best travel news sites

Tourism news websites you can trust

The world of online news media is noisy. It can be hard to differentiate the trustworthy sources from the not-so-reliable ones and this is all too true in the tourism industry. It’s more important than ever to have reliable travel news sources that you can trust to keep you on the pulse of the rapidly evolving tourism industry. In this blog we’re doing the digging for you and detailing the top travel news websites that you can rely on.

https://skift.com

Arguably one of the largest and most credible news and tourism research sites in the world, if there is one source you bookmark out of this list, make sure it’s this one . Not only is Skift always on the cutting edge of trustworthy tourism news, but they produce some of the most thoroughly researched and future focussed reports in the industry. 

World Tourism Organisation

https://www.unwto.org/news

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is a United Nations agency that exists to guide, support, inform and advance the global tourism industry. Naturally, their position of influence means they are looked at as an authoritative source of carefully vetted information that tour operators and travel agencies can rely on.  

https://www.phocuswire.com

Phocuswire is the travel news division of the leading global tourism research authority, Phocuswright. The news on this website specifically looks at technology and its role in the tourism, meetings and incentives, airline, travel agency and hospitality industries.

 Tourism Review

https://www.tourism-review.com/

Tourism Review focuses on providing the latest information for travel and tourism professionals. They include a variety of easy to read listicles that highlight key experiences, destinations or tips for both travellers or travel advisors to stay on top of, alongside more news article pieces that are updated regularly in a weekly format.

Travel Weekly

https://www.travelweekly.com/

Owned by the same travel media conglomerate as Phocuswire, Travel Weekly is a travel news site that specializes in breaking news, columns, destination showcases and podcasts for the business-to-business segment of the tourism market.  

Travel Daily News

https://www.traveldailynews.com/

Travel Daily News is a news portal similar to Travel Weekly, however it is focussed on both B2B and B2C market segments. It’s articles, breaking news, editorials and columns are highly international, meaning you can feel confident you will find content specific to your travel agency business on this news site.  

BBC Tourism

http://www.bbc.com/travel

The BBC is widely regarded as one of the world’s most credible and trusted news sources. Their travel division is a fabulous source of global news relating to the tourism industry. You are less likely to find  the deep dive tourism related content here that you would otherwise find on tourism exclusive news sites, however BBC is a great place to get reliable global news that you can feel confident in.

Eye for Travel (Reuters Events)

https://eyefortravel.com/

Similar to the BBC, Reuters News & Media is a global news source that is highly regarded for its credible, non biased content. Reuters tourism and events news division (Eye for Travel) is a travel specific extension of that strong and credible reputation. Less focussed on breaking news, this website is instead, a fabulous source of exposé’s, whitepapers and feature articles that take a deeper dive into some of the most topical and important news items in the global travel industry. 

https://www.thelocal.com/

Daily tourism news specifically focussing on Europe, written and published by English speaking journalists. Thelocal.com is a general European edition, and deeper dives into countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden etc are available via their own respective editions.

Austria edition

Denmark edition

France edition

Germany edition

Italy edition

Norway edition

Spain edition

Sweden edition

Switzerland edition

https://www.fvw.de/

Germany’s leading tourism media publication, FVW, is an independent publication that provides travel business news, research, events and job postings. While their content is predominantly German focussed, they also provide an alternative perspective on international tourism news. 

Etourisme.info

http://www.etourisme.info/

This is a French travel media site that primarily focuses on offering benchmarking data, business resources, tourism studies and topical news to french speaking tour operators.  

Entorno Turistico

https://www.entornoturistico.com/

Based in Mexico and in operation since 2015, Entorno Turistico is a spanish tourism news website that exists to keep tour operators, travel agencies, students, and entrepreneurs informed on the latest travel news relating to Mexico. As well as providing breaking news, this website also produces high quality articles that provide readers with information about the economy, local travel trends, travel marketing and more.

Your local tourism export council or travel association

Travel associations exist all throughout the tourism industry; across all regions, niche markets and travel styles. They are all unified by their dedication to helping tour operators, travel agencies and DMC’s advance and service their customers. One of the many ways they do this is to curate and share relevant news with their members. The beauty of utilising your chosen association for tourism news is that a lot of the noise that is less relevant to your business, will have already been filtered out. 

Click here for a comprehensive list of travel associations and memberships

  Where are your customers getting their travel intel? 

Equally as important is understanding the news sources that your customers are relying on as they research the ever changing tourism landscape. The information shared via these sources is likely to influence travel demand, so it pays to keep a close eye here too. 

• Google News – One of the most popular news sources on the planet. Google news amalgamates news articles from across the internet into easily searchable topics, including travel and tourism. With hundreds of millions of views recorded per month, it almost guarantees that at least some of your customers will be using Google News for their travel intel. 
• Conde Nast Traveler – This is the go-to site for travellers looking for the next hot spot or popular travel trends. It also focuses on sharing high level news more relevant for the general public than travel industry professionals
• Tripadvisor Blog – The size of this company means that their content reaches far and wide into the traveller community. While their content focuses on destination advice and ideas, they also have a comprehensive travel news section.
• AirBnB Blog – Your future customers more than likely have an AirBnB account, which means they will be receiving and tuning into content being delivered directly to their inbox. Complete with travel inspiration and tourism hot spots, this blog not only showcases their rental homes, but it also helps get travellers inspired about their next destination. 

How does the travel industry actually work?

Who are the key players in the industry, where do they all fit together and how does the industry actually work?! There’s no doubt that the travel industry is a confusing space to wrap your head around so we’ve broken it down for you in this easy new resource.

Travel designers- meet the influencers you should work with.

Understand the role travel influencers play in the industry and why tour operators should be following, interacting and collaborating with them. Explore eight global travel influencers who are inspiring travellers daily.

How to set your team up for success when introducing new software

Making changes happen is hard. Especially when it is something that will create a significant impact on the way you work, like new software. We discover what change management is and how it can assist you, your leaders and your team in creating new processes that will make you more successful in the long run. Is it time for a change?

How can tour operators contribute to sustainable tourism?

Sustainability is a key pillar of tourism, with a growing number of people interested in travelling responsibly and sustainably. We explore the easy ways in which your tour operator business can make a positive change. You can help to encourage economic growth and protect our environment whilst also watching your business flourish… could it get better?

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Top 25 Travel News Websites in 2024

Travel news websites.

