Category: Travel Planning

Most Popular U.S. Airlines – Listed Alphabetically

At InsureMyTrip, we understand that flight delays, cancellations, and other mishaps may occur when traveling by air. In an effort to empower our customers and provide a resource for stranded air travelers, we’ve compiled the contact information for the most popular airlines in the U.S. Use the jump links below to quickly find your air carrier’s contact information. Savvy travelers can also read about how travel insurance may cover issues with flight delays, cancellations, and even lost luggage.

In an effort to empower passengers to make informed decisions when booking flights, InsureMyTrip has done some research on the performance records of U.S. airports and domestic flights. This resource page provides airline delay and cancellation data for airports in the United States. This information can be used by researchers to make predictions regarding how air travel will likely be impacted during certain times of the year. It can also be helpful for passengers when researching types of travel insurance plans.

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U.S. Airport Delays & Cancellations – 2024 (through June)

InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight delay and cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to get a deeper understanding of the impact of weather, system outages, flight disruptions, and other factors, on U.S. airports in 2024.

Summary:

• San Francisco International (SFO) had the highest delay percentage (37.18%), and Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) had the highest cancellation rate (2.74%) for the first half of 2024.
• Florida shows up four (4) times and Texas appears three (3) times on the list of top 10 airports with the highest percentage of delays (FLL, MCO, MIA, TPA; DFW, AUS, SAT).
• San Francisco International (SFO) and Miami International (MIA) made both the list of top 10 airports with the highest delay and most cancellation percentages.
• Newark Liberty International (EWR) is among the most-improved airports for delays in 2024 over 2023. However, EWR still ranks among the airports with the most cancellations between Jan. – June of 2024.
• Five (5) airports – SLC, MSP, ATL, BOI, SJC – made both the list of top 10 airports with the fewest delays and fewest cancellations.

U.S. Airports with Highest Percentage of Flight Delays in 2024

1. SFO – 37.18% San Francisco International
2. SJU – 26.52% San Juan Airport – Luis Muñoz Marín International
3. DFW – 26.46% Dallas Fort Worth International
4. FLL – 25.73% Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
5. AUS – 25.46% Austin-Bergstrom International
6. SAT – 25.30% San Antonio International
7. MCO – 25.12% Orlando International
8. MIA – 25.05% Miami International
9. BDL – 24.81% Bradley International
10. TPA – 24.76% Tampa International

U.S. Airports with Lowest Percentage of Flight Delays in 2024

1. OGG – 14.16% Kahului Airport
2. IAD – 16.01% Washington Dulles International
3. SLC – 16.27% Salt Lake City International
4. ATL – 17.17% Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
5. MSP – 17.89% Minneapolis-Saint Paul International
6. EWR – 18.02% Newark Liberty International
7. BOI – 18.20% Boise Aiport
8. DTW – 18.36% Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
9. HNL – 18.40% Daniel K. Inouye International
10. SJC – 18.66% San Jose Mineta International

U.S. Airports with Highest Percentage of Flight Cancellations in 2024

These flight delay and cancellation rankings are generated from the top 75 busiest U.S. airports based on arriving flights. These updated lists use the latest available data, which includes January through June of 2024.

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U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2023

InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to gain a closer look at the impact of ongoing flight disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors, on U.S. airports.

Summary:

• San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) had the highest delay percentage (30.97%), and Newark Liberty International had the highest cancellation rate (2.84%) for 2023.
• Florida shows up six (6) times on the list of top 10 airports with the highest percentage of delays (FLL, MCO, PBI, TPA, JAX, MIA).
• San Francisco International's (SFO) delay rate made the biggest jump in 2023. In 2022, SFO was #70 (17.05%) on the list of airports with the most delays. In 2023 SFO jumped 55 spaces to #15 (22.59%).
• The majority of airports with the highest cancellation rates are on the East Coast (EWR, LGA, JFK, BUF, ORF, BOS, FLL); while the airports with the lowest cancellation rates can be found out west (GEG, TUS, KOA, BOI, PHX, SEA, SLC, ABQ, SMF).

This ranking shows the busiest U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which includes January through December of 2023. The above findings compare 2023 with the same time period in 2022.

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U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2022

InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to gain a closer look at the impact of ongoing flight disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other factors, on U.S. airports.

Summary:

• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) has the highest cancellation rate in the country for 2022: 5.55% - up from 1.43% in 2021. That's an increase of 286.77%.
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City saw the largest increase in canceled flights - from 1471 in 2021 to 8795 in 2022 - a 497.89% jump.
• Only eight (8) airports (MSY, RNO, DFW, IAH, HOU, KOA, SAT, MEM) had a lower percentage of cancellations in 2022 than in 2021.
• Hawaii airports maintain a consistent reputation for low cancellations. Three of that state's airports (KOA, OGG, HNL) report the lowest percentage of canceled flights in 2022.

This ranking shows the busiest U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which includes January through December of 2022. The above findings compare 2022 with the same time period in 2021.

