching
• Discover The Past
• Nature Trails
• Scenic Beauty
• Meetings & Conferences
• Colombo City Tour
• Eco Tourism
• Tourist Friendly Eating Places
• Spa & Wellness Centers
• Spice Gardens
• Tourist Shops
• Arts and Crafts
• Volunteer Tourism
• Research Tourism
• Things to See
• Buy Gemstone
• Upcoming Events
• Visa Requirements
• Plan Your Trip
• Visa Services
• Online Services
• Sri Lankan Embassies
• Travel Tips
• Travel Habits

Getting Around

• Distance Calculator
• Sri Lanka Weather
• Emergency Services
• Sri Lankan Public Holidays 2022
• Best Of Sri Lanka

Tour Guides

• Authorized Tourist Drivers
• Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
• Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
• Travel Magazines and Directories
• Tourist Information System (Kiosks)
• Currency Converter
• Travel Apps
• Foreign Embassies
• Travel Agents
• Doing Business in Sri Lanka
• Online Booking
• Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Explore the Sri Lanka's Best
• National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")
• Travel Blog
• SLTPB Promotional KIT
• E-Brochures & Attraction Guides
• Management Team
• Supplier Registration 2018
• Plan a business event test
• Chinese New Year 2018
• What the world has to say
• Your Complaints

The 15 Best Islands in the World

  Meet the locals

Sun & Beach

This entire island gifted by shining blue water. Therefore, Sri Lanka is most popular for beaches among tourists.   Read More

In Sri Lanka, you can discover rich and enormous cultural heritage.  Read More

Adventure & Sports

In Sri Lanka, you can get experience in water base, air base, earth base and many kinds of activities.  Read More

•  Pilgrimage
•  Ayurveda
•  Nature Trails
•  Meetings & Conferences
•  Things to See
•  Eco Tourism
•  Shopping
•  Night Life
•  Buy Gemstone
•  Spa & Wellness Centers
•  Discover The Past
•  Dining
•  Tourist Shops
•  Spice Gardens
•  Tourist Friendly Eating Places

Events & Festivals

You can participate to Sri Lanka's cultural festivals and events, and it gives you to chance experience in unique cultural rituals. Read More

within this you can easily find out proper tour itineraries to explore the Sri Lanka. Read More

Mirissa Whale Watching

Blue whales are the biggest animal live on the earth and Mirissa is the one of most suitable spot to watch blue whales and other whales too.  Read More

Yala National Park

This is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala is home to Asian elephants, leopards and variety of beautiful endemic birds.  Read More

sigiriya popular as eighth wonder of the world among the tourists and it was the one of Asia's oldest landscaped garden.  Read More

•  Gall Fort
•  Hikkaduwa Beach
•  Dambulla Cave Temple
•  Wild Safaris
•  Colombo City Tour
•  See All Attractions

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of the Sri Lanka. This city filled with luxurious hotels,restaurants and many variety of attractions.   Read More

Sri Lanka have divergent nine provincials.Select what you most prefer provincial in here and travel like your own way.   Read More

Southern Corridor

Many of gorgeous beaches are located in southern province of Sri Lanka and not at all, this city is home to ancient British and Dutch architectural buildings and many of ancient religious sites.  Read More

•  Northwest Province
•  Sabaragamuwa Province

Explore Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the treasure of island for all tourists. You can discover variety of natural, cultural and historical heritages within few hours.  Read More

Sri Lanka at a Glance

As a pearl of the Indian ocean Sri Lanka have unique cultural, geological features. Those things will help you to find out new experience to your life.  Read More

Weather in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has different weather conditions. Center of the country weather are balmy and other sides being hot. You can feel this different in a one day.  Read More

Public Holidays in Sri Lanka

Full moon Poya days and other religious festivals make the majority of the holidays in Sri Lanka. This will help you to plan a wonderful journey.  Read More

•  Marvels of Sri Lanka
•  International Endorsements
•  Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
•  Currency & converter
•  Sri Lankan Embassies
•  Foreign Embassies
•  Emergency Services
•  Tourism News

Apply for a Visa

General tips and tricks

•  Visa Requirements
•  Visa Services
•  Travel Tips
•  Tour Guides
•  Travel Agents
•  Authorized Tourist Drivers
•  Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
•  Transport
•  Travel Magazines and Directories
•  Travel Apps
•  For Business Travellers

Book Your Flights

Book Your Accommodation

You'll be spoilt for choice with the array of Sri Lankan accommodation options. We have star class hotels, home stays, heritage bungalows, boutique hotels to guest houses and rented apartments.  Read More

Book Your Trip

•  Submit Your Travel Inquiry
•  Online Services
•  Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
•  Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")

Hello Again Sri Lanka

Steering the way in Sri Lanka

Tourist guides provides the visitor with in depth knowledge in their mother tongue, smoothing creases and wrinkles that is bound to occur while touring a foreign country for the first time. It is best to choose a tourist guide who had been professionally trained and authorized by Sri Lanka tourism, who are categorized as National Tourist Guides or Chauffeur Tourist Guides. The National Tourist Guides caters to a large group of tourists traveling in luxury coaches driven by reserved drivers while Chauffeur Tourist Guides would be guiding small groups conveyed in small vans and luxury cars.

P. DUMINDA SAMARAKOON

No. 224, akarawita, gampaha

Registration No

[email protected]

Expiry Date

Validity status of licence:

Valid till 31st December 2025

N.N. GUNATILLAKE

No. 74/10 , galle road , waskaduwa

[email protected]

K.P.R. KUMARA DHARMARATNE

No 43/18 b, aluthgantota rd, kandy.

get.taprobane@gmail

Y. MUDIYANSELAGE JAYATILAKA

3rd lane, kindamullawatta, veyangoda

[email protected]

S. SUDHARSHANA DISSANAYAKE

No, 80/1 pepiliyana road, nedimala dehiwala.

[email protected]

NIMAL WEERASINGHE

161/2, yatagama, essella 11108

[email protected]

G.M.SARATH SILVA

No. 4/115, talakotuwa gardens, polhengoda road, colombo 5

[email protected]

I. VITHANEGE HEMACHANDRA

No. 3/34,pathum uyana, hokandara south, hokandara

[email protected]

Search for a Tour Guide

Enter the Tour Guide Name

Enter the Registration Number (Ex : N-0434 , C-0674 , 8675)

All Languages

Tour Guides with expired license

Access Database >>

Tourism Business Registration

Do you like your business to get listed here?

National Tourist Guides

National tourist guides generally handle large groups of tourists and travel in large tourist coaches driven by a dedicated driver.

Chauffeur Tourist Guides

Chauffeur tourist guides handles small groups and parties from 01-07 pax. The tours are been conducted in air conditioned micro vans and in semi luxury cars driven by the guide.

For site suggestions and errors, please contact    |   Please use Downloads page to get the required software for this site   

© 2024 All Rights Reserved by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.   Solution by : Fortunacreatives -->

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Planning your next big adventure? Check out these related articles below!

Skiplagged Review 

Best Airbnb Alternatives

Hopper Review

Best Travel Deal Sites

Best Hardside Luggage Sets

Best Travel Purses

Pakt One Review 

Best Travel Gifts

Pin this image for future reference

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The Atlas Heart is a California travel website dedicated to showing you the best of the Golden State from a local perspective.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

©2024 The Atlas Heart

Most popular inspiration

Most popular experiences

Most popular destinations

Most popular itineraries

60 Best travel websites for researching & planning a trip

Researching and planning a holiday is like decorating a room. It’s all about the preparation. (Yes, you can have a great spontaneous holiday, but there’s a lot of luck involved in that…).

In the good old days, before the internet, we relied on travel agents, but in today’s digital world, a wealth of online websites and apps are on-hand to help.

But too many. The choice is overwhelming and the quality and trustworthiness variable.

So which ones are the best? Which ones should you use and for what purpose?

Planning a holiday – even before you book it – involves several steps. We’ve broken down this process and recommended the best tools to use at each stage, to make your research and planning process as simple, painless, fast –and enjoyable – as possible.

Where to go & what to do

1.1 ideas & inspiration.

Discover new places you never thought of going to, wonderful things to see & do on your travels. Add them to your travel bucket list.

Bucket List Travels

Concept: This specialist travel inspiration site works with an impressive list of leading travel writers around the world to recommend the world’s greatest travel experiences. It also offers destination guides, simple itineraries that link the top attractions together, and recommends the best places to stay while you’re there. You can search and filter through the recommendations e.g. to find recommendations by price, or that are suitable for kids. You can also save your ‘finds’ to your travel bucket list.

Pros: the search and filtering is unique amongst travel inspiration sites, and it allows you to sort through the thousands of expert recommendations to find what you want quickly – a huge time saver. The destination guides have curated, not comprehensive recommendations, so they’re effectively handing you a list of great recommendations for when you visit a new destination, i.e. the ‘bucket list’ experiences not-to-be-missed. The adding to favourites is also unique – great for ‘saving for later’ those brilliant experiences or places to stay you come across.

Cons: coverage is limited to only 100 or so destinations, which mainly centres on the UK and western Europe. Non-Europe content is limited (but being added in the near future).

When to use: Use it before any other site to decide on where to go or what to do next, and to get an outline list/itinerary of what you want to do there. Then supplement that with tours & activities from other inspiration sites listed here, especially the ones with the local authentic experiences.

Website : https://www.bucketlisttravels.com/

Concept: Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. It’s popular among individuals, influencers, and businesses for promoting their personal brands or products.

Pros: Insta is a great source of travel inspiration, as it allows you to discover new destinations, attractions, and experiences through visually appealing and engaging content. You can follow travel influencers and bloggers for tips and recommendations, discover lesser-known destinations and experiences, find out about local events and festivals, and see how others experience a particular destination, which can provide ideas for your own itinerary.

When to use it: Day-to-day inspiration and idea generation for your next trip. Bookmark your favourites, or save your ideas to your travel bucket list for the next time you do want to go somewhere special.

Website : https://www.instagram.com/

Concept: Pinterest is a social media platform that allows users to discover, collect and share images and videos on virtual pinboards. Users can create boards on any topic and save Pins from other users or external websites, as well as search for inspiration and ideas. The platform has over 400 million active users worldwide.

Pros: Like Instagram, it’s a great visual travel inspiration tool, for discovering what to do in the world and specific destinations.

When to use it: For visual searches of potential destinations, and saving ideas (pins) for future trips.

Website : https://www.pinterest.com

Travel & Leisure

This high-end, luxury travel magazine covers a range of topics including hotels and resorts, airlines, cruises, food and drink, and various travel destinations around the world. Being a magazine, it focuses on the new and topical, so it’s a showcase of the latest and greatest in travel if novelty is your thing.

Pros: It’s top-quality content and genuine expertise from leading journalists and travel writers, with selective, curated recommendations. They have tonnes of round-ups of the ‘world’s best’ too.

Cons: Recommendations can be a bit too curated, missing lots of smaller experiences, and are often outside of the budget of most travellers. It’s primarily a magazine with an online afterthought, so recommendations tend to get buried in long pages of text. The site search turns up articles/posts that you then have to read further, rather than specific recommendations, and you can’t filter anything which is the big time saver.

When to use it: Sign up for their social feeds and newsletters, which often feature great round-ups like: “Best place to…”. Great for day-to-day inspiration and idea generation for your next trip. Bookmark your favourites, or save your ideas to your travel bucket list for the next time you do want to go somewhere special.

Honourable mentions: other great magazines for this include Conde Nast Traveller (featured later) and Wanderlust .

Website : https://www.travelandleisure.com/

Travel blogs

Concept: Travel blogs (too many to mention, but pretty much all the same in format) feature personal experiences, advice, and recommendations, usually written by an individual traveller or group of travellers who share their travel stories, photos, and tips with their audience.

Pros: You can’t beat personal experience when it comes to travel recommendations, and often these experienced author-travellers offer good insights and tips. They’re also usually an interesting, engaging read.

Cons: for planning a trip, blogs are hit and miss. They are written from the perspective of the blogger i.e. where they have just been or what they have just done, so it’s pot luck if that coincides with where you want to go or do next. They are also flat, text articles – you can’t search or filter their recommendations.

When to use it: Follow the ones you like if you enjoy reading such things. Once you have your list itinerary roughly planned out, they’re worth a quick scan for additional tips and insights (if you can find something relevant).

1.2 Top attractions, activities, tours & events

If you’re ready to start planning your trip, and nothing on your travel bucket list fits the bill, take a look at one of these sites to decide:

Concept: See listing above.

When to use: Head to their search results that shows all 100+ destination they cover, then use the filters to select a destination based on cost (cheap v expensive), or theme  (e.g. Science & Nature, Art, History & Culture) etc. You can also handily filter the list according to the best month of the year to visit.

FlightsFrom

Concept: this handy website lists all of the destinations you can fly to from every airport, on what days and with what airline.

When to use it: great for identifying where you can fly to from your local airport, and planning multi-destination trips.

Website : https://www.flightsfrom.com/

Google Flights

Google’s flight aggregator and comparison service consolidates flight schedules from all of the world’s commercial airlines in one place. By entering your dates and departure/arrival airports, you can quickly see who flies there, on what dates and at what times, and the price of the fare. Prices and availability are updated in real-time, and you can sign up for price alerts.

How to use it: The ‘Explore’ function allows you to specify a departure airport and see the cheapest flights to any destination you can fly to from that airport, for certain dates and trip durations – so great if you don’t have a fixed destination in mind. You can also handily add more than one departure airport if you have more than one departure option. (NB FlightsFrom shows you all available flights; Google Flights shows you available flights and their prices). NB Skyscanner has a similar ‘Explore everywhere’ feature, however, it is only available on the app and you can only enter one departure destination).

Website : https://www.google.com/travel/flights

This travel inspiration website provides a wealth of travel content, including destination guides, hotel and restaurant recommendations.

Pros: there’s loads of decent quality content, and their network of experts worldwide have good credentials and specialise in the destinations they write about.

Cons: The recommendations feature in text-heavy pages, making it hard to use for planning. You can’t filter, or save your favourites, and if you site search, you then have to wade through lots and lots of article posts. The content can also be quite random – as if it’s what someone felt like writing at the time, rather than being structured.

When to use it: Once you have your main list drawn up from the other sites listed here, it’s worth a quick scan for additional tips and insights.

Website : https://www.tripsavvy.com/

This global deals site specialises in providing exclusive offers and one-of-a-kind experiences to its 30 million members worldwide (membership is free). They partner with over 5,000 travel suppliers to source cut-price inventory.

When to use it: Sign up for their newsletter, then sit back and let the deals roll in. If you’re price-conscious, or just love a deal, then use their offers to decide on where to go and what to do next. Works best if you’re flexible on dates – most deals will be for when demand is lower i.e. in winter and/or outside of school holidays.

Website : https://www.travelzoo.com

1.3 What to do when you get there: attractions

Now you’ve decided on a destination, what should you do there? What are the top attractions, the must-see-and-dos, and the ‘bucket list experiences not to be missed?

How to use it: Navigate to the destination guide webpage. Our expert writes not only curates the top travel experiences – attractions, activities, tours & events – for you, but also further splits them as either ‘bucket list’ i.e. the not-to-be-missed, or ‘other’ experiences – nice to know about, but only for if you have time/interest.

Also, be sure to scroll through the destination page photo gallery for a pictorial summary.

Google Travel

Concept: Google’s travel planning platform offers a range of tools to help users plan their trips. It includes Google Flights (see later), a hotel aggregator and holiday rentals

For deciding what to do when you go somewhere, type your destination into the search, then click on the ‘Things to do’ side icon for full listings. It tries to list in order of priority/popularity, which mostly works, though it is an auto-generated list. The written descriptions come from Wikipedia, so it lacks that human expertise and it all feels a bit soulless (to me anyway). The interface however is easy to use, and you can add favourites to a trip list.

How to use it: After you’ve been to Bucket List Travels for the curated, expert list, if you feel you need more in your itinerary, and/or you’re worried we may have missed something, then use Google Travel to check the full comprehensive listings and see if there is anything else you want to do.

Website : https://www.google.com/travel/

Lonely Planet

Concept: The original ‘guidebook’ company, they have destination guides for pretty much every place on the planet. Their expert writers, who must specialise in the destination, provide comprehensive listings and recommendations for sightseeing, accommodation and food & drink, plus very detailed logistical and practical information.

How to use it: They’re comprehensive, not curated. They include a lot of minor attractions that the majority of travellers would not want to bother with, and there’s not a lot of imagery, just text. I use them as a cross-check once I have outlined what you want to do. It’s too detailed/comprehensive for researching and planning – unless you’ve got days to spare. Handy to take the book with you, though, for the in-depth local tips when you’re there.

Honourable mentions: all of the guidebooks are broadly similar. Also try Rough Guides , Fodor’s , Frommers’ , Rick Steves (Europe only) and DK Eyewitness .

Website : https://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Tourism Associations

Concept: A local government body, tasked with promoting tourism to the destination, that will provide comprehensive information, advice and recommendations for visitors to both attract and facilitate their visit. Being the local specialist, they should know better than anyone what to see & do, and they often include many smaller, high quality attractions and tours that others will miss. However, the quality of websites is highly variable (best in the most developed, richer nations as you’d expect), and they have to be impartial so there is no curation and little opinion.

How to use it: A great resource when it’s done well. If you’re going to a developed nation, I would say they are a must-visit. Use them to start drafting up your list.

Concept: A video-sharing website where users can upload, share, and view videos on a variety of topics. It attracts billions of monthly active users. There’s a digital tonne of travel content on there, covering every aspect – from destination recommendations to videos on how to book flights.

