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David Nield

Hit the Road With These Travel-Planning Apps and Tricks

Making travel plans is tricky even in the best of times, but the pandemic and its lingering effects have made things even more complicated. Whether you're going halfway around the world or planning a trip much closer to home, your smartphone can be a huge help.

You probably already use your phone to get you from A to B as quickly as possible, but Google Maps, Apple Maps, and other apps can do much more than this—they can put together a proper itinerary for your next excursion, storing longer lists of places that you want to tick off on your travels.

Planning ahead means that time away from home—whether a vacation, business trip, or anything else—is much better organized and less stressful. You can make sure you visit everywhere you want to visit in the time you have available.

Google Maps can be public or private.

Search for a location on Google Maps, bring up its info card, and you'll see a Save icon—it shows up on Android, iOS, and the web, and if you tap the icon you can add the place to one of the lists Google Maps makes for you ( Starred places , Want to go , and Favorites ) or choose New list to put together a custom list of your own.

When you create a new list, you can give it a name and description, and choose a list type: Private means only you can see the list, Shared means you can share it with a select number of people (your travel buddies perhaps), and Public means anyone can see the list (in case you want to share your pick of the local bars in your area, for example).

Whether or not you decide to share the list, this is your opportunity to put together a handpicked collection of places based around a trip—it might be restaurants, or landmarks, or entertainment options for the kids. Google Maps lets you create multiple lists and save locations to one or more of them as required.

You can get back to your lists by tapping on the Saved tab in your mobile apps, or by opening the main menu on the Google Maps web interface and choosing Your places and Saved . Open up an individual place and it's possible to add a note, which is handy if you want to remember why you added it, or what you're actually going there for.

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When it comes to loading up step-by-step directions, any places that are in one of your saved lists will appear first when you're searching for somewhere to navigate to: Just type the first few letters then select the location. Google Maps lets you queue up directions for up to 10 places in succession for the same journey.

Creating and naming guides in Apple Maps.

Like Google Maps, Apple Maps can save specific places and add them to a curated list that you can return to whenever you like. Bring up a location in the app on iOS or macOS, then tap or click on Guides —it's the button that looks like a plus symbol inside a box. You can add the place to an existing guide, or create a new one.

If you decide to create a new guide, you need to give it a name. You can also add a custom picture—otherwise the list will be given the main image on Apple Maps for the first location you add. Once somewhere is added to a guide, the plus symbol changes to a tick symbol.

It's up to you how you use these guides: You can create one master list for an entire trip, or build up multiple lists to cover your next vacation (covering restaurants, hotels, entertainment, or whatever). When you're looking at somewhere that's been added to a guide on Apple Maps, the list will be accessible from its info card.

To get back to your guides, tap your user icon to the right of the search bar (on iOS) or pick a guide from the navigation pane on the left (on macOS). You have the option to add new places, share the list with someone in your contacts, change the order of the list, change the guide photo, and more. Unfortunately, Apple Maps doesn't yet have the option to plot a route to every location in a guide in turn.

On iOS, you can browse through curated guides that experts have put together. Open up the search pane from the bottom of the interface, then choose Explore Guides to see what's available—you can narrow down your search by location or by publisher, and view guides that have been uploaded recently.

Wanderlog lets you plan trips in detail.

If you need something a little more advanced in terms of trip planning than what Google Maps and Apple Maps offer, a variety of third-party alternatives are available. One of the most highly rated is TripIt , which not only keeps a list of all the spots you want to visit but also organizes your accommodation bookings and travel arrangements (plane, bus, train, and more).

Another app we like is Sygic Travel Maps : It's particularly good if you're not sure exactly where you want to go in a particular area, because it will put forward suggestions as you browse the map. Once you've decided on the places you want to visit, the app will tell you how long it's going to take to get to each one, as well as serving up other useful information for your journey.

Also worth a look is Wanderlog , which lets you build up multiple itineraries and maps very easily. The app lets you collaborate with other people on journeys, gives you optimized travel routes based on the places you've selected, and can recommend other locations of interest based on spots you've already saved.

Then there's Polarsteps , which is one of the most intuitive and well-designed travel apps that we've come across. It not only makes planning a trip with multiple destinations a real pleasure, it also enables you to keep a log of your adventures and look back on them at a later date. A lot of the tracking and logging is done for you, and the app also comes with plenty of useful travel advice about places to see.

If you're planning a road trip, then the aptly named Roadtrippers is one of the best companion apps you're going to cross. You can plug in all of your intended destinations, and not only will the app tell you the best routes between them, it will also offer tons of help along the way—including recommendations for places to visit along your route that you may not have otherwise spotted.

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I've been using iPhone travel app Wanderlog to plan the perfect NYC trip — and now I'll never go on vacation without it ever again. Here's how you can use it, too

The best travel app for iPhone.

• Start planning
• Create travel lists
• Visualize your trip
• Create your itinerary

There are very few third-party apps that deserve to keep a long-term spot on your iPhone’s Home Screen, but Wanderlog, the best travel app I’ve ever used, has become a necessity for planning my next trip. 

With a huge birthday celebration focused around New York City’s pizza on the horizon, Wanderlog has turned my iPhone 15 Pro Max into the perfect travel companion that allows my partner and I to collaborate in real-time as we set out to make our itinerary. 

As someone who is incredibly disorganized and loves to just go with the flow when on vacation, Wanderlog has given me a new way of thinking about my trips and I’m excited to share how cool it is with iMore readers. Here’s how you can plan your next vacation using Wanderlog and why this travel app deserves a dedicated space on your iPhone’s Home Screen.

How to plan your dream vacation with Wanderlog

Starting your planning.

Wanderlog is incredibly simple to use, which is one of the main reasons I think it’s such a fantastic app — no extra friction added to your vacation planning. To get started…

• Tap the orange plus button in the bottom navigation bar
• Tap Trip Plan
• Choose your destination and add your trip dates
• Tap Start planning

Wanderlog’s best feature is the real-time collaboration tools that allow you to easily plan your trip with your loved ones. You can easily add a travel companion by tapping Invite a tripmate and putting in your friend or family member’s email address.

Now you’ve created your trip and your travel companion has accepted the invitation for collaboration, it’s time to start planning your dream vacation.

How to create travel lists in Wanderlog

Now that you’ve created your trip, it’s time to add places to visit, restaurants to eat at, shops, or basically anything you want to do on your vacation. Wanderlog’s workflow lets you create lists with the places you want to visit or things you want to do and then create an itinerary so you’ve got a structured plan for your vacation. For me, the main plan for this trip is to eat pizza, so we’ve made a list of all the pizza joints we want to go to. Here’s how to make a travel list:

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• From your main trip page tap the + icon in the bottom right
• Tap New list
• Give your list a name. I’ve called my pizza list “Pizza”
• Now type the name of a place in the Add a place search field
• Tap the place you want to add to your list

As you can see from my “Pizza” list below, I’ve added all of the best pizza restaurants that I want to go to across Manhattan and Brooklyn. In my planning, I’ve created multiple lists for different purposes such as coffee shops, bakeries, bars, shops, and museums to name a few.