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U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2021

InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to gain a closer look at the impact of COVID-19, and other factors, on U.S. Airports.

Summary:

• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported the highest cancellation rates in the country for 2021 with an average cancellation rate of 5.18%.
• Three (3) airports in Texas - DFW, HOU, and DAL - made the top 10 list for most flight cancellations.
• Hawaiian airports (KOA, OGG, HNL) maintain a consistent reputation for punctuality.
• Overall, cancellations were significantly down in 2021 compared to 2020, the peak of the pandemic.

This ranking shows U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which now includes January through December of 2021.

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U.S. Airports Ranked By Flight Cancellation Rates - 2020

InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest flight cancellation data gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to gain a closer look at the impact of COVID-19, and other factors, on U.S. Airports.

Summary:

• Hollywood Burbank Airport reported the highest cancellation rates in the country so far this year with an average cancellation rate nearing 10 percent. In 2019, Hollywood Burbank averaged around 3.88 percent of flights canceled.
• Chicago, Buffalo, New Orleans, San Jose, and Las Vegas also reported high volume of flights canceled.
• Despite unpredictable weather patterns common to the area, Ted Stevens Anchorage International reported the lowest percentage of cancellations (2.47%) of the top 75 busiest airports.

This ranking shows U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which now includes January through December of 2020.

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Busiest U.S. Airports Ranked by Flight Cancellation Rates - 2019

InsureMyTrip issues its latest airport rankings for flight cancellations

Summary

• Chicago Midway International reported the highest cancellation rates in the country, bad storms and the groundings of 737 Max jets likely contributed to the spike.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International continues to make an impressive on-time performance comeback in 2019.
• New York's LaGuardia no longer reports the highest percentage of canceled flights in the country. The NYC airport now ranks 8th, a significant improvement.
• California wildfires led to a significant increase in flight cancellations for Burbank last year.
• Salt Lake City International in Utah and Kahului Airport in Hawaii maintain a consistent reputation for punctuality, celebrating another year of shocking low cancellations.

This ranking shows U.S. airports with the most and least percentage of flights canceled. This updated list is based on newly released data, which now includes all of 2019.

Rank/Airport

Dealing With Flight Delays

Each airline has its own flight delay policy for passengers waiting at the airport; there are no federal requirements. Travelers concerned about delays should be aware of the following:

• Generally, early departures are less likely to be delayed.
• Book a non-stop flight (no stops).
• When booking, ask the airline about the on-time performance percentage for an individual flight.
• Closer to departure, check real-time airport data. This will provide timely information on weather concerns or air traffic delays.
• Be aware of "creeping delays." This is when an airline continues to push back a departure time it can sometimes be extended for hours or lead to a cancellation.
• If a flight is delayed, try to learn the reason why to better gauge if the flight is in jeopardy of being canceled. Reasons for delays may include maintenance, fueling, crew issues, weather, previous flight with the same aircraft arrived late, causing the present flight to depart late, or security issues.
• Some flights will be delayed on the tarmac before or after take-off. As a general rule, DOT prohibits flights to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours.

Passengers with departing flights at busier airports should consider travel insurance with robust travel delay benefits.

To schedule an interview with an expert or to request specific research data, please contact [email protected].

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25 Busiest U.S. Airports for Holiday Travel

In an effort to help empower travelers to make more informed decisions when it comes to holiday travel preparations, InsureMyTrip predicts which U.S. airports will likely be the busiest, and reviews how the latest data trends can aid travelers when comparing travel insurance benefits.

Summary:

• Chicago O'Hare International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International will be the busiest airports in the country during the 2019 holiday season
• Passengers should check crowd-sourced airport security wait times by using the My TSA application and prepare for longer lines during Christmas week
• Passengers with departing flights at busier airports are more likely to utilize a travel delay benefit and, therefore, may want to compare travel insurance policies with better delay protection

Busiest Airports This Christmas

According to InsureMyTrip, this is the list of busiest airports for Christmas week, based on total domestic flights reported for 2019 thus far:

InsureMyTrip analyzed non-stop domestic flights by major air carriers collected in 2019 thus far by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Longest Estimated Security Wait Times

According to InsureMyTrip, here's a general look at the time of the week when security wait times for passengers tend to be the longest:

Both the TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provide information on wait times at airports and border crossings. While security wait times are dynamic, travelers can check crowd-sourced airport security wait times by using the My TSA app prior to departure.

Best Protection for Flight Delays

Based on these data results, travelers can make smarter choices about their travel plans and travel insurance purchases. For example, passengers with departing flights at busier airports are more likely to utilize a travel delay benefit and, therefore, may want to compare travel insurance policies with better delay protection.

Travel delay benefits vary with each travel insurance provider, generally between a 5 and 24-hour window. The benefit is designed to provide reimbursement for reasonable meals and accommodations while unable to travel.

Tip: Travelers must be delayed for a certain number of hours before this benefit can be applied. When comparing travel insurance, look for the minimum delay time (typically, starting at 5 hours) to start qualifying for coverage as soon as possible.