When to use it: if you’re a visual person, YouTube is a great resource for travel inspiration. It’s jammed packed these days with ‘What to see in X’, with video and image slideshows showing you the top sights. It tends to be top sights only, but a good place to start drawing up your shortlist. It’s also great for travel advice and tips.

Website : https://youtube.com

1.4 What to do when you get there: local experiences

‘Authentic’ experiences enable you to experience the real destination, to experience its culture, to meet its people, and to live like a local. Indeed, many travellers prefer them to crowd-thronged, tourist-spoiled ‘big ticket’ attractions. Here are some resources I use to discover them in my chosen destination:

Air BnB experiences

Concept: This service allows individuals and small businesses to offer unique activities and tours to travellers in over 1,000 cities around the world. Experiences can range from food tours to pottery classes to wildlife safaris, and are designed and led by locals who have expertise in their field.

Pros: Coverage is extensive, and the experiences can be a more immersive and authentic way for travellers to connect with the local culture and community.

Cons: Some of the experiences listed I feel are more for locals than tourists, and it’s tours/classes, so not really attractions you visit like museums.

When to use it: If you’re a first-time visitor wanting to tick off the main attractions, use a site like Bucket List Travels first to find those out and make a preliminary list, then complement what they give you with these experiences to add some local flavour and insight to your itinerary.

Website : https://www.airbnb.com/experiences

Atlas Obscura

An online travel guide that features unique, offbeat and even bizarre travel experiences – be it unknown/obscure destinations or little-known experiences within well-known destinations. It also offers tours and experiences to some of the destinations featured on the website.

Pros: Once again, this is a site for those seeking off-the-beaten-track, authentic and unusual experiences.

Cons: It’s very niche, aimed at the truly intrepid traveller. If you’re a mainstream tourist, wanting to tick off the main sites, this is not the site for you.

When to use it: If you want to avoid the big tourist sites and experience something unique and different in a destination. If you’re a first-time visitor wanting to tick off the main attractions, use a site like Bucket List Travels first to find those out and make a preliminary list, then complement what they give you with the Atlas Obscura experiences to add some local flavour and insight to your itinerary.

Website : https://www.atlasobscura.com/

Spotted by Locals

Concept: A travel website/blog that provides insider city tips from locals. Each city ‘guide’ is curated by a team of handpicked city residents, featuring their favourite local spots for food, drinks, culture, and entertainment.

Pros: it’s a great source for finding those authentic local experiences, away from the tourist hoards.

Cons: Recommendations/articles are quite random in subject – and you have to scroll through pages and pages of blog posts. You can’t search or filter by interest for example. Coverage is also limited to only 80 cities.

When to use it: They also don’t cover the big-ticket attractions first-time visitors will want to see, so use this for filling gaps in your itinerary or for second visits once the big ones have been ticked off.

Website : https://www.spottedbylocals.com/

1.5 What to do when you get there: tickets & tours

Get Your Guide

Offers a very similar proposition to Viator (see below). GyG though is Europe-based, so it has much stronger tour options in Europe than the US-based Viator, which conversely has a better US inventory.

Website : https://www.getyourguide.com/

Concept: An online tour ‘aggregator’ combines and lists multi-day organised tours, both small and large group, from all the leading tour operator brands like Intrepid , G Adventures and Exodus. They are to guided tours what Booking.com is to hotels. Search is by destination, so you need to know where you want to go first.

Pros: Listings are comprehensive and up to date, giving you a window on all of the options available that you can search and filter to your specific need.

Cons: Always beware the pricing on aggregators. Operators have learned to use low pricing to get you to click through to them, then load that up with expensive extras and upgrades once you are on their site (or they lie about the price in the first place).

When to use: If you want to go on a guided tour, this is a great place to start. It will tell you who the best tour operators are, what are your tour options, and the prices.

Website : https://www.tourradar.com/

Concept: A ‘tour aggregator’ offers a wide range of tours and experiences in destinations worldwide, through local third-party tour operators. (Think of them as the Booking.com or Expedia of tours). Tours can be anything from 1-hour walking tours to 10-day organised tours. A US-based company (owned by TripAdvisor), it’s much more comprehensive in the US than in Europe.

Pros: They partner with the best local tour operators, so the tour quality is good, and you have someone to complain to if things go awry. The site search allows you to sort through the extensive catalogue quickly.

When to use it: Work out where you want to go, and get a feel for the top attractions, somewhere else, then come to Viator to book tickets and tours.

Website : https://www.viator.com/

1.6 Draft an outline itinerary

Now you know what you want to see & do in your destination, work out a rough day-by-day itinerary to ensure you get to do everything you want to do, with minimal travelling around.

Concept: see listing above.

How to use it: For most destination guides (where it makes sense to do so), our writers have set out simple itineraries of what to do and where to go on each day of a trip. For cities, they are usually 3- and 5-day itineraries (the 5-day version has the same first 3 days, then two additional days on top). They link all of the top attractions together in the most logistically convenient way, minimising travel, and including recommendations for lunch and dinner while you’re there.

Rick Steves Europe

Rick Steves is a travel guidebook author and television personality who specialises in European travel. His guidebooks offer practical advice and recommendations for budget travel, including tips on accommodations, dining, and sightseeing. His approach emphasises cultural immersion and connecting with locals, and his guides often include suggested walking tours and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Pros: Rick’s guidebooks offer much more in-depth expertise than the others for Europe, with high-quality, well-researched recommendations based on experts with years of experience. The website has great travel forums for asking fellow travellers questions.

How to use it: It’s not a site for researching where to go and what to do. It’s better once you know where you want to go, and really want to drill into the fine detail. However, like Bucket List Travels , the site does have helpful itineraries that set out where to go and what to do day-to-day.

Website : https://www.ricksteves.com/

1.7 Specialist travel

Cruise Critic

The world’s leading online cruise review website and community provides comprehensive reviews, ratings and forums to help you assess cruise vacations. It’s the TripAdvisor of cruises (and not surprisingly, it’s owned by them), so just like with TripAdvisor, don’t believe everything you read.

When to use: We would personally recommend finding recommendations elsewhere e.g. from cruise travel journalists writing for newspapers, magazines or even Bucket List Travels. Then come to this site to check out the reviews of your shortlist.

Website : https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/

Euan’s Guide

Set up by wheelchair user Euan MacDonald MBE, this disabled access review website is the go-to tool for many disabled people wanting to travel in the UK and beyond. It shares accessibility information for venues and the experiences/reviews of other disabled users.

Pros: Helps to solve some of the challenges disabled people face, and gives them the confidence to travel.

Cons: the coverage is mainly UK and Europe, but thankfully is widening to the rest of the world at a pace.

Website : https://www.euansguide.com

We Love 2 Ski

This excellent online resource provides skiers and snowboarders with up-to-date and comprehensive information on ski resorts, conditions, accommodation, equipment, and more. The website features detailed reviews, insider tips, and expert advice on everything related to skiing, as well as an active forum for the ski community to share their experiences and knowledge.

It’s managed by 3 ski experts, with a wealth of expertise between them and who really know their stuff and take pride in keeping the information up-to-date. It’s one of those more genuine sites that care about their advice and is not trying to constantly do the hard sell.

When to use: if you want to go skiing, start here. If you’ve already found somewhere to go or stay, be sure to check what they say about it here before you go.

Website : https://welove2ski.com/

Getting there & around

2.1 flights.

Concept: a flight deal finder service that sends you price and deal alerts on flights. You enter your preferred departure airport and they send you notifications of great deals, and price movements. Tickets are discounted 40-90%, for flights 2-6 months out in Economy, Business and First classes.

How to use it: If you’ve got flexible travel dates, or have a bucket list destination in mind. Sign up and wait for a deal.

Website : https://www.going.com/

Google’s Flights is a flight aggregator that allows you to find and compare flights. It enables you to find the airlines that fly between your destinations, and available flight times.

Prices and availability are updated in real-time, and you can sign up for price alerts. The pricing can sometimes be inaccurate, however, and when you click through, it’s usually for a basic fare without any luggage.

When to use it: Start your flight search here. You may have to add in the extras, then compare prices, or you may not get the cheapest option.

Honourable mentions: Skyscanner and Kayak offer similar services. In my experience, they pretty much have the same inventory. It really comes down to which interface you prefer.

Hopper is one of the US’s most successful travel apps, selling over $4.5B of travel each year. It helps you find the best deals on flights, hotels, home rentals, and car hire by analysing trillions of data points to predict when prices will rise or fall. When you set your dates, you see a helpful calendar showing when prices are highest and lowest, and you can sign up for price alerts.

Their second big USP is their ‘price freeze’ option, where you pay a small fee (5%-15% of the price) to freeze the price for a limited duration (options range up to 3 weeks). If the price goes up, you pay no more; if it goes down, you pay the lower price (like insurance). They also offer Flight Disruption and Cancel for Any Reason Guarantees.

Pros: Simple to use, the most accurate predictor of prices, really helps you get the best deal (if your dates are flexible). The insurance options have been a godsend to many in the recent years of travel disruption and inflating prices. Unlike other flight aggregators like Kayak or Skyscanner they show the different airline fare options within the app, so you don’t get caught by the artificially low basic fare enticing you to click through (see Skyscanner summary).

Cons: None that we can see! It really is an excellent service.

When to use it: Once you know where you want to go, come to the site to get the best deal on flights, car hire and accommodation. Simple as that.

It works best if you’re dates are flexible, so you can pick the cheapest travel dates, and/or if you have time before you book – take out the freeze option and you can be assured that the price will only come down, or sign up for the price alert.

Website : https://hopper.com/

Concept: This flight aggregator, owned by Chinese-backed Trip.com and based in Edinburgh, does the same thing as Google Flights. . It enables you to find the airlines that fly between your destinations, and available flight times.

Prices and availability are updated in real-time, and you can sign up for price alerts.

When to use it: I’ve not found much difference in pricing to Google Flights, though I much prefer Skyscanner’s user interface. It really comes down to personal choice.

Honourable mentions: US-based Kayak , originating in the US, offers a similar service to Skyscanner.

Website : https://www.skyscanner.net/

The Points Guy

If you’re someone that loves to save on travel using reward points, check out this advisory site by Brian Kelly. As he puts it, it’s ‘your go-to source for all things travel, points, miles, credit cards and more’. His advice covers both where best to earn points, and how best to spend them. There’s both a US and a UK website , with custom advice based on where you reside.

He gives up-to-date advice and tips in this ever-changing, evolving space that cuts through all of the confusion, and helps you find the best deals in the market, and explains how to take advantage of them.

How to use it: Visit here first if you’ve got points to burn, or will have and want to know the best scheme to sign up for.

Website : https://thepointsguy.com/

2.2 Car hire & taxis

Rentalcars.com

A global car rental booking platform that provides customers with access to over 60,000 rental locations in more than 160 countries worldwide. The site enables you to compare prices and features from a wide range of rental companies. Customers can also benefit from 24/7 support and free cancellation on most bookings.

I’ve regularly rented cars via them, and never found a cheaper deal. The customer service and support are also very good. There’s not really a reason to start looking anywhere else.

Website : https://www.rentalcars.com/

It doesn’t really need any introduction… but just for completeness. Founded in 2009, Uber is a ride-hailing service that connects riders with drivers in most major cities around the world. Through the app, you can request and pay for rides, track your driver’s location, and rate the experience.

Uber’s meteoric rise to a global brand can be attributed to solving several customer issues with then-taxi firms: they would find you a ride tell you how long it would take to arrive, how much the fare would be upfront, and sort payment automatically through your account, thus avoiding the need to have enough cash on you.

Other leading ride-sharing apps include Lyft (US and Canada) and Cabify (Spain & Latin America).

2.3 Rail, Bus & Ferry

Concept: Omio is a comprehensive travel search and booking platform that helps users find and book the best deals on trains, buses, and flights across Europe. The website offers a user-friendly interface, with real-time price comparisons and flexible search options to suit individual needs and preferences.

When to use: It’s a great tool for planning and booking multi-modal trips.

Website : https://www.omio.co.uk/

Rail Europe

Concept: Rail Europe is a one-stop-shop for planning and booking train travel in 33 European countries. The website offers a wide range of tickets, passes, and packages for different destinations and budgets, as well as information on train schedules, routes, and stations. Note, they don’t cover local trams and metros, it’s intercity trains only (that includes Eurostar). Enter the destinations you want to go to and they’ll recommend the best value ticket/pass.

For multiple trips, you’ll likely be recommended a Eurail pass. This brilliant invention allows you to travel on over 30 European railway operators and some ferries too. Kids under 11 travel free with an adult.

Website : https://www.raileurope.com/

2.4 Route planning

Google Maps

Who hasn’t used google Maps? And for good reason. Its coverage is comprehensive, it’s simple to use, and it’s is invaluable when you’re trying to figure out how to get from A to B in an unfamiliar place. It shows travel times and distances in multiple transport modes: on foot, bike, by available public transport and by car.

How to use it: use it to help plan upfront your transportation from point to point in your itinerary.

Website : https://www.google.com/maps

Hands down the best service for planning and booking journeys within and between countries. It combines and compares transport options from over 5,000 transportation providers across 160 countries, then recommends the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient routes for different modes of transportation including flights, trains, buses, and car rentals. The website also provides comprehensive travel information. It will quote prices, distances, times, mileage, route numbers, and which companies to book.

Their slogan is “Discover how to get anywhere by plane, train, bus, ferry & car – and it does exactly what is says on the tin.

Website : https://www.rome2rio.com/

Where to stay

3.1 'best' hotels - curated selections.

Whatever you go, there are always thousands of hotel options. These sites do the research work for you and use experts to curate a list of the best, based on location, quality and quality.

How to use it: For all the destinations we cover, we provide you with a curated list of the best hotels – for all budgets, from the mainstream to the unusual.

The selections are made by our writers, who must not only be leading travel journalists, but also specialise in that destination (either living there or visiting frequently). The writers have at least inspected and usually stayed in the properties they recommend.

Conde Nast Traveller

Similar to Travel & Leisure above, this high-end, luxury global travel magazine covers a range of topics including hotels and resorts, airlines, cruises, food and drink, and various travel destinations around the world.

When to use it: They do great round-ups of the ‘best’ hotels to stay in a destination – but obviously at the top end. If you’re not that price sensitive, start with their shortlist.

Honourable mention: Travel & Leisure, their great rival, also does destination hotel round-ups.

Website : https://www.cntraveller.com/

In my view, it’s the best ‘guidebook’ website for researching and planning a trip online – once you know where you want to go. They simply and helpfully list out a reasonably long short list of things to see & do and places to stay, and rate them each from 1-3, depending on how good they are.

However, like all the guidebooks online, coverage is comprehensive at times, requiring a lot of time and effort to research through it. The website is also swamped with banner ads that are off-putting and annoying.

How to use it: A good place to start your hotel search. They generally do select good options, though it’s more aimed at budget travellers.

Website : https://www.frommers.com/

The Telegraph (Travel)

This long-standing British newspaper does a fine job of curating and rating (out of 10) the best hotels in destinations around the world, for all budgets. The reviews tell you what you want to know – style, location, key amenities – without being overwhelming.

As for Bucket List Travels , selections and reviews are written by top travel writers who have inspected and usually stayed in the property. The number of hotels they recommend is a lot more than Bucket List Travels – and includes ones we certainly wouldn’t include – but it does give you a longer list to start with.

When to use it: if you care about where you stay, and really want one of the best places, this is a great place to start your start for somewhere to stay.

Website : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/

TripAdvisor

The original hotel review site, it has since expanded to become the global platform for reviews (and information) on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other travel-related businesses. It also offers a variety of travel-related content and resources, including travel guides and forums.

Over the years it has, sadly become increasingly corrupted with fake reviews, but they can’t fake all of them and as long as there are at least several hundred reviews, the score should be reasonably reflective.

When to use it: I personally like to start drawing up a shortlist of places to stay on other sites listed here, then do a quick check of the reviews of each on TripAdvisor. I also filter to see only the negative comments, then look at 1) how recent they are 2) if it is a one-off complaint i.e. someone had a refund request refused and 3) if it is something that can and probably has been fixed e.g. a rude receptionist. Small room sizes, traffic noise from road proximity, and so on – these issues are not easily fixed.

Website : https://www.tripadvisor.com

3.2 Boutique hotel collections

If it’s a boutique hotel you’re after, try one of these specialist sites. They only list high-quality properties that meet their individual criteria.

Design Hotels

As the name suggests, this website offers a curated selection of over 300 independently owned and operated hotels and resorts around the world, each chosen for its unique design and aesthetic. The site emphasizes design and architecture and offers a range of luxury and boutique properties.

Pros: It’s a brilliant resource for finding unique and interesting stays, especially with modern and/or minimalist interiors.

Cons: if you’re not that worried about hotel design, then it doesn’t offer a lot of value other than a list of interesting hotels.

When to use: if you’re interested in design, and prioritise that in your accommodation, then this is a great resource. If it’s not that important, you’re better off elsewhere with a greater selection and better prices.

Website : https://www.designhotels.com/

This boutique hotel booking website offers a carefully curated selection of stylish, unique and independently-run hotels and vacation rentals around the world. They offer in-depth reviews of each property, personalised recommendations, and a friendly, 24/7 booking service.

Pros: The curated selection of unique and stylish properties is exceptional and of a consistently high quality that you can rely on. Each property has been personally inspected by staff. The reviews, from both customers and staff, are honest and in-depth and tell you who it is and isn’t for, rather than pretend everyone’s going to love it.

