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This Kayak Travel Planning Tool Is a Well-Kept Secret Every Traveler Should Know About

Here’s how to use kayak direct as a resource to plan your next trip..

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Using Kayak Direct, the writer was able to find a nonstop flights between Jamaica and Fort Lauderdale this May for just $226 round trip.

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Whether or not you subscribe to Kayak or use its booking engine, the website—and the planning tools embedded therein—are something everyone can use for free. This includes a highly useful feature called Kayak Direct , launched back in 2011 as a hackathon project among the Kayak product team but has since remained a well-kept secret among travel planners and travel geeks.

A useful instrument for determining destinations that can be reached via nonstop flights from your home or desired airport (big and small), Kayak Direct also tells you which airlines can get you there and the cheapest dates to reach a desired destination (if you have flexibility).

We’ve written in the past about using Wikipedia and Google Flights as top resources for travel planning. Kayak Direct is another, lesser-known asset for plotting your next trip. Here’s how to take full advantage of it.

Discovering nonstop destinations and the time and distance to get there

Kayak Direct makes it easy to see all the nonstop destinations available from a specific airport via commercial aircraft. The landing page will automatically populate with options from the airport closest to you (based on your computer or phone’s GPS). But simply type in a different airport in the first available field, choose your optimal month for travel, click the search button, and voila: You’ll see all the places available via nonstop flights.

The resulting information is well organized and easy to digest. Options are listed in order of distance (and time from your home airport). For example, I’d like to explore possibilities for getaways in June 2023 from my home airport, Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Given all the issues with travel these days, I don’t want anything but a nonstop flight. I enter this information into the appropriate fields and see that I can hop on something as short as a 45-minute, 60-mile flight to Bimini in the Bahamas.

Courtesy of Kayak

At the other end of the spectrum, I can go all the way to Oslo, Norway, 4,708 miles away on a single flight from Fort Lauderdale. (Note: All destinations between Bimini and Oslo have not been listed in the name of brevity.)

When and how to get to your destination

On the right-hand side of the populated information, you’ll see a list of the airlines that can possibly reach each destination. If you click on the expansion arrow, you can see more details on flight schedules. Just because an airline icon is listed doesn’t mean the airline flies to the destination. The icons are simply showing the airlines through which you can book flights thanks to code-share arrangements.

Resorting to our previous example of Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, we see from the schedule that identical flights are sold by JetBlue, Silver Airways, and United. (If and when you reach the point of booking, you’ll discover it’s Silver Airways that operates the flight.) We also see that there’s no airlift between the two airports on Mondays and Tuesdays—there goes my idea of a long summer weekend in Bimini using a commercial aircraft!

Assessing options at any budget

On the same landing page, after entering your home or desired airport and ideal travel month and scrolling through the info, return to the top left-hand side and click “show routes on map” to explore pricing. This will reroute to another page with an interactive map that plots possible nonstop destinations and the cheapest round-trip flights there. You now have an option of filling in the field of a desired destination, which can be as general as anywhere, a continent, or a region. Then you can choose a date range or exact dates and the length of trip between 1 and 14+ days. You can further adjust your options by budget or flight duration.

Let’s clarify with another example. I am toying with the idea of going from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean for three to six days in May. I’m flexible with my dates but not my budget. I don’t want to spend more than $200 on a round-trip flight. I enter my info and slide the budget scale to $200 to reveal options that include Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and Key West (which isn’t really the Caribbean, but we appreciate that it appears as a viable alternative).

These destinations aren’t what I had in mind for my May trip. So, I slide the scale to $280 and see that now the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas have been added to the mix. From there, I click on the destinations to see which dates offer the best prices, and I’m on my way to Montego Bay in May for $226 round trip.

By understanding and using the power of Kayak Direct, you can figure out how to reach nonstop destinations in a cost-effective manner. This doesn’t substitute for our favorite travel duo, Wikipedia + Google Flights , but it’s a great supplement.

How to Plan a Multi-Day Kayak or Canoe Trip

I’ve spent more nights under the stars – or laying under a boat when I’ve forgotten my tent fly again – than I can remember. From sea kayaking trips on Norweigian fjords to camping on river beaches in Nepal, and everything in between. Heck, just last week I got back from a multi-day canoeing river trip with friends, camping on islands as we went. 

Along the way, I’ve picked up a whole load of tips and tricks. And the most important is to make sure you plan your trip properly. That way, you avoid surprises. So here’s my guide to planning a multi-day kayak or canoe trip.

Pick a Trip

This is where I try to start planning for every trip I do. Every trip is different, even just slightly, so the sooner you have your chosen trip planned, the sooner you can start organizing it. Pick a guidebook up, check out the internet for ideas, or ask some local outfitters for their ideas on the best trips. You may also use this interactive map  of places to go kayaking nearby.

The trip you chose will dictate everything. From the style of kayak or canoe you need to the equipment you will carry, the crew you take, and the skill you need on the water. You can’t start packing a tent just to decide on a trip that has no good tent camping and needs a hammock, right? Just like you can’t plan a sea kayaking trip when your whitewater kayak is already on the rooftop and ready to go.

Remember, the backcountry isn’t like your average day trip. If you’re new to overnight and multi-day trips, plan for a journey well within your capabilities. It’s not the place to be pushing your capabilities when you’re paddling a fully loaded boat and rescue is several hours away.

Research Local Guidance

Local knowledge is invaluable. Even if it’s a trip you know well if you’re traveling outside your local area get in touch with someone who lives locally. That way, you can find out about any recent changes, or anything you need to know that might affect your trip. Perhaps a mother bear has taken to raising her cubs where you were planning on camping, wouldn’t you rather know about that before you pitch up with your tent?

This local guidance can cover everything both on and off the water. Maybe there’s a campfire ban in place or a camping ban overall? What if a particular section of the river has changed, or a portage trail has been built that makes connecting two lakes easier? Really, if you’re not contacting the locals, you’re missing a trick.

Check the Conditions

As soon as there is a long-range weather forecast available, start checking it routinely. A little rain shouldn’t dampen your spirits, but strong winds can definitely affect your plans. Keep an eye on the conditions as they change on a daily basis, including river levels, lake conditions, tide times, tidal flow strength, and even things like sunrise and sunset. 

Sure, these don’t all change daily. Sunrise and sunset are predictable, as are the tides, but they sure affect your journey. If you need to beat the tide, you might have to be planning to get on the water early on a particular day, or sit and wait out the wind until it drops in the afternoon. You may even consider turning your whole trip around and reversing the journey so that the wind is on your back?

In our kayaks, we’re never going to beat the environment. Sometimes, we have to accept that we need to postpone a day or wait a day out on the beach if we’re on a longer trip. But a regular check of conditions up to your day of departure can make sure you’re as prepared as possible for your overnight journey.

Check Your Crew

Are you flying solo, or are you part of a crew? If you’re going out with a group then there are certain things you need to check before you hit the water.

Firstly, is everyone in the group up to the level of the trip? As we said earlier, the backcountry isn’t a place to push your limits, so it’s a good idea to make sure you’re not asking too much of anyone or putting them in a position where they’re set up to fail. 

If everyone is good to go, then it’s time to see what everyone’s bringing to the party. Is there one person taking lead on the journey – either on or off the water – or is everything going to be decided by the group? Everyone in a group has a role to play, even if it’s not obvious. Is one person particularly skilled at backcountry cooking? Has one person got medic skills? Maybe there’s a member of your group who is great at fixing things or navigating, or has some specialist kit that will make the journey that much more comfortable.

This doesn’t designate anyone a role, but by knowing what skills you have in the group then you can identify areas of weakness and plug those gaps, either with extra team members or developing those you have. Try not to get your team too big, while we’re at it. The more the merrier reaches a point where you’re trying to navigate a whole bunch of people and the trip becomes more about crowd control than kayaking.

Get Your Logistics Dialled 

Do not leave this until the end. Many meticulously planned multi-day trips have come unstuck at the logistics stage, so get this planned as early as possible so that it’s out of the way and you can get on with the good stuff.

The logistics. How are you going to get everyone, all of their kayaks or canoes, and all of their gear , to the start of your trip? If you’re doing a linear trip, how are you going to get them back from the end?

This is where your crew comes in. Does anyone have a truck , or trailer , that can take multiple kayaks? Will you run a shuttle to leave a vehicle at the end of the trip, or will you use a local outfitter to run it for you and save you time?  

However you do things, make sure you know where your keys are while you’re on the water. You don’t want to finish a great few days in your kayak to find that the keys to your shuttle vehicle are in the truck you left at the put-in.

Lay Out Your Gear

If you’re a serial tripper, you may know where all of your gear is. It might even be packed already – though if you’ve not unpacked since your last trip I recommend giving everything a good airing out. But for most of the world’s multi-day kayakers, gear gets put away in the garage or cupboard and has to be brought out for each trip.

Now is the time to check your equipment. Is your tent all in one place? Does it have all the pegs? Have you got enough gas to power your stove? 

I would recommend laying out two piles of gear to check through. Have one pile of your kayaking gear, including what you’re planning to wear on the water, and any safety equipment – helmets , spare paddles , bilge pumps – there too. Then make a separate pile of camping equipment. Remember to check in with your crew at this point. There are some things that everyone needs – a sleeping bag, PFD – but some things – stoves, first aid kits – don’t need to be carried by everyone. 

Here is a simple packing list, but feel free to add to it, alter it, and make it your own. It also doesn’t cover specialist equipment that you might need for fishing trips or safety gear for rivers or open-water touring.

Individual Gear

• Kayaking/Canoeing equipment – kayak/canoe , paddle(s) , PFD , cag, spray skirt , etc.
• Sleeping bag
• Tent – unless you’re sharing – or hammock, bivvy bag, tarp.
• Spare clothes – for off the water – weather dependent
• Spare footwear – for off the water
• Water bottle
• Personal medication
• Insect/bear deterrent
• Headlamp and spare batteries
• Spare paddles and on-the-water safety gear
• Tarp – always a good idea for cooking under, sitting under etc.
• First aid kit
• Firewood and fire starter – if permitted
• Saw/axe – if firewood collection is permitted
• Navigation equipment
• Water purification 
• Toilet tube – trowel, TP, sanitizer – check local guidance for backcountry toileting

Pack Your Gear

When you’re certain that you have everything you need, it’s time to pack your gear. If you’re paddling a sit-on-top kayak or a canoe , you will most likely use a barrel or a large dry bag for the trip, and you can do this at home. However, we recommend packing sit-in kayaks – especially touring kayaks – at the water.