If you’re struggling for ideas, Wanderlog has a built-in section with user-created travel guides and gives you loads of options to learn about new and fun places to visit while on vacation. To access these guides simply tap Explore in the top bar. From each guide, you can add recommendations to your lists by simply tapping Add.

How to visualize your trip in Wanderlog

My favorite feature of Wanderlog is the ability to see my travel lists on a map which makes it easy to visualize distance and see what area the majority of the things I want to visit are in. After using Wanderlog for a few weeks I decided to purchase the Pro membership for $5.99 a month which allows me to export these maps into Google Maps as well as use some handy AI features (more on that later). That said, Wanderlog allows you to select between all your lists and easily get to grips with your surroundings if you’ve never visited a place before. Here’s how to do it:

• Tap the map icon above the create a list button in the bottom right
• Swipe down to see a full map
• You’ll now see all your list locations on a map

I find Wanderlog most useful when I’m filtering between lists, so here’s how to select a specific list to see on the map:

• Tap the hamburger icon in the top right
• Uncheck all lists by tapping the Your places box
• Select the list you want to see on the map

As you can see I’ve now got all of my pizza joints on a map and it’s easy to see exactly where they are. As I have the Pro version of Wanderlog I can tap the Google Maps icon to export my whole trip, this is amazing as I find Google Maps the most reliable map application on iPhone — even more so than Apple Maps .

Creating your itinerary with Wanderlog

Ok, so you’ve created your travel lists, now what? Wanderlog’s itinerary feature allows you to plan each day of your vacation as well as a neat AI route optimization tool for Pro members. Head to the Itinerary tab in the top bar to get started. You’ll now see all the days of your vacation, they’ll be pretty empty just now but it’s easy to fill them up. You can either manually add places from your lists by tapping Add a place or use Wanderlog’s magic to automatically fill up your days. To automatically fill up your itinerary, tap Auto-fill day and watch as Wanderlog sets out a list of things for you to visit. I’ve found that starting with the auto-fill feature and then manually adding more locations is a great way to plan.

Once you’ve created your itinerary (whether manually or automatically), the Pro membership allows you to optimize your route to visit places more efficiently. To do so:

• Tap Optimize route
• Select your Start point and End Point
• Wanderlog will use AI to optimize your route

Once your route has been optimized you can see it on the map by filtering based on your itinerary day just like we did previously for our pizza list above. This is a great way to see where and how to get around any city efficiently and it has proven to be a great tool for planning this NYC vacation.

See the world with Wanderlog

Wanderlog is so easy to navigate that you’ll learn the best way to use it just by digging into the app. There are other features like an AI chatbot to ask questions that make Wanderlog a joy to use especially when planning a trip of a lifetime. As someone who has never been organized with traveling, this new approach has not only taken away planning anxiety but also made me more excited than ever to go on holiday. 

Wanderlog is a rare application that helps organize your life without adding extra hoops to jump through or more friction to the planning process and I’ve found it to be exactly what I want from a travel app. With spring fast approaching and summer vacations now on everyone’s mind, Wanderlog should be the next app you download for your iPhone as it’s genuinely one of the best apps for iPhone I’ve ever had the pleasure of using.

Have you ever used Wanderlog? If not, today’s the perfect day to get started on planning that next trip of a lifetime. 

John-Anthony Disotto is the How To Editor of iMore, ensuring you can get the most from your Apple products and helping fix things when your technology isn’t behaving itself. Living in Scotland, where he worked for Apple as a technician focused on iOS and iPhone repairs at the Genius Bar, John-Anthony has used the Apple ecosystem for over a decade and prides himself in his ability to complete his Apple Watch activity rings. John-Anthony has previously worked in editorial for collectable TCG websites and graduated from The University of Strathclyde where he won the Scottish Student Journalism Award for Website of the Year as Editor-in-Chief of his university paper. He is also an avid film geek, having previously written film reviews and received the Edinburgh International Film Festival Student Critics award in 2019.  John-Anthony also loves to tinker with other non-Apple technology and enjoys playing around with game emulation and Linux on his Steam Deck.

In his spare time, John-Anthony can be found watching any sport under the sun from football to darts, taking the term “Lego house” far too literally as he runs out of space to display any more plastic bricks, or chilling on the couch with his French Bulldog, Kermit. 

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• Plan Your Trip
• Budget Travel

How To Plan A Trip In Apple Maps

Published: December 4, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Dulcie Dias

• Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Planning a trip can be an exciting yet overwhelming endeavor, especially if you’re on a budget. But with the right tools and know-how, you can create an unforgettable travel experience without breaking the bank. One such tool that can help you navigate through your trip planning process is Apple Maps.

Apple Maps is a comprehensive mapping and navigation app that is pre-installed on Apple devices, making it easily accessible to millions of users. While it may be commonly known for its directions and location services, Apple Maps also offers a range of features that can assist you in planning and organizing your next budget-friendly adventure.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of planning a trip using Apple Maps. From setting up the app to saving and sharing your itinerary, we’ll cover all the steps necessary to ensure a smooth and cost-effective journey.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long expedition, Apple Maps can be a valuable resource to help you make the most of your time and money. So, let’s dive in and discover how to plan a trip in Apple Maps.

Step 1: Setting Up Apple Maps

The first step in planning your trip with Apple Maps is to ensure that you have the app properly set up on your device. If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, Apple Maps comes pre-installed, so you don’t need to download it separately. However, if you’re using a Mac computer, you can find the app in the App Store and install it from there.

Once you have the app installed, make sure that your location services are enabled to allow Apple Maps to accurately track your location and provide you with accurate directions. To check and enable location services, go to your device’s Settings, select Privacy, and then Location Services. Ensure that the toggle switch for Apple Maps is turned on.

It’s also a good idea to sign in to your Apple ID within the Apple Maps app. This will allow you to sync your data across different devices, such as your iPhone and iPad, so you can access your saved trips and preferences no matter where you are.

In addition to setting up your personal preferences, Apple Maps also offers various customization options. You can adjust the map view, change the unit of measurement for distances, and even enable voice navigation for turn-by-turn directions. Take some time to explore the settings menu and adjust them according to your preferences.

Lastly, keep your Apple Maps app up to date. Apple regularly releases updates that not only improve the app’s functionality but also add new features. By having the latest version of Apple Maps installed, you can take advantage of any new tools or enhancements that may be beneficial for planning your trip.

Once you have Apple Maps set up and personalized to your liking, you’re ready to move on to the next step: choosing your destination.