Cons: There’s a limited number of properties in many destinations, and it is property, not destination, led – meaning is easier to find the place, then decide on the destination rather than the reverse (which may suit).

When to use: if their style of property i.e. unique, high quality, small and independent, is what you like/are looking for, there’s no better resource to use. If they don’t have something in your preferred destination, then look elsewhere, but check first.

Honourable mention: Sawdays offers a similar service, but they’re UK & Europe only.

Website : https://www.i-escape.com/

Mr & Mrs Smith

This first-rate, UK-based hotel booking website curates handpicked, boutique hotels around the world, each personally inspected to meet their high standards of facilities, service and location. The website has in-depth reviews of each property, with insider tips like what are the best rooms to book, without being overwhelming.

There are also exclusive benefits for members like gifts on arrival, or late checkouts, and a 24/7 booking service.

Pros: The standard of hotels is consistently high, so much so that the brand has become a trusted stamp of quality. The booking service and post-sales support is efficient yet very personable, and hotel staff genuinely care about ‘Smith’ customers so you feel very welcome when you arrive.

Cons: They have limited or no options in many destinations. They also can’t match the benefits of the OTA reward schemes like Booking.com .

When to use: The site is great if this is your style of hotel, and you want to be looked after at every step. Limited coverage is only an issue if you are dead set on a destination. If you’re not really that bothered where you go, or at least are open to suggestions, check this excellent site first.

Website : https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/

Secret Escapes

A members-only hotel booking website that offers exclusive deals and discounts on luxury hotels and vacations around the world. The site negotiates special rates with hotels and resorts, available to their members only.

Pros: There some great deals and genuine exclusive discounts to be had, though max discount tends to be 30% (and average of 15%-20%), but still not to be sniffed at. They also do a good job of curation, so you know you’re getting a decent hotel.

Cons: You still need to compare prices to other sites like Booking.com and the hotel’s own website, as there are lots of sneaky tricks and breaking of agreements that going on behind the scenes and you never really know where the best deal is until you check.

When to use: if you know where you want to go, it’s well worth checking in for a deal.

Website : https://www.secretescapes.com/

Small Luxury Hotels of the World

This website has personally visited, verified and vetted every single one of its 520 hotels in more than 90 countries. The criteria for inclusions I small (<50 rooms, non-chain and offering the highest standards of luxury and service.

Pros: it’s an exceptional collection of outstanding hotels, and the brand guarantees a high-quality, luxury stay. Members get 10% off and extra (tiered) benefits like upgrades and late checkouts. Hotels welcome their members with open arms, as they usually spend well, and SMH look after their customers.

Cons: things this good come with a price tag. Many hotels are out of reach of most travellers’ budgets.

When to use: if you’re a discerning, occasionally demanding, traveller, that specifically wants a smaller hotel, this is a great place to start your search. Check other websites though for better prices – even with the 10% off – but if you’re not that price sensitive, it’s nice to book with someone who cares, as opposed to a hotel production line like Booking.com.

Website : https://slh.com/

Tablet Hotels

This New York-based brand, founded in 2000 and well-known across the US, has curated over 3,500 boutique & luxury properties around the world. In 2018, it was purchased by and merged with Michelin.

Similar to Mr & Mrs Smith, they curate a selection based on criteria, offer a full booking service, and exclusive benefits for ‘Tablet Plus’ members like VIP upgrades and free valet parking.

Pros: the curated selection guarantees a measure of quality, and some of the VIP benefits are really nice ones to have and make you feel a bit special.

Cons: You inevitably will pay more than on other sites, and sometimes they overpromise and underdeliver on the VIP experience – much depends on the attitude of the hotel. The criteria for selection is much broader than a Mr & Mrs Smith, so you’re not getting that real consistency of accommodation, and the personal relationship that Smith has with its properties.

When to use: If you want to feel like a VIP and value those benefits over saving a few pennies or cents, then they are worth a look.

Website : https://www.tablethotels.com/

3.3 Home rentals & stays

Launched in 2008 and needing no introduction, this global accommodation powerhouse forever altered the holiday market. Now with more than 300,000 listings in over 190 countries, it has expanded from its original core offering of ‘spare rooms to rent’ to include apartments, treehouses, villas – whatever you can stay in, it’s likely to be on AirBnB.

Pros: the sheer number of options and global coverage means you’re highly likely to find something you want. The site is simple and easy to use, with lots of photographs, user reviews and star ratings.

Cons: The product and website is great, but they don’t really care about customers, and customer service if something goes wrong can be challenging to find.

When to use: whenever you’re looking for something other than a hotel, and/or something more authentic or with a local feel. It’s especially good for families and groups wanting to stay together in one place.

Website : https://www.airbnb.com

Couchsurfing

This global hospitality exchange enables you to stay with a host for free for a few nights – be it sofa or, if you’re lucky, a bed. You simply create a profile, search for hosts, and request to stay with them. Surprisingly, perhaps, it works, and over the years the site has built a loyal following and a strong community of ‘couchsurfers’ who help and support each other, and even organise events around the world.

When to use it: When budget is tight and you just really want somewhere to crash, and/or you’re looking to connect with other travellers and the local community.

Website : https://www.couchsurfing.com/

This upscale holiday home and apartment rental specialist has a large catalogue of privately-owned places to stay, which you can filter by key criteria like price, location, number of bedrooms etc. Each listing is vetted by their team to ensure it meet minimum standards. It’s owned by the Expedia Group.

The quality of homes for rent is exceptional and varied, from lake houses to treehouses, and the search and filtering makes it quick and simple to find something that suits. Customer service is good, much better than AirBnB for example.

Website : https://www.vrbo.com/

Villas of Distinction

Villas of Distinction is a luxury villa rental company that offers an extensive portfolio of properties in over 50 destinations worldwide. They provide personalized service to help clients select the perfect villa for their vacation, and offer a range of amenities such as private pools, chefs, and concierge services to enhance the guest experience.

When to use it: When you’re looking for an independent, self-catering stay in an uber-luxurious villa. It’s top-end, with a price tag to match.

Honourable mention: One Fine Stay offers a similar service.

Website : https://www.villasofdistinction.com/

3.4 Campsites & Hostels

HostelWorld

The hostel specialist is the go-to place for booking budget accommodation in over 170 countries – both dormitory beds and private rooms. The website and mobile app allow you to browse and book from a wide range of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses, with a focus on affordable and social options. There are also offers travel guides, reviews, and a loyalty program for frequent users.

Pros: The UX is really smooth, the inventory (number of options) is much is larger than on the major hotel search engines (OTAs), and it does a much better job of setting out dormitory bed pricing and deal options. There are a number of ‘community’ features that encourage you to connect with fellow travellers.

When to use it: If you’re on a budget or want to meet people when you’re travelling, start here with your accommodation search.

Website : https://www.hostelworld.com/

If you’re looking for something off-grid, preferably unique and unusual – but don’t want to compromise too much on luxury, this website is for you. It’s a directory of for luxury campsites and stays, with various accommodation options ranging from tents to tipis, log cabins to vintage caravans. Coverage is mainly Europe & UK, though they have plans to expand beyond.

Website : https://campaglam.com/

3.5 Price comparison

Concept: This Expedia-owned hotel search engine allows you to compare prices from various booking sites for over 1.8 million hotels in more than 190 countries. You can search & filter to discover hotels matching your criteria, then each hotel listing shows the price of a room on the various OTA sites. The site also offers user reviews, ratings, and filters to help you decide.

For all aggregators, the prices are often inaccurate, and not the cheapest option when you click through. The OTAs (like Expedia, Booking.com) have learned over the years how to manipulate them to ensure their listing comes up first with the cheapest price.

When to use it: It’s a good place to start your hotel search, especially when you have specific requirements such that you can use the on-site filters to narrow down the options quickly. If you discover a hotel you want somewhere else, always come and check the prices here before booking.

Note – it doesn’t always include the hotel direct price (so make sure you check separately), and sometimes the prices are inaccurate when you click through.

Honourable mentions: HotelsCombined , owned by Booking.com and the main rival to Trivago, is known for having better deals as they search lesser-known booking sites (though that can come with risks). Both I suspect of bias, however, in pushing Booking.com and Expedia products. Skyscanner also now offers accommodation price comparison, and they have the advantage of being independent and unbiased of the leading OTAs. Kayak also offers price comparison – but they are owned by Booking.com too. I prefer Trvago above the rest purely because they also helpfully show you show the lowest price depending on the ‘deal’ type i.e. cancellable or non, including breakfast etc. which obviously makes a big difference to the ‘cheapest’ price.

Website : https://www.trivago.com

3.6 Accommodation booking

Booking.com

The world’s largest accommodation online booking service that lists over 28 million hotels (and now rentals, B&Bs and hostels) from around the world. They offer a tiered loyalty program called ‘Genius’ The three levels offer 10%, 15%, and 20% discounts (respectively) on bookings at hundreds of thousands of participating locations. They also include priority customer service help, and free breakfast packages or room upgrades when possible.

Pros: The website is easy to use, with excellent filter options, and once you have created an account, you can book within a few clicks. Their inventory is phenomenal, with most hotels in the world signed up. The loyalty program is accessible and with great benefits.

Cons: The loyalty program only applies for a limited number of participating hotels, so you won’t always get the benefits. Hotel websites often still have a better deal, and some don’t release all of their room types to Booking.com so you can’t see these rooms.

Booking.com may also confusingly say ‘sold out’ when there are rooms available still on the hotel website. So always check the hotel website before booking.

When to use it: Start your accommodation search here, and then once you’ve narrowed down the options with the filters, check other sites and the hotel website for a better deal.

Honourable mention: Agoda is essentially a carbon copy of Booking.com – they are owned by the Bookings Holdings Group. Agoda has it’s roots in Asia, and is based in Singapore, so it has more comprehensive Asian content. If that’s where you’re going, it’s worth using.

Website : https://www.booking.com

Concept: same as for Booking.com, with a similar tiered loyalty program, though at time of writing, the tiered benefits are not lifetime like they are with Booking.com. You need to be a regular customer to benefit from the higher tiers – not the case with Booking.com.

Their famous loyalty program of stay 10 times, earn one free reward night – now the basic tier – requires you to book at least once every 12 months or your reward night expires.

Honourable mention: Expedia is essentially a carbon copy of Hotels.com. They’re owned by the same group, and effectively have the same hotel inventory and pricing. There are slight differences in the reward program – I think Hotels.com’s one is better, hence why they got the nudge.

Website : https://hotels.com

HotelTonight

Owned by AirBnB , this mobile app and website offers last-minute hotel rooms at discounted rates. Inventory ranges from budget to luxury, and you can use the filters to specify your location and preferences. There’s also a ‘Rate Drop’ feature that discounts same-day prices after 3pm.

When to use: if you need a last-minute room, it’s definitely worth checking for a deal. However, in my experience, their deals weren’t especially good compared to other standard booking sites – though the ‘Rate Drop’ does deliver discounts.

Website : https://www.hoteltonight.com/

Food, drink & entertainment

4.1 food & drink.

A food and dining news website that provides reviews, guides, and information on restaurants and food trends in various cities across the world. The site offers articles on topics such as dining culture, chefs, industry news, and more. They also feature videos and podcasts related to food and restaurants. The quality of content and recommendations is excellent, and they’ve regularly won awards to their food & wine journalism.

When to use it: Officially it only spans 23 US cities, and if that’s where you’re headed, it’s a good place to check. However, that’s for detailed coverage. For most cities, however, they have a round-up of ‘the best restaurants in X’, covering all price ranges. Just search for it on their site.

Website : https://eater.com

Foodie blogs

Local foodies blog about anything from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. In any destination, especially cities, the food scene changes so fast that almost any corporate website will not keep up. Local foodies are out testing daily, and take pride in keeping their blogs up to date with the latest and greatest. They also cover the smaller, more niche places that only a local would know about.

There are too many to mention, but search for ‘food blogs in X’ by Googling (or Binging) and see who you can find.

When to use: When you want to discover some insider foodie experiences in a destination, and get some good restaurant tips that are not Michelin-starred.

Concept: Increasingly the go-to resource for vegan and vegetarian dining around the world, run by vegans, as the popularity of the movement continues to gather a welcome pace and momentum. The site is also becoming a thriving community hub, with active forums and listings of fellow vegans in local cities that you can message for tips.

When to use it: to discover the best vegan and vegetarian dining options in your destination, or to get tips/advice from the local community.

Website : https://www.happycow.net/

This stalwart former magazine is still the place to go in the digital era for local listings of ‘what’s on’. It provides comprehensive listings, information and reviews on cultural events, concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and other entertainment in cities around the world.

When to use it: If you’re wanting to book in some entertainment on your trip, this is the best place to start looking.

Website : https://www.timeout.com/

Yelp is a platform that allows you to search for and review local businesses, including restaurants, bars, shops, and other services in 220 cities in 32 countries . It’s best known for restaurant reviews, however – some of the other business listings can be fairly light. As with all review sites, it suffers from fake reviews,  but the volume is sufficient to give you an overall sense of what’s worth a try.

How to use it: I use it to draft a short list of places to try, then cross-check that with other sources and/or my hotel if I’m staying in one. Concierges will give good restaurant tips, but in my experience, the options they give are limited.

Website : https://www.yelp.com

Before you go

Centre for Disease Control

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national public health institute in the United States. The website provides comprehensive information and resources on health and safety topics, including infectious diseases, vaccines, travel health, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and more.

When to use it: before you go to a new destination, stop here to check any disease risks and vaccination requirements (you can search by country from the home page). It also has helpful advice for people with special health conditions , and/or doing specialist activities.

Website : https://www.cdc.gov/

5.2 What to take

This global online store is a specialist in all things travel accessories, with over 200 products covering everything from adapters, to travel pillows and luggage security.

How to use it: have a skim before you go. I always end up seeing/buying things I never even knew I needed!

Website : https://go.travel

Packing List Checklist App

A handy app to create packing checklists – a godsend for people like me who always forget their sunglasses. A plethora of packing list apps, I like and use this one before it’s simple, quick – and free. No upgrades needed.

You manually create your own list(s) – you can create multiple different ones, for different holiday types for example – then select from a list of a fairly comprehensive list of suggested items to start you off. Most of the time that will do it, though you can add your own if needed. When it comes to packing, you can tick things off as and when they’re in the case.

How to use it: Next time you get a few free moments, create a packing list. Add to it as and when things pop into your head. Tick them off when you pack.

Website : https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/packing-list-checklist/id1235121075

5.3 Travel planning

TripIt is another travel organising app that allows you to store all of your travel plans in one place. Users can forward their confirmation emails for flights, hotels, and rental cars to the app, which will then create a master itinerary for their trip. The app also provides real-time flight alerts, directions, and travel recommendations.

Website : https://www.tripit.com/web

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!

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!

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 

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   

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 

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

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 

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

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

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 

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

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

Pair the best travel guide websites with Pilot.

We hope our list of the best travel websites has satisfied your wanderlust or has inspired you to travel! 

If you are looking for a reliable trip planner, try Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Trending Travel Stories

Discover new places and be inspired by stories from our traveller community.

Related Travel Guides

Fodors Travel Guide Review: Guidebooks Still Worth It? [2024]

Lonely Planet Travel Guide & App Review: Worth it in 2024?

Make the most of every trip.

You won’t want to plan trips any other way!

The trip planner that puts everything in one place, making planning your trip easier, quicker, and more fun.

Trending Destinations

Trending articles.

10 of the UK’s best stargazing escapes

10 of the best new wildlife trips for 2024

Where is Dune: Part Two filmed?

Destinations.

Sorry but no search results were found, please try again.

Travel Advice

10 of the best guidebook series to help plan your dream trip.

Start dreaming of your next adventure, with the help of the experts, insiders and locals who create the the world’s best guidebooks. There’s one for every destination, interest and type of traveller…

1. DK Eyewitness

(DK Eyewitness)

Who: Succinct but expert advice, beautifully detailed illustrations that transport you right into city streets and historic buildings, detailed maps and interesting facts – is there really any wonder why DK’s Eyewitness guides impress us so much?

It’s safe to say that you hold them in high regard yourselves, as DK topped the list of best guidebooks at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards .

DK has been going strong since 1993, taking us to more than 200 destinations in this time. Their real standout feature is the brand’s compelling use of inspirational visuals and illustrations.

Incredibly user-friendly, the photo-packed books paint a clear picture of exactly what you can expect on your travels.

What to read: Check out the latest updates to DK’s collection here – the new 2020 editions offer fresh insights into popular cities across the world, including Paris and New York City .

See the city of love in a new light with hand-drawn illustrations showing the interiors of its most iconic sights, from the Notre-Dame to the Panthéon, and a calendar of exciting events happening throughout the year.

2. Lonely Planet

(©Lonely Planet 2020)

Who: Lonely Planet’s travel guides narrowly missed out on the top spot in the 2020 Reader Travel Awards, but they’re popular for a reason.

The brand’s origins are certainly romantic, too, having been founded by married couple Maureen and Tony Wheeler after their epic overland expedition from London to Australia in the early 70s.

While Lonely Planet’s first offering was, of course, the stapled 94-page booklet Across Asia on the Cheap in 1973, the brand has come a long way since then.

With more than 100 million guidebooks printed, the books are t horough, informative and packed with ideas for responsible travel escapes.

What to read: Pick up a copy of the best-selling The Travel Book (2006) – a visual bible on every UN-approved country in the world – or look out for their most up-to-date guides here .

We also suggest updating your bookshelf with Lonely Planet’s new edition of the Poland guide, which includes insider tips on everywhere from Warsaw to the Carpathian Mountains.

