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The 27 Best Travel-sized Games of 2024

Our list has brainy word teasers, multiplayer party games, and everything in between.

Best Card Games

Best board games, best word games, best party games, best for little travelers.

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

Whether you’re in need of kid-friendly games for a long road trip or some cheeky party activities to break the ice with a new group of hostel friends, it’s always worth having a couple of tried-and-true games up your sleeve while on the road.

The following travel-sized games are the best options in our book. These compact card and board games are designed to take up minimal space in luggage, while still offering maximum fun during the inevitable downtime that comes with most adventures (think layovers, long hours on a train, or rainy evenings on vacation). Here are our top picks for all types of travelers.

Mattel Games World's Smallest UNO Card Game

Why We Love It: This teeny card game will fit into the smallest of handbags.

What to Consider: The ultra-compact size might not work for those with vision problems or arthritic hands.

Uno is one of those card games that everybody already knows how to play — and, if they don’t, it takes about ten seconds to learn. That makes this game an excellent addition when backpacking abroad or vacationing with family members of all ages. This option in particular stands out as it’s the “world’s smallest” version of the popular game. The tiny cards are less than three inches tall — that’s smaller than a credit card! – and can easily fit into handbags or luggage without adding any bulk, so you’ll always have an icebreaker at the ready.

The Details : 2-10 players | Ages 7+ | 0.79 x 1.97 x 2.99 inches

Monopoly Deal

Hasbro gaming monopoly deal card game.

Why We Love It: This rendition allows you to play your favorite board game sans tabletop. 

What to Consider: It can be a bit tricky to catch on at first as there’s a lot of fast-paced action.

Monopoly night at home with friends and family can take you through a serious spectrum of emotions, especially if it’s been dragging on for hours. Then there’s Monopoly Deal. The travel-friendly version of Monopoly is cards only and much faster paced than the traditional board game. You’ll still buy and sell property, collect rent, and pass go as you do in classic Monopoly, but the compact card game can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. It’s also easier to play while at the airport or on a long train journey.

The Details : 2-5 players | Ages 8+ | 15 minutes | 0.75 x 3.62 x 5.63 inches

Mattel Games Skip-bo Card Game

Why We Love It: This family-friendly game is both easy to learn and quick to play.

What to Consider: The cards are a bit flimsy and could be more wear-resistant.

Is it just us or will Skip-bo always evoke childhood memories? The classic number sequencing game was huge in elementary school but was also in major rotation on our grandmother’s kitchen table. Not much has changed since then: the fast-paced card game is just as fun and easy to pick up and play now. It’s also relatively small which makes it great for popping into your carry-on or handbag. Note that although this game is designed for those ages 7 and up, it’s a ton of fun for adults as well as kids.

The Details: 2-6 players | Ages 7+ | 0.98 x 8.46 x 6 inches

Wild Card Games Backpacker: The Ultimate Travel Game

Why We Love It: It helps improve your skills as a traveler while learning about the world.

What to Consider: The instructions are quite long and tedious.

If you’re looking for a travel-themed game (and who doesn’t love a good theme?), then you’ll want to consider checking out Backpacker. The quick-moving travel card game is designed to mimic what it’s like to be on the road and all the potential triumphs and roadblocks that come with traversing the globe. We love that this game comes with actual fun facts about each destination so you still learn about the world around you even while playing close to home. The colorful cards are also visually appealing thanks to the high-quality photography and drawings on each one.

The Details : 2-6 players | Ages 12+ | 5.1 x 0.8 x 3.7 inches

Rubberneckers Everyone's Favorite Travel Game

Why We Love It: This game was specifically designed to be played during a road trip.

What to Consider: It’s not as exciting to play in rural areas.

Road trips are, in theory, a nonstop adventure — but, in practice, they can be long and exhausting. Rubberneckers was designed to put the fun back into long drives. The card game is essentially a game of reverse I Spy with prompts like “credit card logo” and “more than three people in a vehicle” designed to get everyone in the car looking out the window to earn points and win the title of the ultimate rubbernecker. We also appreciate the simple and easy-to-read language so younger kids can participate just as easily as older passengers.

The Details: 2 or more players | Ages 8+ | 3.5 x 1.5 x 5.5 inches

Catan Studio Catan Board Game

Why We Love It: This modern classic is a fan favorite — and, although layered, it’s easy to teach to new players.

What to Consider: There are a fair bit of pieces to keep together while on the go.

Catan is one of those games that seems complicated at first glance, but once you get it, you get it. The strategy board game takes about an hour to play out, but can go for longer — so you’ll want to budget that time while traveling. It’s also important to keep in mind that, even though this is relatively compact and travel-friendly, it still comes with several small pieces so it’s better for playing at your hotel or Airbnb rather than on a train or at the airport.

The Details: 3-4 players | Ages 10+ | 60 minutes | 11.63 x 9.5 x 3 inches

MindWare Travel Qwirkle Game

Why We Love It: This game requires smart strategy but it’s very easy to pick up and run with.

What to Consider: Some of the colors are very similar and can be hard to decipher.

We love the travel-sized Qwirkle game: not only is it super easy to learn but it’s also relatively easy to play while on the go. We love that this option is intuitive for everyone and can easily become a go-to for families with younger kids. The colorful tiles and convenient carrying case make this one great for playing while in transit — but you’ll want to keep in mind that some of the colors (especially orange and red) are very similar and can be a bit tricky to tell apart if you’re not playing in great lighting.

The Details: 2-4 players | Ages 6+ | 30-60 minutes | 5.5 x 6 x 2 inches

Hasbro Gaming Guess Who? Grab and Go Game

Why We Love It: There are only a few pieces to this classic board game.

What to Consider: The plastic is a bit flimsy and will require careful handling.

We’ll always have a soft spot for Guess Who? considering we’ve been playing it pretty much forever. The beloved guessing game requires strategic and creative thinking, but makes a particularly good travel game because there are only a few pieces to keep track of which makes it great for playing on the go, especially on a train or plane, or even while waiting to depart. We also like that the Grab and Go size is super compact and can easily fit in a backpack or carry-on without taking up too much space.

The Details: 2 players | Ages 6+ | 1.89 x 6.26 x 9.25 inches

Sorry! Road Trip Series

Why We Love It: This tiny board game is easy to set up and play on road trips or even flights.

What to Consider: Its extremely compact size is not ideal for bumpy roads or those with arthritis.

Who said you can’t play a whole darn board game while in the car? The road trip edition of Sorry! is super simple to set up and play whether you’re in an airplane cabin or the back seat of a car. The little game is designed to fold out into a full playing board on the go and doubles as its own folding carrying case when all is said and done. We love how easy it is to put together and start playing — but keep in mind, the super tiny pieces might be tricky to play with on particularly bumpy roads. 

The Details : 2-4 players | Ages 6+ | 1.00 x 11.90 x 5.85 inches

Hasbro Gaming Travel Battleship

Why We Love It: This game is quiet and slow-paced which makes it great for playing on a plane or at the airport.

What to Consider: The numerous pieces to keep track of are somewhat inconvenient.

The Grab and Go version of Battleship is small enough to throw into your carry-on bag but large enough to engage in a comfortable game without having to squint or deal with too-small game pieces. The boards and pieces are relatively simplistic compared to the full-sized Battleship, but the idea is the same. We also like that this game is pretty slow-paced which makes it a great option for playing in more quiet spaces like on the airplane or while waiting in a lounge.

The Details : 2 players | Ages 7+ | 1.89 x 6.26 x 9.25 inches

FanVince Magnetic Folding Chess Set

Why We Love It: This sturdy, magnetic game board is perfect for playing on bumpy roads and through turbulence.

What to Consider: The individual pieces feel a little flimsy in hand.

You can’t go wrong with a classic magnetic folding chess board — it’s a travel-sized game staple, afterall. The magnetic design means you don’t have to worry about your pieces falling over while going over bumpy roads or through turbulence, which is a major plus. It’s also super convenient that the board folds into its own carrying case when not in use. Keep in mind that chess is also a very quiet game, so this is absolutely perfect for bringing on a flight with you.

The Details : 2 players | Ages 8+ | 20+ minutes | 9.45 x 9.45 x 0.69 inches

Bananagrams Duel: Ultimate 2 Player Travel Game

Why We Love It: This new take on classic Bananagrams is even more portable than the original.

