Beyond these security concerns, there are a few additional safety factors to consider when visiting Germany.

Driving

Although Germany is famous for its Autobahn highway system, which has no speed limits in many stretches, it’s still possible to get a ticket while driving in the country. Germany has thousands of speeding cameras positioned throughout the country, and if you’re clocked exceeding the speed limit, you’ll receive a ticket in the mail. Red light cameras are also common.

Germany’s drunk driving laws are also stricter than those in America, and having a blood alcohol level of over 0.05 percent can land you in legal trouble.

Safety

While serious violent incidents are uncommon in Germany, petty theft remains an ongoing concern, particularly in urban areas. The most vulnerable times tend to be late at night and early morning hours, especially around public transit hubs. Train stations, subway systems, and busy tourist spots create perfect opportunities for pickpockets and opportunistic thieves looking for unattended belongings. Large events like festivals, concerts, and Christmas markets can also attract criminals hoping to take advantage of distracted visitors.

Maintain awareness of your surroundings and closely monitor your belongings, especially in crowded spaces. Consider using a money belt or keeping valuables in inside pockets rather than external bags or backpacks that are easier targets.

Hate Speech Laws

Germany takes its historical responsibility seriously through strict laws governing Nazi-related content and hate speech. The nation’s legal code explicitly prohibits Holocaust denial and the spread of Nazi ideology in any form—whether in person or online. This includes displaying Nazi symbols like the swastika, wearing SS uniforms, making pro-Hitler statements, or possessing Third Reich memorabilia.

In recent years, Germany has further strengthened its stance against extremism, particularly in the digital realm. Social media companies operating in Germany must now actively monitor, remove, and report instances of hate speech and threats on their platforms. These enhanced regulations came in response to several far-right attacks that highlighted ongoing concerns about extremist ideologies.

The laws reflect Germany’s commitment to preventing history from repeating itself. Visitors should be aware that actions that might be protected speech in other countries—like giving the Nazi salute or questioning Holocaust facts—are serious criminal offenses in Germany that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Berlin Shell Game Scams

Among Berlin’s street scams, the classic shell game remains a persistent trap for unwary tourists. This age-old con features a seemingly simple setup: three cups, one ball, and what appears to be an easy chance to win money by tracking the ball’s location. However, the scam has a calculated twist—the operator works with an accomplice who poses as a fellow tourist, creating an elaborate performance to draw in real visitors.

The scene typically unfolds like this: The fake tourist plays the game and wins, making it look effortless and enticing to onlookers. When genuine tourists try their luck, they invariably lose their money, as the entire setup is carefully orchestrated by the scammer and their partner. Despite being illegal, these shell game operations continue to operate throughout the city, with teams of con artists constantly seeking their next target. Even if you think you’ve spotted how the trick works, remember—the only way to win this game is not to play.

Note: How to Be a Good Tourist

Many Germans speak English, and many Europeans speak several languages. However, Germans will appreciate it if you learn a few phrases in German. Learning a few basic phrases like “thank you,” “hello,” and “please” will go a long way. 

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Germany.

The post Tips on Germany Warnings or Dangers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

How to Know if You Might Get SSSS on Your Boarding Pass

If you’re going to get SSSS on your boarding pass, there will be a few red flags that might alert you that the designation is in your future. 

1. You’re not allowed to check in online. Not being able to check in online isn’t always a warning signal, especially for international flights, when you may need to check in in person and show your passport. However, if others you’re traveling with are able to check in online and you’re not, it’s a sign that you may be getting the SSSS designation. 
2. The airline sends you advance notice that you need to check in with an agent at the airport. 
3. You can’t use the airport kiosks to check yourself in and are directed to speak to an agent.

What Happens if You Get SSSS on Your Boarding Pass?

If you get SSSS on your boarding pass, you’ll need extra time to get through security. You will have to go through additional security screenings before being allowed to board your flight. 

After checking in, you’ll likely be escorted to a private room to have your bags thoroughly searched. You may also receive a pat-down, be swapped for explosives, and have to go through a metal detector.  

If you have a connecting flight, the SSSS designation may follow you on each leg of your trip, so be prepared to undergo additional screenings before boarding each flight. 

