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Congratulations on joining one of the most elite clubs on the planet: The Empty Nesters. You have launched your children into the world, cleared out the house, and officially begun to reclaim your personal time. But what will you do now? If you’re deciding that travel is the answer, you couldn’t make a better choice. It’s the ultimate activity for having new life experiences, learning new perspectives and being happier. If you recently achieved empty nester status, though, it may have been a while since you packed a suitcase just for yourself and set out for a relaxing vacation. If that’s the case, we’re here to help. Learn more about why you should travel, how to start planning your trip and how to guarantee a successful journey.Category: Travel Advice
Can ChatGPT Replace a Travel Agent?
These days, you might be feeling uneasy with artificial intelligence (AI) making its way into the travel industry.
It’s understandable to feel concerned. This isn’t the first time travel agents have been thrown for a loop; who could forget when online travel booking burst onto the scene? It was the first leap toward empowering travelers to directly plan trips online for themselves. Now AI, specifically the famed ChatGPT, is poised to turn every industry on its head, including travel.
But will consumers really be able to rely on a ChatGPT travel agent? Will using AI to plan travel replace the living, breathing travel agent experience?
The answer is no. To understand why, we explored ChatGPT’s strengths and weaknesses, asked the platform itself what it thinks about replacing people with a ChatGPT travel agent and looked at whether you can effectively use AI to plan travel for your clients.
How Does ChatGPT Actually Work?
According this comprehensive guide, ChatGPT is technology designed by the company OpenAI to have conversations with its users. For example, you could say “I think it’s important for my clients to protect themselves and their investment in the trip they’re about to take. How can I convince them to buy travel insurance?” ChatGPT might then respond with a numbered list of persuasive talking points to help you make your case.
This is true of almost any topic. Do a brief search and you can find stories about users turning to ChatGPT for writing rough drafts of email responses, developing tips for navigating difficult conversations, creating nutritional plans and even whipping up recipes using only what a person currently has in the fridge.
However, despite those amazing capabilities, ChatGPT frequently risks running up against its significant limitations.
First, ChatGPT (now on its fourth iteration) is not connected to the rest of the internet and does not have access to current information. The platform only has access to data up to 2021 and makes special note of the fact that it may not have current information on flight schedules, hotel availability or travel restrictions.
In addition, the platform freely admits when asked that it can struggle with grasping context. In other words, it can easily misinterpret something you say to it, even if you feel that what you’re asking is simple or quickly understood. Getting the best responses from AI means learning how to best make specific requests, or prompts. There are excellent resources for mastering prompting online, but for the average tourist planning a trip online, this can be a long, arduous learning process.
Finally, and most obviously, this incredible tool lacks emotions and subjectivity. ChatGPT can be excellent for discovering facts about a locale, but without personal experiences or preferences, it’s a poor substitute for travel agents who can offer specific viewpoints and tailored solutions.
Can There Really Be a ChatGPT Travel Agent?
To answer that question, we asked the source. Check out this brief conversation we had with ChatGPT below:
Q: Can ChatGPT replace a travel agent?
A: ChatGPT can provide information and assistance related to travel, but it may not completely replace a travel agent. While ChatGPT can offer recommendations, answer questions about destinations, and provide general travel advice, it lacks the personal touch and tailored expertise that a human travel agent can provide.
Q: Why is that?
A: Travel agents have experience in booking complex itineraries, negotiating deals, and handling specific customer requests. They can offer personalized recommendations based on their knowledge of destinations, hotels, airlines, and other travel-related services. They can also provide assistance in case of unforeseen circumstances or changes to travel plans.
Q: Do you think there will ever be a true ChatGPT travel agent?
A: A future iteration of ChatGPT could potentially incorporate personalized recommendations, advanced itinerary planning, and even negotiation and booking functionalities. However, it’s important to consider that human travel agents possess unique qualities such as empathy, subjective judgment, and deep industry knowledge that might be challenging to replicate fully in an AI system.
While the idea of a true ChatGPT travel agent is intriguing, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between the convenience and efficiency of AI and the human touch that travel agents can provide. It is likely that future travel planning solutions will involve a combination of AI technology and human expertise to create the best possible experience for travelers.
You Can Be the ChatGPT Travel Agent
That need for balance means you can emerge as a premier, cutting-edge travel agent who stays informed using the latest technology while bringing clients only the expertise another person can provide.
To begin using AI to plan travel, first be aware of all the tools you have at your fingertips. While simple ChatGPT is far and away the most popular, another option may work better. Try researching with Google’s Bard alternative, a paid subscription to ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft’s Orca as it becomes more accessible to the public.*
Next, use your conversations with clients to inform your AI research. For example, if someone going to California tells you they want sun and sand but not too many crowds, use that as inspiration for how you write your request in ChatGPT. Consequently, your prompt could be “I need a bulleted list of secluded beaches in California.” Then, once you have your results, fact check to make sure what AI tells you is current and accurate information.
Finally, use that information to help create caring recommendations only a real travel agent can provide-like discussing the benefits of purchasing travel insurance. When helping vacationers finalize their plans, using InsureMyTrip can help determine the right coverage for your unique trip.
*Note: Both Bard and ChatGPT Plus have internet connectivity (ChatGPT Plus integrates Microsoft’s search engine Bing), but the other limitations of AI still apply.
What is Immersive Travel?
What is Immersive Travel and Why is Its Relevance Continuing to Grow in 2023?
Right now, immersive travel is being talked about all over the travel industry. Travelers are looking to get more than just a tourist tee shirt out of their vacation. They want an experience that leaves them feeling enriched with unique memories to bring back home with them. With COVID-19 seemingly in the rear-view mirror, travelers are now trying to make the most out of their vacations and slow tourism is the answer to that call.
What is Immersive Travel?