Here are 25 Best Travel News Websites you must follow in 2024

1. Travel Daily News

2. PhocusWire

3. Travel Weekly News

4. Breaking Travel News

5. TravelPulse

6. U.S. Travel Association News

7. Travel Daily Media

8. FlyerTalk

9. The Points Guy » Airlines

11. BB Travel News

12. Indian Eagle

13. Breaking Travel News

14. eTurboNews

15. Hospitality Net

16. Today's Traveller

17. Travel Trade Gazette

18. Travel And Tour World

19. The Travel Magazine

20. European Travel Commission

22. The Sydney Morning Herald » Traveller

23. Skyscanner

24. Travelnews.co.za

25. Adventure Travel Trade Association

• Travel Journalists
• Travel Daily News
• Travel Weekly News
• Breaking Travel News
• TravelPulse
• U.S. Travel Association News
• Travel Daily Media
• The Points Guy » Airlines
• BB Travel News
• Indian Eagle
• Hospitality Net
• Today's Traveller
• Travel Trade Gazette
• Travel And Tour World
• The Travel Magazine
• European Travel Commission
• The Sydney Morning Herald » Traveller
• Travelnews.co.za
• Adventure Travel Trade Association

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Travel Info

Keeping up to date with the latest travel news, whether still at home or on the move, is an essential part of planning any trip. If a volcano goes off a few miles from where you were about to travel, or a government is overthrown by a military dictatorship in a country you had on your itinerary, it’s important you know as soon as possible so that you can change your plans. There would be little point in traipsing all the way to the other side of the world, only to discover once you were there that everything you had arranged to do was no longer possible for one reason or another. So, without buying a newspaper everyday on the off chance that something has happened in place in which you have a vested interest, how do you keep informed on what’s going on? The obvious answer is travel news sites, websites that offer the most up to date information on travel-related topics, as well as tips, advice and recommendations to help you get the most out of your trip away.

For that reason, we have put together a list of the top seven travel news sites, combining a number of factors to bring you only the very best available. Each one was thoroughly assessed to ensure that only the best platforms were selected, with each review containing a brief summary of the service, its highlights, what makes it unique and its potential drawbacks. There are hundreds of travel news sites all information on travel-related stories, however we’ve chosen only the greatest ones that will prove to be the best companions for your trip, in order to save you time spending hours looking for them yourself. The pros and cons of each one are listed in an easy-to-read set of bullet points below each review.

One of the first factors that was taken into consideration when assessing the various travel news sites was the quality of content, in particular, the writing style. While finding out important updates does not necessarily require articles to be written with literary flair, it helps to keep the reader interested and engaged in the content, especially when the piece is covering recommendations or a description of a trip to a certain location. Dry or dull writing can make readers lose interest half way through, potentially causing them to miss out on important information later on in the article. Similarly, those articles that lacked a variety of content, such as photos and videos, were also ranked lower as these are also more likely to lose users’ attention than the ones that feature relevant clips and images. Therefore, when we were assessing the various news sites, we looked at the writing style to ensure that we were only including those that had the ability to engage their readers.

Another factor that was considered was the comments section below articles and how interactive they were for users. Comments sections are great places for discussion of topics and can offer a range of different perspectives on one issue, often challenging the views of the article. By interactive, we mean how readers can then engage with comments from other readers, such as by leaving a ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’, or simply just replying with their own thoughts. If enough people become involved in a discussion on a comments section, they can become much like travel forums , where people can gain useful information, ask questions and find out details from someone with first hand experience of an event or location. When a journalist is asked to write on a topic they may not know about in depth, having someone who has a deeper understanding can make the website more comprehensive than one that does not have a comments section. Hence, we looked at the ‘quality’ of comments sections when reviewing the various travel news sites to suggest ones that we felt added depth to the featured articles.

In a sense, these leads nicely onto the next factor that was assessed, which was the range of writers that are employed by each news site and the difference in perspective offered by each. Some newspapers and websites can often carry a bias that they try to impose on their readers, usually politically based. For example, while The Guardian features well-researched and interesting content from a number of journalists, each article tends to come with a left-leaning bias that can rub off on their readers. Reversely, the Daily Star adopts a right-wing perspective, meaning their articles will often slate countries with socialist governments and may attempt to dissuade its readers from visiting them. A better alternative is those sites that publish articles from a wide range of writers who come from a mix of backgrounds, political sentiments, religion, race, gender and age as it will undoubtedly produce a more well-rounded selection of content. When you are trying to find out about travelling to Russia, for example, you do not necessarily want to be told about all the ‘atrocities’ if it is coming from a source with a vested interest to make the country look bad, and vice versa.

Adverts were also taken into account when reviewing the travel news sites, especially those that were irrelevant to the topic of the articles. CNN Travel was one example of a website that although featuring interesting and engaging content, displayed ads down the side that had the potential to distract from the article, while advertising products that had nothing to do with travelling. Even worse than ad banners are sites that use pop-up adverts which appear in front of the article you are reading, giving you no choice but to cancel them. These can be very irritating and lead to users clicking on the pop-up by accident, taking them to a new website that they do not want to be on. That being said, with print newspapers largely moving towards online editions, they are suddenly losing out on the money that would usually have been received from people buying a copy. What was once paid for is now free, meaning they are forced to find a way to supplement the loss in revenue, hence the need for adverts. Nevertheless, there are more tactical ways of implementing them than pop-ups, while more relevant ones, such as advertising travel products, would be a much more useful than beauty products, for example.

Finally, we looked at the originality of the content and whether the site included first hand interviews and experiences, rather than just rewriting articles from other sources. TravelDailyNews stood out in particular for its inclusion of original interviews with industry experts, such as hotel owners, tour operating CEOs and travel technology experts, providing an insightful look into the world of travel from people with years, if not decades, of experience in the field. This differs from sources such as the the Daily Star, which focuses more on holiday mishaps and humorous airport stories over informative interviews. While accounts of mishaps can be entertaining, we considered sites that featured interesting interviews to be superior to those that did not include such content.

Overall, this list provides the best selection of travel news sites amongst hundreds of options, combining all of the above features to single out only the top seven. Whether it’s a short trip to the neighbouring country or a great trip of a lifetime to the other side of the world, these travel news sites are without doubt the best places to gain insight into all things travel, and will ensure that you get the most out of your well-earned travels. Not only will you be able to find out the latest information on what’s going on around the world so that you can make informed decisions on your plans, you will also be able to discover inspiring ideas, top recommendations and a whole host of advice and tips to make travelling even more enriching.

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It seems like everyone is on vacation. Here are 10 news sites that will leave you wanderlustful.

by Philip Caruso · Published July 26, 2017 · Updated January 19, 2022

Given the sheer number of travel blogs and websites, it’s an arduous task to stay on top of the latest travel news.