Your gear can easily add 25 lbs. of weight to your kayak. This doesn’t just make it harder to lift and load; the extra weight can damage your kayak while it’s in transit. But we do recommend a dry run at home, just to make sure everything is going to fit.

Whether you’re packing straight into a kayak, or into barrels or dry duffels , it’s a good idea to compartmentalize your packing using small dry bags. 

This has two benefits. First, it makes it easier to find your gear, so when you get to camp you can pull out the right dry bag that has your stove, or tent in. 

Secondly, it means that if there’s a little water ingress into your hatches, or you open your barrel in the rain, your gear isn’t going to get instantly soaked. 

Try to pack your gear evenly into your boat to avoid offsetting the balance or trim. Overloading on one side of your boat can mean you have to constantly strain to keep your kayak flat. If you put too much weight at the front of your kayak, the bow will dig in and veer wildly around, but too much at the back and you’ll struggle to track into the wind.

Create a Float Plan

The float plan is your safety link to the outside world. These are important and even in the modern world where we all have phones, these can save your life. You never know, you might not have a cell signal, or your phone might die or take a dunking, so make sure you fill in a float plan.

If you’re not sure what a float plan is, check out our article here . But just briefly, these documents include your rough plan, your team members’ names and vessels, and your vehicle’s location and license plates. These should be left with a trusted friend or family member at home, along with instructions on what to do if you don’t return and how long to leave it before calling the authorities to start a search.

The critical thing here is to remember to get in touch with your home contact when you planned to. Plenty of search and rescue operations have been set into action only to find their believed casualties in a bar celebrating a great trip, having forgotten to phone it in at the end of their day.

Make a Plan B

Your trip shouldn’t be set in stone. When you’re planning your trip, be sure to check out alternative options that you can go for if the conditions change. These could include mid-trip changes and even the potential for hiking out to the truck if you really have to.

You have to be ready to change your plan when you’re going out kayak camping because even the most up-to-date weather forecasts aren’t always accurate. Don’t get too headstrong about your plan and force it when everything is going against you. Some of my best trips – looking back – have been the ones where I’ve been forced to change plans, it’s made me think outside the box and explore new places.

Start Off Gently

So you’re all set and ready to go. The big day is finally here. You’re excited. The crew is excited. But don’t set off at a million miles per hour.

Fully loaded kayaks and canoes are heavy and chances are you have a reasonably long way to go. Start off gently and ease yourself into the paddling until your muscles are warmed up. If you’re setting off straight into a strong headwind, tidal flow, or rapids, it’s never a bad idea to warm up.

You might feel a bit of a fool standing at the side of the river waving your arms around, stretching, and getting that blood pumping, but you’ll feel worse if you pull a muscle within five minutes of hitting the water. Remember to do this each day to avoid a mid-trip strain too.

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Tom "Moose" Kilpatrick

Moose started his paddling life on the ponds and rivers in the South-East of England. He has slowly worked his way north and has spent the last few years paddling in Scotland, both with friends and as a canoe guide. A very experienced and knowledgeable coach and guide across Scotland and the rest of the UK, he spent a summer in Norway and a month in Nepal. He is also a cofounder of PaddleMore.co.uk.

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Meet KAYAK PriceCheck - only available on the app. Simply upload a screenshot of your flight details and KAYAK will search hundreds of sites for a lower price. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to show you your options and let you pick what works best for your trip. Track prices, set a budget, build your itinerary and more. WHAT’S IN OUR APP. • Double check prices, no matter where you found it: KAYAK PriceCheck lets you upload a screenshot of a flight deal from any site, and we’ll search hundreds of sites to see if we can find a better deal. • Get the flight you want: Compare flight options from hundreds of sites then zero in on the best one for you by using our filters. • Hotel rates only on the app: Find mobile-only prices from select hotels. • Car sharing: Search car sharing alongside traditional agencies for more options (and maybe better prices). • Know when prices change: Track search results for your trip and get a notification when prices change. • Search on your budget: Only have $300 to spend? KAYAK Explore will show you your flight options, on any budget. ONLY ON THE KAYAK APP. • Flight tracker: Get alerts when something about your flight changes or track flights so you can see if you’ll make your connection. • Trips offline: All your ticket confirmations and reservations loaded into Trips are accessible regardless of whether or not you have Wifi. • Measure your bag: Direct your camera at your bag or carry on and we’ll let you know if it’s the right size for your flight without incurring a fee. WE LOVE FEEDBACK. Got a question and in need of support? Send us a message at https://www.kayak.com/help and we’ll help you out. MORE ON WHAT KAYAK OFFERS. Find flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and more - then filter by what matters to you most. Like a pet-friendly boutique hotel with a pool. Or a 4-door sedan with airport pick-up to get you on your way. We bring together great deals from your favorite travel sites in one place. SEARCH HUNDREDS OF FLIGHT SITES AT ONCE. With filtering and flexibility options, you can quickly search and book what works best for your trip. MORE OPTIONS, MORE SAVING. Find mobile-only rates and exclusive deals on the app. Set Price Alerts to know when prices drop on the flights, cars and hotels you’re interested in. CREATE ITINERARIES AS YOU PLAN. Our Trips tool puts all your plans in one place. Get alerted to flight and gate changes, access boarding passes both on- and offline, and share your itinerary with friends – all in one spot. You can sync your inbox or manually add any part of your trip - from tour and restaurant confirmations to notes on things to see. CAR RENTAL DEALS. Search from over 70,000 locations to find the perfect rental car. Book risk-free by filtering for free cancellation policies. GET A HOTEL… OR A HOME. See your accommodation options from major hotel chains and resorts to local boutiques to apartments, cabins, beach homes and more. Filter for free cancellation if you’re worried plans will change. Plan your next trip with KAYAK. Download now to start planning a great trip.

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Kayak has been a fantastic company to use for anything travel! & has continued to impress me with their fun and very easy to use features. Airline companies often set standard pricing for their flights and the caveat that the normal person is looking for it matching all these flights with their specific needs i.e. layover timeline, # of bags, airline make/model, & flight times. A ‘Good Deal’ is a very generalized term and many other apps use that as their main means of persuasion when in fact it’s clear that sites like Kayak are so good at categorizing exactly what meets your needs and alining airliners to your schedule, like advertised they have a multitude of tools like bag number and layover timeline settings with a accurate representation of what the cost will be regardless if it is two separate companies. If you choose a flight selection that has a 2 hour layover for one airliner and you select ‘book’ the airliners website which it directs you to within the app has that selection already selected. I could go on and on about how easy and secure this app is to use so please give it a try.

Use hopper instead

I’ve used hopper forever as I travel monthly. A friend recommended kayak and I have booked 2 trips with it. The first it rerouted my and added another stop without letting me know on a round trip. The second, which inspired this review was a multi city trip. It messed up my reservation and I spent an hour at the help desi fixing it during check in for the first flight. After this story, it rerouted us for our next stop to have a layover in city in the opposite direction without sharing this information to or giving an indication as to what happened to our initial booking. I then went in to move a flight time after already paying for the insurance, I looked up how to do this on their app and when I hit “change” to see other options it simply DELETED our flight reservation with no notification or prompt warning us. We were not given a refund or other alternatives to switch back in or change flights. If you were wondering they do not have customer service as they say you need to contact the airline for assistance as they are only a third party site. For our flight home it has moved our reservation to the following day when I work and with another timely layover. I genuinely never write reviews but I hope this saves someone the trouble 😊

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I got this app for one plane flight, simple as that. I was planning on deleting it right after because I thought I had no use for it. But then I started to realize that any trips I was planning on taking would show up on this app and would be organized by time and date (because I connected my email). I’m planning on taking an Amtrak to the airport and then back again & accidentally chose the wrong date for the train back, and because Kayak organizes the trips so well, I was able to catch that but if not for this app, that would have been $20 down the bin & a missed class. I honestly love this app because there are no annoying adds that pop up when I’m trying to figure my plans out & it helps me organize everything so well. It also works offline when I’m looking at my already planned trips which will help out a lot when I’m abroad. I don’t use the search tool within the app for hotels cars or flights, but they have that option as well.

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A Complete Guide to Booking Travel With Kayak – Will It Save You Money?

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Kayak is one of the many websites out there to help you find the best travel deals.

However, unlike other popular OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) that Kayak often gets lumped in with, Kayak is not an OTA — it’s a metasearch engine for travel deals.

Kayak shows you prices from other websites and will send you to that website to complete your booking.

Plus, with tools like Flight Tracker, Guides, and Kayak Trips, this site acts as an assistant travel planner. You can research and organize all aspects of your trip in 1 spot. That all sounds great, right? But how do you actually use Kayak!?

Overall, searching for travel on Kayak is easy as long as you know a few simple tips and tricks to find the best deals.

This guide will show you everything you need to know to use Kayak to search for and book your next trip.

Kayak Flights

On the home page, Kayak shows your “Recommendations” and routes to “Popular Destinations” based on your home city all before beginning your first search.

These sections are for very specific flights and dates, so they might not be much help if you’re looking for a certain itinerary. However, if you are flexible, these sections offer some great deals!

For example, I found flights for as little as $79 round-trip from my home airport to popular destinations like Orlando and Myrtle Beach. I also found a round-trip from my home airport to Dublin, Ireland for only $648!

Many of these deals are for flights as close in as 2 weeks, so if you’re looking for a last-minute travel deal, Kayak is a great place to start your search.

Hot Tip: You can change the origin city for your Recommended flights and Popular Destinations by doing a flight search with the new city as the origin.

To start your search on Kayak, input your departure city, arrival city, and dates; then hit “Search” just as you would on any other website. This will take you to the next page, which shows a list of available flights. This is the main booking page and it includes a wealth of information.

By default, the results will automatically populate sorted by “Recommended.” You can adjust this setting to sort by Cheapest, Quickest, Earliest Takeoff, Latest Takeoff, Earliest Landing, or Latest Landing. To do this just select how you want to sort using the drop-down on the upper right-hand side of the screen under the main search bar.

This is a great feature that lets you include any baggage fees in the price you’re seeing. Since baggage fees can vary between airlines, this is a great way to see an actual cost comparison without having to search separately for each airline’s baggage fee policy.

Right underneath the Fee Assistant is a large box with a featured flight in it. Keep in mind that this is a sponsored ad, meaning the featured airline paid to be there. While this doesn’t automatically mean the featured deal is bad, it’s smart to keep in mind that it’s not featured simply because it’s a good deal!

This little box at the top left of your screen gives you Kayak’s best estimation of how prices might change in the next week. The box will tell you if it’s a good time to buy, or whether you should wait. This estimation is only for the following week, so I recommend taking their advice with a grain of salt.