SSSS and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

You can still get SSSS on your boarding pass even if you’re a TSA PreCheck member. Unfortunately, if you have been selected for SSSS, you won’t get the TSA PreCheck designation on your boarding pass and must go through the regular security line. 

However, if you receive the SSSS designation on your ticket on a return trip to the United States, you will still be able to go through the Global Entry lane as normal if you’re a member.

Why Did I Get SSSS on My Boarding Pass?

A TSA spokesperson tells SmarterTravel, “In some cases, passengers are randomly selected for additional screening.” It may just be bad luck that you’ve been selected. However, certain travel behaviors, like flying alone, buying a last-minute or one-way ticket, or traveling to certain destinations, raise a red flag on your booking. “Security measures begin long before passengers arrive at the airport,” says a spokesperson for the TSA. “TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information.”

The post What Does SSSS Mean on a Boarding Pass? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

 
Having cash on hand is one of the most crucial yet overlooked aspects of international travel. While you might plan to withdraw money at your destination’s airport when you arrive, out-of-order ATMs and unexpected debit card issues can quickly derail those plans—especially after a long flight when you need cash for a taxi or bus to your hotel. 

 
That’s why securing local currency before your trip should be the first step in your international packing routine. By arriving with cash already in hand, you can skip the stress of hunting for a working ATM and focus on what matters most: starting your vacation. 

 
The Best Way to Get Cash Before Your Trip

When you’re running around trying to prepare for a big trip, the last thing you want to do is drive to the bank, wait in line, order currency, and then come back a few days later to get it. Most banks don’t keep currency in stock for same-day pick-up, so getting it through your regular bank can be arduous. (And, with the rise of online banking, do you even have a physical bank near you that can help you out?) 

 
Savvy travelers know there’s an easier way to get cash before your trip. Currency Exchange International (CXI) offers a hassle-free solution: order your foreign cash online and have it delivered to your doorstep the next day, or pick it up at one of 40 convenient CXI branch locations. CXI’s branch locations are open evenings and weekends, making it easy to pick up your cash in person. 

 
Another bonus of using CXI is the option to specify bill denominations. This might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference when you’re trying to pay for small expenses like a bus fare from the airport or tipping tour guides. No more awkward moments trying to break large bills for minor purchases in a new country. 

 
With over 80 foreign currencies in stock, CXI, the number one currency exchange provider in the U.S., has you covered whether you’re traveling to Europe, Mexico, Canada, or beyond. 

 
Why You Should Always Carry Cash When Traveling

Even if you’re used to paying for everything with a credit card at home, you should always have cash on hand when traveling. Not every place accepts cards, and many local businesses prefer cash payments, especially in remote areas or smaller towns where card acceptance may be limited. Here are a few scenarios where you’ll need cash while abroad: 

1. Tipping (meals, tour guides, photo ops, and more) 
2. Emergencies (we recommend keeping a separate stash of cash in your hotel room in case your cards get stolen or lost) 
3. Street vendors, street fairs, and small businesses that don’t accept cards or are willing to negotiate a deal 
4. Public restrooms (especially across Europe, you’ll find turnstiles at many public restrooms that require a coin to enter) 
5. Taxi rides 
6. Purchasing small items at places with a minimum credit card spend requirement 
7. Splitting bills among your group 

In addition, using cash can help you avoid ATM fees and get a better exchange rate while traveling abroad. 

 
How to Buy Currency Online
Ordering currency with CXI takes less than five minutes (we timed it!)  

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Visit CXI’s website and select your currency and delivery method 
2. View the exchange rate and choose if you want large bills or small bills 
3. Enter your payment and delivery information 

That’s it! Your currency will be safely delivered to your door with delivery as soon as the next day. 

The post The One Thing You Should Do Before Every International Trip appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Be Strategic When Booking Flights

A budget trip to any destination starts when you pull up the booking site. Ensure you’re getting the best flight deals by setting fare alerts early in your search. You can do this by simply toggling the “Track Prices” switch on Google Flights or signing up for email notifications from route tracking services like sister site, Airfarewatchdog. Having some flexibility in your travel dates could save you even more, as it allows you to search for the cheapest trips in a given time frame, usually over a span of a few months. 

