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VACATION ENVY INTERNATIONAL

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Welcome to Vacation Envy 

Welcome to Vacation Envy International (VEI), where unparalleled luxury meets the thrill of exploration. At Vacation Envy International, we redefine the art of travel, curating extraordinary journeys that transcend the ordinary. Spearheaded by the passionate and visionary travel expert, Gretna Davis, our agency is a gateway to the world’s most exquisite and undiscovered destinations. Here, every trip is more than a vacation it’s a foray into luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences. 

About  Us

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Meet Our CEO

At VEI, we redefine the art of travel, curating extraordinary journeys that transcend the ordinary. Spearheaded by the passionate and visionary travel expert, Gretna Davis, our agency is a gateway to the world’s most exquisite and undiscovered destinations. Here, every trip is more than a vacation—it’s a foray into luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek the serenity of secluded beaches, the vibrancy of cosmopolitan cities, or the adventure of solo exploration, VEI crafts travel experiences tailored to your dreams

Bangkok & Phuket

Thailand:  the heart of asia.

Sunday, November 30 - Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Cairo, Aswan & Luxor

Egypt:  all-inclusive vacation package.

Thursday, October 30-Saturday, November 8, 2025

Land of Fire and Ice

Monday, October 13-Sunday, October 19, 2025

Cartagena, Colombia

Your caribbean dream destination.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 - FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025

Bali, Indonesia

Your gateway to tropical tranquility.

Thursday, April 3 – Friday, April 11, 2025

A Glittering Gem in the Desert Sands

Sunday, May 18 – Monday, May 26, 2025

South of France

Nice, monte carlo, st. tropez, cannes & lerins islands.

Sunday, October 5 – Sunday, October 12, 2025

Madrid, Spain

Madrid magic: where past and present collide.

Sunday, July 13 – Sunday, July 20, 2025

Athens, Mykonos & Santorini Sun, Sea, and Souvlaki!

Sunday, August 31 – Tuesday, September 9, 2025

THE MOST ADVENTUROUS GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE YOU’LL EVER HAVE.

— gretna davis,  from our fabulous clients.

I traveled to Dubai in October 2017

Great Trip! On-site agent! Great schedule! Accommodations in Dubai are not great, the hotel was remodeled but not well—great accommodation in Abu Dhabi. Intercontinental was on point! The tours were great just shouldn’t have booked.

This was my first time traveling with a travel agency and Gretna and Diva Tina Marie went above and beyond I left my money at home. Gretna said no worries just cash app me I got you having a trip with all activities planned and great tour guides I loved Egypt I recommend everyone to use Vacation Envy.

Nicole E Miller

The professionalism and communication of Gretna and her staff is exceptional. She gives you more than enough information pertaining to your trip. I cant wait for my trip to Egypt with her. S/N: This will be my second trip with her in 2 years and look forward to many more to come.

Nikki Noble

Gretna, I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking such great care of my family during our 2019 trip to Egypt. Professional and accommodating are the two words I’d use to describe your agency. Stay blessed and don’t change. See you in 2020 for our next adventure!

I just spent seven fabulous days in Cairo Luxor. Gretna left nothing to chance and arranged for beautiful hotels, transportation to/ from airports, knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, and great prices. This was a once-in-a-lifetime excursion I look forward to my next trip with Vacation Envy!!

Hattye Nesbit Wynn Knight

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Embark on a journey with us on Facebook! Join the Vacation Envy International Family to discover new travel experiences first, access exclusive offers, and connect with fellow travelers. Our Facebook group is a vibrant community where you can share stories, gain insights, and find companionship before, during, and after your journeys. It's more than just a group; it's a place to forge lasting friendships and enrich your travel experiences. Click to join now and be a part of our world of luxury travel adventures!

VEI Features

International Business Class Seats: How expensive are they?

Women Tourists in Dubai

Proceed with Caution: Navigating International Travel with a Roommate

International Travel & In-Country Currency

The Importance of Reading Terms and Conditions Before Booking a VEI Trip

Discover the World with VEI!

When to Renew Your Passport: State Department Guidelines

Our No Refund Policy: The Reason Behind VEI's Payment Options

Itching to travel internationally? 

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Welcome to TravelEnvy Vacation Company LLC. 

Proud to be voted your favorite Travel Agency in the 2019, 2020 and 2023 Janesville Gazette Community Choice Awards!

With over fifty years of combined experience Bonnie Fox and Lori Roberts-Paiement   welcome the opportunity to plan your next vacation while you enjoy peace of mind and time savings. 

We recognize that no two travelers are alike and we'll personalize your vacation by taking time to understand your unique travel needs and interests. Our advanced technology, professional knowledge and buying power with top vacation partners are sure to save you time planning and help get the best value for your vacation.  We specialize in all-inclusive vacations,  group travel ~ including  destination weddings,   and much more.  Contact us and be prepared to get Travel Envied.

All-Inclusive 

    travelenvy blog, keep your eye on this space for helpful hints and essential travel information..

• Jun 1, 2018

Tipping Guide for All-Inclusive Resorts

Airport Procedures with Apple Vacations and Funjet Vacations

• May 11, 2018

Tips for International Travel

"ENVY Travel, where we turn your travel dreams into unforgettable adventures. Join us for personalized experiences, exciting destinations, and lasting memories. Your next journey starts here!"