Best Protection for Delayed Bags

Travelers may also want to ensure baggage delay coverage is included under a selected comprehensive travel insurance plan. Baggage delay coverage generally becomes active after belongings have been delayed for a specified period of time, typically 12 or 24 hours.

Tip: When comparing travel insurance, look for a maximum per-person coverage amount as well as a per-day limit. For example, some policies may offer $500 per person to purchase incidentals, but only allow $200 to be spent per day.

Best Protection for Missing Cruise Departure

For those concerned about a delayed flight adversely affecting a cruise or tour departure, travelers may also want to ensure a missed connection benefit is included under a selected comprehensive travel insurance plan. This benefit is designed to provide travelers with coverage if a delayed flight (for example, of 3 hours or more) causes a traveler to miss a cruise departure.

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Worst U.S. Airports for Hurricane-Related Delays & Cancellations

In an effort to help empower passengers to make more informed decisions while traveling during the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, InsureMyTrip predicts which U.S. airports are most prone to delays and cancellations and what passengers should know about airline policies.

Airport Delay Data Summary:

• Researchers ranked the on-time performance for the busiest airports in the Eastern U.S., the part of the country that is most impacted by tropical storms.*
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is ranked the best overall for handling delays and cancellations during hurricane season. It is also the busiest.
• Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International are ranked the worst overall for delays and cancellations during hurricane season. All three airports are twice as likely to report a weather delay than any other airport on the list.
• Passengers should anticipate flight disruptions when a storm develops. Nationwide, flight cancellations soared for major U.S. airports in August and September last year due to storms.

Overall U.S. Airport Data Ranking (Worst to Best)

1. Newark, NJ: Newark Liberty International
2. New York, NY: LaGuardia
3. New York, NY: John F. Kennedy International
4. Houston, TX: George Bush Intercontinental/Houston
5. Washington, DC: Ronald Reagan Washington National
6. Dallas/Fort Worth, TX: Dallas/Fort Worth International
7. Fort Lauderdale, FL: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
8. Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia International
9. Boston, MA: Logan International
10. Baltimore, MD: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall
11. Dallas, TX: Dallas Love Field
12. Orlando, FL: Orlando International
13. Houston, TX: William P Hobby
14. Miami, FL: Miami International
15. Washington, DC: Washington Dulles International
16. Fort Myers, FL: Southwest Florida International
17. Raleigh/Durham, NC: Raleigh-Durham International
18. Austin, TX: Austin - Bergstrom International
19. Tampa, FL: Tampa International
20. Charlotte, NC: Charlotte Douglas International
21. Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh International
22. Nashville, TN: Nashville International
23. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio International
24. New Orleans, LA: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
25. Atlanta, GA: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

With travel restrictions continuing to ease around the United States, many travelers are planning trips to visit family and friends during the holiday season. While it is common practice for travelers to check the traffic report before leaving the house, there may be a better way to prepare for your trip. Like with many travel instances, a bit of preparation can save a great deal of hassle, and extra education may help inform travelers which states may take extra time when passing through.

The team at InsureMyTrip has identified the busiest and least busy states for each form of travel: air, rail, and road. In the U.S., the 2021 Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend saw travel volumes that approached those from before the pandemic. Using this as a source, we reviewed data from the last five years to give a more accurate representation of how travel may be affected through the rest of the holiday season, allowing travelers to better prepare for the journey ahead.

Overall Busiest States During the Holiday Season

The top five busiest states during the month of December are:

1. Georgia
2. Colorado
3. Illinois
4. Arizona
5. Nebraska

Georgia is well known for having one of the busiest international airports in the world, but road traffic has also increased significantly. If you are planning travel to or through Georgia, it seems rail would be the most sensible given the reported crowd volume.

In fact, travel by train seems to be the quietest form of transportation for almost all of the top five busiest states. The only exception is Nebraska, whose rail travel levels are the highest of the three transportation method examined.

Overall Quietest States During the Holiday Season

The top five quietest states during December are:

1. West Virginia
2. Wyoming
3. Mississippi
4. Idaho
5. Montana

West Virginia shows no increase in road traffic or train demand over the holiday season, while there is also limited demand for trains into the state. However, train travel does appear to be the busiest travel method over the holidays.

Comparatively, the other four of the five quietest states show travel via car to be the busiest option when traveling through the state.

The Busiest States to Drive Through During the Holiday Season

Michigan has seen the biggest increase in relative road traffic over the holiday season at 19.6%. The average vehicle miles traveled for the state over the past five November months was 7,217. This increases to 8,631 vehicle miles traveled over the past five December months.

The Quietest States to Drive Through During the Holiday Season

The quietest state on the roads is West Virginia, which has seen a 15% decrease in road traffic over the holiday period. West Virginia has recorded an average of 1,862 miles traveled by vehicle every November over the past five years, then dropping down to an average of just 1,582 miles traveled each December over the past five years.

