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Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

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Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

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Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

$3,299 pp* $3,699 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, $2,299 pp* $2,499 pp, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in USA

Find the right fully guided tour for you in USA. There are 992 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 29 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit USA.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in USA with 18,918 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon – 3 days

Loved this three day trip through Sedona , Monument Valley and Valley of Fires. Our tour guide Lorenzo is the best ever. He is patient kind and funny. He knows the information of the areas very well and makes people feel at ease even when things don’t go the way it’s planned . Our bus driver Ozzie was also fantastic and we felt safe in his capable hands . We had a brand new Greyhound bus ! It’s a long drive each day but the scenery was lovely . We are up early each day but it’s ok if you go to bed early. Hotel stay in Page was basic and breakfast average. But the price of this tour is good value overall . We couldn’t see Antelope Canon this time as there had been lots of rain and flash flooding . Instead we got a trip through the Valley of Fires . Highly recommend this trip!

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour

This has been one of the best travel of our life. The landscapes are all breathtaking and all the activities are extraordinary. The only negative point is that this is a lot to do in 7 days and we would have like to spend more time in each national park.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Wild Western USA

Great itinerary and excellent guide.

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

Fantastic experience. The hikes were all different but the landscapes equally stunning. Our CEO was excellent in his knowledge and his guidance of the group. There was alot of driving but it was the only way to see all 5 Parks, and was definitely worth it. It was a full on tour, but then that is what we wanted and paid for. Worth every penny!

• Coach / Bus

American Parks Trail (Classic, End Denver, 9 Days)

The Tour Director and driver were first class, keeping us both very amused, and very safe. Some of the downsides were due to the weather, at times, which nothing could be done about, so we got on with it. Some of the main downs were due to my naivety, in thinking some facilities (like cash paying taxis from SLC airport; I persuaded a friendly Uber driver to accept cash!) were what I was used to, and that I wouldn't have to re-enter security when changing planes from LHR to SLC, at PHX, even though I was on a connecting, booked, flight, and my baggage had already been labelled for both airports appropriately, at LHR. Altogether, a very good, and memorable holiday, where I visited some parts of the Parks that I visited before, but saw many more, and different sights in them.

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

Tour Radar made the booking process easy. Great variety of tours available. I would use this service again.

Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali

Had a wonderful time in Alaska. A combination of the sights and sounds and what we saw as well as the CEO and other participants made it a great experience. A well balanced program with options to please all interests, it was a good time for all of us. Can't control the weather though, which would have made it a five star vacation. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City

Fabulous experience, small group

Private Tour -7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping

Western USA National Parks Loop

One of the best group trips I have ever been on. Rene was absolutely fantastic! Zion national park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon are absolutely amazing places to visit. Photos can not do justice to the sheer magnificent beauty. Our group was amazing, friendly, fun, always on time and ages 30s-60s. The accommodations were sufficient and the hikes were manageable even for someone like myself who is not the most physically fit. I would suggest arriving a day or 2 early in Vegas or staying the night you return to get the most out of the experience. The Hoover dam is not included but there are short day trips from Vegas that cover this area which is definitely worthwhile. The days were long but there was sufficient rest at night to cope with some of the early morning wake up times. Which was WELL worth it!! Seeing the Grand Canyon at sunset was a sight I will never forget. If I can give 10 stars I would. This was my first intrepid trip and I have to say it won’t be the last. Even though we were unable to kayak lake Powell because time of year, we saw antelope canyon which was quite spectacular. Monument valley was also an experience to remember. If you have the opportunity to go, do it! You won’t regret one minute!

3 Day Southwest USA National Parks Tour from Las Vegas

It was an unforgettable beautiful experience. Thanks to indy our guide for his wonderful job, supper organized, great informative stories and he was beyond carring. The only negative point is that there is additional fees to add for the activities that i wished was included in the price of the trip

• Photography
• Walking Adventure

Yellowstone / Grand Teton 4 Day / 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Although the tour was very expensive- over $2000 for 3 days is over the top- it wss a great experience, saw lots of wildlife and the guide was outstanding

Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Explorer

Event was great! Tour guide was the BEST couldn't ask for a better one forcsure!! Chris your the best!! Hope to see you and the group after the fall semester!!! God bless!! Much love and respect

• In-depth Cultural

Nature's Best: Alaska

Our Tour guide, Wayne, was fantastic! He went above and beyond; to make sure we were comfortable on the bus and on the tours! He also got us as close as he could when there were animal sightings! Lane, our driver, was also an excellent driver; and he kept us safe on the narrow and winding Mountain roads! Hats off to these two!

Wild West – 5 days

Overall, we had a great experience. This was our first bus tour, and our main tour guide, Roberto, was wonderful! He was very communicative and helpful. He fully explained where we were going and what we were doing and answered any and all questions, and it was interesting to see him switch so effortlessly between Italian and English. He deserves a raise for his five-star service. However, the other tour guides we interacted with on the last day seemed the complete opposite due to their incredibly non-upfront communications skills. For example, when we left the hotel to head back to LA, we were not told how long the trip was going to take, if and when we were going to stop, just nothing; they made me wonder what sort of criteria you have to meet to be a tour guide. Also, one made some slightly racist comments, which if you are dealing with an international clientele, I feel like you should learn to be more neutral in your interactions with others. It took some adjusting having to be on such a strict schedule. Some places you stopped hours at; some maybe 20 minutes. One time our bus's AC didn't work, so given the heat wave, you can imagine what that felt like. But generally it felt like being on a passenger on a road trip. If you want to see a lot in a compressed amount of time and don't mind not being so in control of planning or on a full bus, this tour is worth giving a shot. It definitely was a memorable adventure.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in USA

Tour guide a great humanist able to reach out to all, domestic and foreign, to first form individual friendships that then led collectively to group bonding to experience nature's wonders. All members of our group became friends sharing the influence of our guide who understands human nature the way God would have it.

It was one of the best tours that I even had. We visited many beautiful places and the tour has the best camping side at the View. I cannot thanks enough for our guide, Hogan. He is very professional, knowledgeable, patient, responsible and kind. I highly recommend this tour!

The tour guide Chris was amazing.

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

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

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

A Taste of the Sweet Life in Slovenia

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

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

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

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

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

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

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

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

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

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

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

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

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

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

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

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

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

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

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

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

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

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

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

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

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

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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For independent explorers who don’t want to miss out on these amazing destinations, book your hotel stay for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels .

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vacation packages highlights

European Best Sellers

Best of Costa Rica

Asia-Pacific Best Sellers

The Caribbean Islands

Canada by Rail

Best of Africa

Iconic American Road Trips

The Greek Islands

Best of Peru and Machu Picchu

Hawaii Island Hopping

Unesco Sites of Europe

Riviera Maya

Best of Southeast Asia

Europe for Foodies

National Parks of the USA

Best of Southern Europe

Central Europe

London-Paris and Beyond

Best of the Middle East

vacation packages ideas

Madrid and Barcelona by Air

6 nights from $1,149*

Singapore and Bali by Air

7 nights from $1,319*

Medellin and Cartagena by Air

6 nights from $579*

• Flight into Madrid and out of Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 nights in Madrid
• Flight from Madrid to Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 nights in Barcelona
• Hotel for 4 nights in Singapore City
• Flight from Singapore City City to Bali
• Hotel for 3 nights in Bali
• Hotel for 3 nights in Medellin
• Flight from Medellin to Cartagena
• Hotel for 3 nights in Cartagena

Europe, Middle East & Africa Vacations

Lisbon and porto by train.

Experience beautiful Portugal through two of its most popular destinations!. Begin your vacation in Lisbon (the dazzling capital with an ancient fortress at its heart with charming neighborhoods, local festivals, nightlife, and delectable food) and then, take a train to Porto (the former residence of the Royal Family; visit medieval cathedrals, concert halls, the national library and museums with breathtaking art treasures and porto wines!). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Lisbon and out of Porto
• Train from Lisbon to Porto
• Hotel for 3 nights in Lisbon
• Hotel for 3 nights in Porto

Rome - Florence - Venice by Train

Our #1 Bestseller and the perfect introduction to Italy! . Visit these fascinating cities starting in: Rome (the Eternal City, with its stunning architecture like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and delicious food) after that, travel north to Florence (capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture) and finally, to Venice (set on gorgeous canals, intimate Gondola rides will guide you past sumptuous palaces and under sculpted bridges). Travel between these cities by very convenient train rides which allow you an opportunity to observe the lovely country side. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Rome and out of Venice
• Hotel for 3 nights in Rome
• Train from Rome to Florence
• Hotel for 2 nights in Florence
• Train from Florence to Venice
• Hotel for 2 nights in Venice

Athens and Istanbul by Air

Take an exciting vacation in Grece and Turkey! . Begin with a visit to Athens (the cradle of civilization and home of democracy, is a heady mix of history and edginess with iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museums) and then, take a flight to Istanbul (which is world-famous for its rich history and culture, stunning scenery, magnificent structures across the sprawling Bosphorus Strait). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Athens and out of Istanbul
• Hotel for 3 nights in Athens
• Flight from Athens to Istanbul
• Hotel for 3 nights in Istanbul

Asia & South Pacific Vacations

Oahu and kauai by air.

Fantastic Hawaiian Duo for and unforgettable holiday!. Visit: The Gathering Place; Oahu (the third largest island and most visited of the Hawaiian chain. The Island is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach . This vibrant island offers the best of both worlds-tropical verdure and a lively night scene). Continue, flying to The Garden Island; Kauai (an island known for its natural beauty and its dramatic, beautiful sites; such as: The Waimea Canyon and The Coconut Coast . Gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, white sand beaches, sugarcane fields, and beachside cliffs you will find along the island). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Oahu
• Flight from Oahu to Kauai
• Hotel for 3 nights in Kauai
• Hotel Hawaii taxes

Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka by Train

Japan at its best!. Start your trip in Tokyo , the world`s most populous metropolis and recently awarded as the city with best Helpfulness of locals`, `Nightlife`, `Shopping` and Best Local Transportation. Then take the train to Kyoto , known as the City of the Ten Thousand Shrines for a reason! Since it holds about a quarter of Japan`s National Treasures and popular festivals. Last but not least go to Osaka , famous for its delicious traditional food along with its Castle and renowned Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, definitely a trip not to be missed!. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Tokyo and out of Osaka
• Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
• Train from Tokyo to Kyoto
• Hotel for 3 nights in Kyoto
• Train from Kyoto to Osaka
• Hotel for 3 nights in Osaka

Bangkok and Phuket by Air

Explore Thailand's Beauty! Discover Bangkok , the capital of Thailand with its bustling mix of old and new; blending traditional culture and religion with all the luxury conveniences of a modern city. Continue this sensory experience with a flight to the idyllic Phuket , The Pearl of the South, a rain forested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, with some of Thailand's most popular beaches, mainly situated along the clear waters of the western shore.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Bangkok
• Flight from Bangkok to Phuket
• Hotel for 3 nights in Phuket

The Americas Vacations

Lima - sacred valley - machu picchu - cuzco.

