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L & L TRAVEL

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Globus - Save $700 Per Couple

Delight in the thrill of spontaneous adventure beyond the ordinary and beyond the guidebooks with... Save up to $700 per couple on select 2024 tours!

Royal Caribbean - 60% Off 2nd Guest & Kids Sail Free

Take off on a vacay escape full of bold fun adventures for everyone. Find beaches and shopping... 60% Off Second Guest Plus Kids Sail Free

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All-Inclusive Voyages from $1,999 Up to FREE International Airfare $25 Deposit Expires June 30, 2024 $25 Deposits and up to FREE International Airfare

Cruise Vacations

Our collection of cruise partners encompasses the best examples of the wide diversity of options available in cruising. From the family friendly, floating resorts of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian to the intimate, adult focused luxury of Regent and Seabourn, the market has something for everyone. In addition, we partner with a curated selection of both domestic and international river cruise companies such as Viking and AMAwaterways. And if your tastes lead you farther afield, we have the premier options in the expedition cruise market like Ponant and Lindblad Expeditions. So no matter where you wish to sail or what kind of ship you're lookng for, we have the relationships to make your travel dreams come true.

Group and Escorted Travel

Experiencing the world with friends, both old and new, can be one of the best features of travel. Whether it is family traveling together, a bunch of friends reuniting in a fun destination or a group with a common interest following their passion, group travel is an ideal way for people to connect. And we can handle all the logistics to make your group, large or small, into the trip of a lifetime. Or if you don’t have a group to travel with, our escorted tour partners like Tauck, Trafalgar and Globus can offer you a safe and seamlessly organized vacation with a group of likeminded individuals who will soon be your new traveling buddies.

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We can customize a vacation to your exact needs, regardless of your destination. And we can save you all the time and hassle of searching through on-line travel sites who are simply gigantic collections of poorly qualified products with almost no customer service to back them up if something happens. We partner with industry award-winning specialty operators, many with operations in the destinations themselves, who offer curated collections of the best products each destination has to offer. Whether it is a tour of European capitals, a jungle safari, or a relaxing stay in a beautiful beach resort, we can help you plan the trip down to the last detail and will be there for you throughout the entire trip to make sure it is the vacation you have dreamed of.

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L & L Travel

Review Highlights

“ It was a very nice tour with LL, Nice tour leader , nice Bus tour, they really care about what customers feel. ” in 2 reviews

“ Myself, my parents and teen brother went for a 3 day tour to Niagara Falls ( March 10-12-2017). ” in 2 reviews

“ As our bus ran late during the first day, our bus missed the Washington D . ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

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New York, NY 10002

Manhattan Brg & Canal St

Chinatown, Lower East Side

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175 reviews

You get to go to different destination spots, but because this travel agency accommodates to Chinese tourists, they go to as many places as possible but don't give you a whole lot of time to explore places, only enough to show you the place and take pictures (in which the tourists climb over everything and take a million photos of themselves at the destination). They advertised with a low travel fee but the travel agent that arranged this vacation failed to tell us that they have add-ons that aren't included, such as museum fees, dinner fees (and the tour selects where you would eat), and other entrance fees. I actually went on vacation with them a few years ago and then forgot to submit this review, but as you can see there are several reviews on this site that echo the same experiences and feelings about this company.

I thought long and hard about writing a review for this company and today I decided to do so on behalf of myself and the new friends I made through this unbelievable experience. I booked a 4 day tour from NY-Niagara Falls and knew from looking at the itinerary that certain things were overpriced (on top of already being charged in dollars instead of Canadian $). I went through with the trip anyway because overall it's still cheaper than doing those activities on my own. I also knew this company is predominantly Chinese, so I knew there would be some kind of language barrier at some point. LANGUAGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING KIND. If you book a tour you will be spoken about in Chinese. You will feel uncomfortable with people staring at you because you're not like them. You will be skipped in all the lines you wait because they don't care about manners. These are REGULAR costumers of the company. My tour guide was actually really nice but she was constantly lying to us all about prices and actually left us in dirty motels located in bad areas of Canada. It makes me think she actually wasn't nice and it was all an act because she obviously couldn't be rude. They will do anything they can to make a profit, we got charged to do things that are FREE (like walk down a trail in a park). If you're planning on booking a tour do your research and remember that if you're not satisfied with your trip you DONT HAVE TO PAY THE MANDATORY TIP IN THE END. A lot of people on my bus didn't because of everything that happened. I payed it because I felt bad that half of the bus didn't but in reality I shouldn't have payed anything. Costumers shouldn't be lied to. We shouldn't feel uncomfortable and we shouldn't feel UNSAFE ON VACATION. If we are promised hotels we should stay in them and not motels on the 3rd night. Everything is also very rushed, you don't get much time in the places you visit and it made me feel like it wasn't vacation-more like an annoying family trip with people you don't know. PS : they tried to save money so bad that my tour guide actually made a couple share a room with another person from our bus in the motel. There was also an old condom in the room...

We booked a 2 day fall foliage tour to upstate NY and Vermont with this company and we had awesome experience. Pricing is reasonably accommodating but surprised that this particular package did not offer the buy 2 get the third one free as compare to other packages the website (tours for fun) offers. I liked how organized they were. Upon booking, we received an email about the details of the trip. Two days before, we received about the confirmation of the trip and our contact person for the trip. I liked their check in system on the day of the trip. They arranged for a shuttle in Flushing to bring us to our main tour bus in Chinatown (downtown NYC). During the trip- the guide explained what will be happening when we arrived in the city. During our tour - the guide explained the process for a smooth sailing tour. I liked our tour guide- he could speak English well. He was able to communicate to us some basic information of the places we were visiting. By the way, this tour company is privately Chinese owned. Most of the tourists are Chinese. The tour included the overnight hotel. The hotel was not bad for an overnight stay- breakfast was even included. The excursion we engaged in was separate fee as well as the fixed tour tip to the bus driver and tour guide. Don't expect too much to what they offer if you have been with other tour companies. For me, it worked fine. By the way, I appreciated that they let us use their office restrooms prior the bus trip. It meant so much to the passengers.

7 Day New East Coast Tour THIS IS A CHINESE TOUR BUS. Don't try to book with them and expect them to speak perfect English. 97% of the people who booked are Chinese. If you can't handle people rushing you, speaking loud, or being blunt you shouldn't book with them. I booked in March and I have dreaded my trip because of all the bad reviews I read. I paid around $480 pp x2 and my son is free. This includes a hotel and tour guide. It does say they have bus transportation which is $8 a day per person. I looked all over New York for cheap rooms but all seemed sketchy with no private bathroom. Rooms for 1 week was already costing me $700+! I decided to go with this trip because it took me through the East coast. On your free days in New York, use it! The your guide goes through the popular places like Times Square. If your main reason to visit is for ground zero you'll have to do it on your own time. I thought we would go there but we only passed by. (The only thing I was upset about) The first day was a bit of a scramble but they were very accommodating. Yes we did go through lots of buses which is why my partner and I packed light. Our 3rd day we stuck to one bus. Our tour guide was Allen and bus driver was Paul. They were very nice and informative. They made our trip fun. Every place we stopped at Allen gave us a time to be back at the bus. He suggested places to eat in the area if we didn't do an attraction and he responds to his text messages when we need help. We let him know one time we got lost in central park. We texted him and told him and that our phone was drying. Luckily we made it back on time and he texted if we were back on the bus. The trip was worth it, we are really happy that our tour guide was Allen and our driver was Paul. We will most definitely book another trip in the future...if Allen is our tour guide :) I hope he does other tours. Like I said above, if you want to take your time do not take this tour. This tour fit in everything we wanted to do in a short amount of time. You get about an hour or so at the attractions listed on your itinerary. It is rush but they're on a tight schedule. I really loved fort Niagra! Thank you for a great vacation and a awesome tour guide.

My son with Allen our tour guide and Paul the driver!

