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20 Best Travel GIFs and Memes to Get You Ready for Adventure

By: Nick Callos

5 Best Safe Travels GIFs and Memes

5 best road trip gifs and memes, 5 best travel the world gifs and memes, 5 best holiday travel gifs, let these travel gifs and memes inspire you to adventure.

Ready for adventure?

At Frayed Passport, we write lots of articles about being a digital nomad , working abroad , and all the types of travel you can do. Today, we’d thought it would be fun to do a listicle of the best travel gifs and memes.

Whether you’re on your laptop dreaming of travel or on your smartphone en route to the next amazing destination , we have travel gifs and memes to inspire and humor you.

Read on, have a laugh, and get excited for the next big adventure.

Safe travels gifs and memes are great to send to friends and family as they embark on a trip . Take a look at the top five safe trip and safe travels gifs below.

1. Because nothing says have a wonderful journey like a Snoopy pilot safe travels gif…

2. because travel means no worries (and maintaining proper social distance in the era of covid)…, 3. because the simpsons…, 4. because any list of the best safe travels gifs needs zach galifianakis…, 5. because toy story and mr. and mrs. potato head are awesome and this safe travels meme is just so precious….

That rounds out our list of the best safe travels gifs. Use one of these safe travels gifs the next time a friend goes on a trip and you want to wish them well. It will surely make them smile.

Now that we’ve done the best safe travels gifs, let’s have a little fun with some road trip gifs. As we mentioned in our travel predictions for the 2020s article, the road trip has become much more popular during the pandemic. These road trip gifs and memes will have you starting your car and journeying to your destination in no time.

1. Because any road trip should involve aggressively jamming out to “Bohemian Rhapsody”…

2. because you need this fast & furious gif for when the road trip goes off track…, 3. because every road trip needs the muppets, especially kermit the frog…, 4. because this scene from dexter was incredibly funny, and this question inevitably comes up each road trip…, 5. because you need the right road trip gif to send to friends and family when you arrive, and dumb and dumber delivers….

That finishes our list of the best road trip gifs and memes. Next time you go on a road trip with friends, family, or your partner, send one of these road trip gifs to them before you go. It will put them in a good mood for the trip!

We’ve covered safe travels and road trip GIFs and memes. Now, it’s time for some travel the world gifs. After all, we love long-term global travel here at Frayed Passport and spend a lot of time producing guides on how to live and work anywhere . So, check out these travel around the world gifs and get ready for your next global adventure!

1. Because Let’s Go Luna! has amazing educational content for children, and this travel the world gif will get you ready to learn about other cultures…

2. because princess leia is a hero, and you need the force with you when you travel the world (or galaxy)…, 3. because this kid president gif will have you spinning a globe to discover your next destination…, 4. because nothing could be as fun as traveling the world with spongebob and patrick…, 5. because any list of travel the world gifs needs amelia earhart, the first woman to fly across the atlantic ocean solo….

That concludes our list of the best travel the world gifs. Hopefully, you’re already looking at booking a trip to Europe , the Americas, Africa , Asia or elsewhere after viewing these travel the world gifs.

Overemployment: What It Is, How to Be Overemployed, and How It Can Accelerate Your Path to Financial Freedom

Overemployment is the act of working two remote full-time jobs to earn extra income and reach financial freedom. More than simply having a side hustle, being overemployed means having two or more full-time jobs that offer salary and benefits. While overemployment may sound difficult and potentially hazardous if caught, the fact is any remote worker can do it successfully with the right approach and commitment.

Read the Guide

Next up for this article on the best travel gifs is our list of the best holiday travel gifs and memes. Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or going abroad, these holiday travel gifs will have you laughing.

1. Because like Chandler says, “Spring break! Woo-hoo…”

2. because a home alone scene belongs on any list of the best holiday travel gifs…, 3. because this bubly gif captures how great it feels to set up your ‘out of office’ email before a holiday…, 4. because national lampoon’s vacation films are hilarious and every family holiday vacation has this sort of moment…, 5. because this adorable holiday travel gif says it all about returning to work….

That finishes our list of the best holiday travel gifs. Whether you’re traveling to Florida for the new year or backpacking in Central America for spring break, these gifs will put in the mindset for no work and all play.

Now that you’ve looked at the best 20 travel GIFs, how do you feel? Are you ready to plan your next trip?

Let our vacation guides and travel tips help with your trip planning. From advice on how to beat travel price inflation to foodie travel articles , we have all you need to put together the trip of a lifetime.

About the Author

Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.

Featured image via Unsplash .

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Tons of hilarious Travel GIFs to choose from. Instead of sending emojis, make it enjoyable by sending our Travel GIFs to your conversation. Share the extra good vibes online in just a few clicks now! Happy GIFgiving!

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17 GIFS That Will Make You Want To Travel Now

Adventure Multi Destination

Sometimes travelling isn’t easy; it can be hard to save up, choosing a specific destination and taking some time off to make it happen. However, it’s always worth it. And that’s why it should always be a priority.

To get you into the holiday vibe, we’ve compiled our favourite travel GIFs and created a short story. It will hopefully motivate you and inspire you to leave your office desk and explore the world!

Sometimes, life can get you down…

Luckily, i t’s time to book you’re next trip and start travelling!

Grab a globe, open an old map or Google maps and choose your next destination.

Because really, it doesn’t matter where you’re going.. it’s all about the journey.

You’ll need to get on a plane…

Or in a car…

Or on a train.

Whatever form of transportation you take, however you get there, make sure you make the most of the ride.