From laptop bans on airlines to Visa Waiver Program changes , the rules constantly are changing for travelers and the journalists reporting this industry.

Skift recently published an article detailing the difficulties facing the travel media industry , in particular how entire travel sections have been sacrificed by newspapers looking to balance budgets. With the decline of traditional travel news and the rise of amateur travel blogs, a premium is placed on quality, professional content.

Here are 10 great travel resources that cut through the turbulence to deliver great content.

View our recent roundups of even more travel news sites .

1. Conde Nast Traveler

With seven million unique visitors each month and 25 National Magazine Awards, Conde Nast Traveler delivers the full gamut of travel news, style, culture, food, guides, and more. Since 1987, CNT has had you covered, from best beaches and international nightlife to family travel and wine  … the list goes on. If a great actor has great range, consider Conde Nast for an Oscar.

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2. BBC Travel

BBC Travel is the perfect mix of history and culture. While it doesn’t follow the same reporting model as BBC News, the travel columns are a link to the past. From detailing real life experiences in remote parts of the world to food politics and cultural significance, BBC Travel reads more like a novel than a newspaper. There’s a storytelling aspect provided by a global community of writers that creates a sense of unrivaled authenticity in their writing.

Story to read right now: The Community Saving Chile’s Favourite Surf Spot

3. FlyerTalk

This is the holy grail of travel sites. Boasting more than 650,000 members and 27 million posts, FlyerTalk is your 21 st century virtual travel agent. Covering everything from best credit cards to accrue points to hotel deals — as well as up-to-the-minute industry news — FlyerTalk has it all. Its crown jewel is its forum. There, members discuss travel itineraries, airline news and trends, travel tips and tricks, food and tourist recommendations, photography, travel safety, and more. It truly is a community dedicated to getting the most out of traveling.

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4. National Geographic Travel

National Geographic Travel features the best in travel photography. Just peruse NatGeo Travel’s Instagram, and you’ll find nearly 7,000 of the most beautiful pictures ever taken, each with a unique story. And with 18.7 million Instagram followers, this is one of the most recognizable brands. A quick trip through the website will provide you with on-location Top 10 lists, travel stories, and photographs to fuel your wanderlust.

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5. Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure is the ultimate resource for international travel rankings and lists. It ranks from the city and state level to country and continent. In addition, T+L updates news daily and has a vacation ideas/things to do section for what seems like every city in the world. To top it off, its Instagram boasts nearly three million followers and encompasses the globe to include incredible travel photography.

Stories to read right now: The Safest Countries to Visit in 2017 and The Top 15 Cities in Europe

6. The Points Guy

The Points Guy is your one-stop shop to maximize frequent flier miles and credit card points. As laid out in this New Yorker piece , Brian Kelly (aka The Points Guy) made a career finding different ways to make travel more efficient and affordable. His site expanded from just churning out credit card advice to travelers to offering a robust selection of news, reviews, and flight deals.

Stories to read right now: Air India Makes Everyone a Vegetarian on Domestic Routes and US-Bound Flights Will Have Stricter Passenger Screening Requirements

7. USA Today Travel

Come for the news, stay for the comments section. USA Today Travel functions like the travel section in your newspaper on steroids, providing readers with in-depth travel news from all over the world. Read up on airline drama, hotel updates for business travelers, restaurant openings and travel itineraries. If you’re a news junkie, you’ll find content for days.

Story to read right now: Chicago Shows Off During the Summer  

8. View From the Wing

Founded by Gary Leff (named one of the “World’s Top Travel Experts by Conde Nast Traveler), View From the Wing offers in-depth analysis and advice on all things travel. While there is a heavy emphasis on keeping track of current credit card offers, Leff provides the blueprint for how to maximize travel with hands-on travel advice and news you can use.

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9. Lonely Planet

For trip planners, chances are the first guidebook they’ll buy is Lonely Planet. In recent years, Lonely Planet has built out its mobile and web presence. With a quick glance at lonelyplanet.com, you will be mesmerized by the scenic photographs, modern design, and in-depth content. Its push toward video has provided travel enthusiasts with dramatic landscapes, exotic cuisines, and exciting adventures.

Story to read right now: Best in Asia and Wimbledon 2017: How to Get Tickets for Tennis’s Greatest Tournament

10. Rick Steves

Rick Steves is the ultimate life hacker. While also in the guidebook business, Steves has a presence on television and radio and is iconic in travel circles. His brand is defined by how detailed he is. A simple trip to wine country will include the intricacies of a glass of wine; a walk through a popular neighborhood in a European capital will feel like a local is giving you a private tour. His digital content provides that same personal touch, while also aggregating news from major news outlets that include the biggest travel headlines of the day.

Storie to read right now: 17 Under the Radar Alternatives to Major Tourist Destinations and Paris Faces Urgent Mission to Restore Neglected Notre Dame to its Former Glory

Looking for travel-related content? We can create a PR Newswire newsfeed for you. It’s easy.  Sign up at PR Newswire for Journalists  today.

Philip Caruso is an Enterprise Account Manager at Cision. Follow him @yourdailyphil. 

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The 50 Best Travel Websites and Travel Resources 2024

March 28, 2024

Here’s my collection of the top 50 travel websites and travel resources for all stages of dreaming, planning, booking and remembering your trip based on decades of professional travel. 

The Best Travel Resources for Booking and Planning Your Trip 2024

As a regular contributor to  The Independent’s 50 Best Travel Websites feature , I know my way around travel websites. As a frequent traveller myself, I practically live on the things.

From dreaming about a trip, planning a trip, writing up a trip and reviewing trips for work, these are the travel resources, online booking sites, search engines and route planners I use to help me get the job done. Booking travel without travel agents has never been easier – even if it doesn’t feel like it at times.

So here’s my list of the best travel websites for 2024. It’s the best time to uncover the best places.

If you book or buy through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. However, we only ever recommend things we believe in and use ourselves. We also don’t earn a commission from all of these travel websites. Alas ;-)

The Best Hotel Booking Sites for Special Occasions

To find the best hotels needs a little bit of legwork. If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to stay with a real travel experience, then try these sites first. If you’re looking for something more practical, jump on down to the next section.

Here are the top travel websites when it comes to boutique hotels:

Design Hotels

Beautiful, stylish and with up to 40% off for members, the chic and sleek Design Hotels website is a firm favourite of mine. Membership is free, quick and easy on the eye.