Booked on TakeTours.com I went on 2 day tour to Niagara (3rd & 4th Sep) from Jersey City with my wife and kid. Bus was on time, and the guide Caroline was sending SMS updates from previous day. Driver David was an awesome guy too. Organising and timing was perfect. The hotel "Comfort Suites" was a nice and clean place. I gave 4 star because, Few of the optional attractions were not done though they were mentioned in the travel plan ( jet boat, Adventure movie etc) and the cash calculation & collection was not that impressive. Our trip included, Day 1 - Niagara, Maid of Mist, Cultural show at night and hotel stay. Day 2 - Niagara Old fort, Hiking down the Watkins Glen and back home. Remember the mandatory service charge is 8USD per day , per head. This is mentioned in your trip reminder and you get to know after booking your trip ! Extra Cost, 1) Service charge - 3 bookings and end paying 8USD x 3 persons x 2 days = 48 USD 2) Maid of mist -2 bookings (child free) 18.25USD x 2 Persons = 36.50 USD 3) Niagara Falls In-Depth Tour - 25USD x 2Adult + 15USD x 1 kid = 65 USD My total extra cost was 48 + 36.50 + 65 = 149.50 in total. But I was charged 160.15 USD which was not clear. I didn't make a big fuss as that extra 11 USD is not a big issue for me. The tickets fee is collected by the guide and you are not allowed to buy your own tickets, which makes me feel something fishy behind this. I advise to do your math before you handover cash to the guide. However the negative points really did outweigh the positives.

With my guide - Caroline and driver David.

2 day Niagara Tour, Guide Caroline.

PLEASE HELP YOURSELF BY AVOIDING THIS TOURS. There is no -ve rating to give. - we had a 3 day Niagara fall tour, the bus was smelling awful. - you will be faced with lots of uncomfortable restristions like on restroom and timings to restroom. -There is a surprise service fee which wont be advertised, its 10$ per day per person, even for infants. -you will be forced to buy all the attractions even if you are not intrested. - better to watch attractions on you-tube instead of going on this tours, wasting valuable vacation time and money.

Terrible! Dont go. The tour guide was completely inhuman with the rest stops. IF U HAVE A SMALL BLADDER, THIS ISNT FOR U! There is a toilet on the bus but we werent allowed to use it. They said bc they didnt want bad odor on the bus, which was reasonable but the tour guide made rest stops every 3 hrs for us to use the bathroom and the rest stops we visited were small. There was always a mile line long for the bathroom. Again, DONT GO if u have a small bladder!!

4 day niagara falls trip booked with a travel agent in Brooklyn and was guided through mainly everything about this bus tour trip. The day of, my husband and I met at the bus at pickup location in chinatown by 8am. We set off about abit pass 8am and stopped by two other location in NJ to pick up the remaining guests on our bus. Our tour guy was Harvey and the bus driver was Lee. I have to give it to the driver lee for knowing his driving routes to avoid traffic and he drove in a safe and steady speed at all times. Very comfortable during the ride for 4 days which ideas worried the most. Back to the tour itself. Harvey spoke mandarin and English the whole time during the bus tour as 85% chinese people and the rest was English speaking. Harvey was informative through the bus tour by explaining the history of Some landmarks etc. He told us and continues to remind us our bathroom breaks, lunch, and dinner breaks and to be back by a time. Of course there is always someone a few minutes late returning. But thankfully they didn't leave anyone behind as I know that's the next step after waiting 10 mins And giving them multiple phone calls to reach them. Incase of an emergency, there is a bathroom in the back of the bus only if the stop to bathroom breaks was not nearby as the bus wouldn't just stop for the bathroom break out of nowhere or else will be making endless stops. Harvey also started going around the tour bus starting to collect money for the attractions we were interested in attending, but never stated it was optional. Tho I knew myself since I asked my travel agent before hand, I was aware and it seems like the rest of the bus was as well as not everyone attended every attractions. Out of nearly 10 attractions we did about 5 which were (1)Watkins Glen state park-$10 (2) native American dance show -$21 (3) Maid of the mist- $18.25 (4) Cave of the wind-$17 (5) niagara jetboat-$66. I have to say all was worth every penny except the Native American dance show because it was not what I expected. It was mainly just a background drop picture with lights and native American dancing. I was thinking more professionally done and the price was not worth it. As our bus ran late during the first day, our bus missed the Washington D.C. cruise-$26 which refunded the money to the ones going. And definitly there was no time for the DC Madame tussauds-$23. We also did not attend the Amish village tour-$20 as it was not our point of interest. Instead we spent our own time roaming around the neighborhood as their were restaurants and stores nearby. We also skipped out on the IMAX movie about niagara falls -$12 as it seemed pointless in our opinion. And the last two attractions we didn't attend was the niagara in depth tour-$25 split into two attraction destination and the thousand island cruise-$27. I'm glad we chose what we wanted to do most and the ones we skipped out on, we explored around the area in our own and it was an amazing trip. Overall I can't say if I recommend or not as there is alot of things you need to consider . Make sure you ask and get all details before paying! And at the end of the tour they collect $8 a person a day as tip split btw the driver and the tour guide. One issue I had wotht he rour guide was when we told him we weren't doing the other 5 or so attractions, you can tell he was not pleasant as they probably make some profit out of it. Most of the attractions were about 30 to an hour or so. We were rushed in btw many of the attractions as the tour guide or company planned everything back to back literally. So if one person arrived back late, everything was pushed back and same goes for traffic. Just expect to be up in the early morning by 7am and back at night about 10:30pm latest for our tour. When we made stops for food, it was also rushed. Never had I eaten so quick for my meals.

See all photos from Sherra L. for L & L Travel

WTF is wrong with this company? We just left 3 elderly folks on the streets of Washington DC cuz they were lost. Some of the people on the bus got off to try and find the missing woman. When she was found (while the bus JUST started to move) they were asked to take a taxi and meet the rest of the group at the next location. The tour guide Benny just keeps talking and talking without care of our group's safety. Not only that, we paid over 700+ per person for the tour, but as the days progressed we were asked to pay more than 500 bucks total for admissions fees for all the attractions. Admissions fees are the same as the advertised prices (not group rates). The bait and switch is absurd. Not only do I not recommend them, I think they need to be responsible for the people's safety.

This is the guy who left the elderly folks!

Totally irresponsible and unprofessional company!

Just okay, nothing special. Paid $216 for the 2-day Niagara Falls tour from New York/New Jersey for 3 people. This package included a cruise at the Thousand Islands Lake, 1 hotel room at the shitty Rochester Radisson Hotel, and the Maiden of the Mist cruise at Niagara Falls. The tour guide speaks in both English and Mandarin Chinese. For a budget tour, it got me where I wanted to go, but it was a bit uncomfortable... and there were other customers who negatively affect my experience by showing up late and causing delays because we had to wait for them to show up. Positive: - Tour guide was attentive in keeping the group together Negatives: - We had to pick up customers along the way from different states. It made the trip way too long!!! - Hidden fees: Service fee was $8/person per day, apparently for the bus driver and tour guide. - You have to pay your own entrance fees for all attractions (extra $67 per person) - I was loading my stuff into the bus and one of the L&L Tours staff members was smoking a cigarette right next to me, causing me to breathe in the smoke - No food included - Estimated arrival/departure time always off so I always felt rushed only to find out that the bus wasn't leaving - They wouldn't open the restroom on the bus for us until they realized that we needed to start rushing to our destinations I had an okay experience overall - however the negatives really did outweigh the positives..

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What our clients say about us!

L&L has been my go to travel agent for many years. They are experts in pre-travel planning – the best itineraries, the best guides, the best hotels. More than that, when there are unexpected bumps along the road well traveled, L&L is right there to assist in last minute adjustments and changes. From India to South Africa, from the Arctic to South Georgia, from China to Iran, from Paris to Venice. Always there, always helpful, always L&L.

Wendi, Victoria

We had been referred to Lily from friends and had booked a trip to London, Paris and the south of France. Two days before we were set to leave we had a family emergency and had to totally rearrange  the trip.  Lily told us not to worry that she would look after everything for us and she did.  The trip which could have turned out to be a nightmare was seamless and wonderful.

Margaret & Adair Green

L&L and entire L&L team are 5 star.  Arrangements always work.  Hotels always nice, suggestions for destinations always fabulous.  Great at finding a way to accommodating my requests to go “off the beaten path”.  I have called when plans changed or I have been stranded by change of circumstances or other changes occurred on the fly mid-trip and have always been rescued by L&L team with new plans.  Super dependable, super efficient, super adaptable.

Christine E.