The question you might be asking is – what is immersive travel? This newly popular type of travel refers to an experience that allows you to fully engage with the destination and its culture, leaving having learned more than you would on an average vacation. It’s not just about seeing the sights, but more so, learning about the local culture, and its people and experiencing life as if you lived there. A few different types of immersive travel trends include:
- Cultural Immersion: Cultural immersive travel trends have been on the rise as of late. This is where a traveler focuses mostly on experiencing local traditions. It may include attending festivals or participating in cultural activities. Any aspect of what the locals do that will give the traveler a deeper sense of understanding and appreciation for the destination they’re traveling to.
- Culinary Immersion: Food is a central part of a destination’s culture and history. Culinary immersion allows travelers to taste local cuisine, learn their cooking techniques, and visit local markets.
- Adventure Immersion: This type of travel is about exploring the destination’s natural surroundings and taking part in outdoor activities that are typical of the area. Whether that be hiking, skiing, swimming, or even just being a witness to wildlife. It is about connecting with nature and challenging oneself mentally or physically.
- Artistic Immersion: This form of immersive travel has a heavy focus on fully experiencing the local art scene. This may include attending local performances, visiting galleries, or even attending a local art class of some form. It’s a great way to expand to connect with local artists and your appreciation for artistic expression.
- Spiritual Immersion: This form of travel allows travelers to deeply connect with their spirituality as well as the opportunity to experience local religions and spiritual practices–often seen in the form of yoga retreats or meditation practices. Some travelers will also visit temples and churches to attend ceremonies and rituals.
Why Slow Tourism is Becoming More Relevant in 2023
In recent years immersive travel, also sometimes referred to as slow tourism, has been on an incline, mostly due to travelers having a deeper desire to seek more meaningful and authentic travel experiences that align with their values and interests. Especially after 2020, people began to have a better understanding of how quickly life can change, and the importance of making the most of their time and money. As we see immersive travel trends continue to become more relevant, it’s evident there are a few other contributing factors. One example includes the general public’s growing interest in sustainable travel. Many people are becoming more aware of their footprint on the environment and have begun to find ways to travel more responsibly. Slow tourism offers opportunities for travelers to connect with nature or support local communities.
Benefits of Immersive Travel
Now that we’ve established familiarity with what immersive travel is and why it is growing in relevance, we can discuss the benefits of this tourism trend. Some include:
- Personal growth and learning opportunities which make it possible for travelers to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness.
- A sense of cultural exchange and understanding that allows travelers to have a deeper appreciation of local customs, traditions, and ways of life.
- It is a more sustainable travel option and promotes environmental awareness and responsible travel practices.
- This form of travel is economically beneficial for local communities. By aiming to have an authentic experience, travelers will support local businesses, artisans, etc. in the process.
Why Compare Travel Insurance
When looking at up-and-coming travel trends it’s largely important that travelers also remember to compare travel insurance plans in that process.
Protecting the special memories that will be made during an immersive travel experience is just as important as the memories themselves. From medical coverage to protection against trip cancellation, a comprehensive plan can cover the traveler through a variety of potential issues. Some of the reasons to compare travel insurance plans when booking an immersive vacation include:
- Medical coverage for unexpected expenses while traveling that may not be covered by a traveler’s domestic medical insurance.
- Helps to protect a traveler’s investment if things don’t go as planned and their trip gets canceled or interrupted.
- Travel delays are inevitable, and bags get lost, but travel insurance may reimburse for necessities if baggage is delayed or lost.
- Sometimes even the most seasoned travelers need help. Investing in travel insurance gives travelers the assurance that help is only a phone call away if necessary.
There are incredible experiences to be had while on an immersive vacation and having it ruined by an unexpected situation is not ideal. Travel insurance makes it so that you may have fewer things to worry about on your trip. The point of an immersive vacation is to have an experience of a lifetime that leaves the traveler with a broadened perspective and new worldly knowledge. By investing in travel insurance, travelers are investing in a trip and the memories they’ll be making. Trust the professionals at InsureMyTrip to help find the best coverage for immersive vacations. Check out our customers’ reviews and ratings and see why all types of travelers are choosing coverage from InsureMyTrip for their trips! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Five Tips for Planning an Immersive Vacation
Traveling is undeniably the best way to explore new cultures, taste unique cuisines, and cultivate memories that will last you a lifetime. However, to fully experience the authenticity and unique charm that a destination has to offer just seeing the sights isn’t enough. You need to immerse yourself in the culture and the environment.
Planning an immersive vacation can be a bit challenging if you don’t know where to begin, especially if you aren’t familiar with the destination. To help you plan a more enriching travel experience, we’ve come up with five tips to help you connect with the local culture, people, and natural surroundings of the destination, as well as help to create a more meaningful slow travel experience. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this guide is sure to get you on the right track for planning an inspiring and transformative immersive vacation.
If you are a new traveler, you may wonder what immersive tourism is. Immersion travel can be defined as a slow travel experience that is based around creating local interactions and authentic cultural experiences. A traveler who is immersing themselves in the place they are traveling to is likely to be seeking a deeper experience than those found in typical tourism. They travel with the goal of returning home having experienced growth and learning on their trip.
Five Tips for Planning Immersive Vacations:
Familiarize yourself with the culture before you go.
The biggest goal of immersive travel experiences is to fully experience a culture and location that is different from where you live and what you know. It’s an opportunity to have an eye-opening experience and learn to understand and appreciate how other areas of the world operate and why. It is also a good opportunity to change any cultural misconceptions you may have had previously about the country or culture. Doing some research ahead of time sets you up for more success when you arrive. What is the language of the area? What is the major religion? Is there an expected dress code? What can you learn about the destination’s history? These are all good questions to answer before arriving at immersive travel experiences.
Prepare for culture shock.
Having the awareness that culture shock does happen, especially when staying somewhere for over a week, is a good place to begin. There are 5 common phases of experiencing culture shock:
- The Honeymoon Stage: When you first arrive and are completely awe-struck by the beauty of your surroundings. Everything is new and exciting.
