Another can’t-miss in town is the Mississippi Aquarium, according to Buckel. The state aquarium offers an impressive array of marine life, plus experiences like the SeaTrek Encounter, which allows visitors to fully submerge underwater and observe fish, sharks, rays, and other animals up close.

For families, there’s Hippie Fish at Centennial Plaza, which Lambert describes as “a retro-inspired spot with elevated eats, cocktails, and two world-class mini golf courses tucked under the live oaks. It’s playful, unexpected, and pure coastal fun.”

At mealtime, wander down Fishbone Alley, an offbeat row of restaurants, bars, and music venues that features murals and street art from local artists. One highlight is Murky Waters BBQ, which serves up local specialties like burnt ends and blackened Gulf shrimp accompanied by live blues performances. The restaurant also features a wrought iron-closed courtyard that’s accessible from Fishbone Alley.

When it’s time to call it a night, head over to The Almanett Hotel & Bistro, which offers six spacious guest rooms, all with ocean views.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

The Amtrak station in Bay St. Louis places riders in the center of the city’s charming Old Town, a walkable and picturesque district home to local shops, restaurants, and a flourishing arts scene. Browse independent shops like Good Earth Records, Gallery 220, and the Shops at Century Hall. If you time your visit right, you could coincide with the city’s Second Saturday in the Bay, a monthly outdoor festival every second Saturday with live music and special shopping opportunities.

Another notable site in town is the Historic L&N Train Depot, which was featured in the Robert Redford and Natalie Wood movie This Property Is Condemned. Today, it houses the city’s Mardi Gras Museum and Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum.

Soak up unique coastal nature at the waterfront Buccaneer State Park. Hike along Pirates Alley Nature Trail, which is somewhat of a hidden gem, according to Buckel. The 1.8 mile, self-guided trail showcases regional wildlife like moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pelicans, egrets, and osprey. The park also offers 70 campsites with water and electricity set in a grassy field overlooking the Gulf.

For a beachfront lunch in a quirky atmosphere, try The Blind Tiger, which overlooks the city’s harbor and serves up local royal red shrimp with live music on the weekends. Sycamore House offers fine dining in an 1850s home that overlooks historic Main Street. Stop in for a modern take on Southern classics like turtle soup, poisson amandine, and savory crab and mushroom cheesecake.

If you’re overnighting, try out the new boutique Pearl Hotel, which offers 59 luxury suites, some of which overlook the local marina.

New Orleans

End your coastal adventure with a few days in New Orleans. While there are endless activities for visitors to the Crescent City, some of our must-dos include seeing a live jazz show at a venue like Spotted Cat Music Club, taking a harbor cruise on Steamboat Natchez, grabbing a beignet at Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, and touring the Bayou with Cajun Encounters. For more inspiration, check out our complete travel guide to New Orleans, including where to stay in New Orleans and the best restaurants in New Orleans.

Our first stop in Uzbekistan was Shahrisabz, the 14th-century birthplace of Emir Timur, the nomadic conqueror and national hero also known as Tamerlane. He founded the Timurid Empire and, over a period of 32 years, invaded an area now divided into 25 countries. At Timur’s Ak-Saray Palace, we craned our necks first at the towering blue-tiled ruins of the entrance portal (125 feet high, though centuries ago such edifices were twice that) and then up at a colossal bronze statue of Timur himself, who died of pneumonia in 1405 on his way to invade China. Under that blazing sun in Shahrisabz, with the flat landscape sloping away unbounded over the horizon, I could imagine how an ambitious and ruthless ruler might believe the whole world lay open to him there.

The exterior of Almaty’s Ascension Cathedral

Angelo Zinna

And, to be fair, Timur did in fact usher in a period of rebirth after 150 years of Mongol rule. Samarkand, which we reached two days later, was the center of this Timurid renaissance. At least 2,500 years old, with a current population of 600,000, Samarkand is one of the most iconic cities of the Silk Road, and its most iconic site is Registan Square, where the awe that had eluded me at the Navruz Palace hit with full force. Three spectacular madrasas dating from the 15th and 17th centuries loomed over a vast plaza like a vision from One Thousand and One Nights. “Registan is our heart, our blood, and our soul,” said our local guide, Armida Nazaryan.

While I would not describe anywhere we went as a beaten track, the way in which Golden Eagle conducted its tours had plenty of hallmarks of conventional tourism. When our train arrived somewhere, a bus would be waiting, and we would zip from site to site, following a flag-toting local guide who spoke to us through earpieces connected to receivers we wore around our necks. This model might not suit the most rugged individualists, but I will say it helped us see a lot of stuff, particularly in a region where overland travel between countries is logistically challenging. Traveling this way can be hard work. You are always on the go, listening and looking and trying to synthesize a deluge of new information. At 41, I was a couple decades younger than the average passenger, but at the end of every day, while my elders were still carousing in the bar car, I was happy to collapse into bed.

By the time we got to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, I’d begun to get a better handle on some of the region’s history, which mostly boils down to centuries-long cycles of a formidable conqueror being succeeded by rivalrous successors, whose conflicts bring about a fragmenting of territory and a decline of empire, followed by the eventual rise of a new strongman. One day we dipped into the radiant Kosmonavtlar stop of the Tashkent Metro. Trains came and went, disgorging people, and in their faces I thought I could see traces of the waves of ancestors that washed across this country’s deserts and steppes from all points of the compass. Then: back on the bus, back on the train.

