I've visited every US national park alone. Here are 8 mistakes I see first-time travelers make.
After traveling solo to every US national park, I've seen many first-time visitors make the same mistakes.
Travel
I stayed in a 540-square-foot luxury tent at the edge of Africa's Serengeti National Park. The lodge was stunning, but the safari perks were the real highlight.
Business Insider's reporter discovered luxury amenities and secluded wildlife at TAASA Lodge in Tanzania, where a night in a canvas tent costs $985.
Sweden wants to be the first country to trademark its name: 'We'd prefer if there were only one'
Visit Sweden said it intends to protect the country's identity and prevent travel mix-ups by trademarking its name.
An RV traveler who has been to all 50 states shares the 6 most van-friendly states
Three-year van-life veteran Lita Talisman said these six states in the US are the best for RV living
I've explored the world's most luxurious airport, complete with a butterfly garden and a pool. It's my favorite layover spot.
Changi Airport was built to match Singapore's luxury status, with a pool, free movie theater, sleep lounges, and even a butterfly garden.
I moved back to the US after 6 years abroad, but the comforts of home feel more isolating than ever
After six years of living abroad, I moved back home to the United States. Transitioning back to life in the states was more difficult than I expected.
I've been on Carnival's cheapest and most expensive cruise lines — see how the $430-per-day difference compares
Carnival's budget-friendly cruises are a stark contrast from its sister brand Seabourn's luxury voyages.
The most popular pasta dish in every state, according to Yelp reviews
Yelp found the most popular pasta dish in every state using reviews from its most elite members.
Advertisement
Advertisement
An Italian travel expert shares the best hidden-gem destinations in Italy to visit in the offseason
Travel expert Maria Nuzzolillo reveals Italy's hidden gems for offseason visits, highlighting festivals and seasonal foods in the Campania region.
I visited a beach town in Florida's 'Hamptons of the South.' It felt charmingly European, but I found better spots nearby.
The 30A region of Florida is becoming a beloved tourist spot. Its Rosemary Beach feels charming and European, but it's not the best town in the area.
We got married at a luxury resort in Thailand. If I could go back, there are 5 things I'd do differently.
Looking back, Ellie Furuya says her wedding reception in Thailand was too adult-centric. If she could go back, she'd make it more kid-friendly.
A British tourist and an American find the best po'boys in New Orleans
"Food Wars" hosts Harry Kersh and Joe Avella travel across New Orleans to find the best po'boy in the city.
I've been on 105-day cruises, but this 13-day one was the toughest. Its itinerary had a major flaw I'll avoid on future trips.
The itinerary on my 13-day Norwegian cruise was too packed. Spending only two of the 13 days at sea left me exhausted, even as a seasoned cruiser.
Chase Sapphire Lounges: Exclusive Access and Amenities in 2024
Chase Sapphire Lounges offer luxurious comfort and relaxing amenities for select travelers at airports in Hong Kong, Boston, New York, and Austin.
I've been on more than 25 cruises. Here's how I avoid hidden fees and extra costs every time while drinking for free.
After many sailings, I'm good at not getting nickeled and dimed by cruise lines. Here's how I drink alcohol for free and save money on cruises.
My son used to hate hiking. After visiting 40 national parks, I've found the tricks for making it fun for him.
My tween used to hate going on hikes, but I've found ways to make hiking fun for my kid by gamifying the experience and getting Junior Ranger badges.
I'm an American who visited Costco in Canada. It may look identical, but it's not the same.
Business Insider's reporter went to a Costco in Canada. Unlike in the US, they had French labels, Tim Horton's coffee, and poutine in the food court.
I sailed on Carnival's newest cruise ship and saw why young people love the brand so much
Millennials dominate Carnival Cruise Line's guest demographics. A look at its new Carnival Firenze could explain why.
I lived in NYC with my 6 siblings during undergrad. For graduate school, I was determined to go abroad.
Omarni Webb, 29, left New York City to study in Sweden for a year. It was more affordable option, and she always felt safe walking outside at night.
When my friend canceled our 40th-birthday trip to Paris last minute, I was frustrated. But it led me to meet my French husband.
I didn't want to travel alone to Paris, but I had no choice. I surprisingly loved it. I booked another solo trip and met my husband abroad.
6 essential tips for anyone considering van life, according to a traveler who's explored all 50 states in an RV
A seasoned road traveler shares her top tips for first-time RVers.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I've been skiing and snowboarding for decades. I beat the crowds at these Northeastern resorts instead of flying out West.
I'm an avid skiing and snowboarder, but on the East Coast, it can be hard to find spots that aren't small and teaming with people. Luckily, I have.
I've spent over 2 decades riding trains all over the US. I wish passengers would stop doing these 7 things.
I've been riding trains across the US for 26 years, so I've seen my fair share of annoying passengers. I wish more people knew this train etiquette.
My teenage daughter backpacked alone through Europe. Despite my worry, I'd let her do it again.
My oldest daughter took a gap year between high school and college. I worried every single day for her, but also knew I needed to trust her.
I spent $170 on 4 failed tours to see the northern lights and then finally saw them while waiting at a bus stop
Not all northern-lights tours are a bad deal, but be careful which you choose and when you book them — or try free methods for seeing northern lights.
I've been to all 63 major US national parks. Here are the 3 I love going back to and the 3 I'm glad I saw once.