- Rejection and Hostility Stage: After a little while the things that once seemed exciting may start to frustrate you. You may find yourself comparing things to how they are at home.
- Gradual Adjustment: You will begin to feel more settled into your surroundings. You now know the best ways to travel around, or maybe you’ve discovered your favorite markers, restaurants, etc.
- Adaptation Stage: Here is when you begin to feel at home in this foreign place. You begin to have a community, a routine, and a decent grasp of the language.
- Re-Entry Shock: Lastly, this stage happens when you’ve returned home, and you find yourself having to readjust back to your old life. Some people struggle with return because now home has become something so different from the life you created elsewhere.
When talking about immersive travel experiences, it is very common for all types of travelers, whether they are new or travel experts, to experience culture shock. Remembering why you are traveling this way and all the benefits of immersive tourism will help you move through those feelings more easily. Take it one day at a time and you will be adjusted before you know it.
Plan to eat and shop local.
Food is a very important key to understanding culture. Many parts of culture surround the food; some being rituals, holidays, celebrations, etc. A surefire way to integrate yourself and show the local people you care about their culture is by taking part in those rituals. Giving yourself every opportunity to be immersed in the culture of the locals will help you to get the absolute most out of your slow travel experience.
Learn as much of the language as you can.
Learning some of the language is a really great way to immerse yourself in the place you are traveling to. Locals take note when a traveler is trying to be courteous and respectful of their culture. Trying to learn a new language, even if it’s just a few words and phrases, is a great way to challenge yourself and grow.
Book local guides.
Booking tours with a local guide is 100% the best way to get the inside scoop on an area. Local tour guides know all the best spots to eat, drink, shop, and all the most important things to see and do, and if you’re lucky, they’ll share some hidden gems with you too! This is also a great way to practice the language in a less intimidating environment and to learn about the area you’re visiting. A tour guide will most likely be able to share a lot of history and background with you.
Easy Travel Insurance for Immersive Tourism:
Getting all of the details in order for your immersive trip may be difficult, but that doesn’t mean purchasing travel insurance needs to be. There are a multitude of benefits to adding a comprehensive travel insurance plan to your budget. From medical coverage to protection against trip cancellation insurance, a comprehensive plan may be the right option for your trip.
Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Your Immersive Vacation:
- May provide medical coverage for unexpected expenses that may not be covered by your primary medical insurance.
- Helps to protect your investment if things don’t go as planned and your trip gets canceled or interrupted.
- Travel delays are inevitable, and bags get lost, but baggage coverage may reimburse you for necessities if your luggage is delayed or lost.
- Sometimes even the most seasoned travelers need help. Investing in travel insurance helps to give you assurance that help is only a phone call away if necessary.
All in all, we know the importance of making sure that your trip goes as planned. So much goes into the planning process that we don’t want to see it ruined by any type of misfortune. At InsureMyTrip we feel that the value of comparing travel insurance for vacations is just as important as comparing flights or accommodations. Easily compare plans to find the right policy, which means fewer things for you to worry about while on your trip.
Taking an immersive vacation is supposed to be an opportunity to have an enriching experience and cultivate special memories to last a lifetime. By investing in travel insurance, you are investing in your trip and the memories you’ll be making. Trust the professionals at InsureMyTrip to help you find the best coverage for your immersive vacation. Check out our customers’ reviews and ratings and see why travelers are choosing coverage from InsureMyTrip for their past, present, and future trips! Contact us today to hear more about how we can help you.
Multigenerational Family Vacations
Planning a Multigenerational Vacation for Your Family: Tips for Making the Most of It
Planning multigenerational family vacations – trips that include grandparents, parents, and children all at once – has become more popular in recent years, especially post-pandemic. Spending time with our loved ones is special and something that many people are choosing to no longer take for granted. And what better way to do so than on a multigenerational vacation! Though the planning process may seem like a large feat when looking at the big picture, by breaking it down into steps and following our tips, you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable family trip in no time.
With a lot of factors to consider, such as booking a place large enough to fit the whole family, planning activities all ages can enjoy, the finances for the whole group, and much more, we’ve come up with a list of helpful tips for making the trip as enjoyable as possible.
Here’s what we recommend when it comes to a multigenerational vacation for the family!
A Few Tips for Fun Multigenerational Family Vacations
Though the planning process may seem complicated, following a few small tips will bring everything together more seamlessly.
Begin Planning in Advance
This may seem like an obvious one, but it is maybe the most important part! Organizing every different person’s schedule is not an easy task, so getting together at least 6 months in advance to plan will allow for smoother coordination. This is the time to begin discussing things like the location, who will be in charge of what tasks while on the trip, mapping out an itinerary, talking about the group’s finances, etc. While it’s a good idea to have one person head the planning, everyone’s input is important to ensure the trip is enjoyed by all.
Considering Lodging Most Suitable for Your Group
When deciding where you’ll stay during your trip, it’s crucial to consider the size and location that best suits your family. In terms of affordability, you may find that staying in a rental house is the best idea. If this is the best fit for your family, be sure to consider how close the house is to the activities you plan to engage in, as well as the safety of the neighborhood for the kiddos. And choosing a rental with features like a full kitchen, a large living space, enough bedrooms for everyone, parking, and outdoor space will make a world of difference for the whole family.
Discuss Finances in Advance
No one likes to talk about finances, but doing so in advance will save you a headache later on. Making this part of the planning process helps keep everyone on the same page, ensures that no family member is stressed about money during the trip, and checks the possibility of drama at the door!