If you toggle “Track Prices” to ON, you can create a custom price alert for your itinerary . This requires an email address and automatically sets up an account for you with Kayak.

Under the “Our Advice” box on the left side of your screen, you can go into lots of detail about your flight preferences. Customize your list of available flights using any of the following filter options:

• Number of Stops
• Booking Sites
• Flight Quality
• Layover Airports

On the right-hand side of your screen, you’ll see this box where you can compare what you find on Kayak to numerous online travel agencies and travel websites.

Clicking on the “Compare” button will take you directly to the chosen website and automatically search your itinerary.

The main middle section of the page is where you’ll find available flights for your chosen route. Click on “View Deal” to see more information about the flights and complete your purchase.

Depending on the route you’re choosing, the View Deal button will take you to either the airline’s website, Kayak’s booking tool, or another OTA such as Expedia or Orbitz to complete your purchase. You will be able to see where the booking is from right above the orange button.

On some flights, there is more than one booking option, but thankfully Kayak features the lowest price option first. To view other options for your chosen flight, click on the down arrow next to the orange View Deal button. This will display a drop-down box of all the prices on different websites.  Please note that this is not available on all flights.

Bottom Line: Kayak is not an online travel agency — it’s a travel search engine.

On some flights, instead of seeing the airline displayed under the price, you will see “Hacker Fare.” Don’t worry — nothing is being hacked and these prices are totally on the up and up!

All this means is that Kayak found a good deal on a flight by bundling 2 one-way tickets (usually on different airlines) instead of a round-trip on 1 airline. This can be a great way to get the best deals.

The only thing to keep in mind with these Hacker Fares is that you have a little less protection if something goes wrong.

Let’s say you’re going to Chicago for a long weekend, but bad weather cancels your outbound flight. Since it was a short trip, you just decide to cancel the whole thing. If you had a round-trip ticket, you’d have much more leverage to get a refund for the second leg of your trip.

But since you booked a Hacker Fare, your return flight is a one-way on a different airline, meaning that return flight has no real relationship to your outbound flight. It would be hard to get a refund for the second leg of your trip; as far as the airline is concerned, this is stand-alone flight. While this is a fairly rare situation, it’s good to be aware of if you purchase a Hacker Fare flight.

Another way to search for flights on Kayak is at the bottom of the home page, where you’ll see a number of popular cities. Click on “Flights” directly under the city name to bring up a page that shows lots of flight deals from your home airport to your chosen destination. These are all for specific dates, so again flexibility is the key to making this tool work for you.

This is a cool feature that is a little hard to find. On the top menu, click on the drop-down box from the “More” tab, and then click on Explore.

Using this tool, you can select your home airport, date range, price range, and trip duration to see where you can fly within those parameters. It’s a fun way to choose a destination when you have an idea of when you might like to travel but aren’t sure where you want to go.

If you hover over the price box on the map, you can see what city the flight arrives in. Once you’ve found your destination, click on the city name, then click on “Find Flights” on the right side to choose your flights and complete the booking.

You can also use the Kayak Explore tool to search for a themed trip, such as Amazing Beaches, Family Friendly Cities, UNESCO Sites, or Hiking Hot Spots. After choosing your home airport, dates, price range, and travel time, choose your travel theme on the right side of the page. This will narrow your search to only destinations featuring the theme you chose.

Sometimes having a day or 2 of wiggle room in your travel plans can save you big bucks! Using the 3-day flex search tool, you can see your selected travel dates plus or minus 3 days. This is a great way to see if you can save some money with a little flexibility.

To use this feature, select “Flexible Dates +/-” on the left side of the calendar drop-down box. You can also choose a Flexible Weekend or Flexible Month search. Now when you click on the Search button, you’ll see a chart of prices so you can easily see the cheapest days to fly to your chosen destination.

Hot Tip: Even a day or 2 of flexibility can lead to big savings! Be sure to search for your trip with flexible dates to see your best options.

This is a cool page under the “More” drop-down on the main menu. Click here to see all the places you can fly directly from your home airport. This tool also displays the approximate flight time, distance, and airlines that fly the specific route. It’s a pretty neat tool to check out if you’re looking for a destination you can fly to without a layover.

Occasionally it will appear that the flight you chose is bookable through Kayak ; this will show up as a Kayak price. However, while it looks like you’re booking through Kayak, you are really only using Kayak as a user interface — the booking is actually through a third party (usually an online travel agency like Travelocity or Priceline ).

This is important to know: if you have any problems, you will need to contact the party through which you booked, not Kayak. In this case, the ticket was booked through Priceline even though the user didn’t click through to that website.

Kayak Hotels

Searching for a great hotel on KAYAK is really simple. First, choose “Hotels” from the top menu. Then input the number of rooms, number of guests, city, and dates you’re looking for — click on the magnifying glass icon to search.

On the left side of the page, you’ll see all the options to filter your search. You can narrow your results by stars, review score, price, freebies, location, neighborhood, amenities, ambiance, and property type.

Right above all of the search options is a box to click through to a map, which shows your chosen city with all the hotels marked on it. Hover over each dot to see the hotel name, rating, and price, or click on each dot to continue with booking that hotel.

Hot Tip: You can also search for popular areas for eating, sightseeing, shopping and nightlife on this map.

The middle section of your screen will have a list of all the hotels available for your chosen dates. Just like with flights, these default to being sorted by “Recommended.” If you want to sort by price, adjust the settings at the top right underneath the search box.

Note that the price you see to the right of the hotel name is not necessarily the cheapest price! However, the great thing about KAYAK is that you can see the prices for each hotel on lots of different OTAs as well as the hotel website. You’ll see these prices underneath the hotel name and rating; click the drop-down menu for a full list.

Prices shown for hotels don’t include taxes, which can be pretty high. For example, I searched for a hotel for a long weekend in Chicago and chose the Park Hyatt (listed for $475 per night from Expedia). When I clicked through to complete the booking, I discovered per night taxes of $82.66!

Hot Tip: Prices shown from hotel websites are not member rates. Be sure to check the member rates on your specific hotel’s website — they are usually lower!

When I clicked through to Expedia , Orbitz , Travelocity , and Hotwire , they all featured the $475 per night price and added taxes for a total of $2,230.64 for a 4-night stay.

However, when I went to book directly with Hyatt, I found a non-member total for 4 nights of $2,230.60 ($.04 cheaper), while the member price was $2,141.35 for 4 nights. So by signing up as a World of Hyatt member (which you should definitely do because it’s free!) and booking directly through Hyatt, you’d be saving $89.29.

Plus, you will be eligible to earn hotel points and take advantage of any elite status you may have when you book directly through the hotel’s website.

Another hotel available for the same weekend had an advertised price of $429 on all the major OTAs including Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, and Hotwire. This was also the price offered directly from the hotel, making the total for a 4-night stay booked through any of these sites $2,014.60.

Hot Tip: Booking a “Hacker Stay” fare can save big bucks on your next hotel stay.

However, this hotel had a “Hacker Stay” rate of $392 per night. The total price for the Hacker Stay was $1,839.45 — that’s a savings of $175.15 for the exact same hotel room!

When I clicked through to book, I found that this stay consisted of 1 night booked through Hotels.com and 3 nights booked through Expedia. If you choose this route, you’ll end up with 2 separate reservations and might have to switch rooms halfway through your stay (though the hotel can usually combine those reservations upon check-in).

You can save selected hotels to come back to later by clicking on “Watch” right under the orange View Deal button. This will automatically create a saved Trip for you with all your hotel selections.

To track prices for your search, just toggle the button at the top right corner of your screen (to the right of the search box) until you see a check mark.

Kayak Car Rentals

To start your search for a car rental on Kayak , simply input your chosen city plus dates in the search bar at the top of your screen. At the top left you can choose whether you want to drop off the car at the same or a different location as pickup.

Clicking on the calendar icon will bring up a drop-down box to choose your dates, pick-up time, and drop-off time. You can also choose to bring up comparison sites underneath the location box to view prices at Hertz , Hotwire , Priceline , Budget, and Avis .

Just as with searching for flights or hotels on Kayak, searching for rental cars follows a similar pattern. To the left of your screen you’ll find all the options to help narrow your search. You can choose to sort your search by car capacity, car type, payment type, rental agency, price, and other car options like number of doors or type of transmission.

After you narrow your search, all your options will be featured in the middle of your screen. Above the list you can choose how to sort your results (recommended, lowest price, or distance), and you’ll see an alert if it’s a good time to book.

Each listing will tell you the type of vehicle, bag capacity, number of doors, rental company, and whether this is a Special Rate. These Special Rate deals will keep the car rental agency hidden until booking is completed. Use the drop-down arrow in the orange box or section on the right side of the screen to compare Kayaks pricing to other websites.

In an example search, I found car rental prices all over the map. I searched a midsize car for 4 days in Chicago and came up with a price of $200. This doesn’t include tax, so you do have to click through to your chosen website to see what the actual price will be. Here is what I found:

• Kayak – $216.40
• Orbitz – Not available once I clicked through, but there were other car options available
• Thrify – $216.40 (I clicked on their “hot deals” button and got the price down to $207.69)
• Cheaptickets.com – Not available once I clicked through, but there were other car options available
• Rentalcars.com – Didn’t show price at all

There was also a “Special Rate” available for a similar midsize car for only $139.19. If you aren’t picky about exact car type or who you rent from, these Special Rate prices offer a great deal.

Kayak Packages

Lots of people use OTAs and travel search engines to find great vacation package deals. To see Kayak’s deals , click on “Packages” in the search bar at the top of your screen. From here you’ll see a search bar just like in the Flights section.

First, fill in your destination and dates to get a list of flights. Once you select the flight you want, you’ll be able to add a hotel to make a package deal.

Bottom Line: You can save money by booking your hotel and flight together through Kayak’s “Packages” option.

Right underneath your chosen flight you will see the “Add a Hotel” section. To see what kind of deals I could get, I searched for a 5-night trip from Boston to Las Vegas. This search returned 3 featured offers with varying levels of advertised savings, and I could see more deals by clicking on the blue “View More Hotels” button.

Hot Tip: The hotel offerings change quickly! The offers I had changed even when I did the same search only minutes apart. If you see something you like, you should book right away.

The first option was a hotel stay at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, which advertised a $367 savings. I tend to be skeptical about package deals, so I wanted to check it out myself. Booking this package including a round-trip flight plus 5 nights at Treasure Island would cost $800.86.

Booking the flight separately was $216.37, and booking the hotel directly through their website would be $951.60, for a total of $1,167.97 if booked separately. That does work out to a $367 savings when booking the package, which is pretty significant and exactly as advertised.