I have been using L&L since they started business in 1987. I flew frequently on business and the L&L team were always very responsive and understanding for my travel needs. When issues arose they were onto them immediately and provided alternative options for me to consider. I was so impressed with their service I started using them for my personal travel and have never been disappointed.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“Your bucket list”

“your dream vacation”

“your own private island”

Lily and her team can make it happen. My family now prefers “experiences” rather than material goods and L & L Travel Management Ltd. has never disappointed whenever we have traveled. The team at L & L can handle emergencies and change flights in the middle of your holiday. The friends I have referred to L & L are still clients – which speaks to their service and standards.

- Elizabeth Harrison

I just wanted to tell you that we as a company and myself really enjoyed working with you. You are so dedicated to all your clients requirements and ensuring their complete satisfaction. We would describe it as a bit of a grilling with all those questions – but seldom have we encountered someone with such attention to detail on behalf of their clients.

What a pleasure to work with someone who has the same values as us. It is rare in this modern day and full credit to you.

- Robert Steer, Senate Grand Prix

L & L Travel has been providing corporate travel services to our firm for more than 15 years. Our Toronto based company has required extensive business travel to Europe, Africa, Middle East , and India. Lily and the L&L team have always found the best solutions for difficult itineraries and have always been able to respond to last minute changes to complex travel demands. They have not only saved us time and money but have greatly reduced the uncertainty and stress of international business travel. Their customer service is excellent. L&L is the best travel agency that we have ever worked with.

- L Lee Parsons

I have worked alongside Lily Ma and her team at L & L for over 13 years, it has been a wonderful experience. My colleagues travel extensively, both for corporate business travel, and personal pleasure. We are pleased with the level of enthusiasm, efficiency and professionalism L & L delivers with each request. They have a wealth of knowledge, proficiency and attention to detail. Questions are addressed promptly and responded with care. Everyone on the team is dedicated to ‘going above and beyond’ for their clients, while considering unique expectations for each individual traveler. I couldn’t think of an agency we’d rather be partnered with.

- Sarah Wyndels

I have been using L&L since they started business in 1985.

I flew frequently on business and the L&L team were always very responsive and understanding for my travel needs.

When issues arose they were onto them immediately and provided alternative options for me to consider.

I was so impressed with their service I started using them for my personal travel and have never been disappointed.

- Malcolm L.

L&L and entire L&L team are 5 star.  Arrangements (ie. all mechanics of flights/dates/times) always work.  

Hotels always nice, suggestions for destinations always fabulous.  Great at finding a way to accommodating my requests to go “off the beaten path”.  I’ve called when plans changed or I’ve been stranded by change of circumstances or other changes occurred on the fly mid-trip and always been rescued by L&L team with new plans. Super dependable, super efficient, super adaptable.   

- Christine E.

We have traveled extensively over the years.  From regular Hawaii trips, to many trips to Europe as well as Asia, Australia and Africa.  Lily has always had interesting ideas and has been very resourceful finding wonderful experiences.  When you are landing on a dirt runway in Eastern Tanzania you want to make sure there is someone there to meet you and make your trip memorable.  Lily has always made sure we were well looked after.  L and L Travel has a 24 hour number which can be accessed.  This is a great resource when a flight is cancelled or worse.  They step in immediately and help resolve any problems. 

Both Margaret and I would highly recommend L and L Travel for simple or complex travel needs.

- Margaret & Adair Green

L&L has been my go to travel agent for many years.

They are experts in pre-travel planning – the best itineraries, the best guides, the best hotels. More than that, when there are unexpected bumps along the road well traveled, L&L is right there to assist in last minute adjustments and changes.

From India to South Africa, from the Arctic to South Georgia, from China to Iran, from Paris to Venice. Always there, always helpful, always L&L.

- Wendi, Victoria

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Los Angeles takes some getting used to. It’s a love/hate city for most people. When I first visited Los Angeles, I hated it . The city was too big, too vapid, and too expensive.

But, the more I came here, the more I saw that this isn’t a city for tourists — it’s a city for residents. With only a few tourist attractions spread out over a vast distance, it’s hard to “see” LA the way you can easily see NYC, Paris, or London, especially if you don’t rent a car. But this is a city where you come to enjoy life the way the locals do: eat healthy food, go to the beach, go for a run, see a concert, and relax. It’s a city for living .

Once you take the pressure of trying to fit Los Angeles into the tourist box, you see the magic of the city and easygoing lifestyle of the locals. That’s when you fall in love with LA.

This travel guide to Los Angeles will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this iconic destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Los Angeles

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

1. Take a day trip to Disneyland

Visit the “Happiest Place on Earth” in nearby Anaheim. I love the rides — like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain — and just feeling like a kid. Don’t miss the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with its popular Rise of the Resistance ride (it’s worth the price). Other popular rides include the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Indiana Jones’ Adventure. It’s a magical place! A one-day/one-park ticket starts $104 USD.

2. See Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard has recently gone through some urban renewal and renovation. See the sidewalk street performers and enjoy the Walk of Fame (with over 2,700 celebrities’ handprints and footprints), Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now known as TCL Chinese Theatre, which features one of the largest movie screens in the country), and much more. You can also hop on a tourist bus to see where the rich and famous live and work.

3. Tour the Getty Museum

The Getty Museum is amazing for four reasons: its impressive art collection, its dramatic Richard Meier architecture, its ever-changing gardens, and the sweeping views of the city. Opened in 1997, the museum focuses on pre-20th-century European art as well as and 19th- and 20th-century American and European photographs. It features work by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and other masters. Visiting here was a highlight of my time in LA. It’s one of the best spots in the city and, if you only see one museum, make it this one. It’s free to enter, however, you have to pay to park ($25 USD). It’s closed on Mondays.

4. Explore Griffith Park

This place is fantastic for hiking, picnics, and hanging around with friends. The hiking trails lead up to Mulholland Drive and provide great views of the city. Griffith Park has many activities, including the LA Zoo, the Autry Western Museum, pony rides, a golf course, a driving range, and an observatory. Think of it like Central Park in New York City but much larger (it spans 4,310 acres versus Central Park’s 843 acres) and much more rugged. There’s also plenty of wildlife here, including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. Guided hikes are available too if you prefer to go with a group.

5. Relax at Venice Beach

Besides the sand and waves, Venice Beach has street performers, surfers, skaters, and intense basketball games (some of the best streetball players in the world can be found here). Wander around, take in the street art, and eat and drink at many of the restaurants that line the beach. Avoid the weekends if you’re heading to the beach as it gets crowded. It’s just one of the best places to hang out in the city.

Other Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

1. tour universal studios hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood is the only working movie studio and theme park in the world. Their studio tour lasts one hour and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, including a visit to the plane crash scene from War of the Worlds, Peter Jackson’s King Kong, the Bates Hotel from Psycho, and cars from Fast & Furious (the tour is hosted by Jimmy Fallon on video). The theme park is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons ride, special effects shows, and a soon to open Nintendo World. A one-day ticket costs $109 USD while a two-day pass starts at $159 USD. Get your tickets in advance here.

2. Party on Sunset Boulevard

Perhaps one of the world’s most famous streets in the world, Sunset Blvd began as a route between the stars’ posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the “Sunset Strip” with its beaches and movie studios on its way. You’ll find a lot of high end clubs, restaurants, and bars here.

3. Explore Old Town Pasadena

Historic downtown Pasadena is located just ten minutes from Los Angeles. Its pedestrian-friendly zone is designated as a National Register Historic District and stretches for twenty-two blocks. It’s filled with boutique shops and restaurants and is also a popular nightspot for all of you party animals out there. It’s an eclectic area where people of all ages come to hang out. The Caltech campus is a nice place to explore with its turtle pond and lush gardens. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is nearby and you can learn about the native landscape, plants, and wildlife as you walk through more than 3.5 miles of trails.

4. Shop at the Farmers Market & The Grove

There’s a great farmer’s market here with loads of fresh bread, fruit, veggies, and a delicious food court. Nearby is an outdoor shopping area featuring all the major brands as well as a movie theater. It’s a nice place to spend an afternoon. You can also learn the history of the farmers market while sampling some of its food with Melting Pot Tours (tours are $89 USD). The tour is 2.5 hours and gives you a chance to sample food from nine different vendors.

5. Take a walk on the beach

Los Angeles beaches are a great place to go for a walk, people-watch, or just lounge in the sun. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are two of the most famous beaches. The Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is also a fun way to spend an afternoon thanks to its carnival-like atmosphere right on the beach (it has several rides, greasy food stalls, and carnival games). Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, and Playa del Rey are some of the other popular beaches around the city as well.