Our Peru #1 Best-Seller! . Visit Lima for a chance to taste its colonial and cosmopolitan sites and its unique and world renowned peruvian cuisine. Next, fly to Cuzco airport and immediately continue to the Sacred Valley , a magical land where Indian Markets and Incan Constructions mix with Corn Fields, the Andes Mountains, Picturesque Towns, Salt Mines and a Legendary river. Proceed to Machu Picchu , the new Wonder of the World. Finally, visit Cuzco City to discover more Incan and Colonial sites and enjoy lots of shopping and endless nightlife. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 2 nights in Lima
• Flight from Lima to Cuzco
• Transfer from Airport in Cuzco City to Hotel in Sacred Valley
• Hotel for 2 nights in Sacred Valley
• Full day Machu Picchu tour including round-trip train ride, all transfers, guided tour and lunch.
• Hotel for 1 night in Machu Picchu
• Hotel for 2 nights in Cuzco
• Transfer from Hotel in Cuzco to Airport

Mexico City and Cancun by Air

A favorite vacation package that allows you to experience the best of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Combine: Mexico City (high-altitude capital of Mexico, known for its historic sites such as Templo Mayor and more) and Cancun (best-known for its white sand beaches, near-perfect weather, and bright blue waters, is the Acapulco of Mexico's Gulf Coast). A flight connects these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 2 nights in Mexico City
• Flight from Mexico City to Cancun
• Hotel for 3 nights in Cancun

Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio (Self Drive)

Our #1 Self Drive Itinerary in Costa Rica! . A fun route to experience Costa Rica. From San Jose Airport drive along the country visiting: Arenal Volcano (youngest and one of the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica , near Lake Arena. Is a place that begs to be explored; rivers wind through bountiful rainforests, waterfalls crash amidst inspiring canyons, and hot springs gurgle up beneath the base of an impressive volcano) and after that, to Manuel Antonio (home to a namesake national Park in Quepos; Manuel Antonio is a magical combination of rainforest, beaches, hills, and coral reefs, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and one of the most visited in Costa Rica). Drive back to San Jose Airport to catch your flight back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Rental Car for for 7 days. Pick up and Drop off: San Jose City Airport
• Hotel for 3 nights in Arenal Volcano
• Hotel for 3 nights in Manuel Antonio-Quepos

Driving Time San Jose City Airport - Arenal Volcano: 2 hrs. 37 mins. approx. Arenal Volcano - Manuel Antonio-Quepos: 4 hrs. 50 mins. approx. Manuel Antonio-Quepos - San Jose City Airport: 2 hrs. 36 mins. approx.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY VACATIONS

Reunion island - mahe island - praslin island by air.

6 nights from $5,399*

An Exotic African Holiday in Reunion and Seychelles Islands! . First enjoy Reunion Island (lying off the east coast of Africa; its famous for have one of the most active volcanoes in the world , hiking routes, beautiful villages and for its highest-quality vanilla plantations). After that, travel to the amazing Seychelles ; where the most famous island in the country; Mahe Island (capital city with beautiful beaches, local markets, big hotels and luxury resorts) and Praslin Island (Seychelles' second-biggest island; famed for having some of the world's most beautiful beaches, like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette ; abundant wildlife, majestic palm trees, and wild nature trails) await you for unforgettable and relaxing days under the sun!. These destinations are connected by flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Reunion Island and out of Praslin Island
• Hotel for 2 nights in Reunion Island
• Flight from Reunion Island to Mahe Island
• Hotel for 2 nights in Mahe Island
• Flight from Mahe Island to Praslin Island
• Hotel for 2 nights in Praslin Island

Emilia Romagna (Bologna - Rimini - Ravenna - Ferrara) and Venice by Train

12 nights from $1,589*

Combine Bologna (a thriving university town and architectural gem), Rimini  (Adriatic coast, in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region), Ravenna (former capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Visigoth Empire, and the Byzantine Empire, but best known today for the Byzantine mosaic decoration of its churches and tombs), Ferrara (known for the buildings erected by its Renaissance rulers, the Este family) and Venice (built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals, lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces) with train between cities.  This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Bologna and out of Venice
• Hotel for 3 nights in Bologna
• Train from Bologna to Rimini
• Hotel for 2 nights in Rimini
• Train from Rimini to Ravenna
• Hotel for 2 nights in Ravenna
• Train from Ravenna to Ferrara
• Hotel for 2 nights in Ferrara
• Train from Ferrara to Venice
• Hotel for 3 nights in Venice

Zurich and Grindelwald (Self Drive)

7 nights from $2,029*

Flawless cities in Switzerland with a Rental Car! . Combine Zurich (a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland) and after that, drive to Grindelwald (a village in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, is a popular gateway for the Jungfrau Region , with skiing in winter and hiking in summer). Drive back to Zurich for one last night stay, before returning home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight in and out of Zurich
• Hotel for 1 night in Zurich
• Rental Car for 6 days
• Hotel for 5 nights in Grindelwald

Driving Time Zurich - Grindelwald: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx. Interlaken - Grindelwald: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx.

Anchorage and Fairbanks

6 nights from $1,669*

With beautiful landscapes, Alaska is a marvelous escape. Visit Anchorage (Alaska’s largest city, known for its cultural sites, including the Alaska Native Heritage Center). Then, catch a flight to Fairbanks (home rule city and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in the city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Anchorage and out of Fairbanks
• Hotel for 3 nights in Anchorage
• Flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks
• Hotel for 3 nights in Fairbanks

Iguazu Falls (Argentina) - Buenos Aires - Bariloche - Cordoba - El Calafate by Air

11 nights from $2,349*

Falls, Tango and Glaciers in Argentina! . Combine  Iguazu Falls (and its breathtaking natural spectacle and waterfalls, declared a Natural World Heritage Site and after that, Buenos Aires (to stroll in the streets of the Paris of South America and experience one of their Tango Shows); and then, Bariloche (a magical city that serves as the central hub for Argentina`s breathtaking lake region with tall peaks and crystal clear waters , dazzles with its extraordinary landscapes, where majestic lakes are followed by impressive mountains). Next, travel to Cordoba second-largest city in Argentina, known as fun-loving folks with a fondness for cuarteto music , rally car racing, and the drink of Fernet and Coke; and continue in El Calafate with its glaciers, lakes and access to outstanding outdoor activities . Finish this trip with a night in Buenos Aires before heading back home. These destinations are connected by intercity flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Iguazu Falls and out of Buenos Aires
• Flight intoIguazu Falls (Argentina) and out of Buenos Aires
• Hotel for 2 nights in Iguazu Falls (Argentina)
• Flight from Iguazu Falls (Argentina) to Buenos Aires
• Hotel for 2 nights in Buenos Aires
• Flight from Buenos Aires to Bariloche
• Hotel for 2 nights in Bariloche
• Flight from Bariloche to Cordoba
• Hotel for 2 nights in El Cordoba
• Flight from Cordoba to El Calafate
• Hotel for 2 nights in El Calafate
• Flight from El Calafate to Buenos Aires
• Hotel for 1 night in Buenos Aires

Lamanai - Hopkins Beach

6 nights from $1,749*

Adventure in the Nature of Belize! . From Belize City Airport travel to Lamanai Outpost Lodge (adjacent to one of Belize`s most popular Mayan Ruins of Lamanai Archaeological Reserve . It is known as the “high temple” high above the jungle canopy and provides a mesmerizing view over the river. It features pyramids or temples, open plazas, various restored stelae, and a ball court ). After that, experience Belize`s Afro-Caribbean culture-"Garifuna"- in Hopkins (a village on the coast of the Stann Creek District; boasting a rustic local beach vibe with many restaurants, small bars, gift shops. Due its proximity to the cayes, the area offer incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities ). Lastly, return to Belize City to catch your flight back home. These destinations are connected by combined transfers. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight in and out of Belize
• Transfer from Airport in Belize followed by a boat ride to Lamanai
• Hotel for 3 nights at Lamanai Outpost Lodge in Orange Walk Including: Full service staff, main meals, soft drinks, transfers and some activities
• Transfer from Hotel in Lamanai followed by a Boat Ride to Airport in Belize City
• Flight form Airport in Belize City to Hopkins
• Hotel for 3 nights in Hopkins
• Transfer from Hotel in Hopkins to Airport in Belize City
• Attention Christmas / New Year Travelers: Select minimum 4 nights stay in Hopkins. Most hotels have minimum stay during holiday season.

Top-sellers vacation packages' reviews

In the spotlight, historic rome - florence - venice.