• $50 off a $1,000 spend – PARADISE50
• $200 off a $3,000 spend – PARADISE200
• $400 off a $5,000 spend – PARADISE400
• $750 off an $8,000 spend – PARADISE750

OneTravel and CheapOair

OneTravel and CheapOair are both offering up to $50 off fees on domestic flights for Travel Tuesday. You can also score up to $60 off fees on international flights, $100 off fees on flight and hotel packages, and $100 off fees on first-class or business fares.

PLAY

PLAY, a low-cost Icelandic airline, offers affordable ways to fly to Iceland and other European countries; thanks to their Black Friday sale, their prices just got even better. Book by December 3 to get up to 30% off flights to Iceland, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Participating airports include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, and New York Stewart International Airport.

Qatar Airways

With savings of up to 30% off, jetset across the world with Qatar Airways’s Travel Tuesday deal, offering up to 20% off on travel taken by November 25, 2025. If you’re traveling with a friend in Economy Class, expect to see even bigger savings of up to 25% off two fares, while those traveling in groups of three or more will reap savings of up to 30% off. Be sure to book by December 3 to secure any savings.

Singapore Airlines

Take advantage of savings of up to 20% off flights on Singapore Airlines from now through December 3 for travel taken between January 15, 2025, and October 30, 2025. Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, and Business Class cabins are all participating in the deal.

Southwest Airlines

For those who book a flight with Southwest Airlines, use the code CYBERSALE to get up to 30% off base fares. The deal is valid through December 5, so you still have a few more days to plan your next big trip.

Spirit Airlines

Fly with Spirit this season and save big thanks to their Travel Tuesday deal of 80% off base fares for those who book by December 3 for flights taken from December 10 through February 26, 2025. Use the code 80PCT to secure your savings.

Transavia

Transavia’s Travel Tuesday deals include one-way tickets starting at $52 to hit locations like Copenhagen and Oslo.

United Airlines

Starting today through Friday, December 6, both United Chase Cardmembers and non-cardmember MileagePlus members can save big on special deals to 25 destinations worldwide—from Hawaii to Morocco.

Sailings aboard Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen are included in the cruise line’s sale.

Courtesy Hurtigruten

Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

With up to 75% off second guests and savings of up to $700 off rooms, there’s nothing stopping you from booking your next cruise with Celebrity. Itineraries start at $296, and you can score discounts on everything from a quick Caribbean weekend getaway to an 11-night trip through Alaska.

Celestyal Cruises

Not sure where you want to go yet? Celestyal Cruises is offering big savings on trips in both the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf, so there’s a little something for everyone. Travelers who book 2025 and 2026 trips in advance can expect savings of up to 50% off cabins and suites for two, or up to 60% off triple and quad cabins for third and fourth guests. Book before December 10 to lock in the deals.

City Cruises

Looking to try something a little more short-term and local? Get up to 20% off dining cruises with City Cruises in great destinations like Washington, DC; Boston; and Chicago.

Cruise Croatia

Explore the Adriatic coast with Cruise Croatia, and save money while you do so. For new bookings made before December 13, cruise-goers will see savings of up to $700 off per cabin on select departures between Dubrovnik and Split on excursions between May and August 2025. This is your sign to plan the ultimate Croatia adventure.

Cruises.com

From river cruises to ocean cruises, you’ll find tons of deals on Cruises.com this season. Right now, the site is boasting credits of $50 to $3,000 when booking with them, plus tons of other great bonuses like free crew gratuity and complimentary upgrades.

Holland America Line

Take to the seas with Holland America Line and score savings of up to 25% off cruise fares on select itineraries booked between now and December 1. You can also expect extra bonuses like free prepaid crew appreciation, 50% reduced deposits, and free third and fourth guest fare for those booked in the same room.

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

HX is offering deals of up to 50% off select voyages throughout 2024 and 2025—including favorites like trips to see the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, spot penguins in Antarctica, and sail along the rugged coast in Alaska. Be sure to book by December 9 to take advantage of the offer.

MSC Cruises

With deals of up to 40% off cruises, included Wi-Fi and drinks, and up to $500 of onboard credit, you’ve got plenty of reasons to book with MSC cruises this holiday season. From Alaska to the Bahamas to Mexico, there are tons of great sailings to save on.

Oceania Cruises

Take to the high seas with this stellar deal from Oceania, where guests can save up to $5,500 per person. For those who book by December 10, expect to see perks like four-category upgrades, free premium drink packages, shipboard credits of up to $1,000, and free or reduced airfare. From Tahiti to Alaska, there are so many spectacular itineraries to choose from.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is offering quick (yet hefty) deals for travelers who book trips between November 30 and December 2. With up to 50% off fares, 50% off deposits, and up to $500 of onboard credit, you can embark on the trip of a lifetime at nearly half the cost. Plus, third and fourth guests sail free when booked in the same stateroom as the first two guests.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

There’s nothing quite like indulging in a luxury river cruise, and with Uniworld’s Black Friday deal, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to get there. Starting today, the cruise line is offering 12 days of savings with new deals being unveiled each weekday, ranging from 50% off select, popular itineraries to free room upgrades to waived solo traveler supplements. Each day brings a new surprise, so be sure to keep checking back in for something that fits your needs.