About ENVY Travel

ENVY Travel is a leading travel agency that specializes in creating unforgettable experiences for clients worldwide. Established in 2021, our agency was founded by a visionary individual who had a life-changing experience. After a near-death encounter, our founder realized the importance of cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories with loved ones. This realization inspired the mission of ENVY Travel - to provide affordable and efficient travel solutions that enables families to explore the world together. With our extensive vendor knowledge and strong industry relationships, we ensure complete customer satisfaction and exceed our travelers' expectations. Whether you're dreaming of a luxurious honeymoon or an adventurous expedition cruise, our dedicated team will tailor a dream vacation that perfectly suits your needs.

The New King of the Seas

Published on December 16, 2022

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Green with Envy: An 8-Day Ireland Itinerary With Globus

Planning an 8-day Ireland itinerary might sound overwhelming. There are so many great places to see in Ireland, but you can’t see the entire country in a week. The best option is to pick an area to enjoy and dig in a little deeper with your experiences and activities.

If you’re at all like me, you’ll fall in love with Ireland and want to return again and again (this was my fourth visit to Ireland). It’s a magical land filled with natural landscapes, centuries-old buildings, castles, world-class pubs, and warm hospitality. Let’s not forget the folklore and traditions found nowhere else in the world, because I’m choosing to believe in fairies and leprechauns.

Globus’s Green with Envy tour is a good introduction to Ireland. It covers some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as takes you to some historic and cultural hotspots where you can learn about the country and its people. Your friends will simply be green with envy at all the amazing sites you’ll see and the experiences you’ll have. Invite them along next time!

On my trip to Ireland, part of a paid partnership with Globus Journeys, I had the opportunity to learn and experience the country as part of their Choice Touring program. Choice Touring has been designed to provide a general group framework, and within that, options for individual customization, independence, and flexibility. It’s almost like having your own specialized tour. Choice Touring is a premium product for only slightly more than regular group tours.

Our tour was  Green with Envy: Ireland by Design . You can find the 2023 tour details  here . One of the things we did on the tour was to provide Globus with feedback on the various tour activities. The company cares about keeping its tours fresh and relevant; feedback matters.

I’ve previously written about our literary pub crawl in Dublin and my new love for Irish Soda Bread (which I now make at home – delicious). Today I want to outline more about the tour itself, what attractions in Ireland we went to, and more about our Choice experiences. That should be the information you need to decide if this is a good vacation option for you.

In this post, I’ll be introducing each stop on the Globus Green with Envy tour so you can see if this is the best Ireland itinerary for you.

Green With Envy: 8-Day Ireland Itinerary

Whether you want to visit Ireland’s oldest pub, see grand and opulent architecture, or wander around the craggy Cliffs of Moher, there’s plenty to fall in love with on this 8-day itinerary of Ireland.

Day 1: Arrival in Dublin

The first day of the Globus Green with Envy tour is an orientation day. It starts in the evening, so depending on the time you arrive in Dublin, you could spend your day exploring or take this as an opportunity to get yourself oriented with the country. Get a local SIM card, charge your gadget batteries, or just sit in a local pub and drink off the jetlag. You have two days at the end of the tour to experience Dublin, so don’t feel like you have to hurry to see it all as soon as you arrive.

Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland . It lies at the mouth of the River Liffey and has a population of about 1.2 million people. It’s a magnetic city with a vibrant atmosphere and so much going on. Dubliners are friendly and have a great sense of humor, which makes visitors instantly fall in love with the place – I know I did.

The city gets its name from an old Celtic word, Dubh Linn, which translates to ‘blackpool’ in English. The name refers to a stream that meets the River Liffey near Dublin Castle, which forms a deep, black pool. They were very original with their names all those thousands of years ago!

Dublin has a long and rich history stretching as far back centuries. The Vikings arrived in the 6th century and settled in. In 1170, after the invasion by the Anglo-Normans from England, the town grew into a city and became the capital of the English Lordship of Ireland. English and Welsh settlers began to move to Dublin, growing the population even more.

Although Dublin has a creative and laid-back reputation today, it wasn’t always this way. The city has had a tumultuous past dating back to the 16th century when Henry VIII split with the church. Ireland has always had a very large Catholic and Protestant population, and the two religions have been butting heads for centuries. 

Another important event in Dublin’s history was more recent (well, a hundred years ago). Dublin was at the forefront of the Easter Rising of 1916 and the War of Independence (1919-1921). Across the city, numerous important battles took place between the British and Irish forces. In some buildings in Dublin, you can still see bullet holes from the 1916 Easter Rising.

Today the city is at peace and is more well-known for its relaxed, artistic – and peaceful – vibe. The narrow, cobbled streets lined with pubs tell stories of a colorful past and a celebration of Irish writers, more so than past battles.

We kicked off the tour with a cocktail workshop and whiskey-paired dinner at Roe & Co. Distillery . It was our first introduction to Irish whiskey, but certainly not the last.

Day 2: Dublin, Kilbeggan, Athlone, Westport

On the second day of the Green with Envy tour, we headed out of Dublin about an hour’s drive, to the Irish whiskey distillery of Kilbeggan .

Founded, distillery is famous for being the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland. For over 200 years, the distillery has been making its innovative whiskies – through the good times and the bad. Even when Ireland reached economic turmoil, the distillery powered through.

We toured the distillery, and learned about the process of making whiskey and the different types and blends. It seems a perfect mix of science and art. Of course, you get to try a tipple or two.

I’m not an Irish whiskey connoisseur, although I do love Irish Coffee , and it was interesting to taste the various whiskeys and learn about the differences. I’m still not a convert to the liquor, but I have more of an appreciation for it.