The Busiest States to Fly to Over the Holidays

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia is the busiest airport in the U.S. for December arrivals, which is not a surprise as it is well known as being one of the busiest airports in the world. On average, over for the past five years, there have been 40,278,600 arrivals each December.

The Quietest States to Fly to Over the Holidays

The quietest airport during the holiday season is Minot International Airport in North Dakota, with an average of just 137,000 arrivals over the past five Decembers.

The Busiest States for Train Service Over the Holidays

Nebraska has seen a 536% increase in demand for travel via train over the past five holiday seasons, much higher than any other state. North Dakota, Illinois, New York and Florida make up the remaining top five busiest states for train travel.

The Quietest States for Train Service Over the Holidays

Oregon has the least demand for rail travel over the holidays, with searches for trains to the state decreasing 77.7% during the December period.

Conclusion

Travel during the holiday season can be stressful, particularly you’re unsure what the traffic will look like when crossing state lines. While we cannot advise you on which roads to take, or train lines to avoid, we hope this guide has provided some insight as to which states might delay your journey. No matter where your travels take you during the holidays, remember to check the restrictions and requirements of each state you will be passing through for COVID-19 restrictions and guidance.

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 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 average rating across all data points which includes both city-level data and one country-level data point.

Sources

Average Change in Vehicle Miles Traveled

Federal Highway Administration Traffic Volume Trends

Busiest and Quietest Airports

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Average Change in Rail Demand

Google Keyword Planner for “train to ‘X state'” and “train to ‘X state capital'”

When it comes to planning a trip to Walt Disney World, vacationers definitely want to plan ahead. Frequently, travelers ask us “when is the best time to go to Disney World?” While choosing the best time to visit Disney depends on personal preferences and availability in your schedule, there are times of the year that are better for avoiding crowds and maximizing fun. We’ve taken a look at some of the slowest and busiest times of the year at Disney as well as seasonal weather, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Best Months for Walt Disney World Vacations

Generally speaking, most trips to Walt Disney World are understandably scheduled around the school year, which can be a convenient time for family vacations. However, many park experts actually recommend taking the kids out of school to head to Disney. School vacations in December, February, and April are often when the park is the most crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Traveling at off-peak times will allow you the option to visit when crowds are lighter, particularly if you are able to plan your park days during the week. Festivals and special events, like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall, Marathon Weekend in January, and the Flower and Garden Festival in the spring, may also increase crowd levels at certain times of year, so be aware of any scheduled happenings when planning your vacation.

Florida is also famous for its sweltering summer heat, so the fall, winter, and spring may be ideal for those who don’t like to sweat. Based on these considerations, the best time to visit Walt Disney World is late August through September.

If taking the kids out of school isn’t an option for you, traveling to Orlando during the summer months is definitely still doable but you’ll want to make a few extra considerations. The summer sun can be dangerous especially for kids and older family members. You’ll want to pack plenty of sunblock, stay hydrated, and plan your afternoons carefully. Spending the morning and evening hours in the park and the afternoon at the water parks is a great way to beat the heat. Also if you’re planning to attend any indoor shows or events, try to get tickets for the afternoon to keep the kids out of the heat.

Adults traveling to Disney without children often prefer to visit the park during the school year. If you’re a Disney fanatic but will not be traveling with kids, choosing a time during the school year is ideal. It’s also worth noting that promotional dining packages and hotel offers are common during this time of year, so it can be a great time to score a deal.

Labor Day is often a busier weekend than others during September, which is worth noting, but overall this time of the year is quite popular among Disney vacationers. Another consideration to make, however, is that hurricane season (which runs from June 1 through November 30) could impact your travel plans. When it comes to unpredictable storms and other unexpected travel hiccups, travel insurance can be a great investment for your Disney trip. Although Disney offers some coverage directly, it’s generally limited. Opting for a comprehensive travel insurance plan from a third-party can help protect against things like travel delays, nonrefundable tickets for canceled events, baggage loss, and unforeseen weather-related mishaps.

Avoiding the Crowds at Disney World

Another popular time to visit Disney World is from mid-November through mid-December, excluding the busy week of Thanksgiving. The weather is much milder than other times of year. The kids are usually back in the groove of the school year so parents will often determine that they can afford to miss a few days. The park’s Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations are astounding with plenty of special seasonal events. While Disney’s resorts typically fill up early for all of December, it doesn’t always translate into huge crowds, so we recommend taking advantage if the timing works for your trip.

Winter getaways during mid-January to mid-February or even late March provide visitors to Disney with even more options for avoiding crowds and summer heat. Although the weather will be cooler and the waterparks may be closed, the abundance of deals and special activities make this time of year very attractive for Walt Disney World vacations.

