However, choosing the wrong group tour company can quickly turn your dream vacation into a disappointment. It’s critical that you select a tour operator that aligns with your travel style and goals. Do you prefer a small, intimate group or a larger, more social setting? Does the price match your expectations—luxury or budget-friendly? Is the itinerary packed with the destinations you’re eager to see?

We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best group tour companies for 2025, tailored to every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend).

These small group tours operate with only 8-16 people per trip and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by activity (walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) and type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all,” European wilderness, and more) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 
Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour.

Best Bucket List Group Tours: EF Adventures

In 2024, the renowned tour operator EF World Journeys launched a new brand: EF Adventures. True to its name, this division focuses on adventure travel, offering a variety of biking, hiking, walking, and multi-sport tours across Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands.

EF Adventures makes planning complicated tours easy, taking care of flights, transfers, guides, equipment, optional tour extensions, and more—so all you have to do is show up.

After an action-packed day of outdoor exploration, guests can unwind in luxurious accommodations, ranging from 3-star to 5-star properties, each selected to reflect the unique charm of the destination. Whenever possible, EF Adventures chooses hotels with pools or spas, ensuring travelers have the perfect place to relax and recover.

Want to stay motivated in your fitness goals pre- or post-trip? Join EF Adventures’ Strava Group for some friendly competition.

Top Trip: Connections mean everything on a good tour group, and EF Adventures has the ultimate hookup—the brand’s parent company owns a men’s and women’s pro cycling team. Experience the behind-the-scenes perks on EF Adventures’ Tour de France trip, in which participants will get to ride iconic sections of the Tour de France, experience insider access to the EF Pro Cycling team, and watch the thrilling race finish from a VIP section on the Champs-Élysées.

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave the communities and places where it operates tours better than it found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight-day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route. 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

G Adventures offers cheap group tours for travelers on a budget, making dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $979, crisscrossing India’s Golden Triangle for $594, or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $700.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers, as most trips don’t have a single supplement. You can share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler or pay extra for a private space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals and making certain activities optional (for an additional fee). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

Best Private Group Travel: Vaya Adventures

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Vaya Adventures will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. Vaya’s team of experts has spent years living and working in the destinations that they handle, so they have the insider knowledge to make a trip truly special. 

On a Vaya Adventures trip, you won’t find yourself stuck in a soulless chain hotel—accommodations are thoughtfully selected to showcase the local culture and include boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and historic homes. 

Top Trip: Hike the Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela, recovering each night in beautiful boutique hotels or traditional Paradores. 

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours. EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers and feature unique educational experiences. EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing for a bucket list trip, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers, where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification earned by companies demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company’s own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35. (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience a foodie trip of a lifetime on Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure, which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Arctic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for trips to the polar regions, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll adore For the Love of Travel. All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and, of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekend trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your stuff from point to point.) The solution: DuVine Cycling, a luxury small group tour company specializing in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure—no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name-brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises.

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families, and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip.

The post The 11 Best Tour Group Travel Tour Companies for 2025 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, on certain flights, some airlines will require passengers to “valet check” a bag instead.

What Is Valet Check?

Valet check is sometimes offered on regional flights using smaller planes that have limited overhead bin space. In these planes, the overhead bins are too small to fit standard carry-on-sized rolling suitcases (they’re typically only big enough for backpacks or duffle bags). 

For example, if you’ve booked a flight on American Airlines that is operated by the smaller American Eagle carrier, the airline says, “Regional flights on American Eagle® planes have limited overhead bin space. If your carry-on is larger than the personal item dimensions, you must valet your bag before boarding. We’ll tag and check your bag at the gate for you free of charge. When you arrive, you’ll receive your bag on the jetbridge after exiting the plane.”

Typically, the gate agent will make an announcement before starting the boarding process stating that passengers with rolling carry-on suitcases must valet check their bag. Flyers will have to take a luggage tag to attach to their carry-on and drop off their suitcase in a designated area when boarding the plane. 

