After becoming a father for the first time just weeks ago, I reflect on my own childhood and the valuable lessons from my parents that I want to pass on. Thats why, one day soon, Ill let my daughter plan our family vacation. Some background: Growing up in Arkansas, I constantly begged my parents for trips to glamorous destinations like Disney World, the Rockies, New York, China, Australia—even the moon. School only fueled my wanderlust. One day, after persistent nagging, my dad said, Great. You

5 Essential Items You Wont Want to Forget on Your Camping Trip 1. Pre-prepped meals: Plan every meal ahead and handle as much preparation at home as possible. Pack the required utensils, plates, and condiments for seamless outdoor cooking. 2. Dust pan and brush: After sleeping on a tent floor blanketed in wet sand during one trip, this simple tool became our non-negotiable essential for keeping your space clean. 3. Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers: The classic smores trio—essential f

As locals head out of New York City for the Fourth of July weekend, visitors score easier taxi rides, restaurant reservations, and exceptionally low hotel rates. Weve identified luxury 4-star hotels offering rates as low as $159 per night. With free events throughout Manhattan and fewer locals competing for spots—paired with these rock-bottom prices—July 3-5 stands out as one of the top times to visit. Rates this low typically only appear in the dead of winter (though who chooses a parka over fl

Were excited about Cirque du Soleils summer sale, launched today, featuring all eight iconic shows on the Las Vegas Strip—a rare opportunity. Unsure which production to choose during your Vegas visit? Weve got you covered with this simple quiz: Which best describes you? Classic Sexy Mysterious Spirited Cultured Retro Go-with-the-flow Legendary If classic fits you... Experience Mystère at Treasure Island, the original must-see Cirque du Soleil spectacle on the Strip. If sexy is your vibe... D

Nothing dampens the excitement of arriving at a new destination or the relief of returning home like long lines at airport customs. With strategic planning, you can significantly reduce your wait time and get to your plans faster. Arrive mid-day Opt for flights landing between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when fewer flights arrive and planes are less full. Avoid early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays, which are peak times. Choose a front-of-plane seat Most airlines let you select seats dur

While Puerto Vallarta is world-famous, the nearby Marieta Islands in Banderas Bay hide one of Earths most breathtaking beaches. These volcanic islands offer unparalleled natural beauty. Photo courtesy of Vallarta Adventures Lesser-known yet more mesmerizing than its neighbor, the Marieta Islands were protected as a national park thanks to explorer Jacques Cousteaus efforts. This conservation preserves abundant marine life. The famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) requires swimming through a 50-

I discovered my ideal travel partner on our first joint trip to the glamorous Williamsburg, Virginia. To mark our fifth wedding anniversary this summer and the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, heres our curated list of top destinations—drawn from personal travels—ideal for same-sex couples planning their dream weddings. Ireland Ireland became the first nation to legalize marriage equality via popular vote in 2015. As Irelands premier gay-friendly

Many theatergoers mistakenly believe Off-Broadway shows are less prestigious or lower quality than Broadway productions in New York.In truth, Off-Broadway simply denotes smaller venues seating 100 to 499 patrons—not a demotion from Broadway. For comparison, the Gershwin Theatre, Broadways largest, holds nearly 1,933.These intimate spaces enhance many productions. Key insights for Off-Broadway visits:Some shows have limited runs, but others thrive for decades—like percussion hit STOMP at the Orph

As National Lampoons latest Vacation movie installment hits theaters amid rising summer temperatures, families nationwide are loading up their SUVs and station wagons—family Trucksters, anyone?—for the classic road trip tradition. In anticipation of the films release and your chance to win a VIP experience plus premiere passes, Travelzoo Deal Experts share their most memorable highway escapades, some rivaling the Griswolds chaos: Last June, two friends and I embarked on an eight-day road trip

