A trip to Hamilton always feels a little like coming home for us. Dave’s dad was born and raised in Hamilton, and Dave spent much of his childhood visiting family in the city. We’ve watched “The Hammer” change from the Steeltown we knew as kids into one of Ontario’s most interesting places to visit.

Hamilton has always had history, grit, and character. But today, it also has waterfalls, hiking trails, waterfront parks, museums, restaurants, art galleries, street festivals, and one of the best food scenes in Southern Ontario.

Now that we have friends in the area, we visit often and are always discovering something new. This guide brings together the classic Hamilton attractions we’ve loved for years with the newer energy that makes the city so fun to explore today.

Top Hamilton Attractions at a Glance

Best Historic Sites and Museums in Hamilton

Hamilton has a deep industrial, military, and political history. These museums and historic sites help explain how the city shaped Ontario and Canada.

1. Visit Dundurn Castle

Dundurn Castle is one of the top attractions in Hamilton and a great place to start if this is your first visit. This grand 1830s villa was once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, who served as Premier of the United Canadas.

The house has been restored to show what life looked like in the 19th century, with guided tours and period rooms that make the history easy to understand. Admission to Dundurn Castle is by guided tour only, and the City of Hamilton notes that admission includes access to the Hamilton Military Museum on the same property.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Leave time to walk the grounds and kitchen garden. Even if you are not a big museum person, the views over the bay and the historic setting make this one of Hamilton’s must-see stops.

Tickets cost $16.75 for adults and $10 for children, with children under 5 allowed in for free.

2. Explore the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Located beside Hamilton International Airport, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a must for aviation and history lovers. It houses a major collection of Canadian military aircraft, including vintage planes connected to Canada’s wartime history.

The highlight is the Avro Lancaster, one of the museum’s most famous aircraft. If you time your visit right, you may even see vintage aircraft taking off.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Check the museum schedule before you go. Seeing one of these historic aircraft in motion is far more memorable than only viewing it on the floor.

Admission to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is around $14.25 per adult, with children under 5 able to visit for free. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Flight simulation experiences are available at an extra cost. Check out the website for more details.

3. Step Aboard HMCS Haida National Historic Site

HMCS Haida is one of Hamilton’s most unique attractions. This floating museum sits on the waterfront and lets visitors explore a former Royal Canadian Navy destroyer.

Known as “Canada’s most fightingest ship,” HMCS Haida served during the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Walking through the ship gives you a real sense of how tight, loud, and intense life at sea must have been for the crew.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Wear good shoes. You’ll be climbing steep ladders and moving through narrow spaces, which is part of what makes the experience feel so real.

When staying in Hamilton, a great choice is the Holiday Inn Express on Upper James Street it’s a 15 minute walk to TD Coliseum and near some of the best dining and nightlife in Hamilton.

4. Visit The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology 

Housed in the restorThe Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is housed in a restored 1859 waterworks building and tells the story of steam power and industrial innovation in Canada.

The massive steam engines are the star of the visit. They once helped supply water to the growing city and remain an impressive reminder of Hamilton’s industrial roots.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Try to visit during a live demonstration. Seeing the machinery in action makes the museum much more interesting.

5. See the Battle of Stoney Creek

The Battle of Stoney Creek was a key moment in the War of 1812, and the site preserves that history through Battlefield House Museum and the Battlefield Monument.

The house, grounds, and monument help visitors understand how important the area was during the conflict between British, Canadian, and American forces.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Climb the monument if it is open during your visit. The view helps you understand why this location mattered strategically.

6. Visit The Erland Lee Museum

The Erland Lee Museum in Stoney Creek is a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Canadian history and women’s history. This 19th-century farmhouse is connected to the founding of the Women’s Institutes, an organization that began locally and later spread around the world.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: This is one of Hamilton’s quieter historic sites, but the story is important. It is especially worth visiting if you like places with a strong local connection.

Best Outdoor Adventures and Waterfalls in Hamilton

Hamilton sits along the Niagara Escarpment, giving the city one of the best natural settings in Southern Ontario. This is where Hamilton really surprises people.

7. Chase Hamilton’s Waterfalls

Hamilton is often called the Waterfall Capital of the World, and chasing waterfalls is one of the best things to do in the city. The region is known for having more than 100 waterfalls, many of them tucked into forested escarpment trails and conservation areas. Tourism Hamilton highlights the city’s waterfalls as one of its major outdoor draws.

Some of the most popular waterfalls include:

Webster’s Falls

Tews Falls

Albion Falls

Tiffany Falls

Devil’s Punchbowl

Sherman Falls

Webster’s Falls is one of the most famous, while Tews Falls is one of the tallest. Albion Falls is another classic stop, with water cascading over wide rock shelves.

Important Tip: Access rules, parking, shuttle systems, and reservations can change, especially at popular waterfalls. Always check the Hamilton Conservation Authority before you go.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t only chase the famous waterfalls. Tiffany Falls is beautiful and easy to reach, making it a great stop if you want a short walk without committing to a long hike.

8. Hike Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is one of the best places in Hamilton for scenery. It is home to Tews Falls, Webster’s Falls, and access to the Dundas Peak viewpoint.

Estimated reading time: 20 minutes

Dundas Peak is especially popular in autumn when the valley turns colour. The view over Dundas and the surrounding forest is one of the best in Southern Ontario.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Go on a weekday if you can. This is one of Hamilton’s most popular outdoor areas, and it can get very busy on weekends.

9. Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens, often called the RBG, is one of the top attractions in the Hamilton area. It is Canada’s largest botanical garden and includes formal gardens, nature sanctuaries, walking trails, and seasonal blooms.

The RBG is huge, so it is best to pick one or two areas instead of trying to see everything in a single visit.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: If you only have time for one section, start with Hendrie Park or the Rock Garden. Both are beautiful and easy to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Pricing: General admission tickets for entrance to the Royal Botanical Gardens cost $19.50 for adults, with children under 4 admitted for free. There are youth, senior, and family tickets available at a discounted price.

10. Hike on the Bruce Trail & Dundas Valley

Hamilton is a great hiking city because the Bruce Trail passes right through the area. The Dundas Valley Conservation Area also has more than enough trails for a full day outside.

Good options include:

The Bruce Trail

Dundas Valley Main Loop Trail

Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail

Escarpment trails near waterfalls

Rail trails for cycling and walking

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre if you want an easy introduction. From there, you can connect to several trails without overcomplicating the day.

Best Things to Do on Hamilton’s Waterfront

Hamilton’s waterfront has changed dramatically over the years. What was once mostly industrial has become one of the city’s best recreation areas.

11. Walk or Picnic at Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is one of the best places in Hamilton for a relaxed afternoon. It has walking paths, harbour views, green space, a playground, and room for families to spread out.

It is also a great place to start if you want to walk or bike along the waterfront.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Bring a picnic or grab food nearby and spend some time watching the boats in the harbour.

12. Stroll or Bike the Waterfront Trail

The Hamilton Waterfront Trail connects parks, lookout points, and harbourfront paths. It is flat, scenic, and easy to enjoy whether you are walking, cycling, or visiting with kids.

This is one of the best low-effort ways to experience Hamilton outdoors.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Rent bikes if the weather is nice. The trail is easy, and stopping for ice cream along the way is part of the fun.

13. Take a Hamilton Harbour Cruise

A harbour cruise gives you a different view of Hamilton. You’ll see the city’s industrial history, waterfront redevelopment, and working harbour from the water.

This is a good choice for visitors who want to understand the city beyond the usual attractions.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: The narrated sightseeing cruise is more interesting than you might expect. Hamilton’s harbour tells a big part of the city’s story.

14. Relax in Gage Park

ThGage Park is one of Hamilton’s classic city parks. It has gardens, walking paths, open green space, a tropical greenhouse, and seasonal events.

The Tropical Greenhouse is especially nice in winter when you want a warm escape without leaving the city.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: On a cold day, the greenhouse feels like a mini vacation. It is a great stop if you are visiting Hamilton outside of waterfall season.

15. Grab Fish and Chips at Hutch’s

Hutch’s is a Hamilton-area classic. This old-school spot near the waterfront has been serving fish and chips, burgers, ice cream, and milkshakes for generations.

We have a soft spot for Hutch’s because Deb used to come here as a kid. We lived just down the road in Burlington, and her dad would take the family there as a Sunday treat.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Expect a lineup on a sunny day. Get the fish and chips, but don’t skip the milkshake.

Best Arts, Culture, and Entertainment in Hamilton

Hamilton’s arts scene is one of the biggest reasons the city feels so different today. The city still has its industrial edge, but it now mixes that with galleries, music, theatre, sports, restaurants, and street festivals.

16. Experience James Street Art Crawl

James Street Art Crawl is one of the best things to do in Hamilton if you want to feel the city’s creative energy.

Held on the second Friday of every month, Art Crawl transforms James Street North into a street festival with galleries, shops, restaurants, artists, vendors, music, and food. The event runs from around 5 p.m. until late, and from May to October, part of James Street North becomes pedestrian-only during the event.

This is the kind of event that shows how much Hamilton has changed. It feels local, creative, casual, and welcoming. You can browse galleries, listen to live music, grab food, shop from local makers, and make a full evening of it.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Plan your visit around the second Friday of the month if you can. Start with Art Crawl, then book dinner on James Street North so you don’t have to move the car or rush across town.

17. Visit The Art Gallery of Hamilton

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest art museum in Southern Ontario. Its collection includes historical and contemporary Canadian art, with works connected to some of the country’s most important artists.

It is a great indoor activity and a strong cultural stop if you are spending time downtown.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Give yourself at least a couple of hours. The Canadian collection is the highlight. Please verify the current admission structure on their official website.

18. See a Hamilton Tiger-Cats Game

Hamilton is a football city, and seeing the Tiger-Cats play at Tim Hortons Field is one of the most local experiences you can have.

The CFL season usually runs from summer into fall, and the atmosphere at a Ticats game is loud, loyal, and very Hamilton.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Wear black and gold and join the “Oskee Wee Wee” chants. Even if you are not a huge football fan, the energy is infectious.

19. Visit the Canadian Football Hall of Fame

Located at Tim Hortons Field, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame celebrates the history of Canadian football and the CFL.

It is a good add-on if you are already going to a game or visiting the stadium.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Pair this with a Ticats game for the full experience.

19. Spend an Evening at Hess Village

Hess Village is one of Hamilton’s classic nightlife areas. The pedestrian-friendly cobblestone street is lined with bars, patios, restaurants, and live music spots.

It is liveliest in summer when the patios are full.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Hess is great for drinks and nightlife, but for dinner we’d also look at James Street North or King William Street.

20. See a Show at Theatre Aquarius

Theatre Aquarius is Hamilton’s main professional theatre company and a great option for a night out downtown.

The productions are polished, and it is a nice alternative to heading into Toronto for live theatre.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Check the schedule before your visit. A show here makes an easy culture-and-dinner evening.

Best Food and Drink in Hamilton

Hamilton’s food scene has grown into one of the best in Ontario. You’ll find old-school classics, farmers’ market eats, pizza, cocktails, patios, and chef-driven restaurants.

21. Eat at Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Hamilton Farmers’ Market has been part of the city since 1837 and remains one of the best places to eat downtown.

You can find fresh produce, cheese, meat, baked goods, prepared foods, coffee, and international food stalls. It is a great lunch stop, especially if you are visiting the Art Gallery of Hamilton or exploring downtown.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: Don’t just shop. Plan to eat here. It is one of the easiest ways to sample Hamilton’s food scene in one place.

23. Have Dinner at Born & Raised on James Street North

Born & Raised is one of the best restaurants to pair with a visit to James Street North. Located right in the Art Crawl district, it is surrounded by galleries, shops, cafes, and the creative energy that makes this part of Hamilton so fun.

The restaurant was created by chef Vittorio Colacitti and focuses on bold flavours, Italian-inspired dishes, pizza, and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere. It is a great choice for dinner after Art Crawl or a night out downtown.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: If you are visiting during James Street Art Crawl, make a reservation if possible. The street gets busy, and this is exactly the kind of place you’ll want to settle into after walking the galleries.

24. Explore King William Street

King William Street has become one of Hamilton’s best dining areas, with restaurants, patios, and cocktail spots packed into a walkable downtown strip.

If you want a more polished dinner, this is a good area to explore.

Dave & Deb’s Tip: King William is a great choice if you want to turn a Hamilton day trip into an evening out.

25. Dine on Locke Street

Best One-Day Hamilton Itinerary

If you only have one day in Hamilton, here is how we would plan it.

Morning

Start at Dundurn Castle for history and bay views. Then head toward the waterfront for a walk through Bayfront Park or along the Waterfront Trail.

Lunch

Eat at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market if you are downtown, or go classic with fish and chips at Hutch’s near the waterfront.

Afternoon

Choose one outdoor adventure:

Webster’s Falls and Tews Falls

Dundas Peak

Royal Botanical Gardens

Dundas Valley trails

Evening

Head to James Street North. If it is the second Friday of the month, explore James Street Art Crawl. Then book dinner at Born & Raised or another nearby restaurant.

This itinerary gives you the best mix of Hamilton: history, waterfront, nature, art, and food.

Best Things to Do in Hamilton With Kids

Hamilton is a great family day trip because many attractions are easy to combine.

Good family-friendly stops include:

Bayfront Park

Waterfront Trail

Royal Botanical Gardens

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Gage Park

Hutch’s for fish and chips

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology

Easy waterfall viewpoints, depending on current access rules

The key with kids is not to overpack the day. Pick one museum, one outdoor stop, and one easy food stop.

Best Free and Cheap Things to Do in Hamilton

Hamilton can be a budget-friendly day trip if you plan it well.

Free or low-cost things to do include:

Walking the Waterfront Trail

Exploring Bayfront Park

Visiting James Street Art Crawl

Walking around James Street North

Seeing public art downtown

Hiking selected trails

Visiting Gage Park

Browsing Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Visiting waterfall viewpoints where access rules and parking allow

Always check parking and reservation requirements before visiting waterfalls or conservation areas.

Is Hamilton Worth Visiting?

Yes, Hamilton is worth visiting because it combines waterfalls, hiking trails, museums, waterfront parks, restaurants, art galleries, and local culture in one easy day trip or weekend getaway. It has the outdoor appeal of the Niagara Escarpment, the history of an old industrial city, and the food and arts scene of a place that has reinvented itself without losing its character.

Is Hamilton a Good Day Trip From Toronto?

Hamilton is one of the best day trips from Toronto because it is close enough for a full-day visit but different enough to feel like a real change of scenery. You can tour Dundurn Castle, hike to waterfalls, walk the waterfront, visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and end the day with dinner on James Street North.

What Is Hamilton Best Known For?

Hamilton is best known for its industrial history, waterfalls, hiking trails, the Niagara Escarpment, arts scene, food scene, and waterfront. It is still called “Steeltown,” but today it is just as well known for outdoor adventure, creative neighbourhoods, and one of Ontario’s most underrated city breaks.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hamilton?

Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit Hamilton for waterfalls, hiking, gardens, patios, festivals, and James Street Art Crawl. Fall is especially beautiful in the Dundas Valley, while winter is better for museums, restaurants, theatre, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and indoor attractions.

Do You Need a Car in Hamilton?

A car is useful in Hamilton, especially if you want to visit waterfalls, conservation areas, Dundas, Stoney Creek, the Royal Botanical Gardens, or attractions outside downtown. Once you are downtown, areas like James Street North, King William Street, the farmers’ market, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton are much easier to explore on foot.

Where Should You Eat in Hamilton?

For a classic Hamilton stop, go to Hutch’s for fish and chips near the waterfront. For a downtown lunch, visit Hamilton Farmers’ Market. For dinner on James Street North, Born & Raised is a great choice, especially if you are pairing it with James Street Art Crawl.

Explore more travels

Most people know the Sea to Sky Highway as one of Canada’s most beautiful drives. It winds from the edge of Vancouver along Howe Sound, climbs past waterfalls and mountain viewpoints, and continues toward Whistler and Pemberton.

Now, it has another reason to be on your road trip list: it has been named one of the best EV road trips in the world.

According to a study by iSelect, British Columbia’s Sea to Sky Highway ranked seventh globally among the world’s most EV-friendly road trips. The study analyzed 48 iconic road trips across six continents and scored each route based on factors such as charging infrastructure, distance, estimated charging cost, and traveller reviews.

For Canadian travellers, that is a big deal. EV road trips are no longer just about whether you can make it from one charger to the next. The best routes now combine scenery, reliable charging access, reasonable costs, and places you actually want to stop along the way.

Why EV Road Trips Are Becoming More Popular in 2026

Electric vehicles are becoming a bigger part of travel planning. The International Energy Agency expects global electric car sales to reach 23 million in 2026, representing 28% of total car sales. That means more travellers are thinking about charging stops the same way they used to think about gas stations, rest areas, and coffee breaks.

Charging infrastructure is also expanding. The IEA reported that the worldwide stock of public charging points reached more than 7 million at the end of 2025, with nearly 1.8 million public chargers added in 2025 alone.

That shift matters for road trips. A few years ago, EV travel could feel like a math problem with scenery attached. Now, on the right routes, it can feel much closer to a normal road trip — as long as you plan ahead.

Sea to Sky Highway EV Road Trip at a Glance

The Sea to Sky Highway ranked seventh globally in iSelect’s study. The route stretches from Horseshoe Bay toward Pemberton, passing through some of British Columbia’s most famous scenery, including Howe Sound, Squamish, Whistler, and the Coast Mountains.

The World’s Top 10 EV Road Trips

Chart idea: create a simple horizontal bar chart titled Top 10 EV Road Trips in the World, using the Road Trip Score column. This would work well just below the table.

Canada Has Two of the World’s Best EV Road Trips

One of the most interesting parts of the ranking is that Canada appears twice in the global top 10.

The Kootenay Highway ranked second in the world, with a score of 99.24 out of 100. The Sea to Sky Highway ranked seventh, with a score of 88.15. That gives Canada two of the highest-rated EV road trip routes in the world according to iSelect’s index.

That should not be surprising to anyone who has road-tripped through British Columbia. Canada’s western mountain routes already offer some of the best scenery in the world. The difference now is that EV infrastructure is starting to make those drives more accessible for electric vehicle owners.

Why the Sea to Sky Highway Works So Well for EV Drivers

The Sea to Sky Highway is not a long cross-country endurance test. That is part of what makes it such a good EV route.

The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is short enough for many modern EVs to handle comfortably, but scenic enough that you will want to stop anyway. Instead of treating charging as an inconvenience, you can build it into the trip.

Stops like Squamish, Shannon Falls, Brandywine Falls, Whistler Village, and Pemberton give travellers natural breaks along the way. For EV drivers, that means charging can happen while you eat, hike, shop, or take photos instead of sitting around watching a battery percentage crawl upward.

