Some destinations are so remarkable — and so popular — that last-minute planning simply won’t do. Whether it’s to witness a natural wonder, partake in a historic seasonal tradition, or even set sail to the end of the world, these experiences require early commitment. Booking early doesn’t just secure your spot — it also saves money and gives you the best choice of accommodations, tours, and flight itineraries. Below are seven unforgettable adventures experts recommend you plan at least a year in advance.

Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is a famous four-day hiking journey through the Andes mountains of Peru that culminates at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This bucket-list destination is relatively remote and protected by the Peruvian government, so reaching it requires serious planning. Only 500 permits are issued per day (200 for trekkers and 300 for guides and porters), and they’re usually snapped up within days of release each October for the following year. The trail itself is open year-round, except in February, but May and June are the most popular months.

Be warned that securing a guide and a spot on the trail may not include entry to Machu Picchu, as the site itself has limited daily tickets. There are four “circuit” routes to choose from, which the local government designed to protect the ruins from overcrowding. Booking all of these activities as early as possible ensures you’ll have your trail permit and site access for the same dates.

Japan’s Cherry Blossoms

Japan’s cherry blossom (sakura) season unfolds each spring with a brilliant display of pink flowers. Between March and April, depending on weather, trees bloom throughout the country, but the most popular viewing spots for visitors are in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This is Japan’s busiest tourism season — hotels, rail passes, and activities sell out months in advance, especially in these hot spots.

For a less-crowded experience, consider visiting smaller towns like Kinosaki, known for its stunning blossoms, hot springs, and charming ryokan (traditional inns). While you should still book well in advance, it may not be as crowded here compared to larger cities. 

Still, it’s easy to understand why tourists flock to places like Kyoto — there’s nothing quite like seeing the famous imperial palaces and gardens decorated with blossoms. But with popularity comes limited availability: The Fushimi Canal Boat Ride, one of the most picturesque ways to enjoy cherry blossoms in Kyoto, regularly sells out during peak bloom, but you can reserve your spot online ahead of time.

Antarctica Expedition

To visit one of the most remote places on the planet, it’s best to plan at least a year in advance. That’s because reaching Antarctica is an adventure in itself. Most travelers depart from the resort town of Ushuaia, Argentina, nicknamed the “End of the World” for its position at the southern tip of South America. From there, they embark on a cruise ship that crosses the Drake Passage, but because only a handful of licensed tour operators run these trips, spots are limited and fill up quickly.

Also of note: Antarctic voyages operate only during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer (November through March). Some cruise lines occasionally offer last-minute deals to fill empty cabins, but planning ahead helps secure your preferred itinerary, cabin type, and excursions. Seabourn, a luxury cruise line, is currently booking Antarctica expeditions as far out as 2028, offering excursions such as penguin viewing, ice walks, polar plunges, and zodiac boat cruises.

Great Migration African Safari

For many travelers, experiencing Africa’s great migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each year, more than 2 million animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, move through Tanzania’s Serengeti in the largest mammal migration on Earth. To see the animals in action, you’ll need to be near the migration routes, which vary depending on the time of year. Between May and July, for example, the place to be is the Western Corridor, and accommodations and tours book quickly.

The Four Seasons Lodge Serengeti, one of the most luxurious safari stays in the region, is located in the Central Serengeti, north of the Seronera River Valley, an area known for year-round wildlife viewing. However, availability is already limited for June through August 2026, which is considered peak season for the area. To streamline tourist itineraries, many lodges coordinate guided safaris directly for their guests, so securing your stay early helps lock in those coveted excursions, too.

Northern Lights in Lapland

From December through March, Lapland is Finland’s premier northern lights viewing region. Due to its popularity during this time, hotels here often book up more than a year in advance, but fortunately, Lapland offers a variety of accommodation options. In Rovaniemi, Apukka Resort lets visitors sleep under the stars in glass igloos and Aurora suites. Nearby, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in its forest tree houses for epic views of the sky and surrounding scenery.