Plan Inclusive Activities
With a group that widely varies in age, it’s important to plan activities that everyone is able to join in on. This makes everyone feel thought of and results in happy family members who are all able to join in on the fun! If the kids want to do a more energic activity, plan it strategically for when grandma and grandpa are taking some relaxation time by the pool. Another idea would be to plan activities for the kids that the older folks are able to watch them do from the sidelines. But planning strenuous excursions that include things such as hiking or biking may not be conducive to the happiness of the whole group. Chat with the adults of all ages within the group and see how they feel about the various ideas for planned activities.
Free Time is Important
Although the point of a multigenerational vacation is to be able to spend time with your whole family, humans innately need a little bit of space or alone time. But scheduling some free time doesn’t have to be a negative thing. In fact, it will most likely help each member of the family enjoy each other’s company without feeling burned out. Allow the teenagers to go off to do something together, plan to go for a walk in the morning before everyone else wakes up or, enjoy a cup of coffee in solitude-it will all help you be as present as possible during the moments spent together.
Prioritize Quality Time Together
This tip goes perfectly hand in hand with the last one! Getting to spend time with the whole family is the absolute best part of multigenerational family vacations. As we already discussed, time spent apart will enhance the time spent together, and keep family members from getting annoyed with each other! But by prioritizing the time together, and focusing on quality over quantity, perhaps, you will create special memories for the whole family. Doing things like playing games, partaking in inclusive activities, or even planning days for the family to cook together will create priceless memories for all.
Travel Insurance for Family Vacations
With so much to plan for when it comes to a multigenerational vacation, purchasing family travel insurance oftentimes takes the back seat. But there’s a multitude of benefits to adding a comprehensive travel insurance plan to your family travel budget. From extra medical coverage to trip cancellation insurance, a comprehensive plan has you covered.
Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Family Vacations Include:
- Travel insurance may provide extra medical coverage for unexpected expenses that may not be covered by your domestic medical insurance.
- Comprehensive policies may provide reimbursement for your investment if things don’t go as planned and your trip gets canceled or interrupted. (May vary by policy and provider)
- Accidents can happen, but the right coverage can help when dealing with unexpected situations.
- Travel delays and lost luggage are common, but family baggage coverage may offer reimbursement necessities if your baggage is delayed or lost.
- Sometimes even the most seasoned travelers need help. Investing in travel insurance can help you rest assured that assistance is only a phone call away if necessary.
We understand the importance of making sure that your family trip goes as planned. A trip ruined by any type of misfortune affects the whole entire family. At InsureMyTrip we feel that the value of comparing travel insurance for family vacations is just as important as comparing which airline or lodging option best suits your family.
By purchasing the right family travel, you may have fewer things to worry about. It can offer protection against lost money if you have to cancel your trip. It may offer additional protection in the case of lost luggage. Emergency medical bills may be more manageable with a travel insurance policy, and you won’t have to rely solely on your primary insurance.
Taking a family vacation is supposed to be an opportunity to create special memories with those who matter most. By investing in travel insurance, you are investing in your memories. Trust the professionals at InsureMyTrip to help you find the best coverage for your special family vacation. Check out our customers’ reviews and ratings and see why families are choosing coverage from InsureMyTrip for their past, present, and future trips! Contact us today to hear more about how we can help you.
Best Beach Destinations 2023
With summer around the corner, couples and families will be searching for the ultimate beach destination. Families may look for destinations with highly rated family-friendly hotels and high-quality family attractions, and they may be more concerned with how safe an area is. Couples will likely be looking for a romantic getaway and destinations with adult-only hotels, high-quality romantic attractions, and highly rated, fine-dining restaurants.
We used three unique metrics to judge our family-friendly destinations, these are the quality of family hotels, the quality of family attractions, and area safety. We also used three unique metrics to rank our romantic beach destinations, like the number of adult-only hotels, quality of romantic attractions, and the quality of fine-dining restaurants.
At InsureMyTrip we analyzed 62 popular beach destinations across these data points to find out what the best beach destination is, whether you’re traveling as a family or planning a romantic vacation with your partner.
| Rank | Destination / Country | Country | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corfu,Greece | Greece | 9.41 |
| 2 | Corsica,France | France | 9.12 |
| 3 | Antalya,Turkey | Turkey | 9.07 |
| 4 | French Polynesia,French Polynesia | French Polynesia | 9.04 |
| 5 | Benidorm,Spain | Spain | 9.03 |
| 6 | Dubai,UAE | UAE | 9.01 |
| 7 | Crete,Greece | Greece | 9.00 |
| 8 | Cagliari,Italy | Italy | 8.93 |
| 9 | Gozo,Malta | Malta | 8.92 |
| 10 | Brac,Croatia | Croatia | 8.87 |
Best Family-Friendly Beach Vacation Destinations
All our destinations received high overall scores, with the best family-friendly beach destination awarded to Corfu, Greece. Corfu received an overall score of 9.41, with high scores across all our metrics, unsurprising given it is one of the most popular destinations in Greece.
In second place: Corsica, France. The Mediterranean island just off the coast of mainland Europe scored 9.12 overall. It’s rated the second safest destination on our list with a safety score of 82/100, only beaten by Shirahama, Japan which scored 84/100. Our third best family beach destination is Antalya, Turkey, with an overall score of 9.07.
The remaining destinations in our top 10 are French Polynesia (9.04), Benidorm, Spain (9.03), Dubai, UAE (9.01), Crete, Greece (9), Gozo, Malta (8.92) and Brac, Croatia (8.87).
The best destinations for family hotels are Cagliari, Italy (9.18/10), Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica (9.09/10), and Brac, Croatia (9.01/10). Our best destinations for family attractions are Merida, Mexico (4.64/5), San Diego (4.63/5), and Crete, Greece (4.58/5). The safest destinations in our research are Dubai, UAE (84), Corsica, France, and Crete, Greece, all scoring 82.
How Does the USA Rank for Beach Destinations?
We included 10 beach destinations within the U.S. in our research and pulled out their rankings for family-friendly and romantic beach vacations.