After exploring the distillery, we ventured on to the town of Athlone. The town is famous for its Irish coffee and is home to the oldest pub in Ireland. You’ll find the “oldest” designation a common theme throughout Ireland.

Athlone is a small, medieval town in the center of Ireland. It is called the beating heart of Ireland because of its location in the middle of the country. It also marks the starting point to what is known as the Ancient East – the part of Ireland where more than 5,000 years of history has been preserved and where many of its myths and legends were born.

Athlone has always been a defense town because of its geographical location on the River Shannon. It has been invaded many times since the 12th century and is most famous for its fortress and bridge. Despite numerous attacks, it’s still standing today.

As well as the numerous battles that took place in Athlone, it’s also known for its quaint, oldish world charm and colorful buildings. The number one attraction is Sean’s Bar , a tavern that holds the Guinness world record for The Oldest Pub in Ireland, as it officially dates back to 900 AD. I’m not arguing with Guinness records!

The bar is dark and quirky, with low ceilings, wicker walls, antique furnishings, and sawdust on the floor to soak up spilled Guinness. I opted for an Irish Coffee, complete with a whipped cream mustache.

After visiting Athlone, it’s on to Westport…

Day 3: Westport

A 2-hour drive from Athlone, Westport sits on the West coast of Ireland (hence the name). It’s known for its stunning beaches and sea-angling, as well as being home to iconic nature spots and pilgrimage sites.

Westport’s history is fascinating. It’s a heritage town and was one of the few “planned towns” in Ireland. It was designed by architect James Wyatt and was commissioned by the first Earl of Altamont in the 1780s to be a place for his workers and tenants to live. Though no original records have been found of the original plans of the town, and it has been extended many times since the fact that it was completely planned out still remains one of the most interesting and quirky characteristics of the town.

Today, visitors can revel in the stunning natural scenery that surrounds the town, including its blue flag beaches which are some of the best in Ireland.

CHOICE TOUR OPTION : I took a baking class and made Irish Soda Bread and scones. It was fun – and delicious – and I loved the personal connection with our baking instructors as much as the finished baked goods. Read more about the history of Irish Soda bread and the baking class here. (Other choice tour options were a guided e-bike tour of Westport and a trip to Achill Island along the Wild Atlantic Way.)

Day 4: Kylemore Abbey, Maam Cross, Galway

Next up was moving on to Kylemore Abbey , otherwise known as Benedictine Abbey.

The abbey is a grand castle and monastery that was once a castle owned by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London. He used it as his private family home. The castle covers approximately 40,000 square feet and has over 70 rooms. It also has a Gothic church and family mausoleum on the grounds.

Since 1920, it has been a monastery run by Benedictine nuns. The Order originally moved here after fleeing war-torn Belgium during WWI. In 1919, the monastery was opened to the public for tours and for exploring the grounds.

A self-guided tour of the castle provided a glimpse into how the landed gentry lived, and wow – they lived well. Kylemore Abbey is widely visited not only for its magnificent decor and design, but also for its surrounding landscape in the foothills of Connemara National Park and Pollacapall Lough.

After visiting Kilmore Abbey, we headed to Maam Cross, a famous settlement at the crossroads where Connemara and County Galway meet. 

Maam Cross is famous for its boggy landscape, a product of its location surrounded by mountains, lakes, and marshes. It’s only a small town (if you can call it that) with a gas station, a small inn, a restaurant, and a gift shop. There’s not much else there. Strangely, it hosts a weekly agricultural market where sheep, cattle, and Connemara ponies are sold.

This was a quick stop to take a peek at waterfalls and interesting landscape, before heading on to Galway.

CHOICE TOUR OPTION : A food tour! (You’ll probably detect a theme in my touring options.) We met with a local tour guide for a walk around town with a local food tour operator. We made numerous stops for tasty bite representative of Irish cuisine. we had oysters, cheese, pastries, ice cream, and beer. If only I had logged enough steps to burn off all those delicious calories! (The other choice touring option was a walking tour of Galway.)

Day 5: Galway and Aran Islands

Galway was originally founded as a fishing village and lies where the Corrib River flows into the stunning Galway Bay. The original inhabitants were Norman settlers, who came to Ireland in 1169.

Galway is also known as “The City of the Tribes” because it was once home to the Tribes of Galway, 14 merchant families who dominated the commercial, political, and social life of the city from the mid-13th until the late 19th century. The names Skerrett, Darcy, and Blake may not be as well known as the Medici’s of Italy, but they were every bit as powerful.

Nowadays, Galway is more famous for its events and festivals. It hosts around 122 festivals and events per year, including fringe festivals, film festivals, and food festivals. No matter when you visit, there’s probably a festival going on. Galway is also a UNESCO City of Film.

Just a short ferry ride (about 30 minutes) from Galway is the Aran Islands, three wild, untamed islands known for their rugged landscapes and wildlife. The islands have a small population of just over 1,000 residents. We visited Inishmore, the largest of the islands. This is the place to soak up some true, rural Irish heritage in one of the few communities that still speak Irish Gaelic (though they are also fluent in English).

It was a perfect day trip from Galway. We had lunch at Ti Joe Watty’s pub, enjoyed some music and storytelling, and then set off to explore.

The rocky islands are full of ancient sites, medieval ruins, and natural tidal pools. Time and again, I remarked how much I enjoyed the scenic drive of this Ireland road trip. And how glad I was that I wasn’t in a rental car with Tony driving. The twists and turns of the roads, the narrow lanes with steep edges and no shoulder, and my need to conquer my fear of edges, all were banished by the capable hands of our driver. Driving Irish roads, especially rural ones, is not for the faint of heart.