6. Visit the Huntington Library

This beautifully-designed library in nearby Pasadena includes a Chinese and Japanese garden. Additionally, the library has some incredibly rare and valuable books, including a copy of The Canterbury Tales from the 15th century and a 14th-century Gutenberg Bible (which you can see on display in the Main Exhibition Hall). It’s open 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) and tickets are $25 USD during the week and $29 USD on weekends.

7. Explore the California Science Center

This kid-friendly attraction has a variety of educational exhibits on topics ranging from ecosystems (complete with forest, river, and island habitats) to space and aviation. The biggest highlight is the American space shuttle, Endeavor, which ran 25 space missions between 1992-2011 for NASA. It’s free to visit but parking costs $15-18 USD and you have to pay extra for special exhibits and IMAX movies (usually $10-20 USD).

8. Go for a hike

Los Angeles has a lot of wonderful hiking and running trails, the most famous being Runyon Canyon. There are some well-marked routes, including a 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) loop and a 2.6-mile (4-kilometer) loop (with higher elevation gain). There’s also a more strenuous 3.3-mile (5-kilometer) hike to the top of the park too. Caballero Canyon (3.4 miles), Fryman Canyon Park (2.5 miles), and Los Liones Trail (3.5 miles) are three other easy trails around the city you can hike too.

9. See the iconic Hollywood Sign

You can hike up to the famous Hollywood sign using trails that are open from sunrise until sunset in Griffith Park. From the sign, you get a sweeping view of Hollywood (which is especially beautiful at sunset with the city lights spread out in front of you). The three trails to get here (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours hiking. If you’d rather go with a group, guided hikes from Get Your Guide last 2.5 hours and cost $25 USD.

10. Visit the Grammy Museum

With exhibits, interactive experiences, artifacts and costumes, and numerous films, this museum walks you through the entire music industry and its history as well as the careers of previous Grammy winners. One exhibition showcases some of the most outrageous outfits worn on the Grammy’s red carpet and another houses costumes worn by Michael Jackson. The museum also has regularly rotating special exhibitions about different genres of music and various artists in the industry. It’s not a highlight of the city, but if you’re a music aficionado, it’s one of the best things to do. Admission is $18 USD.

11. Browse The Last Bookstore

This is one of my favorite bookstores in the country (and one of the few remaining big independent ones). They sell books and music records, have art displays, and there’s a cool upstairs area too with books for as little as $1 USD. Located downtown, this space is huge, and you can get lost browsing the shelves for hours. Come here, get a coffee, and buy some books! It’s a must see.

12. Visit LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest museum in the western United States. It boasts a massive collection of artwork including works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ansel Adams, and Magritte. There’s also ancient artwork from around the world, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures. There’s modern art here too, including Michael Heizer’s 340-ton boulder which is wedged over a narrow walkway. Tickets are $28 USD.

13. See La Brea Tar Pits

These natural tar pits are in Hancock Park, where the tar has been trapping and fossilizing animals since the Ice Age. More than 3.5 million fossils have been found here, ranging from small honeybees to giant mammoths. This includes thousands of dire wolves! And scientists are still uncovering fossils here nearly every day of the year. It’s right next to LACMA too so you can do both together. Admission is $15 USD (closed Tuesdays).

14. Explore downtown

Downtown has experienced a complete revitalization in recent years, including a brand-new pedestrian center with museums, concert halls, theaters, and dining options. If you do just one thing here, visit the Grand Central Market. It’s home to 40+ of downtown’s best food vendors, including the original Eggslut. You can find literally any type of food here. I love it. Moreover, the Broad contemporary art museum is free and houses works from famous artists like Andy Warhol. Check out Pershing Square, a five-acre park with statues, monuments, fountains, and incredible views of the area’s architecture.

15. Walk Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Near Venice Beach, this boulevard is chock full of diverse shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. There are all kinds of quirky businesses to pop into and on First Friday (the first Friday of each month), the street gets taken over by live music and food trucks. This is one of the hippest spots in the city. There’s a ton of things going on here and it’s filled with locals at all hours of the day.

16. Visit the Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center

This center is one of the most successful literary arts incubators in the country, with alumni like Tom Waits and Wanda Coleman. It’s housed in Venice’s original city hall and was turned into an art center in 1958. The center is surrounded by a community garden that’s focused on providing an engaging outdoor space for the community. There’s also regular programming here like readings, workshops, and musical performances, as well as a bookstore and archive with over 40,000 books. If you’re a book nerd like me, you’ll love this place!

17. Hang out in Palisades Park

Palisades Park in Santa Monica is a eucalyptus-filled park between the beach area and Ocean Avenue, where you get scenic views over the ocean and of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a chill spot to relax and explore. Make sure you stop by the Camera Obscura, an antiquated camera that offers a unique view of the world outside. It’s free to visit and closed on Sundays.

18. Admire Greystone Mansion

Located in Beverly Hills, this is a Tudor Revival surrounded by landscaped English gardens. Also known as Doheny Mansion, the mansion was built in the 1900s as a gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son (the film There Will Be Blood is loosely based on Doheny). It eventually became a public park in the 1970s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The mansion has a whopping 55 rooms and cost around 70 million dollars (adjusted for inflation), making it the most expensive home in California at the time. The mansion is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month but the grounds are free to visit anytime. It’s a beautiful, relaxing place to go for a stroll or sit with a book when the sun is shining.

19. Enjoy Koreatown

This is one of the most fun spots to enjoy the city’s nightlife. There are tons of tasty BBQ restaurants, lively bars and clubs, and fun karaoke places. It’s a must for foodies though, with over 500 restaurants in the area. The neighborhood was established in the early 1900s by Korean immigrants and has grown into a vibrant part of town that spans over 150 blocks. Don’t miss Dawooljung, the first traditional Korean monument built in the city, and be sure to feast on mouth-watering Korean BBQ while you’re here.

20. Explore Silver Lake

This hip neighborhood is home to cool cafes, trendy shops, vegan restaurants, and boutique galleries. It’s essentially the Brooklyn of LA, named after the Silver Lake Reservoir, which offers a nice 2.25-mile loop where locals walk and jog. You’ll get incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains along the way. It’s a laid-back spot that most people skip so you won’t be surrounded by tourists! There are live music venues, like Zebulon, where you can catch a show and Sunset Junction is a walkable area along Sunset Boulevard with plenty of interesting shops to check out.

21. Do a Studio Tour

Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, and Paramount all offer studio tours where you can see famous sound stages like the one used in The Wizard of Oz , props from hit movies (like the bench from Forrest Gump ), and so much more. Most tours last 1-2 hours and either involve walking or riding a tram/bus. Prices vary but start around $70 USD per person. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to book in advance. You can get tickets for Warner Bros. here and tickets for Universal here .

Los Angeles Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Prices here vary widely depending on where you stay in the city, though the prices are fairly consistent year-round. Unfortunately, prices aren’t cheap. Dorm rooms start around $30-50 USD per night and go as high as $80 USD. A basic private room with an ensuite bathroom starts around $110 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Only a couple of hostels offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices Budget two-star hotels start around $110 USD per night, though most are closer to $150 USD. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a tea/coffee maker. Three-star hotels start around $135 USD but most comfortable, nice spots cost between $160-200 USD per night. These generally include free breakfast too.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Los Angeles. A private room starts around $100 USD per night (but averages double that) while entire homes/apartments start around $165 USD per night.

Food – Los Angeles has lots of food trucks and fast-food options for under $10-15 USD. It’s the city of food trucks and anything and everything can be found here. You can get a hearty crepe or sandwich for around $10-12 USD while tacos go for about $3-5 USD each.

At casual restaurants, most main dishes cost around $25 USD. If you want to splash out on a three-course meal, expect to pay at least $50-60 USD.

For fast food (think McDonald’s), a combo meal is around $12 USD. A large pizza starts around $10-15 USD while Chinese food is $11-13 USD.

Beer is around $8-$10 USD while a latte/cappuccino costs around $5.50 USD. Bottled water is $2 USD.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Jitlada, Cafe Los Feliz, The Butcher’s Daughter, Uzumaki Sushi, Frank & Musso’s, Dan Tana’s, Bay Cities Italian Deli, and Meals by Genet. For drinks, check out No Vacancy, Hotel Cafe, Roosterfish, Firestone Water Brewery, and Good Times at Davey Wayne’s.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay $50-75 USD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Los Angeles Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Los Angeles, expect to spend around $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using public transportation, cooking your own meals, and free attractions like the beaches and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add $10-20 USD more per day.