Best Loved Hotels

Best Loved Hotels gathers together properties from the UK and Ireland that show a real passion for what they do. From countryside manors to city break boltholes, I’ve stayed in several of their properties and have loved each one.

Mr & Mrs Smith

You may be forgiven for thinking this gorgeous collection was all about romance, but beyond finding great places for anniversaries and honeymoons, Mr & Mrs Smith cover great child friendly places too. Not just a website for inspiration, you can book directly on the site.

Small Luxury Hotels

The name says it all. Small Luxury Hotels   collect together independently minded hotels on their website and promise – and deliver – an authentic travel experience.

Leading Hotels of the World

Another website that wears its heart on its sleeve, Leading Hotels of the World gather together more than 375 luxury properties (including resorts) around the world.

MyBoutiqueHotel.com

With a great eye for design, MyBoutiqueHotel.com , as the name suggests, sources boutique hotels from around the world available for direct booking. Properties are combined into an easy on the eye collection, with curated lists for main cities plus the ability to create your own shortlists as you narrow down your choice. Membership is free and the themed lists save hours of research. You’ll find budget and luxury boutique hotel choices and can drill down to those suitable for work, for the kids, for romantic getaways and more.

The Best Hotel Booking Sites for the Best Deals and Specifics

These are the best travel websites for 2024 for booking flight and hotel packages together or for searching for accommodation when you have very specific needs. These online travel agencies let you trawl through thousands of places to stay in the blink of an eye. Plus, several offer exceptional hotel deals for your next adventure.

cozycozy.com

Describing itself as a search engine for accommodation, CozyCozy.com is an exciting newcomer on the hotel booking block. It rounds up offers from hotels, rentals, hostels, treehouses and boats into one easy to use platform. You’ll find the giants, like Booking.com and AirBnB and VRBO, as well as smaller accommodation solutions too. By searching with Cozycozy.com, you can save yourself a lot of time. They won’t cover everything. But they come pretty close.

A few more things to note. They guarantee that the price you see is the price you pay. They have a range of filters that go further than the rest (think searching for a hairdryer or washing machine.) And, my favourite. They have an “unusual” tab that opens up possibilities you may never have known existed. Yurt for one anyone?

Lastminute.com

I’ve grown old with Lastminute.com , originally because I fell in love with the name. But over the years, I still find them useful for last minute city break or resort based holidays (vacation packages if you’re from the US.) They’re an online travel agency with easy to navigate interface and lots of last-minute deals!

Expedia is SO big and all-encompassing that it’s sometimes easy to get lost within the website. But that’s also its strength for when your travel plans don’t fit into the travel sites I’ve mentioned above.

TripAdvisor

The great green travel website can really give you an inside look at a hotel. Yes, some of the reviews are fake but even the bad reviews can be helpful. One person’s “bad review” because there was no nightlife is another’s blissful discovery if they want a quiet, relaxing stay.

Plus, you get the benefit of booking through a trusted source with backup. AND the TripAdvisor community is really helpful if you have specific niggly questions about tourist destinations or are looking for great ideas.

Booking.com

Booking.com offers more search filters for hotels than anything else I’ve come across in the travel industry. When the specifics really matter (rather than the sense of atmosphere or design) then I turn to Booking.com It’s a powerful hotel search engine, with guest houses and self-catering options as well.

Top tips for finding the best travel deals

• Look for off peak options whenever you can.
• Don’t just stick to the big booking websites. Check out the smaller, unique travel websites as well.
• Consider flying from regional airports.
• Have a system! Our handy Travel Toolbox © will help with this.

Finding Great Flight Deals

There is, quite simply, an art to finding a good flight. Not just in terms of cost but also in terms of comfort and connection. It really is a useful life skill to be able to skip the travel agent and find what you want yourself.

With that in mind, check out our guide to the  best flight booking hacks for savvy travellers here.  

Then, get acquainted with the following flight search engines, for both domestic and international flights.

Skyscanner is the travel agent boyfriend or girlfriend with special deals you never had. Skyscanner listens, remembers your birthday, cleans your windscreen and empties the bin even when it isn’t its turn.

Well, OK, it doesn’t do any of that but  it DOES make it very, very easy to look for flights. Instead of forcing you to enter the same details in, or tie you to a date, Skyscanner uses filters and choices that simplify the flight-finding process. You can also search by price and switch currencies between dollars, euros, sterling and more. For both domestic and international travel.

If you have any flexibility in your planning, Skyscanner can let you search through the whole month for the best fare, slide filters for time of day, number of connections, just about anything. The only weak spot is searching for flights with infants, where the system is a little glitchy. Other than that, it’s one of the best airfare sites.

Don’t be put off by the watery name. Kayak is a meta search engine that crawls the web for flights and lets you sift through the results with ease. If you’re committed to finding the cheapest flights, then make sure you check everywhere you can.

Google Flights

Fellow travel professionals swear by Google Flights, although it’s never quite become one of my favourites. The strength of using Google’s software is that it responds quickly to real time changes. Perfect if your flight has just been cancelled because of weather or some other external event and you need to find your way home quickly.

You can even use Siri. “Hey google, give me search results for flights to New York!”

Travel experiences await.

The Best Travel Websites for Driving Holidays

You’re in road trip heaven here. We love road trips and have everything for them. Check out these great resources for planning a road trip.

Your Road Trip Toolkit

• The road trip essentials you need to know about
• The Ultimate Road Trip Planner  with printables and handbook
• 101 fun road trip questions for your next drive
• I nspiring road trip quotes for your instagram caption ideas.

AA Route Planner

This is another travel website that I love for its simplicity. Want to know how to get from A to B? Enter it in the AA Route Planner. It shows you a map and clear journey times in a split second. You can just leave it at that or add in stop off points and adjust for traffic and so on. The only problem is that it only covers driving in Europe.

MapQuest offers fantastic coverage of the United States and is free and easy to use to help plot our road trips.

Google Maps

Google Maps , on the other hand, cover the world. But it’s slightly more fiddly to use. It’s a lifesaver while actually on the road but it’s also useful in planning.

You can save destinations, plot itineraries and tweak public maps for your own trips. And – did you know that you can download maps and directions offline? Indeed, you can. It’s not only an online travel site.

Car Rental Travel Resources

I’ve driven cars all around the world and used all kinds of car rental companies and rental cars. Sometimes needs must but these days, wherever possible, I book through a reputable, international company. Then I look for car rental deals.

Hertz is one of my favourites. It’s so widespread and well-organised. Plus, as an inside tip, if you sign up to their Gold members programme (for free) you can quickly get lots of benefits.