Virgin Voyages

Traveling in pairs? Virgin Voyages is making that romantic couples’ getaway, girls’ trip, or family vacay that much sweeter thanks to a buy-one-get-one-80%-off deal for all travelers. This promo also comes with up to a $300 bar tab (for those on voyages 9+ nights). Book by December 3 to lock in your savings. The best part? The deal is valid on every voyage, so you can go just about anywhere you want.

Hotels

Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort

Heading to Mexico? This luxe, adults-only resort on Isla Mujeres is the perfect place to make your temporary home. For Black Friday, guests who use the promo code HOL can expect to see savings of 25% off room rates and 20% off Alma Spa services. Deals are valid on stays from now through April 30, 2025.

Arlo Hotels

From New York to Chicago to Miami to Washington, DC, take up to 50% off Arlo Hotel stays when you book between November 21 and December 4. Use the code CYBER to receive the savings on travel through December 31, 2025. Expect to save big on properties like Arlo Williamsburg and Arlo Nomad.

Atlantis Bahamas

Take a tropical vacation to the Bahamas and explore the hidden city of Atlantis. For those that book now, expect savings of up to 30% off and a bonus $300 in resort credit at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas.

Atlantis, The Palm Dubai

This gorgeous property offers unparalleled views and a plethora of amenities. Thanks to its Black Friday sale, guests can save up to 35% off rooms and suites when they book between now and December 4. Other perks include unlimited access to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, complimentary daily entry to the Aquaventure Waterpark, and free stay and dining for kids under 14.

Booking.com

From now through December 4, save up to 50% off on hotels, rental cars, attractions, and cruises for travel through 2025. This includes savings in top destinations like Paris, Cancun, and Miami. Deals start at 20% off and only get better from there.

Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas Resorts

Whether you’re interested in seeing a show, hitting a casino, or just exploring the Strip, there’s no better way to see Las Vegas than from a Caesars property. Expect discounted rates like rooms up to 40% off, shows up to 50% off, and attractions up to 20% off.

citizenM

This Netherlands-based hospitality brand is offering up to 30% off stays between December 15, 2024, and March 31, 2025, for those who book at one of their 36 participating hotels between now and December 4. Whether you’re heading to the US, Asia, or Europe, these unique boutique properties are all over the globe in amazing cities like Miami, Geneva, and Taipei.

Expedia

Now’s a great time to sign up for Expedia’s free membership, One Key, to score up to 30% off or more on select hotels when booking through the Expedia app. Deals officially begin on November 22 and run through December 3, so make sure to bookmark your favorite properties in advance. Guests will also see savings of up to 15% on select car rentals when booking through the app.

Extra Holidays

Extra Holidays is offering up to 35 percent off tons of top resorts—boasting rates as low as $99 per night. Each week through December 6 new deals will be rolled out, so be sure to keep an eye on the new offers as they come. Expect to see savings on top resorts and destinations like four-time Readers’ Choice Awards winner Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort. Trips must be scheduled for before February 28, 2025, to be valid. Be sure to use the code BF24 to secure your deals.

Head to Conrad Punta de Mita for some winter sun.

Victor Elias

Hilton

Featuring discounts of up to 50 percent off, guests who book with Hilton can expect to see savings on hotels all around North and South America, from Quebec to Brazil. Top properties like Conrad Punta de Mita (up to 40% off through December 6) are taking part in the deal, amongst tons of other great locations. Be sure to check the specifics of the property you plan to book with since each hotel or resort has different offers and dates.

Hotels.com

There’s nothing quite like a stay in a luxury hotel in Miami, or a gorgeous beachside property in the Dominican Republic, especially in the thick of winter. From November 22 through December 4, One Key members can expect to see savings of 30% or more on properties like these, including 45% off 1 Hotel South Beach and 40% off Hot List 2024 property Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Hyatt

Whether you’re headed somewhere warm and sunny, like the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort, or prefer to stay in a winter wonderland, like Grand Hyatt Deer Valley (perfect for ski-bums), thanks to Hyatt’s deal on over 800 hotels, you’ll be able to find the right one for you. Save up to 25% off on a variety of properties in every different climate. Plus, the deal runs through December 9, so you don’t need to stress about booking quickly.

IHG Hotels and Resorts

IHG One Rewards members can save up to 25% off on hotels from their 19 brands and 6,000 destinations. But, don’t worry if you’re not a member, you can still save up to 17% for travel between now and April 30, 2025.

JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa

This year, head to Sint Maarten where a stay at the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa is 25% off for Marriott Bonvoy members and 15% off for non-members.

JW Marriott Orlando, Great Lakes

Courtesy JW Marriott

Marriott Bonvoy

This is your sign to become a Marriott Bonvoy member this holiday season. For members who book by December 3, expect savings of up to 25% off the 7,000+ hotels around the world that are participating in the deal. From the JW Marriott Orlando, Grand Lakes (a seven-time Readers’ Choice Award winner) to the W Montreal, Marriott Bonvoy properties span destinations around the world and are ideal for couples, families, group trips, and more.