Travel During the Shoulder Season

Weather-wise, Bora Bora experiences a tropical climate and minimal rainfall year-round. Temperature remains in the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit (between 21 and 31 degrees Celsius). Traveling during the low season will save you the most money, but the trade-off is the intense rains that buffet the beaches during the rainy season, especially in December and January. Savvy travelers can maintain some off-season savings and benefit from better weather by aiming to book during the island’s shoulder season, around November in the autumn and April in the spring, 

Skip the Major Resorts

Resort fees and high nightly rates are the true budget-breakers when it comes to Bora Bora (the Four Seasons Bora Bora can run guests a cool $1k per night). Seeking out alternative accommodation goes a long way toward stretching your spending.

For outdoor enthusiasts, try out eco-camping at Bora Bora Motu Camping. Tucked away from the buzz of the main island on Motu Tupe, guests at this campsite can connect directly with the nature of Bora Bora and benefits from their hosts deep local and ecological knowledge.

For adult travelers under 40 years old, Alaroots Bora Bora Camp is a no-frills option that is nonetheless highly-rated. Check-in and check-out are self-serve and the property has a mix of permanent structures and room for tents. Despite the minimal amenities, Alaroots does offer a manta ray encounter, leopard ray encounter, and snorkeling package for interested guests—just inquire with their online reception.

Another popular option in Bora Bora and the surrounding islands is a stay at a guesthouse, small hotels typically run by families. These accommodations are usually in convenient areas with easy access to island attractions. Guests also benefit from the hosts’ local expertise and insight into the area.

Curate Your Itinerary Carefully

The key to sticking to budget is to plan your itinerary ahead of time. When crafting your trip, consider the following:

Choose your investments wisely. Choose where you want to invest your money ahead of time. For example, if engaging with marine wildlife is a can’t-miss experience for you, splurge a little on a tour of the Coral Gardens or the Bora Bora Lagoonarium. Knowing your priorities ahead of time and sticking to them can limit spur-of-the-moment spending.

Know what’s included in your vacation package. If you do plan to spring for a resort stay, make sure you’re aware of all inclusions in your nightly rate. There may be free or discounted excursions included in your package.

Luckily, Bora Bora offers plenty to explore, even for travelers working with a limited budget. When creating your itinerary, think about: 

Hitting the beach. Plage de Matira, located on the island’s southernmost point, is Bora Bora’s only free public beach. Snorkel, rent a jet ski, or go kiteboarding off its sunny coast. 

Timing your trip around local events and festivals. To truly immerse yourself in local culture, plan your trip around Heiva i Bora Bora, an annual multi-week Polynesian cultural festival beginning in July. This festival welcomes residents and tourists alike with music, dance, and sports events. Water sports enthusiasts may want to plan their trip for September to welcome the outrigger canoes as they pull up on the shores of Plage de Matira, the finish line of the world-renowned Hawaiki Nui Va’a race. 

Going for a hike. See the island from a different perspective with a hike up the 2,400-foot-tall Mount Otemanu, which ends with stunning views of the island, or up the Point Fitiuu Cannons trail, which gives hikers the best views of Mount Otemanu dominating the skyline.  Here is where you’ll want to invest a bit of your budget for a guided hike, as many of the island’s trails are difficult to follow for those unfamiliar with the landscape.

Get a Resort Day Pass

If you want a taste of resort life without the multi-night commitment, go for a resort day pass. Many resorts will charge non-guests an entry fee to use their amenities for a single day. For example, the St. Regis Bora Bora offers a day pass for its spa. These deals are often not well-advertised, so reach out to the hotel about a week or two ahead of time to see what they offer.

The post How to Do Bora Bora on a Budget appeared first on SmarterTravel.

According to a new study by QR Code Generator, which analyzed flight cancellation data from August 2023 to July 2024, Frontier Airlines had the highest cancellation rate, with 2.22 percent of its scheduled flights being canceled. 

Endeavor Air and Mesa Airlines follow closely behind, ranking second and third with cancellation rates of 2.21 percent and 2.10 percent, respectively.

If you’re looking for the airlines that are the least likely to cancel your flight, you might want to book on regional carrier Piedmont Airlines, which canceled just 0.51 percent of flights. For a major carrier, Southwest Airlines had the best track record, canceling 0.81 percent of flights. 