However, for more of a search comparison site, I use Holiday Autos and then open RentalCars.Com in a new tab.

• Don’t forget to download your free copy of our car rental checklist here.

Healthy Tray of Treats Room Service at One Aldwych, Covent Garden

The Best Travel Resources for Health

Centers for disease control and prevention.

Clearly, you should consult your own doctor before you travel. But, the CDC Travel Website is the one my medical friends recommend. So, don’t rely on it entirely. You do need an appointment with a real person. But it’s helpful to get an idea of what vaccinations and medication you are likely to need for certain countries before you decide to book. This applies all the more if your situation has changed due to a recent illness or pregnancy.

The Best Travel Websites for Saving Money

Money saving expert.

Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website firmly focuses its attention on a UK audience. It provides regularly updated and researched guides on essentials from currency exchange to travel insurance and finding cheap flights.

They also crunch the numbers with credit cards, publishing spreadsheets and tables to help you navigate the world of credit card rewards and the best way to save money.

Travel Insurance

I’d always recommend checking out the guide above before you book. But one of my favourite places to go for travel insurance is Heymondo.

Roaming Costs: Airalo

Unless you have roaming fees included in your usual phone package, remember to switch off mobile data when you travel.

Instead, embrace the brilliance of an eSIM. That means, you switch SIM cards without having to physically pop the plastic cover out of your phone using the back of an earring, hoping you don’t lose it before you head home again.

I’ve tested Airalo all across the world, including North America, Europe and the Middle East. It’s fantastic. So quick. So much money saved.

Train Travel Resources

Db rail planner for train travel in europe.

I love the DB site. It covers almost all of Europe and has an English version online travel website that is so easy to use.

National Rail Journey Planner

National Rail itself may be long gone but as a travel website, the National Rail Journey Planner is the best I’ve found to negotiate the different rail networks of the UK.

Eurail (Formerly InterRail)

Forget the sweaty backpacker image. The Eurail network includes First Class rail travel through glossy transport hubs. You can buy a range of rail passes or simply use their maps, itineraries and suggestions to help you plan your rail trip through Europe.

Heathrow Express

This remains the fastest way to reach the city centre of London from London’s Heathrow Airport, as well as Paddington Station, the gateway to the west, southwest and Wales. Using the Heathrow Express website in advance, you can book tickets for as little as  £5.50. Plus, children 15 and under travel for free.

The Elizabeth Line in London

A sneaky little bit of inside info. To save money on the Heathrow Express, take the slightly slower “normal” train from Paddington to Heathrow instead. Costs a fraction of the price and is generally more comfortable.

If you’re looking to travel through Japan, then you can’t miss their high speed shinkansen trains. They’re part of what Japan is famous for. Buy your Japan Rail pass before you go to get the best deals as a tourist.

The Best Travel Websites for Honeymoons and Anniversaries

While you can build your own honeymoon through the travel resources above, niche travel website 101 Honeymoons takes the hard work out of the equation for you. It filters honeymoons by month, interest and family situation, with trusted input from some of the top travel writers in the trade.

My Favourite Cruise Travel Resources

Everyone has different tastes. I prefer smaller cruises with plenty of cultural and adventurous options and excursions. Look for cruise lines which aim to introduce people to the destination and respect local customs rather than just keep people on the ship.

I would highly recommend Avalon Waterways for cruises in Europe and beyond and Uncruise Adventures for small ship cruising in Alaska.

In 2022, I took my first giant cruise with Princess Cruises – and you can read what that was like here.

The Best Tour Companies

It took me years to believe it but sometimes joining a tour, just for half a day, is a great way of connecting with locals and learning new skills.

These days, it’s easier than ever to find just the tour you need as one of the latest trends has become a permanent fixture. In popular destinations, it’s also useful to use these sites to skip the queues and buy your tickets in advance.

You can search for recommendations on travel blogs (ahem) or head straight to the big search sites.

I’ve tested both of these across the world and would highly recommend them:

• Get Your Guide has great cancellation policies and an easy booking process.
• Viator has a huge collection of local guides, transfers from the airport, cooking classes and more.

The Best UK Travel Websites

Self catered cottages.

For ease of use, the app that comes with Sykes Cottages makes it easy to plan a trip away in snippets of down time in a busy life. Quality Cottages sweeps some gorgeous luxury cottages into view in Wales.

Glampingly remains my favourite site for finding quirky yet comfortable glamping spots in Europe. Want to know why? Check out this collection of the best treehouse holidays in the UK.

With a mix of glamping and alternative places to sleep, C anopy and Stars fills in the gaps.

A special, self-catered foodie twist

To add a sense of luxe to your self-catered holiday, order in a gourmet meal from One Fine Dine. This private jet catering company now packages up incredible meals with full instructions on how to finish them off and plate them up. Adds a lovely sense of occasion to a self-catered trip away.

In Conclusion

And one last note. Are you American and wondering why I’m not talking about dream vacation packages? I am, we just call them holidays in the UK. And car rentals are hire cars. And travel guides are, well, travel guides. I guess some things stay the same after all ;-)

Did you enjoy this collection of the best travel websites and travel resources for 2024? Bookmark this list of travel websites on Pinterest for later.

For more travel tips, check out our travel resources on how to plan your next trip here.

Our Favourite Travel Resources for 2024

• Download your FREE pre-trip checklist
• Download your copy of the Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist

Some of the best travel resources can be those you create yourself. Here are some creative travel journal ideas to get you started. Future you will be grateful!

More From Forbes

These are the best cities to visit alone for solo travel, according to experts.

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Kayak users ranked Berlin as the best spot for international solo travel

Ready for some me time? Solo travel is the way to go. According to recent data, 50% of Americans plan to travel alone this year, and 52% will dine as a party of one. New data from a collaborative KAYAK and OpenTable survey shows a strong appetite for solo experiences, with 81% of Americans reporting having dined solo at a restaurant and 70% having traveled solo. And with September notable as a solo travel month, the travel and dining brands have teamed up to launch a solo travel guide and corresponding solo dining spot list for lone travelers domestically and abroad in each solo travel hotspot.

Kayak ranked the top destinations for solo travelers, with Washington, D.C. coming in as the number one destination for solo travel and dining in the U.S., followed by Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Tampa, Philadelphia, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York in tenth place.

New York City is the tenth best spot in America for solo travel, according to Kayak data

Internationally, Berlin, Vancouver, Montreal, Paris, and Milan are the top international destinations favored by U.S. solo travelers, followed by Dublin, Toronto, Dubai, Mexico City, and London.