One important consideration to make when planning a trip to Disney World is the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination rates both at your home and your intended destination. At times throughout the pandemic, Florida has struggled to keep new cases and hospitalizations under control. This is especially important when it comes to traveling with kids who may not be able to get the vaccine yet. We recommend following the CDC’s travel guidance when it comes to planning any vacations. Walt Disney World has strict cleaning procedures and mask mandates to combat the spread within the park, which should give travelers some peace of mind but it’s important to monitor the situation in the weeks and days leading up to your trip. You may also want to check current travel restrictions, whether you are a domestic or international traveler, to ensure you will know what is required when traveling in and out of the state of Florida.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are relieved to see some normalcy return to the travel industry. Domestic travel restrictions are slowly easing and U.S. travelers, particularly those who have been fully vaccinated, are once again able to enjoy international travel.

Despite this encouraging normalcy, a sense of anxiety about catching COVID-19 abroad still lingers with some travelers. Using data from our Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) calculator, we have identified which international destinations have U.S. travelers the most concerned about catching the COVID-19 virus. The results are as follows:

According to our data, U.S. travelers planning a trip to Portugal are the most concerned about contracting COVID-19. 79% of future travelers reported feeling anxious about this.

According to Our World in Data, Portugal has a rolling 7-day average of 857.14 COVID-19 cases on September 21, 2021. This equates to roughly 8.4 cases per 100,000.

Comparatively, the United States has a rolling 7-day average of 135,562.76 cases on 9/21/2021. This equates to roughly 40.7 cases per 100,000.

Despite this feeling of concern, vaccination rates are relatively high in Portugal, with up to 84.9% of the population fully vaccinated. This is significantly higher than the U.S., which has just 54.12% of the population fully vaccinated as of September 2021.

Trip Price Could Indicate Level of Worry About Catching COVID-19

Interestingly, it doesn’t seem the level of worry correlates with case numbers or vaccination rate. For travelers, these concerns may be based on other factors.

One could be distance, with 40% of the top 10 located in Europe.

Another could be price. When reviewing the average trip price of each respondent, and it seems the more affordable the trip is, the higher the concern about catching COVID-19:

For economical trips (e.g. any trip under $1,500), 65% of respondents reported concern about catching COVID-19.

This decreases by 6 percentage points for expensive trips (a trip between $6,000 and the most expensive recorded trip – $150,000).

Conclusion

COVID-19 anxiety is clearly present in many travelers. However, this concern is not necessarily based on factual case numbers.

One of the ways of easing travel anxieties is ensuring you are fully vaccinated prior to departure. Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 resources for more information.

With travel restrictions continuing to evolve, it’s understandable that there may still be hesitation by travelers to book their international trips. For those feeling hesitation, we recommend considering Cancel for Any Reason travel coverage, while may allow for maximum cancellation flexibility. However, this coverage option is time-sensitive and has other requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

For further reading on travel insurance as it relates to COVID-19, check out our dedicated page on travel insurance and the coronavirus.

Methodology

All data was recorded internally from our Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance calculator tool.

Travelers were asked if they were interested in purchasing CFAR due to fear of contracting COVID-19 in their specific holiday destination. Users responded in a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ format.

This article was based on the 2,051 complete responses received at the time of publication.

Backpacking 101

If you are a first-time backpacker or a seasoned globe trekker, you know that education and planning are key components of a successful trip. Whether you are heading to Europe, hiking your local trails, or heading out for an extended trek on the Appalachian trail, here are some tips for traveling like a pro on your backpacking trip.

Best Destinations for Backpacking Trips

Picking a destination is the first step when planning a backpacking adventure. According to The Travel Channel, there are some countries that stand out as ideal spots for nomadic travelers.

Top picks on the site’s “Best Backpacking Countries” list include India, Chile, Australia, Peru, Vietnam, Ireland, Greece, New Zealand and the southwestern U.S. There are also plenty of tour companies that help travelers with backpacking itineraries. A few to check out include Gap Year Tours and Gap Adventures. Lonely Planet also offers travel guides for those seeking help planning a backpacking tour.

Best Hikes for Backpackers

For those who are seeking a hiking vacation rather than a sightseeing trip, here are a few of the “World’s Best Hikes” compiled by the experts at National Geographic:

Mont Blanc

This 100-mile trek through Western Europe brings adventurers through three different countries, including France, Italy, Switzerland.

Sierra High Route

195 miles through California starts at Kings Canyon National Forest and passes through several different rugged mountain ranges. This type of trail is best for advanced hikers.

Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass

This trek is perfect for hikers looking to take in the sights of Iceland. From hot springs to glaciers to active volcanoes, there’s something for every sightseer.

Te Araroa Trail

Te Araroa in New Zealand stretches over 1800 miles and offers views of bluffs, lakes, beaches, and more. It’s the longest hiking (known in New Zealand as “tramping”) trail in the country and is very popular among locals and international travelers alike.

Franconia Ridge Loop/Traverse

This trail brings hikers high up into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The rocky route takes backpackers over four 4000 foot mountains, including Mt Flumes, Mt Liberty, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Lafayette.

Pacific Crest Trail

This popular route stretches over 2600 miles and brings backpackers through California, Oregon, and Washington along the west coast of the U.S. The highest point at Forester Pass is over 13,000 feet in elevation.