Best Stops on a Sea to Sky Highway EV Road Trip

Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is a great place to start if you are coming from Vancouver. It has waterfront views, ferry traffic, cafes, and a relaxed village feel before the highway begins climbing toward Squamish.

Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls is one of the easiest scenic stops on the Sea to Sky Highway. The short walk to the waterfall makes it a perfect break on the way to Squamish or Whistler.

Squamish

Squamish is one of the best stops on the route. It has food, coffee, outdoor shops, hiking access, and views of the Stawamus Chief. It is also a practical place to stop, stretch your legs, and check your charge before continuing north.

Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the most popular attractions along the route. It offers sweeping views over Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains, making it an easy way to turn the drive into a full day trip.

Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is another easy stop between Squamish and Whistler. The walk is short, the waterfall is impressive, and it is a good reminder that the Sea to Sky Highway is not just about getting to Whistler.

Whistler

Whistler is the main destination for many Sea to Sky road trips. In summer, it is great for hiking, biking, patios, lakes, and mountain views. In winter, it becomes one of North America’s most famous ski destinations.

Pemberton

Pemberton is a quieter extension of the trip beyond Whistler. It offers mountain scenery, farmland, and a slower pace for travellers who want to continue past the busiest part of the route.

Tips for Driving the Sea to Sky Highway in an EV

Plan Your Charging Stops Before You Leave

Even on EV-friendly routes, it is still smart to plan your charging stops ahead of time. Check charger locations, charging speeds, plug types, and whether stations are available or out of service before you start driving.

Do Not Wait Until Your Battery Is Almost Empty

The Sea to Sky Highway is not the place to play battery roulette. Mountain roads, weather, traffic, and detours can all affect range. Keep a buffer so you are not stressed if a charger is busy or unavailable.

Expect Range to Change With Terrain and Weather

EV range can drop in cold weather, heavy rain, strong winds, or mountain driving. The Sea to Sky Highway includes elevation changes, so it is better to plan conservatively.

Charge While You Stop

The best EV road trips are the ones where charging fits naturally into the route. Stop for lunch in Squamish, explore Whistler Village, or take a scenic break while the car charges.

Download Charging Apps Before You Go

Do not wait until you are in a parking lot with weak signal to download a charging app. Set up your accounts, payment methods, and route planning tools before you leave home.

Best Apps for Planning an EV Road Trip

For an EV road trip, we would use a mix of navigation, charging, and general travel apps.

Useful apps include:

Google Maps for navigation

PlugShare for charger reviews and locations

A Better Routeplanner for EV route planning

Your vehicle’s own charging/navigation app

Booking.com or Google Maps for hotels and food stops

Weather apps for road and mountain conditions

For more trip-planning tools, see our guide to the best travel apps for 2026.

Is the Sea to Sky Highway Worth Driving Without an EV?

Absolutely. The Sea to Sky Highway is one of Canada’s great scenic drives whether you are driving an electric vehicle, hybrid, or gas-powered car.

The EV ranking simply shows that the route is becoming more accessible for modern travellers. The scenery was already there. The charging infrastructure is what makes it easier for EV drivers to enjoy the route with more confidence.

What This Ranking Means for Canadian Travel

The Sea to Sky Highway’s global ranking is part of a bigger shift in travel. Sustainable travel is no longer just about choosing trains over planes or staying in eco-lodges. For many travellers, it now includes how they drive, where they charge, and whether road trips can be done with lower emissions.

Canada has the scenery. The challenge has always been distance. As charging infrastructure improves, more Canadian road trips will become realistic for EV drivers.

That is good news for travellers, but it is also good news for smaller communities along the way. EV road trips encourage people to stop longer, spend locally, and build their route around towns, restaurants, viewpoints, parks, and overnight stays.

Sea to Sky Highway EV Road Trip Checklist

Before driving the Sea to Sky Highway in an electric vehicle, make sure to:

Check your vehicle’s real-world range.

Map chargers before leaving Vancouver.

Download charging apps and set up payment.

Check whether your hotel has EV charging.

Leave a battery buffer for mountain driving.

Watch the weather and road conditions.

Plan scenic stops around charging breaks.

Bring a regular charging cable if your vehicle supports it.

Avoid arriving at chargers with critically low battery.

Have a backup charging location in mind.

Final Thoughts

The Sea to Sky Highway has always been one of Canada’s most spectacular drives. Now it is also being recognized as one of the best EV road trips in the world.

That combination makes sense. The route is scenic, manageable, practical, and packed with places worth stopping. For EV drivers, that is exactly what makes a great road trip. You do not want to plan your entire day around charging. You want charging to fit into a journey you already wanted to take.

From Vancouver to Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton, the Sea to Sky Highway proves that EV travel does not have to mean giving up adventure. It just means planning the route a little smarter.

And honestly, if your charging stop comes with mountain views and a coffee in Squamish, that is not exactly a hardship.

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Most travellers now fly with several battery-powered items: a phone, laptop, tablet, camera, headphones, smartwatch, portable charger or vape. But packing one of them in the wrong bag can cause real problems at the airport.

In 2026, aviation safety authorities are warning travellers to pay closer attention to lithium batteries after reports that millions of batteries are still being packed incorrectly. The biggest mistake is simple: power banks, portable chargers and spare lithium batteries should not go in checked luggage.

They belong in your carry-on bag or personal item, where they can be reached quickly if they overheat, smoke or catch fire. This matters even more when your carry-on gets taken away at the gate and sent underneath the plane.

2026 Airline Battery Rules at a Glance

The safest habit is simple: power banks, spare batteries and removable batteries stay with you. Valuable electronics are usually better in the cabin too.

Why Are Power Banks Not Allowed in Checked Luggage?

Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage because they contain lithium batteries that can overheat if damaged, poorly packed, overcharged, exposed to heat or affected by a defect.

In rare cases, lithium batteries can enter thermal runaway. That means the battery heats faster than it can cool itself down. It may swell, smoke, burn or ignite.

If that happens in the cabin, passengers and crew can spot the problem quickly. Cabin crews are trained to respond to battery incidents. If the battery is hidden inside a suitcase in the cargo hold, it is much harder to access.

That is why this rule is not just airport red tape. A small charger in the wrong bag can become a serious safety issue.

What Batteries Should Never Go in Checked Luggage?

Before you check a suitcase, look for anything with a loose, spare or removable lithium battery.

These items should stay in your carry-on or personal item:

Power banks

Portable phone chargers

Spare lithium batteries

Spare camera batteries

Spare drone batteries

Spare laptop batteries

Rechargeable battery packs

Phone battery charging cases

Removable smart-luggage batteries

Vapes and e-cigarettes, where legally permitted

You should also think carefully before checking valuable electronics with installed batteries, including:

Phones

Laptops

Tablets

Cameras

Headphones

E-readers

Smartwatches

Handheld gaming devices

Some airlines may allow certain devices with batteries installed in checked luggage if they are completely powered off and protected from damage. But for most travellers, the smarter choice is to keep electronics in the cabin.

Checked bags get dropped, delayed, searched and occasionally sent on their own little vacation. Your laptop does not need that character-building experience.

Spare Batteries vs. Batteries Installed in Devices

This is where the rules confuse a lot of travellers.

A spare battery is any battery that is not installed inside the device it powers. A power bank also counts because it is an external battery used to charge other devices.

A battery installed in a device is different. This includes the battery built into your phone, laptop, tablet, camera, headphones or smartwatch.

The easiest rule to remember is this:

If the battery is loose, removable or used to charge something else, do not check it. The FAA’s lithium battery guidance says power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage.

What Happens If Your Carry-On Gets Checked at the Gate?

Gate-checking is one of the easiest ways to accidentally break the battery rule.

You may pack your power bank correctly in your carry-on at home. Then you reach the gate, the overhead bins are full and the agent tags your carry-on to go underneath the plane.

At that moment, your carry-on has become checked luggage.

Before handing it over, remove:

Power banks

Portable chargers

Spare batteries

Vapes or e-cigarettes, where legally permitted

Medication

Travel documents

Valuables

Anything you cannot afford to lose

The easiest system is to keep all power banks and spare batteries in one small pouch inside your personal item. If your roller bag gets gate-checked, you can remove the pouch in seconds instead of digging through your suitcase while the boarding line gives you the collective death stare.

What Is the 100 Wh Rule for Power Banks?

Airlines measure lithium-ion battery size in watt-hours, written as Wh.

Most standard phone power banks are under 100 Wh and are usually allowed in carry-on baggage. Larger batteries may require airline approval, and very large batteries are generally not allowed in normal passenger baggage.

The 100 Wh rule matters most for large laptop power banks, professional camera gear, video equipment and drone batteries.

A typical 10,000 mAh power bank is often around 37 Wh. A 20,000 mAh power bank is often around 74 Wh. Larger power banks can get close to the limit, so check before you pack.

According to CATSA’s battery packing guidelines, travellers should keep batteries and electronic devices containing batteries in their carry-on baggage, avoid damaged or recalled batteries, and protect spare batteries from short-circuiting.

How to Find the Watt-Hours on a Power Bank

Look for the Wh rating printed on the back, bottom or side of the power bank. Newer batteries often show this number clearly.

If the label only shows mAh and volts, you can calculate watt-hours with this formula:

Volts x amp-hours = watt-hours

Since 1,000 mAh equals 1 Ah, a 20,000 mAh power bank is 20 Ah.

For example:

3.7 volts x 20 Ah = 74 Wh

That would usually fall under the 100 Wh carry-on limit.

If the label has rubbed off and the airline cannot confirm the battery rating, the item may be refused. Do not rely on guessing at the airport.

Can Laptops, Phones and Tablets Go in Checked Luggage?

Laptops, phones and tablets have batteries installed inside the device, so they are not treated the same way as loose spare batteries or power banks.

However, airline rules vary. If an airline allows these devices in checked luggage, they should be completely powered off, protected from damage and packed so they cannot accidentally turn on.

That means fully powered off, not sleeping, hibernating or sitting there quietly planning to wake up mid-flight.

In practice, keep phones, laptops and tablets in the cabin whenever possible. They are valuable, easy to damage and often essential if your checked bag is delayed.

Are Vapes Allowed in Checked Luggage?

No. Vapes and e-cigarettes should not be packed in checked luggage because they contain batteries. They should travel in the cabin and must not be used or charged during the flight.

Rules for vaping products also vary by destination, and some countries restrict or ban them. If an adult is legally travelling with one, it still needs to follow airline battery rules.

If you are packing for someone else, check for these before closing a checked suitcase. A vape tossed into checked luggage can create the same battery issue as other lithium-powered devices.

Can You Check Smart Luggage?

Smart luggage can usually be checked only if the battery can be removed.

A smart bag is luggage with built-in charging, tracking or other battery-powered features. If the bag is going into the cabin and meets carry-on size limits, it may be accepted as a carry-on. If it has to be checked, the battery must usually be removed and brought into the cabin.

If the battery cannot be removed, the airline may refuse to accept the bag as checked luggage.

Before travelling with smart luggage, find the battery compartment at home. Do not wait until the check-in counter to discover that the “removable” battery requires a tiny screwdriver, a prayer and the patience of a saint.

Can You Pack Drones and Camera Batteries in Checked Luggage?

The drone or camera body may be allowed in checked luggage by some airlines, but spare lithium batteries should be removed and carried in the cabin.

Spare camera batteries and drone batteries should be individually protected so the terminals cannot touch metal or each other. Use the original packaging, a battery case, a protective pouch or tape over exposed terminals.

If you travel with several batteries for photography or video work, check your airline’s quantity limits before you fly. Battery rules can be stricter for professional video gear and larger drone batteries.

How to Pack Batteries Safely for a Flight

Loose batteries should never be thrown into a bag with coins, keys, jewellery, cables or other metal objects. Battery terminals can short-circuit if they touch metal.

Pack batteries safely by:

Keeping them in the original packaging when possible

Covering exposed terminals with tape

Using a battery case or sleeve

Keeping each battery separate

Storing them in a protective pouch

Keeping them away from sharp or heavy items

Packing them somewhere easy to access

This is especially important for camera batteries, drone batteries and loose rechargeable cells.

Do Not Fly With Damaged or Recalled Batteries

Do not travel with a battery that is swollen, cracked, leaking, unusually hot, damaged or recalled.

A swollen power bank is not “probably fine.” It is a damaged battery and should be taken to an appropriate recycling or disposal location.

Before flying with an older power bank, check the model number and look for current recall notices from the manufacturer or your government recall site. Some recalled power banks may be prohibited onboard entirely.

If a battery looks questionable, leave it at home. Replacing a charger is cheaper than dealing with a safety incident at the airport.

What to Do If a Battery Overheats on the Plane

If a battery or device becomes hot, starts swelling, smokes, sparks or smells strange during a flight, tell the cabin crew immediately.

Do not put it in the overhead bin. Do not hide it in a bag. Do not take it to the washroom. Cabin crew are trained to respond to battery incidents, but they need to know right away.

The goal is not to handle the problem yourself. The goal is to alert the people trained to deal with it.

Two-Minute Battery Check Before Every Flight

Before leaving for the airport, do this quick check:

Find every power bank, spare battery and battery-powered device.

Check each battery for swelling, cracks, heat or damage.

Look for the Wh rating.

Check for recalls if the battery is older or unfamiliar.

Put power banks and spare batteries in your carry-on or personal item.

Protect loose battery terminals.

Check the rules for the airline operating your flight.

Remove batteries before gate-checking a carry-on bag.

This takes less than two minutes and can prevent a pulled bag, confiscated item or airport delay.

Before You Check Your Bag: Battery Packing Checklist

Before you check a suitcase or hand over a carry-on at the gate, make sure:

Power banks are in your carry-on

Portable chargers are in your carry-on

Spare batteries are in your carry-on

Vapes or e-cigarettes are in your carry-on, where legally permitted

Battery terminals are protected

Watt-hours are checked

Damaged batteries are removed

Recalled batteries are left at home

Smart-luggage batteries can be removed

Your battery pouch is easy to grab before gate-checking

Final Advice

Before you check any bag, open it and look for batteries.

Power banks, portable chargers, spare batteries and removable lithium batteries stay with you in the cabin. Phones, laptops, tablets and cameras are usually safer in your carry-on. If your carry-on gets taken at the gate, remove your battery pouch before the bag goes underneath the plane.

The goal is not to stop travelling with electronics. The goal is to stop packing them on autopilot.

A two-minute battery check before every flight can save your bag, your gear and possibly your travel day.

Airline websites are not necessarily badly designed, even though they often feel that way. In many cases, the booking process is doing exactly what it was designed to do: get you focused on the lowest advertised fare before revealing the cost of everything else.

You start with a flight that looks like it costs $400. By the time you add a carry-on bag, choose a seat, and work through the final checkout screens, the total is suddenly $650.

After more than 18 years of travel to over 130 countries, we still catch ourselves slowing down to double-check airline bookings. The difference now is that we know where the expensive mistakes are usually hiding. We also use flight-search and tracking tools to compare routes and monitor changes. See our guide to the best travel apps for 2026.

How Do You Avoid Airline Booking Traps?

The lowest price on the first screen is rarely enough information to tell you which flight is actually cheapest. You need to compare the complete journey, including baggage, seats, fare restrictions, connections, operating airlines, and the risk involved if something goes wrong.

Airline Booking Traps at a Glance

These airline booking traps—also common flight-booking mistakes—can turn an apparently cheap ticket into the most expensive option.

1. Choosing a Flight Based on Airline Loyalty

One of the first mistakes travellers make is comparing flights by airline logo.

You see the airline you normally use, remember the points sitting in your account, and stop comparing. But loyalty should not convince you to pay hundreds of dollars more for a worse schedule, a more restrictive ticket, or a fare that excludes everything you need.

Airline points can still be valuable, especially when you are close to earning useful status or have benefits such as complimentary baggage. But loyalty should be one part of the calculation, not the starting point.

Before choosing an airline, compare:

Carry-on and checked-baggage allowances

Seat-selection costs

Cancellation and change rules

Connection length

Departure and arrival times

The airline operating the flight

The final price after necessary extras

The days of automatically paying more because “this is our airline” are over. Loyalty should follow value, not the other way around.

2. Buying Basic Economy Without Doing the Math

Basic Economy can be a perfectly reasonable fare. The trap is buying it without understanding what has been removed.

It may work well when you are taking a short flight, travelling with only a small personal item, do not care where you sit, and are confident your plans will not change.

The problem is that airline websites normally display the lowest available fare first. Once you are in booking mode, it is easy to select that number and move forward without reading the restrictions.

You may save $40 on the ticket and then spend $85 adding the carry-on bag you needed from the beginning.

Before booking Basic Economy, price the next fare category. A Standard Economy ticket may cost more initially but include a carry-on bag, checked luggage, seat selection, or greater flexibility.

Also consider whether seat selection genuinely matters. Travellers with children, mobility considerations, medical needs, or a strong need for an aisle or window seat should include that cost when comparing fares.

Do not buy the lowest number. Buy the fare that includes what you actually need.

3. Paying More After a Fare-Bucket Jump

Airlines do not necessarily sell every Economy Class seat at the same price. Seats are divided into fare classes or pricing tiers, often called fare buckets.

When the cheapest tier sells out, the price can jump even when the aircraft still has many empty seats.

That is one reason a flight might appear at $480 in the morning and $620 later that day. It does not always mean the plane suddenly filled up. It may mean the least expensive fare class is no longer available.

When you see a noticeable price increase, do not assume you must either pay it immediately or lose the trip.

Start the comparison again and check:

Other airlines

Flights earlier or later that day

Nearby travel dates

Nearby airports

The next fare category

A different routing

A competitor may now be cheaper. In other cases, the next fare level may include baggage, seat selection, or flexibility that makes it better value than the stripped-down ticket you were originally considering. A fare jump is a signal to widen the search, not automatically accept the new price.

For the tools we use to compare dates, airports, and fare changes, see our guide to the best travel apps for finding flights.

4. Assuming a Round Trip Is Always the Best Deal

The standard airline search box encourages travellers to enter a departure city, destination, outbound date, and return date.

That does not mean a traditional round trip is always the cheapest or most efficient way to book.

Before purchasing an expensive international itinerary, compare it three ways:

One round-trip ticket

Two separate one-way tickets

A multi-city or open-jaw ticket

An open-jaw ticket means flying into one city and returning home from another.

For example, if you are travelling through Europe, you might fly into Paris and return from Rome. Even if the airfare is similar to a return ticket from Paris, you could avoid paying for a train or flight back to your starting point. You may also save a hotel night and an entire day of backtracking.

