Business Insider

Woman smiling next to water, cliffs in Santorini

I arrived in Greece with sky-high expectations. I left disappointed and wishing I'd avoided these 5 mistakes.

5 min read

Emily stands on a wooden walkway surrounded by marsh and lily pads in Everglades National Park.

I've been to all 50 states. If I had just one day in Florida, here's how I'd spend it.

3 min read

Four smiling people pose for a selfie at a mountain overlook with a valley and clouds behind them.

My family of 4 moved into a camper van for a year. I ran my business on the road, while my husband homeschooled our twins.

It wasn't always easy traveling the world while running my business and homeschooling the twins. But we built memories that will last a lifetime.

4 min read

The author stands in front of a red train in Italy with her big backpack

Disappointing photos show what backpacking across Europe is really like

From overcrowded tourist attractions to sleepless train nights, my experience backpacking in Europe wasn't as glamorous as it looks on Instagram.

10 min read

Collage of the authors in front of and inside the United A321XLR.

We toured United's fanciest Airbus jet yet, complete with business-class doors and a snack bar. See inside.

The Airbus A321XLR underscores United's continued push to court higher-paying travelers as demand for more comforts grows.

5 min read

Jackson, Mississippi state capitol building

Rivers, railroads, and political bribes: How every state capital was chosen

Most capitals in the US date back hundreds of years. See how each state selected its capital city.

19 min read

Emily, wearing a black-and-white checkered shirt and black shorts, stands on a rock and puts her hair in a ponytail while looking out at the mountains.

I've been to every major US national park. There are 5 I don't plan on returning to, despite having great experiences there.

After traveling to all 63 major US national parks, there are a few I wouldn't return to, like Glacier Bay and Hot Springs National Park.

3 min read

The author sits in a train cabin looking out a window on the left

I've spent 128 hours on overnight Amtrak trains. These are the 8 biggest mistakes I've made.

After 128 hours on overnight Amtrak trains, I've made mistakes with packing, booking, and making the best use of rest stops.

5 min read

Stitched photo of the author and a picture of a Virgin plane.

I toured Virgin Atlantic's invite-only 'Royal Box' in London. It felt closer to a private club than an airport lounge.

Virgin's "Royal Box" is partly designed for celebrities, but you don't have to be famous to get an invite. Here's what it was like and how to get in.

5 min read

A woman takes a selfie beside an open Businessclass train car at a station platform.

I paid $180 to sit in business class on a 9-hour Amtrak ride from Rochester to NYC. Next time, I'll stick to coach.

I rode business class and coach on an Amtrak train between New York City and Rochester. The perks in business class weren't worth the extra money.

11 min read

A composite image of a docked cruise ship and the author sitting on a bed inside a cruise ship cabin

I booked a $5,910 balcony cabin on an adults-only cruise. The 225-square-foot cabin felt large and luxurious.

Virgin Voyages' 225-square-foot sea terrace stateroom elevated my adults-only cruise with space-saving hacks, luxury details, and vibrant decor.

3 min read

A composite image of Emily, wearing a hat and sunglasses, with mountains behind her; and Emily standing in the water at Grand Teton National Park, with mountains in the background.

I've been to all 63 major US national parks. There are 5 I always tell people to visit in the summer.

I've been to all 63 major US national parks. I think Grand Teton, Kenai Fjords, and Isle Royale are some of the best parks to visit in the summer.

4 min read

Alexa and her family pose for a photo near the water in Ocean City, New Jersey.

My family has vacationed in the same beach town for 30 years. It's taught me the value of keeping traditions alive.

For the past 30 years, my family has traveled to Ocean City, New Jersey, every summer. It's a great way to catch up and make memories together.

3 min read

Side by side of woman smiling holding packing cubes and backpacks next to woman and family smiling in front of trees

My family of 5 traveled around Europe for 30 days with 1 backpack each. Here are my 10 best packing tips.

After spending a month in Europe backpacking with my husband and three kids with one bag each, here are my favorite packing tips for traveling light.

4 min read

Tortellini in crema di Parmigiano at Franceschetta58 in Modena.

I've been to all 20 regions in Italy. The whole country has great food, but one region is a step above the rest.

After visiting all 20 regions of Italy, my favorite for food is Emilia-Romagna. This region has the best cheese, truffles, tomatoes, and tortellini.

4 min read

The author (right) and her two dauhters enjoy a hotel pool.