The highest-ranking U.S. destination for a family beach vacation is the Florida Keys with an overall score of 8.73 (19th in overall score), it's also ranked the safest destination in our United States list with an overall safety rating of 74.
We then have Honolulu in 29th (8.5 overall score), Ocean City in 31st (8.49), Galveston in 36th (8.73), Coney Island in 46th (8.09), Myrtle Beach and Los Angeles in 47th (8.07), San Diego in 49th (8.03), San Francisco in 57th (7.59), and Miami in 58th (7.45).
Our highest-ranking romantic destination in the U.S. is Myrtle Beach, scoring 7.73 overall. Myrtle Beach has the weakest ocean current out of our American destinations at just 0.1 m/s.
The remaining romantic U.S. destinations are Honolulu in 34th (7.73 overall score), Florida Keys in 40th (7.71), Los Angeles in 44th (7.66), Coney Island in 45th (7.45), Ocean City in 51st (7.36), San Diego in 52nd (7.31), Galveston in 53rd (7.18), San Francisco in 54th (7.08), and Miami in 58th (6.85).
Conclusion
Overall, there are many great places to visit for your summer vacation this year, whether you want a memorable trip for your kids or a relaxing couple's getaway. For families, we'd recommend Corfu and for couples, we'd recommend Bali. Although if you want a vacation with a bit of both, we recommend the Greek islands. Crete came 7th in our family-friendly table and 3rd in our romantic table and Corfu ranked 1st for families and 10th for couples.
Methodology
Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. For the 'Overall' tab the data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 1-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall average rating across all data points from city-level data.
InsureMyTrip isolated each data point in addition to giving an overall category score. This will give families or couples an opportunity to target destinations for individual points (e.g. quantity of family attractions, ocean current strength or quality of fine dining restaurants). Alternatively, the "Overall" category score gives a general view of which destinations will allow you and the rest of your family to create the perfect lifetime memories.
Sources
Quality of Nearby Beaches
According to the Google Places API, all data was collected using web scraping software.
Sea Temperature
The average max sea temperature across a whole year.
https://www.seatemperature.org/
Lowest Wave Height
The mean significant wave height for each destination.
Weakest Ocean Current Strength
The ocean current strength for each destination.
Family-Friendly Beach Sources
Area Safety
All data was taken from the Numbeo Safety Index 2023, based on tourist surveys, the closer to 100 a destination ranks the safer it is.
https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp
Quality of Family Hotels
Average rating of 25 hotels for a family of four with "Top Family Picks" filter on Booking.com.
Quality of Family Attractions
Average rating of attractions in 'Kid-friendly attraction' filter on Wanderlog.
Romantic Beach Sources
No. Adult Only Hotels
The number of 'adult only' hotels listed on Travel Myth
Quality of Romantic Attractions
Average rating of attractions in 'Romantic attraction' filter on Wanderlog.
Quality of Fine Dining
Average rating of fine dining restaurants on Google Maps
Best Travel Destinations for a Digital Detox
Our best city for a digital detox is Prague, with an overall score of 7.96. This is with high scores across all metrics, especially residents living near car-free zones at 82% and an average travel time of 16 minutes 20 seconds. Prague is a great place to visit if you want to explore on foot without worrying about crossing busy roads.
In second is Rome, with an overall score of 7.65. The highest score across the activity metrics, Rome has an average rating of 4.3/5 stars for parks, 52% of residents near a car-free zone, and 2,078 evening tours.
Closely following is Amsterdam with an overall score of 7.6 and Lisbon with an overall score of 7.58. These cities have the best rated spas from the cities analyzed, with Lisbon having an average rating of 8.92/10 and Amsterdam with an average of 8.55/10.
Out of our top 10, seven are within Europe, in 5th is Copenhagen, Denmark with an overall score of 7.53. In 9th is Madrid, Spain with an overall score of 7.36. and in 10th is Stockholm, Sweden with an overall score of 7.26.
The remaining cities in our top 10 are Marrakech, Morocco (6th) with 7.49 overall, Hong Kong, China (7th) with 7.46 overall, and Dubai, UAE (8th) with 7.44 overall.
Relaxation
Our relaxation metrics include traffic levels and population density as navigating crowds and busy streets can be very stressful, especially when trying not to use your phone. According to our data, the best city to visit for a stress-free environment is Accra, Ghana with an overall relaxation score of 9.19. While we don’t have traffic data, Accra has a population density of 1,300 people per km2 and an average spa rating of 8/10.
The second most relaxing city is Marrakech, Morocco with an overall score of 8.8. Once again, we don’t have traffic data, but Marrakech has some of the highest rated spas at 8.61/10 and a population density of 4,441 per km2.
In third is Dubai, UAE with an overall score of 8.45. Dubai has the lowest traffic level in our data with cars traveling 10km in just 12 minutes and 10 seconds during rush hour. They also have a population density of just 861 per km2 and an average spa rating of 8.1/10.
Activities
If you want to have a digital detox, but still do plenty of highly rated activities, Europe is the ideal continent, with 9 of our top 10 cities. These are Rome, Paris, Prague, London, Athens, Lisbon, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Marid.
The best cities for parks and green spaces are Prague – with an overall rating of 4.3/5 stars – closely following is Athens, Greece with 4.29/5 stars, and Chicago with 4.24/5 stars.
If walkability is important the best cities are Hong Kong with 85% of residents living near car-free zones, Prague with 82% of residents near car free-zones, and Stockholm with 79% of residents near car free zones.
One of the most common times to go on any device is when winding down in the evening, we looked at the number of evening tours to find activities which could occupy your time instead. The city with the highest number of tours is Rome with 2,078 tours, second is Paris and Dubai with 1,383, and third is Athens with 1,225 tours.
Safety
Having a phone on you can often give an element of safety, we’ve used the Numbeo safety metric, the closer to 10 a city has scored the safer it is. The safest city in our research is Abu Dhabi, UAE with a safety score of 10, second is Doha, Qatar with a score of 9.73, and third is Taipei, Taiwan with 9.61.