NH Hotels & Resorts

Book by December 4 to score up to 40% off a variety of NH Hotels & Resorts properties in destinations around the world from Berlin to Madrid to Rome. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a romantic trip for two, there’s plenty of ways to save.

Red Roof

Those who book stays for three or more nights can rest easy with savings of up to 30% off at participating properties. Be sure to book by December 4 to secure the deal for stays from now through December 15 2024.

Resorts World Las Vegas

Take up to 40% off rooms and suites at Resorts World Las Vegas between now and December 3. Spend your extra money exploring The Strip, enjoying the Vegas nightlife, or simply ordering some decadent room service.

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

We are well and on our way into winter, with days getting shorter and nights getting colder, so there’s no better time to book a beach escape. From Jamaica to Turks and Caicos to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are both offering savings of up to 65% off stays in some of your favorite places in the world—plus up to $1,500 in vacation credit for Sandals and up to $1,000 in vacation credit for Beaches. They’re both even throwing in a free night at select resorts in select room categories. Book by December 3, 2024, for travel through December 3, 2025, to rake in the deals.

Sun Siyam Resorts

There’s a reason why the Maldives are on many of our bucket lists, and this year may just be the perfect time to check it off. Expect savings and perks at Sun Siyam Resort of up to 30% off accommodations, free transfers, and complimentary exclusive experiences like a floating breakfast in your villa’s private pool, or a one-hour transparent kayak tour.

Virgin Hotels

For slightly longer getaways, get 50% off stays at Virgin Hotels around the world when you book three or more nights with the code TRAVTU. Be sure to book by December 3 for travel through 2025. This includes gorgeous properties like Virgin Hotels Dallas and Virgin Hotels New York.

White Elephant Nantucket

Book a stay at the glorious White Elephant Nantucket, an eight-time Readers’ Choice Award winner and one of the properties included on our 2024 Gold List. For those that book by December 6, expect savings of 20% off reservations of three nights or more during the spring or fall and four nights or more during the summer. Use the code CYBER25 to cash in.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Guests have until December 6 to secure savings at dozens of Wyndham hotels and resorts across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Members will enjoy savings of 30% off stays of two or more nights while non-members can take 20% off two-night stays through March 31, 2025.

Interested in a group trip? You’ve got options.

Kimson Doan/Unsplash

Tour operators

Contiki

This popular tour company, geared toward travelers between the ages of 18-35, will help amp up nearly any trip you take from Rome to Machu Picchu. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, hike a couple of mountains, or just explore a new city, you can do it all with Contiki. Guests can expect savings of up to 25% off on 145 trips across six continents, and over $1,000 off longer journeys like the 15-day train trip from London to Budapest.

EF World Journeys

The travel company EF Go Ahead Tours offers so many different guided group trip tours around the globe that you’ll be able to find a trip for just about anyone. Through December 1, those who book EF Go Ahead Tours will see savings of up to $800 off select tour packages for 2025 and 2026 itineraries. This year due to high demand EF Go Ahead Tours is releasing additional Mystery Tours, with savings of $1,200 off—the brand’s biggest discount ever. The coolest part? You won’t know where you’re headed until you’ve booked it, so it’s like a surprise present for yourself.

Exoticca

Take up to 70% off tours through Exoticca this season during their extended Cyber Week sale that goes through the rest of the week. This includes big savings on exceptional tours like 70% off The Great Pyramids and Nile Cruise, and 70% off a 12-day excursion through Turkey.

G Adventures

With hundreds of trips to pick from, those who book with G Adventures by December 3 will get up to 30% off on over 400 tours. This includes their 14-day Peruvian tour along the Inca Trail and through the Amazon, as well as the massive 29-day Southeast Asia trip that explores Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

GetYourGuide

Tons of tours are currently on sale for GetYourGuide’s Black Friday sale, including hot air balloon trips in Cappadocia and paragliding in Rio de Janeiro.

Insight Vacations

It’s time to book your big 2025 adventure, and Insight Vacations will help you secure the best deals yet. Through December 5, 2024, travelers can take up to 15% off 2025 itineraries like Boston, Cape Code, and the Islands (up to $700 off) and Greece Undiscovered (up to $620 off). Plus, one special itinerary will be up to 30% off each day, so check back often to score the limited-time savings.

The Tour Guy

Those who use the code CYBERMONDAY10 can get up to 25% off popular and rarely-discounted tours on The Tour Guy, including spectacular tours like the full-day Rome excursion to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, and more; and the Palace of Versailles and Garden tour.

Trafalgar

Embark on a unique adventure with Trafalgar, and save money along the way. This year’s deals are available from November 1 through December 5, and include amazing savings of over $600 off the Best of Spain trip and $630 off the Switzerland and Austria itinerary. Plus, every day during this period, one spotlighted itinerary will be 30% off, so be sure to check back frequently for new options.

French Chateau on Vrbo

Courtesy Vrbo

More travel deals

Avis Car Rental

Roadtrippers, start your engines. From now through December 8, those who book a car through Avis will see discounts of up to 25% off on rentals of three days or longer, plus one free day on a future rental.

Dollar Car Rental

Book by the end of today (December 3) to get 20% off car rentals through Dollar Car Rental. This includes savings on all vehicles except Large SUVs, minivans, and convertibles for cars picked up at airport locations between now and February 28, 2025.