On a mid-range budget of $220 USD per day, you can stay in a private room, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a couple drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting some museums or going to Disneyland for a day.

On a “luxury” budget of $410 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around or take more taxis, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Los Angeles can be super expensive. After all, some of the country’s wealthiest people live here! But, thanks to all the food trucks and starving artists, you don’t have to be rich to visit. Here are some ways to save money in Los Angeles:

• Purchase a Go City Los Angeles Card – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this card provides discounts to 40 museums, tours, and attractions. It’s priced to save you money when compared to buying separate tickets. A two-day unlimited pass is $264 USD while the three-day unlimited pass is $309 USD. You can also build your own pass, with one-day/two-attraction passes starting at $104 USD.
• Get a TAP card for public transit – The TAP card lets you get a one-day pass on the Metro and bus systems for $5 or a seven-day pass for $18. There are several ways to get a TAP card. You can download the app on your phone, get one from a TAP machine in the Metro stations, or buy one of the hundreds of TAP vendors around the city.
• Avoid celebrity hangouts – Hollywood and Beverly Hills are the two areas you can see the most celebrities but also the two areas where you can spend the most money. While they’re fun to explore, avoid shopping and eating there!
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities like LA, where accommodation is expensive. If you have lots of points, use them here and get free rooms! Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car. This post has more information on how to get started with points and miles .
• Stay with a local – There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts throughout the city who can show you around and let you stay for free. In an expensive and ever-changing city like LA, having a local guide can be extremely helpful! Just make sure to send your requests early since it’s a popular destination.
• Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Tours By Foot has a few interesting walking tours that can show you what the city has to offer. Just make sure to tip your guide!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers the best savings.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic consumption. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Accommodation is expensive in Los Angeles. Since the city is so spread out, before you book, make sure you have a spot in the location where you want to spend most of your time. Otherwise, you’ll be driving a lot. Here are some recommended places to stay in Los Angeles:

• Freehand Los Angeles
• HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
• Banana Bungalow Hollywood
• Samesun Venice Beach

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Los Angeles.

How to Get Around Los Angeles

Public Transportation – The Los Angeles Metro involves both rail and bus service. It’s the most accessible and affordable way to get around the city, with tickets costing just $1.75 USD each way.

Get a TAP Card (you can find them at TAP machines within bus or train stations) so you can load a preset cash value onto the card to be used on all buses and trains. You can get a day pass for $5 USD or a seven-day pass for $18 USD. The subway is kind of sketchy though but super convenient if you are staying downtown or in Hollywood. The line from downtown to Santa Monica takes as long as driving because of all the stops.

Flyaway buses go from LAX to downtown and Hollywood for $9.75 USD one-way.

Taxis – Taxis can be hard to flag down, but you can download the Curb app to request one in advance. Everything is meter-based, starting at $3.10 USD and then $2.97 USD per mile.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.

Bike rental – While I wouldn’t recommend renting a bike if you’re in the middle of the city (traffic is terrible), once you get out to the coast then renting a bike might be a fun way to explore. Expect to pay around $30 USD per day for a rental. There is also a bike share program called Metro Bike Share that offers $5 USD daily rentals as long as each ride is less than 30 minutes.

When to Go to Los Angeles

Summer is the peak season for tourism in LA, with temperatures soaring to 85°F (30°C). Everybody wants to be outside during this time so they head to the beaches, which can get very busy. Attractions get crowded during the summer, especially at family-friendly attractions like Disneyland. Accommodation prices increase, so be sure to book early. On the plus side, it hardly ever rains during the summer.

March-May and September-November (the shoulder seasons) are my favorite times to visit Los Angeles. It’s warm, but there’s no sticky heat and the crowds are less oppressive. Temperatures during these months are between 69-80°F (21-27°C), with very little rain. These are great times to get outside. There are plenty of hiking trails around the area, if you want to get out of the busy city.

December is the coldest month overall, but it’s much cheaper for accommodation if you want to save some cash. Just pack some rain gear if you’re coming in the winter. Expect daily highs around 68°F (21°C).

How to Stay Safe in Los Angeles

Overall, Los Angeles is a safe place to visit. If you stick to touristy areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, you’ll be fine. There are some questionable areas downtown (like Skid Row) as well as nearby South Central, which should be avoided. Avoid Compton too.

Your biggest issue is going to petty crime, like theft and bag snatching. Petty crime has been on the rise over the last couple of years and it’s something you definitely want to watch out for. As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry, wave around cash, and just keep your valuables secure and hidden when you are eating outside. Don’t bring anything valuable to the beach just in case as theft can occur.

Make sure to keep your personal items closed and near you at all times. Hold your purse or backpack in front of you or close to your body. If you’re out at night, keep to well-lit and well-traveled places. If you have a vehicle, keep it locked at all times and don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. There’s a lot of car break-ins around the city.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk around at night intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

Los Angeles also has some pretty unique scams. For example, if you’re approached by someone who says they’re a Hollywood producer, director, or casting agent, they could be legit. However, chances are they’re just trying to scam you into paying fees upfront. Ask for a business card and do your due diligence. Additionally, be wary of people offering Hollywood tours or discounts on open-air bus tours. Do your research and stick to well-known providers to avoid getting ripped off.

To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Los Angeles Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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The 13 best carry-on backpacks of 2024, tested & reviewed.

Enjoy hands-free travel with a versatile carry-on backpack.

The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Not sure whether to take a rolling suitcase or a travel backpack on the plane? Both types of carry-on luggage certainly have their merits, but if you like keeping your arms and hands free when traveling, a backpack is the right choice for you. Furthermore, compared to a hard-sided suitcase , it's easier to squeeze a malleable backpack into an overhead bin or under the seat. And if your vacation is focused on adventure travel, you might value a durable pack on your back over wheels on the ground.

U.S. News compiled this list from extensive research and testing along with consumer reviews. Whatever your reason for choosing a backpack, there are plenty on the market to satisfy your needs. Read on for the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Budget: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

Best lightweight: mz wallace metro utility backpack.

• Best for Business Travel (tie): Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack – Large
• Best for Business Travel (tie): Aer Travel Pack 3

Best for International Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

Best for weekend getaways: solo grand travel tsa backpack, best for women: tumi voyageur celina backpack, best for men: peak design travel backpack 45l, best for adventure travel: kelty redwing 36, best with wheels: samsonite tectonic nutech wheeled backpack, best organization: augustnoa classic noa, best leather: monos metro backpack in vegan leather.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of backpacks are height by width by depth.)

Price: $200 or less

When it comes to bag travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs a serious punch. The carry-on backpack is available in three sizes – 42L, 35L and 28L – and a variety of colors, including the vibrant multicolor Del Día style. The 35L size not only fits everything you need for your next getaway, but it's also TSA-compliant as a carry-on item . On the outside, the Allpa features a removable waist belt, a padded laptop sleeve on the side, anti-theft zippers, carabiner lash loops for extra gear, a sternum strap and a front zippered pocket. The backpack straps can be tucked away if you're looking to save more room in the overhead bin or you want to carry the bag via its grab handles.

The bag opens suitcase-style; inside, you'll find one large zippered mesh compartment on the right and a subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left, providing ample space for all your clothes, shoes and accessories. What's more, the bag comes with a rain cover (though it's already water-resistant).

What our editors say:

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures, from a road trip around Iceland to camping all over Colorado. It fits more than expected, is comfortable to wear (especially if using the waist belt) and is extremely durable. I just wish the 35L had an exterior water bottle pocket like the 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $15.99 or less

This backpack has three excellent things going for it: It's affordable, lightweight and durable. It's a great option for a weekend getaway bag and is an excellent little backpack to have on hand for tours and day trips once you make it to your destination. If you're planning to hike or kayak on your next getaway, you'll definitely want to have the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Backpack in your back pocket – literally. It can be folded into a compact pouch and tucked away in a larger carry-on bag if you're planning to only use it as a daypack.

The lightweight travel bag is both tear- and water-resistant. With all of its pockets – including one on each side for water bottles or umbrellas – you'll be able to fit everything you need for an adventure-filled trip.