Who: Another perennial favourite, Bradt guides are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to independent travel guides.

Founded by Hilary Bradt in 1974, the pioneering brand is one of your favourites, having taken the top spot at the Reader Travel Awards many times in recent years.

Delving deep beneath the surface, Bradt’s guides are always packed with high quality content , while advocating for sustainable and slow travel. Best known for covering off the beaten track destinations, they are also loved for their guides to the UK.

What to read: If you’re looking for a new insight into Africa, take a look at the recently published guides on Gabon and Zimbabwe .

After the significant political upheaval of recent years, Zimbabwe is an excellent guide for travellers wanting to dip their toes into the country’s attractions, covering everywhere from Victoria Falls to the Zambezi River.

For more off-the-beaten-track destinations, dive into Bradt’s online shop here – there’s currently 50% off for shoppers who use the code DREAM50. What are you waiting for?

4. Rough Guides

Rough Guides (APA Publications)

Who? If you’re looking for an easy way into a destination, Rough Guides ticks all the boxes.

Famous for its ‘tell it like it is’ approach to places, the guidebook series initially provided founder Mark Ellingham a way out of getting a ‘real job’ – but now offer thousands of readers practical and hands-on advice on more than 120 countries across the world, as well as being strong on cultural insights..

What to read? Fans of Japan should look out for the Rough Guide to Tokyo (out on 1 April 2020) which promises comprehensive coverage on everything from the dizzying neon lights of Shinjuku to sushi and sake.

Or you can look out for new releases on Rough Guides’ online shop here .

5. Insight Guides

Insight Guides (APA Publications)

Who: Insight have been in the business for more than 45 years, so it’s safe to say that these guides know what they’re talking about.

Detailed maps, accurate information and beautiful photography combine within to connect readers to places through their history and culture.

What to read: Look out for one of Insight’s latest offerings – Insight Guides Pakistan – to uncover the country’s turbulent past and present, and encounter its people and politics from an interesting new perspective.

You’ll find more books online here .

6. Time Out

Who: Time Out’s city guides have long been a trusty travel companion for those of us seeking the freshest take on a city – especially in Europe – but we nearly lost them for good back in 2016.

Now those dark days are over, they’re back and better than ever, proving that we still want to discover the latest trends on art, culture, design, food and hotels.

What to read: Delve into the latest guides online here – there’s some excellent European coverage, including Time Out: Amsterdam , the brand’s most recent offering, highlighting all that’s afloat in the city of canals.

Detailed street maps will help you find your way when your phone battery dies, leading you to best museums, restaurants, bars and coffee shops to recharge in the city.

7. Footprint

(Footprint)

Who: Travelling to Latin America? Footprint Guides are your best bet, having specialised in all things under the South American sun for nearly 100 years.

That’s not to say they don’t specialise in other parts of the world, though – their shelves include books on the Caribbean and South Asia, only written by expert authors who have lived in that region and can truly capture its essence.

Perfect for travellers who want an intimate insight into a country.

What to read: Footprint’s iconic South American Handbook is your new best friend for any adventure to the continent, with advice on everything from swinging from the treetops in epic rainforests to dancing in Andean villages and exploring the plains of Patagonia.

First published in 1924, it’s now in its 94th edition, so you’re sure to find the answer to any of your burning questions. If you’ve already crossed that continent, you can explore Footprint’s latest releases online here .

8. Blue Guides

Blue Guides on a bookshelf (Blue Guides)

Who: With more than a century of history to back them up, Blue Guides are the go-to guides for cultural capers.

From art to architecture and archaeology, these guides aim to inform travellers unsure about where to go next or who want to know more about the museum they’re visiting with a series of award-winning maps, diagrams and photographs at your disposal – a great source of knowledge for any trip you’re planning.

What to read: Don’t worry if you can’t get to Rome at the moment – you can still plan your next trip to the Eternal City with the help of Blue Guide: Rome , the brand’s latest updated guide.

New mentions are the ruins of Ostia, the port of ancient Rome, as well as information on Tivoli and its famous gardens, but you can also look out for other guides online here .

We also recommend Travels in Transylvania: The Greater Târnava Valley – a fascinating insight into Romania’s great green heart beyond the blood-sucking stereotypes.

9. Cicerone

(Cicerone Guides)

Who: Wild walking adventures across the globe have been Cicerone’s USP for more than half a century.

If you want to know where to walk, trek, climb, mountaineer or cycle, these guides s panning the UK and Europe are are really the ones to watch out for with clear maps and directions paving the way for an epic hike.

Is it time to dust off those hiking boots yet?

What to read: Cicerone celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, marking the occasion with Cicerone: Celebrating Fifty Years of Adventure .

Featuring 50 inspirational tales and trails, the book collates the memories of Cicerone’s seasoned writers who have weathered all storms on their adventures, with laugh-out-loud moments and jaw-dropping accomplishments in the mix.

To see Cicerone’s latest guides, check their online shop here .

10. Marco Polo

(Marco Polo)

Who: Want to be more like Marco Polo? The pioneering 13th-century Venetian explorer has inspired many adventurers – Columbus, for one – as well as these handy little guides.

As well as revealing the best things you can do for free, Marco Polo guides are fully equipped for the digital age – download the Touring App and you can freely access detailed routes and maps on your smartphone.

No internet? No problem – you can access them offline, too, so you won’t get an expensive phone bill, either. They really are your best friend when travelling on a shoestring budget.

What to read: From Marrakech to Mallorca, there’s lots of sunny destinations to look out for this year, but if you’re dreaming of beaches, forests and mountains in the USA, check out the recently released California Marco Polo Travel Guide .

Want an Australian adventure, instead? We all do – especially when there’s tropical climes, island paradises and epic road trips to be had. Check out the latest info for a trip down under in the Australia Marco Polo Travel Guide or see what else the brand has to offer here .

More essential travel reading:

• Wanderlust’s 77 Ultimate Travel Experiences bookazine is here
• The best travel books of 2020 (so far)
• Our favourite travellers share the books that inspired them

Real-life Twisters: What it’s really like to chase tornadoes across the USA’s Great Plains

13 of Africa’s secret safari destinations

In conversation with Bush Girl Medicine: The healing power of the Cayman Islands’ plants

Explore more.

Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club, full of travel inspiration, quizzes, events and more

EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.

Explore. dream. discover..

TRAVEL BLOG

DESTINATIONS

Thanks For Looking!

I'm David Leiter , the guy behind this website. I'm an American who's been traveling the world full time for 8 years now.

I started this travel blog in 2019 to document my own international trips, share my photos, and help others learn how to travel the world and find some really good spots off the beaten path.

I'm currently based in Bali , Indonesia , where I met my wife Intan, who’s a Bali local. Now she joins me on these wild and crazy adventures too.

Together, we've done some bucket list hikes , climbed active volcanoes , seen exotic wildlife , and visited some spectacular castles , temples , and monuments around the world.

I've worked with and been featured by BBC Travel , NBC News , Time , and other companies.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. I hope this world travel blog can help and inspire you in your own journeys as well!

Travel Guides

Popular travel blog posts & guides

HOW TO VISIT THE PYRAMIDS IN EGYPT

NUSA PENIDA ISLAND GUIDE FOR BALI

22 BEST THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN

10 BEST THINGS TO DO AT MACHU PICCHU

PETRA JORDAN TRAVEL GUIDE

18 BEST WATERFALLS IN INDONESIA

25 BEST ISLANDS IN INDONESIA

37 BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU HAWAII

CORON PALAWAN ISLAND GUIDE

EL NIDO PALAWAN ISLAND GUIDE

KOMODO ISLAND GUIDE FOR INDONESIA

15 AMAZING WATERFALLS IN ICELAND

ANGKOR WAT GUIDE FOR CAMBODIA

BALI WATERFALLS MAP

24 BEST THINGS TO DO IN INDONESIA

HOW TO VISIT THE BALI MONKEY FOREST

HOW TO VISIT CHICHEN ITZA FROM CANCUN

BAGAN MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND GUIDE FOR GREECE

CAPPADOCIA TURKEY TRAVEL GUIDE

ANG THONG THAILAND GUIDE

PHI PHI ISLAND GUIDE FOR THAILAND

IGUAZU FALLS ARGENTINA & BRAZIL GUIDE

TIKAL TEMPLE GUIDE FOR GUATEMALA

FLYING OVER THE GREAT BLUE HOLE IN BELIZE

SANTORINI TRAVEL GUIDE FOR GREECE

ROCK ISLANDS SCENIC FLIGHT IN PALAU

Bucket list hiking guides

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK IN NEPAL

ANGELS LANDING HIKE IN ZION

HUAYNA PICCHU HIKE IN PERU

25 BEST HIKES IN INDONESIA

TONGARIRO CROSSING IN NEW ZEALAND

TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY HIKE IN BHUTAN

26 BEST HIKES IN OAHU HAWAII

18 BEST SLOT CANYONS IN UTAH

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE IN HAWAII

MOUNT FITZ ROY HIKE IN PATAGONIA

MOUNT BROMO CRATER IN INDONESIA

KAWAH IJEN VOLCANIC LAKE IN JAVA

PERITO MORENO GLACIER WALK

ACATENANGO VOLCANO HIKE IN GUATEMALA

HALF DOME HIKE IN YOSEMITE

23 BEST HIKES IN UTAH

Recent posts, fulidhoo island guide: shark & stingray beach in maldives, how to visit dhigurah island: budget paradise in maldives, 10 best hikes in aruba: family friendly trails, how to visit tanjung puting national park in indonesia, lower antelope canyon tour review & photos, sanur bali travel guide: 24 best things to do, coron vs el nido: which is better all differences explained, banggai islands travel guide & itinerary for sulawesi, destinations.

Pick a country and start exploring!

UNITED STATES

PHILIPPINES

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Get In Touch

Feel free to contact me if you have travel questions, comments, or suggestions! I'll try to get back to you!

• Asia-Pacific
• Caribbean & Mexico
• Central & South America
• Middle East
• United States
• Buenos Aires
• Iguassu Falls
• Rio de Janeiro
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• The Bahamas
• Turks and Caicos
• US Virgin Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Riviera
• French Polynesia
• Indian Ocean
• Amalfi Coast
• The Dolomites
• Kuala Lumpur
• Guadalajara
• Mexico City
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Riviera Nayarit
• San Miguel de Allende
• Monte Carlo
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• The Algarve
• Republic of Ireland
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Johannesburg
• South Korea
• Canary Islands
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• The Home Counties
• Banff and Lake Louise
• British Columbia
• Vancouver Island
• Nova Scotia
• Mont-Tremblant
• Quebec City
• Little Rock
• Inland Empire
• Los Angeles
• Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur
• Orange County
• Palm Springs
• San Francisco
• Santa Barbara
• Tahoe and Yosemite
• Colorado Springs
• Grand Junction
• Vail and Beaver Creek
• Connecticut
• Western Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Washington, D.C.
• Amelia Island
• Florida Gulf Coast
• Florida Keys
• Fort Lauderdale
• Jacksonville
• St. Augustine
• Central Idaho
• Indianapolis
• New Orleans
• Coastal Maine
• Portland, Maine
• St. Michaels
• Massachusetts
• Martha’s Vineyard
• The Berkshires
• Minneapolis and St. Paul
• Kansas City
• Southwestern Montana
• Northern New Jersey
• Finger Lakes
• Hudson Valley
• Long Island and The Hamptons
• New York City
• The Adirondacks
• North Carolina
• Asheville and Highlands
• Raleigh-Durham
• Portland, Oregon
• Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Laurel Highlands
• Philadelphia
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Hilton Head
• San Antonio
• Canyon Point
• Salt Lake City
• Southwestern Utah
• Southern Vermont
• Charlottesville
• Northern Virginia
• Southern Virginia
• Williamsburg
• Jackson Hole

Dreaming of your next trip?

I agree to the Forbes Travel Guide Privacy Policy , Terms , and Cookie Policy . I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time.

Sign up for our newsletter

Best in Travel 2024

50 destinations for 50 years of travel.

This year, do more than just dream about the Best in Travel. Get inspired and discover new destintions from 50 years of travel expertise.

Let an expert plan your trip

Press Play. Then Plan.

The Best in Travel for your bookshelf

The top 10 countries, cities, regions, value destinations and sustainable spots around the world right now.

Let a local expert craft your dream trip

Elsewhere's local experts can handle the planning to create your perfect itinerary.

All of Best in Travel 2024

Click Here for FREE Subscription

All of Ohio FREE Tourism Guide

Ohio travel & tourism guide.

Festivals & Events

Ohio Museums and Halls of Fame

Ohio State Parks

Ohio Art Museums and Botanical Gardens

Historic Ohio Homes Villages and Farms

Ohio Historic Museums, Sites, Landmarks

Ohio Trains, Planes, Auto & Maritime Attractions

Miscellaneous Things To Do

Performing Arts

Great Ohio Towns

Ohio Shopping

Ohio Restaurants & Eateries

Ohio Wineries & Vineyards

Lodging & Getaways in Ohio

Ohio Travel Videos

Ohio Travel Blogs

Click here for 50 FREE Ohio county visitors guides which may be mailed or downloaded

• Appalachian Ohio
• Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB
• Discover Mohican
• Explore Hocking Hills
• Explore Scioto
• Greater Grand Lake Region
• Historic Roscoe Village
• Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
• Lehman’s
• Marietta/Washington County CVB
• Miami County VCB
• Millers Furniture & Bakery
• Niederman Family Farm
• Ohio Amish Country
• Ohio Caverns
• Ohio Festivals & Events Assoc.
• Sandusky County Visitors Bureau
• Travel Tuscarawas County
• Visit Belmont County
• Visit Chillicothe
• Visit Coshocton
• Visit Greater Lima
• Visit Grove City
• Visit Marion Ohio
• Visit Medina County
• Visit Sidney Ohio
• Visit Steubenville
• Visit Wayne County
• Yoder’s Bakery & Furniture

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The Ultimate Packing List

Christine Sarkis

Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Laptop/Tablet
• Film/Memory Card
• List of Medications
• Banking Contacts/Information
• Electronic Chargers
• Emergency Contacts
• Copy of Passport
• Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Books or E-Books
• Travel Blanket
• Travel Pillow
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Change of Clothes
• Empty Water Bottle
• In-Flight Medications
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Credit/ATM cards
• Insurance Cards
• Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

Scrubba Untouched Review

Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

10 Secrets I Learned Working in a Hotel

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

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.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Greece: 6-Night Athens, Mykonos & Santorini...

TripCompanion Tours

Poconos: 3 Nts in Garden of...

ResortsAndLodges.com

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise From Barcelona to...

Norwegian Cruise Line

Trending on SmarterTravel

28 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the World

Written by Lana Law Updated Jan 12, 2024

Travelers are always looking for inspiration to guide their adventures. Coming up with a list of places to visit can be challenging when you're staring at a globe. What are the top tourist attractions in the world? The most iconic sites that all travelers have on their bucket-list of things to see around the globe?

Some destinations just stand out above the rest. Many are the type of places where you can take a photo, and it requires no explanation to identify the location: the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum. But some places are less well known to new travelers or those who have not yet ventured out to the more exotic destinations. These can often be the most rewarding to visit.

For many of these attractions, it's what they symbolize and the destinations they represent that make them so significant. In other cases, it is the site itself that makes it worth visiting the country. Some of these are the more popular UNESCO World Heritage sites .

If you're looking to start your own checklist of places to visit during your life, begin with our list of the top tourist attractions in the world.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris

2. the colosseum, rome, 3. statue of liberty, new york city, 4. machu picchu, peru, 5. the acropolis, athens, 6. the taj mahal, india, 7. pyramids of giza, egypt, 8. great wall of china, 9. angkor wat, cambodia, 10. petra, jordan, 11. grand canyon, usa, 12. stonehenge, england, 13. borobudur, indonesia, 14. niagara falls, canada & usa, 15. bagan, myanmar, 16. sydney opera house, 17. mount kilimanjaro, 18. the louvre, paris, 19. forbidden city, china, 20. prague castle, czech republic, 21. chichen itza, mexico, 22. corcovado and cristo redentor, rio de janeiro, 23. château de versailles, france, 24. mount fuji, 25. central park, new york city, 26. alhambra, spain, 27. buckingham palace, london, 28. ubud, bali, indonesia.

The symbol of Paris and one of the most photographed structures in the world, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must for all travelers. Few landmarks inspire such a passion for travel as this single iron structure.

Young travelers heading out on the road for the first time, couples looking for a special getaway, artists looking to spur their creativity, and romantics of all types are all drawn to Paris. This is a city where history and culture collide and where travelers of all kinds can find the experience they're after.

Head up the tower for spectacular views over the city, and don't miss a chance to see the tower lit up at night.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

The most famous and largest structure still standing from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum is also the biggest attraction of modern-day Rome . It's been a bucket-list destination of travelers for generations. And it does not disappoint.

Set in the heart of the city, the Colosseum is an easy place to visit. Direct flights from around the world land in Rome daily, making it a destination you can visit in a weekend if you choose. Wander through Rome's ancient streets, tour the colosseum, and if time allows, plan a trip to other areas of Italy .

America is full of great sights and places to visit , but it's the Statue of Liberty that represents the United States like no other place. This symbol of freedom in New York City was gifted by the French to the American people in 1896.

Of all the attractions in New York City , this is one every tourist must see. The best thing to do at the Statue of Liberty is to take a ride up to her crown and soak up the view over the city. Access to the statue is via ferry, also a highlight of a visit.

If you don't have time for a tour, you can still see the statue without leaving Manhattan. Head to Battery Park for the best views. You can also see the Statue of Liberty on a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry. See our guide to touring New York City by water on the NYC Ferry System .