Groupon

You may not immediately think of Groupon as a platform to visit when booking your next trip, but the money-saving marketplace has tons of great tours, flights, and other travel deals on sale right now. Save up to 75% on select deals when you use the code CYBERMON, including on cruises, tours, hotels, and more all over the world.

Hertz

Book by December 3 to secure savings of 25% off rentals on all vehicles except Large SUVs, minivans, convertibles. Rental cars must be picked up at the airport and booked for dates between now and February 28, 2025.

Hopper

This year, Hopper is offering deals of up to 50% off hotels for Travel Tuesday on December 3. This includes properties in hit destinations like Bali, Nashville, Puerto Rico, San Diego, and many more. There are also a variety participating airlines—including American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and TAP Portugal—offering similar great deals through Hopper’s site and app.

LugLess

Tired of lugging your suitcases around to and from the airport? LuggLess offers a luggage shipping alternative that makes it easy to get your bags from door to door without having to “lug” them around with you, whether that be traditional suitcases, golf clubs, skis, or bikes. This Travel Tuesday (December 3) guests who use the code TRAVEL24 will get up to 10% off luggage shipping.

Mint House

For longer-term vacations or work travel, Mint House is the property rental platform of your dreams. Mint House combines hotel-like amenities with the spaciousness of vacation rentals, and guests can score up to 30% off properties this holiday season when they book by December 4. With rentals in Philadelphia, Denver, New York City, Dallas, Nashville, and Miami, you’ve got plenty of options for domestic travel.

Priceline

Looking for savings on flights, hotels, cruises, packages, and more all in one place? This year you can score big during Priceline’s Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday sales. Priceline’s 10 Days of Deals began on November 20; each day, you’ll find different savings highlighted, like savings of $100 when you spend $500 on any hotels on December 2. Be sure to check every day to see what the new offers are; if you created an account with Priceline by November 25, you’re also eligible for mystery coupons as high as 99% off.

ResortPass

Ever wanted to spend the day in a hotel without paying the overnight price? Enter: ResortPass. Whether you’re interested in booking a day room while in between connecting flights or want to sit by the pool or indulge in the spa at a specific property without staying overnight, ResortPass can make it happen. Through December 3, guests can use the code BFCM2024 to get $50 off bookings of $200 or more. Time to hit the pool!

RVshare

Cross-country road trips never looked so good! Use the code CYBERWEEK by December 3 to secure $100 off bookings of $1,000 or more with RVshare. Plus, five lucky travelers will be selected to win a free trip that is worth up to $2,500.

Skyscanner

With deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals, Skyscanner is a one-stop-shop for all of your transportation and lodging needs. According to the site, you can score one-way fares on Alaska Airlines for as low as $29, or one-way fares on Spirit Airlines for as low as $20. Right now, you can also snag gorgeous hotel rooms for up to 35% off, and affordable car rentals in top destinations like Miami, Orlando, and London.

Thrifty Car Rental

Book a car through Thrifty Car Rental and reap savings of 15% off all vehicles except Large SUVs, minivans, and convertibles. Savings are only valid for pick up dates between now and February 28, 2025.

Trip.com

Looking for flights, hotels, car rentals, or anything in between? Trip.com has your back. This season, save big by booking through their site. Deals include 50% off hotels, flights starting at $19, 50% off car rentals, and 50% of EU train fare. What are you waiting for?

Vrbo

Most vacation rental platforms don’t tend to offer deals, but luckily for us, Vrbo is making an exception. This holiday season, from November 22 through December 4, when you book longer stays through Vrbo you’ll certainly get rewarded. For those staying seven or more nights, expect an average savings of 10% off when you select the “weekly discount” filter on the app. If you plan to spend 28 days or more at your vacation rental, use the “monthly discount” filter to find properties up to 20% off.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Alex Erdekian.

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Then, there’s the GoldStar premium class, which gives passengers priority boarding in the first two cars of the train. This service also includes a sit-down meal, two complimentary adult beverages, and large assigned seats with glass-dome ceilings. But the best part is the upper-level outdoor viewing platform, which allows you to admire the sights while taking in the fresh Alaskan air. These luxe cabins are only available on the Coastal Classic route and on board the Denali Star train.

Alaska Railroad ticket fares range depending on the route, length of your journey, and the season. One-way Adventure Class fares start at $30 and go up to $249; GoldStar service starts at $163 and goes up to $509.

Where to stop

There are a dozen one-of-a-kind destinations along the Alaska Railroad worth spending a day or longer at, depending on how much time you have. Travelers can explore independently or book excursions through the Alaska Railroad.

A trip to Talkeetna means a chance to step foot on an actual glacier or spy Denali from afar with K2 flight tours. For a quick culture fix, stroll through the bohemian village and pop into the artsy galleries, shops, and taco stops (try the reindeer meat). In Denali National Park, visitors can check out the local wildlife on board the Tundra Wilderness bus tour, which showcases some of the most scenic sights beyond the visitor’s center.

One of my favorite stops on the Alaska Railroad is the Spencer Glacier, a remote wilderness area that is only accessible by train. The grounds feature a 1.3-mile path to the Spencer Glacier overlook along the edge of the lake—a peaceful hike with incredible views. If you want to stay longer, campsites and a public use cabin are also available.

