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Category: Travel Inspiration

Best Airports for Layovers

Posted on by bgrossmanlocal

Let’s be honest, layovers can be annoying. You’re either itching to start your vacation or just trying to get home already, and the last thing you want is extra time stuck in an airport. But sometimes layovers are unavoidable; they might be the only option, or simply the most affordable way to fly.

The good news? Not all layovers are created equal. If you have a choice, the right airport can make all the difference, turning a long wait into something far more comfortable (and maybe even enjoyable).

To help travelers plan smarter, InsureMyTrip researchers analyzed airport amenities like food, lounges, and showers, along with comfort features such as rest zones and hotels, plus overall traveler experience from trusted industry sources.

What Makes a Layover “Good”?

Here’s how layover quality is typically judged by analysts and travel data sites:

  • Amenities: Number and variety of restaurants, shops, lounges, and entertainment options.
  • Comfort: Rest zones, sleeping pods, quiet areas, and nearby hotels (especially for 6–12+ hour waits).
  • Efficiency & Walkability: Short distances between gates, easy navigation, and punctual flight performance.
  • Sleepability: Factors like available rest space, seating comfort, and crowd levels.

Worldwide Airports That Make Layovers Enjoyable

1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) – Singapore

Often considered the airport to beat, Changi regularly tops global airport rankings for overall traveler experience. Free movie theaters, butterfly gardens, themed lounges, and even a rooftop swimming pool inside a transit hotel help pass time better than most city stops.

Why it’s great for layovers:

  • World-class dining and shopping
  • Transit tours for long layovers
  • Rest lounges, showers, and entertainment zones

2. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) – South Korea

A favorite for frequent flyers, Incheon earns high marks for sleepability and amenities. It scores highest on rest-oriented layovers thanks to dedicated sleeping areas and relatively low passenger density.

Standout features:

  • Quiet rest zones and several dedicated resting areas
  • Strong passenger comfort ratings and efficient layout
  • Cultural exhibitions and lounges for extra distraction

3. Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) – Qatar

If you love variety on a layover, Doha packs plenty of entertainment and comfort: fancy spas, premium lounges, art installations, and high-end dining all under one roof.

Why you’ll enjoy it:

  • Multiple lounges and premium transit services
  • Spa and wellness facilities to relax between flights

Top U.S. Airports for Layovers

While international hubs often steal the spotlight, several U.S. airports make layovers much more bearable too.

1. San Diego International Airport (SAN)

  • Heavy amenities per mile
  • High variety of food and shopping options
  • Easy navigation for short layovers

2. Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)

  • Great for shorter connections thanks to compact terminals
  • High on-time departure and arrival rates

3. Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP)

  • Excellent food and retail options
  • Multiple rest areas and lounges

4. Denver International Airport (DEN)

  • Outstanding selection of shops and restaurants
  • Art installations and outdoor observation decks add value for long waits

5. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)

  • Reliable service
  • Passenger-friendly layout

These U.S. picks score high not just for amenities but also for “overall passenger experience,” including punctuality and accessibility, which can be just as important as food and lounges when you’re bored and waiting.

Bonus: Best Airports for “Sleepability”

Sometimes you’re not eating, shopping, or lounge-hopping; you just want to nap. These airports stand out for sleepability:

  • Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Best overall sleepability score.
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Near-perfect sleep ratings in U.S. airports.
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Good balance of space and rest areas.

Quick Tips for Great Layovers

  • Short layovers (under 3 hours): Choose compact hubs with efficient layouts (like SEA) to reduce walking time.
  • Foodies: Singapore Changi, Doha, or large U.S. hubs with diverse dining.
  • Long waits (6+ hours): Airports with transit hotels, lounges, and rest zones will make the world of difference.

Wrap-Up

A layover doesn’t have to be a dull waiting game. Whether you’re chasing quiet rest areas, world-class lounges, or fun airport attractions, choosing the right airport can turn hours into enjoyment, or at least less frustration.

Methodology

To identify the best airports for layovers, we reviewed a combination of industry rankings, traveler reviews, airport performance data, and publicly available amenities information. Airports were evaluated based on the factors that most impact the layover experience, including comfort, amenities, efficiency, and overall passenger satisfaction.