Step 2: Choosing the Destination

Choosing the right destination is a crucial part of trip planning. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a thrilling city adventure, or an immersive cultural experience, Apple Maps can assist you in finding the perfect destination within your budget.

To start, consider your interests, preferences, and budgetary constraints. Are you a nature enthusiast? Do you enjoy exploring historical landmarks? Or are you more of a foodie, eager to indulge in local cuisines? Determining what you want to experience during your trip will narrow down your options and make it easier to choose a suitable destination.

Once you have an idea of your ideal travel experience, use Apple Maps’ search functionality to explore different destinations. Enter keywords such as “beach destinations,” “historic cities,” or “affordable travel destinations” to discover a range of options. Apple Maps will display search results with relevant locations and points of interest.

When considering a destination, take into account factors such as the cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and attractions. Research the local currency exchange rate to gain a better understanding of the overall expenses you might incur during your trip.

Apple Maps provides valuable information about each destination, including reviews, ratings, and photos of attractions and accommodations. Take advantage of these features to get a sense of what to expect and to make an informed decision.

Furthermore, Apple Maps can help you identify any upcoming events or festivals in your chosen destination. This information can be useful in planning your trip around these special occasions, offering you a unique and immersive experience.

Remember to be flexible in your destination choices. Sometimes, lesser-known destinations or off-peak travel times can be more budget-friendly and allow you to explore hidden gems without the crowds.

Once you have chosen your destination, it’s time to move on to the next step: exploring transportation options to reach your destination.

Step 3: Exploring Transportation Options

Once you have chosen your destination, it’s important to consider the different transportation options available to reach your chosen location. Apple Maps can assist you in exploring these options and finding the most cost-effective and convenient mode of transportation.

If you’re traveling internationally, start by searching for flights using the Apple Maps app. Enter your departure location and destination, and Apple Maps will display a list of available flights, along with prices and airlines. You can filter the results by price, duration, and other criteria to find the best flight options for your budget.

If you prefer alternative modes of transportation, Apple Maps can also assist you in finding train or bus routes. Simply enter your departure and destination points, and Apple Maps will provide you with various routes and transit options. This is particularly helpful if you’re planning a trip within a specific region or country and want to explore the local transportation network.

It’s worth noting that Apple Maps can also provide estimated costs for different transportation options. This allows you to compare prices and make an informed decision based on your budget.

In addition to flights and public transportation, Apple Maps also offers information about car rental services. Depending on your travel plans and preferences, renting a car can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Apple Maps allows you to search for nearby car rental agencies and even provides estimated prices for rentals.

Before finalizing your transportation plans, remember to consider factors such as travel time, convenience, and any potential visa requirements or restrictions. Take into account the overall cost, including any additional fees or charges associated with your chosen mode of transportation.

Once you have selected your transportation option, it’s time to move on to the next step: finding places of interest in your chosen destination.

Step 4: Finding Places of Interest

When planning your trip, it’s essential to identify and explore the various attractions and places of interest in your chosen destination. Apple Maps can be a valuable tool in discovering these hidden gems and popular tourist spots.

To begin, open Apple Maps and search for your destination. The app will display points of interest such as landmarks, museums, parks, restaurants, and more. You can use the search bar to enter specific keywords like “historic sites” or “local cuisine” to further refine your results.

Apple Maps provides detailed information about each point of interest, including reviews, photos, contact information, and even operating hours. This allows you to assess the value and relevance of each attraction to your travel plans.

In addition to finding popular tourist attractions, Apple Maps also allows you to discover local hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations. Explore the map view and zoom in to find unique places that may not be as well-known but offer an authentic and memorable experience.

One helpful feature of Apple Maps is the ability to filter search results based on specific categories, such as museums, parks, or restaurants. This allows you to focus on the types of places that interest you the most and tailor your itinerary accordingly.

As you find places of interest, you can save them to your favorites within the Apple Maps app. This allows you to create a personalized list of attractions and easily access them later when you’re on the go. You can also add notes or tags to each saved location to help you remember specific details or preferences.

Remember to consider the cost of visiting each attraction when planning your itinerary. Some places may require admission fees or have additional costs, so factor these into your budget to avoid any surprises.

Once you have a list of places you’d like to visit during your trip, it’s time to move on to the next step: creating a route to efficiently navigate your destination.

Step 5: Creating a Route

Creating a well-organized and efficient route is crucial to make the most of your time during your trip. Apple Maps offers robust route planning capabilities to help you navigate your destination and optimize your travel itinerary.

To begin creating a route, start by selecting your starting point and destination within the Apple Maps app. You can enter addresses, landmarks, or saved locations to set your endpoints. Apple Maps will then calculate the most efficient route based on your chosen mode of transportation.

Apple Maps offers turn-by-turn directions, providing you with step-by-step instructions on how to reach each point of interest. This feature is incredibly useful, especially if you’re exploring a new city or unfamiliar location. You can choose to have the directions spoken aloud or displayed visually on your device, making it easy to follow while on the move.

As you create your route, take advantage of the “Add Stop” feature in Apple Maps. This allows you to include multiple points of interest along your journey. For example, if you’re planning to visit several landmarks in a city, you can add them as stops in the order you want to visit them. Apple Maps will then generate a route that takes you from one point to the next, ensuring efficient navigation.

While Apple Maps provides optimized routes, it’s essential to consider factors such as traffic conditions, weather, and operating hours of attractions. Check for any road closures or delays that may affect your route to avoid unexpected disruptions.

If you prefer a more personalized route, Apple Maps also offers the option to drag and reorder destinations on the map. This allows you to customize the order of your itinerary according to your preferences or time constraints.

Consider the time and distance between each point of interest when planning your route. It’s essential to allocate enough time to fully experience and enjoy each attraction without feeling rushed.

Once you have finalized your route, you can save it within the Apple Maps app. This makes it easy to access your planned itinerary, even when you’re offline or in areas with limited internet connectivity.

With a well-organized and optimized route in place, you’re now ready to move on to the next step: customizing your trip to make it truly unique and tailored to your preferences.

Step 6: Customizing Your Trip

Customizing your trip allows you to add a personal touch and make it a unique experience tailored to your preferences. Apple Maps offers several features that enable you to further customize and enhance your trip planning process.

One way to customize your trip is by adding personalized notes and recommendations to each location within the Apple Maps app. These notes can include special instructions, reminders, or even your own personal experiences and recommendations for others to see. This not only helps you keep track of important details but also allows you to share your insights with fellow travelers.

Another customization feature is the ability to create custom maps in Apple Maps. With custom maps, you can create thematic maps based on specific interests or themes such as “Foodie Guide” or “Outdoor Adventures.” By creating custom maps, you can highlight specific points of interest and easily share them with others.

Apple Maps also allows you to collaborate with friends or travel companions by sharing your trip itinerary. This feature is particularly helpful when planning group trips or when multiple people are involved in the trip planning process. You can share your itinerary via messages or email, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and can contribute to the planning process.