What to Consider: It’s sort of a watered down version of the grid game.

Bananagrams has always been one of our favorite travel games — like a real banana, it comes with its own carrying case! — but Bananagrams Duel makes it even more travel-friendly. The quick-paced dueling edition is themed and the letter pieces are die-like rather than tile-like, so you won’t see that sprawling word grid from the original edition. But this just means the game requires way less table space to play so you can easily play this one on an airplane tray table without running out of room.

The Details : 2 or more players | Ages 7+ | 10 minutes | 1.18 x 4.72 x 6.69 inches

Winning Moves Games Scrabble To-go Board Game

Why We Love It: The tiny version of Scrabble has snap-in letters that stay in place.

What to Consider: The scaled-down board isn’t as comfortable to use.

Nothing can really compare to Scrabble when it comes to group-friendly word games, but bringing the full-sized board on the road just isn’t practical. That’s why we’re huge fans of the Scrabble To-go board. The compact size makes it easy to throw in your bag while the snap-in letters mean you won’t have to worry about them flying off if you hit a pothole on the road or turbulence in the air. We also love that this one comes with its own carrying case to protect the board and pieces while traveling.

The Details : 2-4 players | Ages 8+ | 30-60 minutes | 10.75 x 10.25 x 6.88 inches

Mad Libs on the Road World's Greatest Word Game

Why We Love It: It’s easy, hilarious, and super portable to play in transit.

What to Consider: The paperback game pages aren’t reusable.

Whether you’re seven years old or 37, Mad Libs will never not be laugh-out-loud funny. Mad Libs on the Road in particular makes for a great travel-friendly option. The silly fill-in-the-blank stories are all about traveling, road trips, and summertime adventures. It’s especially convenient that Mad Libs are about the size of a paperback novel, meaning they won’t take up any space in your luggage. All you need is a pen and a couple of grammar-focused friends and you have all the makings for hours of laughs in the car and beyond.

The Details: 1 player or more | Ages 8+ | 5.25 x 0.2 x 8.38 inches

Ransom Notes The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game

Why We Love It: This game combines somewhat crude humor with strategy.

What to Consider: It’s definitely on the raunchy side.

Think of Ransom Notes as a somewhat crude hybrid between those poetry fridge magnets and Cards Against Humanity. You’ll get a prompt and your goal is to create a phrase using only magnets that’ll make some kind of sense to the reader. This ends up being downright hilarious in most cases — and we give the game major bonus points for being magnetic. All the pieces stay firmly in place, making it much easier to use en route to your destination.

The Details : 3 players or more | Ages 17+ | 30-90 minutes | 5.25 x 4 x 4 inches

Hasbro Gaming Classic Boggle Word Search Game

Why We Love It: This word game can even be enjoyed by only one player.

What to Consider: The secure travel lid can be tough to get on and off.

Boggle is going to be a major win in the eyes of Spelling Bee or Wordle fans (so watch out if you’re playing against them). The basic word game requires fast spelling and deduction skills; all you have to do to win is write down as many words as possible from the assortment of letters on the dice to earn the number one spot. It’s a whole lot of fun and takes up minimal space while in transit, too.

The Details : 1 player or more | Ages 8+ | 2.01 x 4.29 x 4.29 inches

Brass Monkey Bin-go Get Some Drinks Bingo Book

Brass Monkey

Why We Love It: This is great for introverts and anyone who would rather observe a party a bit removed.

What to Consider: It might be awkward to whip this out in an actual bar or restaurant.

Bin-go Get Some Drinks makes any kind of night out even more interesting, especially if you’re someone who tends to observe human behavior in social settings. The somewhat snarky bingo card is packed with the weird things you’ll see in a bar (like witnessing an obvious first date or someone taking a photo of their drink for social media) and is the perfect way for people watchers to spend the night — especially if you find yourself alone in a new city and prefer to observe the crowd over fostering friends right away.

The Details: 1 player or more | Ages 21+ 

Cards Against Humanity Tiny Cards Against Humanity Game

Why We Love It: It’s a great icebreaker in a compact and cute format.

What to Consider: These cards are tiny and might be hard for some to read.

Cards Against Humanity provides instant fun, even at the most dull parties or awkward social events, since there’s just something about dirty words in absurd contexts. That’s why the miniaturized Tiny Cards Against Humanity is such a great game to keep in your back pocket while traveling, especially if you intend on staying in hostels. (Hey, you just never know when you’ll need to pull the ultimate icebreaker out of a pocket!)

The Details : 2 players or more | Ages 17+ | 30 minutes or more | 4.44 x 2.66 x 1.97 inches

All Things Equal, Inc. Loaded Questions On The Go Card Game

Why We Love It: This card game gets conversations going while still providing friendly competition.

What to Consider: There are only so many questions, so you’ll eventually run into duplicates.

All Things Equal: Loaded Questions is one of those card games that can lead to side tangents and deeper conversation if you let it — but it’s also a great way to see how well you know your friends' minds by guessing each other’s answers to given sets of questions. This game is super travel-friendly (all you need is a few pads of paper and pens) and it’s guaranteed to evoke some serious laughs and possible side conversations as well.

The Details : 4-6 players | Ages 8+ | 3.6 x 0.8 x 5.5 inches

Exploding Kittens Card Game

Why We Love It: This card game is fast, fun, and easy to learn.

What to Consider: The rules and concepts of the game are a bit basic.

Exploding Kittens garnered a lot of attention when it was first released and it’s easy to see why. The eye-catching title and cheeky illustrations make this game instantly intriguing. As it turns out, the game is a whole lot of fun for all age groups and it can be played in fifteen minutes or less which makes it a great option for waiting at your airport gate or sneaking a quick game in before heading out to dinner.

The Details : 2-5 players | Ages 7+ | 15 minutes | 4.41 x 6.38 x 1.5 inches

What Do You Meme? Shotgun!: The Card Game for Road Trips

Why We Love It: Everyone can play in the car — even the driver.

What to Consider: It’s not quite as funny as the original What Do You Meme?.

Shotgun! was conceptualized by the same folks who gave us What Do You Meme?, which means you can expect the same level of (somewhat) boundary-pushing humor. The road trip-focused card game doesn’t come with memes or visual cues, but instead uses the sights and sounds on the road as prompts. Card prompts like “first person to say which side the gas tank is on wins a point” and “first person who gets a wave from another car wins two points” will keep everyone in the car on their toes for the drive.

The Details: 2 players or more | Ages 12+ | 1-2 hours | 1.5 x 4.5 x 6.5 inches

Singing Machine Carpool Karaoke The Mic 2.0

Why We Love It: Who wouldn’t want to pretend they’re starring in an episode of Carpool Karaoke?

What to Consider: The Bluetooth setting could be higher quality.

The Carpool Karaoke Machine was designed to make road trips a whole lot more fun. The karaoke microphone pairs with your car’s Bluetooth in order to provide a surround sound experience for all passengers involved (whether that’s good or bad, we’re not sure). The microphone can also be used with your smartphone for DIY karaoke parties at your Airbnb or hotel room — you’ll just want to be mindful of the noise levels.

The Details : 1 player or more | 3.6 x 2.1 x 10.6 inches

Hasbro Gaming Connect 4

Why We Love It: This game is simple to pick up on.

What to Consider: There are a ton of little pieces involved.

We love Connect Four — it’s a classic for a reason! The simple game is great for little ones who are still practicing spatial recognition, but honestly, it’s just as fun for adults as well. The game is relatively small (it’s less than 12 inches in length) which is enough room for little fingers to easily use but still small enough to pop into a backpack. Keep in mind, though: there are a number of little coin-sized pieces that come with this game, and they can get messy in the car.

The Details : 2 players | Ages 6+ | 20 minutes | 1.6 x 10.51 x 10.984 inches

Winning Moves Games Pass the Pigs

Why We Love It: This cheeky game is all about tumbling — it was essentially made for turbulence.

What to Consider: The game might become repetitive in smaller groups.

