maxima travel international

Maxima Travel International

Location & Hours

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7581 Market Crossing

Burnaby, BC V5J 0A3

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About the Business

Business owner information

Svetlana S.

Business Owner

Maxima Travel International are exceptional at organizing and leading Health and Wellness Retreats and Tours. Our travelers love combination of sightseeing, preventive care, pampering at Spas and transformation experiences. …

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Overall rating

Just came back from trip to Karlovy Vary in Czech Republic, and we had the most amazing experience! Svetlana took great care of us and was available to our needs 24/7. We got picked up from home to go to Vancouver airport which was very convenient. We had unforgettable experience traveling in Prague, and staying for relaxation and rejuvenation in Karlovy Vary. I would recommend this trip to everyone! Great service and value.

See all photos from Anna G. for Maxima Travel International

We had a full day private tour with Svetlana after our cruise. Booking was easy over the phone with follow up email and invoice. Tour was informative and fun. Svetlana was always on-time. Car was clean. We now considering visiting Vancouver again (thanks to Svetlana).

Very disappointing! Dealt with an agent called Svetlana. She sounded great and friendly on the phone. But that's about it. Called to get some information about a tour package publicized in their website. Was requested to send inquiries via email and was told she will respond by the following week. Sounded good. However, after sending an email and waiting for 2 weeks, no response. Decided to send a follow-up email and made a follow-up call. The response on the phone was positive. She sounded apologetic and again promised to send me the information by end of the week. No information was received by end of week. Received an email that the information will be sent by end of day (Thursday). Nothing happened. I waited till the following week, again, no response. Guess you get the picture. So after several phone calls and emails and after dragging on for nearly 1 month, did not get any info. I am sure glad that I did not sign up with the company or have paid any $ for deposits or bookings. After this experience, I don't think I can trust this company to cater to my holiday plans.

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Maxima Travel International Ltd.

Maxima Travel International Ltd. is a Canadian Tour Operator and a Full-Service Travel Agency founded in 2003. They organize and lead Health and Wellness group tours to Europe.  

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the territories on which CCTB and its campus are situated are the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honour their graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here, and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Let Your  Adventure Begin

About maxima .

After working in the travel industry for many years, family matriarch Gemma Allan co-founded Maxima Tours in 1989. In 2009, Maxima became exclusively a family business under the direction of Gemma and her two sons Jason and Damon Allan.

Being a family at the core, Maxima’s strong connection to values permeates the business.  

“We see each staff member and customer like family. We wouldn’t have it any other way.  Together with our differences and strengths, we offer great stability to the company.” – Damon Allan

For most of their 30-plus years, Maxima has focused on the North American motorcoach travel market. Recently, Maxima has been expanding its products to attract a broader group of travellers including cruise packages & small group international travel packages.

In its entirety, Maxima offers: packaged group motor coach day trips, packaged group motorcoach and/or air cruise extended trips and broker for motorcoach charters.  Maxima also offers small group experiences to places such as Italy (Mainland, Sicily and Sardinia), Canary Islands  and our exclusive product – Malta. Those in Private Travel we also customize itineraries for those wishing to not travel in a group. 

THE MAXIMA DIFFERENCE

Having won many service awards including Platinum in The Hamilton Spectator’s Reader’s Choice Awards for Favourite Travel Agent, and Diamond awards for Seniors Tours and Travel Agency, Maxima is best known for our service level on trips.

We’re experienced, personable, passionate and proud to deliver the very best in group travel for over 20 years. In addition, our Tour Directors are focused on delivering exceptional service, at all times throughout your trip, to ensure you receive the utmost experience.  Our Tour Directors are not guides – they are Customer Service Specialists.

With over 55 years of combined experience, Maxima Tours has become a leader in the travel and tourism industry. We treat every customer like a member of our family; a trait we believe is essential in making each trip a memorable one. We can’t wait to get to know you, but before we do, take a look at  Our Team .

Meet The Team

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

605 Main Street East, Hamilton, ON, L8M 1J4

[email protected], (p) 905.561.5444  (f) 905.561.7036.

Dear friends, we’re delighted to inform You that Saint Petersburg has became the first city in Russia to join the international programme Safe Travels.