After landing, passengers will need to wait on the jetbridge for the valet checked bags to be delivered. 

How Is Valet Check Different Than Gate Checking a Bag?

Valet Checking is a faster and safer way to check a carry-on bag. Typically, passengers will only have to wait a few minutes to receive their bag on the jetbridge, and they will not have to leave the secured area and go to baggage claim (like they would with gate checking) to pick up their luggage. If you have a tight connection to make, you’ll have a better chance of catching your next flight with valet check than you would with a gate-checked bag. 

The post What Is Valet Check and How Is It Different Than Gate Checking a Bag? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, you don’t want the waterproofing to weigh you down. Too-heavy boots can strain your feet and legs, tiring you out faster. Lightweight boots can help keep you nimble and are also ideal for hiking trips where you’re worried about a weight allowance while packing. 

These six hiking boots combine the best of both worlds, offering waterproof protection in a lightweight package.

Asolo Falcon Evo Jacquard GV Hiking Boots

Asolo’s Falcon Evo Jacquard GV Hiking Boots offer a perfect blend of toughness and style in a surprisingly lightweight package. Weighing just over a pound per shoe, these boots are completely waterproof and capable of withstanding the harshest trail conditions.

Asolo, a family-run European hiking brand, has earned a cult following among serious trekkers for their ultra-durable footwear, all of which can be resoled to extend the lifetime of the boot. The Falcon Evos, their lightest model, uphold this reputation while incorporating features like a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining to keep you dry even if you face water crossings or heavy rain on your hike.

I tested these boots straight out of the box, tackling a long, rocky hike without experiencing any blisters or discomfort. The Asolo/Vibram Omega soles with MegaGrip compound particularly impressed me, providing exceptional traction and grip even on steep, slippery terrain.

These boots combine the best of both worlds: the robust features of a heavy-duty hiking boot with the comfort and agility of a trail runner. They deliver excellent ankle support, superior traction, reliable waterproofing, and impressive durability in a surprisingly lightweight package.

Weight: 17.28 ounces per shoe (women’s).

Merrell Antora 3 Mid Waterproof 

Merrell’s Antora 3 Mid Waterproof feels like a sneaker but offers the support of a hiking boot, and for good reason—it’s designed off of the company’s best-selling women’s trail running shoe. I’ve worn these boots on hikes of over 12 hours without a single blister, which is impressive.

The shoe got upgraded to a boot with a more durable upper for added foot protection, trademarked FloatPro Foam pods under the heel and forefoot for extra cushioning, and an extra-grippy Vibram sole. 

The waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry no matter how many puddles you slog through, and these boots are comfortable without needing to be broken in.

Weight: 10.23 oz per shoe (women’s)

Saloman Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX

Stay light and nimble with Saloman’s Cross Hike 2 Mid GTX boots. Featuring a unique Quicklace system, these boots can be on an instant—and they won’t come untied at inopportune moments. 

A higher cut adds additional ankle support and protection, which combined with the Gore-tex exterior and deep lugs on the sole, help keep you surefooted even on the muddiest of trails.  

Available in a sleek all-black design, these boots can pull double duty for post-hike adventures in town.

Weight: 14.56 oz per shoe (men’s)

Lowa Innox Pro GTX Mid

Synthetic materials are generally better than leather when it comes to keeping things light. Lowa’s Innox Pro GTX Mid are 100 percent vegan, using man-made technology to provide an airy feel that’s sturdy enough for tough trails. 

The built-in Gore-tex lining is breathable to keep your feet dry (and not sweaty) even on hot or rainy hikes. 

Weight: 15.87 oz per shoe (men’s)

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX

Made from recycled materials, Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX  boots are kind to both the environment and your feet. Using the brand’s popular trail running shoe technology, the Speedgoat adds in Gore-tex waterproofing and a higher cut with a flexible collar for extra ankle support.

On the sole, Vibram’s Megagrip with Traction Lug keeps your footing stable even on loose soil or rocks. 