The Aran islands are also well known for their wool. Merino sheep is the most common type of wool used in Aran knitted goods. I did a little shopping, both in the islands and in Galway, and purchased a hat and a hand-knit sweater. These are soft beautiful items, and although hand-knit will always be more expensive than machine-knit, the prices are still reasonable.

Here are my tips for buying an Aran sweater in Ireland.

You might be familiar with the classic fisherman’s knit sweater – a cable knit pattern of undyed yarn. The patterns range from simple stitching to complex and have more in-depth meaning that just a pretty pattern.

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Dublin

Next up was a visit to one of the top natural attractions in Ireland – the Cliffs of Moher .

You’ve likely seen the rugged, natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher in photos of the Ireland countryside. Or, you may have seen them in movie Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince or Princess Bride. As I was wandering the cliffs, I couldn’t help but mutter “inconceivable” under my breath. (That’s a Princess Bride reference).

The craggy cliffs are over eight and a half miles long and are approximately 668 feet high, with a steep drop into the wild Atlantic Ocean below. While it was tempting to just stand in awe of Mother Nature, I did head off on the path to more of the cliffs. There are two paved pathways, one creeping a little closer to the edge that some may be comfortable with. Some parts of the paths have steps, others are on a bit of an incline. I didn’t find it strenuous (and I’m a middle-aged out-of-shape woman).

After enjoying the Cliffs of Moher, we headed to Rathbaun Farm , an Irish sheep farm. After a family-style lunch, with many dishes made from products of the farm, we took a short tour and learned about sheep farming traditions in Ireland. We saw a few sheep, including some young ones, and they were adorable. I had a lamb when I was younger, so I have a soft spot in my heart for them. So darn cute!

While the sheep were the stars of the farm, the two sheepdogs made strong supporting appearances. While the old man dog is edging into retirement, the young pup is in training and getting set to assume sheep herding responsibilities. Watching the pups go through some of their paces working the sheep emphasizes how important their job is to the well-being and success of the herd. And our visit included enough time to give them lots of pets.

Then it was back to Dublin and an evening of fun.

CHOICE TOUR OPTION : A literary pub crawl. Dublin has been home to some of the most influential writers in history, many of whom have helped shape the literary world as we know it today. It’s a UNESCO City of Literature, has a number of notable attractions, and has been a center of literary activity for centuries. The literary pub crawl was a fun blend of literary history, local legends, and a pint or two. It was great fun and prompted me to learn more about Irish literature when I returned home.

You can read more about Literary Dublin here . (The other choice touring option was an evening of dinner and Irish song and dance.)

Day 7: Dublin

This was a full day for exploring Dublin. We did a quick tour around town for some of the major attractions and historic sites that included some time at the Guinness Storehouse . This is the most visited tourist attraction in Ireland, and even if you’re not a beer drinker, is worth the time. The beer drinkers in our group all agreed, the best place to drink Guinness is in Ireland. Who am I to disagree?!

But it’s not just about drinking beer. The Storehouse is a museum spanning seven stories, full to the brim of the history of Guinness. Learn about how Guinness is made, its cultural connection with Dublin, and then end your time enjoying a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor. It offers 360-degree views of the city. And in case you missed it, the entire building is shaped like a pint of Guinness.

As in our other stops on the tour, free time was built into the schedule. I went to the Trinity College Long Room and viewed the Book of Kells.

Trinity College Dublin is the oldest and most prestigious university in Ireland. About 18,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs spanning the major disciplines. The university has had many notable literary attendees, including Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, Bram Stocker, and Oscar Wilde. 

The university’s Long Room library houses the largest collection of Ireland’s historic manuscripts, early printed texts, and rare books. The entire collection features over five million books, increasing annually by about 100,000 new items.

The Long Room’s most famous manuscript is the  Book of Kells .  The Book of Kells, housed in a special room separate from the Long Room, is a group of manuscripts that contain the four gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and are bound into four volumes (one or two are on display in the library at any one time). It’s one of the most celebrated manuscripts in the world and its rich history is full of competing interpretations. Regardless of your religious beliefs (or non-beliefs), you’ll likely still be awed by its ornate script and decorations.

We finished the tour off with a group dinner and headed back to the hotel to pack up for home.

Day 8: Departure

All good things must end, and after a week of a great time together, our intrepid group scattered in different directions. Saying goodbye to everyone – fellow tour participants, our tour guide, Helen, and our Globus representatives, Steve and Melanie – was a joyous reminder that one of the best things about travel is the friendships made through shared travel experiences.

Is a Globus Tour Right For You?

While I am primarily an independent traveler, and the person in the family who does ALL the planning, I have come to appreciate – welcome, in fact – the convenience of a group tour. There are times when I just don’t want to do it all.

But all group tours are not created equal. I have been on other group tours with Globus ( California Dreamin’ and Jordan ), and this tour in Ireland cemented my opinion of the tours they offer – top notch!

It was so nice just to show up and enjoy. No needless time spent securing attraction tickets, figuring out the best time to visit an attraction, or finding the best deal for the best places, and checking out hotels, and on and on and on. Globus handles all of that, incorporating it into the price, so you can relax and enjoy.

There’s just enough structure in the tour days to make sure you see the sights, but it’s not so tightly structured that it feels like you are back in school waiting for the bell to ring to go to your next class. Every destination has some free time built in, so you have time to see something in a little more depth. Or stop for a pint or an Irish coffee.

