The best travel destinations are the ones that match what you actually want from a trip. A beach honeymoon, a family-friendly road trip, a budget weekend, and a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure all have different right answers. This destinations guide covers the places we’ve written about in detail, organized by region, trip type, and budget.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Destination
Three questions narrow most destination decisions:
- How much time do you actually have? A 3-day weekend works for cities and short road trips. A week opens up domestic destinations, beach trips, or one-region international travel. Two weeks lets you cover multiple cities or one big country properly.
- What’s the budget? Domestic US travel under $1,500 is doable for most weekend trips. International ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on flights, hotels, and trip length. Family travel typically doubles or triples these numbers.
- Who are you traveling with? Solo travel opens up adventurous options that don’t work for groups. Family travel narrows the field but rewards destinations with strong family infrastructure. Couples travel sits somewhere in the middle.
US Destinations
Domestic travel is faster, cheaper, and easier than international, especially for short trips. Some of the destinations we’ve written about:
- Cheapest Places to Visit in the US
- Things to Do in Pennsylvania With Kids
- Top Connecticut Road Trip Destinations
International Destinations
International travel takes more planning but rewards travelers willing to invest the time. The destinations and cities we’ve covered in depth:
- Where to Stay in Bangkok
- Backpacking Through Amsterdam
- Local Customs in Spain
- Vietnam Cultural Travel Guide
Travel Planning by Trip Type
Family Travel
Family destinations need to balance interests across age groups, have reasonable infrastructure (food, lodging, transportation that works with kids), and be paced for the youngest traveler.
- Pennsylvania With Kids
- Flying With a Car Seat
- Diaper Bag Rules on Airlines
- Bringing a Stroller on a Plane
Road Trips
Budget Travel
Before You Go: Travel Prep
Picking a destination is half the work. The other half is logistics: flights, packing, and what to bring through security. Resources from across the site:
- Best Flight Search Engines
- Best Luggage Guide
- Packing Guide
- International Packing Checklist
- International Carry-On Rules
For destination-specific entry requirements, vaccinations, and travel advisories, the U.S. State Department travel page is the authoritative source for US travelers heading abroad.
Travel Destinations: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to travel internationally from the US?
Shoulder season (April to early June, September to October) usually has the lowest international fares. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is cheaper than weekend departures. Budget carriers like Norse Atlantic, Iceland Air, or French Bee offer transatlantic routes 30 to 50% below legacy carriers if you can travel light.
How far ahead should I book international flights?
For peak season (summer Europe, holiday periods), book 4 to 6 months ahead. For shoulder season, 2 to 4 months is enough. Last-minute international fares are rarely cheaper and limit your options significantly.
What documents do I need for international travel?
At minimum, a passport valid 6 months past your return date (most countries require this buffer). Some destinations require visas, which need to be arranged in advance. Check the State Department’s country page for your destination for specific requirements.
Is travel insurance worth it?
For international trips, especially longer ones, yes. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000+, and US health insurance often doesn’t cover you abroad. For domestic trips under a week, the cost-benefit is closer to even. Credit card travel insurance covers some scenarios for free.
What’s a good first international destination?
For most US travelers, easy-mode international destinations include Mexico (no visa, cheap, geographically close), the UK or Ireland (English-speaking, no language barrier), Iceland (small, easy to navigate, English widely spoken), or Costa Rica (English-friendly, great infrastructure for travelers).
How do I research a destination before booking?
Start with the State Department for entry rules and advisories. Use Google Maps to check the actual layout of where you’d stay. Read recent (last 1 to 2 years) traveler accounts on Reddit’s travel subreddits. Skip Pinterest and Instagram for actual planning information; both skew aspirational rather than practical.