Whether you’re starting or ending your journey in Fairbanks, be sure to try the three-hour educational ride aboard the historic Riverboat Discovery (offered during the summer months). Watch a bush pilot demonstration where a floatplane takes off from the river and learn firsthand about Indigenous Athabascan culture during an off-boat excursion led by Alaskan Native Guides. Open year-round, animal lovers will love visiting Running Reindeer Ranch, which has guided reindeer walks and even reindeer yoga classes.

With a state as vast—and at times inaccessible—as Alaska, the railroad continues to be one of the best ways to reach these special corners of the Earth. And even if you never leave the train car, you’re bound to see, and learn, something new every stop of the way.

On its way from Washington DC to St. Albans, Vermont, Amtrak’s Vermonter train ambles through lush northeastern forests and charming small towns. (The entire 13-hour journey crosses nine states, from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.) Once in Vermont, you’ll have your pick of picturesque villages with plenty of fiery trees to view.

The train’s first stop in Vermont is a solid choice for a fall weekend getaway: the historic town of Battleboro. This pretty hamlet sits right on the Connecticut river in the foothills of the Green Mountains, so expect undulating blankets of colorful foliage in every direction. The train station is right in town, so most activities and amenities are accessible by foot. Stop by a local café or browse the shops lining Main Street. Rent a kayak from one of the local outfitters and gaze over the water toward hills filled with vibrant leaves. Or, head to nearby Fort Dummer State Park (about a 45-minute walk along South Main Street) for easy hiking trails and lookout points over crimson-tinged maple, oak, and birch trees.

Peak time for foliage: Early to mid-October

Wisconsin

Train line: Empire Builder

As Amtrak’s Empire Builder stretches from Chicago, across all of the Upper Midwest, and into Washington state, it offers plenty of foliage-centric destinations to choose from. Just under a four-hour ride from Chicago is a perfect locale for soaking in autumn’s glory: Wisconsin Dells.

Head to Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area for views of trees in their seasonal finery among numerous pines and set against Cambrian sandstone cliffs, canyons, and unique rock formations. Back in the center of town, a leisurely stroll along the scenic River Walk offers a chance to behold the bursts of color while weaving your way along the water.

Unwind from all that hiking at one of the area’s local breweries. Then check into Sundara Inn & Spa, one of the first destination spas in the Midwest with treatments like Reiki and CBD massages.

Peak time for foliage: Mid-October

Hop off the Downeaster train in Portland, Maine and head over to Cape Elizabeth (pictured above) or take a 15-minute ferry ride to Peaks Island.

Dougall/Getty

Maine

Train line: Downeaster

Taking the train to Machu Picchu is one of the most efficient ways to reach the ancient Incan site if you prefer not to hike—and if you can snag a ticket onboard Belmond’s Hiram Bingham train, it’s also the most glamorous.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s number one tourist trail stop-off and undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit—there’s a reason it’s one of the new seven wonders, after all. But getting there and booking tickets isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. Tickets must be purchased at least 30 days in advance in peak season, and getting there involves at least three modes of transport.

Of course, the site is accessible on foot via the Salkantay Trail for keen hikers—but the route involves a 46-mile trek over four to five days through the mountains and jungle terrain, finishing with a 3 a.m. wake-up call on the final day to descend into Machu Picchu for sunrise.

Enter Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, an unforgettable train journey that starts at Poroy station in Cusco and delivers you to the 15th-century Inca citadel. The Hiram Bingham (named after the former US senator and explorer who widely publicized Machu Picchu’s existence to the Western world in the early 20th century), comprises several ornate carriages. It includes two dining carts that hold up to 84 passengers, a bar cart where Pisco Sours flow, and an open-air viewing cart for soaking in the scenic views.

Here’s how the day goes.

We arrive at Poroy station (a 20-minute drive from central Cusco) at 8:30 a.m. to live music and a performance from dancers dressed in traditional Incan clothing. We’re handed a welcome drink of Prosecco with Pisco and gooseberry, which we swiftly drink before being shown to our dining booth for a 9 a.m. prompt departure.

Guests fit one of two categories: half are ready for a catwalk, and the other half are ready to explore the jungle terrain. We fit comfortably into the hiking crew with our trainers and leggings but fancier guests don Chanel pumps, sun hats, and designer bags.

Our captain, Martin, lays out the journey ahead as we start chugging along—it will last two and a half hours, descending from 3,000 meters (9842.52 feet) above sea level to 2,400 meters (7874 feet). The drop in altitude is very welcome.

We start the journey on relatively flat ground. Corn and potato crop fields whizz past. And at 10:30 a.m., we enter the iconic cloud forest of the Sacred Valley, a region in Peru’s Andean highlands.

We make a quick stop in Ollantaytambo to pick up more passengers before brunch service kicks off. The three-course meal starts with warm bread and a crispy corn tartlet followed by Angus beef skewers with native potato, and ends with a delicious sweet banana and passion fruit mousse. Then, it’s all about the views.

The scenery outside turns to rocky mountains as we follow the roaring Urubamba River, which feeds into the mighty Amazon. The observation cart is the place to spend most of the trip, soaking in the unparalleled landscapes.