Different airlines can also be used in each direction. One carrier may offer the best outbound flight, while another has a much better return schedule.

When comparing separate tickets, check baggage fees, fare restrictions, connection risks, and cancellation policies. The goal is not to find the cleverest itinerary. It is to determine which option gives you the best total trip.

5. Not Checking the Operating Airline

With a codeshare flight, the airline selling the ticket may not be the airline flying the plane.

You might purchase the journey through one airline’s website and then arrive at the airport to discover that a partner carrier operates the flight.

This can affect:

Online check-in

Seat selection

Aircraft type

Cabin layout

Baggage handling

Onboard service

Airport terminal

Who helps during a disruption

Before buying, look for the words “operated by” in the flight details.

Then check the itinerary on both airline websites. Confirm the aircraft, seat map, baggage allowance, terminal, and check-in instructions.

After booking, make sure you have the operating carrier’s reservation number. The confirmation number issued by the airline selling the ticket may not work on the partner airline’s website.

Codeshares are not automatically bad. They can provide more destinations and useful connections. The problem is that they create a handoff between companies, and that handoff can become confusing when you need assistance.

As we have learned, one of the most expensive sentences in travel can be: “You need to contact the other airline.”

6. Accidentally Booking a Mixed-Cabin Ticket

Mixed-cabin fares are one of the easiest airline traps to miss.

The search result may display a large Premium Economy or Business Class label, making it appear that the entire journey is in the upgraded cabin.

Then you expand the flight details and discover that the 40-minute connection is in Premium Economy while the eight-hour overnight flight is in regular Economy.

We have come close to booking this type of itinerary several times.

Before paying, check the cabin listed beside every individual segment. Make sure the premium seat is on the flight where you will actually benefit from it.

Mixed cabins may also affect:

Lounge access

Priority check-in

Boarding groups

Baggage allowances

Seat selection

Mileage earnings

Rebooking during a disruption

Do not assume one premium segment provides premium benefits throughout the trip.

Screenshot the cabin shown for each flight and confirm that it appears correctly in the final reservation. A mixed-cabin fare is only a deal when the upgraded cabin is on the part of the journey that matters.

7. Checking the Wrong Baggage Rules

There is rarely one simple baggage policy that applies to every passenger flying with an airline.

Your allowance can depend on:

The exact fare purchased

The route

The destination

The operating airline

Loyalty status

Whether the flights are on one ticket

Whether a segment is operated by a low-cost carrier

Do not check only the airline’s general baggage page. Open the conditions attached to the specific fare and route you are considering.

Confirm:

Personal-item dimensions

Carry-on dimensions

Carry-on weight limit

Checked-bag allowance

Checked-bag weight

Oversize and overweight charges

Online and airport prices

This is especially important when connecting from a transatlantic flight to a smaller airline or low-cost carrier within Europe. A bag accepted on the first flight may be too large, too heavy, or not included on the next one.

A bag fitting inside the overhead compartment does not automatically mean it meets the airline’s rules. Wheels, handles, and outside pockets are normally included when the bag is measured.

Price your luggage before buying the flight. A ticket that appears $30 cheaper can quickly become more expensive once the necessary baggage is added.

Paying for bags online in advance is also frequently less expensive than waiting until the airport, although the difference varies by airline.

Finally, weigh your suitcase at home using a real scale. Picking it up and declaring that it “feels about 20 kilos” is not a reliable baggage strategy.

Once you know your allowance, follow our two-minute checked-bag routine before handing your suitcase over at the airport.

8. Booking an Unprotected Self-Transfer

A self-transfer may be the most expensive mistake in this guide.

Some search and booking sites combine two separate tickets and display them as one journey. Look for warnings such as:

Self-transfer

Separate tickets

Collect and re-check baggage

Airport change

Transfer not protected

The critical detail is that the airlines may not recognize the flights as one protected itinerary.

If the first flight is delayed and you miss the second one, the second airline may consider you a no-show. You could lose the remaining flights on that reservation and be forced to purchase a new last-minute ticket.

The first airline may not be responsible for helping because it transported you to the destination shown on its ticket.

A self-transfer can also require you to:

Clear immigration

Collect checked luggage

Leave the secure area

Change terminals

Travel to another airport

Check in again

Meet a new baggage-drop deadline

Pass through security again

Leaving the international transit area can also trigger entry or transit requirements that would not apply during a normal airside connection.

Self-transfers can work when you have a long buffer, carry-on luggage, an airport you understand, and enough flexibility to absorb a disruption.

We would not use one when connecting to a cruise, wedding, organized tour, or once-daily long-haul flight.

Always compare the self-transfer price with a protected itinerary. The higher fare may not simply be buying convenience. It may be buying the airline’s responsibility to get you to your final destination.

9. Confusing Minimum Connection Time With a Realistic Connection

Airlines can sell a connection that technically meets the airport’s minimum requirements.

That does not necessarily mean it is comfortable, sensible, or suitable for you.

A 45-minute connection at a large international airport might involve:

A long walk

A terminal change

Passport control

Additional security

A bus transfer

A slow aircraft exit

A delayed inbound flight

If a connection makes you nervous while sitting at home, it will not feel better when you are waiting for the aircraft door to open. Choose connection time based on the consequences of missing the next flight.

Allow more time when:

Connecting to a cruise

Catching the last flight of the day

Connecting to a once-daily route

Travelling with children

Travelling with mobility considerations

Clearing immigration

Changing terminals

Flying during a busy travel period

A long layover can be inconvenient. A missed connection can cost a full day or derail the entire trip.

10. Booking Through a Third-Party Site Without Comparing Directly

We use third-party flight sites for research. They are useful for comparing airlines, dates, and routing options.

Buying through one is a separate decision.

A third-party fare may be genuinely cheaper, but make sure you are comparing the same product. It could involve:

A more restrictive fare

Excluded baggage

Separate tickets

A self-transfer

Additional service fees

Different cancellation rules

The biggest issue normally appears when the schedule changes or the flight is cancelled.

The airline may tell you to contact the company that issued the ticket. The booking company may then tell you that only the airline can resolve the flight.

Before buying, find the itinerary through the search site and compare it directly with the airline. When the price difference is small, booking with the airline may be worth it for easier communication during disruptions.

Also check the payment currency. Some booking sites offer to convert the total into your home currency. This feels convenient but may include a less favourable exchange rate.

When your credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee, paying in the original currency may be less expensive. Compare the final converted amount and check your card’s fees rather than choosing a currency based on familiarity.

11. Assuming a Valid Passport Is All You Need

Some of the most expensive travel problems do not happen during booking. They happen at the airport after your hotel, tour, rental car, or cruise has already been paid for.

A valid passport may not be enough to enter your destination or transit through a connecting country.

Depending on your nationality, route, and destination, you may need:

A visa

An electronic travel authorization

A transit visa

Proof of onward travel

Proof of accommodation

A passport with several months of remaining validity

A passport can be valid on your departure date and still fail to meet the destination’s entry requirements. Complicated connections are also a good reason to review our international travel safety tips before departure.

Names matter too. The name on your airline ticket should match your passport and any visa or travel authorization. Do not assume that a nickname or commonly used name will be accepted.

Before an international trip, take five minutes to verify:

Entry requirements for the destination

Passport-validity requirements

Transit rules at every connecting airport

Proof-of-onward-travel requirements

Names and dates on every document

Canadian travellers should verify current destination-specific requirements using official government travel advisories and the relevant embassy or immigration authority, since entry and transit rules can change.

Five minutes at home can save the entire trip at the airport. For our complete pre-departure routine, read our travel safety checklist for 2026.

12. Planning Around Departure Time Instead of Boarding Time

Departure time is when the aircraft is scheduled to leave. It is not the time you should arrive at the gate.

Boarding begins earlier, and the gate closes before departure. The exact cutoff depends on the airport, airline, route, and destination.

Once the gate is closed, seeing the aircraft through the terminal window will not save your seat.

If you miss the flight, the cost may extend far beyond a replacement ticket. You might also lose:

A prepaid hotel night

A connecting flight

A non-refundable tour

A rental-car reservation

A cruise departure

Build your airport schedule backward from the airline’s check-in, baggage-drop, boarding, and gate-closing deadlines.

Check current security conditions using the airport’s official app or website, but do not treat an estimated wait time as a guarantee. Add time for airport parking, shuttle transportation, baggage drop, security, passport control, terminal changes, and finding the gate.

It is better to have extra time near the gate than to spend the start of your trip running through an airport while your name is being called over the loudspeaker. Arriving early does not help much if your carry-on slows you down at screening. Read our airport security tips and common mistakes before packing.

Our Pre-Booking Flight Checklist

Before confirming a flight, we recommend checking the entire itinerary one final time.

Is this the best airline or simply the one we normally use?

What is included in the exact fare?

How much will baggage cost?

Is seat selection necessary?

Which airline operates each segment?

Is every long flight in the cabin we intended to purchase?

Are all flights on one protected ticket?

Are the connection times realistic?

Would one-way or multi-city pricing work better?

Is the third-party price still cheaper after all fees?

Do the names match the passports?

Have we checked entry and transit requirements?

The best defence against airline booking traps is not a secret search setting or complicated flight hack. It is slowing down long enough to compare the complete journey.

The Cheapest Flight Is Not Always the Lowest Fare

All 12 of these traps work best when travellers are rushing.

We see a low fare, get excited about the trip, and want to finish before the number changes. The booking process then reveals the bags, seats, restrictions, connections, and other costs after we have already become emotionally committed to the flight.

The cheapest flight is not necessarily the one with the lowest number on the first screen. It is the flight that gets you to your destination without surprise charges, unrealistic connections, or an expensive problem at the airport.

After more than 18 years of travelling, experience has not made us immune to booking mistakes. It has simply taught us when to stop, reopen the details, and check everything one more time.

Take five minutes before pressing confirm. Those five minutes could save hundreds of dollars—or save the entire trip.

We reviewed every recommendation and added new apps for AI trip planning, eSIMs, flight tracking, budgeting, and travel safety.

After travelling to more than 130 countries, we have used travel apps for everything from finding a last-minute room and navigating a city offline to translating menus, tracking flights and staying connected without paying ridiculous roaming charges. Some apps have earned a permanent place on our phones. Others have become outdated, overpriced or unnecessary.

For this 2026 guide, we cut through the clutter and chose the travel apps that solve real problems before and during a trip. You do not need to download every app on this list. Choose the ones that match your destination, travel style and the problems you are most likely to face.

The Best Travel Apps for 2026 at a Glance

Our picks are based on usefulness, ease of use, geographic coverage and whether the app solves a genuine travel problem. We have also included alternatives where the best choice depends on your destination.

Five Apps We Download Before Almost Every International Trip

Before getting into specialized apps, these are the five we would start with. They cover navigation, translation, communication, flight updates and trip organization.

1. Google Maps: Best Overall Travel App

Visit Google Maps

Best for: Navigation, saved places, public transit and finding nearby services

Price: Free

Works offline: Yes, when maps are downloaded in advance

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Google Maps is still the app we use most often while travelling. It handles driving, walking and public-transit directions, lets us save hotels and restaurants, and shows opening hours, recent reviews and nearby services.

Before leaving reliable Wi-Fi, download the map for your destination. Offline maps are especially useful when you land without mobile data or drive through an area with poor reception. Keep in mind that live traffic, some transit information and certain search features may not work offline.

What we like: It combines navigation, trip planning and local research in one place.

What to know: Directions, opening hours and business listings are not always accurate. Double-check important information directly with the business.

Our verdict: Download it before almost any trip.

2. Google Translate: Best Translation App

Visit Google Translate

Best for: Translating text, speech, signs and menus

Price: Free

Works offline: Yes, for downloaded languages

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Google Translate has helped us order food, read signs and have simple conversations in places where we did not speak the language. You can type a phrase, speak into the phone or point the camera at text for an instant translation.

Download the languages you expect to use before your trip. That gives you a useful backup when you do not have data, although online translations can be more complete.

What we like: The camera function is incredibly useful for menus, ticket machines and signs.

What to know: Translations can be awkward or wrong, especially with slang, regional phrases and complicated instructions.

Our verdict: It is one of the most useful free international travel apps.

3. WhatsApp: Best App for International Communication

Visit WhatsApp

Best for: Messaging hotels, guides, drivers, friends and family

Price: Free

Works offline: No

Available on: iOS, Android, desktop and web

WhatsApp is the default communication tool in many parts of the world. Hotels, tour companies, drivers and local contacts often use it instead of standard text messages.

It supports individual and group chats, voice calls, video calls, photos, documents and live-location sharing over an internet connection. That makes it useful for keeping a travel group together or confirming a pickup without paying international texting charges.

What we like: It is widely used and keeps trip communication in one place.

What to know: It needs mobile data or Wi-Fi. Check the phone number carefully before sharing personal information or sending money.

Our verdict: Install it before leaving home and verify your number while you can still receive regular text messages.

4. Your Airline’s Official App: Best for Day-of-Travel Updates

Best for: Check-in, boarding passes, gate changes, baggage updates and rebooking

Price: Free

Works offline: Some boarding passes and saved details may remain available offline

Available on: iOS and Android

This may not be the most exciting recommendation, but it is one of the most practical. Download your airline’s official app before departure and sign in to your booking.

Airline apps can provide mobile check-in, boarding passes, gate notifications, delay information and rebooking options. During a disruption, the app may update before airport screens or email notifications do.

What we like: It gives you a direct line to the airline’s current information about your flight.

What to know: Push notifications are useful, but do not rely on them alone. Keep checking the departure board and listen for airport announcements.

Our verdict: Download it for every flight, even if you delete it after the trip.

5. TripIt: Best Travel Itinerary App

Visit TripIt

Best for: Keeping flights, hotels, rental cars and reservations in one itinerary

Price: Free plan; paid Pro plan available

Works offline: Your saved itinerary can be accessed with limited connectivity, but real-time features require data

Available on: iOS, Android and web

TripIt turns confirmation emails into one organized itinerary. Forward your flight, hotel, rental-car and activity confirmations, and the app puts the details in chronological order.

This is particularly useful on complicated trips with several flights, hotel changes or train journeys. Instead of searching through your inbox at a check-in desk, you can pull up the reservation in one place.

What we like: It reduces the chaos of juggling confirmation emails.

What to know: Review imported details because automatic parsing is not infallible. Real-time alerts are generally part of the paid plan.

Our verdict: Best for multi-stop trips, business travel and anyone who likes everything organized.

AI can be helpful for brainstorming routes, comparing neighbourhoods, creating packing lists and turning scattered ideas into a first-draft itinerary. It should not be treated as the final authority on visa rules, border requirements, prices, opening hours, transit schedules or safety alerts. Verify anything that could cost you money or prevent you from entering a country.

6. ChatGPT: Best AI Tool for Building a First-Draft Itinerary

Visit ChatGPT

Best for: Brainstorming routes, comparing options and organizing trip ideas

Price: Free and paid plans

Works offline: No

Available on: iOS, Android and web

ChatGPT is most useful when you give it real constraints: your travel dates, budget, interests, pace, mobility needs and where you are staying. It can then help turn those details into a practical first draft rather than a generic list of attractions.

We also use AI to compare neighbourhoods, create checklists and identify questions we still need to research. The trick is to treat the result as a planning assistant, not a booking engine or government authority.

What we like: It is flexible and can quickly reorganize a complicated trip.

What to know: AI can produce outdated or invented information. Always confirm bookings, travel rules, prices and operating hours through official sources.

Our verdict: Excellent for planning and editing; unreliable as the sole source of truth.

7. Wanderlog: Best Collaborative Trip-Planning App

Visit Wanderlog

Best for: Building day-by-day itineraries and planning with other people

Price: Free plan; paid features available

Works offline: Some saved information can be viewed offline

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Wanderlog combines itinerary planning, maps, reservations, notes and collaboration. It is useful for road trips and group travel because several people can add places and adjust the plan.

The visual map helps reveal when an itinerary makes no geographic sense. That sounds obvious, but it is remarkably easy to plan breakfast on one side of a city, lunch on the other and dinner back where you started.

What we like: The shared planning and map view make group trips easier.

What to know: A detailed itinerary can become cluttered. Keep some flexibility rather than scheduling every hour.

Our verdict: A strong choice for collaborative planning and road trips.

Best Travel Apps for Finding Flights

Finding a cheap flight is only part of the job. These apps help us compare dates, monitor prices and track disruptions once the trip begins.

8. Google Flights: Best Flight-Search Tool

Visit Google Flights

Best for: Comparing routes, dates, airlines and nearby airports

Price: Free

Works offline: No

Available on: Mobile web and desktop web

Google Flights is not a conventional downloadable app, but it remains one of the fastest ways to compare airfare. The calendar and price graph make it easy to see whether leaving a day earlier or using a nearby airport could reduce the fare.

Set a price alert when you are not ready to book. Google Flights sends updates when fares change, but you will usually complete the purchase with the airline or another booking provider.

What we like: It is fast, flexible and excellent for comparing dates.

What to know: It does not show every airline or every possible fare. Compare the final price, baggage allowance and change rules before booking.

Our verdict: Our first stop for airfare research.

9. Skyscanner: Best for Flexible Destination Searches

Visit Skyscanner

Best for: Searching flights when your dates or destination are flexible

Price: Free

Works offline: No

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Skyscanner is useful when you know you want to travel but have not settled on a destination. Its flexible search tools can surface options by month, country or broad destination.

It also compares hotels and rental cars, although we mainly use it for flight discovery. Once you find a fare, pay close attention to whether the booking is through the airline or an online travel agency.

What we like: Flexible searches are ideal for travellers who can follow the deal.

What to know: The cheapest result is not automatically the best one. Customer service and change policies vary by booking provider.

Our verdict: Best for inspiration and flexible travel dates.

10. Flighty: Best Flight-Tracking App

Visit Flighty

Best for: Live flight status, aircraft tracking and disruption alerts

Price: Free version; paid subscription available

Works offline: Limited

Available on: iOS and supported Apple devices

Flighty turns a flight number into a detailed timeline with schedule changes, aircraft information and disruption updates. Frequent flyers appreciate how quickly it presents complicated flight information.

It is most useful on travel days, especially when weather or airport congestion starts knocking schedules sideways. The free version is enough for occasional travellers, while frequent flyers may value the paid alerts.

What we like: It presents flight changes clearly and can reduce airport uncertainty.

What to know: Some of its best features require a subscription, and platform availability may not suit every traveller.

Our verdict: A specialist app worth considering if you fly often.

Best Travel Apps for Booking Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay is about more than price. We look at location, recent reviews, cancellation policies, hidden fees, and whether the property actually suits the way we travel. These accommodation apps make it easier to compare hotels, apartments, hostels, and vacation rentals without bouncing between a dozen websites.

