Planning your first big trip? Advice and humor to get you through the process.
Travel Writing
Mystery Itching Attack On a recent visit to Athens, one reader suffered a case of the invisible creepy crawlies. What causes such a thing? Our tropical disease expert, Dr. Kvit Kvetchin responds.more
Travel Clinic
Cholera, typhus, yellow fever, dengue fever, diphtheria, dysentery. Those are a few of diseases I could encounter on a four-month trip to less developed countries. Still, there was one thing I dreaded more than any ghastly Third-World disease: the pre-trip visit to a vaccine clinic.more
Athens in 48 Hours
We pick the highlights: the best spot to view police brutality or a grenade attack; plus ferries that sink, wildfires that rage, volleyball fans with knives, and more!
Too Much Info We visit a local store specializing in outdoor gear and receive a little too much information from the salesman -- namely his favorite activity on a recent trip to Thailand.more
We provide the latest prices and reviews for low-cost accommodations in Athens, Bangkok, South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, Melbourne, and Auckland. more
Clothing, Etc.
Packing List
What should you bring? What should you leave? We've rounded up recommendations from experts and guidebooks. Then we sifted through the list based on our first-hand experiences. more
Our experts address the key questions that face every long-term traveler: How to stay organized, clean, and dry using 13-gallon kitchen trash bags. Plus, everything you need to know to turn your 35-pound backpack into a carry-on. more
Internet Best Web Tools for Travelers
Whether you're planning your trip now or already on the road, these eight Internet sites and services can save you time, hassle, and, most importantly, money. more
Around the Web
- Learn how to protect your valuables while flying. more - All about travel insurance. more
Free Stuff
Newsletter
Subscribe to our twice-monthly e-mail that features advice, tips, news, travel essays, and items from our in-house columnists.
- Currency calculator. more - U.S. Travel Clinics. more - Trip expense estimator. more - International Wi-Fi finder. more - Password-protect a USB drive. more - Dialing, currency database. more - Convert metric to U.S. more
Airfare Estimators
Use these sites to develop a ballpark figure for your multi-stop international flight. Then contact your travel agent and negotiate with confidence. - airtreks - oneworld
Around the World Blog
Four Months, Eight Countries
On a recent solo trip around the world, the author visited at least one country on every continent. The plane tickets alone cost $5600. Was it worth it? more
Bungy Jumping
These videos show our beloved editor jumping in New Zealand. In the first video, he plummets from a cable car that is suspended 478 feet over a gorge. In the second video, he tests the latest fad -- the 360-foot Canyon Swing. The companies claim you fall at speeds of up to 90 mph.