It can fit enough for a weekend trip, plus it's super useful for hiking, boat excursions and more once you're in your destination because it's so light and water-resistant. I've used it for years and it has held up incredibly well; it comes in so many fun colors, too. I love it so much, I bought two so my husband has one he can use as well. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $345 or less

Constructed with recycled bluesign-approved quilted nylon, this chic bag is packed with pockets and organizational details. The interior has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, a large zip pocket with two slip pockets, two water bottle pockets and two removable pouches. On the front of the bag there's a deep phone pocket and multiple zippered pockets of various sizes, including a small one that's ideal for a boarding pass, earbuds or wipes.

A water bottle pocket sits on each side of the bag, and the back of the bag has a luggage trolley sleeve that can be zipped shut on the bottom to be a pocket when not attached to your suitcase. This backpack has a top-zip design, and can be carried by the two top handles or the adjustable padded backpack straps.

This bag has completely changed my mind about backpacks. It's extremely spacious and works so well for my laptop, change of clothes, toiletry bag and other carry-on essentials. I love all of the pockets and that I can carry this like a north-south tote in addition to using the trolley sleeve or backpack straps. But what truly sets this apart is the beautiful fabrication that is so soft and the luxurious Italian leather details. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best for Business Travel: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack and Aer Travel Pack 3 (tie)

Dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack – large.

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $215 or less

This sleek, professional backpack by Dagne Dover is perfect for professional and casual settings alike, with a vast array of organizational features and a 20-liter capacity for the large size. On the outside, you'll find a zippered padded pocket for up to 16-inch laptops and a slip pocket for your phone, while an interior sleeve can fit a tablet or a second laptop, allowing you to travel with multiple devices. The inside of the bag has two mesh slip pockets and a zip-top pouch attached with a leash, as well as three zippered pockets in the front panel.

To help you stay even more organized, the exterior also features a zippered front pocket with pen loops and a key clip; two zippered side pockets; two slip side pockets; and straps to secure a small bottle. The water-resistant bag comes with adjustable shoulder straps, a luggage sleeve and a separate shoe bag.

I adore bringing this bag to work and using it as a personal item on flights. I don't think I've ever used a backpack with better organization than this one – there's a dedicated place for every little thing, from keys to pens to my devices. I also love that the neoprene material is extremely lightweight and water-resistant. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Aer Travel Pack 3

Price: $249 or less

With a pocket for everything, the clamshell-style Aer Travel Pack 3 keeps you organized to the max on business trips. Keep your laptop (up to 16 inches) safe in the padded, zippered laptop sleeve, and stow your passport in the quick-access side pocket. The front compartment features several sizes of pockets perfect for chargers, notepads, pens and more. Along with the lay-flat main compartment for clothes, there's also an interior pocket for small accessories as well as a hidden luggage tracker pocket.

Designed for one-bag travel, the durable Aer Travel Pack 3 also features a water-resistant nylon exterior along with load lifters for a more comfortable fit. You can purchase a hip belt separately.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has one of the sleekest designs when it comes to carry-on backpacks. I also appreciate all the pockets: The sizable laptop pocket is perfect for someone like me who uses a huge laptop; the eight pockets in just the front compartment are so handy for everything you could need while traveling; and the bag even comes with a zippered water bottle pocket on the side. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $185 or less

The Osprey Farpoint is truly an all-in-one travel pack that combines quality with minimal weight. The clamshell-style carry-on bag features a substantial main compartment across from a large mesh pocket. There's an easy-to-access zippered laptop sleeve on the side for devices up to 16 inches.

For extra support and comfort, the backpack includes a sternum strap, back panel, harness and hip belt; the latter three can be zipped up for fully streamlined travel, and compression straps help slim the bag down even more. The Osprey Farpoint 40 meets most domestic carry-on size requirements and is compatible with the Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack , which can be brought onto the plane as a personal item.

This is one of my favorite backpacks. I love how the back can be zipped up so the bag more resembles a duffel; this makes it easy to stow away without having to deal with a lot of straps. Additionally, the interior compression straps can really help cinch down belongings, especially if you're using packing cubes . – Leilani Osmundson

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Price: $117.99 or less

Perfect for weekend getaways , the Solo Grand TSA Travel Backpack opens like a regular suitcase. In the main compartment, you can secure several outfits with compression straps and store accessories and toiletries in two zippered mesh pockets. In the back, a padded compartment protects laptops up to 17.3 inches in size, and on the front there are a variety of pockets – even pockets within pockets – for your phone and other essentials. This backpack is also equipped with two side mesh pockets, a trolley sleeve, and side and top carry handles.

This backpack is flawless. It's big without the bulk and has plenty of pockets, which not only makes it ideal for weekend getaways but also prevents me from having to awkwardly rummage through my bag when I need something on the plane. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $475 or less

This backpack blends function and fashion with a compact design. On the front of the bag are two zip compartments and a U-zip pocket with a card slot, a slip pocket and a pen holder. The interior of the bag is divided into two separate compartments: one zippered section with a padded laptop compartment (holds up to a 15-inch PC or 16-inch MacBook), and another large compartment with a zippered pocket and two slip pockets (ideal for glasses or charging cords).

There is also a zippered compartment on each side of the bag, one of which has a water-resistant lining for a water bottle. On the back of the bag you'll find a hidden phone compartment and a trolley sleeve to attach to a roller bag.

This style oozes sophistication, especially the black with the gold hardware. From its sleek material to its many pockets and details, this backpack looks and feels like a chic handbag that can go from the office to a beach resort with ease. I especially like that there are two places you can access the front compartment of the bag, and I like that the laptop section is separate from the rest of the backpack so it's easier to take out my computer and go through airport security (which makes me less likely to drop something from inside my bag). – Rachael Hood

Price: $299.95 or less

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a solid, rugged choice that will last. The nylon canvas shell of the backpack is weatherproof and water-resistant, with a waterproof bottom liner as well. You can unzip the back panel to access the main packing compartment, which is also accessible via zippers along each side of the bag and can be divided in two by a mesh sleeve. To keep you organized, this backpack has quick-access pockets for small items like passports and glasses, plus expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods or umbrellas.

The bag meets carry-on size requirements but can expand by 1.5 inches if you need the extra room; the shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away if you plan to check it instead. If you prefer a smaller bag, the Peak Design Travel Backpack also comes in a 30-liter size .

If you only want to bring one bag on a short trip, you can't go wrong with this backpack. It's sturdy, reliable and able to fit a ton while still being carry-on-sized. It served me well on a recent trip to New Zealand, and I'd definitely recommend it for travelers who like hands-free luggage. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $134.95 or less

If you'll be adventuring in the great outdoors for your next trip, consider purchasing the Kelty Redwing 36 backpack. You'll find two exterior water bottle pockets as well as a hydration-friendly inner pocket (for storing a water bladder). Tool loops can hold hiking poles, fishing poles, ice axes or other adventure gear. Organization is made easy with plenty of zippered pockets, including one on each side of the bag, a large one on the front and one on top that's perfect for storing travel documents such as a passport. Plus, a ventilated back panel helps keep you cool when you're hurrying through airports or hiking up a mountain.

If you need a bigger backpack, the Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical is a great checked bag option and has many of the same features as the Redwing 36 along with more straps and pockets.

The Kelty Redwing 36 can be cinched down quite a bit for truly streamlined travel and to better meet carry-on size guidelines. However, I'll caution that the waist belt is difficult to remove. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $159.99 or less

If you want the flexibility to either carry or wheel your luggage, a wheeled backpack style may work best for you. The Samsonite Tectonic NuTech Wheeled Backpack transforms from a rolling bag into a backpack by just tucking in the handle, pulling out the stowed straps and using the wheel cover. The durable polyester material is water-repellent and has red accents.

There are three sections to this bag: a main compartment with space to pack for a weekend trip, a dedicated sleeve for both a laptop up to 15.6 inches and a tablet up to 11 inches, and a front pocket equipped with various organizational features. There are various small pockets, pen sleeves, card slots and a key leash within. You can tuck a water bottle and umbrella into the exterior pockets on either side of the bag. Just keep in mind that this bag may slightly exceed carry-on size restrictions on some airlines with stricter rules.