Breaking news! Meet new and easy way to travel to the Northern Venice!

WTM Latin America 2019 is over, and we would like to express our gratitude to everybody involved!

MAXIMA is crossing the Atlantic ocean to participate in WTM Latin America in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

On 05-06/09/2018 one of the biggest travel markets took place in Mexico D.F. Many buyers and exhibitors came in search of new contacts and possibilities.

This august a group of extremely adventurous travelers from Spain pushed their limits and got completely new experience. Seeing world deepest lake with your own eyes – that definitely should be in your bucket list!

Ruzovskaya st., 8B, pom. 10-N, of. 201 Saint-Petersburg 190013 Russia

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Buy a gift up to $1,000 with the suggestion to spend it at Maxima Travel International .

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Maxima Travel International

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Business Description

I'M ON A MISSION

to share my Journey to Health, Love and Freedom via Travel with millions of people.

I would love to get your incite about what is Wellbeing means to you? To me it is all about Health: Physical, Emotional, Mental, Spiritual, Sexual and Financial. It is all about Love to Yourself and others. It is fun, exciting learning experience and it feels good!

For being in travel business for more then 20 years, I love to help people with their travel arrangements to get to destinations around the world with peace of mind.

I always thought about combination travel and wellness. It is my personal healing experience. I would love to share it with you after we know each other a little bit closer.

The Giftly Advantage

• Easy to buy online. Have it delivered now or later
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• 3 easy ways for your recipient to redeem the gift

How it works

• You customize a gift Gift up to $1,000 with the suggestion to use it at Maxima Travel International. Delivered in a personalized greeting card.
• They receive the gift Gifts can be sent by email, SMS*, mail or you can print it yourself.
• They enjoy it! They redeem the gift on our website and choose to deposit the funds in their bank account, Paypal account or to have a Visa Gift Card mailed to them.

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Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of June 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 2:16 p.m. UTC June 7, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

• WorldTrips : Best travel insurance.
• Travel Insured International : Best for emergency evacuation.
• TravelSafe : Best for missed connections.
• Aegis : Cheapest travel insurance.
• Travelex : Best for families.
• AIG : Best for add-on coverage options.
• Nationwide : Best for cruise itinerary changes.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our travel insurance experts evaluate hundreds of insurance products and analyze thousands of data points to help you find the best trip insurance for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, why it’s the best.

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel , WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical expense and for baggage damage or loss. This means the insurer will pay for your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party, such as your health insurer, airline or homeowners insurer (if your belongings are stolen). Travel insurance with secondary medical coverage might be cheaper, but then you’d have to file claims with third parties yourself, before you could turn to your travel insurance for help.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person is only available for cruises and tours.

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   The Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides rare non-medical evacuation benefits of up to $150,000. If you’re traveling to an area at risk of a political, security or national disaster, this emergency evacuation coverage could help get you back to safety. Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe offers good travel insurance for missed connections , with $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you miss out on prepaid vacation plans because you didn’t make a connecting flight, you’ll be glad for the $2,500 missed connection coverage. Some policies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe Classic doesn’t impose that restriction.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. This is based on the average cost of seven international trips of varying lengths and values for travelers of different ages.

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re looking for a  budget travel insurance policy , Go Ready Choice may fit the bill. It has comparably low coverage limits, but if you have health insurance that will cover you on your trip, its $50,000 in secondary medical coverage may be sufficient.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re traveling with kids, a Travelex policy will cover them, too. The number of children you can add to your policy is unlimited and they’ll get travel protection at no additional cost.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

See our full AIG travel insurance review .