11. Booking.com: Best Accommodation App for Overall Selection

Visit Booking.com

Best for: Hotels, apartments, guesthouses and flexible filters

Price: Free to search and book

Works offline: Limited

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Booking.com remains one of the easiest places to compare a wide range of accommodation, from simple guesthouses to luxury hotels. The filters are especially useful when we need parking, a specific neighbourhood, breakfast, air conditioning or a refundable rate.

Read recent reviews rather than relying only on the overall score. We pay particular attention to comments about noise, cleanliness, construction and whether the room matches the photos.

What we like: Huge inventory and practical search filters.

What to know: Cancellation and payment rules vary by property. Confirm whether taxes and resort fees are included before booking.

Our verdict: Our top general-purpose hotel app.

12. Airbnb: Best for Apartments and Longer Stays

Visit Airbnb

Best for: Homes, apartments and stays where a kitchen or extra space matters

Price: Free to search; booking fees vary

Works offline: Limited

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Airbnb is most useful when we want a kitchen, laundry, a living area or enough bedrooms for a group. It can also provide options in neighbourhoods with few conventional hotels.

Compare the total price rather than the nightly rate. Cleaning charges, service fees and local taxes can change the value quickly. Read the house rules and cancellation policy before paying, and check whether the host has a substantial history of recent reviews.

What we like: It can provide more space and practical amenities than a hotel.

What to know: Quality is inconsistent, and fees can make a seemingly cheap stay expensive.

Our verdict: Best for longer stays and groups, not automatically the cheapest option.

13. Hostelworld: Best for Hostels and Solo Travellers

Visit Hostelworld

Best for: Hostels, dorms, private rooms and social accommodation

Price: Free to search; booking deposit or fees may apply

Works offline: Limited

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Hostelworld makes it easy to compare hostels by location, room type, atmosphere and recent guest reviews. It is particularly useful for solo travellers who care about communal spaces and meeting other people.

Do not assume every hostel is a party hostel—or that every quiet-looking property will actually be quiet. Read recent reviews for comments about security, lockers, bathrooms, noise and the surrounding area.

What we like: It provides hostel-specific details that general hotel sites often miss.

What to know: A low bed price can rise after taxes, linen fees or deposits. Check whether lockers require your own padlock.

Our verdict: The most useful specialist app for hostel travellers.

Best eSIM and Connectivity Apps

There is no single eSIM provider that is cheapest or fastest in every country. Compare the local network, amount of high-speed data, hotspot rules, validity period and whether the plan is data-only before buying.

14. Airalo: Best All-Round eSIM App

Visit Airalo

Best for: Buying mobile data for one country, a region or multiple destinations

Price: Plans are paid; prices vary by destination

Works offline: Not applicable once installed; the eSIM provides mobile data

Available on: iOS and Android

Airalo makes it straightforward to buy and install an eSIM before a trip. You choose the destination, select a data package and follow the installation instructions on a compatible phone.

We like that it removes the need to find a physical SIM card immediately after landing. Regional plans can also be convenient on multi-country trips, although a country-specific plan may offer better value.

What we like: Easy setup and broad destination coverage.

What to know: Most plans are data-only, and the local network or speed can vary. Check phone compatibility before purchasing.

Our verdict: A convenient starting point for travellers new to eSIMs.

15. Ubigi: Best eSIM Alternative for Certain Destinations

Visit Ubigi

Best for: Comparing destination-specific data plans

Price: Plans are paid

Works offline: Not applicable once installed

Available on: iOS and Android

Ubigi is worth comparing with Airalo because eSIM value changes by country. In some destinations, one provider may offer a better local carrier, more data or a longer validity period.

Install the app and eSIM before departure whenever possible. Take screenshots of the setup instructions in case your connection disappears halfway through activation.

What we like: It gives travellers another established option instead of assuming one provider always wins.

What to know: Coverage and value depend on the specific plan. Read the plan details rather than buying based only on the headline price.

Our verdict: Compare it destination by destination.

Best Transportation and Public-Transit Apps

Getting around an unfamiliar city can be one of the most confusing parts of travel. These apps help us compare public transit, plan longer connections, and arrange rides when trains or buses are not practical.

16. Citymapper: Best Public-Transit App for Major Cities

Visit Citymapper

Best for: Subways, buses, trains, trams, ferries and walking connections

Price: Free; paid features may be available

Works offline: Limited

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Citymapper can be easier to understand than a standard map when a city has several transit systems layered on top of one another. It compares routes, shows transfers and often gives useful instructions about which station exit to use.

We find it particularly useful in large cities where choosing the wrong train direction or exit can add a surprising amount of time.

What we like: Clear transit directions and route comparisons.

What to know: Coverage is limited to supported cities, and live information depends on local transit data.

Our verdict: Excellent in cities where it is available.

17. Rome2Rio: Best for Comparing How to Get Between Places

Visit Rome2Rio

Best for: Understanding whether to travel by plane, train, bus, ferry or car

Price: Free

Works offline: No

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Rome2Rio is useful during the early planning stage when you know where you want to go but not how to get there. Enter two places and it outlines possible combinations of flights, trains, buses, ferries and driving routes.

We use it as a starting point rather than the final booking authority. Once we understand the route, we verify schedules and buy tickets directly from the transport operator whenever practical.

What we like: It makes complicated overland connections easier to visualize.

What to know: Estimated times and prices can change. Confirm every important connection with the operator.

Our verdict: One of the best tools for answering, ‘How do we actually get there?’

18. Uber: Best General Ride-Hailing App

Visit Uber

Best for: Airport transfers and getting around unfamiliar cities

Price: Free to download; fares vary

Works offline: No

Available on: iOS and Android

Uber can remove the uncertainty of explaining a destination, handling cash and negotiating a fare in an unfamiliar city. The app shows the route, vehicle and driver details before the ride begins.

Availability and regulations vary widely. In some destinations, another local app is more common, and airports may require pickup from a designated ride-hailing area.

What we like: Upfront trip details and cashless payment are convenient.

What to know: Surge pricing can be expensive. Always confirm the licence plate and driver before getting into a vehicle.

Our verdict: Useful where it operates, but check the dominant local alternative.

Best Travel Money and Budgeting Apps

Managing money abroad can get complicated quickly. Exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, ATM charges, and shared expenses all add up, especially on longer trips or when travelling with other people. These apps help us understand what things really cost, manage different currencies, and keep track of who paid for what without turning dinner into an accounting meeting.

19. Wise: Best App for Holding and Spending Multiple Currencies

Visit Wise

Best for: International spending, transfers and currency conversion

Price: Free app; card and transaction fees vary

Works offline: Limited

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Wise lets eligible customers hold and exchange several currencies and spend with a linked card. It can be useful for frequent travellers, remote workers and anyone receiving money in more than one currency.

Always compare the total conversion cost with your regular bank or credit card. The best option depends on your country, card benefits and the type of transaction.

What we like: Transparent conversion information and multi-currency tools.

What to know: Availability, card features and fees vary by country. It is a financial service, so protect the account with strong security.

Our verdict: A useful tool for frequent international travellers.

20. XE Currency: Best Simple Currency Converter

Visit XE Currency

Best for: Checking exchange rates and estimating costs

Price: Free; paid services may be offered

Works offline: Saved rates may remain available offline

Available on: iOS, Android and web

XE is the app we open when a price full of unfamiliar zeros makes our brains quietly leave the room. It converts currencies quickly and helps you understand what a meal, taxi or hotel actually costs in your home currency.

Remember that the rate shown in a converter is not necessarily the rate your bank, ATM or exchange desk will give you after fees.

What we like: Fast, simple conversions.

What to know: It shows a reference rate, not a guaranteed retail exchange rate.

Our verdict: Keep it on your phone for quick price checks.

21. Splitwise: Best App for Splitting Group Travel Expenses

Visit Splitwise

Best for: Tracking shared meals, accommodation, transport and other costs

Price: Free plan; paid features available

Works offline: Limited

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Splitwise prevents the end-of-trip ritual where everyone stares at a pile of receipts and suddenly forgets who paid for the rental car. Add shared expenses as you go, assign who owes what and let the app calculate the running balance.

It is particularly helpful for groups using different payment methods or taking turns covering major expenses.

What we like: It reduces awkward money conversations and messy arithmetic.

What to know: It records debts but does not automatically settle every balance. Agree on currencies and exchange rates at the beginning of the trip.

Our verdict: Essential for group trips.

Best Apps for Booking Tours and Activities

Booking tours and activities in advance can save time, especially when popular attractions have timed entry or limited availability. We use these apps to compare tours, skip-the-line tickets, day trips, and local experiences, but we always check the operator, recent reviews, cancellation policy, and exactly what is included before booking.

22. GetYourGuide: Best for Major Attractions and City Activities

Visit GetYourGuide

Best for: Tours, attraction tickets and day trips

Price: Free to search; activity prices vary

Works offline: Booking details may be saved in the app

Available on: iOS, Android and web

GetYourGuide is useful when timed-entry tickets sell out or when a guided visit adds real context. It covers major attractions, walking tours, food tours, day trips and airport transfers in many popular destinations.

Read the cancellation policy and identify the actual tour operator before booking. A marketplace can list several versions of what looks like the same experience.

What we like: Strong inventory in major tourism destinations.

What to know: Quality depends on the local operator, not only the booking platform.

Our verdict: A good place to compare organized experiences.

23. Viator: Best for Broad Global Tour Inventory

Visit Viator

Best for: Tours, transfers, attractions and niche experiences

Price: Free to search; activity prices vary

Works offline: Booking details may be saved in the app

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Viator has a broad inventory of tours and activities around the world. We use it to see what is available, compare departure times and identify experiences that may be difficult to organize independently.

As with any marketplace, read the newest reviews and check exactly what is included. A low starting price may refer to a basic option without transport, admission or the advertised upgrade.

What we like: It covers an enormous range of destinations and activities.

What to know: Listings from different operators can look very similar. Check inclusions, pickup details and cancellation terms.

Our verdict: Best for comparing a wide range of tours.

Best Hiking, Camping and Outdoor Apps

Finding the right trail or campsite takes more than choosing the prettiest photo. We look at distance, difficulty, recent trail conditions, offline map access, weather, and whether the route matches our experience level. These hiking, camping, and outdoor apps help us plan more confidently, but they should always be used alongside proper preparation and local safety information.

24. AllTrails: Best App for Finding Hikes

Visit AllTrails

Best for: Trail discovery, route details, reviews and maps

Price: Free plan; paid offline features available

Works offline: Offline maps generally require a paid plan

Available on: iOS, Android and web

AllTrails is an easy starting point for finding hikes by location, distance, difficulty and user rating. Recent reviews can reveal muddy sections, closures, parking problems and trail conditions that a static guidebook cannot.

Download the route before leaving reception and carry a backup. A phone app is useful, but it does not replace proper preparation, weather awareness or a dedicated navigation tool in remote terrain.

What we like: It makes trail discovery accessible and provides recent user feedback.

What to know: Crowdsourced routes can be inaccurate. Do not rely on a single phone app for serious backcountry navigation.

Our verdict: Best for day hikes and casual outdoor planning.

25. Gaia GPS: Best for Advanced Outdoor Navigation

Visit Gaia GPS

Best for: Topographic maps, route planning and backcountry travel

Price: Free and paid options

Works offline: Yes, depending on plan and downloaded maps

Available on: iOS, Android and web

Gaia GPS is aimed at travellers who need more detail than a simple trail list. It supports topographic maps, route planning and map layers useful for hiking, camping and remote travel.

Learn how to use it before heading into the backcountry. Download the required maps, carry power and tell someone your route. Technology is helpful right up until the battery dies.

What we like: Detailed mapping and route-planning tools.

What to know: It has a learning curve, and important map features may require a subscription.

Our verdict: Better suited to experienced outdoor travellers than casual city walkers.

Other Travel Apps Worth Considering

The following apps can be excellent, but they are more specialized or depend heavily on your destination:

HotelTonight: for last-minute hotel searches in supported markets.

Vrbo: for whole-home vacation rentals, especially family and group stays.

Klook: for attractions, transport passes and activities, particularly in many Asian destinations.

Moovit: for public-transit directions in cities where its local coverage is strong.

DeepL: for natural-sounding text translation in supported languages.

Duolingo: for learning basic vocabulary before a trip rather than live translation during it.

HappyCow: for finding vegan and vegetarian food around the world.

OpenTable or TheFork: for restaurant reservations, depending on the destination.

Hipcamp and The Dyrt: for camping searches in the regions they cover.

PackPoint: for building a packing list around the weather and activities.

Travel Apps We Would Use With Caution

Hidden-City Ticketing Apps

Hidden-city ticketing involves booking a connecting itinerary and intentionally leaving at the connection instead of taking the final flight. It can violate airline conditions, makes checked baggage impractical and can cause the rest of an itinerary to be cancelled. We would not build a trip around it.

Any App Making a Guaranteed Price Prediction

Price forecasts can be useful signals, but airfare and hotel prices remain unpredictable. Treat predictions as estimates, not promises. Book when the price, schedule and cancellation terms work for your trip.

Unofficial Visa and Border Apps

Use apps to organize information, not to replace official immigration sources. Entry requirements can depend on nationality, residency, passport type, trip purpose and even transit airports.

How to Choose the Right Travel Apps

Start with the problem. Download an app because you need offline maps, lower-cost data, flight alerts or expense tracking—not because a list told you to collect 37 icons.

Check whether it works at your destination. Ride-hailing, restaurant and transit apps can be highly regional.

Review permissions. A flashlight app does not need your contacts, and a travel app should not receive more access than it needs.

Download maps, languages and tickets before departure. Do not wait until you are standing outside an airport with no signal.

Use strong passwords and device security. Enable a screen lock, account recovery and remote device tracking.

Keep a backup. Save essential addresses, phone numbers and reservation details somewhere you can reach without the app.

Which Travel Apps Work Offline?

Google Maps can provide offline driving navigation for downloaded areas, and Google Translate supports downloaded language packs. Outdoor apps such as AllTrails and Gaia GPS can offer offline maps depending on the plan. Save boarding passes, hotel addresses and reservation numbers before leaving Wi-Fi.

Can AI Plan an Entire Trip?

AI can build a useful first draft, but it should not be allowed to quietly invent your holiday. Use it to organize ideas, compare possible routes and identify questions. Then verify flights, hotels, opening hours, ticket rules, visa requirements and safety information through official or first-party sources.

Do I need an eSIM app when travelling?

An eSIM can be useful when your regular carrier charges high roaming fees. Compare the local network, data allowance, hotspot rules and validity period before purchasing.

Which travel apps work without internet?

Google Maps and Google Translate support downloaded offline content. Some hiking apps provide offline maps through paid plans. Download everything before leaving reliable Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Apps for 2026

The best travel app is not the one with the longest feature list. It is the one that solves a problem at the moment you need it. For us, Google Maps, Google Translate, WhatsApp, an airline app and an itinerary organizer cover the basics. From there, we add an eSIM, flight tracker, budgeting app or hiking map depending on the trip.

Download your essentials before leaving home, test that you can sign in and save critical information offline. Then put the phone away once in a while. The app is supposed to help you experience the trip—not become the trip.

Imagine walking up to customs after a long international flight and being told that a suitcase connected to your name has been flagged.

You say, “That’s not my bag.”

Then the officer points to the luggage tag and says, “Then why is your name on it?”

That is the nightmare behind a luggage scam travelers need to understand in 2026. It is called baggage tag switching, and it is exactly what it sounds like: the luggage tag from an innocent passenger’s checked suitcase is allegedly removed and placed onto another bag.

According to a W5 investigation, innocent passengers flying from Canada have been detained after their real luggage tags were allegedly moved onto suitcases containing illegal drugs. The investigation focused on flights from Canada and alleged cases connected to Toronto Pearson, but the larger lesson applies to travelers everywhere: once your checked bag disappears behind the counter, you are trusting the system to protect your luggage, your tag, and your name.

Why This Luggage Scam Matters in 2026

We have traveled to more than 130 countries on all seven continents, and checked bags have always been part of travel. But the old habit of simply handing over your suitcase and hoping for the best needs an update.

In 2026, protecting your checked luggage is not just about stopping theft. It is about protecting the paper trail that connects you to your bag.

This is part of a bigger shift in how travelers need to think about airport safety, baggage scams, and common airport security mistakes before they fly.

Editor’s note: This article is based on our video about baggage tag switching, which has reached more than 86,000 views on our travel YouTube channel.

Quick Overview: How to Protect Your Checked Luggage in 2026

It also helps to run through a full pre-travel checklist before you leave for the airport so you are not rushing through check-in.

This may sound like a lot, but it takes less than two minutes at check-in. And those two minutes could matter if your name ever gets attached to a suitcase that is not yours.

We covered this luggage tag scam in detail in the video below, including the simple two-minute routine we now recommend before checking a bag.

What Is Baggage Tag Switching?

Baggage tag switching is when the tag printed for your checked luggage is removed from your actual suitcase and attached to another bag.

When you check luggage, the airline prints a baggage tag that usually includes your name, flight, destination, routing information, barcode, and bag number. That tag is the airport system’s way of connecting that suitcase to you.

The problem is that once your bag goes behind the counter, you cannot see what happens next.

In the alleged scheme reported by W5, corrupt baggage or ramp workers could remove a legitimate tag from a passenger’s suitcase and attach it to another suitcase heading to the same destination. If that second bag is intercepted, the paperwork points back to the innocent passenger.

That is what makes this scam so dangerous. You may have done everything right: checked your own suitcase, kept your boarding pass, and boarded your flight. But behind the scenes, one strip of paper may now connect your name to a bag you have never seen.

Most airport workers are honest. Let’s be clear about that. The vast majority are doing hard jobs under pressure, moving thousands of bags through complex systems every day. But a baggage system only needs a few bad actors to create a very serious problem.

Why This Matters for Travelers Everywhere

This story has received attention because of Canadian cases, but this is not only a Canada problem.

The bigger issue is that every major airport has the same basic weak point: you hand over your suitcase, it enters a restricted area, and from that point on, you are relying on the system to protect the tag, the bag, and the records connected to your name.

That is true in Toronto. It is true in New York, London, Paris, Dubai, Bangkok, Mexico City, Sydney, and anywhere else checked luggage moves behind the scenes.

International travel also adds another layer of risk. If your name gets tied to a suspicious bag in another country, you may be dealing with a different legal system, different customs procedures, and possibly a language barrier.

The Government of Canada warns travelers that drug offences abroad can have serious consequences and that you should never carry anything across a border for someone else. The Canada Border Services Agency also specifically reminds travelers that trafficking cannabis or other drugs across the border is a criminal offence and warns people to beware of anyone asking them to carry something.