Internet
Having unlimited access to the internet can make it hard to avoid the temptation of using your devices. We’ve measured our internet metric with the best scores awarded to cities which have the lowest number of free Wi-Fi spots.
With just 38 free Wi-Fi spots Delhi, India scored highest, next is Dublin, Ireland with 128 free Wi-Fi spots, and third is Johannesburg, South Africa with 308 free Wi-Fi spots.
Conclusion
Overall, there are lots of great cities to visit when doing a digital detox. Prague came top overall with high scores across all metrics. European cities generally scored high for metrics, which more adventurous travelers might enjoy, with Rome, Paris, and Prague scoring highest. Travelers wanting a more relaxed holiday should be looking to visit Accra, Marrakech, and Dubai.
Methodology
Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 1-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall average rating across all data points from city-level data.
InsureMyTrip segmented factors into four categories, (Relaxation, Activities, Safety, and Internet) as well as providing an “overall rating” for each of the cities. The categories were organized to allow travelers to find the ideal city based on what was most important to them. For example, if travelers want a city they can relax in, they can make an informed decision on where to go. If instead travelers want to go somewhere with a lot of activities to do instead of going on their phones, they can look on the ‘Activities’ tab.
Sources
Traffic Level
Average time to travel 10km during rush hour.
Population Density
The number of people per km2 within the city proper.
Rating of Spas
The average rating of spas in each city, out of 10.
Rating of Parks
The average rating of parks in each city, out of 5 stars.
Walkability
Percentage of residents who live within 100m (328ft) of a car free plaza, park or street.
Evening Tour Activities
The number of tours taking place between 5pm – 12am.
Safety Score
Based on user data the Numbeo Safety Score is an estimation of the overall safety in each city, with a score closer to 100 being ranked as safer.
World Travel-Her: 5 Great Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in 2023
Solo travel can be an incredibly empowering experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The lessons learned, the sense of independence found, and the memories made while on a solo adventure are unlike anything you can experience in your day-to-day life. In recent years, solo travel, especially for women, has become more normalized – and popular – for both weekend getaways and month-long trips. But something to always prioritize when traveling alone is your safety. If you’re thinking about taking the leap this year, here are some must-see destinations for 2023.
5 Great Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in 2023
There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing a travel destination. The most important of those being what you are interested in experiencing on this solo adventure. Is it historical sights, beautiful beaches, city life, or unique attractions? Maybe somewhere to immerse yourself into the great outdoors, try new food, or learn about different cultures? Here we have compiled a list of five incredible destinations that will also ensure safe travel for women!
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos is composed of 21 total islands in the Pacific Ocean, which are a part of the Republic of Ecuador. With beautiful scenery, plenty of beaches to sit back and relax on, and friendly locals, The Galapagos Islands are an ideal location for a solo traveler who is looking for a good tan and plenty of relaxation. If you love the beauty of natural and unique wildlife, you might enjoy snorkeling with baby sea lions or visiting the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. There are many ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique wildlife in the Galapagos. Whether it be an excursion or sitting back on the beach, there is something for everyone.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is one of the most popular Nordic tourist destinations. Not only is it the largest city in Iceland, but it is also considered one of the greenest, cleanest, and safest cities in the world! From natural hot springs or encountering the Northern Lights to historical landmarks and museums, there’s plenty to see and do here. Some of the top sights in this area include the Blue Lagoon, the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, or the Perlan. If you’re looking to take in the beauty of the city with a 360-degree view, make sure the Perlan is on your list! Reykjavik is a destination that is both memorable and considered as a spot that offers safe travel for women from all over the globe.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Island is a perfect destination if you are looking to have an adventurous solo trip. With tons of outdoor activities and beautiful wildlife this destination is an outdoorswoman’s dream! Check out Butchart Gardens to experience 55 acres of beautifully kept botanical gardens. It may be open all year round, but the most recommended time to visit would be from the spring to the summer. Another great outdoor adventure on Vancouver Island is Sooke Pothole Provincial Park! Here you can cool off in the crystal-clear swimming holes on a hot summer’s day.
London, England
Known as the largest city in the United Kingdom and an extremely popular tourist destination for solo female travelers. If you are a solo traveler looking to experience somewhere that is lively and full of diverse culture, London is a great place to add to your list. Some of the most popular attractions here include Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, or Big Ben. London is known to be one of the most visited cities in Europe making it full of tourist attractions. You won’t get bored here!
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is commonly seen as a unique and lively city. Full of ancient culture as well as modern and futuristic developments. Tokyo has things to do for people of all interests. If you are looking for a trip where you can submerge yourself into a beautiful and unique culture, enjoy incredible food, and learn about rich history Tokyo is the place for you! The Toyosu Fish Market is a sushi lover’s paradise, home of the best and freshest sushi in town-possibly the world! To soak in the beautiful ancient culture of Tokyo, another must-see is Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo!
Tips For Traveling Solo
When it comes to traveling solo, there are always small tips and tricks you can learn to make your trip seamless and your experience much more enjoyable. It is important to realize when traveling abroad that you are entering places with different societal and cultural norms. The more that travelers can blend into the new locale they are exploring, the more enjoyable their experience will be. It is a simple concept, but one that travelers should keep in mind: natives love and respect visitors who also show love and respect to their home.
To ensure the travel safety for women as they explore new locales on their own, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Keeping your knees and shoulders covered when visiting holy grounds such as churches or temples.
- In places such as Japan, keeping your hands in your pockets is viewed as disrespectful.
- Keeping your feet covered in Arab, Muslim, Buddhist, or Hindu countries.
Being culturally aware before heading off on a solo adventure abroad will result in the locals showing you much more respect and consideration. Being flexible to understand how different places do different things will largely benefit you on your journey!