Due to the remote nature of the region, spots are also limited for activities in Lapland. If you plan to visit, be sure to book tours such as reindeer safaris and snowmobile adventures well ahead of time. Even spa treatments and fine dining often have limited availability, which is why locking in your complete itinerary well before arrival will allow you to make the most of your Arctic getaway.

Faroe Islands in Summer

While these remote and wild islands in the North Atlantic Ocean are off most tourists’ radars (for now), capacity for visitors is still relatively limited. Peak season runs from June to August, and during this time, hotel rooms, car rentals, and ferry tickets between islands can sell out many months in advance. Some popular activities are also limited in availability, especially guided tours of Mykines, the westernmost of the archipelago’s 18 islands. It’s home to thousands of puffins, drawing many visitors to see the unique seabirds.

This also means that activities can be expensive, so booking in advance may help you snag an early-bird rate. You’ll be glad you did: From riding Icelandic horses through green Faroese valleys to exploring ancient cliffs and caves on a sea kayak, adventures in the Faroe Islands are unforgettable.

Amazon Jungle Adventure

The Amazon rainforest offers immersion in nature unlike anywhere else in the world, but getting to its remote lodges and small-boat river cruises requires plenty of planning. The dry season (June through August) is peak season for tourism, when popular stays, including luxury boutique hotels and eco-lodges, are often booked months in advance. Take, for instance, the highly rated Juma Amazon Lodge, located on Brazil’s Juma River, a remote, eco-friendly hideaway that has only 20 bungalows. Also in Brazil, the popular Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a luxury boutique hotel that can accommodate only 20 guests at a time.

One of the best ways to tour the jungle is by boat. These tours are typically multiday excursions, which require early reservations. For example, G Adventures’ eight-day Amazon River cruise explores Peru’s Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a biodiverse area of Peru where pink dolphins, spider monkeys, and macaws thrive. But there’s no time to waste: Cruise dates for 2026 peak season are already limited. 

After a record-setting 2024, the 2025 holiday travel season is expected to be even busier, with flight bookings already up 2.2% this year. For air travel, that means crowded terminals, long security lines, and an influx of impatient passengers that can make even the most seasoned flyer feel less than merry. But with the right gear and a few clever hacks, you can handle the chaos like a pro. This holiday travel survival guide is packed with clever products and practical tips to help travelers stay calm, comfortable, and organized from takeoff to touchdown.

TSA and Flight Hacks

Whether you’re dealing with liquid rules or trying to figure out how to bypass lines, these are the best ways to reduce stress at TSA checkpoints.

• TSA-approved toiletry kit: Follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule for carry-ons by purchasing a toiletry kit with leakproof silicone bottles that you can refill with your favorite full-size toiletries. Unsure which toiletries to pack? There are also cost-effective, curated toiletry kits for men and women, ensuring you never forget the essentials.
• TSA PreCheck or CLEAR membership: If you don’t have a membership already, the holidays might be a good time to explore enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, which allow you to use designated lines that offer faster service than regular lines. While they do come at a cost, a less stressful experience may be worth it (and a TSA PreCheck membership is good for five years).
• Digital boarding pass holder or wallet app: Keep all your boarding passes in one place using your airline’s app or a virtual wallet on your phone. This is especially useful when traveling with small children — instead of rummaging around at the gate for your paper ticket before your board, simply pull out your phone and scan.
• Flight apps: You can always use your airline’s app, but a favorite among seasoned travelers is FlightAware, which provides real-time, historical, and predictive flight insights. Sometimes, FlightAware is even updated before the airline’s app. It’s free to download, and you can search by airport and flight time if you don’t know a flight number, which helps you easily keep track of friends and family.

Comfort Is Key

No one enjoys being cold, cramped, or restless on a flight. Bringing a few cozy essentials can help transform a stressful travel day into a surprisingly relaxing experience.