After visiting all 63 major US national parks, there are some I continue to return to and others I'm glad I saw once.
I was born and raised in Charleston. Here are the 10 biggest mistakes I see tourists make when they visit.
Many book trips during hurricane season, overlook important history, and wear the wrong shoes when they visit Charleston, South Carolina.
I've flown on Singapore's world's longest flight in business class. It was nice, but the new seats will be a game changer.
Singapore Airlines is known for luxury. Its investment in a new business class has one game-changing feature that flyers love.
Checked Baggage Fees by Airline: How much it costs to check a bag and how to avoid baggage fees when you fly
Discover the latest airline baggage fees for major airlines, and learn how to reduce or avoid these fees using credit card perks and other strategies.
The best fried chicken shop in every state, according to Yelp
In time for National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day on November 9, here are the best fried-chicken shops in every state.
I used to be a VIP tour guide at Disneyland. Here are 5 things you should never do in the park.
From going to Fantasyland to parking in the Mickey & Friends lot, here's what to avoid at Disneyland, according to a former VIP tour guide.
Advertisement
Advertisement
My friends and I sailed around Belize for 3 days on an all-inclusive private yacht. The price per person felt like an incredible value.
My friends and I spent three days and three nights on a private yacht in Belize for about $1,000 each. The experience was an incredible value for us.
I went on an ultra-luxury cruise that sails with up to 68 passengers at a time. I loved it, but it's not for everyone.
After 24 cruises on megaships, yachts, and river boats, I prefer luxury riverboat cruises. But they have cons and aren't for all types of travelers.
A travel expert who has been to 55 countries says these pricey destinations are better during the fall shoulder season
A travel expert suggests visiting destinations like Paris and New York City during shoulder season for a better experience with fewer tourists.
I swore I would leave the US if Trump won the 2016 election. Here's how that worked out for me.
Sonya Moore is grateful to her former self for choosing to leave the US. She sometimes misses family and friends but makes an effort to stay connected.
My family spent $5,000 on a 5-night vacation in Hawaii — and that's after we were able to save $7,600 on accommodations
We booked a vacation at Aulani, Disney's resort in Oahu, and spent thousands of dollars. Here's what we spent, how we saved, and what we'd change.
International airlines are all-in on fancy first-class seats, even as US carriers focus only on business for long-haul flights
First class is largely filled with corporate customers, but many deep-pocket individuals are willing to pay up as they demand more luxury when flying.
I'm an American who got citizenship in 2 European countries without setting foot in either one. Here's how I did it.
I've always been interested in my heritage, and over the years, I discovered that I qualified to apply for citizenship in both Portugal and Poland.
A handsome stranger convinced me to travel to Barcelona. We lasted only 3 days, but I've now lived here for 4 years.
I met a hot stranger on vacation who invited me to Barcelona. We didn't last long, but I fell in love with the city and have now lived here for years.
I'm an American who lived in Ireland for 4 years. Here are 5 things I liked better about life in Europe.
After moving from Rhode Island to Ireland, I think Europe does some things better than the US, from laws about paid time off to access to fresh foods.
A man has been on a date in every state — twice. Here are 5 of his favorite date spots around the country.
Matt Wurnig is the creator of 50 Dates 50 States. He told BI about five of his favorite date spots around the country, from New York to Alaska.
I visited a popular lounge at the Orlando International Airport. It let me down, but I'll still visit every time I fly.
Some can visit The Club at MCO, a lounge at the Orlando International Airport, for free or pay $50 to enter. It isn't perfect, but I'd come back.
I've been on every Norwegian cruise line — here's how the 3 brands with very different prices compare
Norwegian offers cruises for everyone, whether it be families with young children or wealthy retirees. Here's a guide to its three brands.
I spent 4 days in Athens, Greece. Here are 10 things I loved and 5 I wouldn't do again.
I traveled to Athens, Greece, for the first time since I was a little kid. Most of the trip was a dream, but some experiences weren't worth it.
We paid $360 to take our car on a ferry to and from Sardinia, Italy. The trip was great, but there's one upgrade I'd book next time.
My family paid $360 to take our car on a ferry to and from Sardinia, Italy. However, one thing made our return trip more comfortable.
Disappointing photos show what it's like to go skiing in Colorado
From $40 burgers to four-hour traffic, Business Insider's author experienced a handful of disappointments on Colorado's ski slopes.
We stayed at a casino for my grandma's 92nd birthday. All three generations of my family found things to do.
All three generations of my family went to Foxwoods Casino Resort to celebrate my grandma's 92nd birthday. There was something for everyone to do.
I'm an American who spent 6 months living in Europe. Here are 5 lifestyle changes I'll be taking back with me to the US.
As an American who spent six months living in Europe, I noticed many lifestyle differences. I plan on taking aspects of European life home with me.
I stayed at one of Atlanta's most beautiful hotels. It's above a strip club that celebrities love and has an incredible restaurant.
The historic Atlanta hotel has a famous strip club below it and a great Michelin-recommended restaurant, Tiny Lou's.
We spent $374 to take a ferry across Lake Michigan with our car. The journey was nice, but I'll do things differently next time.
My family took a ferry across Lake Michigan to avoid driving through Chicago. We brought our car with us, but next time, we'll rent a car at the port.