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Heidi’s expert take: “You can add riders to your AIG travel insurance policy to maximize your coverage. Choose from these bundles: adventure sports, medical, pet, quarantine, security and wedding. You may also want to add “cancel for any reason” coverage and rental vehicle damage coverage.”  Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Choice Cruise is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

Choice Cruise also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

• Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

  Heidi’s expert take: “This plan has protections for cruisers when it comes to prepaid expenses. But its emergency medical coverage is secondary, which means you’d have to file medical claims with your health insurance first. Since U.S. health insurance won’t help you at sea, you may want to look for cruise travel insurance with primary medical coverage instead.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Heidi’s expert take: “Here are my tips on how to buy travel insurance that gets you the most coverage for the lowest price: Buy early . Getting travel insurance within two weeks of making your first trip deposit may qualify you for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and it won’t cost you any extra.  Look for primary emergency medical coverage . If you buy a plan with secondary coverage, you’ll have to file a claim with your health insurance first, even if you know it will be denied.  Don’t overinsure . Calculate the value of only your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that are not already covered by other insurance (like credit card travel insurance or health insurance, if your coverage extends to where you are traveling). Even if this value is $0, you can still buy travel insurance for the travel medical insurance benefits, and you’ll only be paying for the insurance you need.  Understand exclusions . If you are planning to go scuba diving, for instance, make sure this adventure activity is not excluded from a policy’s coverage. If so, you may need to pay for a rider or shop for another plan that offers the coverage you need.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is Atlas Journey Preferred sold by WorldTrips . This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable travel insurance plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs . 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

• The cost of your trip.
• Your destination.
• The length of your trip. 
• The ages of travelers being insured.
• Your state of residence.
• The travel insurance policy you choose.
• The total coverage amounts in your policy.
• Any travel insurance add-ons you select. 

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance policies to have at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

Expert tip: You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

• Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth or Travelinsurance.com to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
• In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from April 28 to May 28, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Explore and Atlas Journey Elevate — get 5 stars in our rating.

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages:

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

• Bankruptcy of a travel insurance company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
• Dangerous weather conditions.
• Delayed and lost luggage.
• Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
• Illness that needs medical attention.
• Injury requiring medical evacuation.
• Jury duty. 
• Travel delays and missed connections.
• Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
• Unexpected job loss. 

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

• Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.
• Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
• Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
• Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
• Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
• Medical tourism.
• Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Mental health care.
• Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
• Non-medical evacuation.
• Normal pregnancy. 
• Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
• Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
• Search and rescue.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

• Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
• WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
• ‘Just a parade of incompetency’: Spirit Airlines passengers with ‘nightmare’ stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
• ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
• Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
• Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
• How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
• COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
• Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
• After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
• What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
• How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
• Travel insurance can save the day
• Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
• What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
• How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
• Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
• How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
• Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
• Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
• Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
• Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
• These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
• International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
• Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
• The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
• Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
• ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
• Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
• ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
• RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
• Five myths about travel agents
• Should I buy travel insurance?
• Is travel insurance stacked against you?
• Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
• These eight things could get your travel insurance claims rejected
• There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
• How to avoid a hotel cancellation penalty
• Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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What is the Perfect Amount of Time for a Vacation?

The perfect amount of time for a vacation depends on a variety of factors, including personal preferences, budget, and travel destination. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are several factors to consider when determining how much time to take off for a vacation.

One of the most important factors to consider when planning a vacation is your budget. Longer vacations tend to be more expensive, as you will need to pay for transportation, lodging, food, and other expenses for a longer period of time. If you have a limited budget, you may need to plan a shorter vacation or choose a more affordable travel destination.

Another important factor to consider is your personal preferences. Some people enjoy taking longer vacations that allow them to fully immerse themselves in a new culture or destination, while others prefer shorter trips that are more focused on relaxation or adventure. If you are someone who enjoys slower travel and wants to fully experience a new place, a longer vacation may be more appropriate. However, if you prefer shorter trips or have limited vacation time, a shorter vacation may be a better option.

The destination you choose will also play a role in determining the ideal length of your vacation. If you are traveling to a far-off destination that requires a long flight, you may want to plan a longer vacation to make the most of your time and avoid jet lag. On the other hand, if you are traveling to a nearby destination, a shorter vacation may be sufficient.

In general, a vacation of at least one week is a good starting point for most travelers. This allows you to fully decompress and enjoy your destination without feeling rushed or stressed. However, if you are able to take more time off work, a two-week vacation can be even better. This length of time allows you to fully immerse yourself in a new culture or destination and truly relax and recharge.