• Compression socks: These specialized socks keep blood flowing during long flights and help reduce cramping, swelling, and leg pain. Choose a classic neutral pair from a trusted brand like Dr. Scholl’s, or get in the holiday spirit with these fun patterns.
• Neck pillow: Whether you’re taking a cross-country red-eye or a quick morning hop across the state, a supportive neck pillow can make a big difference in comfort. Look for ones made of memory foam that offer chin support for better rest and less strain.
• Travel blanket: A packable travel blanket is a great way to make your experience a little more comfortable — and a lifesaver for chilly jetways and airplane cabins. For a more versatile option, consider a cashmere travel wrap, a stylish yet cozy accessory.
• Hydration helpers: With dry cabin air, flying can be dehydrating, so it’s important to keep up with your water intake. Passengers can take an empty water bottle through TSA and fill it post-security. If you’re worried about saving space, consider a collapsible travel water bottle. Bonus points if you bring TSA-friendly hydration packets to mix into your water for an added electrolyte boost.

Peace and Quiet, Please

With airports and flights busier than ever during the holiday season, things may be noisier than usual. Fortunately, you can pack a few small accessories to make your experience a little more peaceful.

• Noise-canceling headphones and earplugs: These can help cancel out noisy neighbors on flights and in the airport. The Bose QuietComfort headphones are top-rated among travelers for their comfortable over-ear design, Bluetooth connectivity, and 24-hour battery life. Bose also makes QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds with the same capabilities but an in-ear design. For travelers who prefer peaceful silence, the Loop Quiet 2 earplugs are  comfortable enough to sleep in and come with four different ear tip sizes.
• Sleep mask: Bright terminal lights and glaring cabin screens can be jarring during early or late travel days, but a sleep mask can help you relax wherever you are. Look for a mask with concave eye cups so the fabric doesn’t press against your face — no contact lens irritation or makeup smudging.
• Meditation and white noise apps: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations, white noise, sleep exercises, and mindfulness programs to help manage stress and anxiety wherever you are. You can download them on your phone or tablet and have access to them throughout your journey.

Keep Organized and Efficient

A tidy carry-on can make all the difference during a busy travel day. Keep everything in its place with these organization essentials.

• Packing cubes: To avoid rummaging around your carry-on bag, separate clothing, hats, and other travel must-haves in packing cubes. Opt for a set of compression cubes to create even more space in your luggage.
• Tech organizer: Traveling with tech keeps us more comfortable, especially when we can listen to our favorite music or catch up on a television show. But this requires charging cords and headphones, which can become a tangled mess in your carry-on bag. A small tech organizer can help you keep everything in a dedicated place.
• Unique bag tags: Many people travel with a neutral-colored bag, so a unique luggage tag is a good way to make your belongings stand out on the carousel. From neon monograms to holiday-themed characters like this charming snowman tag, tags are an inexpensive way to personalize your bag.

Dreaming of a permanent vacation? If you’re entering your golden years and contemplating a new chapter abroad (or know a loved one who is), there’s a myriad of criteria to take into consideration when choosing a foreign country to retire in. For guidance, we looked to the Global Retirement Index (GRI), developed by Natixis Investment Managers and CoreData Research to examine the factors driving retirement security. Their ratings on safety, affordability, and accessibility for American expats make the following seven countries ideal places to enjoy a quieter pace of life.

Portugal

Portugal has become an increasingly popular choice for American retirees due to its warm, sunny climate (comparable to Southern California), excellent health care, and easily obtainable retirement visa — commonly known as the Portugal D7 Visa or the Passive Income Visa. With low levels of violent crime, Portugal consistently ranks among the world’s safest and most peaceful countries, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index. From the golden beaches of the Algarve region to the bustling streets of Lisbon or Porto, there is much to do and see in this stunning European country, which offers the perfect blend of high quality of life, affordability, and natural beauty.