If you have a destination in mind and are looking to find the most inexpensive time to travel, Kayak’s Packages have you covered there too.

Scroll to the bottom of the Packages tab, and you will see a section called “Search Vacation Deals By Destination.” When you click on a city in this section, you’ll be able to see price trends throughout the year. This tool will show estimated pricing for a package each month, allowing you to pick the most economical option. (Keep in mind these are just estimates and actual prices may vary.)

Hot Tip: Kayak no longer has the ability to search for and book cruises.

Kayak Guides is a great tool to start planning some activities for your upcoming trip. Guides can be found by clicking on the “More” drop-down box in the main search bar at the top of your screen.

From here you can input your destination or search by region or popular destinations.

In each city guide, you’ll find general information about the area as well as suggestions on things to do, places to eat, most and least expensive times to visit, and even average weather throughout the year. You can see how to get there including links to take you to search for flights. You can also see information about different areas of the city including links to hotels in that area.

One of my favorite parts of this tool is the map of the city that shows you popular areas for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Just click on the item you want to see and watch the colors on the map change to reveal the popular areas for your chosen activity.

This map also shows hotel locations. For more information, just click on a dot — this will bring up hotel info as well as a link to click through and book.

Bottom Line: Kayak Guides is a great resource to help plan every aspect of your trip, including best times to visit, local weather, and best areas for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and nightlife.

You can find Kayak trips in the upper right corner of your screen. This is where you can keep all of your trip information and itineraries in 1 spot. There are several options for managing this feature:

• Add your trip manually
• Connect your email inbox to import booking receipt emails
• Forward your booking emails to [email protected].

Once your flights are added, you will be able to see real-time updates for check-in, flight status, and gate change information. Plus, you will be able to access your itinerary offline.

Hot Tip: Use Kayak trips to organize and share all of your vacation details.

If you are traveling with a group, you can share all the trip details with your group by creating a link to your trip information page. Once you’re viewing your trip details, look for the blue “Share” button, which brings up a link to your trip information that you can send to friends and family. You can also allow someone else to edit the trip information from this button.

Kayak Deals can be found under the More drop-down in the main menu. This section differs from Kayak Packages in that you can’t build your own trip; the deals you find here are set packages that all include different things (vacation packages, cruises, flights, hotels, etc.).

Some of these deals were straightforward and easily bookable through an OTA, while others were a little more complicated. For example, I found a 6-day Dublin and Killarney rail vacation package, but I couldn’t just click through and book right away. Instead, clicking through took me to an OTA where I’d need to request a quote. While that’s not really a big deal, it does take more effort than just hitting the “buy now” button!

While you might think Kayak is an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia or Orbitz, it’s really a different animal. Kayak is a search engine, and it’s a great tool to use to begin your travel planning.

The great thing about Kayak is that it compares prices between all the OTAs you’re familiar with (like Expedia and Orbitz), plus airline and hotel websites. This lets you see where the best prices are without having to go to each individual website.

Kayak also offers tools to help with planning and organizing your trips. It’s a 1-stop shop to research and plan any vacation you can imagine!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does kayak work.

Kayak is a travel search engine. It searches hundreds of travel sites including OTAs, discount suppliers, and the airline/hotel/car rental agency’s direct websites to show you all the options in 1 place.

How Do You Change or Cancel a Flight Booked on Kayak?

You will need to contact the provider that you clicked through to (airline, hotel, or an OTA) to book your reservation for customer service. If you booked on Kayak, then you can go to the Bookings area of the site (accessible through Trips) to get support and information on your specific flight/hotel stay/car rental, etc. However, most likely you will still need to contact the provider directly.

When Is the Best Time to Book Airline Tickets Through Kayak?

As with booking flights from any website, there is no real answer to this question. There are lots of factors that go into airline ticket prices, so it’s hard to pinpoint when a fare will be at it’s lowest. However, Kayak does offer a few tools to help you.

The “Our Advice” box in the upper left corner of your search screen gives you a short-term prediction of how prices might change in the following week. You can also track your search by changing the Track Prices button to “On.” This will trigger a daily Price Alert email advising you of the current price trends for your search.

Are Kayak Flights Refundable?

Generally, no. Any flight that you access through Kayak will be subject to the airline’s cancellation policy. However, any flight booked with a U.S.-based carrier at least 1 week before departure can be canceled up to 24 hours after booking without penalty. (Be careful with American Airlines, as their policy only allows you to hold a flight for up to 24 hours without payment)

Are Kayak Hacker Fares Safe?

Yes, Kayak Hacker Fares are safe as long as you understand how they work. Hacker Fares are simply a combination of one-way flights that are cheaper than a round-trip. These flights can be on separate airlines, which means the second leg of your flight might not be protected.

For instance, if bad weather cancels your outbound flight, you might decide to stay home and skip your trip altogether. But since your return flight is on a separate reservation, it will not be refunded like your canceled outbound flight. Overall, this risk is relatively minor, but it’s good to know before you purchase a Hacker Fare.

If you are booking a Hacker Stay for your hotel, this will consist of 2 separate reservations. The only downside to this is that you might have to switch rooms during your stay. However, many times you can ask the front desk to combine your reservations when you’re checking in.

Why Doesn't Kayak Show Southwest Flights?

Southwest fares are only available on Southwest.com. You will not be able to search for these flights on Kayak or any OTA like Expedia or Orbitz.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Planning a Paddling Trip

In my opinion, the quote: " Failing to plan is planning to fail " is a bit dramatic as I do enjoy spontaneity and the flow of the present moment. However, I do think that planning for your kayak trip will make your experience more relaxing, more enjoyable and safer. The very basics you need for a great paddling trip are your kayak, your gear and enthusiasm, but before you head down to the water and push off I'd like to offer a few extra preparation tips that can help make your trip awesome!

As a kayak instructor my first piece of advice for trip planning is to take a paddling class. A half-day or full day of recreational kayak instruction will do wonders for your skills, your safety and your fun factor. Taking a class is not a prerequisite for getting out on the water, but getting instruction sooner rather than later is better as it tends to prevent the formation of bad habits. A good instructor can also share invaluable personal experience on trip planning and safety whether you're headed out for a short jaunt or a mutli-day trip.

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My first tip on trip planning is know where you're launching, how to get there and how to get back. Going out for a short lake paddle is one of the easiest and simplest ways to enjoy your kayak and get outside until you get lost. You can get lost on your way to the lake and you can also get lost once you're in the water, even on smaller lakes. Research driving directions and times and after you launch and start paddling look back once in a while to make sure you'll remember how to get back! I remember the first time I went out and realized that if I didn't pay attention I could end up lost and paddling around a lot longer than I intended to get back to my car.

Carrying a map of the lake or river is also a good idea so that you can keep tabs on where you are. You may live close to a small lake and not have to worry about this, but if you're not familiar with the body of water that you're planning to paddle then bring a map and pay attention! A GPS is a popular accessory these days, but sometimes they can be unreliable so it's still a good idea to bring a map and have the old-school back-up. Just in case.

If you're planning a paddle down an easy-going river it's very important to know ahead of time where you're launching, taking out and how long it will take you to get from point A to point B. As a former raft guide I've been asked plenty of times if you end up at the same spot that you put in on the river. The answer is NO! At the end of your river paddle you will end up downstream from where you put in - maybe many miles downstream. If you want to paddle for a few hours, but you launch on a 10-mile river run, chances are you'll be out for a lot longer than you thought. Sometimes this is fine, but once you set out paddling only you can get yourself back to shore or to the take-out so you want to make sure that you have the stamina and energy for the length of the trip. Or make sure that the length of the trip fits your energy and stamina level. The same advice applies to longer flatwater paddling trips where you're traveling to different points to set up camp. Miscalculating your paddling time can take away from relaxation time.

Another note on paddling down rivers: Don't forget to factor in the shuttle driving time into your trip planning. Depending on access points this can add quite a bit of time onto your trip. Make sure you plan for that and research driving directions. Again, don't put all of your eggs in one basket and only rely on your GPS, especially when driving to rivers. I've had several friends follow their GPS to rivers only to find themselves at dead ends or dead ended into a creek on a logging road. Maps are still relevant and helpful!

When planning for overnight trips researching where your camp sites are and how many miles you must travel to get there is key. Knowing what time you want to arrive at camp is also key. You may want to arrive to set up camp at 4 p.m., but if you underestimate the distance you may end up setting up and cooking in the dark. Again, think about how you want to spend your time: Drinking a cool beverage in nice dry clothes on the beach watching the sunset OR paddling to camp in the dark? When planning your timeline remember that you're only as fast as your weakest paddler; if you know of someone who is slower than the rest of the group, plan your timing around them so that you don't leave anyone behind in the dark.

Knowing what kind of weather you'll be dealing with on your trip can make or break your experience. I've definitely left the house on my way to paddle at higher elevation thinking that it was going to be as warm as it was in my front yard. Not smart! Had I paid attention, planned better and brought more layers, my experience would have been much more fun! Check the weather before your trip, especially the morning of and in the area where you're paddling. Take things like elevation, if they're relevant into consideration. It may not be elevation you want to consider, but exposure to wind. If your house is surrounded by trees it's probably going to be a lot warmer when you're loading than it will be out on the lake.

Checking water temperature before you launch is also a good idea as it's important to dress not only for the temperature outside, but also for the water that will be splashing you. My rule of thumb is that it's better to have to take layers off than not have extras to put on when you're cold. For overnight camping trips, the weather will dictate what clothes to bring for the camp site and sleeping. Bringing rain gear and a tarp, even if the weather isn't calling for rain, is good planning. That way you'll be prepared and will have a communal dry space that's easy to set up at camp.

Checking the weather isn't all about what to wear on your trip, the weather patterns may also affect your timing. For instance, if you know it's going to be scorching hot and you don't want to be doing most of your paddling in the middle of the day, you may choose to go out in the early morning or late afternoon. If there's going to be more wind in the afternoon you may want to head out early. Or if the weather is suppose to clear in the afternoon you may want to wait. On overnight trips, checking times for sunrise and sunset are also helpful to keep track of when you want to get started and when you want to make it to the next camp.

A watch or some sort of timepiece is helpful in keeping you prepared. I'm not suggesting that you spend every 5 minutes looking at your watch. You want to relax, enjoy the scenery and get a break from your daily routine. That's great, but it's also important to keep track of time, especially if you're paddling later in the day. It's helpful if you're trying to get a workout too. I've definitely paddled hard and thought: "Wow I just paddled for 45 minutes straight!" Then realized it was only 15! Wishful thinking! And then there's the other side of that coin where you may get so wrapped up in the beauty and the flow of paddling that you paddle 45 minutes longer than you intended. It's good to be able to check the time when you need to. That will keep you from paddling in the dark unintentionally.

