Travel

I was born and raised in Toronto. Here are the 8 mistakes I always see tourists make when they visit.

6 min read

The author's back is to the camera as she looks out to the Golden Gate Bridge. She's wearing biking gear.

I got a job in California so I could live closer to my partner. We split up, and I still wonder if moving was the right choice.

3 min read

Melissa Noble visiting Paro Taktsang in Bhutan

I enjoyed my first organized tour of a country, but I wouldn't book another until I'm much older

Although my first organized tour with a local guide in Bhutan was mostly great, the cons made me realize I wouldn't do it again until I'm older.

4 min read

I visited 'the best beach in the US.' It transported me to the Caribbean coast where I grew up.

Siesta Key Beach, a white-sand beach located on Florida's Gulf Coast, has been ranked as the US' top beach and one of the best in the world.

8 min read

Norse Atlantic Ariways in-flight meal and empty seats

I flew on the budget airline Norse Atlantic for the first time. Here are 3 things I wish I'd known before the 13-hour flight.

Norse Atlantic Airways offers supercheap flights from the US to major European cities like London, Paris, and Rome. The trip was worth the price.

4 min read

A crowded pool deck on a colorful cruise ship

Disappointing photos show what it's actually like to go on a cruise

I expected my first cruise to be relaxing, but I found the ship to be too crowded, the lines too long, and the tour buses too hot.

4 min read

author at gordon ramsay steak and steak from knife and fork inn

I compared dinner for 2 at Gordon Ramsay's steakhouse chain and a 113-year-old steakhouse. One was much better value.

I had dinner for two at Gordon Ramsay Steak and a historic 113-year-old steakhouse in Atlantic City. The older restaurant was the better value.

13 min read

Aerial view of Paris, with several brown and gray buildings, and the Eiffel Tower standing above the city

I've been to Paris a dozen times. Skip tourist hot spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre and do these 7 things instead.

The Montparnasse Tower and Les Catacombes are some of the best places to go in Paris after hitting the touristy spots, a frequent traveler says.

5 min read

I toured the train car presidents used for travel before Air Force One. Climb aboard the 'White House on wheels.'

The Ferdinand Magellan, an armored train car, was used by US presidents before Air Force One. It has bulletproof glass and multiple guest rooms.

9 min read

A beach with deep-blue water next to a pathway surrounded by palm trees and greenery and houses and mountains in the background.

I've been to 30 tropical islands. From Bora Bora to Barbados, here are the 5 I'd definitely visit again.

After visiting 30 tropical islands, some of my favorites have been Bora Bora, St. Barts, Curaçao, Barbados, and St. Martin.

5 min read

I've stayed at all of Disney World's priciest resorts — only one's worth it for its easy park access and great amenities

After staying at all of Disney World's nicest deluxe resorts, only Riviera Resort feels worth the price for its rooms, park access, and restaurants.

4 min read

Roof huts and palm trees swaying in the wind, with a hotel in the background in Aruba.

I spent a week in the Caribbean. There are 5 items I'm glad I brought, and 3 I wish I'd packed.

I spent a week in Aruba and was glad I brought things like a pool float and a Bluetooth speaker. However, I regretted not bringing water shoes.

4 min read

Latifah posing on a edge walk in toronto canada

I've been to bachelorette parties in spots from Hawaii to Las Vegas, but a Canadian city has been the best destination so far

I've been to bachelorette parties around the world, but I was blown away by how fun the event was in Toronto, Canada. Here's what to do on there.

3 min read

I'm a Disney World fan who went to Dollywood for the first time. It was cheaper, less crowded, and exceeded my expectations.

I've been to Disney countless times, but Dollywood surprisingly charmed me. I saved money, there were fewer crowds, and the park seemed friendlier.

5 min read

When my husband turned 60, we started going to Florida for the winters. I hated it at first.

When my husband turned 60, he suggested we spend our winters in Florida. I really struggled at first leaving New York, but we have found our balance.

4 min read

The author and her friends posing with Captain Minnie on the Disney Treasure.

I love Disney cruises, but my kids don't. I've started going with friends and we have a blast.

I love Disney cruises, but my teens aren't huge fans, so I go with friends now. It's made our friendships stronger, and we have our fourth planned.

4 min read

A couple standing in front of a house in Bohol, in the Philippines.

Their lives used to revolve around city traffic. They gave it up to build an island home in the Philippines for $85,000.

Missing time with his mother while she was sick made Matthew Straight realize he wanted a life in which he could take back control of his time.

6 min read

Young girl and boy looking out a portal window

I always thought cruises were fun for adults. Taking my kids on one made me change my mind.

My husband and I had been on plenty of cruises by ourselves. We took our tweens on one this year and they had an absolute blast.

4 min read

Shrimp tails cooked at Michelin starred-restaurant Idam in Doha, Qatar

Why a French chef with 21 Michelin stars is betting on the Middle East

French culinary icon Alain Ducasse has brought fine dining to Doha with Idam, Qatar's first Michelin-starred restaurant.

See inside a 56-room, Venetian-inspired mansion in Florida that the Ringling circus family built a century ago

Circus magnate John Ringling and his wife completed Ca' d'Zan, a Venetian palazzo in Sarasota, Florida, in 1926.

8 min read

Inside a Four Seasons Seattle hotel room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a lamp hanging over a table and chairs

I stayed at a 5-star Four Seasons in Seattle. My $1,000-a-night room had the best view in the city.

The Four Seasons Seattle in Washington is a five-star hotel offering rooms with views of the waterfront, downtown, and surrounding mountains.