If you’re traveling on a budget, Apple Maps can assist you in finding nearby money-saving options such as affordable accommodations, budget-friendly dining options, or low-cost activities and attractions. With the ability to filter search results by price range, you can easily discover cost-effective options that align with your budget.

Furthermore, Apple Maps provides real-time information on public transportation schedules and availability. This allows you to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time without wasting unnecessary hours waiting for transportation or dealing with unexpected changes.

Remember, customization is key to creating a trip that suits your preferences and interests. Utilize the various features provided by Apple Maps to make your trip truly unique and tailored to your needs.

Once you have customized your trip, it’s time to move on to the final step: saving and sharing your itinerary.

Step 7: Saving and Sharing Your Trip

After all the hard work you’ve put into planning your trip using Apple Maps, it’s essential to save and share your itinerary to ensure a seamless and organized travel experience. Apple Maps offers convenient features that allow you to save and share your trip with ease.

To save your trip, navigate to the “My Trips” section in the Apple Maps app. Here, you can view all your saved trips and access each itinerary’s details. You can also add additional notes or tags to make it easier to identify and manage your trips.

Once your trip is saved, you can access it offline. This is particularly useful when traveling to areas with limited internet connectivity or if you want to conserve data usage. Having your trip saved offline allows you to access your itinerary, including turn-by-turn directions and saved points of interest, even when you don’t have an internet connection.

Sharing your trip with fellow travelers or loved ones is made simple with Apple Maps. You can easily share your itinerary via messages or email directly from the Apple Maps app. This is especially beneficial when traveling with a group or when you want to keep your friends and family informed about your travel plans.

Additionally, you can use the “Add People” feature in Apple Maps to collaborate and share trips in real-time. By adding family members, friends, or travel companions, everyone can contribute to the trip planning process and have access to the same information simultaneously. This way, everyone can stay informed and make adjustments to the itinerary if needed.

Sharing your itinerary can also come in handy if you’re seeking recommendations or advice from others who have visited the same destination. By sharing your trip plan, you can ask for suggestions and receive valuable insights from experienced travelers.

Finally, remember to update your saved trip itinerary as needed. Sometimes, unexpected changes or new discoveries may require adjustments to your plans. Make sure to keep your itinerary up to date to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

By saving and sharing your trip using Apple Maps, you can stay organized, communicate your plans effectively, and make the most of your travel experience.

With these seven steps, you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to plan a trip using Apple Maps. So, start exploring, get creative, and embark on your budget-friendly adventure with the help of Apple Maps!

Planning a trip on a budget can be a daunting task, but with the help of Apple Maps, you can streamline the process and create an unforgettable travel experience. From setting up the app to saving and sharing your itinerary, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a well-organized and cost-effective journey.

Apple Maps offers a range of features that assist you in every aspect of trip planning. Whether it’s choosing the perfect destination, exploring transportation options, finding places of interest, creating a route, customizing your trip, or saving and sharing your itinerary, Apple Maps has you covered.

With its intuitive interface, detailed information about each location, turn-by-turn directions, and the ability to save and share trips, Apple Maps simplifies the planning process and enhances your overall travel experience.

Remember, customization is key. Take advantage of the various features offered by Apple Maps to personalize your trip and make it a reflection of your interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly accommodations, off-the-beaten-path attractions, or cultural experiences, Apple Maps can help you discover hidden gems and optimize your itinerary.

As you embark on your journey, be flexible, keep an eye on your budget, and enjoy the adventure. Don’t forget to save your trip and share it with your travel companions or loved ones, as their input and support can make your trip even more memorable.

So, start planning your next budget-friendly trip using Apple Maps and get ready for an incredible adventure that fits your budget and exceeds your expectations.

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iPhone and iPad as a travel planning tool- 9 tips and hacks

My iPhone is my favourite travel device. Without it, I am pretty lost. From taking pictures and editing them on the go, to listening to music or watching movies, to checking emails on the go or even writing a blog post or creating reminders of important tasks, my iPhone really is my go to for so many things. So, I was really happy when the lovely people at Apple got in touch with me  to play around with their brand new iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPad Air ( 5th Generation) and after using for 2 weeks, I love it, especially the camera which is a gamechanger for me in terms of work. There is a bunch of really cool features under the hood of the iPhone 13 Pro Max that I discovered which I decided to pull together into a blog post. So, without further adieu, I present to you my 9 top hacks and tips that makes both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPad Air, a must have travel accessory and planning tool.

1. Use Notes and Reminders to get your packing and planning tasks sorted

Apple’s built-in Notes app is the perfect place to store all those snippets of info you accumulate when planning something like a vacation. You can create packing checklists, ( like the one I have created below for my upcoming trip to Porto )   collect web pages which you want to bookmark for the trip plus even you can even scan important documents like your passport and have them saved on the app. You can share that note with any number of people and all read and update it. The other plus point is that if you have an iPad or MacBook , notes and reminders both sync seamlessly on all of your device.

2. Discover new places, or do even more in-depth planning by using the amazing Guides in the Maps app

I’m a huge fan of Google Maps but recently the recently updated Apple Maps has some cool features up their sleeve like their brand new Apple Maps Guides. These curated travel guides which have recommendations for the best places to see, eat and drink have been created in partnership with leading publishers like Culture Trip, Time Out etc.

Let’s say you are planning a trip to Barcelona.

After launching the Maps app, in the search field at the bottom of the screen, enter “Barcelona”.

This will pull up a list of curated travel guides to Barcelona. I’m a huge fan of Culinary Backstreets tours and their blog content so I definitely want to read their guide to the best neighbourhood tapas bars. After reading the guide you save it to you personal list of favourite guides, or share it with a friend.

Apple Maps now also allows you create and curate travel guides which you can then share with the people you’re traveling with.

3. Load up all your favourite content in prep for a long journey: download them all in advance on the Apple TV and Netflix App

I was on a long flight recently from Berlin to Singapore via Scoot Airlines. With no inflight entertainment system onboard, I had almost 12 hours to kill onboard so I am really grateful that I had downloaded some movies and episodes of ‘Better Call Saul’ on the Netflix app. It is feature that also you can get via Apple TV where you download shows and movies, to watch offline later when you travel.

Worth noting here that when you buy a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you’ll qualify for a three-month free subscription. To get the free trial period, you have to redeem the offer within 90 days of purchase.

4. Never lose your bag or any other item by using AirTag and Find My Phone

If you ever had the misfortune like me of losing your luggage after a flight , had your wallet stolen or simply lost something like your keys while on holiday, thanks to Apple’s brand new AirTags you can avoid yourself a lot of hassle and track them down. AirTag uses ultra-wideband technology and Apple’s existing network of devices to help track down the AirTag. Compatible iPhones and iPads can use the Find My Phone app to identify the approximate location of a missing, AirTag-equipped item. Plus, the AirTag battery lasts one year before it needs replacing. It uses a basic CR2032 battery, which can be purchased at most electronic stores, online and local.