Millennial Heritage of the Italian capital and its most famous cities in the world! . Rome (the Eternal City, with its stunning architecture like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and delicious food), Florence (an artists haven with a surprisingly political past), and Venice (the romantic city set on cancals) all contribute to the fascinating and diverse Italian History. Learn more about how each city has influenced Italian culture, politics, art, and more during your stay. We hope it is enough to spark your interest to return to each and discover them in depth!. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 4 nights in Rome
• Hotel for 4 nights in Florence
• Hotel for 3 nights in Venice Sample of Included Tours:
• Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour in Rome
• Roman Catacombs Tour
• Complete Vatican Experience
• Medici History Tour in Florence
• Life of Da Vinci Art Tour in Florence
• Visit to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence
• Byzantine History Tour in Venice
• Jewish Neighborhood Tour in Venice Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

The Best of Literary London - Edinburgh - Dublin

The best of the best when it comes to Literature, you can find it in England, Scotland and Ireland! . Explore London`s (the English world center of theatre, art, music, literature and more) where you will take a Guided Walking Tour about Shakespeare, after that, fly to Edinburgh (a cozy capital city with a fairytale setting, castles and gorgeous countryside) and Dublin (brimming with tradition; friendly people, castles and trendy coffee shops) full with Literary Tours and wisdom in both cities!. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into London and out of Dublin
• Hotel for 3 nights in London
• Flight from London to Edinburgh
• Hotel for 3 nights in Edinburgh
• Flight from Edinburgh to Dublin
• Hotel for 3 nights in Dublin Sample of Included Tours:
• London Literary Tour
• Shakespeare in London Walking Tour
• Guided Literary Walking Tour around Edinburgh
• Literary Experience in Dublin Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

Historic Cairo and Istanbul

Egypt and Turkey Relics! . Discover Cairo (famous for its own history , preserved in the fabulous medieval Islamic city with Coptic sites in Old Cairo and the Cairo Museum) on a Guided Tour ; visit the popular Giza Complex, the Egyptian Museum and the Sacred Burial Sites of Dahshur and Sakkara , plus an Al Tannoura Show (traditional music, singing and dancing). In Istanbul (world-famous for its rich history and culture, stunning scenery, magnificent structures across the sprawling Bosphorus Strait) with Guided Tours , learning about its Byzantine and Ottoman Period and visiting major sites and most beautiful mosques , which includes some world-renowned sacred sites. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Cairo and out of Istanbul
• Hotel for 4 nights in Cairo
• Flight from Cairo to Istanbul
• Hotel for 4 nights in Istanbul Sample of Included Tours:
• Visit to Giza and Egyptian Museum
• Day Trip to Memphis, Dahshur and Sakkara from Cairo
• Visit to El Alamein from Cairo
• Istanbul city Highlights with Blue Mosque and Topapki Palace
• Byzantine and Ottoman History In Istanbul
• Hagia Sophia Tour in Istanbul Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Ramadan is a month of spirituality and purification during which participants abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking. Ramadan is typically celebrated in late winter or early spring. Please verify dates before booking travel because food and entertainment services in hotels and other public places may be affected.

Nairobi and Zanzibar Island for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Discover the immeasurable natural beauty of Kenya and Tanzania! . The captivating Nairobi (famous for extra ordinary wild life parks and natural beauty that will take your breath away) and and dreamy Zanzibar Island (retaining its exotic mystique and is full of activity. The Spice Island is home to spices plantations like: nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper and idyllic beaches) both compliment each other wonderfully!. With exciting outdoor activities such as game drives, snorkeling, hiking, and cruises , we are sure you will enjoy each of these unique African destinations with this flexible vacation package. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Nairobi and out of Zanzibar
• Transfer from Nairobi Airport to Hotel
• Hotel for 4 nights in Nairobi
• Transfer from Hotel in Nairobi to Airport
• Flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar Island
• Hotel for 4 nights in Zanzibar Island Sample of Included Tours:
• Visit Ntnl Park Game Drive - Safari in Nairobi
• Hiking Tour to Mount Longonot from Nairobi
• Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha Tours in Nairobi
• Snorkeling Adventure in Zanzibar
• Day Trip to Jozani Forest Park from Zanzibar
• Private Cruise in Zanzibar Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

The Best of Oslo - Copenhagen - Stockholm

Scandinavian Capitals Tours in Norway, Denmark and Sweden! . Enjoy visits to Oslo (a city situated by a fjord, famous for its Viking and nautical history, museums, and impeccable seafood), Copenhagen (the city of fairy tales and characterized by its canals, cycling culture,fabulous food scene and laid-back atmosphere) and Stockholm (with its exciting architecture, medieval urban core and museums). Discover their most representative spots like The Christiansborg Palace (in Copenhagen); learn about the history of these scandinavian cities and their Viking Past ; in addition to delicious Food Tasting Tours for a complete experience! . This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Oslo and out of Stockholm
• Hotel for 3 nights in Oslo
• Flight from Oslo to Copenhagen
• Hotel for 3 nights in Copenhagen
• Train from Copenhagen to Stockholm
• Hotel for 3 nights in Stockholm Sample of Included Tours:
• Guided City Tour in Oslo
• Food Tour around Oslo
• Copenhagen City Tour plus Christiansborg Palace Ticket
• Food Tasting Tour around Copenhagen
• Old Town Tour in Stockholm
• Viking History Tour in Stockholm Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Phuket by Air

Our #1 Bestseller and Thailand first timer's favorite! . Visit Bangkok , The Venice of the east, national treasure trove, with its Buddhist temples, palaces, floating markets, legendary nightlife and shopping. Then, fly to Chiang Mai , The Rose of the North, famous for its history, culture and ancient temples; and complete your journey with some days in Phuket , Pearl of the South, with its endless beaches and crystal-clear blue ocean. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Hotel for 3 nights in Chiang Mai
• Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket

The Best of Auckland and Queenstown plus Rotorua

New Zealand's North and South Islands combine wonderfully in this flexible vacation package, where you can discover all the facets that make the islands desirable. From history to wine to incomparable outdoor experiences , you can do it all while you visit cities like: Auckland (New Zealand`s most populous city and is a multi-cultural hub of food, music, arts and culture) and Queenstown (a resort town and a hotspot for adventure and snow sport tourism). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 4 nights in Auckland
• Flight from Auckland to Queenstown
• Hotel for 4 nights in Queenstown Sample of Included Tours:
• Guided City Tour around Auckland
• Day Trip to Rotorua from Auckalnd
• Food Tour around Auckland
• Guided Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown
• Day Trip to Wine Valley from Queenstown
• Day Trip to Mt. Cook from Queenstown Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

Relax in Fiji (Nadi and the Coral Coast)

We get it, travel is rough!. Unwind in Fiji without giving up the chance to experience the best the islands have to offer in both ... Nadi (the third-largest conurbation in Fiji. It is located on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu.it is known for its amazing beaches, clear waters, palm trees, very friendly locals, and relaxed atmosphere in Fiji Island!) and the popular Coral Coast . Whether that means embarking on a scenic day cruise to lounge on exotic beaches or visiting the famous mud pools, we have you covered!. Don't forget to look at other available activities to further your experience (if you want!), but leave ample time for swinging in hammocks or dipping in the pool. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into and out of Nadi (Fiji)
• Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Nadi (Fiji)
• Hotel for 3 nights in Nadi (Fiji)
• Transfer from your hotel in Nadi (Fiji) to your hotel in the Coral Coast
• Hotel for 3 nights in the Coral Coast
• Transfer from Hotel in The Coral Coast to Nadi (Fiji) Airport Sample of Included Tours:
• Daytime cruise
• Day trip to experience Fijian culture including the therapeutic mudpools and Garden of the Sleeping Giant Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

Maui and Kauai by Air

Hawaiian Paradise! . Visit the energetic and exotic island of Maui (renowned worldwide for many things: its beauty, its atmosphere, its history, and its never-ending supply of pristine beaches, waterfalls, and gardens. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala). After that, catch a fly to your last destination, The Garden Island; Kauai (an island known for its natural beauty and its dramatic, beautiful sites; such as: The Waimea Canyon and The Coconut Coast . Gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, white sand beaches, sugarcane fields, and beachside cliffs you will find along the island). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Maui and out to Kauai
• Hotel for 3 nights in Maui
• Flight from Maui to Kauai

Miami and Puerto Rico by Air

Florida State and Puerto Rico are great options for an unforgettable holiday!. With this package, visit; Miami (Miami and South Beach, food, music and nightlife await you there) and in San Juan (a Caribbean island and U.S. territory with a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, tropical rainforest and beautiful beaches) you will spend fabulous days in the Caribbean. A flight connects these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight into Miami and out of San Juan
• Hotel for 3 nights in Miami
• Flight from Miami and San Juan
• Hotel for 3 nights in San Juan

Tulum - Marida via Chichen Itza

An amazing combination of rich traditions, history and beaches you will enjoy along your stay in the Mexican Riviera Maya . A transfer from Cancun Airport will take you to your first stop in Tulum (in the state of Quintanna Roo, the area boasts spectacular Mayan ruins overlooking the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea), After that, visit Merida (a colorful city in the Yucatan Peninsula with a rich Mayan and colonial heritage, encircled by ancient temples, crumbling ruins, sacred cenotes, and colorful mansions). En route from Tulum to Merida, you will get to explore Chichen Itza (an archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the most visited locations in Mexico, centre of pilgrimage for the ancient Maya civilization). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Transfer from Cancun Airport to Hotel in Tulum
• Hotel for 3 nights in Tulum
• Transfer from Hotel in Tulum to Hotel in Merida via Chichen Itza
• Hotel for 2 nights in Merida

Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu Falls (Brazil) - Buenos Aires

Samba and Tango in Brazil and Argentina! . This classic itinerary will take you from Rio de Janeiro (famed for its natural settings, its Carnival, samba, bossa nova, Christ the Redeemer and beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema), next to Iguassu Falls (the most dramatic and among the most monumental waterfalls in the world, tumbling over the cliffs on the border with the Argentine province of Misiones and Brazilian state of Parana) and finally, to Buenos Aires (to stroll in the streets of the Paris of South America and experience one of their Tango Shows). Flights and transfers connect these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro
• Flight from Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu Falls (Brazil)
• Hotel for 2 nights in Foz do Iguassu
• Transfer for Hotel in Iguassu Falls (Brazil) to Iguazu Falls (Argentina) Airport
• Hotel for 3 nights in Buenos Aires

Panama and Aruba by Air

The Hub of the Americas; Panama and The Happy Island; Aruba awaits you with this customizable package offering an unforgettable experience!. Visit Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East) and then, spend glorious days under the sun in paradise; Aruba Island (famous for its stunning blonde beaches, wind-sculpted desert landscapes, and some of the best wreck diving in the area). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Panama City
• Flight from Panama City to Aruba Island
• Hotel for 3 nights in Aruba Island

vacation destinations

Europe, middle east & africa.

• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa

Asia & South Pacific

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Fiji Islands
• French Polynesia
• Puerto Rico
• US Virgin Islands

Cuba Tours & Vacations

Behind the hum of vintage cars, pastel hues of 16th-century buildings and wafts of cigar smoke, the real Cuba shines bright.