Our tour guide, Helen, added to our experience with her knowledge of Irish history and culture. She had a lively sense of humor, like so many of the Irish people, and made learning about her country fun. Helen added to the experience is an authentic, natural way. If you are curious about the destinations you visit, having a tour guide to provide additional insight, is invaluable.

The Green with Envy Ireland Tour is priced from $2,669 per person. That price includes seven hotel nights, 14 meals, admission to attractions visited, and ground transportation. Airfare can be booked through the travel department at competitive pricing. You can get more info about the prices and tour options for 2023 here .

Getting to Dublin

Dublin Airport (airport code DUB) is the closest airport to the Dublin city center (about four and a half miles away). It is an international airport served from all the major North American and European hubs.

Departures from Dublin are a breeze as Terminal 2 has U.S. immigration pre-clearance. That means that you actually clear U.S. customs in Dublin, not when you get back to the U.S. It’s a big time saver. Aer Lingus, American Airlines, United, Delta, and Emirates operate from Terminal 2.

I flew non-stop SEA-DUB-SEA on Aer Lingus. There’s only one flight a day out of Seattle, but given the vagaries of travel right now, a non-stop is always the best way to go. Globus booked my flights.

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Why You're Really Feeling Travel Jealousy, And The Best Way To Deal With It

With the state of travel now nearly at its pre-pandemic levels, so is the resurgence of travel envy. Wait — say, what now?

Picture this: you're doom scrolling through Instagram and TikTok as you normally do, and you come across photos of your pal traversing through Sicily. And before you even think about hitting the like button, a thought pops into your head: "Weren't they just in Barcelona a couple of months ago?!" So you forego liking the picture altogether and begin sleuthing for more information about your friend's trip. You then start feeling pangs of jealousy because, well, why are you stuck at home, and your friend is living it up thousands of miles across the world? What do they have that you don't? How can they even afford it? And how on earth did they manage to take time off work?

That, my friends, is a classic case of travel envy, and it's a real, valid feeling — and phenomenon. Lots of other people also roll their eyes at their family, friends, and colleagues when they see them going on fun vacations while they're stuck at work, hacking away at a job they wish could pay them enough for a lengthy time off at some tropical island. Social media has a way of turning us into sad, jealous monsters , especially when it comes to travel and life achievements. But as with all things (and feelings), there's a way to manage your occasional bouts of travel jealousy.

Travel envy is basically just FOMO

Travel envy, at its core, is technically just a form of FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. Per a  study  published on the Computers in Human Behavior, FOMO is defined as "the uneasy and sometimes all-consuming feeling that you're missing out – that your peers are doing, in the know about, or in possession of more or something better than you." And apparently, just because you have FOMO, it doesn't mean that you're already a bad person. FOMO, in whichever form it manifests in you, is an entirely human feeling, with psychologist Aarti Gupta telling NPR that it's rooted in humans being innately social. We all "rely on each other to survive," she said, "and being left out or not being in the know could have, once upon a time, been a matter of life or death."

Being struck with feelings of FOMO is even easier now that technology and social media exist. Everyone with an online presence is accessible, so you can keep tabs on what your peers are doing and achieving. Giving into the feeling, though, is dangerous, as it can affect your mental health and make you feel depressed and anxious. When that happens, it's time to re-evaluate and manage your feelings.

How to get over travel jealousy

Since travel envy or travel FOMO is technically just a form of jealousy, you manage your feelings similarly to how you would with "normal" envy. For starters, you may want to focus on yourself rather than other people and their experiences. "Focus on your unique strengths, skills, abilities, experiences, and dreams," Amber Trueblood, a licensed marriage and family therapist, told Real Simple . "Chances are, you don't truly want exactly what someone else has. Uncover your dreams and build on your own unique skillsets, because no two people have the same composition of qualities and gifts." You may also want to remind yourself that you have traveled somewhere amazing sometime in the past and can do it again when you get the chance to do so. Plus, you never really know what goes on behind the scenes of a person's Instagram Story. 

Remember that they're posting highlights, which may not necessarily reflect their actual travel experience. "Especially in the age of social media, it's important to remind ourselves that other people's lives aren't as exciting or perfect as they may seem," Dr. Erin Vogel, a social psychologist, shared with Forbes Health . It's also worth trying perhaps the oldest trick in the book — limiting your social media use. There's merit to the saying "out of sight, out of mind," after all. If you do less scrolling, you may find that you'll also experience less travel envy-ing.

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7 ways to deal with travel envy

While most of us haven’t had a chance to travel much in the last 15 months, stirrings in the tourism industry are starting to awaken our wish list and as some folks begin to dust off their passports, an old enemy returns too: Travel envy. We’ve all been there, turning green at seeing another’s holiday photos and desperately wishing we too were there. So what can we do about it? Here are a few of the ways I’d suggest on how to deal with travel envy.

Travel envy in the pandemic

Even before the big C event that stopped travel in its tracks, I’ve always felt travel envy. A yearning to also visit extraordinary places and see for myself the wonders that others can experience.

Since leaving Perth after a year of living there , I’ve certainly found it hard to see friends and a number of Australia-based folks exploring some of the incredible places I was lucky enough to visit as well as the places I didn’t yet have the chance to see.

Similarly, seeing the activities and adventures of others in New Zealand was particularly hard. I have such bad FOMO when it comes to NZ! It was particularly challenging while I was in the UK, stuck in a never-ending lockdown cycle, and my partner Kaz was able to roam free through his home country (not helped by the inverted seasons – watching summer while suffering through winter will test anyone’s patience).