Tip: While some of the trails are arduous and require advanced training, there are some great day trips for amateur hikers. For more great suggestions for backpacking trips, check out “America’s Best Dayhikes” from Backpacker Magazine. For guided hiking tours, see this guide from the National Parks Service.

What to Bring on a Backpacking Trip

Selecting the best backpacking gear for your trek takes some research and planning. There are tons of designs, features, and accessories when it comes to backpacking gear, but we’ve focused on the essentials. Take a look at the following sections and lists to get an idea of what items are most important for a backpacking trip as well as some popular options.

Choosing the Right Backpack

Picking a backpack can take some research. Some outfitters suggest asking these questions before you compare and buy:

What can it fit and will the backpack work for my trip? The size pack you’ll need is tied to the length of your trip and how much weight and bulk you want to carry.

What features do I want? These are the refinements that affect how the pack works for you.

Does it fit? Torso length, not your height, matters most.

While experts suggest visiting a luggage or sports equipment store to try backpacks on in person, you can also start researching online. Sites like REI, Backcountry.com, YETI, Northface and L.L. Bean offer some great backpacks for hiking with a wide array of price points, sizes, and features.

Navigation Equipment

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass
• Watch
• GPS

Sun Protection

• Sunscreen/sunblock
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat

Clothing & Insulated Supplies

• Jacket
• Vest
• Pants
• Gloves
• Hat
• Quality hiking boots
• Moisture-wicking clothing
• Emergency heat-reflecting blanket

Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Extra batteries or charger packs

First-Aid Kit Supplies

• Antiseptic & antibacterial ointment
• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Gauze & non-stick sterile pads
• Medical adhesive tape
• Pain relief medication
• Prescription medications
• Bug bite ointment & anti-itch cream
• Antihistamines for allergies or severe allergic reaction (EpiPen)
• Hand sanitizer
• Fine-point tweezers
• Sunburn relief spray or gel
• Eye drops

Fire & Heat Source

• Matches or lighters
• Waterproof container
• Flint/fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

Repair Kit & Tools

• Knife or multi-tool
• Repair kits for your stove, mattress or bike if you brought one
• Duct tape strips or roll
• Superglue

Food & Nutrition

• Energy food or drinks
• Dehydrated meals
• Extra day’s supply of food
• Food choices will depend on preference and the length of the trip, but some suggestions include rice/pasta, hummus, leafy greens, lean meats, cheese, and nuts/nut butter.

Water & Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration reservoirs
• Water filter or another treatment system

Tent & Emergency Shelter Supplies

• Backpacking tent
• Tarp or bivy
• Compact sleeping bag

Additional Accessories

• Bear spray (if traveling in areas with dangerous wildlife)
• Locator beacon
• Rain gear
• Trekking poles

Protecting Your Backpacking Trip

Globe trekking through multiple countries for extended periods can be a bit daunting even if you remember to pack everything. Consider purchasing insurance for your backpacking trip if you are worried about the unpredictable interrupting your trip. Even if your backpacking trip is planned for one to a few days, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure your hiking plans are protected.

Best Mobile Travel Apps for Mapping, Expenses & Planning

Savvy travelers think of their phones as toolboxes. They load them with the best travel apps to make everything from navigating back roads to booking rooms and even saving on flights easier than ever. Because you would need an app to sort through all the thousands of vacation planning apps on the market, we did the homework for you. The following are must-have travel apps that make traveling less stressful and more seamless. All of these travel apps are available for both Google/Android and Apple users and many are free of charge. That’s right, free travel apps! Don’t leave home without them.

Trip Mapping Apps

Google Maps – Navigating around a new place can be complicated. But Google takes away some of the complications with its popular Google Maps app. This free travel app eliminates the need to pay for GPS with a rental car. The voice-guided navigation is usually reliable and defaults to take you on the fastest route, even accounting for traffic accidents, congestion, and road construction. It will also tell you how fast, and when, you can get from point A to point B on public transportation in most major cities. The 360-degree street view is helpful for scoping out potential hotels and restaurants. There are too many quality features to highlight, but it’s worth noting they’ve earned the app 4 stars out of five in the Play store. Favorite Feature – Reviews are included in search results so you can see how other travelers rated things like accommodations, activities and food along your route.

Waze – No one wants to spend their vacation or business trip stuck in traffic. Similar to Google Maps, Waze offers the perfect solution to gridlock by using real-time traffic information to provide personalized directions. This way, you can avoid construction zones, accidents, and other slow-downs. Travelers can also get estimated arrival times, which is especially helpful for maximizing your travel schedule. Choose from a variety of voice settings and let the travel app guide you. Favorite Feature – Real-time directions make it easy to avoid hazards, accidents, and slow-downs in new or unfamiliar cities.