Find my Phone is also an incredible feature which came incredibly handy for me a few years ago when I lost my iPhone on my way back from a boozy night out in Bangkok. You can track all your apple devices you own from any other apple device you own   -in this case, I was able to track my iPhone from my laptop. The feature will then give your the approximate GPS location which you can then find directions to using Apple or Google Maps feature. My iPhone was found in the back of a taxi I had hired on my way back home. My driver didn’t seem to be aware that there was an iPhone stuck on the backseat so after waking him up from his sleep, we opened the backseat of his car and there it was…

Please note, the find my iPhone feature needs to be turned on for this to work. The other cool feature of this app, is that if your iPhone has been stolen or lost you can remotely via the app, mark your device as lost by turning on the ‘Lost Mode’ for your item. This allows all your personal information, data to be protected.

5. Already at your destination? Translate text, voice, and conversations on iPhone or iPad with the Translate app

Apple now have their very own in-built translate app where you can get real-time translation – it currently supports 11 languages. I love the look and feel of the app- far better than Google Translate App. Latter works with 43 languages so Apple app has some way to go but if your needs are met with Apple ( 11 languages include- Arabic, mainland Chinese, English (US and UK), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish ) then this is a great app to use on your travels.

6. Share holiday picture with iCloud Photos

Another very handy feature of the iPhone or iPad is the ability to share your photos using the iCloud. So instead of wasting your data to send multiple images and videos from your trip via email with friends and family, you can simply select the pictures you want to share on the photos app and then copy the iCloud link from which anyone with the link can download the photos-simple as that.

7. Got no data roaming and need your iPad to access to data everywhere in your destination? No need for a physical SIM. Just set up your cellular plan with eSIM

iPad has a very cool feature which allows you purchase cellular data from the . This is a really handy when you arrive in your destination , haven’t yet got yourself a local sim and you don’t want to waste money on ridiculous roaming charges and….. you’re trying to navigate your way to your hotel or hostel. You can use this feature in over 180 destinations plus you have the flexibility of choose as little as 1GB or choose data plan that cover a day, a week or a month. You can choose from local networks and get upto 5G speeds.

To give you an idea of cost, if you choose via GigSky, you can get 5GB on the world plan which works across 180 countries for €59.99 – Not cheap by any means but if you are in an emergency situation when travelling and need a quick fix, this is a great feature to have.

If you travelling to Europe, using your cellular iPad you can choose 1GB of data for €4.99 or 5GB for €19,99 which compares very well to local providers.

8. Actually have good roaming on your iPhone? Use Instant Hotspot to seamlessly share the data connection with iPad

Another very useful feature of the iPhone is the Personal Hotspot feature where you can share your data connection with friends or family when travelling. Simply go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Allows other to join and they can connect using your wifi password.

9. Use Low data mode on your devices if you’re roaming and conscious of your data allowance, or if you’re on a metered WiFi network

Another very handy feature of the iPhone is the ability to switch to ‘low data’ mode when your data is about to run or you’re on a very pricy data tariff when travelling.

Just go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Low Data Mode switch on.

Disclaimer: Apple kindly offered me the iPhone Pro Max 13 and iPad Air to try but all the opinions expressed here are my own.

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How to create a Maps itinerary on iPhone

You can't do it. Almost a decade after the launch of Apple Maps, you still cannot use it to plan a route that takes you to three or more different places.

That's not entirely true. If you are already en route down Interstate 95, you can get your iPhone to give you a kind of temporary diversion to a restaurant or gas station on the way.

But you can't plan one Apple Maps route that take you from Times Square, past Central Park, across to Jersey, and then on a whistle-stop 20-city tour of the States. And to be fair, you can't do it well in Google Maps, either.

There is a reason and you've already found it when you have stopped for gas. It's that while you're off course, your iPhone is going to keep tell you to "Proceed to the route." That's irritating enough as you're filling up, imagine the fun at a family party.

If you can't get this feature directly in Apple Maps, though, there are two things you can do instead.

Get a specialized route app

These are designed for delivery people more than they are for tourists or just individuals with a complicated route. That means both that this type of specialized app is always barebones in terms of mapping detail, and also that you may need a company subscription.

Routific, for instance, is an iOS app that is solely available when you have an account with the company . Straightaway does the same thing, but does include a free starter version that let you plot out up to 25 stops.

You gain this itinerary ability, but depending on the route app concerned, you may be required to use the company's mapping instead of Apple Maps. That may not concern you if you just want to get driving, but it becomes an issue if you are also using Apple's nearest nod to the idea of an intinerary.

Apple Maps lets you create guides

Apple Maps on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, lets you set up your own, personalized tour guide . Collect together every location you want or need to visit, and then have them all available throughout your trip.

On the plus side, you get far more detail about each place than just a pin on the map. But on the bad side, you still can't say you want to go to each place in the group in turn.

What you can do is set a route between two of them. Apple Maps expects you to start from wherever you are now, but it lets you change that.

How to set a journey starting somewhere other than where you are

• Open Maps and search for a location
• Tap on that location, then tap Directions
• Ignore the route Apple Maps suggests from your location to there
• Instead, tap on the words My Location
• Tap the Reverse icon to the right
• Then tap into the now empty From field
• Search for another location
• Tap the Route button

That sounds more fiddly than you'd expect from an Apple app, but it's also slightly worse than you think. When you search for the destination, you have to search for its address.

Even if you've set up a guide with all the places you're interested in, you seemingly can't select that guide or any of the locations in it. So you have to read your own guide, remember the name of a place, and enough of its address to be sure you search for the right spot.

Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast — and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.

If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app , or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.

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Better ways ahead.

Navigation. Clean and simple.

A world of ways to explore the world.

Guides to all the right places.

Works seamlessly across your Apple devices.

Shows you around without following you around.

Your ultimate get‑around.

Maps gives you at-a-glance information to make every drive a good one. Route planning provides ETAs for future departures based on expected traffic. As you drive, you see real-time traffic, current speed limits, and nearby speed cameras. Turn lanes, bike, bus, and taxi lanes, medians, and crosswalks are displayed in incredible detail. When you approach a complex intersection, Maps switches to a 3D road-level perspective to simplify what’s ahead. Lane guidance prepares you for turns and exits, so you can avoid wrong turns and missed exits. If you drive an electric vehicle, Maps can assess your charge level, elevation, and compatible charging stops along your route. 1

Hit all the right stops.

Getting around town is a snap with Maps. See real-time information about transit arrival and departure times, outages, current locations of buses and trains, and connections. 2 You can even be alerted when you’re approaching your stop. Nearby departures are just a tap away, and you can pin your favorite lines so the closest ones always show up at the top.

A heightened way to hoof it.