“Search share for solo hotel rooms are up 38% since 2019, making solo travel one of this year’s hottest trends,4” shared Matt Clarke, the VP of NA Marketing at KAYAK. “And if you’re flying solo, chances are you’re dining solo too. With one third of Americans trusting fellow travelers and experts for their solo adventures, we tapped KAYAK travel experts and the dining pros at OpenTable for their best solo travel and dining hacks and tips.”

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Of course, solo travelers need to eat, and OpenTable’s data-driven list features 75 restaurants across America, so travelers in the most popular solo travel cities can successfully seek out a table for one.

Half of Americans plan to travel alone this year

The extensive list includes Bistro Du Jour in Washington, D.C., Little Whale in Boston, Tre Dita in Chicago, Ecco Buckhead in Atlanta and Current Fish & Oyster in Salt Lake City.

Internationally, the list highlights 50 restaurants for solo diners, including Funky Fisch in Berlin, Tableau Bar Bistro in Vancouver, Brasserie 701 in Montreal, Tracé in Paris and Ristorante Torre in Milan.

“Solo dining is one of the standout trends of 2024, up 8% from last year,” said Robin Chiang, SVP of Growth for OpenTable. “Our data also shows solo diners tend to be big spenders, splurging 48% more per person compared to the average diner.”

Solo travel can be rewarding in cities and in nature

Treating yourself may be an easy decision, but deciding where to go, especially without fellow travelers to bounce ideas off of, may be a bit perplexing. To help, travelers and locals (solo dining isn’t just for those away from home), OpenTable also launched Icons , a destination featuring the best of the best restaurants in select cities, to help locals and travelers score a hot table by showing the soonest a table at a hotspot is available.

In New York, the inaugural class of icons includes Babbo Ristorante, Demo, Scarr’s Pizza, Wildair, Casa Mono, ASKA, Craft, Sushi Ichimura, l'abeille, Hav & Mar, Tempura Matsui, The Musket Room, Raf’s, Koloman, Aquavit, Le B., Le Jardinier, Caviar Russe, Café Mars, odo, Kochi, Win Son, and Mari.

“Between Icons and our solo dining and travel guide – which features restaurants for solo travelers, by solo travelers – we have dining covered for your next trip,” Chiang added.

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Best places to visit in portugal.

Portugal's many lively cities, laid-back towns and paradisiacal islands make it difficult to choose just one destination to visit. A trip to this enchanting country will no doubt have you itching to return, but to help you decide which locations you want to prioritize first, U.S. News considered factors like quality attractions, traveler sentiment and natural beauty to come up with this list of the best places to visit in Portugal. Cast your vote below to help us rank next year's list.

The Algarve

Douro valley, peneda-geres national park.

First-time visitors will want to add Portugal's capital city to the top of their bucket list. Travelers flock to Lisbon from all over the world to revel in its soulful Fado music, marvel at its colorful azulejo tiles and stroll through its historic Alfama district. Get your hands on a pastel de nata, Lisbon's beloved custard tart, then spend the rest of your day visiting top sights like the Bélem Tower, São Jorge Castle and the Jerónimos Monastery. If you need a break from trudging up and down Lisbon's steep hills, take the city's iconic Tram 28 to one of the city's famed overlooks, called miradouros.

This picturesque region in southern Portugal includes roughly 100 miles of golden Atlantic Ocean coastline, so it comes as no surprise that it boasts some of Portugal's best beaches . It's tempting to spend your whole trip lounging on shorelines like Praia da Falésia and Praia da Marinha, but if you can tear yourself away from the sand, you'll find that sampling fresh seafood in fishing towns like Olhão and wandering vibrant resort areas like Lagos and Albufeira is just as worthwhile. But if you're seeking a truly one-of-a-kind experience, make time for a boat tour to the spectacular Benagil Sea Cave.

Known for its port dessert wine, this coastal city in northwest Portugal is an excellent destination for oenophiles who want to spend their vacation sampling vino from Porto's many wine cellars. But there is more to this scenic metropolis than wine. As Portugal's second-largest city, Porto offers a range of attractions to explore, including the Porto Cathedral, Crystal Palace Gardens and sprawling Porto City Park. Don't leave without taking in the view of the Douro River from the Dom Luís I Bridge and perusing the titles on display at Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores and the rumored inspiration behind several " Harry Potter " set designs.

From emerald-green forests to black sand beaches to natural rock pools, it's easy to see why this group of nine volcanic islands roughly 1,000 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal is called the Hawaii of Europe. Newcomers should head to the archipelago's largest island, São Miguel, where they can wander the historic city of Ponta Delgada, explore Terra Nostra Park's botanical garden and admire unique twin lakes at Sete Cidades. The Azores are also known for their year-round whale-watching opportunities, and you can't miss a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island.

Although Sintra sits less than 20 miles northwest of Lisbon, it may as well be worlds away. Set amid the rolling Sintra Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a getaway for Portuguese nobility is today known for its magnificent castles, including the National Palace of Pena and Quinta da Regaleira. The best way to see Sintra is on a full-day tour from Lisbon, as driving the area's winding roads can be harrowing and you'll learn more history from an experienced guide (plus, many tour providers offer skip-the-line options). Choose a tour that stops in the nearby town of Cascais to wander its charming old town and lounge on its idyllic beaches.

Photos of Madeira's stunning scenery (think: lush greenery, rushing waterfalls and rugged coastlines) don't do justice to this four-island archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa – you'll just have to experience it for yourself. Head to Madeira's capital, Funchal, to knock top attractions like the Monte Palace Madeira, Madeira Botanical Gardens and Mercado dos Lavradores, a popular farmer's market, off your to-do list. Spend whatever vacation hours you have left hiking Madeira's famous irrigation channels, called levadas, and sipping Madeira wine. Just don't leave without going for a dip in Porto Moniz's incredible seaside swimming pools, which are naturally filled with seawater.

Yet another destination on this list known for its wine production, Portugal's Douro Valley was made for travelers who want to slow down and smell the rosé. The whole region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prized for its unique terraced vineyards, charming villages and gorgeous landscape. Revel in the valley's beauty on a scenic train ride or a boat tour of the Douro River, then visit a historic quinta (wine estate) for a port tasting. No trip would be complete without visiting Peso da Régua's Douro Museum and viewing Paleolithic rock art at the Côa Valley Archaeological Park.