Pass the Pigs is hilariously simple, but there’s something about it that is so much fun. The game includes two pig dice, a dice cup, and a pig scoring guide with a scorepad. The aim of the game is to get as many points as possible by rolling the pigs into different positions like the “snouter” or the “sider.” The best part is that this game was literally made to be thrown around so even if you’re dealing with turbulence you don’t have to worry about your pieces tumbling over.

The Details : 2-7 players | Ages 7+ | 1.75 x 4 x 8.5 inches

Briarpatch I Spy Travel Card Game

Why We Love It: This game is a quiet option to play on the plane.

What to Consider: The game is somewhat solitary; not the best for groups of kids.

The travel-sized version of the classic I Spy children’s book provides endless hours of concentration and focus. The stunning visuals are entertaining in and of themselves but having to hunt for the hidden images makes it even more enjoyable. We also like that it can be played solitary and offers something relatively quiet to play while on the airplane or in other spaces where gameplay banter might not be appropriate.

The Details : 1 player or more | Ages 4+ | 0.75 x 3.75 x 5.75 inches

Taco vs. Burrito LLC Taco vs. Burrito Card Game

Why We Love It: This game was created by a kid for other kids.

What to Consider: The instructions on some cards are a little confusing.

Cheeky graphic-focused card games have become pretty popular over the past few years, but we’re still major fans of Taco vs. Burrito. It’s worth noting that the colorful (and super successful) card game was created by a seven-year-old boy with other kids in mind, but it’s just as fun for adults. The basic gameplay is easy to learn and games can be played within 15 minutes — but the action cards are quick to spice things up and add a strategic layer to the game.

The Details : 2-4 players | Ages 6+ | 15 minutes | 7 x 5 x 2 inches

Tricky Riddles for Smart Kids: 333 Difficult But Fun Riddles And Brain Teasers For Kids And Families

Why We Love It: This pack of riddles creates conversation and fosters further curiosity.

What to Consider: There are only about 300 riddles, so the deck might eventually become repetitive.

Kids who love brain teasers will get a kick out of this colorful collection of riddles designed to stump and foster curiosity. The deck is small and easy to transport (it’s about the size of a novel), but it’s packed with hundreds of riddles for kids to work through. The only thing we don’t love is that, while the deck does include lots of options, kids who are keen to work through one after another may deplete them rather quickly.

The Details : 1 player or more | 8-12 | 6 x 0.3 x 9 inches

Tips for Buying Travel-sized Games

Factor in the needed space.

You’ll want to consider the space required for your chosen game(s) and decide how much luggage space you’re able to offer up. This is where miniature grab-and-go board games and card games will come in handy. Prioritizing card games and smaller games that don’t require a board means you can more easily play your games on the move. If you need a table or flat surface for your game, playing while seated at the terminal or on a train may not be practical.

Figure out the game time

You’ll want an idea of how much time a game takes before deciding to pack it. Card games tend to be faster-paced than board games, and most can be completed in 15-30 minutes. Board games and party games can last a lot longer, continuing for up to two hours in certain cases. This can be great for lazy days at the hotel or Airbnb, but might not be the most practical for passing time at the train station.

Consider player ages

Think of the ages of the players you anticipate sharing games with. If you’re planning a backpacking trip and plan to spend time playing games at your hostel, you’ll probably be safe with just about any card or board game. If you’re meeting up with your family for a vacation, you might want to choose games that are suitable for all ages. Note that some games can be altered to be more PG by removing certain cards or phrases, but it’s best to double-check to ensure everyone in your group can participate.

What games are ideal for traveling?

The right games for your travels will greatly depend on what kind of travel you’re doing (road trip games vary greatly from late-night adult-only games, for example). But, no matter what style of travel you’re up to, you’ll want to look for games that are small enough to easily fit in your luggage without being imposing. Opt for games that don’t have many loose pieces or take up too much space when in use. Card games are your best bet if you anticipate playing on the road frequently, but travel-sized board games can also work (especially if they come in a magnetic format).

Are there travel-sized board games?

Yes! There are plenty of travel-sized board games available and many come with their own carrying case or magnetic material that further simplifies the overall travel experience. You won’t find every single board game available in a travel size, but you’ll definitely be able to find the classics from Hasbro like Clue , Monopoly , and more .

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Travel + Leisure contributor Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and former lifestyle editor as well as her own research to curate a list of the best travel-sized games available.

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This week, Secretary Gina M. Raimondo met with the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) to underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing the growth of the U.S. travel and tourism industry including through implementation of the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy across the U.S. government.

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20+ Types of Jobs with Room and Board: Paid Live-in Jobs for Travelers

Some people travel for work, others work for travel. If you have the travel bug, you may be surprised to learn how many different jobs come with room and board. When room and board is pre-arranged by your employer, you can just pack your bags and go. To the next place, and the next place, and the next, traveling this way as long as you like. There’s no need to sign leases or do complicated long-distance searching for roommates on Craigslist. Instead, you’ll be moving right into a community of your peers. The companies most likely to offer employee housing to staff are in tourism and customer service industries in off-the-beaten-path locations. Though there are other types of businesses and non-profits that house their employees, as well. Below are some of the ways you, with any level of experience, can break into the employee housing scene.

Outdoor Adventure Jobs

• Ski resort jobs These are some of the easiest jobs to land. Ski resorts hire massive numbers of employees every winter season. (But pick your resort wisely- the larger ones have bad reputations). Novices to the ski scene can easily get jobs as lift operators (lifties). Those who can ski or snowboard can go through paid training to become instructors. Ski resorts usually have plenty of openings in housekeeping, customer service, and food and beverage, as well.
• Conservation trail crews Conservation positions skirt the line between volunteer position and job, usually leaning more toward volunteer. Most of the large organizations are non-profits ( ACE , SCA ) and provide stipends and education awards. Maintaining hiking trails is tough physical work, usually taken on by young people and students. Crew leader jobs require a bit more experience in the field. Some companies provide housing only during “on” shifts- the weeks where you are actually doing the work. Others provide or help volunteers find housing between shifts as well.
• Scuba Dive instructors are most in demand in tropical zones that attract tourists. (Scuba is subset of the “remote island jobs” we’ll discuss later.) These jobs aren’t exactly easy to get; earning licensing and experience takes a good amount of time and money. But PADI certification certainly travels well for those willing to make the investment.
• White water rafting If you become employed as a raft guide, you’ll need to go through very extensive training. It’s a potentially dangerous field of work, though the excitement is what draws people in. Like many outdoor adventure companies, white water rafting tours companies usually operate in wilderness areas. The fact that there are few locals to fill these particularly intense positions means that the companies have to offer travelers room and board.
• Bicycle/vehicle tours Naturally, companies will need to provide their employees with a safe place to sleep while leading traveling tours. As a potential employee, you’ll need to have plenty of biking/bike maintenance experience. This isn’t an entry-level job.
• Travel tour groups Group travel tour guides get cushy accommodations and meals in the same hotels as the customers. As a travel guide, you don’t need to have the same level of fitness or interest in the outdoors as bike guides. Travel tour groups exist all over the world. Many of them are sightseeing and guided adventure themed, though the adventures are usually outsourced to other companies. (Think ziplining, kayaking, snorkeling, etc.) There are hundreds of these travel tour companies (at least), so a google search will bring up plenty of options.
• Wilderness Therapy Field Guides Wilderness therapy can be highly rewarding job. It mixes the challenge of being outdoors with the challenge of helping people who have mental, emotional, behavioral, and other issues. This job is for the more experienced. You’ll need at least some leadership roles under your belt, and ideally education in a related field.