Use augmented reality and Indoor Maps to stay on point when you’re on foot. Just raise your iPhone to scan the buildings in the area, and Maps will show step-by-step guidance in augmented reality. 3 You can also use Indoor Maps to easily find your way around major airports and shopping centers all over the world. See which restaurants are past security at the airport, where the nearest restroom is, or what floor your favorite store is on at the mall.

Be ready for any path, lane, hill, or obstacle.

Keep rolling with cycling directions that include an elevation profile of your route. 4 Maps will let you know if there’s a steep incline along your way, if you need to carry your bike up stairs, or if there’s a safer, easier route that avoids busy roads. And with voice guidance and Haptic Feedback on Apple Watch, you can stay even more focused on the path ahead.

Exploration

Detailed city experiences.

A better way to get your bearings., detailed city experiences.

Explore San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and London — and more cities coming soon — with unprecedented detail for elevation, neighborhoods, buildings, trees, and road features like crosswalks and turn lanes. Visit amazing 3D landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge in both the day and dark mode maps.

Look Around.

Go there before you get there..

Look Around

Explore select cities with an interactive 3D street-level experience and a smooth, seamless 360‑degree view. Use Look Around to scope out the parking situation by that hot new brunch place, locate landmarks near a meet-up spot, or get a feel for the neighborhoods in a new city. Precise views let you know what to expect when you get there — so you can make the most of every outing.

Interactive globe.

Mountains and deserts and rainforests. oh my., interactive globe.

Discover Earth’s natural beauty with a rich and interactive 3D globe. Explore amazing textures and contours, with vibrant details of mountain ranges, deserts, forests, oceans, and more. 3 The most remote and precious locales on the planet are now readily accessible.

Place cards.

More ways to learn and interact..

Place Cards

Choose a destination, and its interactive place card shows you everything you need at a glance. See basics like address, hours, website, and phone number, along with details like price range, photo galleries, associated Guides, accepted payment types — even whether you can bring your dog. Launch Flyover or Look Around to get a sense of the location and surroundings. You can even quickly and securely rent a bike, pay for parking, order food, and more with just a tap. And for places that use Business Chat, you can reach out and ask questions directly in Messages.

Find the right spot. Right now.

It’s quick and easy to find just what you’re looking for in Maps. Use ultra-targeted filters to search for restaurants by cuisine, price range, and whether they offer takeout. Or choose to see only places that are open right now. Want to broaden your search? Just move the map, and your search results update automatically. Want something closer to home? Tap Nearby to find local places in categories like Restaurants, Gas Stations, Coffee, Hotels, Bars, Fast Food, Groceries, and Shopping Centers. Locations are displayed on the map with colorful badges, making it even easier to pinpoint your picks.

Get a bird’s-eye view.

Get a whole new perspective on select major metro areas with photo‑realistic, immersive 3D views. Move your iPhone or iPad through space to experience a city from above, or take a closer look at cities and their landmarks in high resolution as you zoom, pan, tilt, and rotate. 5 It’s exploration elevated.

Oh, the places you’ll know.

Guides help you find amazing things to see and do in cities around the world. 6 Just tap the Explore Guides button to access nearly 1000 expertly curated Guides, and find and save the ones that catch your eye. Curated Guides automatically update when new places are added, so you always have the latest recommendations at your fingertips. You can also create your own Guides and share them with friends and family.

Get to the good stuff.

Interested in boho-chic gastropubs in Rio? Family-friendly rock pools near Cape Town? A movie star’s best-kept secrets for Palm Springs? We’ve got you covered. Guides tap into the local culture for the ultimate insider experience wherever you eat, shop, meet friends, or explore in cities around the world.

Editorial experts.

Follow the leaders., editorial experts.

We’ve partnered with some of the most trusted and experienced names in travel and publishing to create distinctive collections of must‑see city attractions. Current Guides are constantly being updated, and new ones are always on the way — so you’re sure to find the latest and greatest, wherever you go.

Integration

Seamless experience., go from device to device with the greatest of ease..

Seamless Experience

Enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted experience across all the Apple devices you use to get around. Haptic Feedback on Apple Watch nudges you in the right direction so you don’t have to get out your iPhone when you’re on foot or on your bike. Calendar alerts on your Mac let you know when it’s time to stop working and go. Just say the word, and HomePod finds directions and sends them to your iPhone on your way out the door. And Maps also syncs automatically with Siri, Spotlight, Messages, and Weather to give you relevant information at all the right moments.

Eyes on the road, not your device.

CarPlay brings the power and simplicity of Maps behind the wheel. It can make intelligent suggestions based on data you already store on your device, like addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendars. And with a detailed map, turn‑by‑turn spoken directions, and immersive 3D experiences, it’s easier than ever to get where you need to go.

Issues and incidents.

Have a tip just tap..

Issues and Incidents

Incorrect lunch hours listed at your favorite cafe? Old mattress in the middle of the highway? Whatever issue you encounter, it’s fast and easy to report it in Maps. Edit and submit updated information about a business directly in the place card interface. And report an accident, hazard, or speed check safely and easily with Siri. Just say “There’s an accident up ahead” or “There’s something on the road” and Siri will file the incident for you. If an incident displayed on the map has been cleared, you can report that, too — all while keeping your hands free and your focus on the road.

Quickly get to your go‑tos.

Open Maps and tap your user account photo at the bottom of the screen to see your most used settings — like preferred mode of transit, reported issues, and favorites — all in one place. And when you open Maps on your devices or on your dashboard with CarPlay, it displays the places you visit most — so you’re always just a tap away from home, work, the gym, your kid’s school, the nearest gas station, or your favorite restaurant.

Data protection.

Keep your location history, history..

Data Protection

Maps delivers a great experience without Apple knowing which stores, neighborhoods, or clinics you visit. Because Maps doesn’t include a sign-in, where you go isn’t associated with your Apple ID at all. And personalized features, like locating your parked car, are created right on your device. Data used to improve navigation, such as routes and search terms, is not associated with your identity. Instead, that information is based on random identifiers that are constantly changing.

In case you missed anything.

Where is maps available.

Maps is available in over two hundred regions around the world. For information on which features are available where you are, visit the Feature Availability page.

How does Maps keep my information private?

Maps doesn’t associate your data with your Apple ID, and Apple doesn’t keep a history of where you’ve been. Personalized features, like locating your parked car, are initiated right on your device. Data used to improve navigation, such as routes and search terms, is not associated with your identity. Instead, that information is based on random identifiers that are constantly changing.

What are curated Guides?

Curated Guides are lists of places created by trusted partners to help you find great places to eat, shop, meet friends, or just explore. Maps offers more than 1000 curated Guides in cities around the world. In iOS 15, tap Explore Guides in Maps to see Guides recommended by Maps editors.

How can I integrate Maps into my app or website?

Apple offers two ways for developers to integrate Maps into their products.