4 min read

Gym bros are taking these 'natural' injections to build muscle

In this Saturday edition of Business Insider Today, we're talking about the peptide injection craze, plus morning routines and traveling to Japan.

6 min read

nicole standing thorugh the sunroof of her subaru forester

I've lived on the road by myself for years. Here are 12 things I wish I'd known before I started.

I'm a woman who lives alone in my car. From parking at night to traveling to curing loneliness, here's what I wish I knew before doing this full-time.

7 min read

A small waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush green vegetation at Rainbow Springs State Park.

I've lived in Florida for over 25 years. Skip the major cities and spend time in these 5 gorgeous state parks instead.

I've been a Florida resident for over 25 years. These state parks offer unforgettable experiences away from the usual tourist spots.

3 min read

The author sits on a colorful porch surrounded by greenery outside of a tiny home on the right

I stayed in a 250-square-foot tiny home for the first time, and 10 things surprised me

I spent two nights in a 250-square-foot tiny home in Miami that I found on Airbnb. I was surprised by how spacious it felt.

5 min read

To kids pose outside of a store selling the remnants of unclaimed baggage.

My family of 6 loves road trips. Here's how we keep them fun for everyone.

My family has traveled thousands of miles on road trips. I make sure we all have fun and keep our sanity by following seven essential strategies.

5 min read

An aerial view of Sentosa Island in Singapore.

I brought my mom on her first international trip. She was nervous, but we were both pleasantly surprised.

I convinced my nervous mother to go on her first international trip to Singapore. She surprised me by challenging herself and asking to travel more.

4 min read

Vanessa stands in front of a large white house with a suitcase.

I've lived in the Hamptons for most of my life. Here are 5 mistakes I see visitors make every summer.

As a local who's lived in the Hamptons for most of my life, I've seen visitors make many of the same mistakes year after year.

4 min read

I went to Japan during peak season. This is my one big tip for escaping the crowds.

Japan is experiencing record tourism this year, with many tourist attractions packed with crowds. Still, there's an easy way to find some zen.

4 min read

The silhouette of a woman looking out the window at an airport with a suitcase in one hand and a drink in the other. A plane is taking off outside.

I was sick of spending my travel budget on weddings, so now I turn every invitation into a vacation

Over the past few years, I've been invited to lots of weddings that required me to travel. Now, I like to turn every invite into a mini vacation.

3 min read

I went to Maine and ranked 5 famous lobster rolls. My favorite was served up on the water's edge.

I tried five of the most famous lobster rolls in Portland, Maine, and my favorite was served in the best setting.

11 min read

On the left, Casey, her dog, and boyfriend taking a selfie together. On the right, her sailboat out at sea.

We lived on a 42-foot sailboat for over a year before moving back on land. The lifestyle wasn't as dreamy as it seemed.

I lived aboard a sailboat with my boyfriend and my dog. We moved into an apartment after realizing boat life had more drawbacks than we thought.

3 min read

A Gotthard passenger train on route through the Swiss Alps in Wassen, Switzerland. There are trees, mountains, hills, and a stream.

7 things you should never do when traveling by train, according to an etiquette coach

From talking on speaker phone to leaving bags on seats, there are some things an etiquette expert said people should never do when traveling by train.

5 min read

I was born and raised in Italy. There are 7 things I wish tourists would stop doing when they come here.

As a local, there are easy ways to avoid common tourist mistakes in Rome and other spots in Italy, from doing research to lowering your expectations.

5 min read

The writer and her boyfriend at Acadia National Park in Maine.

I spent 3 days exploring Acadia National Park with my boyfriend. Next time, we'll do 4 things differently.

We visited Acadia National Park in Maine for three days. Next time we go, we'll pack for the weather, make more reservations, and try to avoid crowds.

4 min read

I went to a medical clinic in Portugal — thousands of miles from my NYC home. I saved $500 and found an answer for my back pain.

A marathon runner with persistent pain visited a Lisbon longevity clinic for affordable body scans. She saved $500 compared to New York City prices.

7 min read

Crowds of people stand in front of the arena at the Colosseum in Rome

Disappointing photos show what it was really like to visit the Colosseum in Rome

Though I took steps to avoid tourists when I visited the Colosseum, I found it was too crowded to enjoy Rome's iconic attraction.

7 min read

Author Chantelle Kincy smiling in Lookout Cay

My favorite solo trip so far was a Disney cruise. It was surprisingly incredible for an adult without kids.

The best solo trip I've taken was a Disney cruise. Although I'm child-free, I found it was a great trip for adults.

4 min read

I traveled through 5 different airports during a summer trip to Europe. The best one surprised me.

Summer travel is never stress-free, so here's what to expect when you're traveling through the airports of London, Athens, Florence, and more.

6 min read

I paid $230 for a first-class roomette on Amtrak. After my journey was delayed 5 hours, I appreciated the extra space.

I booked a first-class Amtrak roomette for a five-hour trip from Tampa to Miami. After long delays, the comfort made the experience worth it.

6 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 US National Park. Despite having great experiences, I don't plan to revisit these 5.

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

3 min read

We flew across the globe to find long-lost relatives. Despite the hurdles, we connected with family and had the trip of a lifetime.

We found grandma's long-lost relatives and family that she hadn't seen in decades on a trip to South Korea using just names and ages, no research.

4 min read

I moved my family to Thailand, and it was surprisingly easy. I set up our new life in less than a week — without spending a lot of money.

I want to retire early, so I moved my family to Thailand. I was able to get an apartment in Bangkok and secure visas in a few days.

4 min read