If you are planning to see only one attraction in South America, this is the place to come. The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu is arguably the most impressive ruined city in the world.

Much of the attraction comes from its location, high in the jungle-clad mountains of Peru. Set on a high plateau with soaring green mountains, the setting is surreal. The sheer tenacity of the original builders to create this amazing place in what would have been impenetrable jungle, is, in itself, impressive.

Visitor numbers are now limited to a maximum per day, so the experience has been greatly enhanced.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Peru

Perched above present day Athens , the Acropolis draws you up and in. Follow in the footsteps of the ancients as you walk up the same steps that have been walked on since 438 BC - 2,500 years.

Views out over the city are incredible as you walk between the meticulously restored ancient buildings. Near the end of the day, you'll want to linger and watch the sunset from the stairs near the entrance. This is a nightly ritual in Athens.

The site is also impressive looking up at it from the city below. Spend an evening dining on a rooftop patio to soak in the view of the hilltop ruins lit up at night.

Read More: Visiting the Acropolis in Athens: The Essential Guide

The Taj Mahal is the one sight in India that all travelers need to see. The country is filled with incredible cities and fabulous places to visit, but the 17th-century Taj Mahal in Agra is the one place that says you've been to India.

This mausoleum, commissioned by the Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is known internationally as a symbol of love. This fantastic structure, made with inlaid precious and semi-precious stones, has to be visited to be fully appreciated.

Its riverfront setting, surrounding gardens, and reflecting pools are also what make the Taj Mahal so special.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in India

If you've visited places like the Colosseum in Rome or the Acropolis in Athens, built over 2,000 years ago, you may think you have a good handle on ancient sites. But the Pyramids of Giza take ancient to a whole other level. These were built over 4,500 years ago. Tourists were coming to see these magnificent structures literally thousands of years ago.

Located just outside Cairo , the pyramids, which is also where you'll find the Sphinx, are easy to get to, and tours are easy to arrange. A sunset camel ride around the structures is a wonderful experience.

In a land of modern cities and towering skyscrapers, the Great Wall of China, built between the 14th and 17th centuries, is a stark contrast but a striking image that all visitors to China should see.

A stroll along the top of the wall provides an incredible view of the structure snaking off into the distance. The wall stretches an astounding 21,196 kilometers, through some remote areas.

Many travelers seeing the sights of China choose to visit the wall on easily organized tours from Beijing, a relatively short motorcoach ride away.

Surrounded by jungle and, in some cases, overgrown with huge trees and roots, the ancient structures of the Angkor complex may look like a movie set to some visitors.

Wandering through Angkor Wat, the main centerpiece of the complex, it's easy to feel like you've entered another era. This is without a doubt, one of the most impressive sites in Southeast Asia and the main reason many people visit Cambodia .

The stone faces peering out over the buildings and gates are images that you won't soon forget.

Angkor Wat is located just outside the city of Siem Reap, a popular tourist center in Cambodia.

You may have an Indiana Jones feeling as you walk through a 1.2-kilometer-long narrow crack in the sandstone hills and emerge into a hidden city. First built over 2,000 years ago and lost to the outside world for 600 years, the city was only discovered in 1812.

Stunning buildings are carved directly into the red rock walls and are wonderfully preserved, just begging to be explored and photographed.

If you arrive early, an eerie silence, coupled with long shadows, give this abandoned city a special feel.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jordan

The greatest natural attraction in the United States, the Grand Canyon is a key sight for all travelers planning their lifetime of adventures. Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, looking out over the carved landscape, will awaken your senses.

Several hikes in the canyon and along the rim offer unique perspectives. Walk even a short distance down the Bright Angel trail to gain additional views and to experience what the canyon is like below the rim.

For even more adventure plan a rafting trip down the Colorado River through the canyon.

The Grand Canyon looks different throughout the day and at different times of the year. One trip is never enough. If you are going to add this place to your to-see list, consider what you want to do here to determine the best time to visit.

Read More: Top Attractions at the Grand Canyon

Stonehenge is one of those places that makes you ponder what went on here over 4,500 years ago. It's long been a mystery to historians, and has captured the imagination of countless visitors. Despite the large number of tourists that descend on Stonehenge, the place still has a mystical feel.

At the site, giant stones, some standing, some fallen, are set in two roughly circular patterns that are oriented to highlight the summer and winter solstices. For a truly memorable experience, plan your visit during one of these times.

An easy day trip from London , Stonehenge can easily be worked into your UK itinerary.

Set in a steamy jungle with three volcanoes providing the backdrop, Borobudur is Indonesia's top tourist attraction .

Borobudur dates from the 9th century and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. It's a fascinating place to wander about. Over 500 Buddhas are spread around the site, some of which sit under ornate stupas.

Try to visit early in the morning when you'll have the best chance of experiencing a bit of early mist, and the view to the volcanoes will be the clearest.

On the border between the United States and Canada, these great falls have been drawing explorers and travelers for centuries. Just over an hour from the city of Toronto, Niagara Falls is easy to get to, and the town is a fun place to spend a night or two.

Walk up to the edge of the falls, stroll along the paved walk lining the gorge for different views, or take a boat tour for a close-up look at the water pouring over the lip of the gorge above you. For a bird's-eye view, head up the Skylon Tower to look out over the falls.

At night, see the falls lit in different colors. If you're visiting in winter, watch the huge plume of mist rising into the sky above the falls.

Niagara Falls is easily reached from Toronto, Canada, or Buffalo, New York.

While this ancient site may not be on the average traveler's radar, it's another of Southeast Asia's bucket-list attractions.

Spread out over a lush plain are more than 10,000 sacred structures dating from 1044 through to 1287. Hire a bicycle and pedal your way from one amazing structure to the next, or take a tour. Some of the structures can be entered, but the real beauty is the sheer number that dot the landscape.

For an aerial view, consider taking a hot air balloon tour at dawn.

Like many other attractions around the world, the Sydney Opera House is one of those places that is easy to identify and obviously associated with Australia. A photo of yourself in front of the white sails screams Australia.

The Sydney Opera House was built in several stages and officially opened in late 1973. To fully experience the building, take a tour inside to see the unique shape and hear the exceptional acoustics.

Soak up the view from the Opera House area back towards the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The highest peak in all of Africa, this majestic mountain – a dormant volcano – is one of the most recognizable symbols of the continent. The snowcapped peak is an impressive 5,985 meters (19,340 feet) and is often the backdrop to photographs of the wild animals that roam Amboseli National Park and other areas.

You can see this beautiful sight from afar or tackle the multi-day hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for the fantastic views over the land, and to watch the sunrise.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

If there is one museum in the whole world that you absolutely must see in your life, it's the Louvre. Even if you are not a fan of museums, this one is worth the trip to Paris to see.

Although most people know it as the home to the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa , this is just one of the reasons to visit the Louvre .

The museum holds countless masterpieces by the greatest artists that have ever lived. But even the building itself is an icon. The glass pyramids and the 18th-century building are recognizable to almost everyone, and have been shown in countless movies.

Like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, in Beijing is one of the top places to visit in China . The sprawling complex dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and is a spectacular example of historical China.

Over the centuries, the palace has housed 24 Ming and Qing Emperors. Inside the city, the Palace Museum holds over 340,000 artifacts showcasing the treasures of China's dynasties. In front of the Forbidden City is the massive Tiananmen Square .

Prague is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sitting atop a hill across the river from the center of the city, Prague Castle casts an imposing aura over its surroundings. The castle is an incredible collection of buildings constructed from the 9th to 14th centuries.

Stroll over the ornate 14th-century Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River and head up the hill to wander the narrow, twisty streets in the castle complex . The castle is one of the largest in the world, and around almost every corner is a historical building, church, or open square.

The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza have been drawing curious tourists since they were first brought to light by a popular book by John Lloyd Stevens in 1843. Today the site, located near the center of the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The 30-meter-high Pyramid of Kukulkán has been restored to its full glory along with many of the other significant buildings, including the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the eerie Skull Platform.

Chichen Itza is located about 200 kilometers from Cancun and is easily accomplished in a day trip from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other areas of the Mayan Riviera either on your own or as part of a group.

Keeping a watchful eye over the citizens of Rio de Janeiro from his perch atop Corcovado mountain is the stunning statue of Cristo Redentor. This huge 30-meter-high statue with its arms wide open in a welcoming gesture has been one of Rio's top tourist attractions since 1931.

The harbor of Rio de Janeiro is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world . The views from the top of the 709-meter Corcovado look out over this beautiful sight, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the city perfectly poised for beautiful photographs. The best way to get to the top is a ride up through the forests of the Tijuca National Park on the 3.5-kilometer Corcovado Rack Railway.

The wealth and grandeur of 17th-century France is on display at the incredible Château de Versailles. The château and the grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should be near the top of your touring plans when in France.

The Château de Versailles has an unbelievable 2,300 rooms housing some of France's most impressive interior design work, especially in the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. Other important rooms include the King's State Apartment and the Queen's Apartment.

The grounds of the château encompass 800 hectares, and one of the most impressive sights is the Gardens (Les Jardins). Geometrical pathways follow immaculately trimmed hedges past serene pools all surrounded by lawns cut to within an inch of their life.

Mount Fuji is the most well-known and highest mountain in Japan. Often pictured snowcapped, this dormant volcano is both a spiritual site and one of the top tourist attractions in Japan . Soaring 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji is one of three Holy Mountains, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hiking to the top of the mountain is a popular thing to do in Japan. Each year, nearly 300,000 people follow one of four routes to the top. One of the most popular things to do is time your hike so that you reach the summit just before sunrise.

Mount Fuji is located 100 kilometers east of Tokyo and is easily accessible via public transit and tours .

Read More: Exploring Mount Fuji: A Visitor's Guide

Loved by generations of New Yorkers and by people from around the world, Central Park is one of the most famous public spaces in the world. The backdrop to countless movies and television shows, the park's walkways, lakes, and historical sights have been drawing city dwellers and visitors since it was first created in 1858.

Some fun things to do in Central Park include taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park, visiting the Strawberry Fields Forever area and Imagine monument dedicated to the late John Lennon, renting a row boat, or just strolling under the towering trees. If you find yourself in the park in the cold season, ice skating is one of the most popular things to do in New York in winter . Going ice skating with your sweetie is also a romantic thing to do in New York.

The stunning Alhambra is perched high on the hills above the Spanish city of Granada and is a testament to the wealth and power of the Nasrid Dynasty of the 13th Century. A huge complex full of ornate gardens, lush courtyards, bubbling water features, and spectacular buildings make it one of Spain's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Count on a full day to explore the Alhambra with its incredible buildings which include the Palacios Nazaries consisting of the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), the Palacio de Comares (Palace of Ceremonial Rooms), and the Palacio de los Leones (Palace of the Lions). Views out over the city of Granada and the surrounding mountains from the ruins of the Alcazaba are among the highlights.

The stately palace located in the heart of London attracts millions of visitors every year. This iconic building and treasured monument is home to the ruling monarchy and its grand façade showcases the importance of the Royal Family in British society.

Highlights of a visit to Buckingham Palace include witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony where guardsmen with their red tunics and bearskin hats execute an intricate series of maneuvers.

If you find yourself visiting in the summer, try your best to get tickets for the tour through the grand State Rooms with their extensive and impressive collection of priceless art and period pieces.

A fun town with a Boho vibe, Ubud is high on the list of things to see and do in Bali . Located inland in a lush area, the town has a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. A must-see is the Sacred Monkey Forest , a dense site of towering trees, river gorges, historic temples, and of course, monkeys. Hundreds of monkeys live in this protected area and wander freely on the pathways providing non-stop entertainment.

Just out of town are the world-famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces . Descending from a ridge to the valley below, the terraces flow according to the landscape.

Ubud features prominently as a destination for shopping, many of Indonesia's best artisans have shops here selling everything from Batik fabrics to ornate jewelry.

Ubud is also known as a place to work on your inner well-being, countless yoga studios and wellness retreats are located here.

More on Cambodia

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best
• World's Best Awards 2024

25 Best Islands to Visit Around the World, According to T+L Readers

Looking for an unforgettable island getaway? Here, readers voted for the best islands on the planet, as part of our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Islands often promise travelers an escape to paradise. Yes, the pristine beaches and clear waters make for an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation — but these destinations below can also host a range of exciting activities, from surfing and snorkeling to attending regional festivals and sampling local cuisine.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey , T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Islands were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Natural attractions/beaches
• Activities/sights
• Restaurants/food
• People/friendliness

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

MelanieMaya/Getty Images

The top 3 winners included two destinations that need little introduction: The Maldives (No. 1) and Bali (No. 3). But sneaking in at No. 2 is the under-the-radar Vietnamese island of Phú Quốc, located off the country’s western shoreline in the Gulf of Thailand. Greece, which has more than 6,000 islands and islets, has four winners on the list: Milos (No. 4), Crete (No. 6), Corfu and the Ionian Islands (No. 20), and Páros (No. 24). Three Italian islands — Ischia at No. 11, Sicily at No. 17, and Sardinia at No. 21 — made the cut this year, and don’t forget Thailand, represented by Koh Samui in ninth place and Phuket at No. 16.

Read on for the full list of islands that were crowned the world’s best.

1 . Maldives

Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure

In the Indian Ocean, along the equator, sits a string of 1,192 islands (of which only 200 are currently inhabited): The Maldives. Its name alone conjures visuals of luxurious overwater bungalows and emerald waters. One T+L reader wrote that “the location is just as beautiful as every picture you have seen.” Another raved that the “marine life there is beyond expectation.” (The Maldives is home to roughly three percent of the planet’s reefs and its biodiversity makes it a top snorkeling and diving destination.) The resounding sentiment was summed up by one enthusiastic reader’s three words: “Paradise on Earth.”

Reader Score: 95.63

2. Phú Quốc, Vietnam

@ Didier Marti/Getty Images

Phú Quốc, off the western coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, is an emerging tourism destination — and that's its greatest strength. While several beaches in Southeast Asia are developed, Phú Quốc maintains an understated tranquility. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay in luxe accommodations: the island’s most indulgent hotel is Regent Phu Quoc , which has a rooftop infinity pool and suites with private pools.

Reader Score: 94.41

3. Bali, Indonesia

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Called the “Island of the Gods,” Bali’s rich heritage can be experienced through its traditional ceremonies, old temples, and intricate dance performances. T+L readers echoed praises for the Balinese people and the value for money, with one reader summing it up well: “Great beach, great food, good hospitality.”

Reader Score: 93.26

4. Milos, Greece

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

The Greek island of Milos is home to dramatic rock formations like Sarakiniko Beach, which boasts a moon-like landscape thanks to its volcanic pumice formations. There’s plenty of adventure for thrillseekers, like exploring submarine caves and sea tunnels, but this Cycladic Isle is also rich in history, with ancient ruins like the Catacombs of Milos and the Ancient Theater of Milos.

Reader Score: 93.08

5. Dominica

gydyt0jas/Getty Images

Dominica entices travelers with unspoiled natural beauty and eco-adventures. The island is nicknamed “Nature Island” for its dense rain forests, volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. The underwater world also attracts scuba divers and snorkelers, with healthy, vividly-colorful coral reefs, marine life, and volcanic formations.

Reader Score: 92.47

6. Crete, Greece

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Go to Greece's largest island if you want stunning beaches like Balos Lagoon, which boasts out-of-this-world blue waters, or Elafonisi Beach, an iconic pink-sand beach. Or, visit ancient Minoan ruins like the Palace of Knossos or walk through Chania’s Old Town to see Turkish and Venetian architecture. Outdoor lovers can hike the Samaria Gorge, which takes travelers through Crete's White Mountains. According to one T+L reader, the people of Crete were “so friendly and helpful to travelers.”

Reader Score: 92.38

7. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

For an adventure in the Med, look no further than Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands. Hvar’s old town, often called the “Queen of the Dalmatian Islands,” has quaint squares, centuries-old edifices, and a medieval fortress that overlooks the Adriatic Sea. A vibrant nightlife adds to the unforgettable experience.

Reader Score: 91.53

8. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

nodramallama/Getty Images

Readers love this South American destination for the chance to see an unparalleled diversity of wildlife in their natural habitat, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Exploring the volcanic archipelago allows travelers to learn about the evolutionary adaptations that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection — paired with fun day trips like snorkeling or observing rare birds. One T+L reader described these islands as “an archipelago that makes science fun.” Another said, “These islands are beautiful and a ‘must’ for all lovers of nature.”

Reader Score: 91.26

9. Koh Samui, Thailand

lkunl/Getty Images

Koh Samui is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, offering the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. Travelers can indulge in luxury beachfront resorts, savor delicious Thai cuisine, and experience the island's vibrant nightlife. With opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring nearby islands, Koh Samui also offers adventure in the tropical paradise. One T+L reader applauded the island’s “beautiful beach and nightlife” while another raved about the island’s “excellent value.”

Reader Score: 91.03

10. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

Nicky Dowling/Getty Images

Arguably Australia’s most famous landmark, this reef — last year’s No. 1 island in the world — is the world's largest coral reef system. It stretches 1,400 miles off Australia’s northeastern coast, home to a stunning array of marine life (tropical fish, sharks, dolphins, and more) that creates a world-class snorkeling and diving destination.

Reader Score: 90.99

11. Ischia, Italy

© Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

This picturesque island in the Bay of Naples brings to mind lush landscapes, rugged coastline, and volcanic terrain. It’s roughly the same distance from Naples as the iconic island of Capri, but far less crowded and much more affordable. Travelers can learn about the region’s fascinating past at sites like the Aragonese Castle and the ancient ruins of Villa Arbusto, and indulge in a little R&R at one of the island’s many thermal spas.