That is why documenting your own luggage matters. You are not being paranoid. You are creating a simple evidence trail.

How to Protect Your Checked Luggage

Step 1: Take a Video of Your Bag Before You Check It

Before your suitcase disappears behind the counter, take a clear video of it.

Do a full 360-degree view. Show the front, back, sides, wheels, handles, color, brand, straps, stickers, scratches, dents, or anything that makes your bag identifiable.

Yes, you may feel ridiculous filming your suitcase at the airport. Do it anyway. People film lattes. You can film the thing that might keep you out of a holding room.

This video creates a time-stamped record of what your suitcase looked like before it left your hands. If someone later claims a different bag is yours, you have proof of what your actual luggage looked like at check-in.

Step 2: Record Your Bag on the Scale

When your bag is placed on the airline scale, take a quick photo or video showing the weight.

This matters because weight is part of the paper trail. If your suitcase weighed 19 kilograms at check-in and another suitcase connected to your name weighs 32 kilograms, that difference may matter.

You are not trying to become a detective. You are simply creating a record that says this was your bag, this was the weight, this was the condition, and this was the tag attached to it.

That is the kind of simple documentation that can help if your bag is delayed, damaged, retagged, or questioned later.

Step 3: Photograph the Baggage Tag After It Is Attached

Once the airline attaches the baggage tag to your suitcase, take a close-up photo or video of it before the bag goes onto the conveyor belt.

Make sure you can clearly see the barcode, destination airport, flight number, routing, and bag number. Also check that the airline has looped and attached the tag properly.

You are not being difficult. You are checking the one strip of paper connecting you to your luggage. That little tag is doing a lot of legal heavy lifting.

Air Canada’s own baggage information explains that self-service kiosks can print baggage tags, receipts, and boarding passes, and that travelers then attach the tags and proceed to bag drop. That means passengers are often handling or reviewing this paperwork themselves before the bag disappears into the system.

Step 4: Keep Your Baggage Receipt

Never throw away the little baggage receipt sticker you receive at check-in.

Keep it somewhere safe. Don’t stuff it in a random pocket, lose it before boarding, or assume the airline app is enough. Put it with your passport or travel documents until your suitcase is back in your hands.

That receipt usually contains your bag number. If something goes wrong, that number becomes part of the evidence trail. That number can help airline staff or investigators compare what you checked, what arrived, and whether someone intercepted or retagged another bag.

This is one of the easiest travel habits to fix, and it costs nothing.

Step 5: Take a Photo of the Inside of Your Suitcase

Before you close your checked bag, take one clear photo of the inside.

You do not need to photograph every sock like you are filing a museum inventory. Just take one clear photo of the contents: clothes, shoes, toiletries, chargers, jackets, and the usual chaos of travel.

This helps show what you actually packed. If a suitcase connected to your name contains items you have never seen, you have a record of what was inside your real bag before check-in.

This is especially useful on international trips, where proving what you packed may become more complicated once you are outside your home country.

It is also a good reminder to double-check what not to pack in checked luggage before you leave for the airport.

Step 6: Put a Luggage Tracker Inside Your Bag

A luggage tracker will not stop someone from tampering with a baggage tag, but it can help show where your real suitcase went.

We use Apple AirTags, but there are also Tile trackers, Samsung SmartTags, and other luggage tracking options.

The important thing is this: put the tracker inside your suitcase. Do not hang it outside where it can easily be removed.

If authorities are asking about a suitcase connected to your name and your tracker shows your actual suitcase is somewhere else, that becomes another part of your evidence trail.

Trackers are also helpful if your bag arrives late, gets separated from its original tag, or ends up in the wrong baggage area. They are not perfect, but they give travelers one more layer of information when airline systems fail.

We’ll never forget the first time we visited New York City in December. We’d seen it in movies, but standing there, seeing the Rockefeller Center tree all lit up for the first time, with skaters below and festive music in the air… it was pure magic.

But December travel isn’t just about snow and Santa. We’ve also spent the holidays escaping to the warmth, trading snow boots for flip-flops.

In fact, we’ve been to almost all 50 states and spent a lot of winters trying to find the most fun destinations and best weather. We’ve done so many road trips in the USA and flown almost everywhere, trying to find the best places to either escape the snow or enjoy the winter, you would think we are obsessed. And we want to share all of that knowledge with you.

If you’re looking for the perfect winter getaway, you have a clear choice: either lean into the winter magic or escape it completely. Are you dreaming of a warm-weather escape with sunshine and sand, or a storybook Christmas town that looks like a real-life snow globe?

Based on all those experiences, we’ve put together this list of our favourite places to visit. Whether you’re looking for a festive city, a snowy mountain, or a sunny beach, we’ll help you find the perfect spot.

Quick List: Best Places to Visit in December in the USA

Here is a quick look at some of the best places for a December getaway in the USA, from festive winter wonderlands to sunny escapes.

New York City, New York: The ultimate festive city experience.

Leavenworth, Washington: A real-life Bavarian Christmas village.

Key West, Florida: Laid-back island life and sunshine.

Aspen, Colorado: World-class skiing and a magical mountain town.

Maui, Hawaii: The perfect warm-weather escape to see humpback whales.

Asheville, North Carolina: Festive lights at the Biltmore Estate.

St. Augustine, Florida: Taking in the “Nights of Lights” display.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Sunny desert hikes and relaxation.

Park City, Utah: A historic ski town with holiday charm.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Creole Christmas traditions and great food.

Solvang, California: A unique Danish-style Julefest celebration.

Why Travel to the USA in December?

December is a month of pure magic and festive energy. It’s the perfect time to use up that last bit of vacation time for the year. The biggest draw is the distinct choice it offers: You can either dive head-first into a winter wonderland, complete with snow and holiday markets, or you can completely escape the cold weather and find yourself on a sunny beach. It’s a month of festive celebrations, incredible decorations, and finding the perfect atmosphere to end the year.

Best Warm Places to Visit in December in the USA

If you’re anything like us, sometimes the best gift in December is a break from the cold. Trust us, we know after living in Toronto, Canada. Those winters are brutal. These are our favourite spots to find sunshine and warm weather, where you can trade your winter coat for a light jacket or even a swimsuit.

1. Key West, Florida

We love the laid-back, quirky vibe of Key West, and it’s even more special in December. We have a great memory of biking around the island, seeing the historic inns draped in holiday lights, and then ending the day at Mallory Square for the sunset celebration. It’s a perfect escape from the cold.

Why Visit in December: This is the perfect time to visit. The summer humidity is gone, the weather is sunny and warm (often in the high 70s), and the risk of hurricanes is very low. The whole island is in a festive spirit, with unique events like the “Bight Before Christmas” boat parade.

Top Things to Do:

Watch the “Bight Before Christmas” lighted boat parade.

Take a ride on the Conch Train to see the historic homes decorated for the holidays.

Visit the Southernmost Point in the continental US for a classic photo op.

Go on a sunset sail to enjoy the view from the water.

Where to Stay: We recommend finding a guesthouse or inn in the historic Old Town to be close to the action.

2. Maui, Hawaii

We once went to a holiday luau in Ka’anapali, and it’s an experience we’ll never forget. You’re eating kalua pork and sipping a mai tai, watching a beautiful hula performance… and then Santa Claus arrives on an outrigger canoe. It was the perfect, uniquely Hawaiian way to get into the festive spirit.

Why Visit in December: You get tropical weather, festive holiday luaus, and it’s the official start of the humpback whale watching season. Be aware that this is a popular time, especially around Christmas, so prices can be high and you’ll need to book in advance.

Top Things to Do:

Go on a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks arrive for the season.

Attend a festive Christmas luau, where Santa sometimes arrives in a red canoe.

Browse the holiday markets at Whalers Village in Ka’anapali.

Drive the Road to Hana to see the waterfalls, which are often fuller in the winter.

Where to Stay: Look to the resorts in Wailea or Ka’anapali for a classic Maui experience.

3. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas / St. John)

We’ll always remember snorkeling the underwater trail at Trunk Bay in St. John. The water was so calm and clear, and seeing all the colourful fish felt a world away from the snow back home. That’s the magic of a Caribbean trip in December, and the USVI makes it so easy for American travelers.

Why Visit in December: It’s the start of the dry season, with fantastic weather and warm, clear water. You get a full-on tropical, warm-weather Christmas experience, all without needing a passport.

Top Things to Do:

Snorkel the famous underwater trail at Trunk Bay, St. John.

Relax on the world-famous white sands of Magens Bay in St. Thomas.

Explore the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins in St. John.

Enjoy the unique “Christmas Second Day” (Crucian Christmas Festival) celebrations, a local tradition.

Where to Stay: You can choose from large resorts in St. Thomas or more eco-friendly villas and lodges in St. John.

4. St. Augustine, Florida

We were not prepared for how magical St. Augustine is in December. We took one of the Old Town trolley tours at night, and seeing the entire historic city, from the old Spanish architecture to the palm trees, draped in millions of white lights… it was breathtaking. It’s a holiday light display unlike any other.

Why Visit in December: The famous “Nights of Lights” festival. The entire city is illuminated, and the mild Florida weather is perfect for walking around and enjoying the atmosphere. It’s one of the most festive and warm places you can visit.

Top Things to Do:

Take a trolley or walking tour of the “Nights of Lights” display.

Stroll through the historic streets and visit the Castillo de San Marcos.

See the city’s Christmas tree in the Plaza de la Constitución.

Visit the St. Augustine Distillery for a holiday-themed tasting.

Where to Stay: We recommend a historic inn or bed & breakfast in the downtown district to be within walking distance of all the lights.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii

While Maui is our go-to for a resort escape, Honolulu is where you go for a vibrant, city-meets-beach holiday. We loved seeing the massive Santa surfing with his reindeer in the fountain at the Iolani Palace. The whole city has this amazing “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas) spirit.

Why Visit in December: It’s the perfect blend of warm beach weather, world-class shopping, and festive displays. It’s also a significant month for history, with the memorial events at Pearl Harbor.

Top Things to Do:

See the “Honolulu City Lights” display at Honolulu Hale.

Pay respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial (especially moving around Dec 7th).

Watch professional surfers ride the massive winter waves on the North Shore.

Relax on the world-famous Waikiki Beach.

Where to Stay: Waikiki has a huge range of hotels, from historic beachfront properties to modern high-rises.

6. South Padre Island, Texas

If your idea of a winter getaway is to truly get away from everything, the crowds, the noise, the stress, then South Padre is a perfect choice. We spent a week there, and our days consisted of long, quiet walks on the beach. It was a total reset and the perfect way to escape the winter blues.

Why Visit in December: The weather is mild, and the crowds are gone. It’s one of the warmest places in Texas and offers a simple, relaxing beach vacation without the high prices or holiday chaos of other destinations.

Top Things to Do:

Go birdwatching at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

Visit Sea Turtle, Inc. to learn about their rehabilitation efforts.

Take a dolphin-watching cruise in the Laguna Madre.

Simply enjoy the quiet, uncrowded beaches.

Where to Stay: You’ll find many beachfront condos and hotels offering great off-season rates.

7. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

We thought we knew desert holiday lights, but the “Las Noches de las Luminarias” at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is on another level. Walking the garden paths lit by thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags, with musicians playing, was a top-tier holiday experience.

Why Visit in December: You get two trips in one: perfect, sunny weather for outdoor adventures like hiking during the day, and stunning, sophisticated holiday light displays at night.

Top Things to Do:

Walk through the “Las Noches de las Luminarias” at the Desert Botanical Garden.

Hike Camelback Mountain or explore the trails in Papago Park.

See the “Zoolights” at the Phoenix Zoo.

Explore the festively decorated shops and galleries in Old Town Scottsdale.

Where to Stay: Choose from upscale resorts in Scottsdale or stylish hotels in downtown Phoenix.

Best Christmas Towns & Festive Cities to Visit in December

Sometimes, the warm weather destinations just won’t cut it, especially if you are looking for that winter wonderland feel. So, this section is for travellers who want to dive head-first into the holiday spirit. These are the cities and towns that go all-out for December, with millions of lights, Christmas markets, and an atmosphere of pure magic.

8. New York City, New York

We’ve visited NYC many times, but there’s a specific energy in December. We grabbed hot chocolates and walked through the Bryant Park Winter Village, watching the ice skaters zip around the rink under the lights of the surrounding skyscrapers. It felt like being in the opening scene of a holiday movie. There is nothing like New York City at Christmas.

Why Visit in December: It is the quintessential American Christmas destination. From the iconic tree to the world-famous window displays, the entire city is on a different level of festive.

Top Things to Do:

See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and go ice skating at the rink below.

Browse the holiday shops and go skating at the Bryant Park Winter Village.

See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.

Admire the elaborate holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue.

Where to Stay: Midtown is convenient for seeing the main holiday sights, but we also love the West Village for its cosy, neighbourhood feel.

9. Leavenworth, Washington

We’d heard Leavenworth was a “Christmas Town,” but we weren’t prepared for the reality. We visited during the Village of Lights festival, and walking through the snow-covered Bavarian-style village while every single building was covered in over half a million lights… it’s not an exaggeration. It’s the closest we’ve ever felt to being inside a real-life snow globe.

Why Visit in December: The entire town transforms into a “Hallmark movie” Christmas village. It’s a full-immersion holiday experience with carolers, festive food, and incredible decorations.

Top Things to Do:

See the “Village of Lights” (it’s lit up all month).

Visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to get up close with reindeer.

Explore the Bavarian-themed shops looking for unique gifts.

Visit the Nutcracker Museum, which features over 7,000 nutcrackers.

Where to Stay: Book a Bavarian-style lodge or inn right in the village. You must book many months in advance for December.

10. Asheville, North Carolina

We love Asheville, but visiting in December is all about the Biltmore Estate. We took the candlelight evening tour, and seeing the main banquet hall with its 35-foot tree, fireplaces roaring, and carolers singing… it felt like we’d stepped back in time into a Gilded Age Christmas party.

Why Visit in December: Christmas at Biltmore is one of the most iconic holiday events in the country. The city itself is a cosy mountain retreat, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are just beautiful with a dusting of snow.

Top Things to Do:

Take the Candlelight Christmas Evening tour at the Biltmore Estate.

See the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn.

Explore the Winter Lights display at the NC Arboretum.

Browse the independent shops and galleries in the River Arts District.

Where to Stay: You can stay on the Biltmore Estate for the full experience or choose a boutique hotel downtown.

Here are the remaining destinations for the “Best Christmas Towns & Festive Cities” section, all written with unique, December-focused content.

11. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

We’ve visited a lot of Christmas markets, but visiting the one in Bethlehem, known as “Christmas City USA”, just felt right. We sipped hot cider and browsed the stalls in the old quarter, and you can feel the city’s 250+ years of Christmas tradition. The whole place is lit by the glow of a giant Moravian star on the hillside.

Why Visit in December: This is Christmas City USA. It was nicknamed this on Christmas Eve, 1741. It offers one of the most authentic and historic holiday experiences in the country, blending its Moravian heritage with a European-style Christkindlmarkt.

Top Things to Do:

Browse the artisan stalls at the Christkindlmarkt, a large European-style market.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic, candlelit streets.

See the single, giant Moravian star shining over the city.

Explore the historic Moravian stone buildings downtown, which are beautifully decorated.

Where to Stay: Look for a hotel or inn in the historic downtown area to be close to the festivities.

12. Solvang, California

Walking into Solvang in December felt like we’d been transported to a Danish village during its Julefest celebration. We spent the day exploring the half-timbered buildings, windmills, and bakeries, all decorated for the holidays. It’s such a unique and charming way to experience a winter getaway in the middle of California.

Why Visit in December: The town’s month-long “Julefest” (Yule-fest) celebration is in full swing. It’s a one-of-a-kind Danish-style Christmas with parades, markets, and, of course, delicious European pastries.

Top Things to Do:

Attend the Julefest Parade and see the tree lighting ceremony.

Go on the “Nisse Adventure,” a fun scavenger hunt to find the town’s mischievous Nisse (gnomes).

Browse the Julefest Maker’s Market for local artisan crafts.

Sample Danish pastries, like aebleskiver, from the local bakeries.

Where to Stay: Choose one of the charming Danish-themed inns right in the village to be in the middle of the Julefest activities.

13. Grapevine, Texas

We had to see the “Christmas Capital of Texas” for ourselves, and it did not disappoint. The entire historic Main Street is transformed. We loved seeing the vintage railroad, which becomes the “North Pole Express” for the month. They take the “Christmas Capital” title seriously; there are over 1,400 events in 40 days.

Why Visit in December: It is the officially designated “Christmas Capital of Texas”. The sheer number of festive events, light displays, and activities is staggering, making it a top-tier destination for families and holiday lovers.

Top Things to Do:

Ride the “North Pole Express” on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

Walk down the festively decorated Historic Main Street.

See the light displays and ice sculptures at the Gaylord Texan Resort.

Go snow tubing on a snow hill, all in the middle of Texas.

Where to Stay: The Gaylord Texan Resort is an attraction in itself, or you can stay near the Historic Main Street to be close to the events.

14. New Orleans, Louisiana

A New Orleans Christmas is an experience all its own. We did a “Reveillon Dinner,” a modern take on a Creole holiday tradition, and it was one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever had. Afterwards, we walked to Jackson Square to see the St. Louis Cathedral all lit up while carolers sang.

Why Visit in December: You get to experience unique Creole Christmas traditions you won’t find anywhere else. The weather is mild, the food is incredible, and the city’s lobbies (like at The Roosevelt) have some of the most elegant decorations we’ve seen.

Top Things to Do:

See the incredible holiday light displays at Celebration in the Oaks in City Park.

Stroll through the French Quarter to see the balconies decorated for Christmas.

Have a “Reveillon Dinner” at one of the city’s historic restaurants.

Listen to live holiday music and jazz on Frenchmen Street.

Where to Stay: We recommend a hotel in the French Quarter to be in the middle of the action and see the decorated lobbies.

15. Natchitoches, Louisiana

We went to Natchitoches (pronounced Nak-a-tish) specifically for its Christmas Festival, and it was a total joy. It’s one of the oldest and biggest in the country. The whole city, which is the oldest in Louisiana, lights up with over 300,000 lights along the Cane River, and the weekly fireworks shows are fantastic.

Why Visit in December: It hosts one of the oldest and most celebrated holiday festivals in the US, running for six weeks. It’s a classic, Southern Christmas experience in a beautiful historic district.

Top Things to Do:

See the “Festival of Lights,” with hundreds of thousands of lights reflected in the Cane River.

Watch one of the spectacular fireworks shows over the river, which happen on weekends.

Stroll through the Landmark Historic District and browse the shops.

Eat a famous Natchitoches meat pie from a local vendor.