I booked a budget-friendly, all-inclusive resort in Mexico for a family trip. I wouldn't do it again.

I didn't give much thought to a pop-up about seaweed when I booked our trip. Reality was much worse than I imagined.

4 min read

The writer wearing a black swimsuit and straw hat and standing in a beachy area.

I've traveled extensively while on a GLP-1. I wish someone had told me a few things before my first trip.

I travel often for work, but starting Wegovy changed the way I plan and experience trips. I wish I'd known more about traveling on a GLP-1.

5 min read

The writer on the deck of a Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady cruise ship sailing along the Mediterranean.

I was afraid of cruises for years. After boarding my first, these 6 things surprised me the most.

I went on a Virgin Voyages cruise, despite my fear of the ocean. I thought I'd hate it, but I loved the food, activities, and helpful crew on board.

5 min read

A Spanish professor struggled to save money in the US. Moving abroad helped him reach 'lean FI' at 47.

There are a few variations of "financial independence" people strive for. Here's how one professor achieved "lean FI" by moving abroad.

5 min read

A man jogging along the beach in Bali, Indonesia.

Why Bali is in an uproar over a run club

A Bali running club has become the latest flash point in a debate over foreigners on the popular holiday island.

4 min read

A wide view of Wonder of the Seas cruise ship from the top deck

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas has 8 'neighborhoods' spread across 18 decks. Here's what they're like.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships, with 18 decks full of restaurants, pools, shops, and more.

6 min read

Sharon stands in front of a colorful sign that says "Greetings from Palm Springs, California."

I've lived in Palm Springs for nearly a decade. There are 5 mistakes I see tourists make again and again.

As a Palm Springs local of almost 10 years, I've seen visitors make lots of common mistakes — like packing too much in one day and not renting a car.

4 min read

Why this AI travel company is bringing Sonder back from the dead

Sonder's brand name and website were acquired by a travel company that's relaunching it as an AI-powered, curated guide to urban stays.

3 min read

A composite image of the author looking out the window in an Amtrak roomette and a row of first class seats on an Amtrak train

I booked a roomette and a first-class seat on Amtrak trains. The cheaper ride was way more comfortable.

I took a 15-hour Amtrak trip in a roomette for $400. Then I took a three-hour trip in first class on the Amtrak NextGen Acela train for $450.

6 min read

People sitting on rows of seats on a plane, with one person reaching their hand up to call for a flight attendant.

4 mistakes to stop making on a plane, according to an etiquette coach

The etiquette coach advises against bringing smelly food on the plane, rushing to get off the flight, and shooting parents dirty looks.

3 min read

JetBlue is introducing a 'basic first class' fare as airlines continue unbundling premium travel

JetBlue's new "Base" fare structure offers a first-class experience that strips some premium perks in exchange for a lower price.

3 min read

Destination Dupes

View from the riverwalk of the Boardman River in downtown Traverse City, Michigan.

I love visiting the 'Napa of the Midwest.' It's an underrated gem with reasonable prices and fantastic wine.

The Midwest gem Traverse City, Michigan, won me over with its wine, vibes, and prices. The town feels cheaper to visit and as pretty as Napa Valley.

4 min read

An aerial view of houses and mountains in Shirakawa-go, Japan.

I day-tripped to 3 peaceful Japanese towns just a few hours from major cities — and they were the highlights of my visit

On my first trip to Japan, I visited three rural villages: Oshio, Shirakawa-go, and Nachi-Katsuura. These turned into the highlights of my trip.

3 min read

Man and woman smiling in front of Emerald Bay

My husband and I planned completely different activities on our trip. No one had to compromise, and it brought us closer.

We're married, but our couple trips are better when we spend time apart on vacation doing different activities we each prefer. No compromise needed.

5 min read

The pool and view from a beach house that rents for $16,000 a week.

We spent $16,000 on a beach house rental for a week. It was worth it.

We skipped the hotels and rented one massive beach house. It made the trip more fun and less stressful for all of us.

4 min read

A couple posing with citrus fruits they harvested.

Priced out of Hawaii, this couple bought a home in rural Japan instead

"In Hawaii, I could never ever afford to buy a home, especially one with a view of the sea," Jeff Layfield told Business Insider. He bought a vacant home in Japan for about $25,000.

5 min read

The author and her daughter in Scotland.

I took my teen on a group tour in Scotland. I worried she'd be out of place, but she proved how grown-up she is.