So you see, even when we can’t go anywhere (and I still personally am not planning any overseas travel just yet) travel envy has still been present. At least, for me. What about you?

Jealousy vs envy

I don’t think I am the jealous type. But I do get envious.

Although often used synonymously, jealous and envious feelings have a crucial distinction as defined by Psychology Today :

Envy is a reaction to lacking something. Jealousy is a reaction to the threat of losing something.

Envy occurs when we lack a desired attribute enjoyed by another, but jealousy occurs when something we already possess is threatened by a third person.

I will admit, I’m the worst for wanting what others have, thinking the grass is always greener. Perhaps there are some deeper questions that need answering here, but so often I’m easily sucked in when I see somewhere new and exciting that just looks so enticing.

Typically, I don’t feel travel envy when I am on a trip myself. This leads me to think that my envy is born out of seeing someone travel itself, not always the destination. It always just sounds so much more fun than whatever I’m doing at home!

I think we can all feel travel envy to some degree. However, there is a point where it perhaps becomes unhealthy. This could look like obsessively stalking someone’s trip, extreme negative feelings about yourself or others, taking drastic actions to avoid travel envy such as getting into debt or over-compensating in other areas of your life.

How to deal with travel envy

So, how can we deal with travel envy? Should we just accept the feelings and hope they go away? I’ve tried a few ways to help myself feel better when travel envy is spiralling into a far more negative place than merely wishing away a rainy day.

1) Look through photos from past trips

There’s nothing like a photo album of happy memories to cheer you up.

If you can’t take a trip right now, the next best thing is a trip down memory lane to good times in new and exciting places.

When I’m feeling low about all the places I wish to go and seeing others getting to enjoy those places, I flick through an old album from a favourite trip. I’m immediately reminded of how lucky I am to have been. I’ll chastise myself for feeling ungrateful and give myself a stern talking to about privilege.

2) Try to feel inspired rather than demoralised

How many times have you visited somewhere because a friend recommended it, or you saw it on social media? I’m betting more than you’d think. That’s because word of mouth is a fantastic marketing tool – and a great source of inspiration.

Whenever the little voice inside says “Ugh, I wish I was doing something as cool as hiking through the rainforest in South America” or “Wow, that restaurant in Paris looks phenomenal. If only I could be there!” I try to tell myself that I CAN and WILL get to experience these things. And you know what? I have! I’ll bookmark, save, or make a note of that place and I have used this when planning my own trips.

That’s not to say it’s easy, or that it’s even possible every time envy whispers in your ear. But it can help to try and turn that envious feeling into something to aspire to.

3) Plan your ideal trip to that destination

When seeing someone have a whale of a time, this is the perfect chance to steal all their hard work and plan your own trip. Like the look of their dinner? Add it to the itinerary for when you can finally go.

Better still, if you’re feeling envious ask yourself why that is. Are you just feeling despondent, or is this a place that you really want to visit? If it’s the latter, start researching your own ideas and get planning!

There are so many great blogs, YouTube videos, and resources out there so when you finally can visit for yourself, you’ll be having the best time. Even if it’s a place you’ve already been, you could look into what’s changed or places you’d like to revisit or see what else you might have missed. The possibilities really are endless, and the niggling feelings of envy could be a sign to start planning a trip.

4) Think of what you’ve done instead

Travel is not the be-all and end-all. I KNOW, terrible advice from a travel blogger. But there are sooo many other things that can be done with your time and money. Two hugely valuable resources that travel can take a lot of if you allow it to.

Sure, you might not be sleeping in an over-ocean hut in the Maldives or scuba diving with turtles, but what other achievements can you account for? It might be a different trip you’ve taken, the ability to save up for your dream trip of the future. Both are great in moving forward with your own travel goals.

Try not to let the presence of someone else’s situation distract from your past or future.

Or maybe you’ve reached non-travel goals such as buying a new car, starting a new job, maybe redecorating your home or focussing on your relationships. These are also incredibly valuable things to work towards. There is so much to find merit in, but you may not always see it at first glance. Particularly the more untraditional signs of success are worthy of celebrating just as much (don’t even get me started on that one).

If you’re someone who’s brushed over an achievement, I’d like to pause and say Go You! You deserve to feel proud and take this moment to enjoy it.

I’ve said it before on this blog and I’ll say it again. A friend once said:

Don’t let the achievements of others diminish your own accomplishments. 

I don’t always remind myself of this when I should, so I’m sharing it with you now in case you need it.

5) switch off

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Whatsapp, TikTok… It feels like there is an endless stream of smiling faces doing awesome things, doesn’t it? If it’s all getting a bit much, it’s time to turn off the apps.

 The internet is a curse for comparison and peeking into the lives of others. There is no shame in shutting the door and taking a break.

I’ll admit I’m terrible at taking my own advice here, but do as I say not as I do, right?

If your source of travel envy comes from overstimulation and excessive scrolling, it’ll certainly not be helped by more time online. I’ve made the mistake in the past of thinking I’m fine and that my increasingly low feelings are nothing to do with the millionth time I’ve picked up my phone. You know what usually helps? Getting outside, talking it out, cooking a meal. Heck, even doing the dishes or taking a bath can be the cure I need.

I get it, though. Switching off is hard – it’s what we’re used to. Here is your friendly reminder that it’s ok to take a break from it all when it’s feeling overwhelming. Feelings of envy might be just one way your mind is saying hey, I need a timeout!

6) Work on improving your mindset

As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. It certainly is a catalyst for envious feelings.