Weight: 10.30 oz per shoe (women’s)

Keen NXIS Explorer Waterproof

Feel a little cramped in regular hiking boots? Keen’s NXIS Explorers feature extra room in the front, giving your toes plenty of space to spread out. The Explorers are protected with Keen.Dry technology, a waterproof (yet breathable) membrane that will keep you dry no matter what. 

Not sure if these are the right boots for you? Keen has a great 30-day trial policy which lets you wear their shoes (even outside) for up to a month to see if you like them. 

Weight: 16.30 oz per shoe (men’s)

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post The 6 Best Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boots for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Monos Metro Duffel

Monos’ Metro Duffel is perfectly sized for weekend trips, daily commutes, or the occasional gym run. The duffel comes with Monos’ genius Metro Kit, part of its trademarked QuickSnap Modular Kit System. This small bag can be used to pack toiletries or other travel essentials that you want to keep separated (but still close by). 

In addition to a roomy interior, the Metro Duffel has a laptop sleeve, inner side pockets (perfect for water bottles or umbrellas), and a built-in suitcase sleeve that converts to an additional pocket as needed. 

Choose from a variety of colors in sleek nylon or stylish vegan leather—both are water-resistant and easy to wipe clean.

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Oxo Rapid Brewer

Do you know someone who takes his coffee seriously? Treat him to the Oxo Rapid Brewer so he can have perfect espressos, lattes, cold brews, or even espresso martinis anywhere he goes. This compact brewing system does not require electricity to make the perfect cup (making it a great choice for camping). 

Simply add ground coffee beans and water and steep for 2-5 minutes. Then, use the pump to extract the coffee through the stainless steel filter to dispense delicious, concentrated coffee that’s ready to drink as is or dilute. Everything but the pump can be washed in the dishwasher when you’re done. 

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Solo Stove Pi Prime Pizza Oven

Shopping for someone who won’t stop reminiscing over that incredible pizza they had on a trip to Italy years ago? Help them recreate a taste of the dolce vita at home with Solo Stove’s Pi Prime Pizza Oven. Neapolitan pizza is typically cooked at temperatures higher than home ovens can achieve (ideally around 750°F), which is why you can never create a crust that’s as good at home as it was in a restaurant.

This at-home pizza oven uses propane and a demi-dome design to achieve temperatures over 950°F, giving the crust that perfect amount of char and crunch that you get in an Italian pizzeria. For a truly great gift, opt for the Pi Prime Pizza Oven Essential Bundle, which includes everything you’ll need to create the perfect pie: a Cordierite pizza stone, the Pi Prime Shelter (a cover that protects the oven from the elements), a 12″ bamboo peel, a stainless steel pizza turner, a heat-resistant silicone mat, and a pizza rocker blade to slice up your creation.

The Pi Prime is big enough to cook a pizza, but it’s small enough to be travel-friendly. Weighing just over 30 lbs., this pizza oven can be taken on car camping trips, to vacation rentals, or even to tailgates. 

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MTailor Custom Jeans

Flying in jeans is rarely comfortable, but what if it could be? Treat your favorite fashionable traveler to MTailor’s Custom Jeans, and they won’t want to take their jeans off, even for a long haul. This bespoke clothing company creates jeans tailored to your body at a surprisingly affordable price.

All you have to do is download the app, scan your body, and MTailor will automatically record over 60 measurements to create the perfect fit. Next, choose your color and other details including silhouette and even thread color, and MTailor will handmake your custom jeans. 

The jeans come with a money-back guarantee—if you don’t like the pants, MTailor will remake them or give you a full refund.

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Randolph Archer Sunglasses

Any stylish traveler in your life would be delighted to receive a pair of Randolph’s Archer Sunglasses as a gift. An iconic American brand since 1973, Randolph’s sunglasses are all handmade in the USA. 

Each pair is made with meticulous detail, involving over 200 precise steps of hands-on craftsmanship. The Archer style is named after ballooning pioneer Samuel Archer King, making them a perfect fit for your favorite adventurer. Plus, the polarized lenses are equipped with a trademarked Vector Anti-Reflective & Blue Wave technology that helps reduce glare, even on the water. 