Planning your food and water needs is one of the most important aspects of good trip logistics, especially on weekend or multi-day trips. Even if you're going out for a few hours you want to bring at least a 27 ounce bottle of water and a granola bar. Staying hydrated with plain water helps your muscles and your joints function better and it increases your energy level. No one likes a paddling buddy who is grumpy because she's hungry. That's good enough reason to bring lots of food for yourself and some to share!

Good, efficient packing is part of good trip planning, especially for multi-day trips where you'll be carrying more food, water, camping gear, layers and accessories. Keep in mind that the more you pack the more your boat is going to weigh, the lower you'll sit in the water and the less responsive your kayak will be. Think of distributing the weight evenly when packing your boat. It's no fun if you're bow is loaded down and plowing into the water all day. Pack light while still bringing the essentials. I've been traveling and paddling for years and I still manage to pack too much sometimes. Remember that when you're camping you usually wear the same clothes over and over and that goes for gear too.

Another packing tip is to make sure that the things you'll want access to during your paddle are easily accessible! I know, sounds simple, but I have been guilty of burying something like my hat and having to pull over and unpack some stuff to get to it. Planning where you're going to put things in your boat will make your life easier. Carrying a 'day bag' separate from your other bags on overnights is a good way to do it. A day bag can include water, snacks, map, first aid (be sure you know how to use it), watch, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, a few extra layers etc… Things that you may want access quickly and easily while you're paddling.

If you or someone in your group needs assistance, it's good to have researched the closest ranger station, road or the nearest place where you can get help. This is especially helpful if you're paddling in an area that you're not familiar with. A cell phone brought as a precautionary measure so that you can call someone if you need help is a great idea... as long as there's cell service where you're going. These days, smart phones have all kinds of apps that can probably help you with your trip planning, but it's also good to unplug and save the phone for emergency needs only.

To sum all of this up, your best tools for trip planning are common sense and mindfulness during the planning process. Pay attention to what you are doing, where you are going, and how long it will take you to get there and get back. Those are the basics to come back to. The list could go on beyond what I've mentioned in this article and it's good to do your own research. There are plenty of resources online, information at your local outfitter shop and in guide books. Enjoy your trip and be safe!

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21 Best Kayaking Trips in the US for Your Bucket List

If you’re looking for a unique outdoor experience, the best kayaking trips in the US are definitely the way to go. You can explore waterways and landscapes that you would never get to see any other way.

From the Colorado River to the dramatic shorelines in the Midwest to sea caves and icebergs, the best places to kayak and canoe in the USA will blow you away!

For this post, we teamed up with some of our favorite travel bloggers to give you the “ best of the best” places to kayak and canoe in the United States.

You’ll find plenty of stunning kayaking destinations to choose from. So if you’re ready for an adventure, read on for the best kayaking trips and multi day canoe expeditions in the US !

Our Favorite Resources For a Kayaking or Canoe Trip in the USA

• 10 Best Inflatable Kayaks and Canoes that are very easy to transport and set up.
• 10 Best Water Shoes for Kayaking and Canoeing will increase your comfort and protection.
• Planning a kayak or canoe trip in the US as part of a road trip? Check out these 60 USA Bucket List Trip Ideas .
• If you want to rent an RV or Sprinter Van, we highly recommend Outdoorsy after our rental in Utah. Use code Jen50 to get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental . Hotel and campground information is included for each kayaking destination below.

Best Kayaking Trips in the US

Bear Glacier Lagoon, Alaska is Our Vote For Best Kayaking Trips in the US

There’s something special about paddling through a landscape of icebergs. It’s like being in another world. And that’s exactly what you’ll find when you go kayaking in Bear Glacier Lagoon in Kenai Fjords National Park.

This unique place is home to some of the largest glaciers in Alaska, and it’s an absolute paradise for kayakers.

The lagoon is full of icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and paddling through them is an incredible experience. You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife up close, including seals, otters, and other creatures.

Getting to Bear Glacier Lagoon is half the fun. You either take a helicopter or a water taxi. The helicopter gives you a Birdseye view of the icebergs above and below the impossibly turquoise water.

Once there, you will meet your outfitter who will supply you with a kayak, drysuit, dry bag and everything you need for the 2-4 hour paddle.

The cost for this adventure ranges from $325-$650 per person depending on your transportation to the lagoon. It’s suitable for all ability levels and sure to be one of the most memorable experiences on your Alaska itinerary .

Other fun activities in Seward include a whale watching cruise where you can also see a glacier calving, a fishing charter or hiking on Exit Glacier.

Stay at the Harbor 360 Hotel Seward . It’s perfectly located near the dock where boats depart for multiple activities. If you prefer camping, Resurrection Campground & RV Park have beautiful views of the bay complete with hookups.

RELATED POST: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEWARD ALASKA

Backhaul Horseshoe Bend May be the Coolest Arizona Kayaking Destination

Recommended by Catherine of Nomadicated

Experience a different perspective of the famous American landmark, Horseshoe Bend, by kayaking the Colorado River that winds through it.  

To embark on this adventure, make your way to the nearest river access, Lee’s Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

You will need a National Park Pass or a day pass and hire a backhauling service to tow you north to the starting point. Horseshoe Bend is at mile marker 10, but tell the captain if you would like to start even further. 

Be prepared for a full day of kayaking through incredible landscapes. Starting at Horseshoe Bend, expect to paddle for approximately 3-4 hours as the river currents are slow-moving.

Beginners and experts alike are welcome, as there are no rapids to worry about here. 

Along the way, break up the journey by hiking in secret slot canyons, picnicking on the shores of the Colorado River, and discovering ancient petroglyphs. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter wild horses quenching their thirst on the banks of the river. 

Horseshoe Bend is one of the best places to kayak in the US, but there are so many other awe-inspiring things to do in Page, Arizona too.

Make time for other hotspots like touring through Upper Antelope Canyon , the lesser visited Lower Antelope Canyon or boating on Lake Powell . 

Hampton Inn & Suites is well located in Page to get to all activities. Camping is available at   the  Waheap Campground  or the  Page Lake Powell Campground .

RELATED POST: 11 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DOING THE HORSESHOE BEND HIKE

Russian River Kayaking in Sonoma County, California With Sea Kayaking in Jenner

Sonoma County is home to some of the best kayaking in California. The Russian River is particularly popular for canoeing and kayaking, as it runs through some of the most stunning wine country, redwoods and quaint small towns in the state.

There are plenty of options for paddling on the Russian River from a half day canoe float to a full day multi activity Kayak, Bike and Wine Tasting trip .

What says vacation more than taking a break from your California wine tasting with a paddle on the Russian River?!

Another amazing place for a kayaking tour is in Jenner at the mouth of the Russian River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean.

In this quaint coastal town, you will find a scenic estuary filled with sea lions, wildlife, beaches, sandbars and breathtaking coastal views.

It’s one of those magical places to spend time out on the water and is great for all ability levels and ages.

Launch your own kayak or rent one in Jenner by Cafe Aquatica , a terrific place to enjoy a meal before or after.

There are beautiful Northern California beaches you can explore when you are done like Goat Rock State Beach . Hikers will enjoy the trails in Sonoma Coast State Park and Jenner Headlands Preserve .

Highlands Resort  or AutoCamp Russian River  in Guerneville are great places to stay. Or choose one of the Best Hotels in Healdsburg to be right in town with great restaurants and shops.

RELATED POST: 15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN SONOMA COUNTY CALIFORNIA

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is One of the Best Kayaking Trips in the US

Recommended by Deanne of Scenic and Savvy

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a nature lover’s paradise. Located on the northernmost tip of Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands are set in the turquoise waters of Lake Superior with stunning sea caves naturally carved into the Islands.

From small to spacious, these sea caves are a popular spot for kayakers. Whether you kayak on your own or with a tour, for a few hours or an entire day, you’ll be amazed at the spectacular scenery that awaits you.

Beginner kayakers may decide to venture to the sea caves with a guided tour. There are many local tours to choose from.

If going on your own, be sure to have all the proper equipment. Because Lake Superior is a large unpredictable lake, a sea kayak is recommended. No permit is required, but parking at nearby Meyer’s Beach costs $5.

Kayaking isn’t the only  adventure in the Apostle Islands . There are great hiking trails, waterfalls, boat tours, wineries, and restaurants nearby.

The city of Bayfield is the gateway to this beautiful area. You’ll find a variety of accommodations here. The Wild Rice Retreat is a stylish Scandinavian inspired retreat that offers delicious dining, yoga, meditation and more.

If camping is more your style, the Apostle Islands Area Campground has more than 60 wooded sites with firepits, picnic tables and hookups.

Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area is a Multi-Day Bucket List Canoe Trip

Recommended by Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota is an absolutely stunning place for a canoeing adventure.

No motorized vehicles are allowed, a limited number of permits are given out per year, and campsites are at least ¼ mile away from the next site, so the area maintains an undeveloped feel where you can have a peaceful nature experience.

The Boundary Waters is about a million acres in size and brimming with over 2,000 lakes.

As such, a trip to the Boundary Waters is designed as a unique, multi-day adventure, where you paddle across a lake, portage (carry all your gear + canoes across land), and repeat as you explore this pristine wilderness.

Some people will set up a base camp and do day trips where they explore nearby lakes, but packing up every day and exploring deeper into the Boundary Waters is perhaps more adventurous. 

After you’ve done your canoeing for the day and made camp, you can swim in the crystal clear lakes, go cliff jumping, relax in hammocks, fish, climb a waterfall, or do a hike. 

Permits are valid for up to 14 days of canoeing, but you can have a great experience with even just a few nights on the lakes.

While you can do the Boundary Waters as a relative beginner, it is highly recommended to have at least one person experienced in canoeing, navigating, and remote camping in your group.

Most groups start the Boundary Waters from the town of Ely, MN – a great hotel there is the Grand Ely Lodge . 

Watson Lake, Prescott, Arizona is One of the Best Places to Kayak in Arizona

Recommended by Brittany of Travel by Brit

Kayaking at Watson Lake is one of the best things to do in Prescott, Arizona , during the spring, summer, or fall, when the weather is sunny and warm. 

Watson Lake is a beautiful seventy-acre lake with large granite boulders surrounding the lake.

These boulders make Watson Lake an excellent place for hiking, picnicking, or bouldering, in addition to water sports, like kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Since the lake is so calm, it’s a great location for adventurers of all skill levels to enjoy. 