Recognising your comparison triggers is a good step to working on your mindset.

Have a think about the topics and themes around what gets your envy flared up. Is it a particular person (either in your life or outside of it), destination, activity? Dig into how you can better handle encountering those topics. Whether that’s avoiding them altogether, giving yourself a pep talk, or finding some external help to improve that mindset.

Try a different perspective

The funny thing about comparison, is that other people probably look at you the same way! You’re someone’s greener grass. Someone sees your adventures and thinks “wow, wouldn’t that be amazing?”.

Perhaps try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. It might just help you get out of the rut you’ve dug yourself into.

Could you see it from:

• Their position – it was probably not their intention to make you envious of their trip.
• An outsider’s take on it – other people may not feel the same way you do.
• A loved one’s point of view – is the way you feel a help or hindrance to those around you?

A big element of comparison online is that someone else’s reality is not what you are seeing. They might not always be having as much fun as we think, or have various other challenges they’re not sharing. We hear about it all the time: social media is the highlights real – not real life . We all know it, but do we ever really acknowledge it? Reminding yourself of other perspectives could settle your travel envy.

Remember to take ownership of how you feel

On occasion, I’ve not felt good enough. Been mad that I’m not living life as fully as others. Wondered why my life doesn’t look as fancy-free and full of incredible experiences. But that is not their problem because how I feel isn’t directly related to their actions. They have no responsibility for making me feel good or bad about my comparison triggers. That is down to me. Not feeling good enough is not on them, it’s on me and my sense of self-worth.

I am by no means an expert on comparison, I’ll leave that to life coach and comparison guru Lucy Sheridan who has even written an incredible book all about changing your comparison mindset. Highly recommend giving her a follow and a read, as there are lots of really valuable pieces of advice if this is your main cause of envy.

7) Sit with the feeling

I mentioned earlier that I’ll often feel bad about, well, feeling bad. What a fun cycle ( read: sarcasm )! Sometimes, I just have to let the feeling pass. That usually looks like have a good rant or moan to Kaz or a close friend who understands. Reminding myself that a bad day doesn’t define me – I can feel bad about this and still recognise an immense amount of privilege and fortune.

Leaning into how you feel doesn’t mean trying to enjoy feeling bad. It means listening to yourself and not shying away from how you really feel. Trust me, I’ve tried that one too and I always feel worse. Pushing aside a feeling usually results in it growing and bubbling over at a later date.

Addressing the feeling face-on tends to mean I feel travel envy in a short, sharp, burst rather than letting it fester in my mind and causing greater harm.

Can you relate to any of these tips to deal with travel envy? Do you have any of your own suggestions to add? I’d love to hear them if so.

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5 Simple Steps For Overcoming Travel Envy

By Amanda Kendle —I love to hear about the travels of others but I have to admit that there are times when a touch of travel envy makes me want to stop listening. And recently I had an extreme example: I was teaching a community education class on travel writing as a hobby. I asked the participants to introduce themselves by telling about their favorite trip and the next travel they had planned. Since the typical student in the class was both retired and wealthier than average, you can imagine the kind of responses I received. Numerous tales of Antarctica, of long, leisurely trips through South America and of exciting African safaris surfaced. If envy really made you turn green I would have been Kermit-colored by the end of the introductions.

But I soon decided I need to turn this travel envy into something better. If you need help to get out of a similar situation, here are my five steps for getting over travel envy:

1. Remember Your Own Travels

Sure, I have never made it to Antarctica (yet). But I have traveled to some amazing places that not many people have visited: I've backpacked around Tunisia; I've lived in a small German town; and I've ridden the Trans-Siberian train across Russia. I tried hard to remember these travel experiences, some of my favorites, in the face of hearing all the amazing travel plans of my writing class students.

But what if you haven't been able to travel as much as me—yet? Consider some of the unique trips you've taken and unusual places you've seen that others haven't—perhaps in your very own backyard? I grew up (and now live again) in Perth, Western Australia, a city famed for being the most isolated in the world. That means that the weekend trips we used to take to a spot south of Mandurah (about ninety minutes away) took me to places that hardly anyone in the world has ever visited.

2. Take Notes

The next best way to deal with travel envy is to realize that these people are offering a wealth of information, if only you tap into it in a way that can help you out. I've actually written down the names of hotels, tour operators, towns, and other tidbits of information about trips to Africa when I've chatted to people about their experience, because of course getting recommendations first hand from someone who's been there is far superior to blindly searching online.

RELATED: 4 Different Travel Perspectives & What You Can Learn From Them

3. Adopt Other Travelers for Future Advice

You can also take the "taking notes" strategy one step further and use the people you meet for future advice and consultation. The smartest travelers keep in mind where the people they meet have been and then, when they start to plan a trip there, know exactly who to call or email.

I'm hoping to make it to Hong Kong in the next couple of years. Just as I was planning this trip I had two friends head over there, and most significantly they both went with young children—putting them in the same boat as me. As soon as they returned I emailed them for tips and advice (while it was fresh in their mind) and have filed this away for future planning.

Of course, asking them later on is not bad either. But I figured that since I was already making a draft plan in my head, I'd strike while the iron was hot, before they forgot all the details.

4. Write Your Life Travel Goals

I'm not suggesting a "bucket list". I'm suggesting a concrete plan for what places you could reasonably expect to visit, and when—taking into account all kinds of things like work, marriage, having children, retiring, your health, and so on.