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Todd Snyder Slim Fit Sea Soft Irish Linen Shirt

Linen is one of our favorite travel fabrics—it’s lightweight, breathable, and thermoregulating. Upgrade his travel wardrobe with Todd Snyder’s Slim Fit Sea Soft Irish Linen Shirt. Crafted from Baird McNutt’s renowned washed linen fabric, this shirt is comfortable for even the longest journey. Sourced from one of Ireland’s oldest linen mills, this top will last through many miles. The shirt’s slim fit silhouette and classic button-down design are ultra-versatile, ensuring it will gain a spot in his suitcase on every trip.

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North Drinkware

Commemorate a memorable trip with a whiskey or pint glass from North Drinkware. These hand-blown glasses feature the outlines of famous mountains molded into the bottom.  

Choose from mountains across the United States or Japan—or opt for a generic geometric mountain shape that will remind someone of all their favorite hiking trips. 

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Royce New York Leather Passport Cover

Shopping for a frequent international traveler? Help him travel in style while keeping personal data secure with Royce’s elegant full-grain leather passport case. Built with integrated RFID shielding technology, this handsome accessory safeguards sensitive information without sacrificing sophistication. 

The thoughtfully designed interior features a dedicated passport pocket, a convenient slip pocket, and four card slots for seamless organization. It’s available in multiple colors so that you can pick his favorite. 

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Thermos Icon Food Jar

For anyone who frequently complains about overspending on road trip snacks or grumbles about in-flight meals, the Thermos Icon Food Jar is the perfect solution to enhance their travel experience. This stainless steel jar features Thermos’ signature vacuum insulation technology, keeping food hot for up to 14 hours and cold for up to 24.

You can fill it with soup, pasta, or any dish you desire for a convenient, affordable, healthy travel meal surpassing what you’d find on a plane. (Just remember to avoid packing anything that could be considered a liquid if you’re flying.) Plus, a folding spoon neatly tucks into  Comment end the top, so you’ll always have something to eat with. 

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Icebreaker Tech Lite T-Shirt

Icebreaker’s Tech Lite T-Shirt is the perfect travel shirt. Made of 100 percent merino wool, the Tech Lite is breathable, odor-resistant, and makes an excellent gift for adventure travelers. The offset shoulder seams help reduce friction, a key feature if you plan on carrying a backpack while wearing it. 

We recommend this shirt for everything from long flights to hiking, to trips where you might not be able to do laundry. 

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Snack’d World Sharing Subscription Box

For the foodie traveler, you can’t go wrong with Snack’d World’s Sharing Subscription Box. This tasty treat includes over 20 snacks you’ll only find abroad. The selection covers a variety of countries and cuisines around the globe and includes sweet and savory options, plus two drinks. 

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Apple AirTag

Any traveler would love to receive an Apple AirTag. This tiny little gadget has endless uses when away from home. You can place it in checked luggage (or a carry-on that you’re forced to gate-check), put it in the hotel room safe to automatically remind you to clean it out before you check out, or attach it to your keys and keep track of it with your phone.

A four-pack of AirTags is available on Amazon for less than $100 and makes for great stocking stuffers (or an emergency gift to have on hand).

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Tasc Everywhere Polo

Do you know someone who needs to upgrade his travel wardrobe? Gift him Tasc’s Everywhere Polo. Tasc takes the traditional polo shirt and improves it by adding a bamboo fabric that’s temperature-regulating, anti-odor, and moisture-wicking. 

The self-collar features permanent stays, and river shell buttons add a bit of extra style, making this polo suitable for everything from the golf course to the office.

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The post The Best Travel Gift Ideas for Men appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Don’t want to be bored on your next vacation? Skip these ten spots (recently deemed the country’s least fun destinations) in favor of the most entertaining cities in the United States. 