While there is no permit required to kayak at Watson Lake, there is a three-dollar parking fee to enter Watson Lake Park. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent a kayak from Prescott Outdoors.

Tandem kayaks cost $20 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour, and solo kayaks cost $15 for the first hour and $10 for each extra hour.

You probably won’t need to stay longer than three hours, so budget roughly $30-35 per person if you’re planning to rent kayaks. 

While you’re in Prescott, don’t miss the chance to explore the quaint western Courthouse Square . You can take a walk down Whiskey Row and grab a table at The Palace Saloon —one of the country’s top ten historic bars.

If you’re interested in more outdoor adventures, an eBike ride at the Peavine National Recreation Trail is a filled with great views and fun.

The Prescott Resort and Conference Center  is the best hotel choice in the area and Point of Rocks RV Campground has large private RV spots with hookups but no tent camping.

RELATED POST: 20 EPIC ADVENTURES FOR YOUR ARIZONA BUCKET LIST

Animas River in Durango, Colorado is a Top Kayaking Trip in the US for Families

Located in the heart of Colorado, the Animas River is renowned for its scenic beauty. This 126 mile gem originates high in the San Juan Mountains, northeast of Silverton, and joins the San Juan River at the New Mexico border.

Whether paddling through towering cliffs or peaceful meadows, kayakers are sure to be mesmerized by the natural wonders of this region.

For those looking for a bucket list kayaking adventure, the Animas River is a must. The 26 mile stretch of the Upper Animas River offers challenging Class III-V rapids for experienced kayakers. Single day and multi day trips are available.

The most thrilling sections can be found through Rockwood Gorge and the Silverton Section. The Needleton section is a little less crazy but still a fun adventure through stunning scenery.

If you are visiting with the whole family, the Lower Animas River in Durango is perfect for beginners. In addition to kayaking, you can also take a half day family rafting trip or even tube down the river for a few hours.

Durango is also home to some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the country. Do a zipline adventure in the San Juan Mountains .

History buffs will enjoy riding on the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to the historic town of Silverton . You can also do a little shopping or enjoy the restaurants in Downtown Durango .

Club Wyndham Durango is perfectly located for every activity. United Campgrounds is on the banks of the Animas River with RV and tent sites and plenty of fun things to do.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan is One of the Top Kayaking Destinations

Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is renowned for its miles and miles of untouched beauty — dramatic kaleidoscope cliffs, turquoise waters, waterfalls, and lush forests.

One of the best ways to truly experience this beauty is kayaking through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Launch from Sand Point Beach, Miners Beach, Twelvemile Beach, and Hurricane River — we found launching from Sand Point Beach to be a great starting point.

Head east along the cliffs to enjoy an array of scenery. A few gorgeous spots to look out for include the dramatic cliffs of miner’s castle and its secluded beach, Painted Coves, Lovers Leap, Chapel Rock, Spray Falls, and much more!

There are a few things that you should know before you go. Conditions can change rapidly. Lake Superior has been known to overwhelm even the most experienced kayaker.

For this paddle excursion, you’re going to need a sea kayak, life vest, whistle/air horn, and a spray skirt — it is required by law that a life vest is worn at all times.

If the conditions of Lake Superior are rough, you can head just slightly north to Grand Island, which is usually sheltered from the rough seas. Grand Island is also a part of the lakeshore and has its own variety of painted cliffs and coves to explore!

Kayaking through Pictured Rocks can be done in one-day, or some will plan to camp at rustic spots along the way, including Chapel Beach and Twelvemile Beach, but you do need a reservation, and it is $25 a night.

The best places to stay in Pictured Rocks is in Munising at The Beach Inn Motel .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota is One of the Best Kayaking Vacations

Recommended by Taylor of Nomads in Nature

A truly unique place to canoe in the United States is in Northern Minnesota at Voyageurs National Park.

This very remote national park partly borders Ontario, Canada and contains 84,000 acres of water, 655 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and over 500 islands. To say this is a rare and bucket-list-worthy destination to canoe is an understatement. 

While you can stay at hotel like the Cantilever Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and canoe in one of the fairer-weather lakes, the most exciting experience is to camp inside Voyageurs National Park. 

All of the 270 campsites in Voyageurs are canoe or boat-in only and must be reserved in advance.

To get to Voyageurs National Park, fly into International Falls and rent a canoe in town.

From here you can canoe over Rainy Lake to one of the remote islands, where you will have one of the most epic campsites you’ve ever experienced. Plan on staying two nights at a campsite.

During the day you can fish for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout or adventure out to a few of the other islands and explore the backcountry hiking routes.

At night soak in the dark sky with phenomenal stargazing and if you’re lucky, you may even see the northern lights! 

Read our Voyageurs National Park Camping Guide to learn exactly how to camp, rent, and explore Voyageurs,

Emerald Cave, Arizona for a Half Day Colorado River Kayaking Adventure

Just an hour from the bright lights of Sin City, you can find yourself paddling through the serene waters of the Colorado River on the border of Arizona.

Even beginners can handle the relatively easy 2 mile paddle to Emerald Cave, which boasts emerald green water that’s simply stunning.

The cave is small but the kayaking is delightful on this gentle portion of the Colorado river, through the Black Canyon.

You’ll pass areas where Native Americans lived along the shoreline. And if you feel like stretching your legs, you can even get out of your kayak and explore some of the historical sights dotting the landscape.

Most people start kayaking from Willow Creek Marina where you can rent kayaks or launch your own.

If you are visiting from Las Vegas you can take the highly popular Half-Day Emerald Cove Kayak Tour , which includes a knowledgeable guide, all your gear and transportation.

It’s a great way to beat the heat of Las Vegas and spend the day on the water.

La Jolla Cave Kayaking Trips are a “Must-Do” in San Diego, California

Recommended by Chelsea of Chelsea Explores

If you are looking for the best places to kayak in California, La Jolla, San Diego has to be at the top of your list. The rugged sandstone sea cliffs that stretch along the shoreline with seven sea caves that you can enter, make it a unique experience.

You’ll also be paddling through the La Jolla Marine Reserve and the La Jolla Underwater Park, which are protected areas that are home to many different types of sea life, including leopard sharks, sea lions, stingrays, squid, sea turtles, and more. 

This is a great destination for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Take a guided tour like this 90 minute kayaking cave tour or bring your own inflatable kayak and enter from La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores. A few hours to kayak in this area is ideal.

Kayaking in La Jolla is just one of the many things to do on a trip to San Diego. Visit Coronado Island , have a fancy dinner in downtown San Diego, or spend time in historic Old Town San Diego , home to California’s first settlement. 

Staying at La Valencia Hotel is a great choice for location and above-average amenities. There are a couple of RV parks nearby but the closest option for tent camping is Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, just 15 miles from La Jolla.

RELATED POST: 13 PRETTIEST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACHES

Trillium Lake, Oregon is One of the Prettiest Places for Kayaking

Recommended by Val of Voyages With Val

Trillium Lake near Mount Hood is a beautiful spot to go kayaking and one of the  best day trips from Portland . The drive is a little less than 2 hours to get to one of the prettiest lakes in Oregon.

Around the lake, there is a picture-perfect view of Mount Hood. In the morning, the mountain is reflected in the lake on a clear day.

The lake itself is 63 acres so there is plenty to paddle, all while gazing up at Oregon’s most famous mountain. This lake is usually calm, so it is great for all types of kayakers. 

You can spend the morning kayaking around the lake, followed by hiking one of the many beautiful trails in the Mount Hood National Forest. There is an easy 2-mile trail around the lake if you don’t want to drive far to a trailhead. 

There aren’t rentals available at the lake, so you will have to bring your own kayak. There is easy parking with access to the lake and a boat ramp available. Parking for the day is $10 a vehicle, or you can use a Northwest Forest Pass.

To stay nearby, consider camping at the campground located on the edge of the lake. You can also stay in the nearby town Government Camp at the famous Timberline Lodge . 

Lake Cushman, Olympic National Park, Washington

Recommended by Anna of Anna Tee

A really great place for kayaking and canoeing is Lake Cushman in Washington. Paddling out on a lake is fun and relaxing, and doesn’t require any experience!

Lake Cushman is a little over 4,000 acres, and it’s surrounded by gorgeous scenery, with mountains around the lake.

A fun thing that you can do when you kayak or canoe on Lake Cushman is to paddle to Lake Cushman Rock – a big boulder on the northern shore of the lake – and climb onto it to jump off!

The jump is less than 20 feet high, so this is a really popular cliff jumping spot.

You only need one a day to kayak on Lake Cushman. It’s an easy day trip from Seattle or a fun stop on your way to Olympic National Park.

You don’t need a permit and there is no parking fee if you launch from the north side of the lake, where there are several pull outs and parking areas. Some people start from Skokomish Park, which does have an entrance fee of $15.

After you’re done kayaking on Lake Cushman, there are a lot of fun hikes in the area! You can drive into Olympic National Park and hike the easy Staircase Rapids Loop, or hike Mount Ellinor for a challenge.

Stay overnight in a vacation home with private lake access or camp at one of the tent sites at the Staircase Rapids campground nearby. Since Lake Cushman is right next to the national forest, you can also wild camp for free!

Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is One of the Best Places to Kayak in Idaho

Recommended by Christina of Live A Wilder Life

Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho and sits in the panhandle of North Idaho, an area famous for its reclusive, quiet, and lush environment.

With 111 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of paddling routes to choose from and you can spend days out exploring.

Eagle Boat Launch, Talache Point, and Garfield Bay are all popular put-in areas for kayaks and canoes. Experienced kayakers will love the serene beauty of the Clark Fork Delta for the sloughs, channels, and backwater exploration.

Anyone from beginners to experts will enjoy the depth and breadth of paddling possibilities on Lake Pend Oreille.

You’ll want to spend two to four days in Sandpoint to try out different lake spots, whether that’s the right off City Beach in downtown Sandpoint or the resort community of Dover for a quieter day on the river portion of Lake Pend Oreille. 

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles gliding over the lake to find their next meal. 

After you’ve gotten your fill of exploring by kayak, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sandpoint . Check out local art galleries, sip on craft beer at Mick Duffs, or try Idaho’s best ice cream at Panhandle Cone and Coffee.

If you’re looking for more adventure, drive up to Schweitzer Mountain, a ski resort, and hike to to the top for panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille.

The Best Western Edgewater Resort is popular for its proximity to downtown Sandpoint and lakeside access. If you’re looking to camp, Springy Point is a lush campsite on the water that’s just over the scenic Long Bridge into town.