Offline Travel Map Apps

Just Ahead – Road tripping is a fun, educational experience with this 4-star-rated app. The app uses GPS to act as an automatic audio guide for some of the most popular tourist destinations. From major national parks to scenic drives and historical landmarks, if it’s worth knowing about, Just Ahead offers commentary so you can listen and learn, hands-free. Unlike a lot of apps, Just Ahead doesn’t rely on crowdsourcing for its information. Each audio tour is written by a vetted guide and read by a skilled narrator. This must-have travel app is well worth the cost, between $7.99 – $9.99. Favorite Feature – Since many national parks lack strong cell phone signals and WiFi connectivity, being able to access Just Ahead’s audio guides and internal maps offline is a huge plus.

Trip Planning & Itinerary Apps

TripIt – The days of relying on printed itineraries and shuffling papers are behind us. TripIt stores all of your travel plans in one place, so you can conveniently access your master itinerary. Instead of manually inputting travel plans, users just have to forward confirmation emails to [email protected]. The travel app can also be synced with other calendars. That way your friends and family can see where you’ll be and when. It’s free and the latest version has a 5-star rating in iTunes. Favorite Feature – Users who link their email accounts to the app don’t have to worry about forwarding confirmation emails. The app recognizes those emails and automatically imports them.

Kayak Trips – This travel app works similarly and is a solid alternative choice to TripIt. Not only does Kayak Trips store all of your travel plans and receipts in a single app but it also provides real-time travel information like flight status and gate change alerts. The streamlined process of saving and compiling travel plans is very popular among adventurers, especially because the app supports “offline” use as well. Favorite Feature – The intuitive interface, real-time updates, and “offline mode” really set this travel app apart from other options.

Travel Apps for Staying Connected

WiFi Map – You don’t realize how much you rely on your phone’s cellular data plan to connect to the internet until you travel to remote regions or abroad. For those trips when you’re seeking out a WiFi connection to avoid roaming charges, use WiFi Map. The app’s community of users anonymously contributes the locations, passwords and reviews of WiFi hotspots around the world. Currently there are more than 5 million hotspots, and the app has a 4.5 star rating in the Google Play store. Favorite Feature – The full version will find and load WiFi hotspots at your intended destination before you even depart.

WhatsApp – Staying in touch with family and communicating with friends you meet on your travels is free, and easy, with WhatsApp. As long as you have an internet data plan, you can send messages, photos, and even videocall your contacts without incurring charges. With over 2 billion users in more than 180 countries, the app is one of the most widely used among travelers. This must-have travel app is free and has a rating of 4.1 stars. Favorite Feature – Sometimes you just want to hear the voice of a loved one. With WhatsApp Calling, you can ring or videocall your contacts over an internet connection instead of a costly roaming bill.

Travel Currency & Expenses Apps

XE Currency – There are almost 200 currencies in the world, so keeping track of conversion rates on international trips can be quite challenging. Unless you have the XE Currency app which does the math for you. Featuring live rates for every country’s currency, the app’s calculator is the best on the market, pun intended. The latest version even supports sending funds internationally with a single seamless interface. Favorite Feature – No WiFi? No problem. XE Currency stores rates, and the calculator can be used offline.

Flight Booking Apps

Skyscanner – This app is a metasearch engine that queries many different booking sites to help find the most competitive rates. What started with finding flights now also supports additional booking options, including hotel reservations and rental cars. Skyscanner makes it easy to compare not only domestic but also international bookings. Over 30 languages are supported and the company reports over 100 million monthly users. Favorite Feature – The “Explore Everywhere” feature lets users view all the destinations they can fly to from their origin location, which is very popular with travelers in the earlier stages of trip planning.

Hopper – After you save up to 40 percent on a flight on Hopper, you’ll see why this app is so popular among travelers. Hopper features a suite of tools for not only flights but also hotels and rental cars. Users can set up notifications, so they are alerted when the best deals are released. Hopper differs from other flight apps in that it uses your destination and travel dates to predict the best time to buy. This free must-have travel app uses its database of historical flight prices and claims 95 percent accuracy. Favorite Feature – Hopper not only notifies you when ticket prices are at their lowest, but also allows you to purchase your seat within seconds in the app. The “freeze prices” is also great when it comes to planning a trip.

Specialty Travel Apps

Google Translate – This translation app is perfect for those traveling internationally. The free app supports text translation between over one hundred different languages but also offers an offline mode that supports over fifty languages, making it ideal for travel. Additional features, which include tap to translate, conversations, handwriting, phrasebook, and cross-device functionality make Google Translate stand apart from other translation alternatives. Favorite Feature – The “instant camera translation” allows travelers to use their phone cameras to get instantaneous translations in over 90 languages, which is perfect for reading signs and navigating in new places.

PackPoint – Packing for a trip can be a challenge and making smart decisions about what to bring with you is easier than ever with Packpoint. Travelers simply enter their trip details including destinations and travel dates, and the app recommends what to pack based on the length of the trip, weather at your destination, and more. The app is a favorite among forgetful types who always leave home without something. Now you can travel confidently knowing that you’ve packed everything you need. Favorite Feature – PackPoint customizes your packing list based on real trip information, including your planned activities.