There’s a huge world out there and there’s A LOT to see! From cities. ..

To beaches…

To mountains…

To “I can’t believe this actually exists”!

Travel to learn from different cultures, experience new things.. and step out of your comfort zone!

Travel to see how the sun sets on the other end of the world.

Or travel to just disconnect from the world and just… relax.

But most importantly… celebrate that you get to go on a plane, car, train, boat and TRAVEL!

Now… Get ready to plan your next trip!

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Bella Hadid Wears the Naked Dress to End All Naked Dresses

Anthony Vaccarello finally figured out how to reproduce his collection of ultra-sheer pantyhose dresses. Bella Hadid hit Cannes in look seven from the Saint Laurent fall 2024 show: a halter dress featuring 10 denier hosiery cups, a knotted pantyhose bodice, and a below-the-knee skirt with a control top hemline.

Hadid, styled by Molly Dickson, leaned into the Old Hollywood glamour that has become synonymous with the Cannes Film Festival, adding a pair of mahogany peep-toe ankle strap heels and an enormous pair of drop earrings from Chopard.

This look fits into Hadid’s latest sartorial M.O. of sheer earthy tones that can only be described as “sexy nymph.” While promoting her fragrance, Orebella, in New York, the model wore a diaphanous nude Dior slip dress by John Galliano, as well as a cream-colored Rokh dress with a lace bodice. And yesterday in Cannes, she further explored brown tones in a simple tank dress . But this look—with only some extremely well-placed seams preserving her modesty—is by far her boldest to date.

When asked about how he would manufacture these ephemeral pieces from the collection, Vaccarello told Vogue, “Don’t even ask me about production—I can’t tell you.” This being the first instance the delicate outfits have been spotted on the red carpet speaks to Hadid’s risk-taking style. Even if she is the only person who ever wears one of these sheer Saint Laurent looks out in the world (let’s see if she can make it to the end of the night without any snags) the fact that Vaccarello was readily willing to make one for her speaks to Hadid’s immense power in the fashion industry.

And if this is Hadid’s wardrobe for her first official day of events in Cannes? We can only imagine what’s to come.

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30 Unique Travel Gifts for Men Who Love to See the World

Whether he's traveling for business or leisure, these are the gadgets, gear and luxury items he needs.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

I have spent the better part of this year traveling to make my book, Street Cats and Where to Find Them. I have packed and repacked, repeatedly squeezing two weeks' worth of clothes, cables, sneakers and devices into a backpack more times than I can remember. I flew to Tokyo, Lima, Cairo, Istanbul and Reykjavík, to name just five of the amazing cities I’ve visited recently. By this point, I know what makes a great travel gift for men , from breathable clothes that roll up nicely to a zippered caddy that’ll neatly store all his cables wires, and plugs.

• Best travel accessory: RFID Blocking Travel Wallet , $20
• Best travel tech gadget: AirFly Pro Bluetooth Audio Transmitter , $55
• Best travel gift for young men: Atlas & Green Scratch-Off World Map , $15
• Most unique travel gift : Travel Stub Diary , $15
• Viral travel gift: Maelstrom Travel Backpack , $45

In addition to my own travel experiences and the things I never leave home without, I tapped into the travel expertise at the Good Housekeeping Institute to find the best gifts for men who love to travel . Whether you're looking for a gift for Dad , for a brother , for a boyfriend or for a travel-loving teen , he'll love products like a Bluetooth transmitter that lets him use his AirPods to hear in-flight movies, an RFID-blocking wallet to keep his financial data protected and the most essential travel item ever, a compact inverted umbrella that will keep him and his backpack dry in the wind and the rain.

Samsonite Windguard Umbrella

This travel umbrella is compact enough to fit into a travel backpack. It's also sturdy enough, according to our Textiles Lab, to withstand plenty of rain and wind.

RELATED: Best Travel Umbrellas

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

If the guy in your life is like me, he packs light and carries on. But if he prefers to have more than just one pair of jeans and sneakers while traveling, and maybe even buy something for himself or his family while on the road, these space-age looking compression packing cubes will magically create more space in his luggage. Good Housekeeping Institute testers say these work well for the price, are a good size and compress a lot.

RELATED: The Best Packing Cubes

RFID Blocking Travel Wallet

Help your traveling man stay one step ahead of the scammers with this zippered, RFID-blocking, pocket-sized wallet. It’ll safely store his passport, credit cards, cash, train tickets and other important travel documents while on the road.

RELATED: Best Smart Wallets

The Adventure Challenge: Travel Edition

With games, scratch-off challenges, prompts and reminders, this ingenious interactive book will help him be more present and in each moment, making traveling as a couple much more rewarding.

Watch Travel Case

The majority of packing for travel, for a guy, is making sure that all his important things are stashed away securely. This handsome travel case will keep up to two of his watches, cufflinks, bracelets, rings and so on tidy, so that when he unpacks, everything is still perfectly in place.

Anker Portable Charger

Simply put, no one should ever travel without a fully charged power bank. He cannot have his phone dying on him while on the road or in the air. This slim and portable bank charges phones twice completely, and it itself charges fast to be ready in a pinch all over again. Amazon users appreciate size and the battery life.

In-Flight Phone Holder

This phone holder is a must-have for any man who cannot bear the thought of a long plane ride without watching his downloaded shows and movies. It simply clips onto his tray table in the seat in front and lets him lean back, relax and rewatch episodes of The Office , GoT or The Wire . Amazon users say it's got a great grip.