I expected a wheeled backpack to be uncomfortable to carry, but this convertible bag has proved surprisingly convenient. I like having both the rolling and hands-free options for different circumstances, and it has ample packing space. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $148 or less

This sustainable water-resistant backpack is constructed with 100% recycled materials and has 10 pockets to organize everything. The spacious interior compartment has a 17-inch padded laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve with a strap to secure it in place, as well as an interior mesh pocket for small items or charging cords and a removable shoe bag.

On the exterior, the front pocket has a built-in mesh organizer for pens, and there are mesh water bottle holders on each side of the backpack. The back of the bag has two adjustable padded straps, each with a built-in zippered compartment ideal for keys, ID or tickets. A hidden zip pocket makes for a secure space for a wallet or passport, and the trolley sleeve provides added versatility.

This backpack is great for travel or everyday use. I especially appreciate the comfortable backpack straps with the small zip pockets. They are easy to reach and perfect for small items like lip gloss, cash or a transit card. Durably constructed, the water-resistant exterior performs well in any weather, and I love that there's a padded space for both my laptop and iPad. – Rachael Hood

Price: $230 or less

For an upscale backpack that can be dressed up or down, this Monos style is an ideal choice. Constructed with sustainable vegan leather (there's also a nylon version with vegan leather accents), this structured style is both water- and scratch-resistant. The 15-inch laptop sleeve is separate from the main packing compartment so you can access your device easily. The brand's QuickSnap Modular Kit System means you'll have a detachable Metro Kit for small items that attaches magnetically to the front of the bag; this kit is interchangeable between Metro bags and can be swapped out for a different kit or removed entirely, depending on your needs.

The backpack's main compartment is designed for maximum functionality with a felt-lined document sleeve, a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets, and a waterproof zippered privacy compartment for a rain jacket or gym clothes. On the back, you can make use of a hidden slip pocket for your phone, a trolley sleeve and adjustable padded straps. There's also two top carry handles if you'd prefer to carry this backpack like a tote.

I really like the elevated styling and durability of this vegan leather bag. But what sets it apart is the separate laptop compartment (I don't like to have to open my entire bag to get out my laptop while on the go), and the modular Metro Kit system that can be removed when it's not needed. It's full of value-added design elements, and the material looks classic and appropriate with any attire. – Rachael Hood

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on its size, a backpack is considered a carry-on item. To be able to put it in the overhead bin, you generally don't want it to exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but that sizing varies by airline, and since backpacks are soft-sided, the dimensions can be somewhat malleable. If it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane ( check your airline's specific size requirements ), it is typically considered a personal item. If the backpack can fit under the seat, then you can often bring it in addition to a larger carry-on bag (based on your airline ticket type and inclusions).

For a backpack to be a carry-on for most domestic airlines, it should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or should be able to be squished to approximately those dimensions). To be considered a personal item, it must fit under the seat in front of you. Underseat size and space varies by airline and airplane type, so it's best to check with your airline's size restrictions.

How We Tested

From the comfort of the straps to the capacity of each bag, our team tested more than 20 carry-on backpacks from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the durability and details that make a difference. After taking these backpacks on a variety of adventures, we've selected these carry-on backpacks as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Rolling Duffel Bags
• The Best Toiletry Bags
• The Best Fanny Packs
• The Best Travel Insurance

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• History of Russian Scarfs and Shawls Museum
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Drama Theatre BOOM
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Art and History
• Saturn Stadium
• Church of Vladimir
• Likino Dulevo Museum of Local Lore
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Fairy Tale Children's Model Puppet Theater
• Fifth House Gallery
• Malakhovka Museum of History and Culture

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• World's Best

Travel + Leisure Readers' 25 Favorite Cities in the World of 2023

T+L readers select their favorite cities in the world in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Alexandra Farias

Five of seven continents are represented on this year’s list of best cities in the world, according to T+L readers. And the rankings prove that, this past year, our resilient readers got back to Asia and Africa, and traveled to cities well worth the long-haul flight, like Marrakesh (No. 14) and Singapore (No. 18). Based on reader comments, it seems the travelers who voted in this year’s World’s Best Awards survey were most interested in welcoming locals, great food, safety, reasonable prices, and aesthetics (be it picturesque nature or Renaissance architecture). 

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Sights/landmarks
• Friendliness

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. 

It looks, from this list, like Mexico is T+L readers’ favorite country in the world. No fewer than five Mexican cities ranked as the best in the world this year. Japan had three winners, and Thailand, Italy, and Portugal each had two. There was some movement in the top five, compared to last year’s rankings, with two European cities slipping to make room for No. 2 Udaipur, India, and No. 3 Kyoto, Japan. It’s typical to see at least one European city in the top five — often Istanbul (No. 8 this year, also winning the title of best city in Europe) or Florence, Italy (No. 12). Those spots, this year, went to Asian cities instead, indicative of the shift back to travel to Japan (Tokyo came in at No. 7, four spots behind Kyoto) and India (which also had Mumbai at No. 10, trailing Udaipur by eight). 

Read on to learn how Oaxaca, Mexico, claimed the coveted top spot for the second year in a row, and why travelers chose these 25 cities as the best in the world.

1. Oaxaca, Mexico

For the second year in a row, Oaxaca took the No. 1 spot on our best cities around the world list. The mole and mezcal capital has long been a favorite among T+L readers, but must-visit restaurants and cocktail bars ( Selva , Sabina Sabe , to name a few), plus new-and-improved hotel talent, like the stunning, six-room Casa Silencio , really gave the city the edge it needed to return to the top of the podium. As one reader said, Oaxaca is “hands down one of the coolest cities in the whole world.” The coolest, you might say.

Reader Score: 93.53

Book Now: Hotels.com | Expedia

Hands down one of the coolest cities in the whole world.

2. Udaipur, India

Jeremy Woodhouse/Getty Images

Udaipur is vying for that top spot. It was at No. 2 in 2021, before slipping into 10th place last year. Now? It’s two-tenths of a vote from perfection. As international travelers return to India — and finally see the long-awaited Raffles Udaipur , which opened during the pandemic — it’s no surprise that Udaipur is once again climbing the ranks. One reader sums up Udaipur’s appeal — in all caps, no less, saying, “VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL CITY.”

Reader Score: 93.33

Book Now: Hotels.com | Expedia | Tripadvisor

3. Kyoto, Japan

Yeojoon Yoon/Getty Images

In Tokyo, attractions are sprawled out in the open, for tourists to find easily. In Kyoto, those attractions are hidden in plain sight. It is a city of remarkable shops and restaurants and tucked into narrow, enticing alleyways. You have to look closely, but you’ll be rewarded with, as one reader said, “the best food in the world.” Another Kyoto stan noted the city’s “incredible sights and cultural landmarks with so much history that is so different from the cultures of Europe and the U.S.” That same traveler continued, “One small example was sitting around with locals soaking our bare feet together in a giant, very hot foot bath one evening at a spa situated on a train platform.” WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 92.06

4. Ubud, Indonesia

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

A fixture in the top five at this point, Ubud is an inland Balinese city surrounded by jungle. One reader described their vacation highlights: “swinging over rice terraces, riding elephants, chasing waterfalls, taking pictures with monkeys, shopping at both market stalls and high-end stores, beautiful restaurants ( Cafe Lotus at night is special), cheap massages, and hotels with stunning scenery.” Sounds like a perfect itinerary.

Reader Score: 91.73

Book Now: Tripadvisor

5. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Last year’s runner-up and 2021’s winner, San Miguel de Allende is a longtime favorite among T+L readers. This “visually stunning” city, per one reader, is brimming with “art galleries and boutique shops,” another fan said. And as one T+L reader observed, “[It’s a] magical city that feels more like Spain than Mexico.”

Reader Score: 91.19

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Andrew Hasson/Getty Images

The capital of Mexico, and its largest city, was founded by Aztec Indigenous communities and is a regular in this category’s top 10. Every year brings more exciting hotel openings (this year it’s the beautifully designed Soho House Mexico City , opening in the fall), restaurant debuts, and perhaps most importantly, food tours of the city’s best tacos.

Reader Score: 90.55

7. Tokyo, Japan 

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

It’s not in Tokyo’s nature to sit blithely by as Kyoto places in the top five. Japan’s energetic capital, with Michelin-starred ramen joints, phenomenal new hotels (see: Bulgari Tokyo and the forthcoming Edition in Ginza ), and a never-ending list of neighborhoods to explore, draws travelers in just like Cyndi Lauper, time after time.