Customer Service Jobs

• National Park Lodges While yes, you can work for the national park itself, park ranger jobs are significantly more competitive than their cousins in hospitality- National Park lodge and resort jobs. In order to operate within a park, a company must apply to become an official park concessioner. Naturally, these companies are remote tourist hotspots, a perfect recipe for seasonal jobs with employee housing. If you are halfway decent at writing résumés and interviewing, it is easy to get an entry level job at a park lodge. Jobs run the gamut from housekeeping, check-in, and prep cooking (all fairly easy jobs to get), to marina and campground staff, water sport guides, and restaurant management. There’s something for every experience level, and employees range from high school age to retired seniors. Search through WanderJob’s current list of National Park Job openings .
• Wilderness lodges Most wilderness lodges are smaller than their National Park lodge counterparts. You can find them in abundance all across the US and internationally. These lodges hire a smaller staff, but it means that housing can sometimes be very cozy and private. Wilderness lodges come in many flavors: canoe outfitting, hunting, fishing, or just peaceful and wholesome family retreats. Staff may be multi-purpose, doing whatever needs to be done for the day. Or they may work in any number of customer service or operations positions. You may find yourself cleaning rooms and checking in guests one day, and giving art lessons and setting up a picnic the next. (I speak from experience on that one!)
• Hostels Hostels are famously easy places for travelers to find work. Many travel bloggers have shared their experiences of arriving at hostels, asking for work, and living there for free in exchange for part time hours. It’s not always comfortable to just hope you’ll find a job when you get somewhere, though. You can find hostel work exchanges in advance through volunteer work exchange sites like workaway.info .
• Remote island resorts Far away from everything and catering to masses of tourists, resorts on islands (not always tropical!) often need to provide housing to be able to hire enough employees. You’ll find the full range of hospitality and customer service jobs at these types of places. To find resort jobs on islands, it will help to get specific with your google search. For example, “Washington island resorts,” is a much stronger search than “island jobs.”. When you find a resort that sounds good, go to their employment page to see if they offer housing. This information may not be available in many places online expect for the employment page.
• Retreat centers Like island jobs, many retreat centers are far from towns and need to provide employee housing to attract enough staff. This is a type of institution all its own; if you’ve ever been to or worked at a retreat center, you’re well aware that the “vibe” is much different. Call it spiritual, hippy, bohemian, laid back, chill- whatever the case, retreat centers are usually very welcoming and inclusive places to work. You’ll meet all sorts of different people on different paths in life.
• Horse ranches Ranches do hire wranglers, but as with lodges and retreat centers, the bulk of their employees are hospitality and customer service workers. Some ranches also hire activities staff for guest events and experiences.

Caregiving Jobs

• Au pair The first job on our list in which your employer won’t be a company. Au pairs are live-in nannies for families around the world. Young people choose to be au pairs because of the excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and adventure. Au pairs get a regular paycheck, a room of their own, and sometimes get to join family meals for free. Most families with au pairs choose to treat them like family, taking them along on vacations, outings, and social events.
• Residential overnight camps Sleep away summer camps are only the tip of the iceberg in this category. There are of course, plenty of traditional summer camps with the usual activities (swimming, arts, campfire songs). At these camps, bunk counselors will be assigned to a camp group and sleep in the dorm with them. Activities instructors may get private rooms or share with other employees. Meals are included. But you can also choose from plenty of year-round specialized camps. Some of these cater to overnight school field trips and are educational in nature. (Space Camp is one of the best known in this category.) There are even camps for adults now! Tip: narrow your search down to a specific place and look for residential camps in that particular area.
• Caregivers for seniors Many of these jobs can be found through reputable companies. Others are listed on community and work exchange sites (think craigslist, workaway). Employment as a caregiver is a decidedly different experience from most other jobs on this list. You’ll be interacting with only a small number of people on a daily basis, and may not have any coworkers. Caring for someone takes responsibility and maturity.
• Boarding schools Travelers don’t usually seek out employment at boarding schools; it is usually more of a permanent career path for social workers and those with experience caring for children. I’ve included it on the list because I know a traveler who worked temporarily as a house dad. He had 12 high school aged boys in his care. He was in charge of cooking meals, providing homework help, scheduling, and generally counseling the children.

Other Jobs with Room & Board

• Cruise & charter ships Living on a ship is intense. You’re in close quarters with your coworkers constantly, get disappointingly little shore time, and don’t make all that much money. However, I’ve met cruise ship staff who seem to think it’s an unforgettable experience. Even if they don’t want to stay long. It’s not terribly hard to land one of the hundreds of entry level positions on a huge cruise liner. They have all the need for hospitality staff as any large resort, and more. But it may be more challenging, and also more enjoyable, to work on a small charter ship. These charters are the super expensive luxury cruises you may have heard about; they tour European rivers, or go on expeditions into the Amazon or the Arctic. They carry a much smaller payload of people and are choosier about the staff they hire. But it’s likely your experience will be better if you can get on a ship this size.
• Private yacht The most luxurious of all water jobs may be private yacht employment. Working for an individual or a family has its perks, in the same way that working as an au pair does. But life on the water can be claustrophobic, especially when you’re stuck with the same few people day in and day out.
• Farming/fruit picking Many of the farming jobs most easily available to unskilled travelers are unpaid (WWOOF is evidence of this). When a volunteer enters into a work exchange agreement, she usually does 5 hours of work daily, with a few free days each week. In exchange she gets a place to stay for free and meals. In some other places, like Australia, there are ample paid fruit-picking opportunities for travelers. It’s a common gig for travelers on Australian work-holiday Visas.
• TEFL The TEFL (teach english as a foreign language) world has become a bit too commercialized and bureaucratized. It can be a real challenge just to find a company that will actually do what they say they will: help you get certified and placed in a school abroad. But they do exist. I have a good friend teaching English in Japan as I type, and met a bunch of teachers in Thailand. Once you’ve figured out the system, earning a TEFL certificate is Aa ticket to the world. There are so many opportunities for English teachers, many in places that don’t have many other jobs for foreigners. You can choose your specific TEFL path when you earn a certificate. Some people choose to focus on teaching kids, while others prefer adults or specifically businesspeople. Some teachers like full classrooms, and others take the one-on-one tutoring route (which can also be done online!).

Working for companies that provide room and board is a straightforward shortcut to long term traveling. It’s a very different lifestyle than most people are used to, and not without its challenges. But as someone who has been traveling this way for ten years, take it from me: it’s one of the most incredible things you’ll ever do. It has been worth every hardship.

About the author

Board of Directors

Stephen P. Holmes

Chairman of the Board

Stephen P. Holmes has served as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board since May 2018. Mr. Holmes previously served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from July 2006 until May 2018. Mr. Holmes was Vice Chairman and director of Cendant Corporation and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant’s Travel Content Division from December 1997 to July 2006. Mr. Holmes was Vice Chairman of HFS Incorporated (HFS) from September 1996 to December 1997, a director of HFS from June 1994 to December 1997 and Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of HFS from July 1990 to September 1996. Mr. Holmes also currently serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Wyndham Hotels. Mr. Holmes’ exceptional leadership as our former CEO provides him with detailed strategic perspective and knowledge of our operations and industry that are critical to the Board’s effectiveness. He possesses extensive public company management experience and is widely recognized as a visionary leader in the global hospitality industry.

Michael D. Brown

President and Chief Executive Officer

Michael D. Brown serves as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Travel + Leisure Co., and is a member of its Board of Directors. Brown is responsible for the performance, growth, and strategic direction of the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company with a portfolio of nearly 20 resort, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands.

Brown joined the company in 2017, and in June 2018 led its subsequent evolution to Wyndham Destinations as an independent public company, globally headquartered in Orlando, FL, after spinning off Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. In 2021, Wyndham Destinations acquired the iconic Travel + Leisure brand and became Travel + Leisure Co., aligned with its strategy to be the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company.

Previously, Brown served as Chief Operating Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV). Prior to being appointed as COO for HGV in 2014, he held the role of Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing – Mainland U.S. and Europe. Prior to joining HGV in 2008, Brown served in a series of leadership roles throughout the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean during his more than 16 years at Marriott International and Marriott Vacation Club International.

A leisure travel industry veteran of more than 30 years, Brown’s leadership is infused with a combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, authentic engagement, and industry knowledge. He drives the company’s commitment to be responsive and engaged through socially conscious initiatives, and fosters its global spirit of hospitality and responsible tourism. Aligned with the culture of inclusion and diversity, Brown leads the company’s Global Inclusion and Diversity Council.

Brown earned a bachelor’s degree from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. He currently serves as a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, The Travel and Tourism Council - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, The Real Estate Roundtable, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Executive Committee, and is the Chair of the ARDA Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Orlando Economic Partnership Governor’s Council, an Advisory Council Member of the Enzian Theatre, and serves on the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando Board of Directors. In 2023 for the fifth consecutive year, Brown was named to the Florida Trend 500 List as a top business leader in the state of Florida. He was also recognized by Junior Achievement of Central Florida and named to their Hall of Fame, receiving the Spirit of Achievement Award.