Finance site WalletHub ranked the 182 most populated cities in the US to determine the list of the most fun cities. Each city earned points in three categories: entertainment and recreation, nightlife and parties, and costs.

The entertainment category evaluated a diverse group of attractions, including hiking trails per capita, the amount of parkland as a share of the city area, and sports-fan friendliness.

The nightlife category considered factors such as the time of last call, the legality of public drinking, and the presence of music festivals. 

The cost factor was determined by analyzing financial markers such as the average price of beer, the price of a three-star hotel room, and the prevalence of affordable restaurants rated 4.5 stars or higher.

The 10 Least Fun Cities in America

Poor Pearl City, Hawaii, ranked a low 17.17 for overall fun compared to the top score of 73.78 for the most fun city on the list. 

1. Pearl City, Hawaii
2. South Burlington, Vermont
3. Yonkers, New York
4. Lewiston, Maine
5. Oxnard, California
6. Fremont, California
7. Santa Rosa, California
8. Bridgeport, Connecticut
9. Nashua, New Hampshire
10. Chula Vista, California

The 10 Most Fun Cities in America

With a reputation as Sin City and casinos and bars on every corner, it’s unsurprising that Las Vegas came out on the top of the list for the most fun cities in America. 

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Orlando, Florida
3. Miami, Florida
4. Atlanta, Georgia
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. Austin, Texas
7. San Francisco, California
8. Chicago, Illinois
9. Houston, Texas
10. New York, New York

The post The 10 Least Fun Cities in America appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to this problem—a Bluetooth audio transmitter. This tiny gadget plugs into the headphone jack on most planes and then connects to your wireless headphones to play audio from the in-flight entertainment system. All you have to do is plug the transmitter into the headphone jack (usually found on your armrest or at the bottom of the TV screen) and pair your Bluetooth headphones.

The Best Bluetooth Audio Transmitters for Flying

Eppfun Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

Most modern airplanes use single-prong, 3.5 mm audio jacks, but some aircraft still have the old two-prong style plugs. 

The Eppfun is one of the few transmitters that will work on both styles—it has two prongs, one of which can be folded down to use in single prong jacks. 

Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Transmitter

Concerned about using an off-brand product with your headphones? You can buy a transmitter directly through Apple. Designed for AirPods or Beats wireless, the AirFlys can pair with two sets of headphones so you can watch a movie with your seatmate. 

The AirFlys can also be used with a car’s AUX IN to wirelessly connect to speakers that don’t have Bluetooth built-in. 

1 Mii Bluetooth Audio Transmitter and Receiver

The transmitter from 1 Mii is one of the easiest to use, thanks to a simple on/off switch that automatically enters pairing mode. You can just plug it in and start watching. This product functions as a 2-in-1: You can plug it into your device and use it as a Bluetooth transmitter or plug it into your wired speakers/devices to instantly give them Bluetooth connectivity.

The 1 Mii also has a longer battery life (15 hours) than some other comparably priced models.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The post How to Watch in-Flight Entertainment With Your Wireless Headphones appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Start planning well in advance by making a checklist of things you need to do (along with deadlines) so you can make sure they’re done with plenty of time to spare. Some things, like vaccinations or passport renewals can take months to complete, so you’ll want to start early.

Don’t forget to take care of these 11 important things before your next trip abroad. 

Notify Your Bank/Credit Card

Imagine landing at the airport and trying to take local currency out of the ATM, only to get a “card declined notice.” That will quickly put a damper on your trip as you’ll have to spend time calling your bank to get your card functioning.

Many banks and credit card companies will automatically lock your card if you start using it abroad—unless you’ve notified them of your travel plans in advance. You can generally go online and request a travel notification to be added to your account, where you can let the bank know your itinerary so they won’t view your transactions as suspicious.

Some credit card companies, like Capital One, no longer require a notification while traveling due to chip technology—but be sure to check with your specific card provider before you depart so you’re not caught off-guard.

Check Your Cell Phone’s International Plan

Planning on using your phone abroad? Check your plan to see what options are available for international usage so that you’re not surprised with a huge bill for roaming charges when you return. 