Twelve South BookBook CaddySack

Twelve South is a family-owned small business based in Charleston making handsome leather travel organizers for guys to store their critical electronic cables, plugs and wires.

Sea to Summit Lite Travel Clothesline

When it comes to camping and hiking, this clever little travel gift for men that fits into any crevice of his backpack will ensure his swimming trunks (and the rest of his attire) are line-dried and ready to wear again no matter where he is.

Universal Travel Adapter

If he travels internationally, this is the travel gift he’ll be most thankful for! It’s one adapter with every single variation of electrical outlet on it, so that whether he’s in London, Paris, Santiago, or Melbourne, Australia, he will be able to plug in and charge up.

RFID Blocking Sling Bag

This top-rated sling bag has all the necessary compartments, but the most valuable? The RFID-signal blocking pocket, so scammers won’t be able to get at his financial data.

AirFly Pro Bluetooth Audio Transmitter

With this simple transmitter, he’ll never again board a plane and find out that he can’t use his Bluetooth earbuds or headphones to listen to the movies in flight! Amazon users say it makes traveling more pleasant because you don't have to worry about cords while using the in-flight entertainment system.

Steripod Clip-On Toothbrush Protector

My wife thinks it is gross that I just throw my toothbrush into my backpack without thinking about what it’s touching before it enters my mouth. And she’s right, which is why every traveling man needs this toothbrush bristle protector with natural peppermint essential oils, which leave behind a refreshing minty scent.

Travel Backpack

If he's on TikTok, he's likely seen this backpack everywhere. It's gone viral because it has so many compartments, and even a detachable crossbody we can wear.

RELATED: Best TikTok Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Atlas & Green Scratch-Off World Map

We guys are a competitive bunch, and if he’s counting countries visited like I am, this awesome scratch-off map will let him chart his progress and show off to his friends when they come over to his man cave for the big game.

Larq Filtered Water Bottle

As I’ve learned recently, the water in many cities is sadly not safe to drink. Enter this brilliant reusable water bottle with a replaceable filter. Its activated carbon traps contaminants and will keep him hydrated no matter where he’s traveling. And yet, Good Housekeeping Institute testers say that it's still easy to drink through, which is a problem with other filtered water bottles.

RELATED: The Best Filtered Water Bottles

Scotch Porter Conditioning Beard Balm

It must be the altitude or the changes in the moisture in the air from place to place, but traveling can wreak havoc on a guy’s beard! With beard balm from Scotch Porter, he’ll get instant conditioning and a moisture boost that’ll make his beautiful face glisten again.

Picnic Backpack

For romantic fellas, this is one of the travel gifts for men that will make his partner melt. It’s a retro brown-striped picnic backpack that’s got a blanket on one side and a wine bottle holder on the other. Inside he’ll have all the cutlery, plates, glasses and linen napkins needed to turn a normal day in the park into a scene right out of a Jane Austen novel.

Conair Power Steam Handheld Travel Garment Steamer

I'm out there in jeans and a hoodie every single day, but if your man is traveling to seal a big business deal, he’ll need his dress shirt, slacks and sport coat looking mint. This travel steamer will keep the creases at bay and help him feel confident heading into an important meeting with clients. It works so well, it earned a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning and Organizing Award .

RELATED: The Best Clothes Steamers

Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

His gritty soaps, beard balms, shampoos, Manscaped razors and all the components of his nightly face care routine will live happily together in this organized toiletry bag that can hang from the back of any hotel door.

Jeff is a dad of two daughters, an avid traveler, a photographer, an author and a freelance writer who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and their cats. In addition to Good Housekeeping , he's written for Parents , Fodor's , Food and Wine , Real Simple and Reader’s Digest , among other print and online publications. Jeff is the publisher of the quarterly literary magazine, Stanchion , and his book, Streets Cats and Where to Find Them , will be published by Running Press in the Summer of 2025.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} The Best Gift Ideas for All Occasions

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Flight Attendants Reveal Their 12 Favorite Travel Essentials in Amazon’s Fourth of July Sale

Stock up and travel like the pros this summer with deals on tech, beauty, and more.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Stressed about packing for summer travel plans that are coming up ASAP? Here’s the good news: You don’t have to wait until Prime Day 2024 to save big on some genius travel essentials for leveling up your packing game. Because right now, you can shop the massive Amazon Fourth of July Sale that includes discounts on some of the best travel essentials, from beauty to tech items (not to mention, there are plenty of exclusive deals for Prime members , too!).

But these aren’t any ordinary travel gadget deals: They’re all top recommendations straight from flight attendants, the undisputed experts when it comes to smart, efficient packing. We asked the pros to share their top picks for go-to travel products that are on sale at Amazon right now, all for under $50, and they did not disappoint. Find must-haves like a compact pill organizer and comfy sandals, as well as travel little luxuries like a facial mist spray and handheld cooling fan.

Formano Air Conditioner Fan

You may be inclined to judge tourists who walk around with handheld fans — but you should also know they’re probably more comfortable than you are out in the heat and humidity. And, even the pros swear by them. Mark Di Carlo , an EWR-based flight attendant, calls a handheld cooling fan a “must-have,” especially while wearing a three-piece suit as a uniform. “[It’s] small enough for my pocket and provides instant relief on those sweltering days,” he says. “It will always accompany me on my layover walks.” 