Louise F. Brady

Louise F. Brady, has served as a Director since November 2016. She is a co-founder and has served as the Managing Partner of Piedmont Capital Partners, LLC (PCP), Piedmont Capital Partners II, LLC (PCP II), and Piedmont Capital Investments, LLC (PCI) since March 2013, March 2019 and February 2020, respectively. PCP and PCP II are privately held venture capital funds that focus on developing innovative technologies and PCI is a privately held investment entity that focuses on transformative investments in emerging technology companies. She also currently serves as President of Blue Current, Inc., a position she has held since May 2014. From September 1996 to October 2013, she served as Vice President of Investments at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Services. Ms. Brady serves on the Board of Directors of Comcast Corporation.

James E. Buckman

James E. Buckman has served as a Director since July 2006 and Lead Director since March 2010. From May 2007 to January 2012, Mr. Buckman served as Vice Chairman of York Capital Management, a hedge fund management company headquartered in New York City. From May 1, 2010 to January 2012, Mr. Buckman also served as General Counsel of York Capital Management and from January 2007 to May 2007 he served as a Senior Consultant to York Capital Management. Mr. Buckman was General Counsel and a director of Cendant from December 1997 to August 2006, a Vice Chairman of Cendant from November 1998 to August 2006 and a Senior Executive Vice President of Cendant from December 1997 to November 1998. Mr. Buckman was Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of HFS Incorporated from May 1997 to December 1997, a director of HFS from June 1994 to December 1997 and Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of HFS from February 1992 to May 1997.  Mr. Buckman has also served as a member of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. board of directors since May 2018.

George Herrera

George Herrera has served as a Director since July 2006. Since December 2003, Mr. Herrera has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Herrera-Cristina Group, Ltd., a Hispanic-owned, multidisciplinary management firm. From August 1998 to January 2004, Mr. Herrera served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Herrera served as President of David J. Burgos & Associates, Inc. from December 1979 to July 1998. Mr. Herrera served as a director of Cendant from January 2004 to August 2006.

Lucinda C. Martinez

Lucinda C. Martinez, has served as a Director since November 2021. In May 2022, Ms. Martinez founded Lumark, LLC, a multicultural marketing consulting firm providing media clients with a culture-first strategic approach to driving awareness and engagement across targeted audiences through culturally aligned advertising and promotional tactics. Previously, Ms. Martinez was Vice President, Global Brand & Multicultural Marketing at Netflix, Inc., one of the world’s leading entertainment subscription services, from September 2021 through June 2022, and led the development, strategy and execution of brand transformation, audience engagement, and insight-driven brand positioning within a cultural context for Netflix globally. Prior to that, she spent nearly 20 years with WarnerMedia, a media company with a portfolio of iconic entertainment, news, and sports brands, in roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as Executive Vice President, Brand Marketing HBO and HBO Max from August 2020 to March 2021 and as Executive Vice President, Multicultural Marketing, Brand & Inclusion Strategy from September 2019 to August 2020. During her tenure with Warner Media, she built a best-in-class multicultural marketing team that created meaningful, long-term connections with the brand’s fans across the rapidly changing global marketplace. Ms. Martinez serves on the Board of Trustees of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and on the Advisory Board of The Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Denny Marie Post

Denny Marie Post, has served as a Director since May 2018. Ms. Post previously served as Co-President of Nextbite from June 2022 to May 2023.  Ms. Post also previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. from August 2016 and as President from February 2016 until her retirement in April 2019. She also serves on the boards of Vital Farms (VITL), Bluestone Lane Holdings, and Libbey Glass.  She previously served as a member of the Red Robin Board of Directors. Prior to that, Ms. Post served as Executive Vice President and Chief Concept Officer of Red Robin beginning in March 2015. Ms. Post joined Red Robin in August 2011 as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Ms. Post has more than 30 years of leadership experience in consumer driven marketing, product innovation and strategic team building. Prior to her role at Red Robin, Ms. Post served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile USA. Ms. Post previously held the roles of Senior Vice President of Global Beverage, Food and Quality for Starbucks Corporation as well as the Senior Vice President and Chief Concept Office for Burger King. Ms. Post also held several management positions for KFC USA, KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Canada while she was employed with YUM! Brands, Inc.

Ronald L. Rickles

Ronald L Rickles has served as a Director since 2018. He was a senior partner with Deloitte & Touche until his retirement in 2014. He served in a variety of leadership roles, including managing partner for the New Jersey offices and Northeast regional leader of the firm’s professional services practice for mid-market and privately held companies. Earlier serving as an audit partner for 30 years, Mr. Rickles was the lead partner serving some of the firm’s most significant clients with deep experience serving the hospitality industry (including timeshare), REITs, retailers, financial services companies and franchisors, including the legacy businesses of Wyndham Destinations.

Michael H. Wargotz

Michael H. Wargotz, has served as a Director since July 2006. Mr. Wargotz is a private investor, involved with various start-up ventures. From July 2011 to June 2017, he was the Chairman of Axcess Ventures, an affiliate of Access Worldwide, a brand experience marketing development agency, which he co-founded in 2001. From August 2010 to June 2011, Mr. Wargotz served as the Chief Financial Officer of The Milestone Aviation Group, LLC, a global aviation leasing company. From August 2009 to July 2010, Mr. Wargotz served as the Co-Chairman of Axcess Luxury and Lifestyle. From December 2006 to August 2009, Mr. Wargotz served as the Chief Financial Advisor of NetJets, Inc., a leading provider of private aviation services, and from June 2004 to November 2006, he served as Vice President of NetJets. From January 1998 to December 1999, Mr. Wargotz served in various leadership positions with Cendant, including President and Chief Executive Officer of its Lifestyle Division, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of its Alliance Marketing Segment and Senior Vice President, Business Development. Prior to 1998, Mr. Wargotz served in various finance and accounting positions at HFS Incorporated, PaineWebber & Co, America Express and Price Waterhouse. Mr. Wargotz previously served as a director of Quotient Technology Inc. from February 2023 to September 2023, Resources Connection, Inc. from May 2009 to October 2021, and CST Brands, Inc. from May 2013 to June 2017.

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• Travel Tips

How To Work With Tourism Boards

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Stacee Karl

• Plan Your Trip
• Sustainability

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of travel marketing and partnership building! In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of working with tourism boards to elevate your travel business to new heights. Tourism boards play a pivotal role in promoting destinations, attracting visitors, and fostering sustainable tourism practices. Understanding how to effectively collaborate with these entities can significantly enhance the visibility and success of your travel enterprise.

As a travel enthusiast and industry professional, you recognize the immense value of forging strong partnerships within the tourism sector. By establishing meaningful connections with tourism boards, you gain access to a wealth of resources, insights, and promotional opportunities that can propel your brand to the forefront of the travel landscape.

Throughout this comprehensive guide, we will explore the multifaceted nature of working with tourism boards, from building relationships and collaborating on marketing campaigns to leveraging resources and measuring the impact of these strategic partnerships. By the end of this journey, you will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the dynamic realm of tourism board collaborations with confidence and finesse.

So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a transformative exploration of how to effectively work with tourism boards to amplify the reach and influence of your travel business. Let's dive into the intricacies of this symbiotic relationship and uncover the keys to unlocking a world of possibilities in the realm of travel marketing and promotion.

Understanding the Role of Tourism Boards

Before delving into the strategies for collaboration, it’s essential to grasp the pivotal role that tourism boards play in the travel industry. Tourism boards, also known as destination marketing organizations (DMOs), serve as the primary entities responsible for promoting and enhancing the appeal of a specific destination or region. Their overarching goal is to attract visitors, drive tourism revenue, and cultivate a positive image of the locale they represent.

These organizations function as the custodians of a destination’s brand, leveraging various marketing channels and initiatives to showcase its unique attractions, cultural heritage, and recreational offerings. By harnessing the power of storytelling, captivating imagery, and targeted promotional campaigns, tourism boards strive to position their respective destinations as must-visit travel hotspots.

Moreover, tourism boards undertake vital roles in advocating for sustainable tourism practices, preserving natural landscapes, and fostering community engagement. They often collaborate with local businesses, hospitality providers, and tour operators to ensure a cohesive and compelling visitor experience while prioritizing environmental conservation and cultural authenticity.

