How to travel now

A guide from Vox. vox.com/culture CULTURE   Have any summer travel plans? Chances are, you do: Half of Americans say they will take a leisure vacation this summer, according to the [2023 Deloitte summer travel survey](. The reality of travel right now is not as straightforward as our dreams of relaxing getaways would have it. There’s the flights, the lodging, the itinerary-setting, the packing, the flight delays, the unpredictable weather, the problem solving when flight delays and unpredictable weather complicate well-laid plans. With all the intricacies of travel in mind, Vox presents [How To Travel Now](, a guide to navigating the world, the country, and your own backyard. This collection of stories includes an [extremely practical piece on how to plan a visit to Disney World]( from theme park journalist Carlye Wisel (am I the only one who’s never heard of Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes?) and [advice on how to safely travel solo,]( by yours truly. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the beach or are making a multi-stop international voyage, the guide will provide advice on all of your vacation-related questions. Happy travels! —[Allie Volpe](, senior reporter How (and why) to travel alone [illustration of woman sitting with legs in swimming pool]( Naomi Elliott for Vox In 2019, Alea Simone quit her job, sold all her furniture, packed her bags, and embarked on a four-month trip across 17 countries in Europe and Asia — by herself. It was the first time she ever traveled solo. The Texas native had never visited Europe or Asia before, and she admits she was intimidated. Would she be able to navigate public transportation? Communicate in non-English-speaking countries? “I was really scared,” Simone says, “but at the same time, I had to push myself forward because there really wasn’t much for me to go back to.” Four years and countless solo trips later, Simone is something of an expert. She recounts her travels to thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, offering insight to adventurers, from cheap flight deals to a review of airport nail salon services. While she still gets anxiety ahead of solo travels from time to time, the best way to quell her fears is to hop on the plane and go. More travelers than ever before are choosing to venture on their own. According to a survey by the travel search engine Kayak, searches for single-person flights in 2023 are up 36 percent compared to 2022. Search interest in solo travel hit an all-time high in July 2023. The benefits of solo travel are wide-ranging, from complete flexibility to the potential for a transformative experience. [Beholden to no one but themselves, solo travelers can eat where they want, spend what they want, and see what they want.]( This isn’t to say solo travelers shouldn’t take their safety seriously. “Solo travel is definitely about getting to know yourself,” Simone says, “and trusting your intuition.” Travelers of color, queer people, and women on their own may be targets for scammers, endure catcalls, and encounter racism and other forms of bigotry. Still, travel experts say the potential for negative incidents shouldn’t deter those who hope to travel alone from doing so. With no one else to depend on, solo travelers must take extra care while planning a trip, navigating around new locations, and interacting with new people. Seasoned independent adventurers offer their best advice for staying safe, yet open to new experiences. [Read the full story »](  [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( How to visit Disney World without losing your mind If you’re thinking about taking a trip, with your family or otherwise, read this guide. [Read the full story »]( You’re going on vacation. What should you do with your pet? Tips on how to give your cat or dog a good life while you travel — from three pet experts. [Read the full story »](   Support our work We aim to explain what we buy, why we buy it, and why it matters. Support our mission by making a gift today. [Give](   More good stuff to read today - [Tips for being a responsible, respectful traveler]( - [What flight attendants wish all travelers knew]( - [Passport wait times are up. Here’s what you need to get one.]( - [Your flight was canceled. Now what?]( - [One secret to cheap travel? Pet sitting.](  [Learn more about RevenueStripe...](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [YouTube]( Manage your [email preferences]( or [unsubscribe](param=culture). If you value Vox’s unique explanatory journalism, support our work with a one-time or recurring [contribution](. View our [Privacy Policy]( and our [Terms of Service](. Vox Media, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Floor 12, Washington, DC 20036. Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.