MapKit allows you to integrate Maps into your iOS, iPadOS, or macOS apps. You can display map or satellite imagery, add annotations and overlays, call out points of interest, determine information for map coordinates, and more.

Learn more about MapKit

MapKit JS brings interactive maps to your website — complete with annotations, overlays, and interfaces for Maps services like search and directions.

Learn more about MapKit JS

How can I get the latest Maps features?

Update to iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey to get the latest Maps features, including the interactive globe, 3D experiences for cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and London, nearby transit, and more.

Get iPadOS 15

Get macOS Monterey

Get moving.

You'll never travel without our trip planner again

Travel planning at its best. build, organize, and map your custom itineraries in a free travel app designed for vacations & road trips, powered by our trip planner ai.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Features to replace all your other tools

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions, plan like a pro.

Unlock premium features like offline access, unlimited attachments, flight deals, export to Google maps, and much more

Offline access

Unlimited attachments, optimize your route.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Discover your next favorite destination

Have tips of your own? Write a guide to share with other travelers like you!

Ready to plan your trip in half the time?

For every kind of trip and every destination, the best road trip planner, the best vacation planner, the best group itinerary planner.

The 16 Best Road Trip Apps and Planners to Download

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Use Notes app to plan your vacation

By Charlie Sorrel • 2:00 pm, May 22, 2017

• Top stories

Here’s the worst way to organize any task: email. You can’t put everything in one place, and even if you could, you could never find it. Apple’s built-in Notes app, on the other hand, is the perfect place to store all those snippets of info you accumulate when planning something like a vacation. You can collect web pages, add checklists and photos, and even sketch maps, or add other media like PDFs or apps. And then you can share that note with any number of people and all read and update it.

Let’s see how it all works.

Create and sharing a note

By default, Notes create a new note every time you clip something using the iOS (or Mac) sharing arrow, and it uses the name of whatever you’re clipping to create a title for the note. For a little more control, we’ll create a new, blank note.

To create a new note, open the Notes app, then tap on the little pencil icon (top or bottom right, depending on your device). Then type in a name for your note. Depending on your Notes app settings, this first line will be automatically formatted into Title, Heading, or Body text. Choose which in the Settings app, Settings>Notes>New Notes Start With . I have mine set to title. It’s called Malvern, a sleepy little hole in England.

Now we share the note. To do this tap the little person-and-plus icon , and follow along. You can send the invitation via mail iMessage, or anything else that appears in the resulting list. If the person you’re sharing with already has an iCloud account associated with the email address (or phone number) you use for them, then they will receive an invite notification right from their notes app. If they don’t have an iCloud ID, then they’ll have to create one, but that’s unlikely if they have an Apple device. Once the note has been shared, any changes you or anyone else makes will be synced pretty much instantly.

Adding snippets to you action notes

You can add snippets to your note from anywhere. Possibilities for vacation planning include adding locations from the Maps app, adding web page URLS, as well as snippets of text from the web. You can also link to applications (like the Lonely Planet guide), for other people sharing the note to download. PDFs are also great, because they can be viewed right there in the Notes app, and if you tap the little briefcase icon , you can even mark up the PDF.

You can add something to a note form anywhere that has a share arrow. Just tap the arrow, select the Notes ass from the list, and then — this is important — tap New Note and select your previously-created note. Failing to do this will just create a new note. If you want to append the clipping to an existing note, must pick it in this list. You do get a little help here, though: if you’re adding a lot of snippets in a short time, then the Notes clipper remembers this and keeps your most-recently-used note selected for you.

Sharing tricks

Whenever you share a link, or other item, to a note, it gets a neat little rich preview, which is great for identifying what snippet is what. But you should be aware that there are two ways to share from a web page, and they can be a little confusing. The first is to tap the sharing arrow for the for the whole page, the same way you’d share any web page. Doing it this way adds a rich preview to the note.

The second way is to select some text in the web page and use the Share button in the popover that appears. This shares the text, but doesn’t save the URL or a preview. To work around this, you should select the text and copy it. Then, you should share using the whole-page arrow method, the first one listed above. Then, you should Paste your copied text into the field: Add text to your note… . That way you get the rich link, as well as your clipped text.

Vacation scrapbook

When your vacation is over, you can just delete the note, or unshare it. But what about using it as a kind of vacation scrapbook? You can keep using the note during your trip to save interesting places you find, as well as photos of things you want to remember, like badly-translated restaurant menus. All of those are useful during the trip, but a year, or even a decade later, you can look back on it. To keep your not safe until then, you can lock it in the app using a pass code, or you can export the entire note, via email, say. After all that work you put in, it seems a shame to lose it.

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Plan Your Perfect Trip!

Planapple helps you create , organize , access and share all your vacation plans, what's planapple (watch this short video & see).

How Planapple Simplifies Travel Planning

Organize ideas.

Collect your vacation ideas in an online trip notebook, and keep everything organized in one place.

That's where Planapple comes in. A web travel binder of sorts, Planapple helps you collect your ideas, possibilities, and plans — and saves them all in one place, organized and manageable.

Planapple even creates a custom map tailored to your plans, so you can actually see which hotel is closest to your daily destinations!

Plan Together

Discuss and decide your ideal itinerary with your tripmates.

Planapple eliminates the communication challenges and email negotiations, making group planning far simpler.

And, as your burgeoning itinerary comes together, it's all captured in your Planapple binder for you and your tripmates to see, so no one misses out on one juicy detail.

Carry Your Plans

Carry your plans on your mobile device —  or access them anywhere.

Planapple's mobile app puts your plans right in your pocket. Access your entire trip: itinerary, bookmarks, addresses, phone numbers, emails, even discussions with your co-travelers. (And Planapple can download it all to your phone before you go, avoiding scary international data charges.)

And, if you're a paper person, you can print your plans just as easily and take them anywhere you go. We get it.

Share With Friends

Create recommendations to share on Pinterest and Facebook.

Planapple makes it easy to share what you did, where you went, and what you liked (or didn't!). Offer up your entire itinerary or just a few highlights — either way your friends will marvel at your travel-planning prowess. After all, what good is finding something wonderful if you can't scream it from the tippy top of the World Wide Web?

For family vacations, holidays abroad, or group trips of any sort… from a weekend getaway to an adventure across countries and continents… it's easy to plan your perfect trip with Planapple.

Ready to get going?

What is planapple.

19 episodes

Embark on a journey with us around the world. The global travel planning podcast is filled with travel inspiration, itinerary ideas, real life adventures, practical tips and insights to fuel your wanderlust and help you make your travel dreams a reality.