If plans are expensive, consider getting a SIM card to swap out at your destination so you can still use your phone. Or, think about switching to a cell phone carrier like T-Mobile, which offers free international roaming on most plans. 

Check the State Department’s Travel Warnings Site

Visit the U.S. State Department’s Country Information website to learn about potential dangers at your destination. Here, you can search by country and see any travel warnings and alerts for your trip. The site will also provide you with the location of any U.S. embassies in the country (worth saving to Google Maps on your phone), important information on local laws and customs, emergency phone numbers (save to your contacts ), and details on road and aviation safety.  

While on the State Department’s website, you should take a few minutes to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This free service will send you alerts about any safety issues and help the US embassy contact you in case of an emergency while you’re abroad.  

Scan a Copy of Your Passport

It’s important to keep a copy of your passport with you while traveling abroad in case your physical one is lost or stolen. Scan it into your phone so you don’t have to keep track of a paper copy.

It’s easy to create a scanned document on an iPhone. Open the notes app, create a new note, and click the camera icon at the bottom of the screen. This will allow you to scan and save a document to your phone for easy access. 

Check the CDC’s Destinations Page

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Destinations page well in advance of your trip. You can search by country and view travel health notices for any outbreaks or health issues at your destination. 

This website will also show recommended (and required) vaccinations for your trip. Some vaccinations must be done weeks or months before traveling, so you’ll want to check this page as soon as you book your trip.

The CDC also offers country-specific “healthy travel” packing lists with recommended prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and other important supplies to bring. 

Confirm Visa/Entry Requirements

You don’t want to find out when you’re checking in for your flight that you need a visa in advance for your destination. Check the State Department’s country-specific pages to find out entry requirements as soon as you book your flight, as some visas can take a long time to process. 

Many countries require travelers’ passports to have at least six months of validity to enter. You may also need a certain number of blank pages for a passport stamp and visa. You’ll find information on both requirements on the country-specific sites from the State Department. 

Get Out Cash

ATM machines can be finicky abroad and could be broken, out of cash, or just won’t accept your debit card. It’s always a good idea to bring some cash to start off your trip so you can exchange it into the local currency if needed. (Generally, you’ll get a better rate if you take cash out of an ATM than if you get currency in advance or through a money exchange at the airport, but cash is good to have for an emergency.)

Make a note of the exchange rate before you travel, so you can recognize a bad rate when you see one. I like to make a quick note in my phone of how much $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 is in the local currency so I can easily approximate how much something costs without having to do an exact calculation. Or, download a currency conversion app that you can use offline.

Learn Important Local Phrases

Try to learn how to say a few words in phrases in the local language before you go. Knowing how to say “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” can go a long way, even if you’re not fluent. 

It can also be helpful to download the Google Translate app offline and save phrases you’ll need, like “Where is the bathroom” or “How much?” so you can quickly communicate when needed, even if you don’t have an internet connection.

Save Your Trip Information Offline

Before you travel, create a note on your phone with your confirmation numbers (for flights, rental cars, and hotels), your itinerary, and the addresses of your accommodations. If you can’t get online when you arrive, you’ll want to have this information readily available. 

Find Out What Plugs the Destination Uses

Not all hotels will have USB chargers available, so do a quick search to find out what type of plugs are found at your destination. (You can skip this step if you get a universal travel adapter that you can use in any type of outlet.)

Also, look up the voltage used at your destination, although this is less of a concern nowadays, as many electronics (including most smartphones) are automatically dual-voltage.

Create an Airport Transportation Plan

If you walk off the plane and grab the first taxi you see to your hotel, you may wind up overpaying or getting scammed. Do a bit of research before you board the plane to find out what local taxi services are legitimate, if rideshares are legal, and approximately how much a taxi ride from the airport to your hotel should cost.

Also, research alternative (cheaper) modes of transportation, like local buses or trains, and what time transportation stops running at your destination. You don’t want to get off a late-night flight to find out you’re stranded at the airport until the morning.