Travelers will be spoiled for choice in this Portuguese city approximately 30 miles southeast of Lisbon. Not only does Setúbal feature a mix of green spaces (like Arrábida Natural Park) and sandy beaches (like Praia da Figueirinha and Praia dos Galapinhos), but it is also one of the country's most important ports. You'll want to pencil in time to tour several historic attractions, including the Fort of São Filipe and the Palmela Castle, as well as browse the stalls of Mercado do Livramento, Setúbal's indoor fish market. And if watching animals in their natural habitat appeals to you, book a dolphin-watching tour of the Sado River.

Who needs more than one national park when you have Peneda-Geres? Despite being the country's sole national park, this 270-square-mile piece of wilderness in northern Portugal has a lot to offer, from ancient forests to valleys to cascading waterfalls. Spend your day observing the park's ample wildlife, which includes mammals like wolves and wild ponies, and hiking to glassy lagoons. You'll also want to visit the granite granaries in historic villages like Soajo and Lindoso and walk along the park's well-preserved Geira Roman Road.

Revered among surfers for its massive swells, this town 75 miles north of Lisbon is sure to impress. Watch professional surfers ride some of the largest waves in the world at legendary Praia do Norte – the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo is said to offer the best views – or spend the day lounging at the tamer Praia da Nazaré. Beyond the beach, Nazaré is a quaint town that cherishes its local customs, as seen in the traditional costumes still worn by some residents. Other must-do activities here include riding the funicular to the cliffside Sítio district and sampling Nazaré's delectable seafood.

As the birthplace of Portugal's first king, Alfonso I, Guimarães appeals to history buffs who want to learn more about the country's medieval past. Begin with a visit to the well-preserved Guimarães Castle, then head to the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Bragança to admire its collection of tapestries, ceramics and furniture. You'll also want to set aside time for exploring the narrow, winding streets of Guimarães' UNESCO-listed historic center, which is lined with cafes and charming plazas. Before you leave, take a cable car to the top of Penha Mountain for postcard-worthy views of the city.

Encircled by medieval walls, this town about 50 miles north of Lisbon is straight out of a dream. Óbidos' charm lies in its whitewashed architecture, cobblestone streets and purple bougainvillea flowers. Stroll down Rua Direita, Óbidos' main street, to browse shops and cafes, or snap a photo of the town's colorful azulejos at Porta da Vila (the town gate). The Óbidos Castle is another must-visit, and you can walk the battlements for panoramic vistas. Meanwhile, travelers with a sweet tooth will want to visit during the town's International Chocolate Festival, which occurs in the spring.

Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, this historic city in central Portugal is characterized by its lively student population and rich cultural heritage. Arrange a visit to the university's hilltop campus, which is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tour popular sights like the Santa Cruz Church, St. Michael's Chapel and the Royal Palace. You'll also want to check out the Machado de Castro National Museum and, if you're craving a piece of nature, Coimbra's botanical garden features several rare plant species, a greenhouse and an aqueduct.

Called "the Venice of Portugal" for its network of scenic canals, this colorful city 45 miles south of Porto on the country's west coast should be on your radar. Travelers should start with a canal cruise on one of the city's traditional moliceiro boats to get a feel for the city, then spend the rest of the day exploring the Aveiro Cathedral and the Museum of Aveiro. When you've toured as many of Aveiro's historic sights as you can, pack a hat and some sunscreen for a tranquil day on nearby Costa Nova beach, known for its iconic striped houses, called palheiros.

Dating back to 16 B.C., this city roughly 35 miles northeast of Porto is one of the oldest cities in Portugal. As one of the world's first Catholic cities, Braga is a popular pilgrimage site for its Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary. The city's historic center is home to other religious sites like the Sé de Braga cathedral and Igreja de Santa Cruz. Other can't-miss attractions include the Santa Barbara Garden and Praça da República, a public square lined with cafes and restaurants.

After three shepherd children reportedly saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary here in 1917, this town in central Portugal has become one of the country's most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. The biggest draw is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a large complex that is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of Apparitions and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity.  Though some devout religious travelers arrive on foot via one of the four Fátima Ways (pilgrimage paths from Lisbon, Coimbra, Nazare and Porto), a stop in Fátima is also included on many organized tours from Lisbon.

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This tiny island has the best beach in Europe. Did your favorite make the top 10?

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here . 

Travelers love flocking to Europe to relax and recuperate at one of its many beaches .

It's no wonder why. Europe's diverse coastline is full of natural beauty, from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic coast. These beaches are set against the backdrop of charming coastal villages and host iconic European beach clubs (Aperol Spritz, anyone?).

To help travelers find the perfect beach for their next Euro-trip, U.K.-based travel insurance comparison site Quotezone ranked Europe's most popular beaches, considering factors such as sea and air temperature, calmness of the water, TripAdvisor reviews and average cost to visit the destination (including food, drink and an overnight stay). The beaches spanned beloved destinations like Greece, Spain and Italy but also included lesser known locales such as Slovenia.

"Anyone planning a vacation to Europe should be sure to visit these beauty spots featured in our index, especially our top three hidden gems Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia," CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson, told USA TODAY in a statement.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Can't make it to Europe? Try Montreal for its European flair

Read below to find the best beaches in Europe.

10. Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica, France

Located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of mainland France, Corsica offers beaches comparable to the Caribbean with Plage de Palombaggia is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Think crystal-clear water, soft white sand and secluded coves. The beach scored the 10th spot on the ranking for is gentle waters and having over 3,300 five-star reviews. However, visiting the beach won't come cheap. Plage de Palombaggia is the most expensive beach on the ranking, costing €233 (about $259.73) for an overnight stay with food and drink.

9. Bournemouth Beach in Bournemouth, England

Tucked beneath cliffs, the sprawling Bournemouth Beach has been voted the top beach in the U.K. on TripAdvisor, offering rare warm waters for the country, a bustling pier and calm waters. Visiting the beach will be a bit costly for visitors – the beach is the second-most expensive on the index – clocking in at an average of €180 (about $200) for a one-day stay.

8. Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Spain

Spain's Canary Islands are idyllic, offering diverse beaches made of black or golden sand. Playa de Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria is well-known for its lighthouse, rolling dunes and warm waters earned it a spot on QuoteZone's index. Surrounded by restaurants and hotels, visiting the beach will cost, on average, €151 (about $168).

7. Praia da Falesia in Algarve, Portugal

One of Portugal's most famous beaches, Praia da Falesia is worth the hype. The beach has an array of natural beauty on display – from sandstone cliffs to bright blue water – but also offers a lot to do. Visitors can check out the tide pools at low tide, swim or surf. Visitors can expect to pay around €137 (about $152) for a one-day stay.