Maximizing vacation time can mean different things to different people, but for waterskiing enthusiasts, it’s all about spending as much time on the water as possible. Waterskiing is an adrenaline-fueled sport that requires skill, strength, and a love for the outdoors. With longer vacations, waterskiing enthusiasts can explore new lakes, rivers, and oceans, and challenge themselves with new tricks and techniques. For those who live to ski, maximizing vacation time means waking up early, hitting the water, and skiing until sunset. It’s a way to escape the stresses of daily life and fully immerse oneself in the thrill of the sport.

Ultimately, the perfect amount of time for a vacation will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you are unsure about how much time to take off, consider speaking with a travel agent or consulting online resources for travel planning. No matter how much time you are able to take off, taking a vacation can be a great way to relax, recharge, and explore new places. With many people traveling to tropical destinations specifically to catch some waves , a vacation offers the opportunity to disconnect from the stress of daily life and immerse oneself in a different environment. Many destinations are located in stunning natural settings, such as lush jungles or crystal-clear waters, providing a unique and enriching travel experience.

The perfect amount of time for a vacation depends on a variety of factors, as discussed, to include but not limited to personal preferences, budget, and travel destination. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as mentioned, there are several factors to consider when determining how much time to take off for a vacation. Taking the right amount of time for you is important!

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Protect Your Trip »

Does my health insurance cover international travel.

Private health insurance typically doesn't cover international travel expenses.

Can Health Insurance Cover Trips Abroad?

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Be prepared for unforeseen healthcare expenses when traveling abroad.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Most individual health insurance policies in the U.S. do not provide coverage for overseas emergency care, either. Without that coverage, if you break a leg or your travel companion has a heart attack during your trip, you will not have financial protection against the medical expenses that accrue. To know for sure what your plan entails, call your individual health insurance company to find out what is and isn't covered.

Does Medicare cover international travel?

If you have Medicare coverage, the lack of overseas protection you have is even more cut and dry. Medicare rarely pays for medical care you receive while traveling outside the United States, according to the U.S. Department of State. However, Medicare may pay for some inpatient hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulance services or dialysis care you receive in a foreign country "in rare cases." Possible scenarios include the following:

• You are in the U.S. when the emergency occurs, but a foreign hospital is the closest one that can treat you.
• You are traveling through Canada on a direct route to Alaska and a medical emergency takes place in a region that is closest to a hospital in Canada.
• The U.S. government also says you may get Medicare coverage overseas "if you live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you, regardless of whether you have a medical emergency."

In any of these scenarios, however, Medicare only pays for medical expenses Medicare would normally cover if you were in the U.S. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to know which services are and are not covered before you receive treatment, particularly if you are in an emergency medical situation where timing is critical.

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How to get health insurance for international travel

There are two main options when it comes to acquiring health coverage for international travel: travel insurance or a travel credit card with (limited) health insurance.

Consider an international travel insurance policy

To decide whether or not you should purchase health insurance for your trip abroad, take a look at the best international travel insurance policies and what they offer in the following categories:

Medical coverage: If you wind up needing medical treatment abroad, you'll be glad you have a travel medical insurance plan in place. With a medical insurance policy for overseas, you can get emergency medical treatment where and when you need it – and without arriving home from your trip to a mountain of overseas medical debt.

You will want to compare travel medical insurance plans to make sure you have adequate coverage limits for everyone on your trip. Either way, some of the best travel health plans come from companies like Allianz Travel Insurance, GeoBlue, Seven Corners, Trawick International and WorldTrips. As an example, a Travel Medical Plus plan from Seven Corners lets you secure international medical coverage in amounts up to $5 million.

Coverage for preexisting conditions: Some travel insurance companies provide coverage for preexisting conditions. In most cases, you must purchase your travel insurance within a specific amount of time after making your initial trip deposit for preexisting conditions coverage to apply. With the Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan, for example, you must purchase travel coverage within 14 days of making your first trip payment in order for preexisting conditions to be included.

Other conditions can apply when you're trying to get coverage for preexisting medical conditions as well, so be sure to read the fine print when comparing options.

Medical evacuation coverage: Be aware that, even if your own health insurance plan in the U.S. provides some coverage for emergency care overseas, you will not have emergency coverage for medical evacuation. The U.S. Department of State points out that medical evacuation can cost $50,000 or more in many countries depending on your location and the care you need.

