Travel guides for the parts of a trip that need planning

Latest guides

Our most recent articles for travelers planning their next trip.

• 
  Planning & documents

  How to Read a Visa Application: A Plain-Language Guide for First-Time Travelers

  Visa forms can feel overwhelming. This guide explains the sections most applications share and the documents you are usually asked to provide.

• 
  Ways to travel

  Shoulder Season Travel: What It Means and Why Many Travelers Prefer It

  Shoulder season falls between a destination's busiest and quietest months. Here is what to expect from crowds, weather and prices.

• 
  Planning & documents

  Understanding Travel Insurance: Coverage Types and What to Look for in a Policy

  Travel insurance policies differ widely. This overview explains the main types of coverage and the questions worth asking before you buy.

• 
  Packing & luggage

  How Carry-On Luggage Size Rules Actually Work Across Airlines

  Carry-on limits differ between airlines and fare types. Here is how the rules generally work and what to check before you fly.

• 
  Ways to travel

  Slow Travel: The Practice of Staying Longer in Fewer Places

  Slow travel values depth over distance. Here is what it looks like in practice and how to try it on your next trip.

• 
  Responsible travel

  What Responsible Tourism Actually Involves at the Destination Level

  Responsible tourism is about how travelers affect local economies, wildlife and communities. These practical habits make a real difference.