Sources

All data was pulled from the most recent information available at the time of publication and sourced from well-established travel and aviation authorities, including:

  • Skytrax World Airport Rankings – Identify airports that consistently rank highly for passenger experience, amenities, cleanliness, and overall quality.
  • Google Maps – Assess average traveler ratings for airports, as well as ratings and volume of reviews for restaurants, shops, and services within each airport.
  • Sleeping in Airports – Evaluate airport “sleepability,” including seating comfort, quiet areas, rest zones, overnight policies, and access to transit hotels.
  • OAG (Official Airline Guide) – Review airline and airport on-time performance data as an indicator of airport efficiency and reliability, which can significantly impact layover experiences.
  • Official airport websites and amenities directories – Confirm the availability of lounges, showers, free Wi-Fi, transit hotels, entertainment, and other passenger services that improve layover comfort.

Best Public Transit Networks

Posted on by bgrossmanlocal

Getting around a new city shouldn’t feel like a puzzle. A strong public transit system can make travel easier, cheaper, and far less stressful when you’re navigating an unfamiliar destination for the first time or trying to avoid renting a car.

Some cities make it simple to get from point A to point B with reliable, easy-to-use transit networks. Others… not so much. To help travelers plan smarter, InsureMyTrip researchers analyzed publicly available urban mobility data from trusted global sources to identify the best public transit networks around the world, cities where public transportation is efficient, accessible, and traveler friendly.

What Makes a Public Transit Network “Good”?

A great public transit system isn’t just about having buses or trains; it’s about how well the system works for everyday riders and visitors. Here’s what researchers looked at when evaluating transit networks:

  • Coverage & Accessibility – How well the transit system connects major neighborhoods, tourist areas, and airports, and how easy it is to access without a car.
  • Reliability & Frequency – How often services run, how dependable they are, and whether travelers can rely on transit to get around on time.
  • Affordability – How reasonably priced tickets and passes are compared to local cost of living and alternative transportation options.
  • Ease of Use – Clear signage, intuitive routes, integrated ticketing, and overall ease of navigation for visitors.
  • Sustainability & Investment – Ongoing investment in public transportation and policies that support long-term urban mobility.

Cities that perform consistently well across these areas tend to offer the best overall public transit experience.

Cities with the Best Public Transit Networks

1. Singapore

Singapore is widely recognized for having one of the most efficient and reliable public transit systems in the world. Its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network is clean, punctual, and easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.

Why it stands out:

  • Extensive rail and bus coverage across the city
  • Clear signage and integrated payment systems
  • Strong investment in urban mobility infrastructure

For travelers, Singapore’s transit system makes it easy to explore the city without ever needing a car.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s public transit network is famous for its scale and efficiency. Despite serving millions of passengers daily, trains and subways remain remarkably punctual and well-organized.

Why travelers love it:

  • Extremely frequent service
  • Exceptional reliability and on-time performance
  • Seamless connections between train lines

While the system is large, clear maps and station signage make it manageable for visitors willing to plan ahead.

3. London, United Kingdom

London’s public transit system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. With the Underground, buses, and regional rail services, travelers can reach nearly every corner of the city.

Key strengths:

  • Extensive coverage across Greater London
  • Contactless payment and visitor-friendly fare options
  • Strong integration between different transit modes

London’s network is especially useful for travelers staying outside the city center who still want easy access to major attractions.

4. Paris, France

Paris offers one of the densest public transit networks in the world, making it easy to move around the city quickly and affordably.

Why it works well:

  • Compact metro system with frequent stops
  • Affordable ticketing options
  • Strong connectivity to suburbs and airports

For travelers, Paris’s transit system is ideal for sightseeing without relying on taxis or rental cars.

5. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s public transit system is known for its simplicity and reliability. The city’s U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses work together seamlessly.

What makes it traveler-friendly:

  • Straightforward ticketing system
  • Good coverage day and night
  • Reliable service with minimal delays

Berlin’s network is especially appealing for travelers who want flexibility and ease of movement throughout the city.

Wrap-Up

The best public transit networks make travel easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable. Cities that invest in reliable, accessible transportation give travelers the freedom to explore without worrying about traffic, parking, or high transportation costs.

If getting around easily is high on your travel priority list, choosing destinations with strong public transit networks can make a big difference.