A country caught in a cultural time warp,   Cuba   is a bright snapshot of the mid-20th century; a true feast for the senses. Watch as Cadillacs roll down the coastal boulevards, walk through traditional tobacco plantations in Vinales and see cigar production in full swing, laze on the shores of the   Caribbean   on some of the world’s whitest sands, and feel the sultry and spicy vibes of salsa as you dance the night away in Havana. With all of this on offer in one of the world’s best climates, what’s stopping you from checking out Cuba’s kaleidoscope of color and charisma?

Our Cuba trips

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Cuba tour reviews

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The art of Cuban casa hopping

10 things you’ll only know if you’ve travelled in Cuba

The top 7 destinations for travel in March 2024

A teen’s eye view of Intrepid family tours

Why you should say yes when your friend asks you to travel

How to avoid scams and Havana bad time in Cuba

Which style of Latin dance suits you?

I went to Cuba for the cars and cigars, but it’s the people that’ll stay with me

Cuba at a glance

Capital city.

Havana (population 2.1 million)

11.3 million

(GMT-05:00) Bogota, Lima, Quito, Rio Branco

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Cuba

Culture and customs.

With   Spanish ,   African   , and Creole influences, modern Cuba is home to so many cultural components – some of which don’t feel super ‘modern’ at all!

You won’t be surprised that Cubans love music and dancing – with everything from Afro-Cuban rhythms to classic melodies filling the air in clubs, bars, restaurants, and on street corners. The modern arts are also alive here, with ballet, contemporary dance, and film rising in popularity – so much so, Havana is now home to internationally recognized film, literature, and music festivals.

Living in a Communist country means Cubans sometimes go without the luxury items that many Westerners take for granted, with certain foods and consumer goods not available. Despite this, events like birthdays, holidays, and marriages are celebrated with gusto, with special meals, music, and dance featuring. This love of life is also evident in the street parties, festivals, and fiestas that are celebrated throughout the year. Coffee, cigars, and rum flow freely, and people dance to the sound of trumpets and guitars in city streets.

Life in the cities and life in rural areas can be quite different, but the pace of living is consistently Cuban – you’re on local time now, so go with the flow. Experience Cuban culture on our 8 day Beautiful Cuba trip.

History and government

Ancient history.

Before the arrival of the Spanish in 1492, Cuba was home to Mesoamerican cultures, including the indigenous Guanajatabey and Taino people. The Guanajatabey were hunter-gatherers and fishers, and Taino communities also harvested yuca, cotton, and tobacco. Spanish colonialist Bartolome de las Casas estimated that Taino populations in Cuba had reached 350,000 by the end of the 15th century.

By then, Christopher Columbus had landed in Cuba and claimed the land for   Spain, naming it Isla Juana. In 1511, Diego Velazquez de Cuellar founded Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement in Cuba, and three years later what’s now known as Havana was built.

20th century

In 1902, after periods under Spanish, British, and United States rule and involvement in the Spanish–American war, Cuba got its independence. Despite the economy booming, leaders at this time ruled through corruption and control. This was until revolutionary Fidel Castro led a 9000-strong guerrilla army into Havana in 1959, forcing military dictator Fulgencio Batista to flee. Castro became the leader and his brother, Raul, his deputy. What followed was an attempt by the United States to overthrow Castro’s communist rule at the Bay of Pigs, and tension and trade embargoes following the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Standing alongside Castro as an equally prominent political figure, Che Guevara (although Argentinean) holds a very important place in Cuban history. A revolutionary, author, doctor, and military leader, Guevara played a pivotal role in the guerrilla campaign leading up to the Cuban Revolution and the defense of the Bay of Pigs, as well as in diplomatic relations, up until his death in 1967. It’s impossible not to notice the reverence for Guevara when visiting Cuba, with street art, statues, and museums dedicated to the man Cubans simply call ‘El Che’ found all over the country.

In April 2011 Fidel Castro was succeeded as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba by his brother Raul Castro. Cuba’s political relationship with other countries, including its close neighbors, is ever-evolving, with the US recently beginning to ease restrictions on trade, tourism, and other industries. But a snapshot of 50 years of isolation remains in the cars, architecture, and culture that is a contemporary Cuban street. Learn about Cuba's fascinating past on our 15 day Best of Cuba adventure.

Eating and drinking

Cuba may not have culinary fame compared to some of its neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on some great food during your time here. Cuba typically doesn’t have access to a wide range of ingredients, so your dining experience may not be as varied as you’d expect from some other   nearby destinations. Regardless, there are some Central American favorites that are definitely worth trying. Try out the local cuisine on our 8 day Cuba Highlights tour.

What to eat in Cuba

Pastelitos These small pastries can be either sweet or savory. Cream cheese, guava, and beef are the most popular fillings and make for a cheap, tasty meal on the run. Think empanadas, Cuban style.

Cuban sandwich Otherwise known as a mixto, this sandwich is a simple snack that has made its way north into Florida and has become one of the quintessential images of Cuban food beyond its borders. Ham, pork, cheese, mustard, and sometimes salami layered between bread and grilled – what’s not to like?

Ropa vieja Not only is this one of the national dishes of Cuba, but it’s also found all over the Caribbean, in Spain, and even the Philippines! It may literally translate to ‘old clothes’, but that’s definitely not what it tastes like – slow-cooked pulled beef with vegetables, usually served with maduros (fried plantains), black beans, and rice.

Fritura de maiz These deep-fried cheese and cornmeal fritters are popular street food snacks in Cuba. A great choice for vegetarians; throw a couple of these back and you’ll be feeling the Cuban spirit.

Moros y cristianos

Rice and beans is ot just rice and beans. Black beans and white rice are added to a base of peppers, garlic, and onion and simmered with herbs, creating a flavorful addition to any meal and served up at virtually every Cuban restaurant you'll come across.

If you're a little bit peckish and are on the go, seek out some tostones. These twice-fried plantain chips are very popular in a lot of Latin America countries and are an easy (and often cheap) snack.

Although flan is known all around Central and South America as an essential dessert, Cuban flan has a slightly different spin. It's made with evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, giving it a thicker and creamier caramel custard finish than fresh milk varities. Get ready for a seriously delicious sugar high.

Coppelia ice cream Line up with locals to savor a sweet scoop from Coppelia ice cream parlor. This Cuban institution serves tried and true flavors like chocolate and vanilla as well as exotic favorites like mango and coconut.

What to drink in Cuba

Rum The tipple of choice in Cuba is rum, obviously. Savour some Havana Club straight up, have it mixed in a minty mojito, or sip on a Cuba Libre – rum, cola, and lime.

Coffee Cuban coffee is of legendary quality, so be sure to get your caffeine hit with a small but rich cup of liquid gold. Drink it like the locals do, as a cafecito or Cafe Cubano. This type of espresso-style coffee is usually sweetened with raw cane sugar and stirred in with the first drips of espresso to get the best result.

Geography and environment

This island nation sitting in the Caribbean Sea is home to a diverse range of environments: rolling hills to tobacco plantations, beaches, and coral reefs to tropical rainforests. With more than 20% of the island covered with natural parks, there's incredible biodiversity, making it a great place for eco-adventures, hiking, snorkeling, and diving.

Large cities like Havana evoke a time gone by. Grand buildings dating back to the 1950s exude a fading beauty, which makes for great photographs but can also make daily life quite difficult. Due to a lack of building materials, new housing, and infrastructure are rare, making living conditions quite cramped for Cuban city dwellers. Rural life offers more space and a quieter pace, but reduced access to services. Regardless of where you holiday in Cuba, the people are generally kind and hospitable in both the big cities and small towns. Wander the magnificent landscapes, both natural and manmade, on our 8 day One Week in Cuba adventure.

Cuba may not be known for its shopping, but look closely and you’ll find lots of unique souvenirs to take home as a reminder of your holiday. Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to import some items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, for example, have strict quarantine laws. The United States also has restrictions on the amount of tobacco and alcohol that can be brought back from Cuba.

What to buy

Art Cuba has a keen appreciation of the fine arts, so it’s not hard to find unique artworks by up-and-coming local artists being sold at galleries and markets. It also makes for a meaningful memento of your time away.

Cigars The cliche is unsurprisingly true – cigars are everywhere in Cuba. Be sure to buy cigars from authorized sellers, as fakes are common. Purchasing straight from the factory is usually best.

Coffee Cuban coffee is top quality, so stock up before you leave to enjoy a taste of Cuba in the comfort of your own home. Do check, however, if your country of origin allows plant-based materials to pass through quarantine.

Music With such a rich musical heritage, Cuba is a great place to pick up a hand-crafted instrument or, if traveling light, a CD or a local artist’s info to add to your playlist.

Do some serious souvenir shopping on our 8 day Premium Cuba tour.

Festivals and events

Havana international jazz festival.

Local and international artists head to Havana every January to become a part of the happening jazz scene. From the impressive Teatro Nacional de Cuba to the city streets, the sweet sounds of jazz fill the air of Havana for the duration of the festival.

Habanos Cigar Festival

In February, cigar connoisseurs gather to celebrate their love of the best cigar in the world – the Habano. With tastings, visits to plantations and factories, master classes, and cigar-rolling contests on offer, this festival will intrigue curious travelers and delight cigar enthusiasts.

Santiago de Cuba Carnival

Watch this historic city come alive in July with street parades full of vibrant costumes, drums, and dancing. This epic public celebrations date back to at least the 17th century and are held all around the country, but Santiago de Cuba hosts the biggest, brightest, and most traditional of them all.

Similar destinations

Thinking about a trip to Cuba but still browsing other destinations? Or, maybe you've already traveled to Central America and you're looking for somewhere similar? Check out tours to neighboring locations:

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your holiday in Cuba, check out these books:

• Our Man in Havana   – Graham Greene
• Before Night Falls   – Reinaldo Arenas
• Broken Paradise   – Cecilia Samartin
• Take Me with You   – Carlos Frias
• Adios, Havana   – Andrew J Rodriguez
• Blessed by Thunder: Memoir of a Cuban Girlhood   – Flor Fernandez Barrios
• Conversations with Cuba   – C Peter Ripley
• Havana Fever   – Leonardo Padura
• The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love   – Oscar Hijuelos

Cuba travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

Cuba's subtropical climate is ideal for exploration, with most places catching the cool trade winds that blow in from the coast, providing pleasant year-round temperatures. June, July and August are usually the hottest months – the dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. Even in the rainy season, downpours are short and shouldn't impede travel plans. Tropical storms and hurricanes are more prevalent in September and October but rarely cause problems for travelers.

Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?

Tourists of most nationalities require a 'Tourist Card' which is similar to a tourist visa. These can be obtained through travel agents in your home country, or directly from Cuban embassies and consulates. Depending on the airline you are traveling with to Cuba, you may also be able to purchase the tourist card at the airport from the airline on the day of your departure – please check with your airline for more information. 

If you are a US citizen, American permanent resident, or hold any type of American Visa and are considering traveling to Cuba, please refer to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website –  travel.state.gov  – for the latest advice.  

We recommend traveling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, and South or Central America. Travelers who have been to Cuba are ineligible to participate in the ESTA Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a tourist visa to enter or transit via the United States.  

Remember to check the entry requirements for any destinations you will travel or transit through both to and from Cuba. 

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 14/11/2023

Is tipping customary in Cuba?

As most Cubans live modest lifestyles, leaving a tip for good service is a great idea and welcomed.

There is almost always free entertainment in bars and restaurants; the musicians and singers are usually not paid by the venue, so we encourage you to tip when you have enjoyed the performance. Tour leaders, restaurant workers, hotel porters, cleaning staff and taxi drivers will appreciate a small sum – but be sure to tip in Cuban pesos as foreign currency isn’t easily exchanged in Cuba.

It’s important to carry around small denominations of currency to leave tips during your holiday, so you can tip an amount you feel comfortable with.

What is the internet access like in Cuba?

Internet access isn't widespread throughout Cuba, but availability is improving. The internet can sometimes be accessed from government departments and larger hotels, and main squares in many cities now have wi-fi accessibility. You will need to purchase an internet card from certain hotels and outlets to gain access in any location, including in public areas.

Please note that although connectivity is improving, the connection may still be slow, some websites may be censored, and the cost is typically quite high.

Can I use my cell phone while in Cuba?

Your cell phone may or may not work while in Cuba, depending on what type of phone you have. Before leaving your home country, ensure roaming is activated with your provider, but be aware that your phone may not get reception due to Cuba having the lowest cell phone network penetration in Latin America.

If you intend to activate global roaming while in Cuba, be sure to check with your service provider to find out about any fees you may incur when using this option, as sometimes this can be expensive.

What are the toilets like in Cuba?

Public toilets are rare in Cuba, but western-style flushable toilets are available in hotels, bars, and restaurants. Bringing your own toilet paper and hand soap or hand sanitizer is recommended as often these are not provided. Due to import restrictions, toilet seats can be considered a luxury and may be missing from some facilities.

What will it cost for a...?

Cuba's unit of currency is the peso (CUP). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Can of soft drink or bottle of water = 1-2 CUP
• Cup of coffee = 1.50 CUP
• Cocktail = 2-5 CUP
• Meal in a nice restaurant = 120+ CUP
• One hour of wi-fi = 25 CUP

Can I drink the water in Cuba?

It's not advisable to drink water from the tap in Cuba. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable bottle or canteen with filtered water if you can – your group leader will provide larger and less disposable water containers for refills on private transport days when they have the resources available. It's also best to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables rather than eating washed or unwashed produce.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Cuba?

Some credit cards are accepted in Cuba (Visa and Mastercard are usually more widely accepted), although some cards linked to US banking institutions won't be accepted. Debit cards (even Visa debit) generally have problems working. We recommend you bring multiple cards from different banks to be sure you have access to funds. Ensure you also have enough cash and other forms of payment, as credit card facilities may not always be available.

What is ATM access like in Cuba?

ATMs are accessible in large cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba but are rare and almost non-existent in other parts of Cuba. Ensure you have other payment options available in case you cannot access an ATM while traveling.

What is the weather like in Cuba?

Cuba enjoys Caribbean vibes all year round, and sits below the Tropic of Cancer, so you’ll enjoy a tropical climate with north-easterly trade winds that blow year-round.

May to October is usually considered the wet season, with higher maximum temperatures each day (around 90°F) and more sunlight each day, averaging 10 hours. September and October is hurricane season in the region, and this time of year is usually hot and overcast, with a higher chance of rainfall.

November to April is usually the drier season in Cuba, with maximum temperatures sitting around 79°F and an average of 8 hours of sunlight each day. The winter months are clearer, slightly more humid, and more comfortable than summer.

What public holidays are celebrated in Cuba ?

• 1 Jan:   Liberation Day
• 2 Jan:   Victory of the Armed Forces
• 1 May:   Labour Day (International Workers' Day/May Day)
• 25–27 Jul:   National Revolutionary Festival
• 10 Oct:   Independence Day
• 25 Dec:   Christmas Day
• 31 Dec:   Year End Celebration

Other dates to look out for:

• 28 Jan:   Anniversary of Jose Marti’s birth
• 19 Apr:   Bay of Pigs Victory
• 8 Oct: Anniversary of Che Guevara’s death
• 28 Oct:   Anniversary of Camila Cienfuegos’s death
• 7 Dec:   Anniversary of Antonio Maceo’s death

Please note,   Cuba public holidays may vary.

Is Cuba safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Cuba has made some significant steps in recent years to ensure LGBTQIA+ rights in the country. Homosexuality is legal and accepted in Cuba, and there are some anti-discrimination laws in place for employment, service provisions, and gender identity. However, same-sex marriage recognition is still pending, and stigma still remains in some parts of society, especially in rural areas.

The Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) works to support the LGBTQIA+ community in Cuba and hosts rallies to educate and advocate.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Last edited: 14/11/2023

Is Cuba accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

As Cuba has not had the same infrastructure development as other countries, you may find some mobility challenges when traveling. Havana’s streets are often crowded, and sidewalks can at times be rugged or even nonexistent. This is the same with other cities and towns around the country. Also, a lot of public transportation isn’t geared toward travelers who use a wheelchair, so private travel may be the only option to get around.

If you do live with a visual, hearing, or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you, and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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Best Tour Companies for Singles

Book your next adventure with one of these options.

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

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A recent study showed that the solo travel industry is projected to experience a significant influx in the upcoming years. Whether you want to experience a solo adventure, see the world at your own convenience, or hope to meet new people along the way, there’s always something worthwhile about traveling by yourself. 

Luckily, there are plenty of travel companies that cater to solo travelers to make planning stress-free. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best companies for every budget and travel preference to support your wanderlust—including our top picks for women-only and solo parent travel.

8 Best Tour Companies for Singles of 2024

• Best Experience: Exodus Travels
• Best for Ages 35-50: El Camino Travel
• Best Sustainable: G Adventures
• Best for True Solo Travel: Black Tomato
• Best for Ages 25-39: For The Love of Travel
• Best for 50+: Overseas Adventure Travel Rates
• Best Female: Wild Women Expeditions
• Best for Solo Parent Travel: Intrepid Travel

Best Experience : Exodus Travels

Courtesy of Exodus Travels

Traveling solo on an Exodus Travels group trip means access to self-guided and guided excursions around the world for every type of traveler. Choose a walking wine holiday in Portugal or explore Egypt via cruise boat and sleeper train, for example. Additionally, its Exodus Edits collection offers shorter itineraries of up to five days and is geared towards travelers in their 30s and 40s—though they’re ideal for anyone looking for more vigorous activity such as ziplining and surfing in Costa Rica or sampling street eats and beach hopping in Sicily. 

There is no single supplement fee when you room with a fellow traveler, and chances are you may end up with your own room anyway. Booking a travel itinerary with UK-based Exodus Travels includes a full refund should the company need to cancel your trip and a complimentary trip transfer to another tour or different person up to 21 days before the scheduled trip. Plus, travelers who book their third or more trips with Exodus receive a 5 percent discount on their next booking.

What’s more, the company works to curate trips that align with a number of United Nations sustainable development goals including goals for responsible consumption and production, empowering local communities, and climate action considerations. Exodus Travels (founded in 1974) was awarded Best Operator in National Geographic Traveller’s sixth annual Reader Awards in 2021.

Best for Ages 35-50 : El Camino Travel

Courtesy of Encounter Travel

According to El Camino Travel ’s founder, Katalina Mayorga, elder millennials are their strongest customer base. That means if you were born between 1980 and 1985 approximately, you’ll find yourself among curious, like-minded solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in destinations like Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and the Eastern European nation of Georgia. Some trips even add a professional photographer to capture shareable shots so you can remain in the moment.

All of El Camino’s guided, small group trips max out at 12 participants. They’re also curated with an ethos of preserving and protecting local culture, the environment, and communities. For example, some of their partners include the Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville in Tobago and La Sierra Artist Residency in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Best Sustainable : G Adventures

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

G Adventures is particularly known for its sustainable, responsible ethos. The company works with small, locally-owned hotels and operators to ensure your travel dollars benefit the community you’re visiting; outlines policies around child and animal welfare practices; aims to reduce single-use plastics, and works to ensure experiences taking place in Indigenous communities align with community goals.

Founded in 1990, G Adventures specializes in small group adventure tours to a host of destinations from Asia to South America and Africa to the Arctic. Nearly half of the travelers on every trip are flying solo, and there’s no single supplement if you choose to bunk with a same-sex roommate. Or, select your own room for a fee. 

A Chief Experience Officer leads each group tour and itineraries are searchable by travel style. For example, find wellness-centric trips like nine days of daily yoga, visits to Hindu temples, and partake in traditional healing ceremonies in Bali. Or travel with their partner, National Geographic, for an exclusive guided tour of South Africa’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and a visit to Soweto township in Johannesburg, the home of Nelson Mandela. 

G Adventures partnered with hostel booking service Hostelworld in 2021 to launch its Roamies itineraries. Its combination of backpacking and organized travel itineraries includes countries like Albania, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. The trips are marketed to 18- to 35-year-olds, though like-minded individuals keen on budget travel and communal environments may enjoy these trips, too.