Kneeling up on their seats, a troop of school girls clapped as a popular Bollywood song played out from a phone. Plaited into loops, their matching hair swung to the rhythm of the train as it curled around a wide arc, the back end snaking out of a bamboo forest. I was on board the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the climb up West Bengal’s jungled slopes was alive with music, cheering, and hoots at every turn. From the open doorway I could smell the freshness of pine, its clean scent soon overpowered by skinny eucalyptus towering overhead. Leaning into the wind, I heard another favorite filmy number start up and ducked back inside to join in with the singalong.

That morning I had arrived at New Jalpaiguri station in Siliguri, one of the busiest junctions in northeast India, and the origin for the affectionately known ‘Toy Train’ to Darjeeling. Over seven and a half hours, the train would clatter uphill at 4.4 mph, arriving around 5:30 p.m. into the city famous for its tea. Barely two strides wide, the rickety little service has been a much-loved feature of the landscape since the late nineteenth century when British colonizers first set it to work. At the time there was a huge discrepancy—between Darjeeling and Siliguri—in the cost of daily commodities like rice and potatoes owing to the need to transport them up and down the hillside. To solve the problem, the governing East India Company decided that a steam railway was the answer, one that would also alleviate increasing traffic on the single road and facilitate the production and sale of tea.

The train at Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track with commanding views of the Himalayan peaks and the town of Darjeeling

Bhaswaran Bhattacharya/Alamy

Locomotives arrived from Manchester in the UK and in 1881, the railway officially opened—the 2-foot narrow-gauge steam train embarking upon an incredible journey, one that would be filled with literal twists and turns and figurative ones too, as a result of physical challenges, increases in tourism, and natural disasters including earthquakes and cyclones that would continually damage the tracks. But this was a railway with resolve, and more than 140 years after it first puffed its way through low-hanging cloud, I was already in thrall to the string of blue carriages as they clanked their way north.

For the first half of the journey the train wound around forests and tiny townships, solo riders jumping on for a stop or two. Passengers braced against the damp air, many of whom were wrapped in scarves and wearing gloves, earmuffs strapped around their heads. It didn’t take long for the Tupperware and Thermos flasks to come out, the aroma of warm samosas and masala chai drifting around the carriage while packets of savory snacks were shaken into palms and shared. Over the din of commentary from elders, chattering students, and large families on weekend breaks, I listened to the hiss of pistons as the coal-fired engine pulled us along, black smoke trailing behind. Outside, tea plantations flowed down the stepped hillside, bushes green and ready to be plucked. Women dotted in between, bent-backed with baskets strapped across their foreheads, and bright clothes coloring the landscape like rosebuds in bloom. They sang, waved, and giggled, hands over mouths as we waved from the windows, hooting as we passed.

By mid-afternoon the train was in its stride, the sun warming my cheeks as it cracked through the clouds. I’d settled into the ride, half-heartedly thumbing a book while eavesdropping on the excitement of rail fans and the gossip of friends. A seasoned Indian Railways traveler, I’d had my fair share of passengers squeezed onto my seat, movies on full blast, and megacities rushing by the window; here it was calm. Butterflies dipped and dived, dragonflies buzzing from one wet flower to another. It was a tonic, meandering so far from the urban sprawls.

The service

On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, there are three tiers of accommodations. The historic cabins (from £3,530 / approx. $4,500 per person) have daytime couchettes that become nighttime beds, and a personal washbasin; shared restrooms are located at the end of each sleeper carriage. The suites (from £7,260 / approx. $9,255 per person) offer more space, with sofas that become either a double bed or twin beds, a sitting area, and a small bathroom equipped with a toilet and a shower cubicle. The Grand Suites (from £10,165 / approx. $12,959 per person) are at the zenith of indulgence, offering everything the suites do, plus 24-hour butler service, free-flowing Champagne, the option for private in-cabin dining, and spacious marble en-suites bathrooms.

Best time to travel

Any time is the best time to travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Its journeys are scheduled from March to December annually. With various routes, origins, and termini tied to the seasons, you’d do well to pick not only a journey that works with your schedule, but also destinations that suit your tastes and interests. With stops at cultural capitals throughout Europe like Paris, Vienna, Prague, and Venice—and even Amsterdam and London—the options are plentiful. See the full schedule of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express here.

What to pack

For the one-night journeys on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, guests are permitted to keep in their cabins only one small suitcase and a bag per person. Think of it like a carry-on bag and a personal item when boarding a plane. Your larger items (big suitcases, trunks, ski gear, etc.) are checked into the luggage car and inaccessible during the trip, so be sure to keep all your essentials like medication, valuables, and travel documents with you. As far as the onboard dress code goes, “smart daywear” is the watchword. For dinner, black tie is not a requirement but certainly the norm.

What comes after

Depending on your destination, you can always extend the la douceur de vivre by checking into one of Belmond’s hotels, like the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Villa San Michele in Florence, and of course Splendido in Portofino. Transfers are covered by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Prices start from £7,920 / approx. $10,100 per person based on two guests sharing a Historic Cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and a Garden View Room at Splendido. The price includes an overnight journey on the train, two nights at the hotel and breakfast each day, a bespoke dinner by Chef Jean Imbert at La Terrazza, and transfers in Paris and Portofino. For more information, visit belmond.com.