Lake McDonald, Montana is an Iconic Kayaking Adventure in Glacier National Park

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

If you want to kayak in one of the most jaw-dropping alpine landscapes, Lake McDonald, in Montana’s Glacier National Park, should definitely be on your bucket list. 

The fjord-like lake, located in the park’s West Glacier section, is the largest body of water in the park (over ten square miles!).

It arguably, offers its most stunning scenery, with the dramatic Rocky Mountains reflected in its emerald waters.

In addition to the accessible paddling, the lake offers tons of places to pull off, bring your kayak ashore, and go on small hikes, like the Lake McDonald Trail , to explore the gorgeous surrounding forests.

The lake is suitable for kayakers of all levels. There are no additional parking or permit fees for kayaking here, beyond the park’s entrance fee ($35) and mandatory vehicle reservation if you’re visiting in the busy summer months ($2),

After your day on the water, take advantage of all the outdoor adventures to be had in Glacier, from hiking the famed Highline Trail to gazing at ancient glaciers. And of course, you must drive up the the famed Going to the Sun Road .

Consider a stay at Lake McDonald Lodge, a historic lodge built in 1913 with stunning views of the lake.

If camping is more your speed, consider staying at Under Canvas Glacier or the Avalanche Creek Campground, nestled in a gorgeous pine-tree forest and right by the trailheads of two of the most beloved hikes in the park, Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars.

Put-in-Bay Island, Lake Erie is One of the Best Places to Kayak in Ohio

Recommended by Nikki of She Saves She Travels

If you’re looking for the best places to kayak in the US or canoe in the US, then Lake Erie must be on your list!

Located on the northern border of the US, Lake Erie is the 4 th  largest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of almost 10,000 square miles.

One unique spot to kayak or canoe on Lake Erie is the island of Put-in-Bay. Rent kayak and do a fun paddle around Gibraltar Island.

Another great place to launch a kayak or canoe is from South Bass Island State Park. You’ll kayak along the limestone cliffs of the island, with rocky beach views and blue-green water beneath you.

It’s not safe to get too far away from the shore because the water can be really choppy. Stay along the shoreline and within the bays of the island.

Oh, and keep an eye out for the area’s well-known water snakes! Kayaking on Lake Erie at Put-in-Bay is best done in 1-2 hours, or an afternoon adventure.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Put-in-Bay . Dine at a tiki bar or catch live music downtown. There are two wineries on the island, butterfly gardens, an international peace memorial and even a crystal cave.

You won’t run out of fun activities for a day (or two) spent on Put-in-Bay, Ohio.

For local accommodations, try the Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel . You can also find a basic tent campground at the South Bass Island State Park, which is near the boat dock.

Night Glow Kayaking in Pensacola, Florida

Contributed by Roshni from TheWanderlustWithin.com

The only place to try night glow kayaking along the Florida Panhandle is the historic city of Pensacola . 

This experience is located on Little Sabine Bay , and involves crystal clear kayaks which allow you to view the marine life below you.

This experience is elevated at night, as the kayaks are fitted with LED lights, meaning you can observe “life under the sea” with a colorful glow. Fish, stingrays, jellyfish and even starfish are found in this bay.

The kayaking tours are suitable for everyone including first timers, and there are 1 to 2 people per kayak.

The shallowness of the bay, means this is a family friendly activity, but all children must be accompanied by an adult and there is minimum weight of 30 pounds. Children between 10-17 can kayak solo if they have parental permission.

Sessions last 45 minutes, and there are multiple time slots available between 7pm and 11.30pm daily.

If you want to experience something different and are over 18, there are also glow stand up paddle boards or glow bicycles, available to rent.

Note, there is limited parking available at the premises, but there is public parking across the street. 

The Margaritaville Beach Hotel is well located for glow kayaking and kayaking right from the beach during the day.

If you prefer to camp, then head over to the Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore , and stay at the campground there.

Kayaking With Manatees in Florida at Crystal River

Recommended by Taylor from Tea N’ Sea Travel

Crystal River is the perfect spot for a Florida kayaking adventure. The water is pretty clear, but the real draw is the manatees!

Also off the river are tons of natural springs that are around 72 degrees year round and great for swimming! Three Sisters Springs is one of the best natural florida springs to visit, especially during manatee season!

The beauty of kayaking on Crystal River is you can choose varying lengths of time to spend on the river. Go on your own or take a 2 hour clear kayak tour of crystal river or a Three Sisters Springs kayak and swim eco-tour of Crystal River .

Kayaking Crystal river does not require a permit. Metered parking and kayak launches are found at Kings Bay and Hunter Springs Park, as well as the Crystal River Preserve State Park.

If you are renting a kayak, there are many companies around which typically offer parking at their place of business.

Crystal River is a great spot for beginners and kayaking enthusiasts alike. With a very low current, lots of springs to swim and enjoy, and plentiful wildlife, it’s a great way to cool off from the Florida heat!

After spending the day kayaking, you can explore some of the town’s mom-and-pop restaurants, visit the local winery and brewery, or head down to Tampa for some nightlife!

Plantation on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection is a conveniently located hotel with plentiful amenities to make your trip to Crystal River longer than a day trip.

If you’re looking for a campsite, there are a plethora of options around including the Crystal Isles RV Resort, which offers lots of amenities including laundry, pools, and more!

Outer Banks Kayaking in North Carolina

Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger

A great place to go kayaking on the east coast is the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

The Outer Banks is about 200-miles of barrier islands off the coast. It is a great place for a vacation filled with water sports, relaxing at the beach, and more. 

The Outer Banks have beautiful scenic paddling paths. Paths range from calm waterways through the rivers to ocean waves.

If you want to paddle in the ocean but do not want the large waves, you can paddle through the sound side of the islands. No matter your experience, you can find a place to kayak in the Outer Banks. 

One of the best places to kayak in the Outer Banks is the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of the best wildlife refuges in the area. The water here is very calm and there are lots of fun things to see. 

You can also launch a kayak right from the  Outer Banks beaches . There are rental companies that offer launches right from the beach.

The sound side of the island will have calmer water than the ocean side. There are no permits required or parking fees. 

Saltaire Cottages are located right across from the beach and near a kayak tour of the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest . There are a plethora of campgrounds to choose from.

Kayaking in the North East in Cape Cod and the Islands, Massachusetts

Recommended by Shobha of Martha’s Vineyard Tourist

Many people love to kayak in Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Although these places get busy in the summer, there are never that many people paddling on the water.

When you  kayak Martha’s Vineyard’s ponds  or the Nantucket ponds, for example, you will feel like you are on your own in nature. Yet, you are very near lots of summer tourist resort amenities when you get out of the water. 

On Cape Cod, you can paddle the Cape Cod National Seashore which is a haven for birds and other wildlife.

There are so many ponds that you can kayak as much as you want and never get bored. Travel between Cape Cod and the islands via ferry. The ponds are easy to kayak for mixed-ability groups like families.

Either bring your own kayaks or rent them locally. Kayak rental stores will bring kayaks to where you would like to go. There are public kayak launches easily accessible as well. 

There is no permit needed to kayak. Parking fees will depend on the location.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club has tons of activities and access to Cape Cod National Golf Course. The Richard in Edgartown is charming and well located for a trip to Martha’s Vineyard.

Both Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod have campgrounds. Dune’s Edge Campground in Provincetown has RV, tent and rustic cabins on the edge of the National Seashore.

Wailua River and Hanalei River, Kauai, Hawaii Kayaking Tour

Recommended by Megan of Next is Hawaii

You will find several amazing places to go kayaking in the United States and one of the top spots on Kauai is Kayaking the Wailua River . The Wailua River is the only true navigable river in the state and definitely the only one on Kauai.

The Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour includes a waterfall that can only be reached by kayaking the river first. It is a fun and relatively easy trip takes about half the day and perfect for beginner kayakers visiting Hawaii!

You will be given points along the river to meet at but can navigate it at your own speed and leisure.

Once you arrive at the trailhead for Uluwehi Falls, it is about a 20-30 minute hike to the waterfall (with a few stream crossings along the way). The two mile kayak trail can also be done by canoe or standup paddleboard.

Another cool kayak adventure is the Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour on the Hanalei river. Experience sea turtles and other marine life in addition to exploring by kayak.

If youʻre looking for some things to do after the kayaking trip, a Na Pali Half Day Snorkel Raft Adventure or a Na Pali Sunset cruise will allow you to see the dramatic cliffs of Kauai, with a stunning sunset, dolphins and other marine life.

A great place to stay that is not too far from the Wailua River is the Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue set on gorgeous Kalapaki Beach, near the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. It is a short drive from the Wailua River kayaking tour meeting point.

Have you been inspired to add one of these best places to kayak or canoe in the US to your next trip? We have!

Pack your inflatable kayak and hit the open road! Make the trip even more exciting with a $50 off your first Sprinter van rental from Outdoorsy . What was your favorite place to paddle? We’re always looking for more cool adventures!

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The 9 Best Travel Planner Apps of 2024

Proper planning prevents poor purchasing. Get ready for your trip the right way!

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Planning the perfect trip can be almost overwhelming enough to take the fun out of what should be an exciting experience. Thankfully, many travel planning apps are available to help you organize your next getaway, right down to the smallest detail.

Best for Predicting Lowest Flight and Hotel Prices: Hopper

The Watch feature sends push notifications about good deals when it's time to commit.

Some fairly large airlines aren't included in Hopper's analysis.

Hopper's proprietary algorithm tries to predict where flight and lodging prices are headed shortly, letting you wait until the right moment to spring into action and book your trip at the lowest price. The app analyzes billions of prices per day and claims to predict what the cheapest one will be with a 95% accuracy rate.

Download For:

Best for Helping You Remember the Essentials: Packing Pro

An impressive group of sample packing lists provides a good starting point if you don't want to make your own.

In-app purchases are inappropriate for an app you purchased.

Packing Pro is well worth the $2.99 if stuffing your suitcases isn't your favorite pre-trip activity. The app creates customizable packing lists considering essential factors like the trip duration, destination, expected weather conditions, food preferences, and more. Packing Pro's robust item catalog ensures that even the most unique dietary or religious restrictions are satisfied.

Best for Car or RV Trips: Roadtrippers

The hidden gems that can be discovered with this app.

GPS coordination isn't as good as it is in apps like Waze.

If dealing with long lines at the airport isn't your idea of fun, then Roadtrippers may be the app for you. Whether you're hitting the highway or off-roading, enter your starting and destination points and let Roadtrippers provide everything you need.

From campsites and outdoor attractions to unique adventures that are off the beaten path, this app is the perfect companion for planning an excursion, no matter if your mode of transportation is a small-sized rental car or a giant RV.

An optional yearly subscription unlocks advanced features, including live traffic monitoring and different map styles.