Benefits of Travel Insurance for Women
Even the most prepared and seasoned solo female traveler can face unexpected difficulties along their way. Knowing the ways in which travel insurance can help you, if you do happen to find yourself in an unexpected predicament, could largely benefit you. Travel insurance for women traveling on their own is like having a safety net. It is always reassuring to know you are covered if you need it. And the right package may give you the peace of mind to better enjoy your trip. Travel insurance can offer protection against a broad range of misfortunes that can help women feel safer while traveling – such as coverage if your trip is delayed or canceled, or for medical expenses if you get ill during your travels.
Generally, the U.S. Department of State recommends American travelers carry travel insurance when traveling internationally. There are five main types of coverage that we suggest solo female travelers look into before heading off on their foreign adventures.
- Medical Insurance: Though no one anticipates getting sick when traveling, it happens. It is best to be prepared in case it happens to you because your domestic medical insurance does not usually extend to coverage while abroad. Medical insurance can help cover the cost of international medical bills.
- AD&D Coverage: These plans are similar to a life insurance policy, in that a beneficiary would receive the benefit in the event of your death or dismembering injury while traveling.
- Evacuation Insurance: This coverage provides transport assistance if you become seriously ill or injured while traveling. With some emergency medical evacuation plans, you may be able to choose the hospital to which you would like to be transported.
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption Insurance: Cancellations happen more frequently than we would like. With this insurance the traveler may be reimbursed for unforeseen, covered events that cause cancellation or interruption to their trip.
- Baggage and Personal Item Loss: This form of insurance may reimburse you for lost, damaged, or stolen personal items.
Depending upon the trip you are taking, as well as your own personal concerns, the right kind of travel insurance for you may vary. But as a traveler, it is helpful and responsible to know that you have protection in case you find yourself in any of these situations. There is nothing that helps to give you the peace of mind while traveling like knowing you are safe and covered in any bad event.
Travel Safely with Trip Insurance
Though traveling alone, especially as a female, has commonly been seen as a brave or risky undertaking, by thoroughly preparing for the experience you can turn that narrative around and make it the adventure of your lifetime! Travel insurance makes it possible for women to feel more confident when traveling while also maximizing their unforgettable travel experiences.
InsureMyTrip is the nation’s first-and-largest unbiased travel insurance comparison site. Not only are we able to find you the right travel insurance for women at the right price, but we will help you step-by-step through the process. At InsureMyTrip you can rest assured that we prioritize safe travel for women. Check out our customers’ reviews and ratings and see why solo female travelers are choosing coverage from InsureMyTrip on their past, present, and future trips! Contact us today to find the perfect coverage for all your 2023 travel needs.
The Most Desirable U.S. Wedding Destinations
Many of us dream of the perfect wedding, and the ideal location is a big part of this fantasy. We assessed 160 of the most populated U.S. cities, including one from every state, to find which are the best wedding destinations. We collected data based on the following criteria: quantity and quality of venues, entertainment, and florists in each city, as well as the annual rainfall and average cost of a hotel.
Hopefully, this inspires engaged couples and wedding planners in their search for the perfect place to tie the knot.
| Rank | City / State | State | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Minnesota | 7.79 |
| 2 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Minnesota | 7.77 |
| 3 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Texas | 7.37 |
| 4 | Irving, Texas | Texas | 7.22 |
| 5 | Garland, Texas | Texas | 7.13 |
| 6 | Atlanta, Georgia | Georgia | 7.12 |
| 7 | Ontario, California | California | 7.10 |
| 8 | Bakersfield, California | California | 7.07 |
| 9 | Dallas, Texas | Texas | 7.06 |
| =10 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Colorado | 7.05 |
Overall
According to the combined scores of all the previous data points, the best U.S. wedding destination is Saint Paul, Minnesota with score of 7.79.
Minnesota seems to be the ideal state, since Minneapolis is a close second (7.77). Texas is also well represented in the top five, with Grand Prairie (7.37), Irving (7.22), and Garland (7.13) all scoring well.
Outside of these states, Atlanta (7.12) and Ontario, California (7.10) both place highly.
In contrast, the worst wedding destinations are Columbus, Georgia (with a score of 2.50), Hilo, Hawaii (2.92), and Fayetteville, North Carolina (3.32).
Venues
Many cities are more spoiled for choice than others when it comes to picking a wedding venue, highlighted by their popularity with brides and grooms-to-be.
When it comes to the number of reception venues, Minnesota’s Saint Paul and Minneapolis take second and third on the list with both having nearly 200 wedding locations. The top spot goes to Atlanta with a huge total of 206 venues to choose from.
Of course, quality is better than quantity, and the best venues appear to be in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. According to our list Pittsburgh is home to the highest quality venues, with an average rating of 4.89 stars out of five.
At the other end, couples may want to avoid getting married in Boise or Meridian, since the venues in both Idaho cities have an average rating of 2.81. Cedar Rapids is also not ideal with a rating of 3.02.
Annual Rainfall
For those looking to have an outdoor wedding, certain cities will be riskier regarding the possibility of rain. Although this depends on the time of year, dry locations are a safe choice if you can’t have a wedding in the summer.
The southeast states of Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana have the highest annual rainfall. Two cities from Florida claim the wettest cities with Hialeah getting 70.38 inches of rain per year. Fort Lauderdale is close behind in second. Florida’s rainy season typically runs from late May through mid-October.
Nevada is clearly the driest state, taking four of the top five spots. Vegas has the lowest annual rain of any city, with just 4.19 inches. Bakersfield, California is also low on the list at a mere 6.47 inches. Couples getting married here should have little concern of getting rained on.
Entertainment
No wedding reception is complete without great entertainment. Jersey City has the highest amount of entertainment options according to TheKnot.com – there are 193 wedding bands listed within 10 miles of the city.