Best for True Solo Travel : Black Tomato

Courtesy of G Adventures

Black Tomato specializes in bespoke luxury travel experiences. For those interested in traversing around the world solo and willing to pay a premium for tailored itineraries, its adventurous or culturally immersive experiences may just be your ticket.

Your travels might look like hiking and biking in Patagonia, embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage through Bhutan and India, chasing glaciers and geysers in Iceland, or learning to cook Georgia and Armenia’s local dishes or Japan’s regional cuisine.

In 2017, Black Tomato launched its Get Lost adventure travel experience. With the support of a dedicated team, and without prior knowledge of where they're headed, Get Lost participants will find their way home from an undisclosed location. The location is selected based on a pre-travel questionnaire about which environment clients would like to immerse themselves in. Then, they show up at the airport and the adventure begins.

Best for Ages 25-39 : For The Love of Travel

Courtesy of Contiki

With 80 percent of individuals traveling with For The Love of Travel jet -setting solo, each trip is packed with opportunities to meet fellow Millennial and Gen Z travel enthusiasts. For example, within your small “crew” of up to 14 people, make new friends doing snow sports and unwinding in saunas in Lapland or devouring tacos and sipping mezcal in Mexico City. Trips range from four to nine days, including weekends in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain wilderness or an extended weekend in Costa Rica where you’ll hike through rainforests, relax in hammocks, and hike, bike, or surf.

According to company feedback, the average FTLOT traveler is 30 years old and interested in meeting new people while traveling . The company bills itself as a mid-range travel company, where “​​we might stay in a more basic hotel for a couple of nights so we can include a Michelin-worthy meal and a private catamaran ride.” 

In 2022, FTLOT plans to offer at least 10 new itineraries including to Belize, Turkey, and Spain’s Basque Country. And for those with the flexibility, the company launched Sojrn in 2021 featuring month-long, themed stays in destinations like Cape Town—focused on biodiversity—and a fashion-oriented stay in Paris.

FTLOT requires an initial deposit and allows installment payments if not paid in full.

Best for 50+ : Overseas Adventure Travel Rates

Courtesy Flash Pack

Overseas Adventure Travel is primarily aimed at American travelers aged 50 and over. It offers guided itineraries to worldwide destinations, including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and the South Pacific, with trips ranked by activity level and accompanied by a list of physical requirements to help select an itinerary that is best suited for you. For example, their Japan and South Korea itinerary advise that participants be able to carry their own luggage as the selected hotels do not have porter service.

Some of Overseas Adventure Travel’s most popular trips include 17 days of wending the Adriatic from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina (think a walking tour in Dubrovnik, sampling traditional Bosnian food in Sarajevo, and exploring the countryside near Zagreb). On another popular trip, you spend 15 days traveling through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, ending in Helsinki, Finland. All trips offer pre-and post-itinerary extensions, and either waive the single supplement entirely or offer a discount on a private room.

The company offers a free Roommate Matching Program which helps you find a like-minded, same-sex roommate. If they can’t find a match, your single supplement is deducted. Small group sizes typically average 13 travelers.

Overseas Adventure Travel won the Solo Travel Award for Best Tour in 2017 and 2018, thanks in large part to its policy of offering a limited number of single spaces for each itinerary.

Best Female : Wild Women Expeditions

Courtesy of Overseas Adventure Travel

It began as an all-women, Canada-based canoe tripping company in 1991, and Wild Women Expeditions is perfect for boundary-pushing women who want to travel independently and enjoy the safety and support of an organized tour. The company also prioritizes hiring female tour leaders and on-the-ground guides. It offers outdoor adventures for women of all ages and identities and with a range of physical abilities (“whether your greatest skill is tracking a storm or talking up a storm, summiting mountains or summoning courage, keeping your kayak in line or coloring outside the lines,” as the company describes).

The company travels to 31 destinations around the world like Egypt, Tanzania, and the Azores islands. Itineraries are typically adventure-based and are filtered on their website by activity, with options ranging from sailing to cycling and horse riding. Imagine yourself sea kayaking and snorkeling in the Galapagos or scaling glaciers in Alaska. 

Most guests are solo travelers and there’s no single supplement to worry about as accommodation is typically in a shared room or cabin. Though if privacy is a priority, you can usually snag your own room for a nominal extra fee. Group sizes are kept small and social with between six and 14 women, depending on the itinerary you choose. The average group size is eight. 

Wild Women Expeditions also takes care to curate trips that avoid or minimize the disturbance of wildlife; supports environmental education and advocacy projects; and partners with social justice and women’s rights organizations.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best women-only adventure travel companies .

Best for Solo Parent Travel : Intrepid Travel

Courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions

Intrepid ’s family-themed holidays welcome adults traveling with children, including solo parents looking to travel with their kids without the stress of planning and coordinating a trip. Since each family’s travel needs and preferences are different, every itinerary includes an “essential trip information” section where Intrepid outlines whether the trip would be a good fit for you and your kids, as well as a physical rating from least to more strenuous activities. 

For example, an itinerary through part of the Amazon Jungle in Peru advises the jungle can be very hot and humid, and that the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes. On the other hand, an 11-day trip to Borneo island in Southeast Asia lists a minimum age of 5 and outlines a range of accommodations from hotels to guesthouses and jungle camps; on a few occasions, travel times between destinations range between four to five hours. Trips to Costa Rica, Tanzania, China, and Morocco are also listed.

Individuals under 17 years typically receive a 10 percent discount, and the company requires that adults have at least one child under 18 years traveling with them. As part of Intrepid’s commitment to responsible travel, itineraries support initiatives surrounding sustainability and conservation, climate education, and preservation of Indigenous culture.  

Mathieu Young / Getty Images

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6 top-rated newport mansion tours + tips from a local.

Newport's famed mansions are a must-see in the City by the Sea.

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Gavin Ashworth | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Experience peak luxury and elegance at these stunning properties.

More than a century ago, America's wealthiest families commissioned their "summer cottages" to be built in the coastal enclave of Newport, Rhode Island , along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The era's most renowned architects outdid one another in size and scale as well as opulence and grandeur. Today, Newport is synonymous with its exquisite Gilded Age mansions, and experiencing them in person is an absolute must.

The majority of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport – but not all – are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and many of the most popular are open to the public year-round. Get ready to explore the Bellevue Avenue Historic District as you tour Newport's best mansions.

The Breakers

Courtesy of Andrea McHugh

Price: From $29 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: The Breakers offers an audio Family Tour that engages young visitors with stories about the lives of the children who summered there, the staff who ran the home and interesting things to see in the mansion, such as the playful dolphin sculpture beneath the grand staircase.

Considered the grande dame of all the Newport mansions, The Breakers was no doubt built to impress. The summertime escape of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family was designed by the Gilded Age's preeminent architect, Richard Morris Hunt, and boasts a classic Italian palazzo design with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can explore the mansion at their own pace via the self-guided audio tour available in nearly a dozen languages on the Newport Mansions free app, which will come in especially handy if you plan to explore more than one mansion. Take some time to explore the beauty of the 13-acre grounds as well, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes .

Those with a curiosity of how a mansion of this magnitude worked – after all, The Breakers was considered a modern marvel when completed in 1895 – will enjoy the Beneath The Breakers Tour. This guide-led tour takes you through the boiler room, tunnel and basement. Guests will learn how the home was outfitted with electricity, still considered a novelty during the Gilded Age. This tour requires a separate ticket from The Breakers' audio tour and is best suited for visitors 13 years and older. Advance reservations are recommended.

Local tip: As The Breakers is the most visited mansion in Newport, a good time to visit is either when it opens or toward the end of the day, especially in the busiest summer months. The early evening light can be ideal for photos, but plan accordingly as the house and grounds close one hour after the last tour admission. Before you visit, save time by downloading the free Newport Mansions tour app.

View & Book Tickets: The Breakers | Viator | GetYourGuide

Marble House

Price: From $25 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: While it's hard to rival the splendor of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House on the end of the mansion's lawn parallel to Cliff Walk is an unexpected visual delight. For $35 extra, tour ticket holders to Marble House can enjoy sandwiches and refreshments at the cafe at the Chinese Tea House or make a reservation for brunch and afternoon tea service, offered on weekends May through December. The service is operated by Stoneacre Restaurants, which owns two popular restaurants in downtown Newport.

From the moment visitors walk under the four towering Corinthian columns fronting this mansion, they know they are in for a treat. Like other Newport Mansions audio tours, Marble House has a self-guided tour available via the organization's free app, allowing visitors to peruse the property at their own pace.

Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles , Marble House is an architectural masterpiece. Made from 500,000 cubic square feet of marble, the mansion was a 39th birthday present from businessman and philanthropist William K. Vanderbilt to his wife Alva. He spared no expense for their summer escape. Later in life, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont became a suffragist and hosted events at Marble House in support of women's right to vote. Viewers of the popular HBO series "The Gilded Age" may recognize rooms in the mansion as it was used for filming on location and also inspired sets.

Local tip: Don't miss the ballroom on the first floor – while it's not the largest in Newport, it's widely considered the most ornate, with gilt details from floor to ceiling.

View & Book Tickets: Marble House | Viator | GetYourGuide

Standout perk: While The Elms is spectacular, its formal gardens – 10 acres' worth – are extraordinary, complete with nearly 40 species of trees plus terraces, gazebos, fountains and colorful blooms, depending on the time of year.

Fashioned after an 18th-century French chateau, The Elms is a must-visit mansion, from the sun-soaked conservatory and the drawing room to the handsome library and the breakfast room bearing Chinese-style lacquered wall panels. A self-guided audio tour is available in nearly a dozen languages, but any fan of "Downton Abbey" or those curious about life behind the scenes of Newport's mansions will appreciate the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.

On this newly updated, guide-led tour, visitors start in the basement, where you'll see the operations of the house such as the kitchen and butler's pantry, all the way up to the domestic staff's living quarters on the third floor. Along the way, travelers will learn more about the personal lives of staff, and see rare photographs of servants at work and in their free time. You'll even get to learn about topics like immigration and labor disputes on this tour.

Local tip: The Servant Life Tour is not only fascinating, but you'll get the rare opportunity to go on The Elms' rooftop and be rewarded with an amazing and unexpected view of Newport Harbor.