By comprehending the multifaceted responsibilities of tourism boards, travel businesses can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of destination promotion and the underlying motivations driving these organizations. This understanding forms the bedrock for establishing mutually beneficial partnerships and aligning collaborative efforts with the overarching objectives of tourism boards.

As we venture deeper into this guide, we will uncover the strategies for engaging with tourism boards in a manner that resonates with their mission, amplifies the allure of the destination, and fosters sustainable tourism practices. With this foundational knowledge in place, you are poised to navigate the intricacies of working hand-in-hand with tourism boards to elevate your travel business to unprecedented levels of success.

Building Relationships with Tourism Boards

Establishing strong and enduring relationships with tourism boards is a cornerstone of successful collaboration in the travel industry. The process of cultivating these connections begins with proactive engagement and a genuine commitment to understanding and supporting the objectives of the tourism board. Here are essential steps to foster meaningful relationships with tourism boards:

• Research and Familiarization: Before reaching out to a tourism board, invest time in researching the destination and the board’s existing initiatives. Understand the unique selling points of the locale, its target visitor demographics, and the current marketing strategies employed by the tourism board. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest in the destination and facilitate more meaningful conversations.
• Personalized Outreach: When initiating contact with the tourism board, personalize your communication to reflect a clear understanding of their mission and goals. Express your enthusiasm for collaborating and emphasize how your partnership can contribute to the board’s objectives, whether it’s promoting off-the-beaten-path experiences, supporting sustainable tourism practices, or targeting specific visitor segments.
• Value-driven Propositions: Present compelling proposals that outline the mutual benefits of collaboration. Highlight how your expertise, resources, or promotional platforms can augment the tourism board’s efforts in showcasing the destination. Whether it involves co-creating engaging content, hosting familiarization trips, or leveraging your audience to amplify the board’s messaging, emphasize the value you bring to the table.
• Consistent Engagement: Cultivate ongoing communication and engagement with the tourism board. Attend industry events, participate in destination-specific webinars, and seek opportunities to showcase your commitment to the destination’s success. This consistent engagement reinforces your dedication to the partnership and fosters trust and rapport with the board’s representatives.

By approaching the process of relationship building with authenticity, empathy, and a genuine desire to contribute to the destination’s growth, you lay the groundwork for a collaborative partnership that transcends mere transactional interactions. As we progress through this guide, we will delve into the subsequent stages of collaboration, where these foundational relationships will serve as the catalyst for impactful joint initiatives with tourism boards.

Collaborating on Marketing Campaigns

Once a solid rapport has been established with a tourism board, the stage is set for collaborative marketing campaigns that amplify the visibility and appeal of the destination. Joint marketing initiatives offer a synergistic platform for travel businesses and tourism boards to co-create compelling narratives, leverage diverse marketing channels, and reach a broader audience. Here are key considerations for effective collaboration on marketing campaigns:

• Co-created Content: Collaborate with the tourism board to develop engaging and authentic content that showcases the destination’s unique experiences, attractions, and cultural tapestry. This could involve producing destination guides, immersive videos, or blog features that resonate with the target audience and convey the essence of the locale.
• Amplified Reach: Leverage the tourism board’s promotional channels, such as social media platforms, official websites, and visitor guides, to amplify the reach of your collaborative content. By tapping into the board’s established audience base, you can extend the visibility of your brand while contributing to the board’s overarching marketing objectives.
• Storytelling Alignment: Ensure that the narratives woven into the marketing campaigns align with the destination’s brand identity and the tourism board’s messaging. Authentic storytelling that reflects the local culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism ethos resonates deeply with audiences and reinforces the destination’s appeal.
• Targeted Campaigns: Tailor marketing campaigns to cater to specific visitor segments identified by the tourism board. Whether it’s adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, or eco-conscious travelers, aligning your promotional efforts with the board’s strategic focus enhances the relevance and impact of the campaigns.
• Performance Measurement: Collaborate with the tourism board to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that gauge the success of the marketing campaigns. By jointly evaluating the reach, engagement metrics, and conversion rates, both parties can refine future initiatives and optimize the impact of their collaborative endeavors.

Through seamless collaboration on marketing campaigns, travel businesses can harness the storytelling prowess and promotional reach of tourism boards to elevate their brand visibility and connect with a broader audience. As we move forward, we will explore additional facets of partnership with tourism boards, delving into the strategic utilization of resources and support provided by these influential entities.

Leveraging Resources and Support from Tourism Boards

Collaborating with tourism boards presents a wealth of opportunities to leverage their resources and support in bolstering the promotional endeavors of your travel business. These entities are equipped with a diverse array of assets, insights, and industry connections that can significantly enhance your marketing initiatives and visitor engagement. Here’s how you can effectively leverage the resources and support provided by tourism boards:

• Access to Insider Knowledge: Tap into the tourism board’s in-depth knowledge of the destination, including emerging travel trends, upcoming events, and hidden gems. By aligning your offerings with the board’s insights, you can curate compelling experiences that resonate with visitors and align with the destination’s strategic direction.
• Collateral and Visual Assets: Utilize the high-quality visual assets, including photography, videos, and promotional materials, available through the tourism board. These resources can enrich your marketing collateral, website content, and social media presence, infusing it with captivating visuals that convey the allure of the destination.
• Industry Connections and Partnerships: Leverage the tourism board’s network of local businesses, tour operators, and hospitality providers to forge strategic partnerships. Collaborative packages, exclusive offers, and joint promotions can be crafted in conjunction with the board’s partners, enhancing the overall visitor experience and fostering a sense of community engagement.
• Promotional Support: Capitalize on the tourism board’s promotional platforms and campaigns to amplify the visibility of your travel business. Whether it’s featuring in official visitor guides, participating in destination-specific events, or being showcased on the board’s digital channels, such exposure can significantly elevate your brand’s recognition among potential visitors.
• Training and Educational Opportunities: Engage with the tourism board’s training programs, workshops, and educational resources to enhance your understanding of the destination’s unique selling points and visitor expectations. This knowledge empowers you to tailor your offerings and marketing strategies in alignment with the destination’s distinct appeal.

By strategically leveraging the resources and support extended by tourism boards, travel businesses can enrich their offerings, expand their reach, and deliver compelling experiences that resonate with visitors. As we progress, we will delve into the pivotal aspect of measuring the impact of these collaborative efforts, allowing for informed decision-making and continuous refinement of the partnership strategies.

Measuring the Impact of Tourism Board Partnerships

Effectively measuring the impact of partnerships with tourism boards is essential for gauging the success of collaborative endeavors and refining future strategies. By employing robust metrics and evaluation frameworks, travel businesses can glean valuable insights into the reach, engagement, and conversion rates attributed to their collaborative initiatives with tourism boards. Here are key considerations for measuring the impact of these partnerships:

• Performance Metrics: Establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the objectives of the collaborative campaigns and initiatives. These metrics may include website traffic, social media engagement, lead generation, and conversion rates. By quantifying the impact of the partnership, you can assess the tangible outcomes and return on investment.
• Visitor Feedback and Surveys: Solicit feedback from visitors who have engaged with the collaborative content or experiences resulting from the partnership. Understanding their sentiments, preferences, and behavioral patterns provides qualitative insights into the resonance of the campaigns and the effectiveness of the collaborative storytelling.
• Attribution Analysis: Employ attribution models to discern the contribution of the tourism board partnerships to the overall visitor acquisition and conversion funnel. By tracking the customer journey and attributing specific touchpoints to the collaborative initiatives, you can quantify the influence of the partnerships on visitor decision-making.
• Comparative Analysis: Conduct comparative analyses of performance metrics before, during, and after the collaborative campaigns. This longitudinal assessment unveils the incremental impact of the partnerships on brand visibility, audience engagement, and conversion outcomes, providing a comprehensive view of the collaborative efficacy.
• Post-Campaign Evaluation: Collaborate with the tourism board to conduct post-campaign evaluations, reflecting on the successes, challenges, and learnings gleaned from the collaborative initiatives. This reflective analysis informs future strategies and fosters a culture of continuous improvement in the collaborative endeavors.