Reader Score: 90.95

Anna Haines/Travel + Leisure

Visitors love walking the streets of Havana, taking in the city’s beautiful architecture and complex history. There are other adventures to be had, too: lounging on the powdery sands of Varadero, hiking in the Viñales Valley, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of María la Gorda.

Reader Score: 90.61

13. Palawan, Philippines

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

This thin island off the western coast of the Philippines is known for its unparalleled natural beauty, including limestone cliffs, lagoons, and rain forests. Travelers can explore preserves such as the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and learn about cultural practices from Indigenous communities like the Batak and Tagbanua tribes.

Reader Score: 90.59

14. Fiji Islands

Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

Fiji is world-famous for its beaches and secluded shores, like those on Yasawa and Mamanuca islands. It's home to some of the best diving and snorkeling sites as well as inland excursions like kayaking and zip-lining. Travelers shouldn't miss a chance to immerse themselves in Fijian culture through attending a meke dance performance, or partaking in a kava ceremony.

Reader Score: 90.56

15. Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island), United States

elan7t50/Getty Images

Located off the coast of Georgia, this little-known group of islands offer some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in the United States. The beaches are dotted with golden sand dunes and swaying palms, while the towns like Brunswick and St. Simons Island make for great shopping and dining. Nature enthusiasts of all ages can explore the salt marshes of Jekyll Island by kayak, or hike through the maritime forests of Cumberland Island.

Reader Score: 90.29

16. Phuket, Thailand

Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

From the lively shores of Patong Beach to the secluded bays of Kata and Karon Beaches, on Phuket there's a beach for every type of traveler. Known as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea," this Thai island is often a gateway to destinations like the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, and Similan Islands. For those looking for more cultural immersion, the Old Town contains a bustling market, and the Wat Chalong temple is always worth a visit.

Reader Score: 90.20

17. Sicily, Italy

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Sicily is a paradise for food lovers: from produce like citrus fruit and olives to fresh seafood and wine made from grapes grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. Since the island's calendar is filled with events — carnivals, religious processions, food and wine festivals — there's always something happening on the island.

Reader Score: 90.14

18. Anguilla

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

From the crystal waters of Shoal Bay East to the secluded coves of Maundays Bay and Meads Bay, this Caribbean island is the perfect place to bask in the sun, swim, snorkel, or simply relax. One T+L reader wrote, “Anguilla is paradise,” while another said that visiting this “hidden gem is like having the island to yourself.”

Reader Score: 90.02

19. Moorea, French Polynesia

Powerfocusfotografie/Getty Images

Lush green mountains, overwater bungalows, and turquoise lagoons await visitors to Moorea. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions of French Polynesia by watching Polynesian dance performances or learning about the ancient art of tattooing.

Reader Score: 89.70

20. Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Greece

Anna Mardo/Getty Images

These mountainous isles off the coast of Greece and Albania are known for their unspoiled nature reserves and picturesque, culture-rich towns such as Lefkada and Fiskardo, where travelers can visit 14th-century castles and wander the bustling marinas. Corfu’s laid-back atmosphere and relaxed pace of life makes it a peaceful destination for recharging amid tranquil surroundings.

Reader Score: 89.42

21. Sardinia, Italy

Aldo Pavan/Getty Images

Sardinia boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Mediterranean, with white sand and turquoise water. Highlights to visit include the Costa Smeralda shoreline, the secluded coves of Cala Gonone, and the dramatic cliffs of Cala Luna. In the medieval towns of Alghero and Cagliari, expect narrow cobblestone streets and ancient churches and fortifications.

Reader Score: 89.39

22. Madeira, Portugal

Violetta Smiranova/Travel + Leisure

If you're looking for a weather-proof destination, Madeira is it — the island enjoys year-round pleasant temperatures. No matter what season, travelers should explore sites like the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the coastline of Ponta de São Lourenço. The island's gastronomy is its own attraction, with fresh seafood, regional specialties such as espetada and bolo do caco , and world-famous Madeira wine.

Reader Score: 89.12

23. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

Skye and the Hebrides offer some of the best scenery in Scotland, with rugged coastlines and towering seaside cliffs. There are some iconic landmarks, too, like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing on Skye. The islands — which host a vibrant arts scene of galleries, craft shops, and music festivals — are also perfect for birdwatching, fishing, and stargazing.

Reader Score: 89.05

24. Paros, Greece

In this Greek paradise, the popular beaches to visit include Golden Beach and Santa Maria — for a more secluded choice, try Kolymbithres Beach with its unique rock formations. Travelers can explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Parikia, the island's capital, to see whitewashed buildings and bustling waterfront, or wander through the labyrinthine alleys of Naoussa, a fishing village known for its nightlife and traditional tavernas.

Reader score: 88.97

25. Zanzibar, Tanzania

MariusLtu/Getty Images

On the eastern coast of Tanzania, this island’s rich history, cultural diversity, and popular beaches attract discerning travelers. Wander through the streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to take in Zanzibar’s blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences found in the architecture, cuisine, and local traditions. From the popular shores of Nungwi and Kendwa to the coves of Matemwe and Paje, there's a beach for everyone here.

Reader Score: 88.95

Related Articles

Hotel Deals!

Hot hotel deals.

• Travel Guide
• Art Galleries
• Historic Homes & Buildings
• Historic Sites
• Lighthouses
• Newport Mansions
• Historical & preservation societies
• Marinas & Harbors
• Motorized Charter
• Family Favorite Beaches
• Hidden Gem Beaches
• State Beaches
• Lakes & Ponds
• Dog-Friendly Beaches
• Music & clubs
• Performing arts
• Spectator sports
• Drive-in movie theaters
• Indoor activities
• Pick Your Own
• Nature & science
• Parks & trails
• Winter outdoor fun
• Spa & wellness
• What to do in Rhode Island now
• This Weekend
• Newport Family Summer Getaway
• Summer Like a Vanderbilt
• Rhody Art & History Immersion
• Urban Family Escape
• Ocean State Biking Adventure
• Northern RI Arts & Culture
• Coastal Family Fun
• Block Island Retreat
• Ocean State Food & Drink Tour
• Arts & Culture Family Experience
• Great Outdoors Family Adventure
• Family Fun & Games
• Newport Arts & Culture Experience
• Central-Northern RI Arts & Culture Experience
• The Rhody Mix Experience
• Block Island/ New Shoreham
• Broadway, Newport
• Chepachet Village
• Downtown Westerly
• Garden City, Cranston
• Hope Street, Providence
• Main Street, East Greenwich
• Thames Street, Newport
• Westminster Street, Providence
• Wickenden Street, Providence
• Wickford Village
• Unplugged on Block Island
• Cocktails & Culture
• Boos & Brews
• Take a Hike
• Birds Flock Here in the Fall
• Early Black History in Providence
• Nature & Luxury in South County
• Upscale Romance in Newport
• Newport with Your Squad
• Fun & Frugal Winter Break
• A Classic Coastal Christmas
• Winter Family Fun in Northern Rhode Island
• Shop like a local
• Experience Luxury
• Blackstone Valley International Food Trail
• Shows and Films in Rhode Island
• This weekend
• Gaspee Days: America's First Blow for Freedom
• Free events
• Submit Events
• Annual Fairs, Festivals & Events
• July 2024 Events in Rhode Island
• August 2024 Events in Rhode Island
• September 2024 Events in Rhode Island
• Hotels & motels
• Bed and breakfasts, inns & guesthouses
• Rentals & reservation services
• Waterfront Campgrounds
• State Campgrounds
• Delivery & takeout
• Clam shacks
• Coffee & cafes
• Desserts & ice cream
• Outdoor Dining
• Bars & Pubs
• Breweries & distilleries
• Vineyards & Wineries
• Speakeasies
• Blackstone Valley
• Block Island
• Newport County
• South County
• Warwick & West Bay
• Tourist info centers
• Travel guide
• Airports & airlines
• Car rentals
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Rhode Island Public Transit (RIPTA)
• Colleges & universities
• #VisitRhodeIsland
• Special Offers Form
• Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
• Rhode Island in the news
• Move your business here
• Celebrate Pride in RI
• Accessibility in RI
• International
• Tourism News

THE OFFICIAL RHODE ISLAND DIGITAL TRAVEL GUIDE!

With bright, bold photography, helpful information, and even immersive videos, our guide is the next best thing to exploring the Ocean State in person. In it, you’ll learn all about our distinct regions, amazing experiences, welcoming accommodations, stunning natural beauty, and so much more! Plus, there’s a cool map to help you get around our small but jam-packed state.

You can view a flip book of the guide, download a digital copy, or fill out the form below for a FREE physical copy. Click here for a bulk order request.

Rhode Island. All That.

Complete the form below to receive your free Rhode Island Travel Guide!

Travel guide request.

Commerce RI/Tourism operates a short code campaign that sends opted in subscribers promotional messages for information related to Commerce RI/Tourism. Max 1 message per week. SMS Terms and Conditions | SMS Privacy Policy . Message and data rates may apply. By submitting your mobile phone number, you will be subscribed to Commerce RI/Tourism promotions.

Tell us what interests you about the Ocean State!

* Indicates a required field.

Food & drink

Fall getaways, summer getaways.

• Industry Partner
• Leisure Travel

• Story Ideas
• Fun-Sized Rhode Island
• Rhode Island in the News
• Free Travel Guide
• Contact Visit Rhode Island
• What's New in Rhode Island
• Downton Abbey Lifestyle
• Rhode Island Foodways
• Hidden Gems
• Fall Enchantment
• Image Library
• Meetings & Conventions
• Privacy Policy
• Partner Portal
• SMS Privacy Policy
• SMS Terms & Conditions

Special Offers

Looking to plan your next visit to Rhode Island, check out some of the current special offers and enjoy savings, extra perks and more!

The 2024 Emmy Nominations Are Here

Shōgun leads the pack, with 25 nods.

The nominations for the 76th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are officially here!

If it feels like we just had an Emmys, you're not wrong: The 2023 Emmys were postponed due to the Screen Actors Guild Strike, and held this past January. The official 2024 edition of the awards will be held on September 15, and broadcast on ABC.

Here, a full list of the nominees:

Drama Series

The Crown Fallout The Gilded Age The Morning Show Mr. & Mrs. Smith Shōgun Slow Horses 3 Body Problem

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Idris Elba, Hijack Donald Glover, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Walton Goggins , Fallout Gary Oldman, Slow Horses Hiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun Dominic West , The Crown

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Jennifer Anniston, The Morning Show Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age Maya Erskine, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Anna Sawai, Shōgun Imelda Staunton, The Crown Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Tadanobu Asano, Shōgun Billy Crudup, The Morning Show Mark Duplass, The Morning Show Jon Hamm, The Morning Show Takehiro Hira, Shōgun Jack Lowden, Slow Horses Jonathan Pryce, The Crown

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Christine Baranski, The Gilded Age Nicole Beharie, The Morning Show Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown Greta Lee, The Morning Show Lesley Manville, The Crown Karen Pittman, The Morning Show Holland Taylor, The Morning Show

Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Néstor Carbonell, Shōgun Paul Dano, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Tracy Letts, Winning Time Jonathan Pryce, Slow Horses John Turturro, Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Michaela Coel, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Claire Foy, The Crown Marcia Gay Harden, The Morning Show Sarah Paulson, Mr. & Mrs. Smith Parker Posey, Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary The Bear Curb Your Enthusiasm Hacks Only Murders in the Building Palm Royale Reservation Dogs What We Do in the Shadows

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Matt Berry, What We Do in the Shadows Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jeremy Allen White, The Bear D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai , Reservation Dogs

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson , Abbott Elementary Ayo Edebiri, The Bear Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building Maya Rudolph, Loot Jean Smart, Hacks Kristen Wiig, Palm Royale

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Lionel Boyce, The Bear Paul W. Downs, Hacks Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear Paul Rudd, Only Murders in the Building Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Carol Burnett, Palm Royale Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear Hannah Einbinder, Hacks Janelle James, Abbott Elementary Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary Meryl Streep, Only Murders in the Building

Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Jon Bernthal, The Bear Matthew Broderick, Only Murders in the Building Ryan Gosling, Saturday Night Live Christopher Lloyd, Hacks Bob Odenkirk, The Bear Will Poulter, The Bear

Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Olivia Colman , The Bear Jamie Lee Curtis, The Bear Kaitlin Olson, Hacks Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Only Murders in the Building Maya Rudolph, Saturday Night Live Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live

Limited or Anthology Series

Baby Reindeer Fargo Lessons in Chemistry Ripley True Detective: Night Country

Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Matt Bomer, Fellow Travelers Richard Gadd , Baby Reindeer Jon Hamm , Fargo Tom Hollander , Feud: Capote vs. the Swans Andrew Scott , Ripley

Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry Juno Temple, Fargo Sofía Vergara, Griselda Naomi Watts, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans

Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Jonathan Bailey , Fellow Travelers Robert Downey Jr., The Sympathizers Tom Goodman-Hill, Baby Reindeer John Hawkes, True Detective: Night Country Lamorne Morris, Fargo Lewis Pullman, Lessons in Chemistry Treat Williams, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans

Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Dakota Fanning, Ripley Lily Gladstone , Under the Bridge Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer Aja Naomi King , Lessons in Chemistry Diane Lane, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans Nava Mau, Baby Reindeer Kali Reis, True Detective: Night Country

Reality Competition Program

The Amazing Race RuPaul's Drag Race Top Chef The Traitors The Voice

Talk Series

The Daily Show Jimmy Kimmel Live! Late Night with Seth Meyers The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Television @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

'House of the Dragon' Season 3 News

Everything We Know About the Perfect Couple

The Outlander Prequel Has Begun Production

Where Was 'House of the Dragon' Filmed?

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode Guide

Who Is Alys Rivers in 'House of the Dragon'?

10 Shows to Watch After Bridgerton

Go Behind the Scenes of 'My Lady Jane'

'Slow Horses' Season 4 Details

'And Just Like That …' Season 3 Fashion

A Mitford Sisters TV Series Is in the Works

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Tour de France 2024 stage-by-stage guide: Route maps and profiles for all 21 days

This year’s tour de france will take the peloton from florence to a time-trial finish in nice via some epic climbs in the pyrenees and the alps, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing

Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news, thanks for signing up to the sport email.

The 2024 Tour de France is a truly unique race beginning in Florence and ending – for the first time in its 121-year history – outside Paris .

This year’s Tour will wrap up without the usual procession to the Champs-Elysees, where security resources will be focused on the Paris Olympics starting five days later. Instead, organisers have opted to end the race with an individual time-trial in Nice, adding the possibility of the yellow jersey changing hands on a dramatic final day.

Before that, riders face a typically gruelling challenge, with a hilly start in Italy before crossing to France where a perilous gravel stage awaits in Troyes. Week two leads the peloton south to the Pryenees and the monstrous Col du Tourmalet, before a series of days in the Alps including a particularly brutal stage 19 with a summit finish in Isola.

It all concludes in Nice on Sunday 21 July, where the race winner will be crowned.

Stage 1: Florence to Rimini (hilly, 206km) | Saturday 29 June

The opening stage of the 2024 Tour de France will be a beautiful ride, starting with the Grand Depart on the banks of the Arno river in the centre of Florence before heading through Tuscany to the finish line on Italy’s east coast, on the beachfront of Rimini. The route also takes in San Marino, the Tour’s 13th country. But it will be tough on what is the most hilly first stage in the race’s history with 3,600m of climbing to conquer. It could be a day for Tadej Pogacar to immediately make his mark, or for an outstanding classics rider like Mathieu van der Poel to target, while young puncheurs like Ireland’s Ben Healy and Belgium’s Maxim Van Gils could be outside bets.

• Stage 1: Romain Bardet shakes off peloton to finally claim yellow jersey

Stage 2: Cesenatico to Bologna, (hilly, 199km) | Sunday 30 June

The second day throws up a more gentle ride, though it still contains six categorised climbs to test the legs. The purest sprinters will get left behind but the small ascents are unlikely to put off the more hardy fast men, like Wout van Aert , who will like the look of the fast finish in Bologna.

• Stage 2: Kevin Vauquelin earns debut win as Tadej Pogacar assumes yellow

Stage 3: Plaisance to Turin (flat, 231km) | Monday 1 July

The long third stage will be the first opportunity for a bunch sprint to the finish line. Expect Alpecin-Deceuninck to try and control the final kilometres in an effort to position Jasper Philipsen for the win, but there is a stacked list of sprinters ready to challenge him including Arnaud de Lie, Dylan Groenewegen, Sam Bennett, Wout van Aert and Mark Cavendish, chasing a record 35th stage win to finally eclipse the great Eddy Merckx.

• Stage 3: Biniam Girmay makes history as first black African to win a Tour stage

Stage 4: Pinerolo to Valloire (mountainous, 140km) | Tuesday 2 July

A tough fourth stage takes the riders into France via a couple of testing category-two climbs and to the foot of the Col du Galibier – the first hors categorie ascent of the race. The gradient averages only 5.3% but at 23km long, it is a draining slog of a climb to the top and the strongest climbers will come to the fore. Expect some attacks among the big hitters like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard as we get our first real sense of the battle for overall victory.

• Stage 4: Tadej Pogacar makes statement with dominant win to regain yellow

Stage 5: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas (flat, 177km) | Wednesday 3 July

The second sprint finish of this year’s Tour contains some small hills but nothing that should disrupt the power riders from reaching the finish near the front, where they will expect to battle for victory.