Jargau 3-in-1 Charging Station

“When I first started as a flight attendant, I had a huge bag of cords,” explains TJ Kizuka , a San Francisco-based flight attendant. Any experienced traveler knows that a bag of jumbled cords is a no-no for efficient packing. So instead, he swapped that system for this much more practical tool, a three-in-one charging station. “I can charge my phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods with one simple device that is so compact it makes packing a breeze,” he says. It also acts as a charging phone stand, perfect if you want to watch a movie while boosting your battery.

Ubeesize Phone Tripod

This lightweight tripod is about the cost of an airport cocktail right now, and it can seriously improve your travel photos. “On my last trip to Tahiti, I went out on my own several times and wanted to up my selfie game with all the amazing sights,” Kizuka says. “This travel tripod is compact and has flexible legs that can grip onto oddly shaped things like signposts and fences so I can get that epic selfie.”

What’s more is that it comes with a Bluetooth remote, so you can set up your shot, get in place, and press the button when you’re ready to say “Cheese!” It’s also easy to rotate so you can capture photos vertically or horizontally.

Termichy Baby Formula Dispenser

This kind of dispenser, which is designed for taking baby formula on the go, is actually a great tool for staying fit while on the road, Kizuka says. He hits the gym on layovers whenever he can and needs a spill-proof and security-friendly way to bring along protein powder and pre-workout powders. “[A] baby formula dispenser is great because it’s compact,” he says. Holding up to 8.8 ounces of powder, this one features a strap so it’s easy to carry, plus it has a lid with a silicone ring to prevent spilling.

FYY Daily Pill Organizer

If you travel with prescription medicines, or even just over-the-counter remedies for everyday travel maladies, a pill organizer is key to keeping everything clean and at the ready when you need it. Jenn Lujan, a Solvang, California-based flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, likes this affordable version. “It can hold numerous pills, but has a slender and light design,” she says. ”I don’t have to refill it very often, although I travel frequently. And it’s a bit more modern and cooler than the versions my grandparents used to use." 

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

This refreshing facial spray with aloe, cucumber, and green tea is hydrating and fragrant for a travel pick-me-up any time — whether during a day in transit or at your destination before heading out the door. “This fine mist moisturizing spray makes me feel so much better after a day full of sun,” says Hannah Bickert , a Southern California-based flight attendant. This deal includes two 4-ounce bottles, so keep that in mind when flying as you’ll either have to move it to smaller spray bottles or put it in your checked bag.

Kedera Denim Jacket

Clothing staples don’t have to be blah or boring: This pearl-emblazoned denim jacket allows you to make a statement while still matching everything in your suitcase. “This fun denim jacket adds something special to even the most basic looks,” Bickert says. It’s definitely worth a spot in your carry-on — and the combination of the cotton blend fabric and oversized fit means that it’s comfy enough to wear on the plane, too.

Burskit Clear Pouch

Clear pouches aren’t just useful for whisking toiletries through TSA checkpoints. They’re also great for easy at-a-glance viewing of all different types of items, from jewelry to — you guessed it — snacks. This clear bag with a tassel zipper pull is emblazoned with glittery letters spelling out “snacks,” but fill it with whatever you need. “You know when your family can never find anything without your help?” Bickert says. “Problem solved.”

Liquid I.V. Hydration Packets

Time and time again, flight attendants have told us they swear by electrolyte packets to help them stay hydrated during their travels because of the dry air in airplane cabins. They’re also great to have on hand for whenever festivities are in order — such as the Fourth of July holiday weekend. “Be sure to get enough to hand out at the barbecue where everyone’s telling themselves they’ll only have one beer,” Bickert says.

Reef Women’s Cushioned Court Sandals

Portland-based flight attendant Shanna Ramos says these comfy, supportive Reef sandals are perfect — and perfectly versatile — for packing. “These are great for walking or the beach or pool. Love the arch, and they don't weigh much,” she says, adding that they’re in her suitcase “at all times.” They’re made of vegan leather and feature a cushioned foam base for ultimate comfort and durability. 

Naicha 16-piece Travel Toiletry Container Set and Bag

Flight attendants know a thing or two about efficient packing as well as TSA requirements. The 16 pouches in this travel toiletry set are all refillable for bringing along those favorite products without having to check a bag — or spend extra for marked-up travel-size products. “I love them because I can take all my favorites when I put them in smaller containers since I only use a carry-on,” Ramos says. This set also includes labels so you can clearly identify what’s inside each tube, as well as a funnel for easy filling and a clear bag to put everything inside.

NeoTech Ice Bag

“Going out to eat on all my layovers is too expensive and not always healthy, so I do a lot of food prep,” Kizuka says. To that end, here’s a trick he learned from a senior flight attendant that makes all the difference: “Ice bags are perfect to keep your food cold and are easy to fill up at our layover hotels,” he says. “They can also be used for first aid in a pinch, and you don’t have to have a freezer full of traditional ice packs when you’re at home.”

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My First Trip to Norway, With A.I. as a Guide

Can artificial intelligence devise a bucket-list vacation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? Our reporter put three virtual assistants to the test.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

The assignment was clear: Test how well artificial intelligence could plan a trip to Norway, a place I’d never been. So I did none of my usual obsessive online research and instead asked three A.I. planners to create a four-day itinerary. None of them, alas, mentioned the saunas or the salmon.

Two assistants were, however, eager to learn more about me in order to tailor their initially generic recommendations, which they had spewed out within seconds. Vacay , a personalized travel planning tool, presented me with a list of questions, while Mindtrip , a new A.I. travel assistant, invited me to take a quiz. (ChatGPT, the third assistant, asked nothing.)

