Who doesn't love a getaway? But traveling can be expensive -- and daunting as you try to find affordable airfare and accommodations, plan the perfect trip and deal with all hassles of getting to your destination.
To take the stress out of your next vacation, we've rounded up several resources to help. Below you'll find Kiplinger's Personal Finance's picks for the best booking sites for flights, hotels and vacation rental properties, the best airlines, the best hotel loyalty programs and the best cruises. With these resources, you're sure to get the best value for your travel dollars.
Booking site
Hipmunk ranks airline search results using an “agony” filter -- top results have the best combination of lowest price, shortest duration and fewest stopovers -- or by price or schedule. Hotel searches use the “ecstasy” filter, which ranks by price, amenities and reviews.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Airline for on-time arrival
Delta Air Lines has the best track record for sticking to its schedule. Over the past year, 86% of its flights were on time.
Airline for baggage handling
Virgin America gets your bags to your destination more often than any other airline. In the past year, the airline has lost only 1.21 bags per 1,000 fliers.
Hotel loyalty program
With more than 1,100 hotels and resorts in nearly 100 countries, it’s easy to rack up and redeem rewards with Starwood Preferred Guest. Members can often earn a free weekend night in as few as three stays. Prefer smaller, boutique hotels? At Kimpton Hotels, loyalty members receive free Wi-Fi and other perks.
Vacation rental Web site
Like other rental sites, Airbnb displays houses and apartments for rent worldwide. But it expands your options to private and shared rooms. It also includes user reviews and holds your payment in escrow until your reservation begins.
Cruises
For families
Disney Cruise Line caters to the whole family, with kids’ clubs and activity centers plus live musicals and poolside movies.
For value
Celebrity Cruises offers luxuries that include recently updated dining options and spacious staterooms without the luxury price tag.
For luxury
All cabins on Seabourn’s small ships are suites. And plenty of extras, from cocktails to on-deck mini massages, are included. There’s a no-tipping policy on board, so you can enjoy the frills without reaching for your wallet.
-
Selling Your Haunted House? What You Have to Tell Buyers (and What You Don’t)You don’t need ghosts to spook buyers, sometimes a home’s past is enough. Here’s what sellers should know about disclosure laws, pricing and perception when a property has a haunted history.
-
CMS Brings Back Furloughed Staff for Open Enrollment LifelineThe government has recalled approximately 3,000 workers to assist with Medicare and ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the CrowdsBeat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
-
The United and JetBlue Partnership: Everything We Know About Blue Sky So FarDOT approves Blue Sky, the United and JetBlue partnership that will give frequent fliers more ways to earn and use miles. Here's what you need to know.
-
Struggling with How to Plan a Trip? These Companies Will HelpTravel Plans Sit back, relax and let the professionals handle the logistics.