Reader Score: 90.30

Book Now: Marriot | Tripadvisor

8. Istanbul, Turkey

Also named the best city in Europe this year, Turkey's culture and style capital celebrates “the intermingling of cultures and religion and people,” one reader said. “The rest of the world should take this city as an example.” They continued, “the food is exceptional, and people are ridiculously welcoming to tourists.” 

Reader Score: 90.23

9. Bangkok, Thailand

Karl Hendon/Getty Images

It’s rare that Thailand’s bustling capital would rank higher than Chiang Mai. Case in point: last year, Bangkok came in at No. 24, while Chiang Mai landed at No. 7. Climbing 14 spots as travelers flock back to Asia, Bangkok has new hotels (see The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon ) and an absolutely delectable display of Michelin-starred restaurants to thank for its rising stock.

Reader Score: 89.99

10. Mumbai, India

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Our readers love to look beneath the surface of Mumbai — venturing past classic tourist haunts, like Leopold Cafe , and sites like the Gateway of India arch to the “art galleries and the fish market in the Colaba area,” as one T+L reader detailed.

Reader Score: 89.79

11. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Danica Chang/Getty Images

Despite slipping slightly in rank this year — after making the top 10 in 2021 and 2022 — Chiang Mai remains many T+L readers’ “favorite city in Thailand,” as one said. Reader Score: 89.49

12. Florence, Italy

Ondrej Bucek/Getty Images

Come for the mesmerizing Botticellis hanging in the Uffizi Gallery and the detailed look at the Medici family tree, stay for the alfresco sculptures in lesser-known piazzas. “Every time we come here, we fall a little more in love with this place and its amazing antiquities,” one fan gushed.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.48

13. Luang Prabang, Laos

Carsten Brandt/Getty Images

After not making the list last year, the Laotian city returns at No. 13 for 2023. In the mountains of north Laos, Luang Prabang is scenically sandwiched between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

Reader Score: 89.44

14. Marrakesh, Morocco

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty Images

Marrakesh was the only African city to rank this year, exciting T+L readers with its restaurants and hotels tucked into the bustling Medina and iconic sites like the Majorelle Gardens and Bahia Palace.

Reader Score: 89.24

15. Rome, Italy

Camilla Glorioso

The 2,500-year-old city, which is older than Italy itself, is getting a lot of attention this year. An influx of new luxury hotels — an Edition, a Bulgari, and a Six Senses — might even push Italy’s capital city into the top 10 next year. Time will tell.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.91

16. Mérida, Mexico

Jurgen Vogt/Getty Images

“Mérida is an undiscovered gem in Mexico,” one T+L reader said. “The food was excellent and inexpensive.” In addition to praising the food (Mérida is known, especially among Mexicans, as a foodie town), travelers remarked on how safe the city is, with multiple readers calling it a “very safe city.”

Reader Score: 88.81

17. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Wirestock/Getty Images

Cambodia reopened to American travelers in November 2021, and since then, international travelers have been wading back into the wonders of Siem Reap. One reader, who visited right as the country reopened, said, “Our hotel in Siem Reap did not have the restaurant back yet, but we found 'Brown,’ a coffee shop. The second day we went, we were recognized, and by the third day, he knew our orders. At our hotel, the person at the desk would walk us out to our vehicles to say goodbye and greet us at the end of the day upon our return. I felt like royalty here.”

Reader Score: 88.80

18. Singapore

Caroline Pang/Getty Images

The land of hawker centers, the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool, the merlion, and the legendary Singapore sling came in at No. 18 this year, after not placing on the world’s best cities list for the past two years. The Lion City reopened in 2021 and continues to become less of a stopover and more of a final destination. (Though, with Changi Airport taking the No. 1 spot for world’s best airport, it’s not hard to see why a Singapore stopover is so appealing.) 

Reader Score: 88.78

Book Now: Hotels.com | Tripadvisor

19. Charleston, United States

Lindsey Harris Shorter

Charleston, South Carolina, was named the best city in the U.S., by T+L readers, for the 11th year in a row. Travelers can’t get enough of this coastal Southern city’s pastel-colored row homes, lowcountry cooking, and phenomenal hospitality.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.63

20. Lisbon, Portugal

A treasure trove of mosaic tile, coastal scenery, and really, really good tinned fish, Lisboa is back on the world’s best cities list for the first time since 2020. Reader Score: 88.62

21. Santa Fe, United States

Getty Images

Santa Fe is one of just two American hubs to make the 2023 list. Though it hasn’t ranked among the best cities in the world since 2019, its vibrant art scene, Pueblo-style architecture, spa-forward hotels, and one-of-a-kind cuisine, blending Hispanic and Native American influence, drew T+L readers back this year.

Reader Score: 88.47

22. Hobart, Australia

Andrew Merry/Getty Images

The capital of Tasmania is a newcomer to this list — it hasn’t placed in at least the last five years. But it’s certainly a welcome addition to our readers’ selection of their favorite cities in the world, as a fantastic city destination on an island off Australia, a counterpart to Auckland, if you will.

Reader Score: 88.44

23. Guadalajara, Mexico

Simon McGill/Getty Images

The largest city in the Mexican state of Jalisco, Guadalajara pulls T+L readers in with incredible street food, including torta ahogada (a sauce-drenched sandwich) and tacos brimming with birria.

Reader Score: 88.13

24. Porto, Portugal

Jui-Chi Chan/Getty Images

The gateway to Portuguese wine country, Porto is praised by T+L readers for “not [being] overrun with American tourists” and, of course, for its grilled sardines. “So colorful, so friendly, and most everything you want to see is within walking distance if you are staying in town,” one reader summarized. Reader Score: 88.09

25. Osaka, Japan

Last but certainly not least, Osaka is the third Japanese city on the list this year. Located south of No. 3 Kyoto, readers were drawn to Osaka for the excellent public transportation and the wonderfully welcoming (and primarily non-English-speaking) people. Of the people they encountered in Osaka, one reader said, “We have a lot to learn from them.”

Reader Score: 88.05

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Global Measles

• Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles.
• Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure or have not had measles in the past and travel internationally.
• The majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel.
• All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
• Travelers should seek medical care if they develop a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes. Measles is highly contagious. Travelers with suspected measles should notify the healthcare facility before visiting so staff can implement precautions to prevent spread within the facility.

Measles is  a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing .

The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace or on a surface after an infected person leaves an area. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. People can spread measles up to four days before and four days after a rash.

Signs and symptoms of measles include maculopapular rash, high fever, and a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes.

Measles can be severe in all age groups and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and death. Several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (infection of the brain).

What is the current situation?

Measles is an ongoing risk around the world. Health officials in the countries listed below have reported large measles outbreaks. 

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of the Congo
• Saudi Arabia
• South Sudan
• United Arab Emirates

Measles spreads rapidly and may become a risk to travelers in places not included on the list above. CDC recommends all travelers are fully vaccinated against measles when traveling to any international destination.

What can travelers do to protect themselves and others from measles?

Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated two weeks prior to departure and travel internationally.

Vaccination with a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to make sure that you are protected. Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who had one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12–15 months and a final dose at 4–6 years. Children 12 months of age and older, teenagers, and adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days. If the child received a first dose with measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV), they should wait 3 months before their second dose. 

If you are not sure if you or your travel companions are fully protected against measles, schedule an appointment to see your clinician at least 6 weeks before traveling so that you have enough time to get vaccinated.

Some people should not get a measles-containing vaccine or should wait. If you don’t think you can safely receive a measles-containing vaccine, talk to your clinician and consider making alternative travel plans.

What can clinicians do?

A self-report of measles vaccination or self-reported history of measles infection is not adequate evidence of protection. Clinicians should vaccinate anyone 6 months or older traveling overseas who does not have written documentation of vaccination or other evidence of measles immunity . Infants aged 6–11 months should be vaccinated with one dose before travel*. For international travelers 12 months or older, 2 doses at least 28 days apart are recommended.

*Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should be revaccinated according to the routine ACIP schedule (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and a final dose at 4–6 years).

Traveler Information

• CDC Measles Homepage
• Travelers’ Health Measles Website
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Measles: Plan for Travel
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Information Statement
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine Information Statement

Clinician Information

• Measles (Rubeola)  in the CDC Yellow Book (Health Information for International Travel)
• Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations for  MMR  Vaccine and  MMRV  Vaccine
• Measles Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Guidance on Measles during the Summer Travel Season

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

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