Vacay’s and Mindtrip’s questions were similar: Are you traveling solo? What’s your budget? Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Would you rather explore the great outdoors or pursue a cultural experience?

Eventually, my chat sessions yielded what seemed like well-rounded itineraries, starting with one day in Oslo and moving on to the fjord region. Eventually, I locked down a trip that would combine the assistants’ information and go beyond a predictable list of sites.

This time around, my virtual planners were far more sophisticated than the simple ChatGPT interface I used last year on a trip to Milan. Though it offered more detailed suggestions for Norway, I ended up ditching ChatGPT in the travel-planning stage after it repeatedly crashed.

Vacay’s premium service, which starts at $9.99 per month, included in-depth suggestions and booking links, while Mindtrip, which is currently free, provided photos, Google reviews and maps. During the trip itself, each delivered instantaneous information by text and always asked if more specific details were needed. Sadly, only ChatGPT offered a phone app, whose information I found to be outdated (the $20-per-month premium version is more current).

I’m not alone when it comes to turning to A.I. for help: Around 70 percent of Americans are either using or planning to use A.I. for travel planning, according to a recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the personal finance app Moneylion, while 71 percent said using A.I. would most likely be easier than planning trips on one’s own.

I decided to find out for myself in Norway.

A whirlwind day in Oslo

After I landed at Oslo Airport, all three assistants directed me to the Flytoget Airport Express Train , which got me to town in 20 minutes. I was delighted to find my hotel adjacent to the central railway station.

Choosing accommodations had not been easy. I was looking for a midrange boutique hotel, and the A.I. assistants generated many options with little overlap. I went with Hotel Amerikalinjen , Vacay’s recommendation, which it described as “a vibrant and unique boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo.” Its location was the main draw, but overall the hotel exceeded my expectations, blending comfort and style with the 20th-century charm of its building, which once housed the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line shipping company.

For the one-day Oslo itinerary, the assistants were in agreement, packing in the city’s top sights, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace , the Nobel Peace Center, Akershus Fortress and the Munch Museum. I shared my location and asked each assistant to restructure the itineraries to start from my hotel. But when I gave in to my own research instincts and pulled up Google Maps, I saw that the order they suggested didn’t make sense, so I plotted my own path.

By the time I got to Frogner Park at midday, I had already covered half of the sights, and after walking past more than 200 sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, I was happy to sit down and admire his granite monolith of entwined humans.

For lunch, the assistants recommended high-end restaurants in the bustling waterfront neighborhood of Aker Brygge . But I wanted a quick bite in a more relaxed atmosphere, so I ditched A.I. and walked to the end of the promenade, where I stumbled upon the Salmon , a cozy establishment where I started with salmon sashimi that melted in my mouth and finished with a perfectly grilled fillet. How had my assistants not mentioned this place?

Next on my list was the Nobel Peace Center, the Opera House and the Munch Museum. The assistants had not recommended prebooking tickets, but fortunately, I had done so, learning, in the process, that the Peace Center was closed, a crucial bit of information that A.I. did not relay.

It was chilly for mid-June, and as I walked along the harbor promenade toward the Munch Museum, I spotted small floating saunas, which my assistants had not included. I went back to the ChatGPT phone app for recommendations. Even though I was eager to try a floating sauna, where people warmed themselves and then plunged straight into the frigid waters of the Oslofjord, I took ChatGPT’s suggestion and booked the Salt sauna, which is where I headed after spending a few hours at the Munch Museum, with its extensive works by the Norwegian artist and its sweeping views of Oslo’s harbor.

At the Salt cultural complex , a large pyramidal structure on the water, I was relieved that swimsuits were a requirement. In Scandinavia, saunas are usually taken naked , and earlier, I had asked ChatGPT for the etiquette at Salt, but it failed to give me a definitive answer. After sweating it out with around 30 strangers in Salt’s main sauna, I dipped into a cold-water barrel tub and then tried the smaller sauna options, which were hotter and quieter. It was the perfect ending to a long day.

Waterfalls, lush valleys, raging waters

Each of my assistants had different ideas on how to reach the fjord region. ChatGPT suggested taking a seven-hour train ride and then immediately embarking on a two-hour fjord cruise, which sounded exhausting. Mindtrip suggested taking a short flight to Bergen, known as the “gateway to the fjords,” and setting out on a cruise the next day, which was perhaps more efficient, but would also mean missing one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Vacay also recommended a train ride.

After conversing with the assistants, I decided on a shorter train journey (six hours) that would deliver me to Naeroyfjord , a UNESCO World Heritage site with lush valleys and thundering waterfalls. But to figure out the logistics for transport and accommodation, I needed live train timetables, which I found on my own, and information on hotel availability that none of the assistants had.

At this point, I was desperate for human guidance to navigate the region’s expensive and limited accommodations. This is where the pictures and reviews on Mindtrip were useful, helping me to understand that I would be paying premium prices for the spectacular setting of a mediocre hotel.

The train ride from Oslo to Myrdal was breathtaking: rolling hills, mountain villages, fjords, waterfalls. But nothing prepared me for the majestic one-hour Flam railway ride that followed. Vacay had described it as an “engineering marvel” with a breathtakingly steep descent as it passes picturesque villages, dramatic mountains, raging rivers and pounding waterfalls, complete with a dance performance featuring a mythological spirit known as a huldra.