Italy

It’s easy to live la dolce vita (“the sweet life”) in Italy as a retiree. One of the most-loved destinations in Europe for Americans, the nation offers a diverse landscape ranging from the colorful fishing villages of the Italian Riviera to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany. Italy also has a lower crime rate than the United States, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index, and the mild climate, vibrant culture and nightlife, and high-quality health care offered to residents make retiring here very appealing. Retirees can also benefit from a special 7% flat tax regime on their foreign-sourced income and are eligible for a retirement visa, called the Elective Residency Visa, which allows non-EU citizens to reside in Italy without working if they can prove sufficient passive income. 

Greece

With hundreds of islands to choose from, retirees in Greece can live steps away from ancient ruins, dramatic cliffs, sandy coves, or hillsides dotted with olive trees. Greece’s Mediterranean climate consists of the occasional cool sea breeze combined with sunny days that rarely see sweltering temperatures. The country is currently under a Level 1 travel advisory administered by the U.S. Department of State (the lowest level), meaning it has a relatively low crime rate. The country also offers several incentives for retirees, such as a special tax program that can lead to lower taxes for foreign pensioners and a Golden Visa program, which grants a five-year residency permit in exchange for a real estate investment. 

Malaysia

With high-quality health care at a low cost, modern infrastructure, and impressive safety scores, it’s easy to see why more and more Americans are flocking to this Southeast Asian country to retire. Malaysia was named the safest country to visit in Asia in 2024, and retirees have figured out they can get a lot of bang for their buck here. Housing, food, and transportation are all affordable, plus English is widely spoken in major cities. Retirees must meet specific age and financial requirements to qualify for a retirement visa like Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), but for many, the effort is worth it. 

Malta

With its strong expat community and high safety rankings, the European island nation of Malta should be on your radar if you’re considering retirement abroad. Malta was ranked one of the top 20 countries in the world to retire in 2025, according to the GRI, beating Canada and the United States when it comes to life expectancy, affordable health care, and material well-being. Located between Sicily and the North African coast, the country has a pleasant Mediterranean climate and English as its official language, eliminating language barriers for expats. Malta also has a beneficial tax system for retirees: The Global Residence Programme offers a 15% flat tax on income remitted to Malta from abroad.

Costa Rica

Known for its peaceful culture, lush rainforest landscape, and sustainable initiatives, Costa Rica is ideal for those seeking a little more adventure in their golden years. A popular retirement haven for Americans due to high-quality health care offered at a low cost, this Central American nation is devoted to the pura vida (“pure life”) mantra, focused on appreciating life’s simple pleasures and prioritizing time spent in nature. The Costa Rica retirement visa, called the Pensionado Visa, allows retirees earning at least $1,000 per month to obtain temporary residency. 

Panama

The Central American nation of Panama also offers a retirement visa called a Pensionado Visa that comes with valuable perks. These include significant discounts on a wide variety of goods and services, such as airfare, bus tickets, train tickets, hotel stays, utility bills, medical and health care bills, and prescriptions. As another top-ranking nation in the GRI when it comes to safety scores, Panama is a politically stable country that uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. The major metropolis of Panama City also boasts impressively modern infrastructure, including the only metro system in Central America.

Catching a flight always comes with that one important question: How early should you actually get to the airport? No one wants to spend hours waiting around, but running through the terminal with your shoes half on and your bag bouncing behind you isn’t fun, either. The sweet spot of when to show up at the airport depends on a few factors — where you’re headed, how busy the airport is, and how you like to travel. Figuring it out ahead of time can save you stress, maybe a little sweat, and unnecessary time spent waiting around. Below, explore a few different airport scenarios, from catching a domestic or international flight to whether you have TSA PreCheck, are checking bags, or need any special assistance.

When To Get to the Airport for a Domestic Flight

Most U.S. airlines — including American, Delta, and United — recommend showing up at least two hours before your domestic flight. This may sound like a lot of time, but it’s important to consider factors such as parking, whether you need to take a shuttle to the terminal entrance, checking in, dropping off any checked bags, and passing through security.