I worried my teen would feel out of place on our Isle of Skye tour. She found her footing immediately.

3 min read

A commuter walks past a wall mural along the street in Tehran on July 21, 2026. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on July 21 they hit US military targets including air defence systems in Bahrain and Kuwait, state news agency IRNA reported

The 23 most dangerous countries for US travelers in 2026, according to the State Department

The US State Department issued a worldwide warning for American travelers. See the 23 countries it previously warned US citizens against visiting.

22 min read

Smiling passenger beside a Delta One seat and airplane window in a premium aircraft cabin.

I paid $1,500 to upgrade my Delta flight from NYC to Paris. Here's what I got, and whether I'd do it again.

The author was offered a $1,500 upgrade to Delta One at check-in. She bought the premium ticket and details whether the experience was worth it.

5 min read

The author and her friends relax on a cruise ship.

7 kids, 3 moms, and 1 giant cruise ship. We finally booked a trip that felt like a real vacation.

I spent nearly $6,000 to take my kids on a trip with our friends on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas. We can't wait to do it again.

4 min read

Composite of woman smiling with elephant in distance behind her next to photo of elephant walking across road

I took my husband on an epic safari adventure for his 50th birthday. It cost less than expected, and we had a blast.

To celebrate my partner's 50th birthday, I planned a bucket-list trip around the world that included our first African safari and wildlife sightings.

4 min read

Inside the pope's centuries-old summer retreat, a 135-acre estate overlooking an Italian lake

Pope Leo XIV is on vacation at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, a 135-acre estate featuring multiple properties and gardens.

4 min read

The 15 countries with the highest birth rates — and the 15 with the lowest

The global birth rate is less than half what it was in the 1960s. See the countries where birth rates are the highest and lowest.

7 min read

Two visitors pose in front of the Universal globe fountain and roller coaster at a sunny theme park.

My family of 5 spent $8,600 on a trip to Disney World and Universal. Here's exactly where the money went and how we saved.

On our family trip to Orlando, we spent the bulk of our money on flights, two hotel rooms, and park tickets. We saved money using crdit card points.

5 min read

I help billionaires buy private jets. Sometimes I tell them not to.

Mike Francis, the head of aviation finance at Citi, has a rule of thumb about when to buy a private jet.

4 min read

I've called 12 different countries home. Living abroad taught me how lonely freedom can feel.

The hardest part of living abroad isn't the move. It's what every move leaves behind.

4 min read

Oliver Browne on a horse by the Altai mountains

I plan $100,000 adventures for the ultra-rich. You can have a once-in-a-lifetime trip without a billionaire budget.

The founder of a superluxury travel agency said clients have access to superior logistics and accommodation, but you can have amazing adventures without a billionaire's budget.

4 min read

A hotel lobby full of plants and biophilic furniture

I stayed at a hotel voted the best in Seattle. Now I'll book the chain wherever I travel.

I booked a one-night stay at 1 Hotel Seattle for $450 and saw why the luxury chain was voted the best in Seattle.

7 min read

William takes a selfie near a train window with a view of the beach at sunset.

I've purchased Amtrak's USA Rail Pass 3 times. Most rides are slow and uncomfortable, but I can't wait to buy it again.

I've bought the $500 Amtrak USA Rail Pass three times. It saves me money and provides 10 rides to over 500 destinations across the country.

4 min read

Destination Dupes

A composite image of Emily posing in front of Shoshone Falls, and a picture of the waterfall, which is surrounded by a basalt canyon.

I visited the 'Niagara of the West.' It's the perfect way to enjoy a breathtaking waterfall without overwhelming crowds.

I visited Shoshone Falls in Idaho, which is often referred to as the "Niagara of the West." The falls are stunning and there's lots to do in the area.

4 min read

Group of people smiling on boat in ITaly

I went to the Amalfi Coast with my husband and parents. We'd do 5 things differently next time to make our trip better.

We took a family trip to Italy's Amalfi Coast to celebrate my dad's retirement. Next time, I'd change our itinerary and how we plan to make it better.

5 min read

3 US airports plan to replace TSA agents with private contractors in a bid to reduce disruptions to passengers — see the list

The TSA Gold+ program aims to expand the use of private contractors while retaining federal oversight. Three airports are set to participate.

3 min read

I worked as a ranger at state and national parks. Here are my 6 favorite national parks to visit.

I worked as a park ranger at state and national parks for six years. Some of my favorite national parks to visit are Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Congaree.

4 min read