The next morning I boarded a Naeroyfjord cruise, recommended by Vacay, on an electric, 400-person vessel. I was surprised by the serenity of the fjord. Later I learned from a tour guide that I had been lucky to visit when there were no large cruise ships. It was hard to imagine an ocean liner maneuvering through the narrow, windy fjord, but when I asked ChatGPT, it told me 150 to 220 cruise ships squeezed through the fjord each year, a detail that I felt the travel assistants should warn travelers about.

The cruise ended in the village of Gudvangen, where rain made me cancel a hike to a waterfall and instead try my hand at ax-throwing in the Viking Village Njardarheim. The assistants had told me that there were buses that left town every four hours, a time frame that had worked with my original hiking plan, but now I was stuck. Thankfully, I took note of the A.I. disclaimers to check all information and found an alternative shuttle bus.

On my way to Bergen, I decided to stop in the town of Voss, famous for extreme sports like skydiving and spectacular nature. All the A.I.-suggested hotels were booked, but a Google search led me to the lakeside Elva hotel , which had delicious farm-to-table food. I suspect it didn’t make the A.I. shortlist because it was new.

I ended my trip in Bergen, which, despite being Norway’s second-largest city, maintains a small-town charm with its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. With only half a day to explore, I followed Mindtrip’s short itinerary, starting with a hearty lunch of fish and chips at the bustling waterfront fish market and ending with a funicular ride up Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the city and fjords. The A.I. dinner suggestion at the Colonialen was perfect: cozy vibe, live jazz and locally sourced dishes.

The bottom line

None of the A.I. programs were perfect, but they did complement one another, allowing me to streamline my travel decisions.

Overall, Mindtrip — with its polished, dynamic interface that allowed me to cross-check details with maps, links and reviews — was my favorite. While it gave some good recommendations, Mindtrip needed more prompting than Vacay, which offered a wider variety of suggestions in more detail. Unfortunately, Vacay doesn’t save chat history, which I discovered halfway into my planning after closing the website’s tab on my browser.

The biggest drawback was the absence of phone apps for Mindtrip and Vacay, which led me to rely on ChatGPT’s basic A.I. assistant when I needed on-the-spot guidance. Mindtrip, I’ve since learned, is planning to debut an app in September.

Still, there were times when I desperately craved the human touch. Before setting out on a trip, I always contact friends and colleagues for recommendations. This time, as part of the A.I. experiment, I refrained from reaching out to a Norwegian friend until after my trip, only to find out that we had both been in Oslo at the same time.

That’s one element of travel that I doubt A.I. will ever master: serendipity.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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Impacts may be 'catastrophic' as Hurricane Beryl pounds Jamaica: Live updates

Hurricane Beryl was retreating from Jamaica late Wednesday and is expected to pass just south of the Cayman Islands overnight as a major hurricane, bringing intense winds and heavy rain, the National Hurricane Center said.

As of 2 a.m. ET Thursday, Beryl was downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph and was about 110 miles southeast of Grand Cayman — the largest of the Cayman Islands. After roaring by Jamaica's southern coast, the hurricane was expected to unload "devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves" across the Cayman Islands, according to the hurricane center.

The Cayman Islands could get up to half a foot of rain through Thursday. Weather officials are also warning about life-threatening surf and rip currents along parts of western Cuba, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the coast of Belize.

Beryl was on track to approach the Cayman Islands on Wednesday night and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula about 24 hours later, still as a hurricane but weakened by expected wind shear.

In Jamaica, emergency crews evacuated people living in flood-prone communities and nearly 500 people were in shelters by Wednesday afternoon, according to Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“We’re concerned about widespread damage and potentially catastrophic impacts in Jamaica,” said Bernie Rayno, AccuWeather's chief on-air meteorologist. "Flooding may last days to even weeks. Widespread power outages are expected. Beryl will likely damage many homes and businesses and cause severe coastal inundation."

The chances of Beryl impacting part of the Texas Gulf Coast have increased with the projected path veering northwest, AccuWeather reported , although it would not bring anywhere near the ferocity of its devastating assault on the southern Windward Islands earlier this week. The current track calls for Beryl to weaken to a tropical storm as it crosses the Yucatan and then becomes a hurricane again before making landfall along the coast near the border of Mexico and Texas.

The storm is projected to drench Jamaica with 4 to 8 inches of rain, and 12 inches are forecast in some places, which could cause "life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides," the NHC said. Holness declared all of Jamaica a "disaster area" and imposed an islandwide curfew Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Monday, Beryl made landfall in Grenada's Carriacou island as a Category 4 hurricane, ravaging the southern Caribbean Islands, flattening hundreds of buildings and causing the deaths of at least seven people. On Monday night, Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record. Driven by record-hot ocean temperatures, Beryl's rapid strengthening has stunned experts.

Amazing drone footage: As Hurricane Beryl tears through Caribbean, a drone sends back stunning footage

Developments:

∎ The death toll from the powerful hurricane rose to at least 10, according to Reuters. But that figure is expected to increase as communications come back online across islands damaged by flooding and intense winds.

∎ The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica posted on X that a small section of the roof of its passenger boarding pier was damaged by Beryl. "Once the storm has completely passed, a full assessment of damage will be done," the airport stated on X.

∎ The Meteorological Service of Mexico issued a hurricane warning for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, a popular tourist destination, according to the NHC. Tropical storm warnings were also issued for other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

∎ Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, and senior officials in her traveling party were injured by a falling tree Tuesday night while surveying an area near the country's Caribbean coast where the Manzanares River overran its banks after heavy rainfall caused by Beryl.

Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path of storm

Will Hurricane Beryl hit Texas?

Portions of South Texas are now within the forecast cone of Hurricane Beryl , which meteorologists say could arrive in the state over the weekend or early Monday.

However, forecasters remain unsure of what Beryl will do and how strong it will be as it approaches the Gulf Coast after hitting Mexico: "High uncertainty remains with both the track and intensity of Beryl," the  National Weather Service said Wednesday.

"From Panama City, Florida to New Orleans, there is a low risk of direct impacts from Beryl, but from about Corpus Christi to Brownsville, Texas, the risk increases significantly due to the potential for Beryl to have more direct impacts,"  AccuWeather  meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "That southern portion of the Texas coast is the zone we have to really watch."

Coastal threats could begin this weekend, Weather.com warned: "Well ahead of Beryl, onshore winds could lead to increasing surf, rip currents and coastal flooding along parts of the Gulf Coast from eastern Mexico to Texas and western Louisiana beginning as soon as Saturday, and continuing until just after Beryl's final landfall, Weather.com  said. The rip current threat could also even extend farther east along the northern Gulf Coast.

Brennan said Tuesday that "folks in the Texas coast, as we go into the holiday weekend, you're going to want to make sure you check back on the forecast and make sure you're ready for any potential impact. If we were to see tropical storm conditions affect those areas in the far western Gulf of Mexico, it could be during the day Saturday."

– Doyle Rice

More than 90% of the homes, buildings destroyed

More than 90% of homes and buildings across at least three islands were destroyed or severely damaged after Beryl tore through the southeast Caribbean, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency reported Wednesday. The agency was assisting with the disaster response in Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.

Beryl struck the islands with winds of 150 mph and higher gusts on Monday, causing significant impacts to the islands, according to Elizabeth Riley, the disaster management agency's executive director. In addition to infrastructure damages, some islands have also faced power outages and disruptions to communications.

In a briefing late Tuesday, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described "total destruction" on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

"There's really nothing that can prepare you to see this level of destruction," Mitchell said. "It is almost Armageddon-like, almost total damage and destruction of all buildings. Complete devastation and destruction of agriculture. Complete and total destruction of the natural environment."

— Dinah Voyles Pulver

Airlines waive fees for some in Hurricane Beryl's path

Six major U.S. airlines said they're waiving various fees for travelers who have flights booked in Beryl's path. In most cases, flights booked before July 1 are eligible for the changes. The listed flights include departures from or arrivals in airports in Mexico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Belize.

American , JetBlue , United , Delta , Southwest , and Spirit Airlines are offering a variety of fee waivers because of the hurricane. Passengers are encouraged to check directly with the airlines on what amended policies apply to them.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said on its website travelers on international flights may be able to recover expenses from a delayed or canceled flight by filing a claim with the airline.

"If the claim is denied, you may pursue the matter in court if you believe that the carrier did not take all measures that could reasonably be required to avoid the damages caused by the delay," the agency said. 

− Krystal Nurse

Resort manager in Jamaica maintains composure as Hurricane Beryl approaches

The coming hurricane doesn't scare Tamar Atkinson, the manager of a small resort in Hanover, a community on Jamaica's northwest coast.

"The way I look at it, I can't stop it," she told USA TODAY. "If the hurricane is going to blow your house down, it's going to blow the house down."

Atkinson, 42, who moved back to Hanover a year ago after she lived in the U.S. for 20 years, already has her sea legs in weathering Jamaica's hurricanes. She remembers facing Hurricane Gilbert, a Category 5, as a little girl – the storm blew the roof off her aunt's house, where she sheltered, but left her mother's house in "perfect condition."

When Hurricane Ivan hit two decades ago, Atkinson sheltered at a nearby school. Once again, the storm blew out the school's windows but left Atkinson's house untouched. "I'm not leaving my house, and I'm not going to go crazy like the rest of the people," she said, adding that she's told her guests to "relax their nerves."

Jamaica closes all international airports as Hurricane Beryl nears island

The Jamaica Tourist Board announced Wednesday that the Sangster, Norman Manley, and Ian Fleming international airports were closed as Hurricane Beryl approached the island.

Jamaica's travel website, VisitJamaica.com, doesn't list a reopening time for the airports and encourages travelers to contact their travel agents and/or airlines for flight updates. The website also encourages travelers to heed any instructions from their hotel or private accommodation on sheltering.

"We also encourage you to register with your Embassy for country-specific guidance and support," the board said on the website.

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica is open on a limited basis and encourages Americans to not visit the embassy for shelter and instead seek a government-run shelter. Citizens in Jamaica are encouraged to call the embassy at (876) 702-6486 if they need assistance. 

– Krystal Nurse

Ahead of Hurricane Beryl, Jamaicans prepare their homes

Donae Maye stocked up on water, candles, and food earlier this week, before supermarkets across her hometown of Montego Bay, a city on Jamaica's northern Coast, emptied.

"There was no bread, no essentials that you actually need, no candles, very few tin products," she said on Wednesday, after a recent visit to some local grocery stores.

Maye, 27, also prepped her home, where she will shelter with her fiance, her son and his father. "We cleared away any trees that might be blocking any electrical wires and stuff like that that might fall and break the window," she said.

She's confident that her house, which is made of concrete, will stand up to the storm better than many buildings did to Hurricane Ivan 20 years ago. Back then, more structures were made of board, which didn't fare well in the storm, she said. Today, "most structures are built to withstand the winds and the hurricane," she said.