View & Book Tickets: The Elms | GetYourGuide

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Rough Point

Price: From $20; free for children 12 and younger

Standout perk: Rough Point sits at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, so getting here allows you to enjoy views of both private mansions and those open to the public along the way. The mansion's oceanfront perch offers an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Cliff Walk Bridge, a stone arch bridge across the rocky inlet where Doris Duke would swim regularly.

Though a Gilded Age mansion through and through, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident: Doris Duke. The late heiress, collector and philanthropist – dubbed the "richest little girl in the world" when she was born – spent considerable time at Rough Point until her death in 1993. A self-guided audio tour leads visitors here through the art-filled home room by room, highlighting eclectic sculpture, family portraits, centuries-old tapestries, renowned furnishings and many pieces Duke collected as an avid world traveler.

While the formal rooms such as the Yellow Room and jaw-dropping Music Room are a sight, the ocean-facing Solarium affords the best views. Whether before or after your tour, visit the house tour on the website for footage of Doris Duke at the home as well as behind-the-scenes videos. Note that Rough Point is typically open seasonally from spring through mid-November.

Local tip: On Rough Point's grounds, you'll find a pair of life-size topiary camels inspired by Doris' pet Bactrian camels, Princess and Baby. Both enjoyed the summer months with the tobacco heiress at Rough Point and have become the unofficial mascots of the mansion. The Newport Restoration Foundation encourages taking a #camelgram photo with the Princess and Baby topiary to share on social media.

View & Book Tickets: Rough Point | GetYourGuide

Dave Hansen | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Standout perk: Rosecliff's signature feature – despite being home to Newport's largest ballroom, which hosted lavish society events throughout the Gilded Age – is its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase.

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Rosecliff resumed tours in September 2023, much to the delight of Newport's visitors. Architect Stanford White, who was the mastermind behind Newport's historic Casino Theatre and myriad other important buildings, modeled the mansion after the Grand Trianon at Versailles for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Its European influence is felt throughout.

Explore the mansion at your own pace via the self-guided audio tour on the free Newport Mansions app. Don't forget to look up in the ballroom, where the trompe l'oeil ceiling creates an air of whimsy and romance, making it the ideal setting for the filming parts of "The Great Gatsby" with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, as well as the more recent "27 Dresses."

Local tip: Rosecliff hosts many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, which features dinners, events and seminars with wines and other libations from around the world.

View & Book Tickets: Rosecliff | Viator

Chateau-sur-Mer

Standout perk: A new audio tour is your guide to this National Historic Landmark, considered Newport's first true mansion. Learn about the lives of the Wetmore family members who lived there for more than a century.

Until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in Newport in the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer was considered the seaside city's most palatial residence. Today, visitors can explore the home, an Italianate-style villa built for wealthy China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore, who did quite a bit of entertaining at this summer cottage.

Local tip: While Chateau-sur-Mer is essentially a Victorian Era time capsule, the mansion's grounds are home to amazing tree specimens, shrubs and more, including a striking weeping beech tree. If you explore deeper into the grounds, you'll find a cool circular maze made from mounds of grass; this earthwork by artist Richard Fleischner is known as the "Sod Maze" and makes for a relaxing place to meditate.

View & Book Tickets: Chateau-sur-Mer | GetYourGuide

What to do nearby

In addition to the historic mansions, Newport offers a variety of historic attractions, walking trails and museums. To help you fully explore the area, here are some recommendations for things to see and where to eat.

Things to do:

• Wander along the Cliff Walk
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Explore the historic Fort Adams
• Discover automotive history at Audrain Automobile Museum
• Explore The Sailing Museum
• Visit the Redwood Library and Athenæum
• Discover the oldest synagogue in the U.S.
• Browse the private collection at the Newport Car Museum

Nearby restaurant recommendations: 

• Breakfast: Annie's, Lucy's Cafe & Bakery or Corner Cafe
• Lunch: Cru Cafe, Belle's Café or The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
• Dinner: White Horse Tavern, Clarke Cooke House or Castle Hill Inn
• Drinks: Midtown Oyster Bar, The Roofdeck at the Vanderbilt or The Lounge at The Chanler

Why Trust U.S. News Travel 

Andrea McHugh is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Newport, Rhode Island, where the famed mansions of the Gilded Age are common sights along her daily run in the City by the Sea. Though she regularly visits the mansions as they play host to local business and social events, such as the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Newport Classical Music Festival and Newport Film, she spent a recent "staycation" touring these turn-of-the-century behemoths to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont

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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment, all rolled into one. Some cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. Cruising means seeing the world while unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids and teens -- all for free. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship for you. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with staying at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- all their extras.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their cabins but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors.

Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes lower. Here's a tip: Many times, the smaller ships from these lines offer the smallest prices.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

Being flexible will get you the best last-minute cruise deals. If you live near a cruise port and can drive, you're probably going to be able to jump on those deals that might pop up a week or two before the ship is set to sail.

If you don't have flexibility with dates and locations, be willing to bend on destination. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise costs on average. When you see it drop, pounce! Many cruise lines update pricing several times every day, so be prepared.

Best cruises in 2020

Part of the appeal of cruising is that there's truly something for everyone. Ships come in an array of sizes, some loaded with so many activities, you couldn't get to them all in a week.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations to which they sail. The Caribbean is a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, also is a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, MSC and Holland America for a family cruise.

River cruising has been heating up over the past few years, with itineraries that send passengers down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to even more exotic locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam or the Volga River in Russia. Popular river cruises embark in cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. Popular river cruise lines include Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald Waterways, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal.

If you're a thrill-seeker, consider an expedition cruise. These cruises, often onboard small ships, offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world, including Antarctica, Alaska, Australia and Greenland. Passengers will spend their time kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, Hurtigruten, Ponant and Quark Expeditions.

Luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard smaller ships with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be smaller, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships can't -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Azamara, Viking Oceans and Silversea.

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Disneyland Railroad Guided Tour

All aboard .

Get a look into Walt Disney’s love for trains and discover the impact it had on the Disneyland Resort. On this eye-opening, 2-hour tour sure to delight both Disneyland fans and railroad enthusiasts alike, you’ll:

Start with a Treat Enjoy a beverage and a pastry to steam power your journey through Disneyland park.

Step into the Past Walk through the park listening to stories about where the idea behind Walt’s train creations first started. Understand the impact trains had on Walt Disney’s dreams—from animation and film all the way to the theme parks.

Catch a Rare Glimpse of the Disneyland Park Roundhouse This is where “the magic happens” for the historic Disneyland Railroad system and it’s not typically viewed by the public. You’ll learn more about the Imagineers that look after the Disneyland Monorail and trains.

Take a Special Ride During your guided tour, climb aboard Disneyland Railroad’s special Presidential Car, the Lilly Belle. Take the scenic route along the Rivers of America to see landscapes inspired by 4 of America’s majestic rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande. Each are carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests, wildlife and 5 picturesque waterfalls.

Riding in the Lilly Belle is dependent on weather and availability.

And Enjoy a Special Keepsake A memento to remember your tour is included.

Know Before You Go

Required Park Reservation and Admission

Reservations

Late arrivals may not be able to join the guided tour. Please be prepared to present your reservation confirmation, photo ID and the credit card provided at the time of booking.

This tour is only available during regular park hours at Disneyland Park.

Cancellations

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged and forfeited if Guest cancels within one day or is a no-show for the reservation.

Riding in the Lilly Belle

Guests utilizing wheelchairs must be able to transfer from their mobility device to a wheelchair provided at the attraction.

Guests younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older during the entire experience.

Important Details

All prices, experiences, information and offerings are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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Blinken Tours China to Promote Some Ties, While the U.S. Severs Others

Tensions over economic ties are running high, threatening to disrupt a fragile cooperation between the U.S. and China.

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By Ana Swanson

Ana Swanson covers trade and U.S.-China economic ties and is traveling with Secretary Blinken in China.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken cheered on the sidelines at a basketball game in Shanghai on Wednesday night, and spent Thursday chatting with students at New York University’s Shanghai campus and meeting American business owners. It all went to emphasize the kind of economic, educational and cultural ties that the United States is pointedly holding up as beneficial for both countries.

But hanging over those pleasantries during his visit to China this week are several steps the U.S. is taking to sever economic ties in areas where the Biden administration says they threaten American interests. And those will be the focus of greater attention from Chinese officials, as well.

Even as the Biden administration tries to stabilize the relationship with China, it is advancing several economic measures that would curb China’s access to the U.S. economy and technology. It is poised to raise tariffs on Chinese steel , solar panels and other crucial products to try to protect American factories from cheap imports. It is weighing further restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors to try to keep Beijing from developing sophisticated artificial intelligence that could be used on the battlefield.

This week, Congress also passed legislation that would force ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to sell its stake in the app within nine to 12 months or leave the United States altogether. The president signed it on Wednesday, though the measure is likely to be challenged in court.

Mr. Blinken’s visit, which was expected to take him to Beijing on Friday for high-level government meetings, had a much more cordial tone than on the trip he made to China last year. That trip was the first after a Chinese spy balloon traveled across the United States, tipping the American public into an uproar.

In a meeting with the Shanghai Communist Party secretary Thursday morning, Mr. Blinken said direct engagement between the U.S. and China was both valuable and necessary.

“We have an obligation for our people — indeed an obligation to the world — to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly,” he said.

Speaking to students at the N.Y.U.’s Shanghai campus later that morning, he said the educational exchanges the students were engaged in provided a “ballast” for a complicated and confrontational relationship.

Since President Biden met with the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, in California in November, the U.S.-China relationship has seemed more stable, with nothing like the dramatic ups and downs of the trade spats under former President Donald J. Trump.

But the Biden administration has still been marching toward a more restrictive economic relationship with China.

That includes controls on semiconductor technology, which are being raised by both sides as a more prominent issue than ever before. The Biden administration has been weighing further export controls, particularly on factories that have been helping produce advanced semiconductors for the Chinese tech giant Huawei.

“By explicitly trying to degrade Chinese tech capabilities, especially on advanced AI, the United States has moved export controls to the forefront of the U.S.-China agenda,” said Emily Benson, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

In a call between Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi earlier this month, both leaders raised the technology controls as matters of central importance.