By diligently measuring the impact of partnerships with tourism boards, travel businesses can refine their collaborative strategies, optimize resource allocation, and demonstrate the tangible value derived from these symbiotic relationships. This data-driven approach empowers both parties to iteratively enhance their collaborative initiatives and drive sustained success in destination promotion and visitor engagement.

Congratulations on embarking on this enlightening journey through the intricacies of working with tourism boards to elevate your travel business. As we conclude this comprehensive guide, it’s imperative to reflect on the transformative potential of collaborative partnerships with tourism boards and the enduring impact they can have on your brand’s visibility, visitor engagement, and destination promotion.

By understanding the pivotal role of tourism boards in destination marketing, you have gained insights into the multifaceted responsibilities of these entities and the strategic significance of aligning your collaborative efforts with their overarching objectives. Building strong relationships with tourism boards, rooted in authenticity, personalized engagement, and value-driven propositions, forms the bedrock for enduring and impactful partnerships.

Collaborating on marketing campaigns with tourism boards unlocks a realm of storytelling possibilities, amplified reach, and targeted engagement with diverse visitor segments. By co-creating compelling content and aligning narratives with the destination’s brand identity, you have the opportunity to captivate audiences and contribute to the enduring allure of the locale.

Leveraging the resources and support provided by tourism boards empowers you to enrich your offerings, expand your reach, and deliver authentic experiences that resonate with visitors. By tapping into insider knowledge, visual assets, industry connections, and promotional platforms, you can elevate your brand’s recognition and foster a deeper connection with potential visitors.

Measuring the impact of your partnerships with tourism boards equips you with valuable data-driven insights to refine your strategies, optimize resource allocation, and demonstrate the tangible value derived from these collaborative endeavors. By quantifying the reach, engagement, and conversion outcomes, you can iteratively enhance the efficacy of your collaborative initiatives and drive sustained success in destination promotion.

As you navigate the dynamic landscape of travel marketing and partnership building, remember that the journey with tourism boards is not merely transactional but rooted in a shared passion for showcasing the beauty and allure of destinations. By fostering enduring relationships, co-creating captivating narratives, and leveraging resources in a purposeful manner, you are poised to leave a lasting imprint on the travel landscape while contributing to the sustainable growth of destinations and communities.

Armed with the knowledge and strategies gleaned from this guide, you are well-equipped to embark on a transformative trajectory, leveraging the power of collaboration with tourism boards to shape compelling visitor experiences, amplify your brand’s influence, and contribute to the enduring allure of travel destinations. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, and may your collaborative journey with tourism boards be filled with creativity, impact, and shared success.

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Is Southwest going to start assigning seats? CEO says the airline is weighing changes.

Southwest Airlines is considering doing away with open, single-class seating on its aircraft.

In an interview with CNBC , ahead of the airline’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, CEO Bob Jordan said the company is weighing options for cabin reconfiguration to address its recent revenue shortfall.

“We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan told the network.

Southwest has long differentiated itself from other airlines with one class of seating and little variability – no extra legroom seats or first class on its 737 fleet. But now, Jordan said it may be time to change the strategy.

Cruising Altitude: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

“Customer preferences do change over time,” he told CNBC. He acknowledged the airline hasn’t made any decisions on implementing a new strategy but said studies about what they could do have yielded “interesting” results. 

For now, the only reliable way for Southwest customers can get their seating preference is to pay extra for an earlier boarding position. Southwest Airlines does not currently assign seats and passengers claim their real estate as they board the plane in an assigned order. 

During Thursday's earnings call, Jordan confirmed the airline was exploring updates to its seating and boarding processes. He also announced Southwest would be ending service to Syracuse, New York; George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (the airline will still serve William P. Hobby Airport); Cozumel, Mexico and Bellingham, Washington. Jordan cited underperformance in those markets as the reason for their closure.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Blackburn and Hickenlooper Introduce Senate Bill to Boost U.S. Music Tourism, Calling Venues ‘Keepers of Our Culture’

The American Music Tourism Act of 2024 would see a coordinated national effort to increase both domestic and international travel to music events or venues.

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U.S. Senators  Marsha Blackburn  (R-Tenn.) and  John Hickenlooper  (D-Colo.) have introduced a bill to help support music tourism throughout the country. Dubbed the American Music Tourism Act of 2024, the newly introduced legislation would be an amendment to the Visit America Act that passed in 2022 and required the assistant secretary of commerce for travel and tourism to lead a coordinated national effort to rejuvenate international tourism following declines from the pandemic.  

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The act classifies music tourism as the act of traveling to a state or locality to visit historic or modern-day music related attractions including museums, studios, venues of all sizes and other sites related to music. The definition also includes traveling somewhere in the U.S. to attend a music festival, concert or other live music performance. If passed, the act would strengthen the economic benefits of music festivals like Tennessee’s Bonarroo or California’s Stagecoach, as well as music venues from Madison Square Garden in New York City to Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

The bipartisan legislation is endorsed by the Recording Academy, the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International, the Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, the National Independent Venues Association, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Memphis Tourism, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism and the Overton Park Shell in Memphis.

“The Recording Academy is pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act and applauds Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for their continued dedication to lifting up the music community,” said Recording Academy chief advocacy and public policy officer Todd Dupler in a statement. “Music has long played an important role in our economy and culture. This bill will amplify the music community’s contributions to economic growth and increase understanding of music’s impact on the U.S. and the world.”

Live Nation’s president of Nashville music and business strategy Sally Williams also voiced her approval of the act, stating, “In Nashville, Memphis, and countless other communities across the country, a vibrant live music scene is an economic magnet that draws fans from around the globe. The American Music Tourism Act is an important piece of legislation that will help ensure live music remains a pillar of American culture and tourism, and we’d like to thank the Senator for her leadership on this issue.”

“From rural communities to city centers, independent stages attract investment and visitors for the artists and professionals that put on shows and the restaurants, retail, and attractions around them,” said National Independent Venue Association executive director Stephen Parker in an endorsement. “The American Music Tourism Act finally recognizes music tourism as a catalyst for economic development and ensures its growth is a national priority. We applaud Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper for aligning the nation’s tourism strategy with the venues and festivals across our country that the world travels to experience.”

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21 Annoying Things You Should Never Do On A Flight

Posted: May 4, 2024 | Last updated: May 4, 2024

Flying is a shared experience, a blend of anticipation and routine, where passengers converge in the confined space of an aircraft. While air travel etiquette is understood by many, a handful of travelers often disregard these unspoken norms, engaging in behaviors that can detract from the overall comfort and enjoyment of the journey for others. From reclining seats without warning to misusing the overhead bins, these discourteous habits highlight the importance of mindfulness and respect in ensuring a pleasant flight for everyone.

Here are 21 annoying and rude things that should be avoided while flying.

Bringing Smelly Food on Board

Eating strong smelling foods in a confined space like an airplane is unpleasant for everyone on board. Opting for less aromatic food items respects the shared air space. Consider eating before boarding or selecting neutral smelling snacks for the flight.

Misusing the Overhead Bins

Placing personal items or taking up more than your fair share of bin space can inconvenience others or even delay the scheduled take off time. Being considerate with your luggage, using space efficiently, and following crew instructions helps everyone have access to the storage they need. Cooperation and courtesy make the boarding process smoother for all.

Boarding Before Your Group Is Called

While this might be tempting to ensure you get overhead bin space, this action creates unnecessary delays and confusion during the boarding process. Waiting for your designated group respects the system set up to ensure an orderly boarding. Patience and adherence to boarding protocols contribute to a smoother start to the flight.

Reclining Your Seat Suddenly

Quickly reclining your seat can startle the person behind you and potentially harm their laptop or spill their drink. It’s courteous to glance back and recline slowly. This consideration can prevent conflicts and ensure a peaceful flight for everyone.

Constantly Getting Up

Frequently moving in and out of your seat, especially if seated by the window, disrupts the comfort of those in your row. Planning bathroom visits around meal times and stretching periods can minimize disturbances. Being mindful of your seatmates’ comfort will make the journey more pleasant for everyone involved.

Using Bright Screens in a Dark Cabin

The glare from screens in a dimmed cabin can be a significant annoyance to others trying to sleep. Dimming your screen or using a blue light filter can help mitigate this issue. Consideration for others’ need to rest enhances the shared travel experience.