Bring Fido – User-friendly and dog-approved, Bring Fido is the best app for making travel with pets less of a hassle. This 4.5-star-rated app connects travelers with dogs to a like-minded community of pet-friendly hotels, beaches, restaurants and more. Search filters allow users to look for hotels that waive pet fees, accept large breeds and welcome multiple pets. Favorite Feature – Bring Fido also has a substantial database of pet service providers. Without having to go to Google, users can quickly pull up their destination’s best dog walkers, veterinarians, trainers, and groomers.

Planning for a River Cruise

If you are considering a river cruise, you know there’s a lot to consider when prepping and packing for your trip. Here are some helpful tips as well as a river cruise packing list from the pros to ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch.

Check the Weather Forecast

Before planning your river cruise packing list, check the weather for the cities and destinations you plan to visit while away. This will help give you an idea on the types of clothes you may want to pack. Also, be aware the river breeze can be chilly at night, even during the hot summer months.

Follow the Dress Code & Pack Accordingly

Prior to a river cruise, check the dress code suggested by the cruise line. Not all cruise lines have a suggested dress code, but if it does you’ll want to take their guidelines into account when packing your bags. Cruise lines may post their own packing lists, which helps passengers bring exactly what makes sense for the itinerary, activities, scheduled stops, and local weather.

Online cruise forums offer some great feedback from passengers on what to wear and what not to wear. Popular threads on websites like TripAdvisor and Rick Steves frequently cover packing for a river cruise. Travel bloggers also have helpful tips for river cruisers and often provide “real life” insights from past experiences. For example, sometimes river cruisers forget to pack rainwear and swimwear even though most river cruise ships have a sun deck.

Cruise Critic also offers a handy guide to help river cruises make sure they’re bringing all the right clothing, footwear, and accessories.

Review the River Cruise Itinerary

Review the river cruise itinerary and information about any excursions you may want to take. For example, you may want to pack extra workout clothes or golf shoes if you want to take an exercise class on book a round of golf. Also, many cruise lines offer unique outings to local events at each port (like a performance, concert, or ballet). So, consider bringing some extras for any “just in case” activities you may decide to take part in during the trip. Many of these tips may seem obvious but adding these items to your river cruise packing list is your best bet.

Keep It Simple

According to Avalon Waterways’ Packing For A River Cruise article, it is recommended to keep the color scheme simple. “When packing (or shopping) for your river cruise, choose shirts, pants, shorts and skirts that can be worn for multiple outfit combinations. The easiest way is to search for clothes with a simple color scheme – white, neutrals, pastels. Our rule of thumb is for each week you will be traveling, pack five to seven tops that complement three different bottoms. Also, keep in mind, comfortable and wrinkle-resistant, easy-care clothing will help you feel even more relaxed.”

Some seasoned river cruisers will tell you to avoid washing clothes on board. Doing laundry aboard the ship can be expensive, so they recommend packing extra underwear and socks. You can rinse a few clothing items out in the sink, but if it is damp out, they take a long time to dry completely. Tide makes hand wash packets which are sold in some drug stores in samples sections. These can be very helpful in a bind, but in general, we recommend that river cruisers pack enough clothes for the duration of the cruise.

Depending on where you are taking a river cruise, it may be difficult to find medicine. Finding cough meds, Tylenol, and Sudafed overseas is not always easy. For this reason, we recommend that you plan ahead and make sure to bring any medication you may need with you. Just make sure that the medicine is allowed.

Viking River Cruises also provides this checklist for passengers:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Dressier shoes
• Collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear
• Lightweight jacket/warm sweater/sweatshirt
• Sunglasses, sun hat or visor, and sunscreen
• Warm coat, gloves and water-resistant footwear (as needed for cooler months or colder destinations)

Travel Documents

While traveling abroad, it is always a good idea to keep travel documents in your carry-on luggage and always have extra copies on-hand. Also, be sure to pack medications, eyeglasses, contacts, camera gear and valuables. Check with your cruise line on whether you need to bring a converter/adapter for electronics and appliances.

Bring a Day Bag

It’s a good idea to decide on a sensible travel bag or backpack to take with you for day trips. Most river cruises make stops at various ports and cities, and many offer unique excursions like walking tours, bike tours, museum visits, and shopping trips. Having a smaller bag that can fit a day’s worth of items is a great way to make the most of these excursions and tours.

What to Leave at Home

We’ve covered a lot of what to bring with you on a river cruise, but there are also some items you may consider leaving behind. Unless you plan on doing a lot of work during the trip, leave your computer at home. Hairdryers are commonly offered in each room. Check which amenities your room provides, so you can leave any unnecessary items at home. Some river cruisers find that they packed too many clothes. While you don’t want to underpack, river cruise passengers should try to pack simple and bring only what they need.

Forget Something?

Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten something at home. Your boat may have additional toiletries available for guests or a small gift shop where these items can be purchased. Worst case, you can always pop into a store at the next port to pick up what you need.