Where to Stay: Book a room at a historic bed & breakfast in the downtown area.

16. Williamsburg, Virginia

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg in December felt like walking through a living history Christmas card. We joined a candlelight tour, and seeing the historic buildings lit by real candles in the windows, with carolers in period costumes and the smell of woodsmoke in the air… it was absolutely magical.

Why Visit in December: You get to experience a traditional, 18th-century “Colonial Christmas”. The decorations are all-natural (no plastic lights), and the atmosphere is incredibly authentic and charming.

Top Things to Do:

Take a candlelight tour through the historic Colonial Williamsburg district.

Watch the “Grand Illumination,” a weekend event with fireworks and musket firings.

Go ice skating at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion.

Drive through the light show at Busch Gardens Christmas Town.

Where to Stay: Stay in one of the historic Colonial Houses or a tavern right in the restored area for the full immersive experience.

Here is the final category of destinations. This section is all about embracing the snow and finding that perfect winter wonderland.

Best Places for a Snowy Winter Wonderland

For many, holiday season travel is all about finding that perfect, snowy scene. These are the places to go for world-class skiing, cosy lodges, and that magical feeling of a true winter escape.

17. Aspen, Colorado

We’ll always remember our first “après-ski” in Aspen. We had spent the day on the mountain hitting fresh powder whenever we got the chance, and as the sun went down, the sky lit up with this incredible pink and orange light they call “Aspenglow.” Sitting by a fire, enjoying a glass of Christmas cheer, and watching the snow fall on the historic town, it just felt like the peak of a luxury winter trip.

Why Visit in December: It’s one of the world’s most famous upscale ski destinations, and the town is just as much an attraction as the mountains. The festive atmosphere, high-end shops, and restaurants are all decked out for the holidays.

Top Things to Do:

Ski or snowboard at one of the four mountains (Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, or Buttermilk).

Stroll through the festively lit, Victorian-era downtown.

Enjoy the world-class après-ski scene.

Go ice skating at the Silver Circle Ice Rink.

Where to Stay: Aspen is known for its luxury hotels and ski-in/ski-out resorts.

18. Park City, Utah

One of our favourite things about Park City is its history. We loved skiing down to the historic Main Street, popping off our skis, and walking straight into a saloon that’s been there since the silver mining days. It feels like a real Western town, not just a ski resort.

Why Visit in December: It’s a historic mountain town with two world-class ski resorts (Park City and Deer Valley). The historic Main Street is incredibly charming, and the “Snow Globe Stroll” features life-sized snow globes you can walk through.

Top Things to Do:

Ski or snowboard at Park City Mountain Resort or Deer Valley.

Walk the historic Main Street, popping into the shops, galleries, and saloons.

Experience the “Snow Globe Stroll”.

Go bobsledding (with a professional pilot) at the Utah Olympic Park.

Where to Stay: You can find ski-in/ski-out hotels or stay at an inn on the historic Main Street.

19. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole in December is just dramatic. We took a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, and seeing thousands of elk gathered against the backdrop of the snow-covered Teton mountains… it was a powerful and wild winter experience we’ve never forgotten.

Why Visit in December: It’s the perfect mix of rugged “cowboy Christmas” charm and some of the most challenging ski terrain in North America. The town square, with its famous antler arches, is beautifully lit for the holidays.

Top Things to Do:

Take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge.

Ski or snowboard the legendary terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Take a photo under the antler arches in the festive Town Square.

Go for a snowshoeing or cross-country ski day trip in Grand Teton National Park.

Where to Stay: Stay at a slopeside resort in Teton Village or in a hotel in the town of Jackson.

20. Whitefish, Montana

We love Whitefish because it feels like a real, down-to-earth ski town. We spent a day snowshoeing in nearby Glacier National Park, enjoying the total silence and incredible snowy landscapes, and then came back to town for a casual dinner. It’s all the beauty, without the glitz. Just what we were looking for in a winter vacation.

Why Visit in December: It’s a laid-back, charming mountain town with a top-rated ski resort and stunning scenery. It’s also right next to Glacier National Park, which is a spectacular place to explore in the winter.

Top Things to Do:

Ski or snowboard at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Go on a guided snowshoe or cross-country ski tour in Glacier National Park.

Stroll the charming, decorated downtown.

Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy fields.

Where to Stay: You can find lodges on the mountain or stay in one of the friendly inns in downtown Whitefish.

21. North Pole, Alaska

This was a trip purely for the fun of it, and it was 100% worth it. You drive down streets named “Santa Claus Lane” and “St. Nicholas Drive,” the streetlights are shaped like candy canes, and you can visit the Santa Claus House and see his reindeer. It’s a surreal and joyful experience.

Why Visit in December: It’s the ultimate Christmas fantasy come to life. The entire town is Christmas-themed, 365 days a year, but it’s most magical in December with real snow on the ground and the added bonus of possibly seeing the Northern Lights.

Top Things to Do:

Visit the Santa Claus House to meet Santa and see his reindeer.

Send a postcard to friends and family with an authentic “North Pole” postmark.

Drive around to see the candy-cane-striped streetlights.

Go dog sledding or look for the Aurora Borealis in nearby Fairbanks.

Where to Stay: North Pole is very small; most visitors stay in the nearby city of Fairbanks, which has a wide range of hotels.

Tips for Travelling in the USA in December

Book Everything in Advance: December, especially the period from mid-month through New Year’s, is one of the most expensive and busiest travel times of the year. Flights and hotels sell out and prices are high. Book as far ahead as you possibly can.

Pack for Your Destination (and Be Prepared): The weather varies wildly. You’ll be in a swimsuit in Hawaii and a heavy-duty parka in Alaska. For ski towns, “apres-ski” clothes are just as important as your ski gear. For warm destinations, remember it can still get cool at night.

Rent a 4WD: If you’re heading to a snowy mountain destination like Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming, a 4WD or all-wheel-drive vehicle is essential. Check road conditions before you drive.

Check Event Schedules: For the festive towns, many parades, markets, and light-up events only happen on specific weekends. Check the official town or event websites before you book to make sure you won’t miss the main event.

FAQ: Best Places to Visit in the US in December

Ready for a December Adventure?

December is a magical month to travel. Whether you’re chasing the sun, seeking out that perfect snowy scene, or looking for a town that’s full of holiday magic, the US has the perfect spot for you.

We hope this list, based on our own winter travels, helps you plan your next getaway. Save this on Pinterest for your holiday planning! Where is your favourite place to go in December?

Let’s get right to the big question: Is Egypt safe to travel? For the traveler that informed and prepared, the answer is yes, and it is an incredibly rewarding destination. We’ve explored the country ourselves multiple times and can tell you that standing before the Pyramids of Giza or wandering through the temples of Luxor is an experience that stays with you forever.

But it’s also not a trip to take lightly. Egypt is an intense and often chaotic place that requires a different level of awareness than, say, a road trip through Canada. The challenges are real, from persistent touts to common travel scams, and it’s important to go in with your eyes open.

We believe in honest, real-world advice to help you travel better. In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you actually need to know about whether it is safe to travel to Egypt. We’ll cover the current situation on the ground, common scams to avoid, specific advice for solo female travellers, and our best practical tips from our own trips.

Is Egypt Safe To Travel Right Now: Quick Summary

For those looking for a quick answer, here’s our summary of the safety situation in Egypt.

Overall Risk: Medium. While violent crime against tourists is rare, petty crime, scams, and harassment are common. Situational awareness is essential. While the risk of terrorism exists, attacks targeting tourists are rare and security has been increased at major sites.

Popular Tourist Areas: Major tourist sites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are heavily policed and generally considered safe.

Solo Female Traveller Risk: High. Solo women will likely face persistent and unwanted attention. We recommend hiring a trusted guide or joining a small group tour.

Common Scams: Be prepared for scams involving taxis, bazaar merchants, and unofficial guides. Always agree on a price beforehand.

Tap Water: Not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water at all times.

Our Top Tip: Hire a licensed guide or join a reputable tour, especially for major historical sites. It drastically reduces hassles and enhances the experience.

Why Does Egypt Have a Reputation for Being Unsafe?

It’s a valid question, and the concern doesn’t come from nowhere. For many of us, our main exposure to modern Egypt has been through news reports covering a decade of intense political change and isolated security incidents.

The 2011 Revolution, part of the wider Arab Spring, was a pivotal moment of political unrest for the country. While it was fundamentally a domestic political event about the future of Egypt, the images of mass protests and instability were broadcast globally. This period of upheaval understandably made many travellers hesitant, and the tourism industry, which is a vital part of the country’s economy, took a massive hit.

We were in Egypt just after the revolution, and yes, there were a lot of security forces and Egyptian police around, but we did feel safe.

In the years that followed, there were also several isolated but serious security incidents that targeted tourist areas. These tragic events were widely reported and further solidified the perception of risk in the minds of potential visitors.

However, it is important to place these events in today’s context. The situation on the ground has stabilized significantly. In response to past incidents, there is now a huge emphasis on tourist security, with a visible police and military presence at all major sites, hotels, and along the main travel routes.

While no country is 100% free from risk, the events of the past have led to some of the most stringent security measures you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Current Egypt Travel Advisory & Security Situation

Before any trip, we always recommend checking the official travel advisories from your government, like Global Affairs Canada or the U.S. Department of State. These advisories can sound intimidating, often using cautious language. It’s their job to inform you of every possible risk, from petty crime to political instability.

Check the Current Travel Advisories here:

The key is to understand that these warnings are often for the entire country and don’t always reflect the situation in the main tourist areas. There’s a huge difference between the popular travel corridor (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea) and the regions that are explicitly advised against, like the North Sinai Peninsula or the western desert on the border with Libya.

We remember reading the advisories before our first trip, and to be honest, it gave us a moment of pause. But once we were on the ground in Luxor, surrounded by local families and other travellers exploring the temples, the feeling was one of excitement, not fear. It’s a good reminder that while advisories are an important tool, they don’t always capture the full, on-the-ground experience.

Is Cairo, Egypt Safe? What About Other Cities?

Yes, Cairo and other major cities on the tourist trail are generally safe, but it’s important to remember that Egypt is a large country, and the experience can be very different from one place to another. The vibe in bustling Cairo is a world away from the relaxed pace of a Nile-side town or a Red Sea resort.

Safety in Cairo

Cairo is one of the world’s great megacities. With more than 20 million people, it is crowded, chaotic, and incredibly vibrant. We’ve spent a lot of time navigating its streets, and while the energy can feel overwhelming, we never felt personally unsafe. The main concerns here are petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded areas like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the wild traffic. Use common sense: keep your valuables secure, and look both ways (three or four times) before crossing the street.

Safety in Luxor and Aswan

Once you travel south to Luxor and Aswan, the pace slows down considerably. Life revolves around the Nile, and these cities feel more manageable than Cairo. The primary challenge here isn’t crime, but the “hassle factor.” You will be approached constantly by people trying to sell you a carriage ride, a felucca ride, or a tour.

In Aswan, we must have been offered a boat ride a hundred times just walking along the river. A firm but friendly “La, shukran” (No, thank you) and continuing to walk is the best way to handle it. It can be tiring, but it’s more of an annoyance than a genuine safety threat.

Safety in Red Sea Resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada)

The Red Sea resorts are a completely different world. Places like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada exist in a “resort bubble” with a heavy focus on tourism and security. You will often pass through a security checkpoint on the roads leading into these areas. Within the resorts themselves, the atmosphere is relaxed and the biggest safety concerns are the same as any other beach destination: watch your belongings and don’t overdo it in the sun.

When you see travel warnings for Egypt, they are almost always referring to two specific regions: the Sinai Peninsula (but not the Sharm El Sheikh resorts) and the western desert. These are not places for independent travel, and any essential trip there would require an armed escort for security.

Common Scams and Annoyances in Egypt

Part of the travel experience in Egypt is navigating the constant sales pitches and common scams. Foreknowledge is your best defence. Most of these are more of an annoyance than a danger, but knowing what to look for will make your trip much smoother and save you some money. For example, when someone offers photo ‘assistance’ at a tourist site, they often expect a small tip, known locally as ‘baksheesh’, in return. Here are a few of the most common ones we’ve encountered.

The “Come See My Shop” Approach

You’ll be walking near a market or temple, and a friendly local will strike up a conversation. After a few minutes of pleasantries, they will inevitably invite you to their cousin’s or brother’s shop for a “special price.” This is a very common and generally harmless tactic. The best response is a smile and a firm, “No, thank you” as you continue walking.

Aggressive Taxi Drivers

This is a classic travel scam worldwide. A driver might tell you their meter is broken and then quote you a ridiculous price at the end of your ride. To avoid this, always agree on the fare before you get into the cab. Better yet, use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Careem where the price is fixed and tracked in the app.

The Papyrus or Perfume Shop Detour

Our guide in Giza was fantastic, but he was very keen for us to visit a “government-approved” papyrus institute. We went along with it and it was an interesting, if lengthy, sales pitch. Many guides or drivers receive a commission for bringing tourists to these specific shops. It is perfectly fine to politely decline by saying, “Thank you for the offer, but we’d prefer to spend more time at the temple.” A good guide will always respect your wishes.

Photo “Assistance” for a Fee

At major sites, someone may offer to take a photo of you from a “perfect spot.” After they’ve taken a few shots with your camera, they will then demand a hefty tip (baksheesh) for their service. If you don’t want to pay for this, just politely refuse any offers for help with your photos from the start.

Health & Hygiene in Egypt

Staying healthy is a huge part of enjoying your trip. A little bit of caution and pre-planning can go a long way in making sure you feel your best while exploring.

Can you drink the tap water in Egypt?

Let’s be direct: no. You should not drink the tap water in Egypt. The local water system isn’t treated to the same standards that visitors are used to, and it contains different bacteria that can easily lead to stomach upset.

Always stick to sealed bottled water. We even recommend using bottled water to brush your teeth as an extra precaution. It might seem overly cautious, but it’s a simple step that can save you from a day or two of discomfort.

Food Safety & Avoiding “Pharaoh’s Revenge”

The dreaded traveller’s stomach is a real concern for many, but you don’t have to live in fear of the food. We ate plenty of delicious meals, including street food, and were perfectly fine by following a few simple rules.

Eat at busy places. A restaurant or food stall popular with locals means high food turnover and fresher ingredients.

Choose cooked food. Hot, freshly cooked dishes are always a safer bet than food that has been sitting out, like raw salads.

Peel it or forget it. Only eat fruit that you can peel yourself, like bananas and oranges.

Be careful with ice. Unless you are in a high-end hotel, it’s best to ask for your drinks with no ice, as it may be made from tap water.

What vaccinations do I need for Egypt?

We are travel experts, not medical professionals, so it is essential that you consult with your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. They can give you personalized advice based on your health history.

Generally, they will ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. They may also recommend additional vaccinations such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which are common for travel in many parts of the world.

Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Egypt is a challenging destination for solo female travellers, but it can be travelled safely by following a few key precautions. It is a very different experience from travelling as a man or as a couple. The main issue is the high level of verbal harassment and unwanted attention you are likely to receive.

Speaking from my (Deb’s) perspective, it is a country where you constantly need to have your guard up. While this attention is almost always a case of annoying catcalls or persistent staring rather than a physical threat, it can be mentally exhausting over time and can detract from the incredible experience of being there.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Many women travel solo through Egypt and have an amazing time. But being prepared is the key to a successful trip.

Here is our best advice for solo female travellers:

Dress Conservatively. This is our top tip. By covering your shoulders and knees and wearing looser-fitting clothing, you show respect for the local culture and will attract far less unwanted attention. A lightweight scarf is also a great tool to have on hand to cover your head when entering mosques.

Consider a Tour or Guide. Especially for a first visit, joining a small group tour or hiring a private guide can make a world of difference. It allows you to focus on the history and beauty of Egypt without having to navigate the hassles on your own.

Be Confident. Walk with purpose and project confidence, even if you are feeling a little lost. Avoid prolonged eye contact and don’t be afraid to be firm and say “no” loudly if someone is bothering you.

Wear a Fake Wedding Ring. It’s a simple trick, but wearing a plain band on your ring finger can help deter some unwanted advances.

Use Ride-Sharing Apps. Stick to Uber or Careem instead of hailing taxis on the street. It provides a digital record of your trip and driver, and the price is set in advance.

Top 10 Safety Tips for Egypt

Here is a quick summary of our most important safety tips for visiting Egypt. Following these will help you stay safe, avoid hassles, and focus on the incredible experience of your trip.

Hire a Licensed Egyptologist/Guide. A good guide is worth their weight in gold. They will not only bring the ancient sites to life but will also handle logistics and keep touts at bay, making your day infinitely more enjoyable.

Dress Conservatively. Show respect for the local culture by covering your shoulders and knees. Looser-fitting, lightweight clothing is the most comfortable and appropriate option for both the climate and the culture.

Never Drink the Tap Water. This is a non-negotiable rule. Always stick to sealed bottled water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth to avoid getting sick.

Learn to Say “La, Shukran”. A firm but polite “No, thank you” in Arabic is the most effective way to deal with persistent sellers and touts.

Always Agree on a Price First. Before you get in a taxi or agree to a carriage ride, confirm the price with the driver. This simple step prevents arguments and scams later.

Keep Valuables Secure. Use common sense. Don’t flash expensive jewellery or cash, and keep your wallet and phone in a secure front pocket or a zipped bag, especially in crowded markets.

Purchase Travel Insurance. Things can and do go wrong when you travel. Having good travel insurance from a provider like World Nomads or SafetyWing is essential for peace of mind.

Be Mindful of Your Health. Stick to freshly cooked hot meals and fruit you can peel yourself to minimize your risk of stomach issues.

Share Your Itinerary. Always leave a copy of your travel plans with someone back home so they know your general whereabouts.

Trust Your Gut Instincts. This is the golden rule of travel. If a situation or a person feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to remove yourself from any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Should You Use a Tour Operator or Group Tour?

Yes, for most first-time travellers to Egypt, we highly recommend using a reputable tour operator. While we often travel independently, for a country like Egypt, we highly recommend using a reputable tour operator or joining a small group tour, especially for a first visit. The value it adds to your trip in terms of both enjoyment and peace of mind is enormous.

Here’s why we think it’s a smart choice:

It Eliminates the Hassle. This is the single biggest advantage. A good guide and operator will handle all the logistics, from buying tickets to arranging transportation. Most importantly, they act as a buffer between you and the persistent touts, allowing you to actually enjoy the sites.

You Get Invaluable Context. Exploring a 4,000-year-old temple is impressive, but having a qualified Egyptologist explain what you’re seeing brings the history to life in a way no guidebook can.