Hogging the Armrests

Taking over both armrests leaves your seatmates with nowhere to rest their arms, leading to discomfort and irritation. Sharing armrest space fairly, especially on long flights, is key to maintaining good relations with fellow passengers. A general rule is that the middle seat gets priority for armrests due to their limited space.

Ignoring Personal Hygiene

Neglecting personal hygiene can make the confined space of an airplane uncomfortable for those seated nearby. Wearing clean clothes and using deodorant can make the journey more pleasant for everyone. Consideration for others’ comfort is essential in such close quarters.

Boarding With a Backpack On

Navigating the airplane’s narrow aisle with a backpack strapped on can turn unsuspecting passengers into unwitting participants in an obstacle course, as they dodge unexpected swings and bumps. While perhaps unintended, this action can sour the mood, making it a faux pas in the unwritten etiquette of flight. By clutching the backpack in front, passengers can transform a potential aisle of hazards into a smooth runway, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between those seated and those passing by. null null

Drinking Excessively

Alcohol can impair judgment and lead to behavior that disrupts the comfort and safety of others on the flight. Moderation is key, and respecting the flight crew’s guidance on alcohol consumption ensures a harmonious journey. Responsible drinking can prevent unnecessary disturbances and ensure everyone’s well-being.

Kicking or Pushing the Seat in Front of You

This behavior can cause continuous discomfort and frustration for the person in front of you. Being mindful of your movements and avoiding unnecessary force against the seat preserves the peace. A little empathy goes a long way in ensuring a comfortable flight for everyone.

Letting Children Misbehave

Unchecked noisy or disruptive behavior from children can strain the patience of other passengers. It’s important for guardians to prepare with activities and snacks to keep children engaged and calm. Setting boundaries and providing gentle guidance can help minimize disruptions.

Taking Off Shoes and Socks

Taking off your shoes can release odors and make fellow passengers uncomfortable. If you need to remove your shoes, keeping your socks on and ensuring your feet are clean can mitigate any discomfort for others. Respect for shared spaces includes maintaining personal cleanliness.

Talking to Someone Who Doesn’t Want to Chat

Not everyone is open to conversation during a flight, preferring to rest or work instead. Recognizing and respecting these social cues ensures that all passengers can enjoy their journey as they wish. A polite introduction can gauge interest in conversation without imposing.

Leaving a Mess Behind

Discarding trash, leaving crumbs, or spilling drinks without cleaning up shows a lack of consideration for the crew and the next passengers. Using the provided trash bags and tidying your area before deplaning demonstrates respect for those who work to keep the cabin clean. A clean seat area contributes to a pleasant environment for everyone.

Ignoring Personal Boundaries

Encroaching on another’s space, whether through physical presence or with belongings, can lead to discomfort. Awareness of your personal space and ensuring your items do not overflow into others’ areas fosters a respectful environment.

Speaking loudly, laughing boisterously, or playing media without headphones can disrupt those seeking a quiet environment to rest or work. Using a moderate volume and headphones for personal devices is respectful to others’ space. Remember, sound travels easily in the cabin, affecting many passengers.

Talking On The Phone

This action is generally seen as rude due to the confined space, where passengers are in close proximity and unable to escape the conversation. The constant sound of one-sided conversations disrupts the quiet environment, making it difficult for others to relax or concentrate on their activities. Additionally, the lack of privacy in these conversations often forces everyone nearby to inadvertently eavesdrop, leading to discomfort and frustration among fellow travelers. null null

Ignoring Flight Attendant Instructions

Flight attendants provide safety instructions and guidelines to protect all passengers on board. Disregarding their directions can compromise safety and disrupt the flight experience for others. Compliance with crew instructions is not only a matter of respect but also a requirement for safety.

Crowding the Aisle Before Your Turn

Rushing to stand in the aisle as soon as the plane lands creates unnecessary congestion and delays the deboarding process. Waiting patiently for your turn to deboard demonstrates respect for the crew and fellow passengers. Efficient deboarding relies on everyone cooperating and following the crew’s instructions.

Not Using Headphones

Forcing others to listen to your music, games, or videos is inconsiderate and can be avoided by using headphones. Keeping the volume at a level that only you can hear ensures that everyone’s personal space is respected. This simple act of courtesy makes the travel experience better for everyone.

While flying, respect and consideration for our fellow travelers can transform the journey into a harmonious experience. By adhering to simple etiquette and being mindful of the shared space, we can mitigate the impact of those few disruptive behaviors, ensuring that air travel remains a marvel of modern convenience and connectivity. Ultimately, it’s the collective effort of all passengers to foster a courteous and pleasant atmosphere that makes the skies friendlier for everyone.

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Mother’s day gift guide 2024: the best travel tech.

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Having the right tech on a trip allow you to relax and keep connected.

Having the right tech on board - or on the road - makes everything easier. In the words of Mama Cass, things are getting better every day - today's tech is lighter, more powerful and useful than ever before. Here are some of the best gifts for a mother who likes to be on the move.

Bolt Magnetic Speaker

The Bolt speaker has a magnetic plate that can attach to a car, boat or golf cart.

From tailgating to boating or bringing some sound to a rental kitchen, the new Bolt speaker ($79.95) from Outdoor Tech has a powerful magnet meaning you can attach it to any metal surface whether a car, fridge or golf buggy. Using bluetooth (no surprise there), it’s also waterproof (handy for jet skiing) and can charge your tech in its spare time.

Kindle Scribe

A Kindle Scribe allows you to read, write and anotate with your tablet

Not opting for the smallest, lightest Kindle might sound counterintuitive in a travel tech guide, but the ability of the Kindle Scribe (from $339) to multitask makes it an inflight winner. It has up to 64gb to play with, weighs a delightful 433g and - at the end of the day - does more than any other Kindle. You can take notes, the conversion to text even works for my doctor-bad hand-writing. Lots of people will use it to annotate text in a work tool but for those of us who are born doodlers, we get to decorate the margins of the books in a completely guilt-free way.

Torras Coolify Cyber

Aircon becomes portable, thanks to this gadget

For when you need some air-conditioning alongside getting into nature, the Torras Coolify Cyber ($279) allows you to add serious chill when exercising or sightseeing. An instant temperature reduction of 10 degrees cools the face, neck and back, thanks to three thermoelectric semiconductors and four high-speed motors but it’s lightweight and almost silent.

Bang & Olufsen Ader Error collaboration

This Danish/South Korean collaboration is a very stylish one

When it’s important that your mother’s speaker is very stylish indeed. The cult Danish audio company Bang & Olufsen has launched a limited-edition collaboration with the Seoul-based fashion brand. A fusion of fashion and music, the company’s Beosound A1 portable speaker (from £450) has been allied with Ader Error’s signature Z-blue color, accompanied by a bespoke leather speaker bag and speaker stand.

Your Best Look Yet At The New iPhone 16

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High tech lightweight skin care from a leading firm.

Seeing red can be a good thing on Mother’s Day, when they give power packed facials at home. While a full face LED mask can look a little full-on (and is not ideal if you’re feeling claustrophobic), these MZ Skin Lightmax Minipro Eyeconic LED eye patches (£300) won’t scare the grandchildren. Harnessing Red 630nm and Near Infrared 830nm wavelengths to silicone LED pads that are conducted through Hydrocolloid patches, there’s a travel pouch to make transporting them easy.

Denon PerL Pro earbuds

These Denon earbuds measure your hearing and adapt automatically

One of the very best stealth audio brands, these Denon earbuds ($349) - equipped with Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology - automatically measure your hearing and create a unique profile while spacial audio from Dirac Virtuo puts you in the center of your audio. Easy to switch between powerful noise canceling or a social mode, the earphones have a powerful eight hour battery life while the case delivers three additional charges and - should you wish to chat to your mom, there are eight microphones for voice pickup.

Tile Mate tracker

A Tile Mate tracker could help reunite you with your luggage

In December, having an Airtag allowed me to observe - at an annoying distance - my suitcase languishing in Antigua after I’d made it onto a puddle jumper to Anguilla. In happier news, my tracker meant that I could steer the airline staff to it. Since I periodically question my slavish devotion to all things Apple, a Tile (from £19) is an Android equivalent and usually cheaper.

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