I once had a very long list of places I wanted to visit—or ideally, live in—but I soon realized this bucket list of sorts was impractical and therefore somewhat depressing. (After living in a few different countries, I realized that I'd want to live in new places for two years to really get a feel for them—and that even with long-living genes on my side, there are only so many stints of two years you can fit into a lifetime).

So instead, think about travel goals for your life in a practical sense, and try to lock in the next couple of trips, even if they may be four or five years away. Get concrete enough for the near-future goals to look up important dates—school vacation times, for example, or festivals that you want your trip to coincide with. Narrow down your goals to the places you really, really want to visit rather than a list of all the famous places you can think of.

5. Plan Your Very Next Trip

An extension of your travel goals, of course, is to get your very next trip planned out. It's much harder to be envious of other travelers when you know you're soon to get the chance to travel yourself—even if your trip is only a few days in a neighboring country rather than a month-long cruise to the Antarctic. Sitting down and researching some of the exciting things I'll be able to do on my own trip always helps to make me feel better. –

This story originally appeared on Vagabondish .

Southwest Airlines quietly rolls out a new compensation program for flight delays

Southwest Airlines said it launched a compensation program for  flight delays as part of a $140 million U.S. Department of Transportation settlement over the carrier's meltdown in December 2022 during a busy holiday travel period.

Southwest agreed in December 2023 to provide $90 million in travel vouchers of $75 or more over three years to passengers delayed at least three hours getting to their final destinations because of an airline-caused issue or cancellation and to start the program by April 30.

The airline said Monday it had quietly launched the program on April 16 and has already heard from a few thousand customers seeking vouchers.

The airline agreed to the compensation program after the holiday meltdown that resulted in 16,900 flight cancellations and stranded 2 million passengers. The settlement included a $35 million cash fine.

Will Southwest start assigning seats? CEO says the airline is weighing changes

A massive winter storm in December 2022 and subsequent chaos prompted travel horror stories such as people missing funerals or long-awaited holiday gatherings, passengers with canceled flights forced to make cross-country drives of 17 or more hours and some cancer patients being unable to get treatment.

The delay compensation program is part of the Biden administration's aggressive efforts to get tough on airlines as it aims to require new passenger compensation. Vouchers will be awarded "upon request," Southwest said.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in December that, given its operational performance, the $30 million in vouchers annually was "the right number" to commit to.

Asked if Southwest would end the program after three years, Jordan said consumer programs "rarely change or go away."

Rival U.S. airlines have not put in place similar programs and do not yet face a mandate to do so.

Enough with airline hidden fees: DOT rules take aim at 'corporate rip-offs'

President Joe Biden said last May that the DOT would propose new rules requiring airlines to compensate passengers with cash for significant controllable flight delays or cancellations by the end of the year. The DOT has not issued its proposal, and Congress has declined to mandate compensation for delays in a pending aviation reform bill.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last week Southwest under the delay compensation requirement will "really lead the market and it will be very interesting to see how other airlines respond – not as punishment but by way of competition."

The DOT in 2022 asked carriers if they would pay at least $100  for delays of at least three hours  caused by airlines and none agreed.

Most carriers – including Southwest – voluntarily committed in August 2022 to provide hotels, meals and ground transportation for airline-caused delays or cancellations but resisted providing cash compensation as is required in the European Union .

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In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

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Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Plus, travel expert and The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly offered additional tips to keep costs down while traveling this summer.

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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Ocean City hailed as top US beach town by multiple top-tier travel publications.

The sizzling summer season is right around the corner, and what better way to drum up excitement than with the honor of being recognized as one of the best beaches in the entire USA?

That's right —  the popular resort town destination of Ocean City, Maryland, has recently been awarded that honorable recognition and more from an array of top-tier travel publications.

TRIP ADVISOR HONORS OCEAN CITY: Is Ocean City one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S.? Tripadvisor travelers say: Yes!

Ocean City honored as among US's best beaches

The recognitions include Ocean City being named one of the  best beach towns on the East Coast  by  Condé Nast Traveler  and a  top U.S. beach town  by  Thrillist . Ocean City’s 10-mile-stretch of pristine beaches also made Travel + Leisure’s list of  25 Best Beaches in the USA . 

In 2023, the Ocean City Department of Tourism & Business Development unveiled a refreshed brand platform with a brand-new bright yellow, smiley-faced logo and playful, catchy slogan: “Somewhere to Smile About.”

This year, the rebranding campaign continues to increase awareness and visitation to Ocean City through media relations, social media, paid media, influencer programs and more, the town said in an April 26 news release.

HISTORIC OCEAN CITY HOTEL: Historic Ocean City Commander Hotel to renovate pools, guest rooms in time for summer

MEET THE OCEAN CITY BEACH PATROL: ‘The greatest adventure’: On watch with lifeguards in Ocean City

“We are thrilled to see our town highlighted by some of the most prominent publications and travel advisors in the industry,” said Tom Perlozzo, Director of Tourism and Business Development for Ocean City, Maryland Tourism.

“These accolades are a true testament to the hard work our team is doing to promote Ocean City as the ultimate vacation destination. We believe our town has so much to offer travelers, and we can’t wait to kick off another successful summer season," he added.

Vote for Ocean City in USA Today's 10best poll

Ocean City has also been nominated by  USA Today’s 10best  expert panel among 20 must-see places for a summer vacation. The public can vote once daily until voting ceases on Monday, May 13, at noon. The ten winners will be crowned on Wednesday, May 22.

OCEAN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT: Get to know Buckshot, the newest Ocean City Police Department Mounted Unit member

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at  [email protected] .

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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