6. La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy

Located on the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a picturesque escape for travelers, and its beaches are no different. La Pelosa Beach's tranquil waters and white sands have made it so popular that you need to book your visit in advance, which will cost €3.50 (about $3.90). Staying near the beach is pricey, costing about €166 (about $185).

5. Zlatni Rat in Bol, Croatia

Translating to "Golden Horn," Zlatni Rat is a famous triangle-shaped beach on the Croatian island of Brac that extends into the ocean. As the tides and swells change, the beach also shapeshifts. Besides how stunning the beach is, it's also relatively inexpensive to visit, coming in as the second-least expensive beach locale on the index. For food, drink and a one-night stay, the average price is €96 (about $107).

4. Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece

Crete is beloved by travelers, and Elafonissi Beach is one of the Greek island's famous beaches. Depending on the season of your visit, you may encounter the iconic pink sand, but year-round, the beach is beautiful with calm azure waters. However, the beach isn't exactly tranquil, and gets quite crowded as the day goes on. To visit, the average cost is €184 (about $205).

3. Portoroz Beach in Portoroz, Slovenia

Nestled against the Adriatic Sea, Portoroz Beach is a gorgeous pebble beach fronting Portoroz's resort area, so you can take a break from the sun and stroll the promenade. The beach is also the cheapest on the index, costing €93 (about $103) on average for a one-day stay.

2. Mellieha Bay Beach in Mellieha, Malta

Not only is Mellieha a sheltered bay that provides gentle and warm waters, but it's also the largest sand beach in Malta, making it the perfect place for families. The beach scored high on the index for its warm temperatures and water. Visitors can rent sunbeds, swim, kayak and more. To visit, it will cost €117 (about $130) on average.

1. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Earning the top spot on the index is the picturesque Nissi Beach in Cyprus – and rightfully so. The beach seemingly has it all: warm weather and water temperatures, and calm waters since it's located in a bay, has. In the near distance is a small island, adding to the natural beauty of the beach. "This destination ranked in the top spot across all factors, including water and air temperatures, waves, value for money and the number of 5-star reviews left by visitors," Wilson said. To visit for one night, it will cost approximately €103 (about $114).

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Late-Summer Travel Plans? You Might Want to Put On a Mask.

With U.S. Covid-19 cases at very high levels and new vaccines still several weeks away, we asked experts for their advice on when and where to wear a mask.

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By Ceylan Yeğinsu and Dani Blum

It is the height of the summer travel season: Airplanes and cruises are packed, hotels are booked, and travelers are crowding theme parks and attractions. Yet throughout the United States, Covid-19 is currently circulating at very high levels.

During the peak of the pandemic, masks were ubiquitous in hotels, airports and other public places. They were required to fly , and many travelers donned them elsewhere to help reduce the transmission of the deadly coronavirus. Since the end of the mandate, and as travel has returned to or surpassed prepandemic levels , most travelers have abandoned preventive measures, particularly masks.

With updated vaccines not available until the fall , experts are reminding travelers about the benefits of masking, particularly in airports and poorly ventilated indoor environments.

Here’s what you need to know about masks and your travel plans.

What’s going on with Covid right now?

The number of reported cases appears to be climbing both in the United States and abroad. In the United States, there are “very high” levels of the virus in wastewater samples nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization reported that cases around the globe rose by 30 percent from June 24 to July 21, compared with the previous 28 days. Put simply: There’s a lot of Covid out there.

How effective are masks? What is the best mask to use?

People who want to minimize their risk of respiratory illnesses like Covid (along with colds and the flu) should wear a mask while traveling, experts say. Even if you’re the only person wearing one on a train or at an airport, a mask continues to offer protection — provided you wear it properly, which means covering both your nose and your mouth.

“It does not eliminate the risk, but it substantially reduces the risk of exposure,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System, in Missouri. Aim for a high-quality mask, like an N95, a KN95 or a KF94 , all of which filter out the overwhelming majority of virus particles and are far more effective at reducing the chance of a Covid infection than cloth or surgical versions. Masks should fit snugly on your face.

“If you have symptoms and you have any question about it, I would wear a mask, just to protect other people,” said Dr. Marc Sala, a co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Covid-19 Center in Chicago. Common symptoms of Covid include coughing, fever, sneezing, congestion, headaches, sore muscles, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues . Those who are asymptomatic but have been exposed to Covid may also consider masking.

If you have tested positive during a trip but cannot delay traveling, you should wear a mask whenever you are around other people, Dr. Sala said.

Where should travelers wear a mask?

The C.D.C. urges travelers to “consider wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs.”

Dr. Al-Aly recommended carrying around a few masks in your bag or pockets, so that you have them on hand when you enter a crowded indoor space. “Maintain situational awareness,” he said. If you’re in a crowded indoor space, like a train station or busy museum, you may want to put on a mask. Although airplanes filter and circulate air , there is still a risk that comes with being in close quarters with large groups of people, Dr. Al-Aly said.

What is the travel industry’s stance on masking?

The mask mandate on airplanes became a heated issue at the height of the pandemic, with travel representatives arguing that it was harming the recovery of a hard-hit industry.

The U.S. Travel Association , a trade group that promotes travel to and within the country, believes mask wearing should be up to individual travelers. It welcomed the lifting of the mask mandate on U.S. transportation in 2022, calling it “a step further toward the endemic management of Covid.” That stance has not changed.

The International Air Transportation Association , another industry group, argues that aircraft are designed to reduce the transmission of viruses on board. “Cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes — much more frequently than most other indoor environments,” the agency said in a statement. “It is also filtered and flows from ceiling to floor, all of which helps to maintain a healthy onboard environment.”

Passengers always have a choice to wear masks, the statement continued, and many airlines provide them upon request.

Major cruise lines do not require guests to wear masks, but passengers are required to undergo a health screening before boarding a ship, and some companies, including Carnival Cruise Line, encourage passengers to be up-to-date with Covid vaccines.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeğinsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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

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Phil Stewart has reported from more than 60 countries, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, China and South Sudan. An award-winning Washington-based national security reporter, Phil has appeared on NPR, PBS NewsHour, Fox News and other programs and moderated national security events, including at the Reagan National Defense Forum and the German Marshall Fund. He is a recipient of the Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence and the Joe Galloway Award.

Tel Aviv stocks gain 2% after Israel's pre-emptive strike on Hezbollah

Key Tel Aviv share indices closed about 2% higher on Sunday, with the blue-chip index touching a record high, after an Israeli pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah curbed a potential rocket barrage by the group against key targets in Israel.