The post 11 Important Things to Do Before Your Next International Trip appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C.

All Kimpton hotels offer a nightly complimentary wine hour for guests, a tradition that was started at the brand’s first hotel in San Francisco in 1981. Kimpton’s founder, Bill Kimpton, wanted guests to “feel a sense of community and inclusion, and relax at the end of the day.” 

At the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, D.C., the tradition continues strong, and the happy hour is held in a warm and welcoming communal space that encourages guests to socialize. 

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Virgin Hotels Chicago

Join Virgin Hotels’ free loyalty program, The Know, and you’ll get more than just reward points. The Know members get a free Spirit Hour at Virgin Hotels, which includes beer, wine, and cocktails. 

At the Virgin Hotels Chicago, the happy hour is held on the rooftop bar, so guests can enjoy epic views with their free drinks.  

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Kimpton George Hotel, Washington, D.C.

The Kimpton George Hotel puts a local spin on the brand’s famous wine hour, offering themed beverages based on holidays, seasons, or special occasions. Guests who stayed at the George during cherry blossom season, for example, were able to indulge in free cherry cordial and sake cocktail during happy hour.

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Hotel Lucia, Portland, Oregon

Home to over 80 breweries, Portland, Oregon is sometimes called the Craft Beer Capital. So it’s only fitting that the Hotel Lucia offers a nightly free craft beer hour for guests. Between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, the hotel’s bartenders will serve complimentary brews so guests can sample Portland’s best breweries without blowing their budget.  

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James New York NoMad

The James New York Nomad has guests covered from morning to night. The hotel’s lounge, the James Club, serves free coffee and breakfast snacks in the morning, and hosts a wine hour in the evening. 

The James Club is equipped with fast and free WiFi, so guests can take advantage of the drinks and snacks while working remotely if they choose. 

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All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Nite Ize Waterproof Phone Case

Take your phone with you anywhere you go (even underwater) with Nite Ize’s Waterproof Phone Case. This roomy protective case will fit pretty much any smartphone, and keep it dry even underwater. Made out of a clear, touchscreen friendly material, the case allows you to use your phone normally (including taking pictures with the front and back cameras) without taking it out of the bag. We love this waterproof case in particular because it features an easy-to-use zipper and the touchscreen actually works smoothly while inside (which is not the case with all cases).

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Beis The Dopp Kit

Any frequent flyer would be thrilled to receive Beis’ Dopp Kit, a spill-proof bag that will keep all your toiletries safely contained and organized. The bag’s best feature? A handy loop that lets you hang it from towel hooks in the bathroom—perfect for tiny hotel sinks. 

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Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

When would a backpack be considered a stocking stuffer? When it’s Matador’s Beast18 backpack. Despite its 18 liter size and supportive frame, this backpack is able to be folded down and packed into a small carrying case for easy travel. The unique flexible frame allows the backpack to maintain its shape, but can be twisted, folded in half, and zipped into a compression sack. 

The portable backpack still has all the features you’d look for in a daypack—a removable hip belt, gear loops, multiple pockets, breathable mesh straps, and a waterproof coating. It’s also incredibly lightweight (1lb 5oz) so it won’t add to your load on the trail.

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Nomadix Bandana Towel

A microfiber travel towel can come in handy in a surprising number of situations while on the road. Nomadix Bandana Towel’s wearable design makes it even more versatile. It’s sun-protective, odor-resistant, quick-drying, and lightweight, so you can bring it from the beach to the mountains and be ready for anything. 

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Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle

Outdoorsy travelers will love to find a Nalgene Sustain Water Bottle in their stocking. Made from a BPA-free, lightweight material, these bottles are significantly lighter than most water bottles. The Suistan line is made with 50 percent recycled material, so travelers can feel good about using these instead of plastic water bottles. The bottles are leakproof and have a wide mouth that’s easy to fill, and best of all, they’re dishwasher safe. 