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 U.S. airlines with the highest flight cancellations between August 2023 and July 2024:

The post The Airlines Most Likely to Strand You with a Canceled Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.

These eight destinations seem pricey at first glance, but this year are more budget-friendly than ever.  Whether it’s thanks to new air routes, favorable exchange rates, or affordable tours, here are the budget travel places you didn’t know you could afford in 2025.

Sicily

Slow down and enjoy a taste of the Italian lifestyle with a surprisingly affordable Sicilian getaway. This island off the southern tip of Italy ranks eighth on Dollar Flight Club’s list of the cheapest destinations to fly to in 2025. Cruise into Catania or Palermo for only $500 roundtrip from East Coast airports or just $630 from the West Coast. Although the current exchange rate favors the euro, the difference it slight—the 1:1.05 (EU:USD)—with most reasonable daily expenses only impacted by a margin of $5 USD. Save even more by traveling during off season, late autumn through late winter, for cheaper rates on hotels and fewer crowds.

New Orleans

As affordable U.S. getaways go, New Orleans itself packs plenty of culture and value—as long as you avoid booking during the city’s big festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. Flights to the Big Easy start at under $150 roundtrip from the East Coast, with fares from Boston and New York as low as $70 and $100 respectively. Flights from the West Coast are comparable, with fares from major airports like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Portland all between $100 and $170 roundtrip. If you are set on experiencing Mardi Gras in the city, budget carrier Spirit is adding four temporary routes to meet the demand of the 2025 season, departing from Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN), Memphis (TN), and San Antonio (TX).

China

China seems to be on everyone’s bucket list—as it should be—for its big wonders like the Great Wall and its smaller pleasures like Shanghai street food carts. Flights to China from the West Coast U.S. for around $750 aren’t uncommon, and booking with tour operators can lower the price of a lengthy stay even further, all while letting you get the lay of the land from a seasoned local guide. For example, G Adventures’s China Express Tour will ferry you from from Beijing to Shanghai over eight nights for just $1,199—covering lodging, transportation, and activities for roughly $150 per day. 

Costa Rica

Flights to San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, can be found for under $300 roundtrip departing from the East Coast U.S., with West Coast prices remaining below $400. San Jose is centrally located, making it the main starting point for travelers looking to visit iconic spots like Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Arenal Volcano National Park. Flights to Costa Rica’s other international airport, Liberia, are available from both the East and West Coasts for under $400. This airport lands you in close proximity to Guanacaste Province, home to the laidback surf town of Tamarindo and black sand beach Playa Carbon.

With G Adventures’ Costa Rica Quest, adventure seekers can spend nine days in Costa Rica riding rapids, sampling coffee, and exploring the rainforest, all for an average of around $116 per night.

Iceland

After WOW Air faded from the scene in 2019, Iceland’s new budget carrier PLAY swooped in to fill the void by offering super affordable fares to Reykjavik. Flights to Iceland’s glaciers and hot springs on PLAY air are especially cheap, with prices as low as $70 one-way. While PLAY only operates out of East Coast airports, West Coasters wanting to get in on the deals can book with Icelandair, which offers fares as low as $430 roundtrip. While not as much of a steal as East Coast departures, even Icelandair’s higher fares like L.A. to Reykjavik for $460 round-trip are a deal considering the value. Subscribe to airfare deal sites like our sister site Airfarewatchdog to be notified when fares are cheapest.

Saint Lucia

According to Skyscanner, flights to Saint Lucia’s capital city Castries fell by 25% over the past year. Flights are cheapest January through March of 2025, with one way fares from the East Coast U.S. as low as $127. While flights from the West Coast are more expensive, those with flexible dates can find fares as low as $200 one way. Saint Lucia is a relatively small island—travelers can drive from Vieux Fort at one end to Gros Islet at the other in under two hours. Savvy planners can easily fit in volcanic mud baths in Soufriere ($10 USD), a visit to Pigeon Island National Park ($10 USD), and a quick jaunt to the Pitons with plenty of time to spare to lounge on the island’s free public beaches.