Mr. Biden emphasized that the United States would continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced American technologies from being used to undermine its own national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment, according to the White House.

Mr. Xi said that putting new sanctions on China was not “de-risking,” but creating risks. If the United States was bent on “containing China’s hi-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, China is not going to sit back and watch,” he said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

U.S. officials say their restrictions are necessary given China’s authoritarian government and statist economic model. But the moves have rankled Chinese leaders and pushed tensions over economic measures to their highest point in years.

The measures are not just emanating from the U.S. government: Susan Shirk, the author of “Overreach: How China Derailed Its Peaceful Rise,” said that China had pivoted toward a more self-sufficient industrial policy, and has been seeking to supplant the United States as a high-tech superpower under Mr. Xi.

“Xi openly acknowledges that while he wants China to be less dependent on other countries, he wants to keep other countries dependent on China ‘as a powerful countermeasure and deterrent’ as he put it, ‘against them cutting off supply,’” Ms. Shirk said.

China, too, has allowed security concerns to affect a greater proportion of its economy, even as Mr. Xi and other Chinese leaders have tried to reassure foreign businesses that their investment is welcome. A new national security law has extended Beijing’s reach into Hong Kong, threatening the city’s status as a financial hub. American executives have been alarmed by China’s investigations of foreign firms, as well as the country’s broader rules against sharing data and information with foreigners.

Despite China’s complaints about the U.S. government’s efforts to crack down on TikTok, China itself has for decades banned other Western social media services. Apple said last week that Beijing had ordered it to remove WhatsApp and Threads from app stores in China.

Mr. Blinken and other U.S. officials have emphasized that American export controls, sanctions and other restrictions being imposed on Chinese tech companies apply to only a small fraction of the broader U.S.-China relationship. Elsewhere, trade is encouraged, they say.

In a report this week, the U.S.-China Business Council, a group of 270 American companies that do business in China, estimated that U.S. exports to China supported more than 900,000 American jobs in 2022, though goods exports fell in 2023 due to China’s lackluster economy, U.S. tariffs and other factors.

“It is important for us to remind U.S. lawmakers and those in influential positions that every state and congressional district in the U.S. maintains its own economic and trade relationship with China, and changes in U.S.-China trade policy should be considered very carefully,” said Craig Allen, the group’s president.

Ana Swanson covers trade and international economics for The Times and is based in Washington. She has been a journalist for more than a decade. More about Ana Swanson

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USA TODAY 10Best

From farmers markets to food halls, where to go for the best epicurean excursions

April 24, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors April 24, 2024

Whether we're in our own cities or exploring a new region of the country, we often explore with our taste buds. So, we set out to find the best food outlets the United States has to offer across four categories: farmers markets, food halls, public markets, and food tours.

A panel of experts made their nominee selections, then our readers voted for their favorite places to get food — whether it's meant to be enjoyed right then and there or used to prepare an incredible meal at home.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Farmers Market: Worthington Farmers Market in Worthington, Ohio

Nearly 100 vendors from the Columbus area converge for the year-round Worthington Farmers Market that adapts to the seasons. In summer, May through October, farmers and producers of high-quality food and plants, sell al fresco in the Old Worthington Historic District. The rest of the year, the market goes indoors at The Shops at Worthington Place.

Full list of winners: Best Farmers Market »

Best Food Hall: Mother Road Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Get your kicks at Oklahoma's first food hall, located right on historic Route 66. In addition to more than 15 vendors serving up everything from sushi to Cajun cuisine to Brazilian fare, the Kitchen 66 Takeover Cafe offers a rotating opportunity for budding food entrepreneurs to strut their stuff.

Full list of winners: Best Food Hall »

Best Food Tour: Columbus Food Adventures in Columbus, Ohio

From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene. Whether you're a meat-lover, brew-hound, taco fiend, or gastronomic globe-trotter, there's a tour to fit your appetite.

Full list of winners: Best Food Tour »

Best Public Market: Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Billed as "a gathering place where great taste is always in season," Milwaukee Public Market offers local baked goods, cheeses, meats, produce, and prepared eats. Choose goodies from nearly 20 vendors and enjoy your selection in the Palm Garden seating area on the second level. Or learn how to make your own fare at Madam Kuony's demonstration kitchen, where cooking classes are offered multiple times weekly.

Full list of winners: Best Public Market »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more of our Readers' Choice Awards.

Watch parties, tours, panel discussions planned during NFL draft in Detroit

Celebrations will unfold across various parks, bars, hotels and the streets of downtown Detroit as fans and football figures come together for the NFL draft Thursday through Saturday.

Some events are free and others require registration, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead as limited admission will be granted. Here are a few events to consider as you prepare to celebrate the NFL draft in Detroit.

Draft Day in the D

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is hosting a three-day celebration open to fans and visitors of all ages across downtown Detroit. Festivities will take place at Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park and on a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State and Witherell streets. Highlights will include 10 20-foot video walls showcasing live feeds of the event, more than 60 live music performances, more than 35 local food trucks, Bud Light beer tents, more than 45 local vendors and more.

11 a.m.-11 p .m. Thursday-Friday; and noon-8 p.m. Saturday. Free admission.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

Greektown Tailgate

Experience two blocks of live music, sports viewing, games, food, drinks and more in the heart of historic Greektown. The main stage will host 19 bands; the DJ stage will feature 12 local DJs and highlight Detroit's electronic music and dance scene.

Noon-midnight April Thursday-Saturday on Monroe Street between St. Antoine and Brush streets in Detroit.

Corktown Draft Experience

There will be viewing tents, complimentary shuttles, access to Draft festivities along with stores and restaurants offering exclusive deals and discounts.

The Corner Ballpark , also located in Corktown, is the official activation site for kids during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Thursday-Saturday in Corktown, near Michigan Avenue and Trumbell in Detroit. Free.

NFL Draft Eve in the D

ACG Detroit (Associated for Corporate Growth) has released a limited number of tickets for this event featuring an appearance by Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood . Enjoy an open bar, food, DJ and complimentary valet parking.

4:30-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Shinola Hotel, 1435 Farmer St. in Detroit. $250 per person. Visit acg.org for tickets.

Detroit City Distillery events :

This Detroit-based distillery in the Eastern Market district plans a series of events:

• Bar takeover at The Foundation Hotel : Join the Detroit City Distillery at The Foundation Hotel, where bartenders will take over the Satellite Bar in the Elevator Lobby from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails crafted by some of the city’s most talented mixologists, including Petr Balcarovsky .
• Special Tours at The Whiskey Factory : The Detroit City Distillery will offer special tours of its Whiskey Factory Wednesday-Saturday. The factory is housed in the former Stroh’s Ice Cream Factory and home of Goebel Brewing Co. at 1000 Maple in downtown Detroit. $20 tour tickets are available at detroitcitydistillery .
• Draft Livestream : Festivities will extend to the DCD’s Bar Tasting Room at 2462 Riopelle St. in Eastern Market for handcrafted spirits and more.

More: A guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner near downtown Detroit during the NFL draft

First Round VIP Night-Watch Party

This event at the former site of Tiger Stadium in support of the Detroit Police Athletic League will feature food, drinks and music by DJ Lightshow, guest appearances and TVs for draft viewing.

7-11:30 p.m. Thursday at The Corner Ballpark in The Champions Club Ballroom, 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Tickets are $100 in advance at eventbrite ; slightly higher at the door.

VIP Community Day

This youth-centered event, tailored for ages 12-18, will feature a panel discussion with former and current NFL players; the NFL’s first female African American coach; media figures, financial experts and more. Sponsored by Citizens Bank, the event will be moderated by Dr. Darrius from 97.9 WJLB and will include giveaways and raffles.

Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at The Corner Ballpark-Detroit PAL HQ, 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Free. Join the waitlist at Eventbrite .

NFL Draft Detroit Rooftop Party

Watch draft picks with drinks and food while enjoying views of the Detroit skyline at this event for ages 21 and up.

Noon-2 a.m. Friday; and noon-11:30 p.m. Saturday at the Exodos Rooftop, 529 Monroe St. in Detroit. General admission tickets are $20 and up. Tickets at Eventbrite .

NFL Draft Watch Parties – Detroit Shipping Co.

Football fanatics and foodies are invited to join Detroit Shipping as they offer drink specials, backyard games, raffles, music, an art gallery on the second floor, free parking and five showcased restaurants: Bangkok 96 , Momo Cha , Halal Street , Motorburger , and Minus 320 .

Thursday-Saturday at the Detroit Shipping Co., 474 Peterboro St. in Detroit.

Sports Business Titans: Winning Strategies for Life & Business

Witness the blend of sports and business at this event, where speakers will discuss how athletes are leading in entrepreneurship by leveraging their influence and status.

9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday on the 16th floor of One Campus Martius, 1 Campus Martius in Detroit. Tickets start at $197 and can be purchased at Eventbrite .

Afro Soul presents PRIV É - NFL Draft Weekend After Party

AfroSoul presents this celebration of sports and culture with Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop and R&B music. NFL and NBA athletes and celebrities including Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander will be making appearances. This event is for ages 21 and older.

10 p.m. Friday at The Norwood, 6531 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. RSVP at Eventbrite . Tickets start at $100.

NFL Draft Party at The Siren Hotel

This public event will showcase a unique tailgate menu, live vinyl sets, happy hour specials, local vintage pop-ups, and additional attractions.

Noon-7 p.m. Thursday at The Siren Hotel, 1509 Broadway St. in Detroit. Free.

NFL Draft Watch Party & Black Business Pop-Up Shop

The Thursday Business Luncheon Group is hosting this event featuring more than 30 local Black-owned vendors, food, $5 mocktails, music by DJ Bruce Bailey , and plenty of screens to watch the NFL Draft.

6-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Sacred Heart Church Activities Building, 3451 Rivard St. in Detroit.

313 Draft Party

This event hosted by JARS Cannabis , Chill Medicated , Kiva's Lost Farm and Gold Crown is for ages 21 and older. Fans can watch the draft on large screens and there will be football-themed activities, local food trucks, a DJ, giveaways, and special draft-party promotions from several cannabis brands.

2 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday at 70 E. Elizabeth St., across from Comerica Park.

Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press.   Contact her at  [email protected] .   Support local journalism:  Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press .