On the road for the Fourth of July? Experience the excitement like a local at these premier fireworks shows across the U.S. New York Photo from Flickr by Anthony Quintano Witness Macy’s iconic 4th of July Fireworks live in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn—beyond the NBC broadcast. Enjoy performances by Ed Sheeran, Kelly Clarkson, Flo Rida, Dierks Bentley, and more, plus Gloria Estefan debuting her original song America with the Park Place Community Middle School Choir from Brooklyn. The show sta

To the envy of everyone at Travelzoo, our friend Brandon Sharpe—an accomplished photographer and avid road tripper—rented a 22-foot Apollo RV through one of our Top 20 deals and embarked on an unforgettable journey through Americas most iconic national parks.Along the way, he captured stunning photos (check his Instagram updates from parts one, two, and three) at Badlands National Park, Grand Teton, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, the Washington Cascades, Olympic National Park,

Photo courtesy of Austin City Limits; photographer Nick Simonite, 2014 Festival season is underway, captivating music fans, comedy lovers, food enthusiasts, and travelers nationwide this spring and summer. Expert planning ensures you make the most of these events without stress. Hotels and Lodging Research hotels early. Many festivals partner with properties that reserve blocks of rooms for out-of-town visitors. Popular events prompt nearby hotels to hold inventory specifically for attendees

Treehouse hotels offer a enchanting escape, allowing guests to reconnect with their inner child in professionally designed, luxurious treetop retreats. Far superior to backyard builds, these accommodations worldwide deliver unforgettable experiences amid stunning forests, from Washington state to the Amazon rainforest. Lion Sands Game Reserve (Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa) Photo courtesy of Lion Sands Game Reserve Photo courtesy of Lion Sands Game Reserve Experience South Africas natura

Discover if your passion for maximizing airline miles and elite status has transformed you from casual traveler to true mileage expert. Check these common signs. 1. You evaluate purchases by miles earned, not just dollars spent. Youve chosen a credit card that earns at least 1 mile per dollar—or more. Those new boots? Worth 100 miles. Lunch out? Another 20 miles. You volunteer to cover the full bill with your card, having friends Venmo or cash you back, all to simplify for everyone involved. 2.

After my successful 21-day cross-country road trip promoting my diet book Calorie Accounting, its time to share the real story of eating on the road.I have a history of indulging in snacks like Pringles and Peanut M&Ms during drives. But promoting a diet book meant trying to stay disciplined with strict diet and exercise goals.Reality check: Dieting on vacation is nearly impossible and often counterproductive. Vacations are for relaxation and new experiences—including food. While I didnt sti

Tipping customs vary widely around the world, and understanding them is key for respectful travel. Missteps can unintentionally offend locals, so familiarize yourself with local norms before your trip. Common questions include: How much to tip? Is it expected even for average service? Heres an authoritative guide to tipping practices in popular destinations, based on established cultural standards: United States & Canada: Tipping is expected for restaurant servers, bartenders, and similar r

U.S. regulations require a valid passport for nearly all international travel outside the United States. Travelzoo’s Newsdesk answers the most common passport questions to help you prepare confidently. When Do You Need a Passport? All U.S. citizens traveling outside the United States by air, land, or sea must have a valid U.S. passport. Passports are not required for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. For closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. po

Imagine spotting an unbeatable entertainment deal for your favorite bands concert while at work. You click through to the booking site, only to face a complex seating chart with multiple sections, price tiers, and countless dots. Sound familiar?Decoding a venue seating map can be daunting, especially for unfamiliar theaters, auditoriums, or concert halls. As experienced event-goers, weve refined this proven 5-step process to help you confidently choose the best seats every time.Step 1: Assess th

Summer is winding down—the Olympics have ended, NFL preseason is underway, back-to-school sales dominate store windows, and unbeatable deals are emerging in prime summer hotspots. As mid-August arrives, prices in popular destinations drop dramatically. Airlines launch fall fare sales, with savings often lasting through September. Whether planning a last-minute Labor Day getaway or a final summer escape, Travelzoos Deal Experts reveal seven exceptional value spots for memorable vacations. Orlando