Galapagos

Like many of the world’s most biodiverse places, the Galapagos archipelago islands are protected and allow only trained nature guides to take visitors to experience the wildlife. But seeing plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth doesn’t have to cost a fortune, thanks to Ecuador’s official use of the U.S. dollar and on-sale tour offerings.

Intrepid Travel’s Galapagos Experience is just  $1,500 for a seven-day Galapagos itinerary including accommodations, transport, and nature activities including bird watching, snorkeling, a visit to a volcano, and more. Flights to Quito for under $400 from the East Coast, and around $500 from the West Coast aren’t uncommon. Darwin’s outdoor laboratory packs plenty of value for devoted adventure travelers.

South Africa

Our summer (i.e. the Southern Hemisphere’s winter) is the best time to indulge in a South African escape—and it’s probably more affordable than you’d think. Not only is the weather still mild in winter, but you’ll get a break from all the high-season summer flight prices of the Northern Hemisphere. It’ll still be an investment, but during summer you can easily find South Africa flights from East Coast cities like Boston for as low as $850 round-trip in July and August. In fact, South Africa also snagged a spot on Dollar Flight Club’s cheap flights list for the new year.

South Africa’s exchange rate is also now in Americans’ favor, with luxury hotel prices sitting around the average price of a standard hotel in the States. If a guide-led safari isn’t in your budget after airfare, don’t sweat it: Cape Town also has affordable arts and culture experiences like artisan shops and local wineries, and hiking spots like Table Mountain and Helderberg Nature Reserve.

Fares are accurate as of time of publication.

The post 8 Places You Didn’t Know You Could Afford appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Stay Hydrated (the Right Way)

On a long flight, the dry cabin air can quickly dehydrate you, even if you don’t feel thirsty, so staying hydrated is crucial. If you want to feel better when you disembark, don’t rely on the cups of water the flight attendants pass out—water alone isn’t always enough to maintain optimal hydration levels.

Instead, stash a few packets of electrolyte drink powder in your carry-on to mix into your water and help you rehydrate more efficiently. These drinks contain key minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium that help your body retain fluids more effectively.

Wear a Posture Corrector

When you’re stuck in an economy seat, it’s human nature to slump down or try to contort yourself into any position that will make you a little bit more comfortable. Unfortunately, if you spend hours sitting down while slouched over, you’ll get off the plane with neck, shoulder, and back pain that might linger throughout your trip. We like wearing Forme’s Core V-Neck Long Sleeve shirt on long flights, a comfortable shirt with a built-in posture corrector. 

Forme’s patented posture-correcting technology gently pulls your shoulders back and down, helping to open your diaphragm so you can breathe better and also reduces back, hip, and neck pain. 

Try an In-Flight Meditation or Stretch

On most long-haul flights, you’ll find a “wellness” section alongside the in-flight movies and TV shows. These short programs guide you through relaxing meditations or gentle stretches, offering a great way to improve both your mental and physical well-being during the flight. The exercises are designed to be done in your seat (think shoulder rolls instead of downward dog), so you don’t have to worry about looking strange or disturbing your fellow passengers.

Move Every Few Hours

One of the reasons you feel so cramped and sore after getting off of a long-haul flight is that you haven’t moved from a seated position in hours. Make it a point (yes, even if you’re in an aisle seat) to stand up and walk a short distance every few hours. We don’t recommend doing laps up and down the aisle or stretches in the galley, but even a quick stroll to the bathroom and back can make a big difference. Not only will this help ease muscle stiffness, but it’s also essential for reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots can form due to prolonged immobility.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

If you tend to emerge from the plane with a terrible headache or feeling bloated, the culprit might be your in-flight meal. Ultra-processed airplane meals are often packed with salt, which can make dehydration worse and lead to headaches. Too much salt can also contribute to “jet bloat,” which combined with the change in cabin pressure, leaves you feeling uncomfortable and swollen.

Take a Tried and True Sleeping Remedy

31,000 feet in the air is not the time to test a new sleeping pill. However, if there’s a remedy that you’ve taken previously and know works well for you (like melatonin or magnesium), taking it during your flight can help you get some much-needed rest. Getting some shut eye is really the best way to feel better after a long journey.