It Adds a Layer of Security. Navigating a new country can be intimidating. Having a local guide who knows the customs and a small group of fellow travellers provides a welcome sense of security and support.

It’s More Efficient. Tour operators know the best times to visit sites to avoid the worst of the crowds and the midday heat. You’ll likely see more, and in greater comfort, than if you were arranging everything on your own.

This doesn’t mean you can’t travel Egypt independently, as many people do. However, it requires a great deal of patience and planning. For a first trip, we believe the benefits of an organized tour far outweigh the costs. It streamlines the experience and allows you to focus on the magic of the place, not the frustrations. We often book day tours through sites like GetYourGuide or Viator to vet local operators.

What Should I Wear in Egypt?

Deciding what to wear in Egypt is about balancing comfort for the heat with respect for the conservative culture. For both men and women, we recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

This isn’t just about entering religious sites; dressing more conservatively will help you blend in and can significantly reduce unwanted attention, especially for women. Think linen trousers, long skirts or dresses, and t-shirts or blouses rather than tank tops. A lightweight scarf is the most useful accessory you can pack, perfect for sun protection, a bit of warmth on a cool evening, or for women to use as a head covering when visiting a mosque.

The Verdict: So, Should You Travel to Egypt?

So after all that, we come back to the big question: should you travel to Egypt? Our answer is a definite yes, but on one condition: you have to be a prepared and mindful traveller.

Let’s be clear, Egypt isn’t a destination where you can completely switch off your brain. There are regions to avoid, as the official travel advisories point out, and the hassles in the main tourist areas are real. It is a country with a complex present as well as a magnificent past.

But from our experience, the reward massively outweighs the challenges. The desire to welcome travellers back is something you can feel from the people you meet. Responsible tourism is incredibly important here, and there is a shared understanding that a safe and positive experience for visitors is crucial for the country’s future.

For us, the chance to stand in the shadow of monuments built thousands of years ago is a true privilege. If you are a traveller who is resilient, patient, and armed with good information, we believe you should absolutely go. It is a trip that will challenge you, awe you, and stick with you long after you have come home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt Travel Safety

We’ll never forget our trip to Zion National Park one November. After battling the summer crowds on a previous visit, we returned to find the trails almost completely to ourselves. The air was crisp, the autumn colours were still holding on in the lower canyon, and the experience felt so much more personal and raw.

That trip reminded us that travelling in the shoulder season is often the best way to really connect with a place.

If you’re trying to figure out where to go in the USA before the chaos of the holiday season kicks in, November is your month. It’s a bit of a sweet spot for travel. The summer crowds are long gone, and the winter rush hasn’t quite arrived yet, which can mean better deals and more breathing room.

We’ve road-tripped, hiked, and explored our way across the United States for years. Based on those experiences, we’ve put together this list of our favourite places to visit in November. Whether you’re looking for a final dose of sunshine or a cosy city break, this guide has you covered.

Quick List: Best Places to Visit in November in the USA

November is one of the best months for a US trip, offering a sweet spot between autumn’s peak and the holiday rush. Here are a dozen of our top recommendations:

Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert hiking & sunny patios

Maui, Hawaii: Whale watching season & epic sunsets

New York City, New York: Thanksgiving parade & pre-holiday buzz

New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz music & Creole cuisine without the humidity

Zion National Park, Utah: Crowd-free canyon hikes & crisp air

Asheville, North Carolina: Late autumn colours & Blue Ridge Mountain views

Telluride, Colorado: Early snow & a quiet mountain town

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Peaceful hikes & deep blue water

Napa Valley, California: Cabernet season & cosy winery tours

Savannah, Georgia: Historic squares & mild temperatures for strolling

San Antonio, Texas: Historic missions & festive River Walk

Palm Springs, California: Mid-century modern style & poolside relaxation

Why Travel to the USA in November?

November is one of our favourite months for exploring the United States because it feels like you’re getting an inside scoop. It’s the definition of a shoulder season month.

The weather is often still pleasant in many parts of the country, but the crowds are significantly smaller than in the summer or the festive season. This can lead to better prices on flights and accommodation, and you get to experience popular spots without feeling rushed. It’s a fantastic time to plan a road trip or a city break before the winter chill sets in.

Best Places to Visit in November for Warm Weather

If you’re looking to escape the autumn chill and find some sunshine before winter sets in, these are our go-to spots in November. The weather is ideal; warm enough for the beach or a hike, but without the intense heat of the summer months.

1. Scottsdale, Arizona

We’ve hiked Camelback Mountain in the summer, and trust me, doing it in November is a completely different experience. We hit the trail early in the morning with just a light jacket and felt energized by the crisp desert air, not drained by the heat. That feeling of reaching the top and looking out over the valley is what a trip to Scottsdale is all about.

Why Visit in November: The weather is pretty much perfect. Daily temperatures are comfortable for everything from golfing and hiking to simply relaxing on a sunny patio. The city is alive but not overly crowded like it is during the peak season.

Top Things to Do:

Hike Camelback Mountain or explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Wander through the art galleries and shops in Old Town Scottsdale.

Visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural school.

Where to Stay: Scottsdale has a great range of places, from sprawling luxury resorts with golf courses to more intimate boutique hotels near Old Town.

2. Maui, Hawaii

One of our most memorable moments in Maui was sitting on the coast and seeing the first humpback whales of the season breach in the distance. November marks the beginning of their return to Hawaiian waters, and there’s a real sense of excitement in the air.

Why Visit in November: It’s the sweet spot before the peak holiday crowds arrive. The official whale watching season kicks off, the weather is fantastic, and you can often find better deals on flights and accommodation. Just remember that November is the start of the rainy season in Hawaii, so might have a few showers.

Top Things to Do:

Drive the iconic Road to Hana.

Watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakal? National Park.

Take a boat tour to see the humpback whales.

Relax on the sands of Ka’anapali Beach.

Where to Stay: For luxury, look to the resorts in Wailea. For a more laid-back, local vibe, check out the town of Paia on the North Shore.

3. Key West, Florida

There’s a certain charm to Key West that’s hard to explain. We loved ending our days at Mallory Square, watching the street performers and the incredible sunset over the water. It feels less like you’re in the US and more like you’ve escaped to a quirky Caribbean island.

Why Visit in November: The summer humidity has subsided, leaving behind sunny weather and average temperatures of 21°C – 27°C are perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. It’s an ideal time for snorkelling or diving as the water is still warm and hurricane season is over.

Top Things to Do:

Walk down the lively Duval Street.

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (and see the six-toed cats).

Join the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.

Take a day trip by ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Where to Stay: We recommend finding a guesthouse or inn in the historic Old Town to be close to the action.

4. Death Valley National Park, California

Standing at Badwater Basin at sunrise is an experience that sticks with you. It’s the lowest point in North America, and in the cool morning air of November, the silence and scale of the salt flats are incredible. It’s a place that’s largely inaccessible in the summer, which makes visiting this time of year feel special.

Why Visit in November: Safety and comfort. The dangerously high summer temperatures have dropped, making it prime time to explore the park’s famous landscapes during the day. The clear, dry air also makes for some of the best stargazing in the country.

Top Things to Do:

See the salt flats at Badwater Basin.

Watch the sunrise or sunset over the badlands from Zabriskie Point.

Hike the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Stay up late for some unbelievable stargazing.

Where to Stay: Lodging is limited, so book ahead. The Oasis at Death Valley offers a couple of options right inside the park.

Best Places to Visit in November for City Breaks

November is an ideal time for a city break in the US. The weather is often cool and crisp, perfect for walking, and you get to see these places transform as they gear up for the holiday season.

5. New York City, New York

We once spent a week in New York in mid-November and it felt like we had the city during its best transition. The fall colors were still clinging to the trees in Central Park, but the first holiday lights were starting to appear (you know we love Christmas in NYC). There was a buzz in the air about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but the intense December crowds hadn’t arrived yet. It was the perfect balance.

Why Visit in November: This is your chance to see iconic holiday events with fewer crowds. The weather is cool and comfortable for exploring the different neighbourhoods on foot.

Top Things to Do:

Watch the giant balloons get inflated the night before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Go ice skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or at Rockefeller Center.

See a Broadway show before the ticket prices climb for the holidays.

Take a walk through a quieter Central Park.

Where to Stay: Midtown is convenient for first-timers who want to be near Times Square and the theatre district. For a more neighbourhood feel, we love staying in the West Village.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Our favourite trips to New Orleans have been in the fall. We have a great memory of grabbing beignets and coffee and just wandering through the French Quarter for hours, listening to jazz musicians on street corners. You can’t do that comfortably in the summer heat, but in November, the weather is just right.

Why Visit in November: The oppressive heat and humidity of summer are gone. It’s the perfect time to explore the city’s historic architecture and cemeteries on foot. Plus, the city hosts unique events like the Bayou Classic.

Top Things to Do:

Listen to authentic live jazz on Frenchmen Street.

Explore the architecture and history of the French Quarter.

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District to see the grand homes.

Indulge in the city’s famous Creole and Cajun food.

Where to Stay: Staying at a hotel with a balcony in the French Quarter is a classic New Orleans experience.

7. San Antonio, Texas

We took an evening boat tour along the San Antonio River Walk just as they were putting up the holiday lights. Seeing the cypress trees draped in colour, reflected in the water below, was magical. The city feels incredibly festive, but in a relaxed, Texan way.

Why Visit in November: The weather is mild and pleasant, which is ideal for strolling along the River Walk and exploring the city’s historic Spanish missions. The famous holiday lights display usually begins the day after Thanksgiving.

Top Things to Do:

Explore the shops, restaurants, and public art along the River Walk.

Visit The Alamo and the other four missions that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Browse the stalls at the Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the US.

Where to Stay: We recommend a hotel right on the River Walk to have the city’s main attraction at your doorstep.

8. Chicago, Illinois

There’s nothing quite like the weekend before Thanksgiving in Chicago when the city officially kicks off the holiday season. We went for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival one year, and seeing Mickey Mouse lead the parade as they lit up a million lights down the avenue was pure fun.

Why Visit in November: Chicago goes all-out to begin the festive season. It’s cold, but the city’s energy will warm you up. It’s also a great time to explore Chicago’s world-class indoor attractions.

Top Things to Do:

Attend the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

Shop at the Christkindlmarket, an open-air German Christmas market.

Go ice skating on the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.

Spend a day exploring the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum.

Where to Stay: The Loop or River North are central neighbourhoods that offer easy access to most of the main sights and transportation.

Best Places in November for Outdoor Adventure & Scenery

For those who want to get out and explore, November offers some incredible opportunities. The trails are quieter, the temperatures are perfect for a long hike, and the light is often softer, which is great for photography.

9. Zion National Park, Utah

As we mentioned, our November trip to Zion was a game-changer. We rented dry suits in Springdale and hiked a section of The Narrows. Wading through the Virgin River with those massive canyon walls towering above us, and with only a handful of other people in sight, was an unforgettable adventure. It’s a completely different park without the summer crowds.

Why Visit in November: The intense summer heat is gone, making for perfect hiking conditions. The park is much quieter, and on weekdays, you can often drive your own car into Zion Canyon, which isn’t allowed during peak season.

Top Things to Do:

Hike The Narrows (be sure to rent appropriate cold-water gear).

Explore the Emerald Pools Trail.

Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and look for bighorn sheep.

Hike The Watchman Trail for a great view of the valley.

Where to Stay: The town of Springdale is located right at the park’s entrance and has plenty of hotels and restaurants.

10. Asheville, North Carolina

We drove a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of Asheville one November, thinking we had missed all the fall foliage. But the lower elevations were still full of colour, with deep reds and golds clinging to the trees. The views over the mountains were hazy and beautiful. It proved that the scenery here is spectacular long after the peak season ends.

Why Visit in November: You can often catch the last of the fall colour. The crisp mountain air is invigorating for hikes, and the city itself is a cosy place to return to, with a fantastic food scene and dozens of craft breweries.

Top Things to Do:

Drive a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway (check for road closures).

Hike in the Pisgah National Forest.

Tour the Biltmore Estate, which is usually decorated for Christmas starting in early November.

Explore the vibrant downtown area’s shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Where to Stay: You can choose from trendy hotels downtown or rent a secluded cabin in the nearby mountains for a true retreat.

11. Sedona, Arizona

We took one of the famous Pink Jeep Tours on our last visit. Bouncing over the red rock trails was a blast, and our guide pointed out all the different rock formations and vortex sites. Doing it in November meant we could enjoy the open-air vehicle without baking in the sun.

Why Visit in November: The weather is ideal for hiking and exploring the outdoors. The bright blue skies create a remarkable contrast with the deep red rocks, making for excellent photographs. The spiritual energy of the vortexes feels even more powerful in the quiet of the off-season.

Top Things to Do:

Take a jeep tour to explore the backcountry.

Hike the trails around Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock.

Browse the unique shops and art galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.

Watch the sunset from the Airport Mesa viewpoint.

Where to Stay: Many of Sedona’s resorts are built to blend in with the landscape and offer incredible views and spa services.

12. Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley in November is a different kind of beautiful. The grapevines, having done their work, are turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, and deep red. We remember sitting in a quiet tasting room, savouring a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon while a fire crackled in the fireplace. It felt sophisticated and incredibly relaxing.

Why Visit in November: The valley is celebrating “Cabernet Season,” the perfect time to taste the region’s signature bold red wines. The fall scenery in the vineyards is gorgeous, and the wineries are far less crowded than during the harvest season.

Top Things to Do:

Go wine tasting with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon.

Take a hot-air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the colourful vineyards.

Enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the valley’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.

Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Where to Stay: For a classic experience, book a room at a charming inn or B&B in towns like St. Helena, Yountville, or Calistoga.

13. Telluride, Colorado

We visited Telluride once in the quiet window between fall hiking and peak ski season. We rode the free gondola up the mountain over a valley dusted with the early snow of the year. The town was so peaceful, and looking down into that famous box canyon felt like we had a secret view all to ourselves before the winter crowds arrived.

Why Visit in November: You get to experience the calm before the storm of ski season, often at a lower price. The ski resort sometimes opens on Thanksgiving weekend, offering some of the earliest runs of the year in North America.

Top Things to Do:

Ride the free gondola between the town of Telluride and Mountain Village for incredible views.

Walk along the historic, Victorian-era Main Street.

Check for early-season skiing or snowboarding.

Enjoy the quiet, cosy atmosphere in the local restaurants and bars.

Where to Stay: Choose between the historic inns in the town of Telluride or the modern, ski-in/ski-out hotels in Mountain Village.

14. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

We took a trip to Lake Tahoe in November and went for a hike around Emerald Bay. The air was crisp, the scent of pine was everywhere, and the lake was a shade of blue so deep it didn’t look real. With almost no one else on the trail, it was one of the most peaceful and spectacular walks we’ve ever had.

Why Visit in November: It is the true quiet season. The summer and winter crowds are gone, making for a peaceful and relaxing visit. You can often find great deals on lodging, and the trails at lower elevations are perfect for hiking.

Top Things to Do:

Hike the trails around the stunning Emerald Bay State Park.

Drive the 72-mile scenic road that circles the entire lake.

Explore the shops and restaurants in South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City.

See if the Heavenly Gondola is running for amazing views of the lake.

Where to Stay: For a cosy trip, rent a cabin near the West Shore. For more action and amenities, look for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe.

Best Places to Go in November for a Unique Experience

Sometimes you want a trip that’s a little different. These destinations offer something special in November, from diving deep into American history to soaking up some mid-century modern style in the desert.

15. Plymouth, Massachusetts

Visiting Plymouth in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving is a powerful experience. We walked the grounds of the Plimoth Patuxet Museums and saw the Mayflower II replica, and it really brought a new depth to a story we’ve all heard. Standing there, you can’t help but reflect on that slice of American history.

Why Visit in November: This is the setting for the original Thanksgiving story, and visiting this month makes the history feel incredibly relevant and alive. The big summer crowds are gone, leaving a quiet, reflective atmosphere. October is also a great month to visit.

Top Things to Do:

Explore the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, a living history museum.

See Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II ship at the waterfront.

Wander through the historic downtown and Burial Hill cemetery.

Where to Stay: Look for a historic inn or a hotel along the waterfront for the full New England experience.

16. Savannah, Georgia

We took a ghost tour on a cool November evening in Savannah, and the city’s atmosphere was perfect for it. With the Spanish moss hanging from the ancient oak trees and the gaslights flickering in the historic squares, the spooky stories felt entirely believable. Afterwards, we just walked for hours, enjoying the cool air.

Why Visit in November: The weather is ideal for exploring Savannah’s beautiful and walkable historic district. The oppressive summer humidity is a distant memory, and the city’s many squares are a delight to discover on foot.

Top Things to Do:

Walk through some of the 22 historic squares, each with its own character.

Tour a historic home, like the Mercer Williams House from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Explore the shops and restaurants along the revitalized Broughton Street and River Street.

Where to Stay: We recommend booking a room in one of the boutique hotels or historic inns located right in the Historic District.

17. Las Vegas, Nevada

Many people think of Vegas as just The Strip, but we love using it as a base for desert adventures. One November we rented a car and drove out to the Valley of Fire State Park. Exploring the incredible red rock formations in the mild weather was fantastic, and then we returned to the energy and lights of the city at night. It’s the best of both worlds.

Why Visit in November: The desert heat has subsided, making it the perfect time to explore nearby natural wonders. Back in the city, you can often find great deals on hotels and shows before the busy holiday season.

Top Things to Do:

Take a day trip to hike in Valley of Fire State Park.

See one of the incredible Cirque du Soleil shows.

Explore the wildly different themes of the hotels along The Strip.

Visit the impressive Hoover Dam.

Where to Stay: For first-timers, staying mid-Strip gives you easy access to the main attractions.

18. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs just feels cool. We spent a weekend there simply appreciating the mid-century modern design, from the unique houses to the retro hotels. After a morning of exploring, we spent the afternoon just relaxing by the pool in the warm sun. It was a perfect, low-key getaway.

Why Visit in November: The weather is idyllic. It’s sunny and warm enough to lounge by the pool but comfortable enough for hiking or tennis. It’s the quintessential relaxing desert escape.

Top Things to Do:

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the Coachella Valley.

Hike the scenic trails in the Indian Canyons.

Take a self-guided tour of the city’s famous mid-century modern architecture.

Shop for vintage finds in the Uptown Design District.

Where to Stay: Treat yourself to a stay at one of the city’s many restored mid-century modern hotels or boutique inns.

19. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is one of America’s great walking cities. We loved grabbing a classic Philly cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market and then walking it off by exploring the streets of the Old City. The history here feels so tangible, from Independence Hall to the cobblestone alleys.

Why Visit in November: The crisp fall weather is perfect for a history-heavy trip that requires a lot of walking. The city also hosts the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the country, offering a unique holiday experience.