Best for Finding Bargain Flights: Skiplagged

Frequent travelers can save a significant amount of money.

Airline baggage fee policies can be murky, so read the fine print before booking.

By showing fares to connecting cities that are sometimes cheaper than a direct flight to that city, Skiplagged lets you book flights where you stay at the layover location (your destination) rather than continuing with the connecting flight. When it works, you spend less to reach your desired destination. Skiplagged also lets you book last-minute hotel deals.

Best Overall Trip Planner: Kayak

The Explore feature helps you decide on a destination, suggesting getaways all over the globe based on your maximum budget.

Doesn't always show all available flights on a specific route, potentially causing you to miss out on the best deal.

One of the top all-in-one apps for setting up a trip, Kayak searches hundreds of travel sites instantly to provide multiple deals on a flight, hotel, or rental car in the same location. Kayak also organizes everything in one place and includes up-to-date details on security wait times, along with airport terminal maps.

The app also measures your luggage using your phone's camera, informing you of potential fees and carry-on rules for most airlines.

Best for Avoiding Hidden Fees: Skyscanner

Offers protection to ensure car rental providers don't overcharge for fuel.

In rare instances, flight prices shown in the app are outdated.

Skyscanner should be included in some of the bigger all-in-one planning and booking apps. Offering reliable price alerts, integrated frequent flyer miles, and no additional or hidden fees like you might find elsewhere, Skyscanner usually follows through on its promises and is easy to navigate.

Best Itinerary Planner: Sygic Travel

If you don't want a planned itinerary, Sygic is useful for finding nearby attractions on-the-fly.

Access to Sygic's offline maps requires a paid upgrade to the Premium version.

Sygic Travel lets you plan a detailed itinerary for each day of your trip before you leave home, down to the last detail, like walking distances between attractions.

With over 50 million places included, many with 360-degree videos that make you feel like you're there, the app's smart search filters help you narrow things down to the perfect daily schedule. Collaborative city guides provide an easy-to-use snapshot of the most popular locales around the globe.

Best for Customer Reviews: TripAdvisor

The forums are a great resource for getting specific travel-related questions answered quickly.

Default rankings don't always correlate with customer reviews, so you often need to take a deeper dive to discover the best value.

A stalwart in the travel industry, TripAdvisor isn't unique in providing a one-stop-shop for booking good deals on flights, hotels, and restaurants for your upcoming trip, though it does a dependable job of each. The app sets itself apart with its customer feedback on airlines, lodging, food, and activities. By offering over 500 million opinions from real travelers who've been there and done that, TripAdvisor helps you make informed planning decisions based on others' past experiences.

Best for Organizing Confirmations and Reservations: TripIt

Send information manually, forward confirmation emails, or have the app automatically fetch itineraries from your inbox.

The default notification setting is for an annoying number of alerts.

When you plan a trip, it's not uncommon to receive multiple confirmation emails and itineraries from airlines, hotels, rental car companies, or other sources. Keeping all these details organized can be a hassle.

TripIt solves this problem by taking all your scattered information and organizing it into an easy-to-use main itinerary. This basic functionality is free of charge, while an annual subscription provides the ability to upgrade your seat on upcoming flights and track reward miles, among other perks.

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Are you looking to embark on your next adventure but feeling a bit daunted by the planning process? With seemingly endless destinations, flight deals and accommodation options, having efficient and user-friendly travel planning tools can really help take the stress out of organising your trip.

That's where a travel planning app comes in handy, offering convenience, organisation, and peace of mind. Let's explore some of the best travel planning apps that won't cost you a thing.

1. Wanderlog

Wanderlog stands out as a comprehensive free trip planner app, ideal for organising road trips and group travel. Its user-friendly interface allows you to create customised itineraries, manage reservations, and collaborate with friends in real-time. With features like precreated trips and offline access, Wanderlog aims to help you enjoy a seamless travel planning experience.

Kayak is an all-in-one travel planner app that offers extensive search capabilities for flights, hotels, and rental cars. With features like luggage measurement and airport details, the aim of Kayak is to simplify trip planning. Whether you prefer flying, driving, or taking the train, Kayak provides travel options tailored to your preferences.

3. Roadtrippers

For those seeking road travel experiences during international adventures, the Roadtrippers app is a helpful tool. The app allows you to discover the coolest stops along your route by setting your start and end points and specifying how far off the path you're willing to venture. On top of that, you can use the app to plan your itinerary, estimate petrol prices and find and book hotels and tours. Plus, you can read reviews from fellow road trippers and save favourite places for future reference.

4. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor is a widely recognised free travel planner app that offers extensive features to improve your trip planning experience. Beyond just building itineraries, it provides valuable travel recommendations and efficient trip management tools. Users can explore top attractions worldwide and access insightful reviews from other travellers. With its comprehensive database and user-friendly interface, TripAdvisor aims to make the process of discovering new destinations and making informed travel decisions much easier.

5. Sygic Travel

The free version of Sygic Travel offers advanced trip planning features, allowing users to create detailed itineraries and access offline maps. Featuring 360-degree videos, Sygic Travel provides comprehensive destination insights into over 50 million places. Its powerful search filters and collaborative city guides help you create personalised and well-structured travel plans.

Enjoy seamless travel with Vodafone’s international roaming services

Take your travel planning to the next level with our international roaming services, allowing you to stay connected no matter where you are in the world. Discover more about international roaming options with Vodafone and embark on your next adventure worry-free. In need of more travel tips? Check out our blog on the best travel apps to make your next getaway your most memorable yet.

$5 Roaming Countries and eligible partner airlines are subject to change, see current list and full details here . Available to eligible customers, see terms for details specific to your plan. $5 Daily Charge is in addition to minimum monthly spend and allows use of your plan inclusions in Eligible Countries for $5 per day. $5 Roaming is also available in-flight on eligible partner airlines. Only your included data allowance can be accessed while $5 Roaming. Data capped at speeds up to 1.5, 2, 10 or 25Mbps is not accessible while $5 Roaming. Once your included data is exhausted, additional data will be automatically added at a charge of $5/GB ($0.005/MB) (“Additional Roaming Data”). Additional Roaming Data expires at the end of your next billing period, is shareable (excludes plans with unlimited data which do not share data) and can only be used while in $5 Roaming countries. Max 90 days of use in any calendar year. Opt-out at any time, visit My Vodafone or call 1555. All roaming services are subject to network availability.

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Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?

Take an epic rail adventure into the Copper Canyon for river kayaking, zip-lining and opportunities to learn from remote Indigenous Rarámuri communities.

Travelling 220 miles through northwestern Mexico from the coastal city of Los Mochis in Sinaloa to the mountain town of Creel in Chihuahua, the Chepe Express is one of Mexico’s few long-distance passenger trains –– and an epic one at that. The train travels through ravines, deserts, gorges and rivers, via 37 bridges and 86 tunnels, to reach the Copper Canyon, a chain of six UNESCO-protected rocky canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Often referred to as the Sierra Tarahumara because of the Indigenous communities that live here, combined they form a gorge that’s four times larger than the Grand Canyon in the US.

The Chepe Express has six modern passenger cars divided into three classes: First Class has panoramic windows, reclining seats and one on-board meal included in the train’s Urike restaurant, which serves traditional dishes from the states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa; Executive Class has spacious seating and access to its own bar; and Tourist Class includes basic, but comfortable upright seating and an on-board snack service.

The journey, which takes nine hours to complete, can be done in a day. However, a hop-on, hop-off ticket allows passengers to explore the Copper Canyon’s towns and sights at a slower pace, staying in hotels or Airbnbs along the route. Highlights include visiting vineyards and waterfalls around the 17 th -century Jesuit town of Cerocahui, located on the edge of the Copper Canyon’s deepest gorge, Barranca de Urique; riding the world’s second-longest zip-line at the Copper Canyon Adventure Park near Divisadero train station, where the mighty Urique and Tararecua rivers converge; and kayaking along the forested Fuerte River.

But perhaps the most singular experience in the Copper Canyon is spending time with the Rarámuri, an Indigenous group that’s lived in the state of Chihuahua for nearly 2,000 years. The arrival of the Spanish in the 16 th century pushed the Rarámuri –– also known as Tarahumara, the name given to them by the Spanish 400 years ago –– into the most remote parts of the Copper Canyon.

Today, the Rarámuri, which loosely translates to ‘runners on foot’ in the Rarámuri language, are best known for their ultra-running abilities, demonstrated in international races and local games like palillo , which involves carrying and throwing a ball over the Copper Canyon’s deep gorges and ravines for several days –– and several hundred miles –– on foot. But running isn’t the Rarámuri’s only skill: cooking with healthy ingredients like blue corn and weaving baskets from natural fibres are just some of the things you can learn while exploring this remote part of northwestern Mexico with them.

Three must-do Rarámuri experiences in the Copper Canyon  

1.   Huetosachi cooking & weaving class

In the small Rarámuri village of Huetosachi, 60 miles north of Divisadero station (the penultimate stop on the Chepe Express), the women offer traditional cooking and weaving classes in their homes. First, you’ll learn how to make pinole   –– an ancient drink made with ground corn that Rarámuri runners use to fuel their ultra-marathons –– and tortillas made with blue corn, also favoured by Rarámuri runners for the bread’s high-protein content and anti-inflammatory properties. Then comes the delicate art of basket weaving using the leaves of the yucca plant, which grows wild across the Americas, or sotol, a plant native to the Chihuahuan desert.

2.   The Giants Trail

The Copper Canyon’s rocky cliffs and deep ravines mean that, even today, numerous parts of it can only be accessed on foot. Generations of Rarámuri runners have carved hundreds of trails into the canyon, many of which carry their own legends. Take a guided hike of the three-hour Giants Trail, led by Rarámuri runners from the Bacajipare community, to learn about Los Ganoko –– mischievous giants that are said to roam the canyon near the Urique River. Additional one-hour hikes to nearby rock paintings and Rarámuri cave tombs can also be organised in Bacajipare.

3.   Museo Tarahumara de Arte Popular  

Located in Creel’s old train station, the Museo Tarahumara de Arte Popular traces the history and culture of the Rarámuri people from the beginning of Rarámuri life in Chihuahua 2,000 years ago through to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century and up to the present day. The permanent exhibition includes displays of Rarámuri art and textiles, cultural celebrations and religious ceremonies, as well as a collection of 62 photos by French photographer Gérard Tournebize, who lived with and documented the lives of Rarámuri people in the Copper Canyon from 1989 to 1991. Attached to the museum is Casa de las Artesanías, a shop selling traditional Rarámuri arts and crafts.

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