Wear Compression Socks

Hate stepping off the plane with swollen legs and feet? Try wearing compression socks on your next flight. Swelling in the legs and feet is common during air travel due to a mix of inactivity, cabin pressure, and dehydration. Compression socks gently apply pressure to improve blood flow, helping reduce swelling and potentially lowering the risk of DVT.

The post 7 Tips for Feeling Better on Long Haul Flights appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Here are the best travel gift cards to help fund their next vacation and some other thoughtful ideas. No matter how much they hate stuff, who wouldn’t want a four-course meal prepared by a chef on their next vacation?

Additional reporting by Megan Johnson

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.

Airline Gift Cards

If your favorite traveler has a favorite airline, purchase an airline gift card to help them afford their next flight. You can purchase gift cards for major airlines like Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines, or purchase a general airfare gift card through a website like flightcard.com.

Travel Gear Gift Cards

A person’s travel gear needs to match their particular travel style, making gifting gear an often disappointing challenge. Skip the guesswork and get the traveler on your list a gift card to their favorite store and let them pick out the gear they really want. Below are a few options for:

Airbnb Gift Card

For a millennial traveler—or anyone who likes alternative accommodations—grab an Airbnb gift card.

Rideshare Gift Card

Rideshares are a convenient and quick way to get around a new city, and they’re a simple way to save on airport transportation. Any traveler can use an Uber or Lyft travel gift card.

Amtrak Gift Card

You can now purchase Amtrak train fare gift cards, making a weekend destination decision that much easier. Gift cards are available on Amtrak’s website in digital or physical form and at select retailers. They are redeemable online, on the app, and at Amtrak ticket offices.

LoungeBuddy Gift Card

Send your loved one off in style with a VIP airport lounge experience. LoungeBuddy is a platform that lets you book airport lounge access at almost any airport. While LoungeBuddy doesn’t offer traditional gift cards, you can book on behalf of the recipient up to two months in advance. Grab a travel postcard and write down your gifted reservation inside as a homemade alternative.

Eatwith Gift Card

Give an unforgettable meal for their next trip, with an Eatwith gift card. The platform offers dining experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Once you know your destination, you can search for locally-hosted culinary spectacles, like a private chef experience in London or watching a flamenco show with tapas in Chicago.

DNA Kit

DNA and genetic testing kits are one of the hottest gifts to give this year. The results could even inspire the recipient to take a trip of a lifetime to discover more about their heritage and ancestors.

Kindle Unlimited Subscription

Travelers have a lot of downtime on the way to a destination, and many like to fill that time with reading. A Kindle Unlimited subscription gets you access to over one million titles and thousands of audio books for just $10 per month. With this gift, unlimited truly means unlimited.

Intrepid Foundation Global Gift

Donating to a charity on behalf of your recipient is truly a selfless gift. Intrepid Travel’s foundation partners with a variety of organizations to support goals such as reforestation, and expanding access to education. Choose between a one-time or recurring monthly donation.

Game of Thrones Tour

Can’t wait for season two of House of Dragons? Gift your token GOT-lover an experience they won’t forget. Viator offers a variety of tours through filming locations across Europe in countries like Croatia, Ireland, and Spain.

Priority Pass

Know someone who is always complaining about hanging out at the airport, or who is always connecting somewhere with a 2+ hour layover? Gift them Priority Pass, which will give them access to hundreds of airport lounges across the globe. 

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry

This gift is great for someone who flies a lot, and also for someone who doesn’t fly as much, so likely wouldn’t spend the money on it. Gift them TSA PreCheck or Global Entry so they can fly through security. There are no gift cards available, and you’ll have to know some pretty personal information (like social security number/passport number), so it may be hard to fill out for them, but you can always print something out and help them fill out the form later, using your credit card information. You could also use a service like Giftly, giving them an $85 gift card they can use for it. 

National Parks Pass

Know someone who loves the outdoors? A National Parks Pass will give them the gift of National Park entry for an entire year. At only $80, it seems a steal. It will give them access to over 2,000 parks and sites across the country. 

Marriott Gift Card

Everyone can appreciate a hotel stay, and with a Marriott Gift Card, you’ll give the gift of a place to stay all over the world, at a number of price points. 