During busy travel periods like holidays — or exceptional circumstances like the recent government shutdown — it’s smart to give yourself even more time, as airports can get crowded and lines can quickly grow long. Also be sure to keep an eye on the weather, since rain, snow, or other conditions can slow things down and lead to backlogs of travelers with delayed or canceled flights, resulting in longer lines at check-in and security.

When To Get to the Airport for an International Flight

For international flights, airlines, the TSA, and travel experts recommend arriving at least three hours before your scheduled departure time. That’s because there are more steps in the process — document checks, additional security procedures, and sometimes customs at airports with U.S. preclearance — all of which can take longer than a domestic flight. Adding an extra hour gives you a buffer if anything pushes you behind schedule. Boarding for international flights also tends to start earlier — usually around 50 to 60 minutes before departure, whereas domestic flights start around 30 minutes before. 

When To Arrive if You Have TSA PreCheck

If you’re one of the 20 million-plus people who have enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you should theoretically be able to shave off time in the security line and arrive at the airport closer to departure. According to the TSA website, most wait times for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes, while standard screening lanes usually take 30 minutes or less. 

However, keep in mind that you could still encounter long waits in a PreCheck lane if the airport is busy or you’re traveling during peak periods. Because of this, you may wish to stick to the recommended two-hour arrival window for domestic flights or three hours for international trips. This also gives you a few precious extra minutes to grab a coffee, refill your water bottle, and freshen up before your flight.

When To Arrive if You Are Checking Bags

Traveling only with carry-on luggage offers two big advantages. First, you can check in online, obtain a mobile boarding pass, and skip the check-in counter entirely — no wrestling with glitchy self-check-in kiosks or waiting in a long queue of other passengers. Second, once you arrive at the airport, you can head straight to security, bypassing the whole baggage-drop process. And the best part? No waiting around at baggage claim (or worrying about lost luggage) when you land. 

Still, sometimes checking a bag is unavoidable, and if you’re planning on traveling with one, it’s crucial to know the baggage cutoff times. Check the website of the airline you’re traveling with and plan accordingly. For international flights on Southwest Airlines, for instance, your bag must be checked in at least 60 minutes prior to departure, or you won’t be able to board your flight. Remember: This means the time your bag is scanned and loaded on the check-in belt, not the time you join the line, so it’s a good idea to budget plenty of extra time for waiting in the baggage drop-off line.

When To Get to the Airport if You Need Special Assistance

In general, if you require special assistance, it’s a good idea to arrive at the airport about an hour earlier than the recommended times noted above. Depending on your needs, you can request help from a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS), who can guide you through the security process. This service is available through TSA Cares, a program designed to assist travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances. To arrange support, contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight by submitting an online form or by calling (855) 787-2227. 

To ensure everything goes smoothly with your travel day, it’s also a good idea to let your airline know beforehand if you need any assistance. For example, American Airlines recommends adding special assistance requests to your itinerary during the booking process or after you book by managing your itinerary online. The airline notes that you can also inform an employee at the airport when you arrive if, for example, you need a wheelchair, but it’s a good idea to give yourself an extra time buffer to allow the airline to accommodate such requests. 

With long TSA lines, crowded concourses, expensive food, and frequent flight delays, you might assume that there’s little to like about traveling through U.S. airports these days. But some airports are bucking that trend with thoughtful terminal designs, locally inspired food and retail options, and friendly staff. Consumer analytics company J.D. Power recently revealed the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, ranking the North American airports that travelers found most satisfying to transit this year. Find out the results below — and see which hub took the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row.

Top 10 Mega Airports

The J.D. Power study ranked airports in three separate categories based on size. In the “mega” category were airports with 33 million or more passengers per year, and one Midwest airport landed at the top of the pack for the second consecutive year. 