Top Things to Do:

Visit Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Run up the “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Eat your way through the amazing Reading Terminal Market.

Explore the charming, historic streets of the Old City.

Where to Stay: Center City or the Old City are the best bets for being within walking distance of most major historical sites.

Tips for Travelling in the USA in November

Check the Weather: The weather across the United States varies wildly in November. You could be swimming in Florida or skiing in Colorado. Always check the specific forecast for your destination right before you leave.

Pack in Layers: For most places, layers are your best friend. A t-shirt, a fleece, and a waterproof or windproof jacket will cover you for most city breaks and outdoor adventures.

Book Around Thanksgiving: November is generally a shoulder season with good deals, but the week of Thanksgiving is a major travel period. Book flights and accommodation well in advance if your trip falls over the holiday.

FAQ: Best Places to Visit in the US in November

Ready for a November Getaway?

November is a fantastic and often overlooked month to explore the United States. With fewer crowds and a mix of festive energy and off-season calm, it offers a unique chance to see some of the country’s best spots in a different light.

So, where will you go?

There are few places we’ve explored that are as much of a feast for the senses as Portugal. We spent two full months traveling the entire country, from the sun-drenched seafood restaurants of the Algarve to the historic heart of Guimarães in the north. Our mission was simple: to eat everything.

We tried food from tiny tascas in Lisbon, seaside grills serving the freshest catch, and family-run spots deep in the countryside. This guide is the result of that delicious journey. It’s our collection of the traditional Portuguese dishes that you simply have to try, based on our firsthand experience of eating our way across the country.

Traditional Portuguese Food at a Glance

If you’re short on time, here are our top picks to help you decide what to eat first.

Must-Try Dishes: Pastel de Nata, Bifana, Grilled Sardines, Caldo Verde.

Best Seafood: Bacalhau, Cataplana de Marisco, Polvo à Lagareiro.

Best Meat Dishes: Francesinha, Leitão Assado (Suckling Pig), Porco Preto.

Must-Try Drinks: Vinho Verde, Ginjinha.

1. Pastel de Nata (Custard Tarts)

You can’t talk about traditional Portuguese cuisine without starting here. These bite-sized egg custard tarts are a national treasure. The pastry is impossibly flaky, shattering the moment you bite into it, giving way to a warm, creamy custard centre. They’re typically served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We’ve eaten more of these than we can count, and our rule is simple: eat them warm, preferably standing right outside the bakery. While there are famous spots in Lisbon, almost every local pastelaria has a fantastic version. It’s the perfect companion to a morning coffee.

2. Bacalhau (Salt Cod)

Bacalhau isn’t just a fish; it’s a Portuguese obsession. It’s said there are more than 365 ways to prepare this dried and salted cod—one for every day of the year. Historically, it was the food that sustained sailors on long voyages, but today it’s a beloved staple found in everything from simple fish cakes to elaborate casseroles. WE really got a good taste of it when we were up in Guimaraes. What amazing food scene.

Dave & Deb’s Take: If you’re new to bacalhau, the best introduction is Bacalhau à Brás. It’s a typical Portuguese dish of shredded cod mixed with onions, scrambled eggs, and thinly fried potatoes. It’s delicious, not too fishy, and a perfect way to experience Portugal’s national dish.

3. Bifana (Pork Sandwich)

The Bifana is Portugal’s answer to the perfect sandwich. It’s simple, cheap, and incredibly satisfying. The sandwich consists of thin slices of pork marinated in garlic, white wine, and spices, served on a soft, fresh bread roll. It’s the ultimate Portuguese comfort food.

Dave & Deb’s Take: The best Bifanas we’ve had are from tiny, no-frills spots where you can hear the pork sizzling on the griddle. Don’t be shy with the mustard, a squeeze of it cuts through the richness of the pork perfectly. It’s the ideal cheap and cheerful lunch.

4. Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas)

Freshly grilled sardines are a juicy, simple pleasure and a staple of Portuguese cuisine. Historically a dish of the lower classes due to their affordability, they are now a beloved snack or light lunch across the country. The secret is the slow-grilling over charcoal, which keeps the fish moist and packed with flavour.

Dave & Deb’s Take: The best sardines we’ve ever had were from a tiny, no-name grill set up on a side street in the Alfama district of Lisbon during the St. Anthony Festival in June. The whole neighbourhood smelled of grilled fish and charcoal. You eat them with your hands, placing the sardine on a slice of bread to soak up the juices. Don’t be afraid to get messy; it’s all part of the experience.

5. Piri-Piri Chicken

This is one of Portugal’s most famous culinary exports, and for good reason. It’s so much more than just the version you find at chain restaurants. Authentic Portuguese Piri-Piri chicken is spatchcocked, marinated in a flavourful mix of chili, garlic, olive oil, and lemon, and then grilled over charcoal until the skin is crispy and the meat is incredibly juicy.

Dave & Deb’s Take: Every restaurant has its own secret Piri-Piri sauce recipe, and part of the fun is trying different versions. We found the best spots are usually unassuming, local places with a huge charcoal grill out front. It’s typically served with simple fries and a basic salad, which is all you need to accompany the star of the show.

6. Caldo Verde (Green Soup)

Caldo Verde is the ultimate Portuguese comfort food. This warming and flavourful soup originates from the northern Minho region but is now found on menus all across the country. It’s a simple, rustic soup made from potatoes, thinly shredded collard greens (or kale), and slices of smoky chouriço sausage, all brought together with a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Dave & Deb’s Take: This was our go-to starter on cool evenings in Porto. It’s hearty without being heavy, and the combination of the earthy greens and the smoky sausage is perfect. It’s a simple dish, but when it’s done right, it’s one of the most satisfying things you can eat in Portugal.

7. Francesinha (The Queen of Sandwiches)

This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an event. Hailing from Porto, the Francesinha is a beast of a meal, layered with sausage, ham, and steak, then smothered in melted cheese and a rich, spicy, beer-based tomato sauce. It’s messy, decadent, and absolutely unforgettable. Perfect when accompanied by a side of french fries.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We made a special trip to Porto just to try an authentic Francesinha, and it lived up to the hype. It’s arguably the most popular Portuguese food. Our advice? Come hungry, and don’t wear a white shirt. You’ll find it on menus in Lisbon, but it’s worth waiting to try it in its hometown of Porto.

8. Carne de Porco à Alentejana (Pork with Clams)

This is the original Portuguese surf and turf, and it’s a brilliant combination of flavours. The dish combines tender chunks of pork marinated in wine and garlic with fresh clams, all served over a bed of fried potatoes and topped with fresh cilantro. It originated in the Algarve region but is now a beloved classic across the country.

Dave & Deb’s Take: The first time we saw this on a menu, we were a bit skeptical about the pork and clam combo, but it just works. The salty flavour of the clams perfectly complements the rich pork, and the sauce is incredible for dipping your bread in. It’s a must-try for any adventurous foodie.

9. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)

While it might look like a Spanish paella, Arroz de Marisco is a uniquely Portuguese dish. The key difference is that the rice is cooked in a flavourful broth until it’s much looser and more stew-like than a paella. It’s packed with a generous amount of seafood, typically including prawns, mussels, clams, and squid.

Dave & Deb’s Take: This is a fantastic dish to share. It usually comes to the table in a large clay pot, steaming and fragrant. We love the soupy consistency of the rice, which is packed with the flavour of the sea. It’s a perfect meal for a long, lazy lunch with a bottle of Vinho Verde.

10. Bitoque (Steak and Egg)

Bitoque is a classic Portuguese comfort meal you’ll find in almost every local restaurant or tasca. It’s a simple but satisfying dish of a thin-cut steak (either pork or beef) that’s pan-fried in garlic and butter, then topped with a runny fried egg. It’s almost always served with a side of french fries and rice.

Dave & Deb’s Take: This was our go-to lunch on days when we needed something quick, hearty, and reliable. It’s a no-frills dish, but it’s always delicious. The best part is breaking the fried egg yolk and letting it run over the steak and fries. It’s simple, classic Portuguese cooking at its best.

11. Arroz de Pato (Duck Rice)

This is a classic Portuguese comfort food dish. Arroz de Pato, or duck rice, is a rich and savory dish where the rice is cooked in a flavorful broth made from simmering the duck itself. The tender, shredded duck meat is then mixed into the rice, which is often topped with slices of smoky chouriço and baked until the top is slightly crispy.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We had this on a cool evening in a small, family-run restaurant and it was the perfect hearty meal. It’s much richer and more flavourful than a standard rice dish. The crispy chouriço on top adds the perfect salty, smoky contrast to the tender duck.

12. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Olive Oil)

If you love seafood, this dish is an absolute must-try. Tender octopus is boiled and then roasted with plenty of garlic and a generous amount of Portuguese olive oil, and typically served with small, roasted potatoes that have been smashed to soak up all the delicious oil.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We were a bit hesitant about octopus before our trips to Portugal, but this dish completely converted us. When it’s cooked well, the octopus is incredibly tender, not chewy at all. It’s a simple dish that really lets the high-quality ingredients shine. It’s one of our go-to orders every time we’re back in Portugal.

13. Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Cakes)

These are one of Portugal’s most popular snacks or appetizers. Bolinhos de Bacalhau are small, deep-fried fritters made from a mixture of salted cod, potatoes, eggs, and fresh parsley. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Dave & Deb’s Take: You’ll find these everywhere, from small cafes to high-end restaurants. They’re the perfect snack to have with a cold beer on a sunny afternoon. We love how they’re a simple, delicious bite of Portugal’s most famous fish.

14. Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Stew)

This is a carnivore’s dream and a true taste of typical Portuguese food. Cozido is a hearty boiled stew packed with a huge assortment of meats and vegetables. A typical Cozido can include beef, pork, chicken, and various sausages like chouriço and morcela (blood sausage), all slow-cooked with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.

Dave & Deb’s Take: Be prepared: this is not a light meal. It’s a massive platter of food, meant to be shared. It’s a fantastic way to sample a huge variety of Portuguese meats and sausages all in one go. It’s a classic Sunday family meal for a reason.

15. Cataplana de Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Stew)

This iconic dish from the Algarve region is as much about the presentation as it is about the flavour. It’s a seafood stew cooked and served in a clam-shaped copper pan called a cataplana. The pan acts like a steamer, locking in all the flavours of the fresh seafood, which typically includes clams, prawns, and fish, cooked in a fragrant broth of tomatoes, white wine, and herbs.

Dave & Deb’s Take: This was the classic Portuguese dish that we had heard about from our friends. So, of course we had to try it. We had this at a seaside restaurant in Lagos, and it was a perfect hearty meal. The moment they open the cataplana at your table and the steam billows out is fantastic. It’s a must-do experience when you’re in the Algarve.

16. Peixinhos da Horta (Fried Green Beans)

Don’t let the simple description fool you; this is one of the most addictive snacks in Portugal. The name literally translates to “little fishes from the garden,” and the dish consists of green beans that are battered and deep-fried until crispy. It’s believed that this dish was the inspiration for what the world now knows as Japanese tempura, introduced by Portuguese traders centuries ago.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We first tried these at a little tapas bar and couldn’t stop ordering them. They’re the perfect appetizer. The batter is light and crispy, and the green bean inside is perfectly tender. It’s a simple, brilliant dish and a great vegetarian option.

17. Picanha

While originally a famous Brazilian cut of beef, Picanha has been wholeheartedly adopted by Portugal. This specific cut, the top sirloin cap, is known for its incredible tenderness and a thick layer of fat that bastes the meat as it grills over charcoal, making it unbelievably juicy and flavourful.

Dave & Deb’s Take: If you see Picanha on the menu and you’re a steak lover, order it. It’s often served simply with fries and black beans. The quality of the beef in Portugal is fantastic, and this is one of the best ways to experience it.

18. Feijoada (Bean Stew)

Another dish with strong Brazilian ties, Feijoada is a rich and hearty stew of black beans and various cuts of pork and beef. While historically made with cheaper cuts, it’s now a beloved comfort food. It’s a slow-cooked, soulful dish that’s perfect for a big, satisfying meal.

Dave & Deb’s Take: This is a true taste of rustic, hearty cuisine. It’s a heavy dish, so it’s best enjoyed on a cooler day. We found it’s a great meal to share, often served with rice and orange slices, which help cut through the richness of the stew.

19. Caldeirada de Peixe (Fish Stew)

This is the quintessential Portuguese fisherman’s stew. A Caldeirada is a beautiful, layered stew made with a variety of fresh fish and potatoes, all cooked together in a flavourful broth of tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs. The beauty of the dish is that it traditionally uses whatever the fishermen caught that day.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We had this in a small fishing village in the Algarve, and it was incredible. It’s similar to a French Bouillabaisse but heartier and more rustic. It’s a fantastic way to sample a wide variety of local fish all in one go.

20. Ovas (Fish Roe)

For the truly adventurous eater, Ovas is a Portuguese delicacy made from fish roe (eggs). The entire egg sack, typically from a grey mullet, is boiled and then served chilled, often sliced and dressed simply with olive oil, vinegar, and onions alongside boiled potatoes.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We have to admit, this one was a challenge for us at first, but we were determined to try it. The texture is the most unique part—very smooth and silky. It’s a very traditional and historic dish, and if you’re looking to step outside your culinary comfort zone, this is the one to try.

21. Serra da Estrela Cheese

If you are a cheese lover, you have to try Queijo Serra da Estrela. This is Portugal’s most famous cheese, hailing from the Serra da Estrela mountains. It’s a soft, gooey sheep’s milk cheese that is so creamy you often eat it by scooping it out with a spoon. It has a strong, complex flavour that is absolutely unforgettable.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We first tried this Portuguese cheese at a market in Lisbon, and it was a revelation. It’s served at room temperature, and the rind is cut off the top so you can dip bread right into the gooey center. It’s incredibly rich and flavourful. Paired with a glass of red wine, it’s a perfect appetizer.

22. Pão de Deus (God’s Bread)

This is a popular Portuguese bread roll, and its name literally translates to “God’s Bread.” It’s a soft, brioche-like bun with a delicious, sweet shredded coconut topping that gets toasted during baking. It’s a staple in Portuguese bakeries (pastelarias).

Dave & Deb’s Take: This was our go-to breakfast on many mornings in Portugal. It’s not overly sweet, and the soft bread with the slightly crispy coconut topping is a perfect combination with a strong coffee. It’s a simple, delicious way to start your day like a local.

23. Bola de Berlim

These are the Portuguese version of a Berliner or a Bismark doughnut, and they are incredibly popular, especially on the beaches in the summer. They are fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts, rolled in sugar, and traditionally filled with a sweet egg yolk cream (creme de ovos).

Dave & Deb’s Take: You’ll see vendors walking the beaches in the Algarve selling these from coolers, and you should absolutely buy one. They are the perfect beach snack. While the traditional egg cream is the classic, we also love the ones filled with chocolate.

24. Cebolada

Cebolada isn’t a standalone dish, but rather a flavorful onion-based stew or sauce that is a cornerstone of Portuguese home cooking. It’s made by slow-cooking onions with tomatoes and garlic until they are soft and sweet. It’s often served as a base for stewed or pan-fried fish and meat dishes.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We had this served with a beautiful piece of grilled tuna, and it was fantastic. The sweetness of the slow-cooked onions and tomatoes is the perfect complement to the fresh fish. It’s a great example of how simple, high-quality ingredients are the heart of Portuguese cuisine.

25. Linguica (Portuguese Smoked Sausage)

Linguica is a flavourful, smoke-cured pork sausage seasoned with garlic and paprika. It’s a staple in the Portuguese diet and is incredibly versatile. It can be grilled, fried, or added to stews and rice dishes to add a deep, smoky flavour.

Dave & Deb’s Take: This is spicier and more flavourful than a typical chorizo. We love it grilled over an open flame. You’ll often see it served as a simple appetizer, where it’s brought to the table in a flaming ceramic dish. It’s a bit of theatre and incredibly delicious.

26. Port Wine

You can’t go to Portugal without trying its most famous drink. Port is a sweet, fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It’s typically served as a dessert wine and comes in several varieties, from rich, fruity ruby ports to complex, nutty tawny ports.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We spent a few days exploring the Douro Valley, and it’s one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. The best way to experience Port is to visit one of the Port lodges in Porto for a tasting. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the history and different styles of this iconic Portuguese drink.

27. Vinho Verde (Green Wine)

Don’t let the name fool you; “green wine” isn’t actually green in colour. It’s a young wine (hence “green”) from the Minho region in the north, and it’s light, crisp, and often has a slight effervescence. It’s the perfect refreshing drink for a sunny afternoon.

Dave & Deb’s Take: We drank Vinho Verde almost every day in Portugal. It’s incredibly affordable and pairs perfectly with fresh seafood. It’s light, easy to drink, and quintessentially Portuguese.

28. Ginjinha (Cherry Liqueur)

Ginjinha (or Ginja) is a popular Portuguese liqueur made by infusing sour cherries (ginja berries) in a brandy called aguardente. It’s a sweet, strong liqueur that is a beloved local drink, especially in Lisbon.

Dave & Deb’s Take: The best way to try this is from one of the tiny, historic Ginjinha bars in Lisbon. For about one Euro, you get a shot served in a small glass, often with a cherry in the bottom. You can also ask for it to be served in a small chocolate cup, which is a fun and delicious way to enjoy it.

Planning Your Food Tour of Portugal

Best Food Tours in Lisbon & Porto: A food tour is one of the best ways to get an introduction to Portuguese cuisine. We recommend taking a tour on your first day to get your bearings and discover some local gems.

Tips for Dining in Portugal:

The bread, olives, and other small plates the waiter brings at the start of the meal (the couvert) are not free. If you don’t want them, just politely say “no, thank you.”

Lunch is typically the main meal of the day, and many restaurants offer a great value prato do dia (dish of the day).

Dinner is eaten late in Portugal, usually after 8:00 PM.

FAQ: Food in Portugal

So, Which Dish Will You Try First?

After spending two full months eating our way from the sunny coast of the Algarve to the historic hills of the north, it’s impossible for us to pick just one favourite Portuguese dish. What we truly fell in love with was the honesty of the food.

Whether it was a simple bowl of Caldo Verde on a cool night in Porto or fresh grilled sardines at a festival in Lisbon, the focus was always on incredible, fresh ingredients prepared with care. But if we had to pick one perfect food memory, it would be sharing a steaming Cataplana de Marisco at a tiny seaside restaurant. The moment the waiter opened that copper pan at our table and the fragrant steam of seafood, wine, and herbs filled the air… that, to us, is the taste of Portugal.

This country’s cuisine is a delicious adventure, and we hope this guide has inspired you to try as many of these traditional Portuguese dishes as you can.