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Apple Air Tag

Give a traveler peace of mind with an Apple Air Tag, which they can pack in their checked luggage and track all the way to baggage claim. The Air Tag is such a popular stocking stuffer that you might want to stock up with a 4-pack (so you can maybe keep one for yourself as well). 

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Blissy Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask

Know someone who needs total darkness in order to sleep? Gift them the Blissy Mulberry Sleep Mask which blocks out the glare even on brightly-lit planes or vacation rentals with sheer window curtains. Made from 100 percent mulberry silk, this mask will deliver comfort alongside a great night’s sleep.

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Goldbelly Gift Certificate

For that traveler who can’t stop raving about that bagel they had in New York City, a Goldbelly gift card will let them relieve a taste of past journeys. This gourmet food delivery company offers specialty foods from around the United States, so your giftee can choose from deep dish pizza from Chicago, Philly Cheesesteaks, seafood gumbo from New Orleans, and more.

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Travel USB Charger 

Become the most popular person in the airport with this travel USB charger that turns one outlet into seven. This small wall charger can charge USB devices, double prong plugs, and triple prong plugs simultaneously. It’s perfect for hotel rooms with only one outlet near the bed, cruises, or places that don’t have USB outlets. 

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Airplane Seatback Organizer

We’ve all seen fellow flyers use the airplane seatback pocket as a trash can, but there’s nowhere else to easily store your in-flight essentials—unless you have this seatback organizer. This organizer hangs easily from the tray table and keeps everything you need easily accessible (and protected from the seatback pocket’s germs.) Multiple zippered pockets help keep everything easy to find and the clear back sleeve lets you watch videos on your tablet or phone hands-free.

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Clearstem You Are Sunshine Sunscreen

Good travel-sized sunscreen is a must-have item for every toiletry kit. Clearstem’s You Are Sunshine sunscreen is specifically formatted to be used on the face. Loaded with antioxidants and botanicals the tinted cream offers a blurring effect along with SPF 50+ that means travelers can skip packing foundation as well.  

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All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The 11 Best Stocking Stuffers for Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The One With the Blank Stare

This person didn’t pack any entertainment and is just staring straight ahead the entire flight. Are they keeping the plane aloft with the power of their mind? Are they an air marshal? Are they sleeping with their eyes open? It’s an in-flight mystery that will never be solved.

The Snorer

Passed out before takeoff, the snorer sleeps as soundly as if they were cuddled up in their own bed at home. The rest of the row won’t be as lucky, as the loud snores will keep them up for the entire flight. 

The Barfly

The flight could be at 6am or 6pm―it’s doesn’t change The Barfly’s drink order (whiskey with a beer back and keep the tab open). Depending on the person, The Barfly can go one of two ways and turn into The Snorer or go viral for an in-flight altercation when they get cut off. 

The Pill-Popper

It’s a long flight, and The Pill-Popper doesn’t want to be conscious for any of it. A sleeping pill (or something a little bit stronger) will keep them occupied in dreamland from takeoff until landing. Don’t wake them for meal service, and you better hope that they aren’t in the aisle seat in your row, otherwise, you’ll be climbing over them if you need to get up. 

The Workaholic

Generally found in business class, The Workaholic will turn their tray table into a desk for the duration of the flight. What do they do? No one knows, but it involves a lot of spreadsheets. 

The Snacker

We don’t know what kind of magical carry-on The Snacker has, but it can hold an entire buffet. The Snacker certainly won’t leave the plane hungry, as they pull out a seemingly endless supply of meals and snacks. Don’t be surprised if a six-foot sub appears out of their bag. Possibly the worst person to sit next to if you get airsick. 

The Space Stealer

Seat fully reclined for the entire flight, arm engulfing the entire armrest, legs sprawled out into the seat next to them. The Space Stealer wants every centimeter of space that they paid for (plus some of yours). 

The Talker

Headphones, earplugs, and social cues do not deter The Talker from making small talk with anyone in earshot. If you engage, be prepared to chat for the entire flight, as there’s rarely a chance for escape.

The post What Type of Flyer Are You? appeared first on SmarterTravel.