In 2025, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport had an overall passenger satisfaction score of 660 (out of 1,000). Travelers found the Twin Cities airport easy to navigate and were impressed by ongoing improvements to the terminal facilities, including a 17,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of Terminal 1, which serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines. The project improved passenger flow through TSA checkpoints and modernized amenities such as ticketing counters, baggage carousels, and restrooms. Of course, it helps that Minneapolis-St. Paul International frequently ranks as one of the most on-time airports in the country. 

Here are the top 10 mega U.S. airports for passenger satisfaction: 

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (660 out of 1,000 points)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (649 points)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (634 points)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (620 points)
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (619 points)
• New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (618 points)
• Orlando International Airport (618 points)
• Miami International Airport (615 points)
• San Francisco International Airport (613 points)
• Boston Logan International Airport (608 points)

Top 10 Large Airports

Largely due to shorter wait times and less crowding, airports in the “large” category (10 million to 32.9 million passengers per year) fared better overall in passenger satisfaction scores than “mega” airports. The winner in this category is also no stranger to the top spot: Orange County’s John Wayne Airport in Southern California took the crown for the second year in a row. 

The airport is a popular choice for travelers looking for quick access to Orange County’s beaches and theme parks — as well as those wishing to avoid the crowds and chaos at LAX, Southern California’s busiest hub. Passengers praised John Wayne Airport for its terminal facilities and easy travel experience, and the airport also scored highest in its category for passenger trust.

These were the top 10 large airports in the J.D. Power study:

• Orange County John Wayne Airport (730 out of 1,000 points)
• Tampa International Airport (709 points)
• Dallas Love Field (705 points)
• Kansas City International Airport (691 points)
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport (688 points)
• Portland International Airport (683 points)
• Nashville International Airport (676 points)
• Vancouver International Airport (671 points)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (665 points)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (664 points)

Top 10 Medium Airports

Lastly, airports in the “medium” category welcomed 4.5 million to 9.9 million annual passengers. Indianapolis International Airport took the top spot for the fourth consecutive year and the seventh time overall. Travelers were particularly impressed with Indy’s terminal facilities and wide range of retail and food options, including local favorites such as Shapiro’s and Sun King.

Here’s the full list of the top 10 medium airports:

• Indianapolis International Airport (713 out of 1,000 points)
• Ontario International Airport (709 points)
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (698 points)
• Jacksonville International Airport (695 points)
• Palm Beach International Airport (688 points)
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (685 points)
• Southwest Florida International Airport (683 points)
• Bradley International Airport (Connecticut) (675 points)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (663 points)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (660 points)

About the data: The J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study compiled opinions from more than 30,000 U.S. and Canadian airline passengers from July 2024 to June 2025. The study ranked passenger satisfaction across seven key areas (in order of importance): ease of travel through airport; level of trust with airport; terminal facilities; airport staff; departure/to airport experience; food, beverage and retail; and arrival/from airport experience. View the full report here.

Featured image credit: Melissa Kopka/ ​​iStock Editorial via Getty Images Plus

There’s no need to fight crowds or blow your budget for memorable, meaningful travel. Lesser-known or less-commercialized attractions and destinations can reward travelers with adventures that are more affordable and often more authentic. While there’s certainly no shame in hitting the hot spots — who wouldn’t want to see the Colosseum on their first trip to Rome? — going beyond the guidebook and seeking out other attractions can both stretch your travel dollar and offer richer, more intentional experiences. Here are seven great alternatives to overpriced tourist destinations in the U.S. 

Frenchmen Street – New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans’ most famous thoroughfare is undeniably fun, but it’s also crowded and touristy, with overpriced cocktails and run-of-the-mill souvenir shops. Local music lovers and visitors in the know often opt for Frenchmen Street. This stretch located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood in the Bywater district is the go-to for jazz, blues, reggae, and other live music seven days a week and (almost) 24 hours a day. Beyond Frenchmen Street, Faubourg Marigny (located just a mile downriver from the French Quarter) is chock-full of lively bars, restaurants, and historic architecture painted in colors as cheerful as the residents of the city itself.