Cruise Gift Card

Cruises are the hottest vacation trend these days, so a Celebrity or Princess Cruise gift card can help someone make their cruise dream a reality. While an entire cruise may be a LOT for a present, any amount of money can go towards a cruise OR, if they’ve already booked a cruise, they can use it towards  excursions, beverage packages, specialty dining, and more.

A Weekend Away for Two

Want to give a special couple in your life a trip away, but the pressure of choosing the location and accommodation seems too stressful? Tinggly allows you to give them that trip, but let them choose where and when they want to go. Recipients will receive a voucher they can use at hundreds of hotels in over one hundred countries, for a two night stay. 

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.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post Travel Gift Cards and Other Last-Minute Gifts for People Who Hate Stuff appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, choosing the wrong group tour company can quickly turn your dream vacation into a disappointment. It’s critical that you select a tour operator that aligns with your travel style and goals. Do you prefer a small, intimate group or a larger, more social setting? Does the price match your expectations—luxury or budget-friendly? Is the itinerary packed with the destinations you’re eager to see?

We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best group tour companies for 2025, tailored to every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

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

These small group tours operate with only 8-16 people per trip and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by activity (walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) and type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all,” European wilderness, and more) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 
Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour.

Best Bucket List Group Tours: EF Adventures

In 2024, the renowned tour operator EF World Journeys launched a new brand: EF Adventures. True to its name, this division focuses on adventure travel, offering a variety of biking, hiking, walking, and multi-sport tours across Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands.

EF Adventures makes planning complicated tours easy, taking care of flights, transfers, guides, equipment, optional tour extensions, and more—so all you have to do is show up.

After an action-packed day of outdoor exploration, guests can unwind in luxurious accommodations, ranging from 3-star to 5-star properties, each selected to reflect the unique charm of the destination. Whenever possible, EF Adventures chooses hotels with pools or spas, ensuring travelers have the perfect place to relax and recover.

Want to stay motivated in your fitness goals pre- or post-trip? Join EF Adventures’ Strava Group for some friendly competition.

Top Trip: Connections mean everything on a good tour group, and EF Adventures has the ultimate hookup—the brand’s parent company owns a men’s and women’s pro cycling team. Experience the behind-the-scenes perks on EF Adventures’ Tour de France trip, in which participants will get to ride iconic sections of the Tour de France, experience insider access to the EF Pro Cycling team, and watch the thrilling race finish from a VIP section on the Champs-Élysées.

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

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

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

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

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

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

G Adventures offers cheap group tours for travelers on a budget, making dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $979, crisscrossing India’s Golden Triangle for $594, or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $700.)

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

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

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

Best Private Group Travel: Vaya Adventures

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Vaya Adventures will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. Vaya’s team of experts has spent years living and working in the destinations that they handle, so they have the insider knowledge to make a trip truly special. 

On a Vaya Adventures trip, you won’t find yourself stuck in a soulless chain hotel—accommodations are thoughtfully selected to showcase the local culture and include boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and historic homes. 

Top Trip: Hike the Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela, recovering each night in beautiful boutique hotels or traditional Paradores. 

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

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

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

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

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

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification earned by companies demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.

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

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

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

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

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

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

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

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

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

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekend trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

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

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

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

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

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

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

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

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While relocating to a foreign country may seem like an impossible fantasy, it’s actually quite achievable with some thoughtful planning and a clear vision. The real challenge often lies in choosing the right destination. 

International Living just released its 2025 Annual Global Retirement Index. This report is designed to help retirees find destinations where their money goes further, offering great value in housing, daily living expenses, and overall quality of life.

The index assesses potential expat destinations across several categories, including healthcare, housing, cost of living, and ease of integration into local communities.

International Living picked Panama as the best place to retire abroad in 2025. “This year’s Index showcases safe, welcoming, good-value places where retirees can live better for less—while enjoying an adventure and finding like-minded community in surrounds that suit them,” says Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor at International Living. “Panama’s incredible affordability, modern infrastructure, and welcoming culture have once again earned it the top spot.”

The Best Places to Retire Abroad 2025

1. Panama
2. Portugal
3. Costa Rica
4. Mexico
5. France
6. Spain
7. Malaysia
8. Greece
9. Italy
10. Thailand

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