Methodology

To identify the best public transit networks, InsureMyTrip researchers reviewed a combination of global urban mobility datasets, transit performance indicators, and publicly available transportation data. Cities were evaluated based on factors that most impact traveler experience, including coverage, reliability, affordability, accessibility, and overall transit efficiency.

Sources

All data was pulled from the most recent information available at the time of publication and sourced from well-established transportation and economic authorities, including:

Supplemental data and contextual insights were reviewed from additional public transit research and urban mobility reports to support overall comparisons.

Best Countries for Set-Jetting

Posted on by bgrossmanlocal

Have you ever had an irresistible urge to step into the screen when watching your favorite TV show or movie? To visit New Zealand and walk amongst the hobbits, journey across Scotland’s hills to revisit history, or see the front of Walter White’s house in Albuquerque? For many travelers, this has always been the perfect inspiration when picking a trip, but in recent years, interest has surged, especially with the rise of streaming services and the popularity of on-location shows like The White Lotus and Game of Thrones.

Researchers at InsureMyTrip used IMDB to create a list from the top 250 TV and film in the world to find the best countries to visit for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the set of their favorite movies and TV shows, as well as other travel metrics such as cost and crime to find the best for screen tourism. For the main index, the United States and the United Kingdom were removed to establish the best countries away from the undisputed global hubs of screen productions.

Top 10 Best Countries for Set-Jetting

Best Destinations for Set Jetting Top 10 Map

Canada ranks first with an overall score of 7.7 with a total of 149 filming locations across 18 TV shows, along with 68 filming locations across 12 movies. It hosts locations for shows such as The X Files and The Last of Us and films that include Catch Me If You Can, Interstellar and Good Will Hunting. For travel-specific metrics, it also has one of the lowest average daily costs in the top 10 with $197 and a crime index of 41.4 out of 100.

Second is Germany with an overall score of 6.7, with 48 filming locations for 4 TV shows and 132 filming locations across 17 movies. Shows filmed here include The Queen’s Gambit and Dark, as well as films such as Barry Lyndon, Inglorious Basterds and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Germany’s average daily travel costs are marked at $206 as well as been ranked 30th globally for Culture Global Contribution.

In joint third with an overall score of 5.7, is Spain, Italy, and New Zealand. Spain leads for TV show filming locations with 33 across 4 shows that include Game of Thrones and Black Mirror, while Italy has 9 filming locations across the same number of shows such as My Brilliant Friend and Friends. New Zealand tops across the three with 103 filming locations across only 4 movies, due to the expansive Lord of the Rings trilogy, followed by Italy with 101 across 16 movies, like Dune: Part Two, The Godfather and The Wolf of Wall Street and then Spain with 86 across 6 movies that include Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Lawrence of Arabia and Pan’s Labyrinth. Spain is also ranked 13th for Culture Global Contribution, with Italy following at 16th and New Zealand at 33rd. New Zealand has the lowest average daily travel cost of the three with $156, followed by Spain with $216, and Italy with $233.

France and Japan are in 6th place with an overall score of 5.3, with France hosting 3 TV shows across 6 locations, such as Twin Peaks and Das Boot and 17 movies across 94 locations, including La haine and Saving Private Ryan. Japan has one TV show included in the study, the recently produced Shōgun, along with 54 filming locations across 13 films that includes Ikiru, Harakiri and Kill Bill: Vol 1. Japan has a low average daily travel cost of $140 as well as a low crime score of 35.9 out of 100, while France is ranked 18th for Culture Global Contribution.

Finally, Norway, Austria, and South Korea all have an overall score of 5.1 at joint 8th place to round off the top 10. Norway has a grand total of 6 filming locations across 4 TV shows and movies, with Austria having a total of 48 filming locations across 6 TV shows and movies, and South Korea providing 31 filming locations across 7 screen productions. Norway also has one of the lowest crime scores with 22.6 out of 100 and Austria has been ranked 4th for Culture Global Contribution.

Filming Hot Spots

As the top worldwide centers for film and TV show production, the United States and the United Kingdom have their own status for set-jetting.

Best Countries for Set Jetting - United States

For the United States, it tops for the total filming locations with 2,763, split with 610 for TV shows and 2,153 for movies, across a grand total of 201 productions, which is made up of 66 TV shows and 135 movies.