Global Travel Planning Tracy Collins

• Society & Culture
• 5.0 • 1 Rating
• MAY 1, 2024

Queensland Travel Tips: Beaches, Outback Adventures, and Hidden Gems

In episode 18 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, join us on a journey to Queensland, Australia, with special guest Melissa Delaware, the editor, owner, and face of the Queensland travel guide website.  Melissa shares her expert knowledge of Queensland and offers practical tips for anyone planning a trip to this iconic region. Together, Tracy and Melissa discuss the vastness of Queensland, ideal durations for visits, must-see destinations, and hidden gems. Melissa's insights on when to visit and how to get around provide invaluable guidance for first-time travellers. Join us as we uncover the wonders of Queensland and gain insider information for a memorable travel experience. ⭐️ Guest - Melissa Delaware from "The Queensland Travel Guide" 📝 Show Notes -Episode 18 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

• APR 17, 2024

The Ultimate Google Maps Travel Hacks: Insights and Tips from Michelle Chang

In episode 17 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins chats with guest Michelle Chang from the Intentional Travelers website.  Michelle shares her wealth of knowledge on how to make full use of Google Maps for trip planning and navigation. Michelle's expertise in utilising Google Maps will revolutionise how you plan and execute your travels, from finding lesser-known places to using search filters, street views, and reviews. Join Tracy and Michelle as they explore the functionalities and features of Google Maps. Also, get a sneak peek into Michelle's course, Google Maps Travel Hacks, designed to help you become a savvy and confident traveller. Don't miss out on this insightful and practical episode for all wanderlusts and travel enthusiasts. Guest - Michelle Chang from Intentional Travelers Show Notes - Episode 17 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

• APR 3, 2024

Exploring New Zealand by Van: Insider Tips and Must-Visit Destinations with Abigail Hannah

In episode 16 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, I chat with Abigail Hannah, the knowledgeable and passionate podcaster from Aotearoa Adventures. Together, we unravel the secrets of exploring New Zealand by van, from practical considerations and must-visit destinations to expert tips for a memorable journey.  Abigail shares her top month-long itinerary that spans both the North and South Islands, offering a comprehensive guide for travellers seeking a diverse and awe-inspiring experience. Tune in for insider insights, trip highlights, and responsible travel tips from Abigail's extensive travels in New Zealand. So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired to plan your own New Zealand Aotearoa adventure! Guest - Abigail Hannah of Aotearoa Adventures Show notes - Episode 16 Listen to these episodes next: Episode #02 - Exploring New Zealand's North IslandEpisode #03 - Exploring New Zealand's South Island 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

• MAR 20, 2024

Singapore Travel Planning - Insider's Guide for First-Time Visitors

Welcome to this week's episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast! In this exciting episode, Tracy Collins takes us on a journey through the stunning city of Singapore with her expert guest, Paula Barnes. Together, they explore the top things to do in Singapore for first-time visitors, sharing insightful tips on must-visit locations, cultural experiences, wildlife adventures, and even the best spots for shopping and escaping the heat. Join us as Tracy and Paula delve into the fascinating and diverse attractions of Singapore, offering valuable recommendations to help you plan your next travel adventure. Whether you're a first-time visitor or looking to uncover hidden gems, this episode is packed with travel inspiration and practical insights to enhance your Singapore experience. So sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a virtual journey to the vibrant and captivating city of Singapore! Shownotes - Episode 15 Guest - Paula Barnes of Truly Expat Travel 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

• MAR 6, 2024

Japan Travel Planning - Top Tips for First-Time Travellers Visiting Japan

In episode 14 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy brings you invaluable tips for first-time visitors to Japan. Based on her three-week trip to Japan and notes from her travels, Tracy shares practical advice on navigating airports, transportation, accommodations, food, etiquette, and more.  From the importance of learning some Japanese phrases to the convenience of using the SUICA card for transportation, Tracy covers a range of essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for anyone planning a trip to Japan. Whether it's guidance on using the trains, making the most of convenience stores, or understanding local customs, this episode is packed with insights to assist you in your global travel planning. Show notes - Episode 14 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

• FEB 21, 2024

Japan Travel Planning - Visiting Japan: A 21-Day Journey with Tracy and Doug Collins

In episode 13 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, hosts Tracy and Doug Collins take you on a captivating journey through their 21-day itinerary in Japan. From bustling Tokyo to serene Nagano, historic Hiroshima, and vibrant Osaka, they share their detailed experiences and valuable insights.  Tracy and Doug provide a comprehensive overview of their adventures, including visiting iconic landmarks, embarking on day trips, navigating transportation, and navigating cultural experiences.  Stay tuned as they uncover the highlights and challenges of their itinerary, and offer valuable tips for first-time visitors.  Get ready to be inspired and discover the beauty of Japan through the eyes of these seasoned travellers. So, sit back, relax, and let Tracy and Doug guide you through their enthralling Japanese escapade. Happy Global Travel Planning! 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website - globaltravelplanning.com Instagram - Global Travel Planning YouTube - Global Travel Planning 🇬🇧UK Travel Planning Website - UKTravelPlanning.com Instagram - UK Travel Planning YouTube - UK Travel Planning 📍London Travel Planning Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

• © 2024 Global Travel Planning

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3 travel apps you need before your next flight to keep you out of long TSA lines

Travel can be stressful, especially when airports are involved. 

Flights get delayed, or, worse still, canceled.  

Ever-growing security lines sometimes snake through the airport, putting you in jeopardy of missing your flight.

Last-minute changes can happen and derail months of planning, potentially starting off your trip on a bad note.

Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can help travelers, but there are also ways that tech can help you prepare for your journey and stay aware of the curveballs that might come your way.

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Here are three apps to download before your next trip. 

Watch the video above to learn which three apps you need before your next trip. 

Airline app 

Download your airline’s app! 

It keeps all of your travel information in one, easy-to-access place. 

Turn on notifications to get immediate alerts when it's time to check in so you'll know if there are any delays or gate changes. 

Once you have a boarding pass, save even more time by adding it to the digital wallet on your smartphone.

The lines at airport security can be very unpredictable. Sometimes there is no wait, other times, the line extends into the check-in area. 

The Transportation Security Agency’s (TSA) app, MyTSA, tries to make the wait a little more predictable and helps you determine what to expect, especially if you’re traveling from one of the busiest airports in the US.  

The app provides a real-time look at your selected airport's wait time, any FAA delays, and which TSA PreCheck lanes are open. 

The app also uses historical data to help you plan ahead. So, even if your flight is three days away, the app can show you what you’re likely to encounter that day based on previous experiences. 

It’s also a useful resource if you’re unsure about what you can or can’t pack in your carry-on and checked luggage.

Mobile Passport Control

If you’re traveling abroad, the Mobile Passport Control app makes your return through U.S. customs much faster. 

The app is a digital version of the Customs and Border Patrol Declaration Form that anyone entering the U.S. is required to fill out.  

You can save up to 12 profiles in the app, and only one form is needed per family, per residence. 

The app doesn't work at every airport, so check  the CBP website to see where you can use it. 

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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