• Stage 5: Mark Cavendish makes history with record-breaking 35th win

Stage 6: Macon to Dijon (flat, 163km) | Thursday 4 July

An even flatter day looks ripe for a bunch sprint on the streets of Dijon. One small categorised climb early in the stage precedes an intermediate sprint which might be targeted by those hunting the green jersey, and a breakaway will almost certainly then take to the front of the race. But it is likely to be caught by the sprinters’ teams before the finish as the peloton’s power riders fight for the stage win.

• Stage 6: Dylan Groenewegen wins photo finish in Dijon

Stage 7: Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin, (ITT, 25km) | Friday 5 July

The first individual time-trial of this year’s Tour de France sweeps through thick forest before opening out into the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy. The only climb is the short Cote de Curtil-Vergy (1.6km at 6.1%), followed by a descent into Gevrey-Chambertin, and here Remco Evenepoel – the reigning time-trial world champion – will plan to take some time from his general classification rivals who are less adept against the clock.

• Stage 7: Remco Evenepoel claims ‘crazy’ time trial win

Stage 8: Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises (flat, 176km) | Saturday 6 July

It may be officially listed as a flat day, but stage eight contains five categorised climbs and plenty more undulation, along with an uphill drag to the finish which should be enough to shake out some of the pure sprinters from contention. This could be a bunch sprint, a day for the breakaway or even a bold solo attack if the situation presents itself for an opportunist near the front of the race.

• Stage 8: Biniam Girmay secures second stage win in sprint finish

Stage 9: Troyes to Troyes (hilly, 199km) | Sunday 7 July

The Tour de France takes on the gravel roads of the Champagne region to see out the first week, and the white dusty terrain could take down a few unfortunate victims. The 14 sections of gravel span 32km in all, and they are similar to the roads of the iconic Italian race, Strade-Bianche. The past winners of Strade-Bianche – Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogacar – will fancy their chances here.

• Stage 9: Frustrated Tom Pidcock narrowly beaten on chaotic and dusty day

Rest day: Orleans | Monday 8 July

Stage 10: orleans to saint-amand-montrond (flat, 187km) | tuesday 9 july.

The Tour heads down to the centre of France, where on paper it is a nice-looking day for the sprinters, but they will need to stay alert to winds which could split the pack along this twisting route south to Saint-Amand-Montrond in the Loire Valley. A short, sharp climb 8km from the finish could be the launchpad for a brave attack, though the muscle men of the peloton will hope to fight it out against each other at the finish in Saint-Amand-Montrond.

• Stage 10: Jasper Philipsen capitalises on Mathieu van der Poel leadout for stage win

Stage 11: Evaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran, (mountainous, 211km) | Wednesday 10 July

Six categorised climbs pepper a hard up-and-down day through the Massif Central. The third-from-last ascent is the toughest, the Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol (5.4km at 8.1%), with a painfully steep final 2km to conquer, and strong climbing legs will be needed to win the stage. A good day for a breakaway to escape and potentially stay away to the end.

• Stage 11: Tearful Jonas Vingegaard battles back to pip Tadej Pogacar

Stage 12: Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, (flat, 204km) | Thursday 11 July

The ‘flat’ categorisation disguises the numerous small hills dotted through this picturesque route to Villeneuve which will drain legs if the pace is high. Expect a determined breakaway to make it difficult for those teams hoping to set up a bunch sprint at the finish – twice before, the day has been won by a rider in the breakaway here.

• Stage 12: Biniam Girmay seals hat-trick of sprint stage wins

Stage 13: Agen to Pau, (flat, 165km) | Friday 12 July

Pau is a staple of the Tour de France over the years, acting as the gateway to the Pyrenees mountains. The hilly finish to the stage might slow down some of the pure sprinters but they will be determined to reel in a breakaway – especially if they failed to do so a day earlier, and with so much hard climbing to come.

• Stage 13: Jasper Philipsen pips Wout van Aert as Primoz Roglic abandons

Stage 14: Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet, (mountainous, 152km) | Saturday 13 July

The iconic Col du Tourmalet stands in the middle of this mountain stage, with the road peaking at 2,115m above sea level. The 19km climb averages 7.4% gradient and once it’s conquered, two more big climbs await including a summit finish at Pla d’Adet. The GC contenders will surely trade blows on this brutal day.

• Stage 14: Tadej Pogacar wins wild stage after fan throws crisps in leader’s face

Stage 15: Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille (mountainous, 198km) | Sunday 14 July

A nice relaxing weekend in the Pyrenees is rounded off with five climbs over a 200km route, all rated category one or harder. Expect fireworks among the yellow jersey contenders as they race to the finish atop Plateau de Beille.

• Stage 15: Tadej Pogacar lands major blow to extend advantage over Jonas Vingegaard

Rest day: Gruissan | Monday 15 July

Stage 16: Gruissan to Nimes (flat, 189km) | Tuesday 16 July

This is the final chance for the sprinters to bag a stage before the road kicks up into the mountains once more. Those in contention for the win will need to keep their composure as roundabouts punctuate the long final strip into the line in Nimes.

• Stage 16: Jasper Philipsen seals hat-trick of sprint wins

Stage 17: Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to Superdevoluy (mountainous, 178km) | Wednesday 17 July

The peloton reaches the Alps for a day that will be draining as the road tilts from the start. There are bonus seconds to be collected at the top of the category-one Col du Noyer, before a fast descent to a small summit finish which caps a tough second half to this stage.

• Stage 17: Richard Carapaz rides to victory as Remco Evenepoel takes time on Jonas Vingegaard

Stage 18: Gap to Barcelonnette (hilly, 180km) | Thursday 18 July

A breakaway will certainly have a go at escaping up the road to clinch this stage, and they should be able to make it stick. The five official climbs are all category-three ascents which might mean some of the more well-rounded riders with a fast finish can clamber over them and be a threat at the end.

• Stage 18: New dad Victor Campenaerts claims emotional maiden Tour stage win

Stage 19: Embrun to Isola 2000 (mountainous, 145km) | Friday 19 July

Perhaps the most eye-catching stage when the 2024 route was unveiled was this one: three monstrous Alpine climbs, back to back, with a summit finish at Isola. The middle climb of the trio is the giant Cime de la Bonette (22.9km at 6.9%), the highest road in France at 2,802m. If the fight for the yellow jersey is still alive at this point in the race, this will be a thrilling stage for the story to unfold.

• Read the full stage 19 preview

Stage 20: Nice to Col de la Couillole (mountainous, 133km) | Saturday 20 July

It may be a little shorter at only 133km, but this is another brutally tough mountain stage featuring four climbs and another summit finish, atop the Col de la Couillole, and it is another day when the yellow jersey could be won or lost.

Stage 21: Monaco to Nice (ITT, 34km) | Sunday 21 July

The race will finish without the usual procession through Paris and instead see the riders contest an individual time-trial from Monaco to Nice that could decide the outcome of the Tour. The last time-trial finale saw Greg Lemond pinch the yellow jersey on the Champs-Elysees, beating Laurent Fignon by eight seconds. This route is longer than the stage-seven time-trial, and a little more hilly too, so there is potential for some significant time gaps.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Bob Dylan’s Stunning ‘Outlaw’ Tour Set List: A Song by Song Guide

By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

The Outlaw Music Festival Tour has generated much attention due to Willie Nelson’s extended absence from the first two weeks of shows due to illness, Lukas Nelson stepping in for his father with occasional help from guests like Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and Edie Brickell, the triumphant return of Willie on July 4, and the weird Bob Dylan shirt sold every night at the merch stand.

The changes in the show aren’t limited to the song selections. Drummer Jerry Pentecost left the band and was replaced by Dylan’s gospel-era bandmate Jim Keltner. Pedal steel guitarist Donnie Heron also left the band after an 18-year stint. What remains is a lean quartet of Keltner, bassist Tony Garnier, and guitarists Bob Britt and Doug Lancio. They’re hitting large outdoor amphitheaters packed with Willie Nelson fans, and playing with a joy and abandon not felt at Dylan concerts in years. 

The opening night set in Alpharetta, Georgia, was completely unique and especially wild, but it quickly coalesced into a 15-song show he’s been repeating every evening. Here’s our song-by-song guide, including fan-shot videos, since audience members are allowed to film the show for the first time in many years.

Editor’s picks

Every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term, the 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history.

Happy Traum, Greenwich Village Folksinger and Bob Dylan Collaborator, Dead at 86

Bob dylan and the band announce massive 27-disc box set chronicling 1974 reunion tour, bob dylan is selling a bizarre tour t-shirt. we have questions.

4. “Little Queenie” (1959, Chuck Berry) Dylan’s love of Chuck Berry goes back to childhood, and over the years he’s honored him by playing “No Money Down,” “Nadine,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Around and Around.” But he didn’t attempt “Little Queenie” until the kickoff of the Outlaw Tour. It’s a chance for Lancio and Britt to trot out their best Berry riffs, and an opportunity for Dylan to party like it’s his senior year of high school. (This is now one of the few covers that both Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones have in their live repertoire.)

5. “Mr. Blue” (1959, the Fleetwoods) In the early days of the Basement Tapes sessions, Dylan and the Band laid down a truncated version of “Mr. Blue” by doo-wop act the Fleetwoods. It would be another 57 years before Dylan revisited “Mr. Blue” on the opening night of the Outlaw tour. It’s a tender rendition where Dylan has little accompaniment from his band until the first chorus hits. The song was Number One for a single week in November 1959 when it managed to briefly topple Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife” from the top spot. Dylan returning to it in 1967 and again in 2024 is yet more evidence that the music we love at 18 stays with us forever. 

7. “Can’t Wait” (1997) We’re back to Time Out of Mind at this point for “Can’t Wait,” which hadn’t been played since 2019 prior to this tour. Every tiny bit of Daniel Lanois has been sucked from this one, and we’re left with Dylan slowly playing it on the piano, delivering the words almost spoken-word style. Accompaniment from the band is kept to a bare minimum. The result is remarkably stark and powerful. 

8. “Under The Red Sky” (1990) Few people knew it at the time, but Bob Dylan had an infant daughter, Desiree Gabrielle Dennis-Dylan, when he created Under the Red Sky . It explains why the album was dedicated to “Gabby Goo Goo,” and why so many of the songs seem like nursery rhymes. The title track is about a little boy and a little girl that wind up baked together in a pie, and it hadn’t been played live since 2013. 

9. “Things Have Changed” (2000) Dylan won an Oscar for this song from the 2000 Curtis Hanson movie The Wonder Boys , and it’s been a staple of his live show ever since. They’ve worked up a bluesier, guitar-driven arrangement for this tour that’s hard to even spot as “Things Have Changed” until the vocals start. He wrote the song from the perspective of the Michael Douglas character in the film, but it’s become a theme song to many during the insanity of the past decade or so: “People are crazy and times are strange/I’m locked in tight, I’m out of range/I used to care, but things have changed.”

11. “Six Days on the Road” (1963, Earl Green/Carl Montgomery) The very month that Bob Dylan dropped The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan in 1963, country singer Dave Dudley landed a massive country hit with the trucker anthem “Six Days on the Road.” Over the years, it’s been covered by everyone from Jim Croce and Michael Nesmith to Steve Earle and Tom Petty’s band Mudcrutch. Dylan played the song on his Theme Time Radio Hour SiriusXM show, but there’s no record of him performing it prior to this tour. Debuting it while out on the road with Willie Nelson makes a lot of sense: It has a strong outlaw country vibe.

12. “Soon After Midnight” (2012) On the actual 2012 Tempest tour, as opposed to the slightly fictional one advertised on the bizarre t-shirt available at the Outlaw merch stand, the Tempest ballad “Soon After Midnight” was performed at just two of 33 shows. It became a Never Ending Tour staple after that with over 480 live performances. Think about that. In that time, he hasn’t done “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” “I Shall Be Released,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” or “Forever Young” even once. And we get “Soon After Midnight” over 480 times. His complete and total disregard for what most audience members want to hear, especially at a show packed with casual fans like this one, is laudable and extremely rare. So, if you want to hear an oldie, punch it up on Spotify.

Michael Jackson Estate Wins Tentative Ruling to End $600 Million Catalog War with Katherine Jackson

Tenacious d's kyle gass dropped by agent after controversial trump joke, bob newhart, groundbreaking stand-up comic and tv sitcom legend, dead at 94, trump site launches limited-edition assassination attempt sneakers.

15. “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” (1967) We go from sad memories of a lost romance to a sweet love song from John Wesley Harding to wrap up the set. It’s an unusual arrangement that starts with Dylan unaccompanied at the piano before it kicks into a rave-up, and then slows backs down and gets bluesy at the end. “Kick your shooooes off,” Dylan sings. Have no feaaaarrr/Bring that boootle/Overheeeere/I’ll be…I’ll be your baby toniiiiiiight.” It’s a great showcase for the band, and the perfect way to close out one of the best (and most unexpected) live sets Dylan has delivered in many years.

Jelly Roll Daydreams of Being a WWE Superstar in New SummerSlam Promo

• People's Champ
• By Joseph Hudak

Zach Bryan Helps Bruce Springsteen Make His First Ever Appearance on the Country Charts

• By Ethan Millman

Megan Thee Stallion Performs 'Mamushi' With Yuki Chiba for the First Time

• Star, Star, Star
• By Tomás Mier

Soulja Boy Sues Tasha K Over Interview Claiming Rapper Had Sexual Encounter With Man

• crimes and court
• By Daniel Kreps

Gorillaz' Damon Albarn Awarded Honorary Degree From University of Exeter

Most popular, shannen doherty, 'beverly hills 90210' and 'charmed' star, dies at 53, 88 irresistible prime day finds you’ll instantly add to your cart, emmys 2024: list of nominees, oakland rapper shot and killed at grand opening of her beauty supply store, you might also like, lou dobbs, conservative pundit and former cnn host, dies at 78, jfk jr. and carolyn bessette kennedy: close up and personal in new book, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, bob newhart, comedy legend and star of ‘the bob newhart show,’ dead at 94, caitlin clark, sabrina ionescu opt out of wnba 3-point contest.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Protect Your Trip »

Cruise packing list: 56 essentials chosen by experts.

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Packing for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

• For packing and planning
• For travel and embarkation day
• For the cabin
• For the ship and shore excursions

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card , passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your shipmate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees. You can often find these scales at your local Marshalls and HomeGoods stores too.

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon.

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a travel-size bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them on board; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (around $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon.

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

Courtesy of Sea-Band

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK and Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of cruise captain hats .

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska, you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection.

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip-flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the ECCO Yucatan Sandals .

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, Crocs' Classic Clogs are a good option. While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse. The Naturalizer Bristol Sandal is an ideal choice, with a cushioned footbed, a 2.5-inch heel, and great reviews. It's also available in a variety of colors.

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack   and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering.

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Cruise vs. all-inclusive resort.

Gwen Pratesi July 18, 2024

Fun Things to Do in South Carolina

Brittany Chrusciel and Keri Lumm July 18, 2024

The Best Parasailing in Miami

Gwen Pratesi July 17, 2024

Amazon Prime Day Luggage Deals

Amanda Norcross July 17, 2024

The Best Aquariums in the U.S.

Sharael Kolberg and Rachael Hood July 16, 2024

Vacation Packing List

Rachael Hood July 12, 2024

Top Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids

Holly Johnson and Amanda Norcross July 12, 2024

Top Christmas Cruises

Gwen Pratesi July 11, 2024

Top African Safari Vacations

Christine Smith and Timothy J. Forster July 9, 2024

The 5 Best Memphis Tours

Gwen Pratesi July 8, 2024

Screen Rant

Eras tour performer guide: every taylor swift backup dancer & vocalist in the concert movie.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

13 Best Taylor Swift Easter Eggs & References In The Eras Tour Movie

10 changes taylor swift makes to her songs in the eras tour movie, 9 taylor swift songs that are even better in the eras tour movie than on the album.

• Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, featuring a slew of backup dancers and vocalists, is the highest-grossing concert film of all time.
• The backup dancers and vocalists on The Eras Tour play an integral role in the show's success and deserve the same recognition as Swift does for all their hard work.
• Swift's backup dancers have diverse backgrounds and impressive resumes, having worked with notable artists like Billie Eilish, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and more, while her backup vocalists have been with her for several years and boast their own musical accomplishments.

Taylor Swift may be the face of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour , but her show also features a slew of background dancers and singers who are integral to the success of the tour and the concert movie. During a hiatus from Swift's eponymous tour in October 2023, The Eras Tour movie was released in theaters. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie broke box office records and quickly became the highest-grossing concert film of all time.

Plenty of surprise guests have joined Swift onstage on The Eras Tour , but only Swift's backup dancers and backing vocalists are featured alongside her in The Eras Tour movie . These performers work hard on The Eras Tour and deserve as much recognition as Swift for their work in The Eras Tour movie. Now streaming as Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version) on Disney+ , the extended cut of the concert movie features four previously cut songs and four bonus acoustic songs, showcasing even more of Swift's backup dancers and singers' talents.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version) is now available to stream on Disney+.

8 Biggest Differences Between The Eras Tour’s Theatrical & Disney+ Streaming Versions

There are some key differences between Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) on Disney+ and the concert movie's theatrical release.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour's Backup Dancers

Throughout all 10 eras in Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version) , the singer's backup dancers appear in different capacities to support her performances and ensure the entire production runs smoothly. Swift has 15 dancers in rotation on The Eras Tour, each of whom serves a different role throughout The Eras Tour movie's three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Some perform one-on-one with Swift herself, while others function as a group to back the pop star up onstage during various sets.