Humanitarian groups rally relief for impacted countries

Global Giving and Americares are among the humanitarian organizations collecting money for those affected by Hurricane Beryl. Both promise donations to support various impacted communities, focusing on those who are disadvantaged and on decimated medical facilities.

Cora Nally, international emergency response director of Americares, said the organization focuses on restoring damaged medical facilities and expects to deploy its workers to Jamaica soon after Beryl leaves.

"That is really going to serve as a home base for them, and we are asking them to do an assessment of all the impacted islands in the Caribbean, and we are going to be keeping an eye on the storm as it moves towards Mexico and the United States," she said.

Is Cancun in the path of Hurricane Beryl?

Among the parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding areas under hurricane warnings were Cancun and the island of Cozumel, two popular tourist destinations packed with luxury resorts and cruise ship ports.

The hurricane warnings were issued by the Meteorological Service of Mexico as forecasters warned residents and tourists of the projected impact of Hurricane Beryl.

Brennan, the director of the NHC, said in a YouTube livestream on Wednesday that the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, faces 3 to 5 feet of storm surge as well as up to 8 inches of rain.

The record-breaking hurricane is expected to make landfall along the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday night or early Friday, NHC said.

In Jamaica, tourists shelter in hotel ballroom from Hurricane Beryl

Cecilia Garcia and her family initially planned to weather the beginning of the hurricane in the bathroom of their hotel room in Ocho Rios, on Jamaica's northern coastline. "We do have windows in our room, so I think the safest option would probably be to go in our restroom," she said.

Moon Palace Jamaica, where Garcia, 25, is staying with her parents, brother, sister and two kids, told hotel guests to evacuate to a ballroom. When Garcia and her family first visited the shelter, they found it too chaotic. "We ended up back in our room because it was very crowded," she said. "It was very hot in there."

But later on Wednesday morning, as the winds picked up, the family returned to the packed ballroom, where thin cots were arranged in rows, according to a video Garcia shared with USA TODAY.

Garcia and her family's flight back to their home of Houston, Texas, isn't until Saturday – the hurricane will strike at the midpoint of their week-long vacation. Garcia said if they chose to end their stay earlier, they wouldn't get a refund. 

Looking out at skies still partially clear on Wednesday morning, Garcia said the family was keeping calm ahead of the storm. "We're kind of used to bad weather and floods like that in Houston," she said. "But again, it's different when you're not at home, so that's the only scary part."

Hurricane Beryl spoiling graduation trip

Mona Parhar, 23, and Arezoo Rafkhani, 24, didn't start searching for early return flights from their vacation to Jamaica until Tuesday night, less than 24 hours before Hurricane Beryl was expected to sweep across the island. By then, they learned airports had closed.

"We really have no choice but to stick it out," Parhar said Wednesday from their hotel room at the Hotel Riu in Montego Bay on the island's northern side.

The two Toronto natives booked their trip to celebrate their recent graduations – Rafkhani from Toronto Metropolitan University and Parhar from York University. "We've never experienced something like this as Canadians," Rafkhani said. "It's kind of nerve-wracking."

The pair were comforted by the hotel staff, who kept guests informed and safe. "Since last night, they've been sending us messages about how to get prepared, what they're doing and will be doing this morning," Rafkhani said. "They've been keeping us calm," Parhar said.

Jamaica braces for Hurricane Beryl

Jamaican officials warned residents to stock up on food, batteries, candles, and drinking water. Residents in flood-prone areas were also advised to prepare for evacuation.

"Secure your critical documents and remove any trees or items that could endanger your property," the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica said on X on Tuesday. "Everyone, including those living alone, should take these necessary steps now."

As a precaution, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Tuesday night that electricity and water services will likely be shut off "if the storm reaches a serious threshold" to prevent fires and protect equipment.

"Only one hurricane has ever affected Jamaica during July," according to AccuWeather meteorologist Jesse Ferrell. "Category 4 Hurricane Dennis in 2005 did not make landfall but killed one person and caused a lot of damage."

Record-breaking path: Hurricane Beryl tears through the Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl breaks records

Forecasters have projected 2024 to be one of the busiest hurricane seasons on record. Beryl has already surprised forecasters and broken records since it formed, including becoming the earliest Category 4 or 5 storm on record.

Beryl broke the previous record set by Hurricane Emily on July 17, 2005, for the strongest Category 5 hurricane. Beryl rapidly strengthened from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in about 48 hours.

The storm is also the earliest Category 4 or larger storm by more than a week, breaking the record set by Hurricane Dennis, a Category 4 storm on July 8, 2005.

It was fueled by  much warmer than normal  ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and aided in that development by light winds that allowed it to build a strong inner core.

— Jennifer Borresen, Dinah Voyles Pulver and Ramon Padilla

Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path of Category 5 storm

Smaller islands hit hard by Beryl

Beryl hit St. Vincent and the Grenadines especially hard, according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.

"The hurricane has come and gone, and it has left in its wake immense destruction," he said, adding that Union Island had 90% of homes "severely damaged or destroyed."

After making landfall in Grenada's Carriacou Island on Monday, strong winds and high water levels smashed fishing boats in Barbados, downed power lines in Grenada and St. Vincent, and knocked out drinking water in St. Lucia, according to officials.

Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell noted on Tuesday that the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique were significantly impacted by the hurricane. In addition to downed power lines, roads remained impassable and fuel stations were destroyed.

"The situation is grim. There is no power. There is almost complete destruction of homes and buildings," Mitchell said.

Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida ; Reuters