Travel planning guides
Practical advice for planning better trips: comparisons, checklists and how-tos.
How to Plan a Vacation Step by Step (Without the Stress)
A step-by-step guide to planning a vacation: set a budget, choose dates and a destination, book in the right order and build a day-by-day itinerary.
Maui vs. Oahu: Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for Your Trip?
Maui or Oahu? Compare beaches, activities, pace, family-friendliness and the best time to visit to choose the right Hawaiian island for your vacation.
Cancún vs. Punta Cana: Which All-Inclusive Is Best?
Comparing Cancún and Punta Cana for an all-inclusive vacation: beaches, resorts, day trips, weather, flights and who each destination suits best.
First Caribbean Cruise: Itineraries, Timing & Tips
A first-timer's guide to Caribbean cruises: Eastern vs. Western vs. Southern itineraries, how long to sail, when to go, departure ports and what to book ahead.
Your First Trip to Europe: Paris, London, Rome or Lisbon?
Planning a first trip to Europe? Compare Paris, London, Rome and Lisbon, find the best time to go, and see sample 7- and 10-day itineraries.
International Travel Checklist for US Travelers
A practical pre-trip checklist for Americans traveling abroad: passports, entry authorizations, money, phones, insurance, health and packing.
Best Time to Visit Cancún: A Month-by-Month Guide
When to visit Cancún and the Riviera Maya: dry season vs. rainy season, hurricane season, sargassum seaweed, crowds and the best months for each kind of trip.
Best Time to Visit Punta Cana: Weather, Seasons and Crowds
When to visit Punta Cana: the dry season, the rainy and hurricane season, humpback whale season in Samaná and the best months for value and calm beaches.
Best Time to Visit Maui: Seasons, Whales and Weather
When to visit Maui: Hawaii's dry and wet seasons, humpback whale season, winter surf, Haleakalā sunrise conditions and the best months for value and calm water.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Dry Season vs. Green Season
When to visit Costa Rica: the dry season, the green season, regional differences between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the best months for wildlife and value.
Best Time to Visit Paris: Seasons, Crowds and Events
When to visit Paris: spring and fall shoulder seasons, summer crowds and August closures, winter lights, and major annual events to plan around.
Best Time to Visit Banff: Lakes, Larches and Snow
When to visit Banff: when the lakes turn turquoise, Moraine Lake road access, larch season, winter skiing and how to avoid the busiest weeks.
Paris vs. Rome for First-Timers: Which City Should You Choose?
Paris or Rome for your first trip to Europe? Compare sights, museums, food, getting around, weather and day trips to pick the right city, or plan both.
London vs. Paris: Which City Is Right for Your Trip?
London or Paris? Compare museums, neighborhoods, food, getting around, entry rules and how easy it is to combine both cities by train.
Costa Rica vs. Cancún: Nature Adventure or Easy Beach Escape?
Costa Rica or Cancún? Compare beaches, wildlife, adventure, getting around, weather and trip length to choose the right warm-weather vacation.
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