Amanda Balen

Amanda Balen is a Canadian dancer and the dance captain of The Eras Tour dance troupe. Balen has appeared in films like La La Land, A Star is Born, and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and in TV shows like Glee . Prior to working with Swift, Balen also performed alongside Lady Gaga and Cher. The Eras Tour is not her only time working with Taylor Swift either. She is also one of the dancers in Swift's "Karma" music video with Ice Spice.

Balen has also worked in the industry beyond her role as a dancer. She was an associate producer on The World's Best , a talent competition that took place in 2019, though the series didn't continue beyond its first season. Balen worked on another TV special in 2022. She was the dance coordinator for Step Into... The Movies . The special saw professional dancers and singers unite to showcase classic musical scenes for a modern audience. Well received by TV audiences, many wondered if the special would become a more frequent celebration of art, but it did not continue after 2022.

Audrey Douglass

Audrey Douglass is one of the 15 backup dancers who stars in The Eras Tour movie, but this is not her first time appearing on the big and small screens. Before Swift hired her, Douglass worked as a professional dancer on television shows and films such as Glee , Parks and Recreation , La La Land , Ellen , and performed at the Grammys. She also used to be a Rockette in New York City (via Us Weekly ). She's called being a Rockette the hardest job she ever had, but she maintained her spot in the group for three years.

Aside from touring with Swift, Douglass has also been a dancer for Dua Lipa. She's also appeared as a member of the dance ensemble on Dancing With The Stars . Like Balen, she also appeared in the "Karma" music video for Swift's remixed version of the song.

Jan Ravnik caught many people's eye while performing onstage in Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour . Ravnik's role in the show is a bit more prominent than some of the other dancers as he appears directly beside Swift in several of the musical numbers. In The Eras Tour movie, Ravnik plays the role of Rebekah Harkness' husband, Bill, during the onstage reenactment of the true story behind "the last great american dynasty." It's also Ravnik's open shirt that gets the spotlight during the "Lavender Haze" sequence.

He's also got a spot in the "Karma" music video like the other dancers here. Aside from dancing with Swift, the seasoned dancer has worked with other big names such as Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, and Bruno Mars throughout his career. Ravnik has also appeared on the talent competition series X Factor and Got Talent.

All 48 Songs In Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Movie (Taylor's Version), Ranked Worst To Best

It is impossible for Swifties to pick a favorite song in the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie, but some performances highlight the music better.

Kameron Saunders

The Eras Tour is Kameron Saunders' latest gig in his long and prolific dancing career. Before dancing alongside Swift, Saunders graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and worked with plenty of prestigious dance companies, like Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Saint Louis Ballet, and Missouri Contemporary Ballet. He also appeared as a dancer in the 2022 holiday film Spirited and the 2024 film adaptation of The Color Purple musical.

During the bridge of "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," after Swift says, "like we are never getting back together," she hands Saunders the mic to yell the rest of the iconic line: "LIKE EVER!"

Saunders gets several moments in the spotlight in The Eras Tour movie during performances in the Red and Midnights eras. During the bridge of "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," after Swift says, " like we are never getting back together ," she hands Saunders the mic to yell the rest of the iconic line: " LIKE EVER! " When Swift performs "Bejeweled" during the Midnights era, Saunders performs some solo freestyle choreography as Swift, the crowd, and the rest of the dancers watch in awe.

Kameron Saunders' brother, Khalen Saunders, used to play for the Kansas City Chiefs alongside Swift's current boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

Karen Chuang

Before working with Swift, Karen Chuang performed as a dancer alongside artists such as Nicki Minaj, P!NK, and Khalid at their respective concerts. Chuang is represented by the Clear Talent Group, and when she's not dancing onstage, she's teaching classes and choreographing routines. She works at dance studios like Entity Contemporary Dance, Hollywood Vibe Dance, and STEEZY Studio.

Like Balen, Chuang has also previously been a dancer for Lady Gaga, and also like many of the other dancers here, has performed as part of the ensemble in several musical television projects out of Los Angeles. In addition to appearing on Glee , she also danced in Grease Live and A Christmas Story Live . Other than the recorded version of The Eras Tour, her highest profile project, however, might actually be for SpongeBob Squarepants . She appears as a dancer in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run .

Kevin Scheitzbach

Although Kevin Scheitzbach typically dances as a duo with his brother, Michael, as FlowXS , the dancer is currently working solo while touring with Swift on the Eras Tour. While he's on tour, his brother has been leading dance workshops.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Scheitzbach moved to Los Angeles with his brother in 2021 to seek more opportunities in the dancing world, where he's found immense success. Like Saunders, Scheitzbach also has a solo dance moment during "Bejeweled" in The Eras Tour movie where all eyes are on him. He's also one of the featured dancers in "Lover" as the sequence couples up some of the dancers.

Before working with Swift, however, some fans of musicals might recognize him from work on the Disney Channel and Disney+. Scheitzbach appears in three of the brand's projects in recent years: Zombies 2 , Spin , and Sneakerella .

Natalie Peterson

Before joining the Eras Tour in 2023 as one of Swift's backup dancers, Natalie Peterson worked as the assistant choreographer for Karol G's Bichota Tour and appeared in the singer's music video for her song "Location." Like fellow Swift dancer Natalie Reid, Peterson graduated from Chapman University in California with two bachelor's degrees — one in Dance and the other in Public Relations and Advertising. She then went on to perform in the Moschino fashion film, Lightning Strikes and at the 2021 Billboard Awards.

Peterson's specialty in dancing is actually Latin Ballroom, something not seen extensively in Swift's tour. Peterson still actively competes in ballroom dancing competitions and is a dance instructor with Hollywood Connection. She also enjoys choreographing Latin fusion pieces for her students and is a certified fitness instructor, able to wear many hats.

When Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Movie Was Filmed

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is an encapsulation of the live show that has taken the world by storm, but people are wondering when the movie was shot.

Natalie Reid

Natalie Reid is a dancer from Seattle, Washington, who moved to Los Angeles to attend Chapman University. Reid studied dance under Eras Tour choreographer Mandy Moore at the Edge Performing Arts Center (via City Dance Studios ) before joining Swift on The Eras Tour. Reid toured with notable artists like Billie Eilish, Pitbull, and Jennifer Lopez.

During the onstage reenactment of "the last great american dynasty," Reid plays the song's real-life subject, Rebekah Harkness.

Reid has also performed on various television shows like So You Think You Can Dance , The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , and the Emmys. She also played a Rockette in the Hallmark movie A Holiday Spectacular , putting her dancing skills to impressive use.

In The Eras Tour movie, Reid got a moment in the spotlight during the folklore era. During the onstage reenactment of "the last great american dynasty," Reid plays the song's real-life subject, Rebekah Harkness.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour movie is filled with references to other moments in her career that elevate the atmosphere and appreciation of every era.

Raphael Thomas

Originally from St. Andrews, Jamaica, Thomas moved to the United States as a kid and pursued his dream of becoming a dancer. He trained at a few noteworthy dance schools such as The Asbury Park Technical Academy of Dance and The Rock School of Penn. Prior to The Eras Tour, Thomas performed with artists like Mary J Blige, Janet Jackson, and John Legend.

Thomas acts as Swift's onstage scene partner during her performance of "tolerate it" in the evermore era, sitting across from Swift at the long dining table as she sings all her frustrations at him.

Raphael is one of the more recognizable dancers in The Eras Tour movie, as he plays a special role in several of Swift's performances on The Eras Tour. In The Eras Tour movie, Thomas acts as Swift's onstage scene partner during her performance of "tolerate it" in the evermore era , sitting across from Swift at the long dining table as she sings all her frustrations at him. He also serves as her love interest during her performance of "Style" in the 1989 era.

Sam McWilliams

Sam McWilliams turned just 21 while on tour , but Swift's team has a knack for spotting talent regardless of age. Plus, the backup dancer already had a few dancing credits to his name before he signed on to perform in the Eras Tour. In addition to working on the Wonderful World of Disney's Holiday Special , McWilliams previously worked with Bebe Rexha and Meghan Trainor and performed on So You Think You Can Dance? and the American Music Awards.

McWilliams is one of the featured dancers during "Lover" in the Eras Tour. One of the highlights for McWilliams so far on the tour was getting to spend time in Amsterdam and explore the city, as he explained in an Instagram post , that's where his grandparents are from. Like many of the dancers on the tour, McWilliams' social media gives a behind-the-scenes look at the tour as the dancers share photos from the stage and their downtime at the different stops.

Sydney Moss

Like many of her fellow dancers on The Eras Tour, Sydney Moss made the move to Los Angeles in 2016, and her dancing career has flourished ever since. She is currently working as a backup dancer for Swift on the Eras Tour, but before joining one of the biggest concert tours of all time, Moss performed alongside Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. Moss also teaches dance at the Radix Dance Convention and Jump Dance Convention.

Moss has also worked with Swift previously. In addition to the Eras Tour and the "Karma" remixed music video, Moss actually appeared in another Swift music video. She is one of the dancers in ME! While the song might not be remembered as one of Swift's most beloved, the music video is colorful and fun and showcases a lot of talent.

Whether she's adding or repeating a line or simply singing a lyric differently, Taylor Swift makes many changes to her songs in The Eras Tour movie.

Tamiya Lewis

Tamiya Lewis is a young dancer working with Taylor Swift for the first time on the Eras Tour. Signed to the Clear Talent Group, Lewis is an MVA pro dancer with Velocity Dance Convention, a national touring dance convention and competition. At only 20 years old, Lewis is already teaching classes for the program. In The Eras Tour Movie, Lewis is the one who opens the red box and releases the balloons to kick off the Red era.

What the movie doesn't show is that the sequence of Lewis opening the red box is actually more extensive. The movie uses it as a transitional means to skip to the next performance, allowing the balloons to cover the screen in some clever editing. In concert, Lewis actually gets to do a more physical routine that's more akin to mime than dance, hyping up the audience by repeatedly looking in the box and traveling the stage on her own while Swift has a wardrobe change backstage.

Taylor Banks

After graduating from high school in the Midwest, Taylor Banks moved to Los Angeles, where she soon gained recognition for her dancing skills. Before joining Swift on the Eras Tour as a backup dancer, she worked with a number of big names. Banks has performed alongside Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Billie Eilish , Cher, Mariah Carey, Dua Lipa, Ciara, Mario, Muse, and Carrie Underwood.

She's also worked as one of the professional dancers on the Univision reality competition series Mira Quién Baila . The Spanish language show is similar to Dancing With The Stars in that contestants are paired up with professional dancers to compete. She appeared on the series in 2021. While on the show, she worked with actor Victor Gonzalez.

Before embarking on The Eras Tour with Swift, Tori Evans studied dance at the University of Arizona in Tucson then moved to Los Angeles to follow her dream. Evans has performed alongside various artists, including Beyoncé , Cardi B, Maroon 5, Ricky Martin, Jason Derulo, Tyga, and Empire of the Sun. Evans also starred in several television series, such as The Masked Singer , The Kelly Clarkson Show , and The Price Is Right .

While those appearances were all for dancing roles, Evans has also dabbled in acting, appearing in the CW series All American: Homecoming . Her husband, TJ Shaw, played a football player in the flagship series All American as well.

Whyley Keolaokalani Yoshimura

Like many other dancers seen in Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour , Whyley Keolaokalani Yoshimura is performing alongside Taylor Swift for the first time on The Eras Tour. Yoshimura is from Hawai'i and has worked with numerous talented singers and performers since pursuing a career as a professional dancer. He has performed as a backup dancer for Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, and more. Because of his lustrous locks, Yoshimura is " the fella over there with the hella good hair " who whips his hair around during "Shake It Off" in The Eras Tour movie.

The dancer also has some professional history with another one of Swift's Eras Tour dancers. Yoshimura and Chuang have actually known one another for years, having first worked together on another project 15 years ago. As they noted in an Instagram post, this is the first tour they've participated in together that has had over 100 shows.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour's Backup Vocalists

Taylor Swift's backup vocalists are known as the Starlights , and most of them have been working with her for a good chunk of her career. The Starlights are a tight-knit group, so it's no surprise that Swift brought them back for the Eras Tour. Like the backup dancers, these four background vocalists are significant to the success of every show and are part of what makes watching The Eras Tour movie so enjoyable.

Melanie Nyema

Having toured with Swift since the Red Tour in 2013, Melanie Nyema is one of the two vocal co-captains of the Starlights. Nyema has worked with the pop star for over ten years, after first appearing onstage with Swift at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. Prior to that, Nyema graduated from Southern California University and was a backup singer for Taylor Hicks and Barry Manilow.

When working as a backing singer for other vocalists, Nyema also worked as a dancer, giving her plenty of experience in a large stage show like The Eras Tour. She's also done some acting work, appearing on television shows like Everybody Hates Chris and Luke Cage. Nyema also continued her working relationship with Taylor Swift by appearing in her short film for the 10 minute version of "All Too Well."

Some of Taylor Swift's songs are even better as live performances in The Eras Tour movie than as studio recordings on their respective albums.

Kamilah Marshall

Kamilah Marshall is the Starlights' other vocal co-captain who has also worked with Swift since the Red Tour and been a vocal co-captain since the Reputation Tour. Marshall graduated from high school early to go on tour with the show "Heart Strings," which featured Nell Carter, Salt N' Pepa, and Patti LuPone. Since then, she has appeared on numerous late-night television shows and worked on soundtracks for Sex and the City 2 and Hairspray .

Not only did Marshall appear as one of the singers in the movie musical version of Hairspray , but she also appeared in Hairspray Live when it was developed for television. She's no stranger to high-profile concerts, providing backing vocals for Bette Middler and working on the MTV Video Music Awards in the past. Like Nyema, she also appeared in Swift's "All Too Well" short film as one of the guests at the party.

Eliotte Nicole Woodford

Swift also hired Eliotte Nicole Woodford to be part of the Starlights back on the Red Tour , and they have been together ever since. Woodford graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she studied dance. Since then, she has worked as a dancer and singer for plenty of prestigious artists, like Ne-Yo, Toni Braxton, Wayne Brady, and Pitbull, and appeared on Dancing With the Stars.

Like Nyema, Woodford is also a trained dancer, and like Marshall, Woodford also appeared in Hairspray Live . She also appeared in a small role in the Netflix musical adaptation Prom . In addition to her work as a vocalist on tours with big names, she's also appeared as a vocalist and dancer for acts at the MTV Video Music Awards and been a contributing vocalist on a Ben Folds album. She's also appeared in advertising campaigns for Nike and Old Navy.

Jeslyn Gorman

According to The Swift Agency , Jeslyn Gorman has been a part of the Starlights since the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018, making her the group's newest member. She might not have as long of a history in the entertainment industry as her peers, but she's been steadily working to make her mark. She appeared in her first commercial (for M&Ms) in 2023 with Maya Rudolph that ran during the Super Bowl.

Before touring with Swift and appearing in Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour , Gorman sang backup for noteworthy artists such as Nick Jonas, Meghan Trainor, Rita Ora, Jennifer Lopez, and Jason Derulo. Gorman also makes her own music as a solo artist.

Sources: Us Weekly , City Dance Studios , The Swift Agency

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

*Availability in US

Not available

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is a film rendition of the colossal worldwide event that sees the legendary pop star hit the stage in a specially curated film event. Performing the hits of her over seventeen-year career in music, The Eras Tour highlights Taylor Swift and her team as they put on a show of a lifetime.

( Getty Images / Realtor.com )

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Officially List Their Beverly Hills Home for $68M After Weeks of Speculation

It’s official: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are parting ways—at least with their marital home.

The couple hoisted their Beverly Hills megamansion onto the market, asking a hefty $68 million, according to Mansion Global .

The move comes amid rumors of relationship woes.

Last month, the two had been spending time apart  and were reported to be quietly shopping the home.

But now the sprawling spread is publicly on the market for a good $8 million more than the pair paid for it not so long ago.

To refresh, the A-listers rekindled their romance after two decades, then tied the knot via two weddings in 2022. Following the nuptials and a long house hunt, they put down $60.8 million for their marital mansion last May.

(Realtor.com)

It’s a huge sum, but their purchase price was a relative deal compared with the home’s initial $135 million price tag in 2018.

Then, according to the current listing, Affleck and Lopez made it even better: “Recently renovated with the highest level of quality within the last 4 months,” the “newly rebuilt and expanded masterpiece” offers breathtaking views, 5 acres, and deluxe amenities.

The home itself spans 38,000 square feet, with 12 bedrooms and 24 baths. Plus, there’s a separate 5,000-square-foot guest penthouse, caretaker house, a two-bedroom guardhouse, a 12-car garage, and parking for 80 vehicles .

The couple also prioritized athletic activities around the place. There’s an indoor sports complex with basketball and pickleball courts, a fully equipped gym, boxing ring, sports lounge, and a bar.

Outside there’s a “stunning” zero-edge pool, the listing notes.

The ritzy improvements to the home, now dubbed “Crestview Manor,” might explain the price hike.

As we previously reported, the two already appeared to be living in separately. TMZ reported that Affleck was seen living in a Brentwood rental  that had last been on the market for $100,000 a month.

As for Lopez, she was reportedly spotted house hunting in Beverly Hills.

Santiago Arana , with The Agency, who holds the listing, declined to comment.

• Homes for sale in Beverly Hills, CA
• Learn more about Beverly Hills, CA

Claudine Zap covers celebrity real estate, housing trends, and unique home stories. Her work has appeared on Yahoo, New York Post, and SFGATE.

Twitter Follow @zapkidd

• Related Articles

Share this Article