Fortunately, most travel insurance companies with travel medical insurance also provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. This coverage comes in varying amounts depending on the insurance company and plan you select.

Cancel for any reason coverage: Having overseas medical coverage is crucial when you're planning trips abroad, but you should know that a comprehensive travel insurance plan can give you even more peace of mind. Common coverages in these plans include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, flight delay or cancellation coverage, baggage insurance, personal liability insurance, and more.

You can even opt for a plan with "cancel for any reason" or CFAR coverage that lets you cancel your trip and get a percentage of your trip cost back for any reason at all – even if you just decide to stay home. In addition to single-trip plans, you can also find multitrip travel insurance policies and annual travel insurance plans .

Compare travel insurance plans and get a quote .

Consider a credit card with travel insurance

Some travel credit cards include health insurance, albeit limited and with restrictions. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve covers up to $100,000 in medical evacuation expenses, but only if your trip is booked using the card. This credit card comes with a premium annual fee of $550, however, so you'll have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks alongside the health coverages.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a veteran travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries in the world over the last decade. She covers a range of destinations and travel types, as well as travel insurance policies through major providers. Johnson purchases travel insurance for her own family and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Expat Travel Insurance Options
• How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance

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• FOOD OPTIONS - Breakfast only, half Board or full board? According to your agenda and activities, plan food options as precisely as you can. Very often full board (three meals per day) works better than half board (two meals per day). On retreats, people love to spend as much time together as they can. If they didn’t, they would go on a regular vacation and eat when they want, by themselves or with whom they want. Another thing to consider are types of food, food restrictions, allergies and diets– meat, fish, vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten free, etc. This is crucial for some types of retreats. It should be discussed in detail with the venue and you must have a signed agreement for the food requirements, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
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• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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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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• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
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Watch CBS News

Trump may face travel restrictions in some countries after his New York conviction

By Kathryn Watson

May 31, 2024 / 7:09 PM EDT / CBS News

Former President Donald Trump, whose administration imposed multiple versions of a travel ban against people coming from Muslim-majority nations, may now face restrictions on his own international travel, following his felony conviction in New York Thursday. 

At this point, Trump faces no specific travel restrictions from Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the "hush money" criminal trial in New York, in which the former president was found guilty of 34 felony counts. His sentencing is scheduled to take place on July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention, which will formalize his nomination to the presidency. Trump, who's in the middle of a presidential campaign and has  three other criminal trials pending, has announced no international travel plans. 

The U.S. doesn't allow foreigners with felony convictions to enter the country, and neither do a number of other countries. Allies including the U.K. and Australia have strict restrictions on traveling there as a convicted felon, according to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Canada, which will be hosing the G7 summit of world leaders in 2025, also has strict requirements for visitors with a criminal history. And felons are banned from entering China. 

But it's possible international leaders would make exceptions for Trump if he wins the presidency again. Former President George W. Bush had to apply for a special waiver to enter Canada on an official state visit, because he had pleaded guilty decades earlier to a 1976 drunk driving charge. And that was a misdemeanor offense, not a felony. 

Trump has plans to renew and revamp travel restrictions to the U.S., if he's president again. Last year, he said he would bring back a travel ban "even bigger than before," alluding to his administration's restrictions on travelers from several countries that have largely Muslim populations. 

The Supreme Court eventually upheld a version of his travel ban, 5-4, in 2018. Chief Justice John Roberts, wrote in the majority opinion that presidents have substantial power to regulate immigration. "The sole prerequisite," Roberts wrote, is "that the entry of the covered aliens 'would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.' The President has undoubtedly fulfilled that requirement here." He also noted that Trump had ordered an evaluation of every country's compliance with the risk assessment baseline and then issued the findings.

When he talks about the spike in numbers of undocumented migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, the former president also regularly paints them broadly as "criminals."

"So we are moving criminals out of our country, and we are getting them out in record numbers, and those are the people we are after," the former president said toward the beginning of his term during a 2017 interview with the Associated Press. 

As he awaits his sentencing in the "hush money" case, Trump maintains he did nothing wrong. 

"I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to save our country and to save our Constitution. I don't mind," he said in remarks at Trump Tower on Friday. 

• Donald Trump

Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C.

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