Newark, also in New Jersey, is second in the list with 136 bands, while New York takes third with 134. Twelve U.S. cities, including Cleveland and Stockton, had no bands listed on the website.
The average rating of wedding entertainment was a full five stars out of five in 20 cities, such as Grand Prairie, Texas and Ontario, California.
Unfortunately, not all wedding bands go down well. Wedding planners should think twice before booking entertainment from cities like Augusta or Tacoma where the average rating of bands is 0.
Florists
Having a beautiful flower arrangement at their wedding is important for many people, and some cities have a lot more florists available than others.
There are 110 florists in New York, more than in any other U.S. city. Miami and Los Angeles also have 92 and 87 respectively. Smaller cities such as Hilo, Hawaii and Laredo, Texas don’t have any florists.
You are unlikely to go wrong when hiring a professional florist, since every single city has an average rating of at least four stars for their florists. Some of the cities with lower rated florists include Moreno Valley, California and Shreveport, Louisiana.
There are 19 U.S. cities with an average rating of five for their florists. This includes Lubbock, Texas and Oakland, California where all 10 florists in the city are five-star rated. You are sure to have an expert arrangement if you go to a florist in Oakland.
Average Cost of a Hotel
While many U.S. cities provide a dream wedding destination, couples must be realistic when planning their wedding. With large numbers of guests traveling to the wedding, some from far away and even abroad, the cost of hotels in the city should be factored in.
Guests won’t want to travel to a city they cannot afford to stay in. As hosts of the wedding, you may even decide to pay for your guests’ accommodation, so the cost is your concern.
Unsurprisingly, New York City has the most expensive hotels at an average of $661 per night. Boston is second ($638) followed by Austin, Texas ($598). The cheapest city to stay in is Little Rock, Arkansas with $126 per night for a hotel on average.
Conclusion
In summary, the ideal city in which to get married depends on several factors that make each city appealing.
Larger cities are bound to have more venue choices, with some that are out of a fairy tale. But expenses must also be considered, making these places somewhat unrealistic.
No one wants a rainy wedding, and this makes cities in the southeast a risky option at certain times of the year.
When you add the finishing touches of a charming wedding band and magical flower display, the perfect wedding plan comes together.
Methodology
Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are city specific level data points. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall rating across all wedding related data points, to find which city is the most desirable for a wedding.
InsureMyTrip isolated each data point in addition to giving an overall category score. This will give wedding planners an opportunity to target destinations for individual points (e.g., rating of venue, rating of florists, etc.). Alternatively, the “Overall” category score gives a general view of which city is the most desirable for a wedding.
Sources
Number of Venues
The number of reception venues according to TheKnot.com.
Rating of Venues
The average rating of the venues in each city according to TheKnot.com.
Annual Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in inches each city receives according to USClimateData.com.
Number of Wedding Entertainment Bands
The number of wedding entertainment bands within 10 miles of each city according to TheKnot.com.
Rating of Entertainment
The average rating of wedding entertainment bands within 10 miles of each city according to TheKnot.com.
Number of Florists
The number of florists in each city according to WeddingWire.com.
Rating of Florists
The average rating of florists in each city according to WeddingWire.com.
Average Cost of a Hotel
The average cost of a hotel on Saturday 21st October on Booking.com, filtered by ‘top reviewed’ a maximum of 50 hotels prices were checked.
Dream Destinations by State
Everyone has their ideal bucket list destination, the ultimate place they want to visit at least once in their life. But which bucket list destination is the most popular?
With global tourism arrivals set to increase 30% in 2023 consumers are eager to travel more and visit new destinations. At InsureMyTrip we found the top cities and cultural wonders residents in each state want to visit.
Most Popular Cities According to Each State
With many Americans preferring domestic travel it’s unsurprising six of the eight most popular cities are within the United States. However, with 1.8 million average monthly searches Barcelona, Spain is the most desired bucket list destination.
The second most popular dream destination is Chicago, with 597k average monthly searches across 17 states. Notably many of the central states want to visit Chicago, while the outer states would prefer to visit Barcelona.
Los Angeles received 106k average searches across five states: Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, and New Mexico. New York received 64k average monthly searches across Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Boston received 30k average monthly searches from across Maine and New Hampshire. San Francisco is the top destination in Oregon. Birmingham, Alabama is a favorite in Mississippi. While Montreal is popular in Vermont.
Most Popular Cultural Wonder According to Each State
There are 10 cultural wonders people in the U.S. want to visit in 2023 (six of them found within the USA) from the Great Wall of China to Hoover Dam. The most popular cultural wonder is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, with 213k average monthly searches across 21 states. Next is the Statue of Liberty in New York, with 166k average monthly searches across 21 states.
Vermont residents want to travel the furthest with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat receiving 590 average monthly searches, along with the Statue of Liberty in New York. The less known World Heritage site Fallingwater in Pennsylvania is a favorite amongst people in West Virginia, perhaps down to the border between West Virginia and Pennsylvania, where the house is located.
There are several states that can’t decide where they would like to visit. With incredible cultural wonders all over the world it’s a hard decision to make.
Our most indecisive states include Idaho, with 1,600 average monthly searches for the Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, Peru, Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, and Hoover Dam.
For indecisive states, we also have Oklahoma which had 2,900 average monthly searches for the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, and Hoover Dam.
Overall
Overall, people want to visit a range of cultural wonders and cities this year, with Barcelona being the most desired city to visit and the Eiffel Tower the most desired cultural wonder.
Surprisingly, while people in Nevada want to see the Eiffel Tower, they would rather visit Los Angeles. This is true of several states. In Texas they want to see the Statue of Liberty, yet would rather go to Barcelona, which is quite far from New York.
Methodology
Using Google Keyword Planner we recorded search volume for the name of the top 50 cultural wonders and the name of the top 53 most popular cities in each of the 50 States. We then removed any cultural wonders or cities which had the highest volume in the State where they are located.