NASA Kennedy Space Center – Merritt Island, Florida

There’s no doubt that Walt Disney World excels in make-believe magic, and the theme park has visitors who happily return year after year. But long lines and stratospheric prices (including surcharges to avoid the longest waits) can leave people wishing for their own fairy godmother. Luckily, there’s real magic not far away at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where non-astronauts can get a taste of space and a fascinating glimpse into how those otherworldly journeys actually take place. 

The bus tour offers unparalleled views of the launch pads and a chance to stand under the massive Saturn V rocket that carried people to the moon. Stroll through the Rocket Garden and make sure to book the Shuttle Launch and Hyperdeck VR packages for unbelievably realistic simulations of actual space experiences. As a bonus during Florida’s sweltering summers, most of Kennedy’s attractions can be found indoors in air-conditioned comfort.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Chicago, Illinois

If you’re passionate about Ferris wheels, then the Centennial Wheel at Chicago’s Navy Pier is probably worth the $20 ticket. (Admission to the pier is free, but parking most definitely is not.) Beyond the wheel, however, the experience could be considered a classic tourist trap, with overpriced and uninspiring food options and shopping that’s found at any suburban mall. For an unforgettable look at the buildings that make Chicago great, book a relaxing river tour that gives insight into the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. 

True building buffs should book the 90-minute, $56 journey offered by the Chicago Architecture Center aboard the First Lady, while families may enjoy the more relaxed cruises from Wendella (starting at $28 for adults, $14 for kids ages 4 to 12 — younger kids cruise free).

Walla Walla Valley – Washington

The superb vintages from California’s Napa Valley put the region on the map decades ago. While we wouldn’t necessarily call it a tourist trap, unfortunately the crowds and the cost have only gone up over the years. For a step (and a taste) back in time while still enjoying excellent wines, head north and east to Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, where the wines are high-quality but the vibes remain low-key. For sweeping views and award-winning wines, check out Echolands. Walk-ins are welcome for $20 tasting flights, and a two-bottle purchase waives the fee. Want to explore on foot? Downtown Walla Walla and nearby neighborhoods have about 40 wineries to discover.

Hartford’s Mansions – Hartford, Connecticut

Newport’s oceanfront mansions are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but most are crowded during summer and fall, and they close between early November and late May. (Ticket prices quickly add up, too.) For Gilded Age grandeur on a non-robber baron budget, Hartford, Connecticut, has you covered. 

The home of author Samuel Clemens (we know him as Mark Twain, who coined the term “Gilded Age”) is often called “America’s Downton Abbey,” and the grand 25-room Victorian home and museum is a must-see. Next door is the more modest home of abolitionist author Harriett Beecher-Stowe, whose 1852 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin helped propel the end of slavery in the United States. Be sure to tour the Wadsworth Atheneum, the country’s oldest continuously operating public art museum, and make time for the quirky 90-foot-long, one- room “Facade House” of A. Everett “Chick” Austin, one of the museum’s curators.

Staten Island Ferry – New York, New York

No tickets, no reservations, and no cost: Native New Yorkers will always recommend the free Staten Island Ferry over any tourist tour. This commuter route operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the Whitehall Terminal at the tip of Manhattan to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The ride is particularly pretty when the evening lights begin to illuminate the city and Statue of Liberty. Keep in mind that the ferry does not stop at Ellis Island, so you’ll need to book ferry tickets through Statue City Cruises for that.

The Presidio – San Francisco, California

Crowded with tourists and the souvenir shops and restaurants that cater to them, Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for being famous but highly avoided by San Francisco locals. Pass on Pier 39 and head instead to the Presidio. Formerly a military outpost and now a national park, it’s where you’ll find miles of beaches and epic skyline and Golden Gate Bridge views. Best of all is the Presidio GO shuttle, which takes you from downtown to the park and its attractions for free.