Some railcar warriors just appreciate the simple charms of this mode of travel. For instance, Sandra Mayernik and her husband are retiree nomads who, since selling everything they owned last spring, have become acolytes of train travel, recently journeying from Lisbon to Faro on Comboios de Portugal, from Seville to Barcelona on TGV Renfe, and from Barcelona to Paris on TGV SNCF.

“For us, it’s not just getting from point A to B,” Mayernik tells Condé Nast Traveler. “It’s about the experience. Traveling by train allows us to see the countryside, rather than just flying overhead. Our flexible schedule and budget allow us to prioritize the journey itself, not just the destination.”

When it comes to air travel, she doesn’t enjoy waiting in airport security lines or jockeying for space to place her carry-ons. It’s a paradigm shift.

“Once aboard the train, it’s a chance to truly unwind,” she says, touting the extra leg-room compared to most airplanes and the porousness of the train, allowing passengers to move between cars without the confines of an aluminum tube flying through the air. “As the landscape unfolds, we have the opportunity to relax, watch the scenery, and enjoy a leisurely lunch together.”

Two summers ago Alicia Cintron, an American consultant based in Mexico City, opted to take a train solo from Barcelona Sants to Dijon Ville, France via SNCF instead of flying, despite the $175 price tag and eleven-hour journey (including a two-hour stop-over in Lyon).

“Train travel is more relaxed, more free, more humane,” she says. She didn’t have to worry about bringing her liquids on board and showed up just half-an-hour before departure. There was another clear advantage: “I wanted to see the French countryside.”

That provided Cintron with the perfect blood-pressure lowering backdrop to decompress after five busy weeks in Paris, a hectic day in Barcelona, and a week-long Mediterranean cruise with her family.

“I wanted to slow things down, even if just for a few hours,” she says. “And I wanted to be alone in my thoughts and back on my laptop. I tried catching up on the work I ignored while on holiday but that was a pipe dream. I spent most of the ride staring out the window, watching the world go by, and reflecting on life, work, family, everything. The picturesque countryside was relaxing and helped me reset and refocus. I remember the sky being so big and blue; the earth was green and mostly flat in this part of France.”

Norm Bour and his wife have embraced train travel since became full-time nomads in their mid-60s in 2019—whether on overnight train from Luxor to Cairo or Rome to Ancona. “From zipping along between Barcelona and Madrid at 300 kph, to slower trains that took us from Budapest, Hungary to Brasov, Romania—which took 15 hours over just 400 or so miles—the Iron Horse has become a device that I employ whenever possible,” Bour says.

As the journey progressed, the passengers’ stories got more personal. Barbara, an older British lady, recounted the bucket-list adventures she’s gone on every year since emerging from a long coma 27 years ago. By the third day guests were sharing cigars and coffee on the observation deck and passing out tiaras and maracas for birthdays of fellow passengers.

The carousing reached its apogee on the final night. After a sumptuous meal that included Penang duck curry, a few of us returned to the bar, where the singer was belting out power pop hits. Chris and Andy ordered a round of nightcaps—pineapple-infused cognac sweetened with honey from the Tualang tree, which came out flaming—and then a couple more. “One more song,” we took turns shouting. We’d barely noticed when we arrived (or when we left) Kuala Lumpur; the bar car had turned into a rowdy sing-along. By morning we’d be back among Singapore’s bright lights and thrumming streets. But in this moment, we were a world away.

What to know before you go

The routes

There are currently two routes offered on the Eastern & Oriental Express. The three-night Wild Malaysia itinerary departs from Singapore, traveling northeast through Malaysian countryside to Taman Negara National Park before heading back down and then up the Western coast of Malaysia to Penang and looping back to Singapore. On the Essence of Malaysia itinerary, which also runs for three nights, you travel from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, with excursions that allow for snorkeling and island exploration.

The cabins

There are three levels of cabins available on Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express. The Pullman Cabin in shades of orange and red is the narrowest and comes with two berths; the lower berth turns into a plush couch by day. The slightly larger State Cabin, bathed in peacock blues and greens, has twin beds—the couch turns into one, while the other pulls out from the wall by the window. The Presidential Suite offers the most space with a larger bathroom, a separate seating area, a mini bar, and additional storage. Each night, an indulgent turn-down service turns your cabins into bedrooms—look out for the thoughtful gifts on your pillow.

What to pack

You are allowed to bring approximately 60 lbs. of hand luggage with you on the train—and the recommendation is to bring soft luggage. Cabins come with a luggage rack and a narrow storage cupboard with a few hangers. If you have additional luggage with you, the team offers to safely store it for the duration of the train trip, but remember, it won’t be accessible during the train journey, so ensure your medicines, wallet, passport, toiletries, and any important gadgets are packed in your hand luggage.

How to dress

For daytime excursions, pack cool, breathable cottons and linens, as well as comfortable shoes for walking and a hat for protection from what can be an unyielding sun. By evening, the vibe on the train turns more formal—think cocktail dresses and sandals for women and summer jackets and loafers or Oxfords for men. Still, there’s an ease to the atmosphere on board compared to some other luxury trains, even within the Belmond universe. Dinner jackets are recommended but far from insisted upon—an “unbuttoned luxury,” if you will, that suits both climate and landscape.