Drama is the U.S.’s top genre for both TV and film, across shows like Succession and Breaking Bad, as well as films like the famous Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather.

Best Countries for Set Jetting - United Kingdom

Comedy is the UK’s top TV genre, with the likes of Ted Lasso and Fleabag being filmed across England’s capital and Father Ted, while drama tops the film category, with movies like The Dark Knight and Trainspotting.

For filming locations, the United Kingdom has a grand total of 944 across a combined number of 84 TV shows and films. It breaks down for a total of 377 filming locations across 44 TV shows and 567 filming locations across 40 films.

Movies with the Most Filming Locations

Movies with the Most Filming Locations Table

Research was conducted into which movies productions had the most filming locations, which is led by Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, filmed across 77 locations across 6 countries which include Germany, Italy, Jordan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Barry Lyndon follows, produced across 56 different filming locations in 3 countries, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

In third is The Godfather, filmed across 53 locations across Dominica, Italy, and the United States.

TV Shows with the Most Filming Locations

TV Shows with the Most Filming Locations Table

For TV, Game of Thrones and The Crown match in top position for the highest number of filming locations with 63, however Game of Thrones is filmed across a total of 7 countries, which includes Croatia, Iceland, Malta, Morocco, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, while The Crown is filmed across 4: Hungary, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Following on is the anthology series True Detective, which is filmed across 47 locations in 2 countries, both Iceland and the United States.

Methodology

For this study, IMDB was scraped for the top 250 Films and TV Shows (excluding documentary/animation/reality tv shows/those without locations). Their recorded filming locations were then scraped using the Screaming Frog Spider. These locations were then broken into their countries. Countries were then counted to find the number of filming locations per country and the number of films that were filmed in each country. These countries were then supplemented with travel metrics to discover the best countries for set-jetting.

Sources

Seed List: Top 250 of both TV and Film – https://www.imdb.com/chart/toptv & https://www.imdb.com/chart/top/

Number of Films/TV filmed per country – https://www.imdb.com/chart/toptv & https://www.imdb.com/chart/top/

Average Genres of Film/TV per country – https://www.imdb.com/chart/toptv & https://www.imdb.com/chart/top/

Average Travel Costs – https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/

Crime Index – https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings_by_country.jsp

Culture Global Contribution – https://index.goodcountry.org/

Most Overpriced Tourist Attractions in the US

Posted on by bgrossmanlocal

Key Takeaways:

  • Six Flags Great Adventure is the most overpriced attraction according to the study, with an overall score of 2.56 out of 10.
  • Disneyland in California is the most reasonably priced, with an overall score of 7.44 out of 10.
  • Amusement parks make up 7 out of 10 of the most overpriced tourist attractions.
  • National Parks make up 6 out of 10 of the most reasonably priced – make sure to check out the relevant park sites to make sure your trip is uninterrupted.

In the United States, millions of tourists flock to the most memorable attractions every year. Travelers visit national parks, museums, amusement parks, and natural wonders to relax, have fun, or learn about American history.

However, some of these attractions are considered more worth the cost. Researchers at InsureMyTrip sought to find which tourist attractions are the most overpriced and which are the most reasonable. Their study reveals the best and worst spots to plan a trip in 2026.

Most Overpriced Tourist Attractions in the US

Most Overpriced Tourist Attractions in the US Ranked Table

The most overpriced tourist attraction is Six Flags Great Adventure, with an overall score of 2.56 out of 10. The general admission ticket costs $39. It has a low popularity score of 2.8 out of 10 and a low rating of 3.8 out of 5. Out of 3,754 reviews, 129 mention the word ‘overpriced’.

In second place is Busch Gardens, with an overall score of 3.54 out of 10. The ticket costs $146.99 for the day. Its popularity score is 2.9, and 196 reviews mention that visitors found it ‘overpriced.’

Most Reasonably Priced Tourist Attractions in the US

Most Reasonably Priced Tourist Attractions in the US Ranked Table

Disneyland in California leads the top 10 most reasonably priced attractions with a score of 7.44 out of 10. Its high popularity score of 7.7 out of 10 comes from social media mentions across Instagram, TikTok, and polls on YouGov. It also has a high rating of 4.4 out of 5. These factors help offset the high cost of a $149.00 day ticket, making it worthwhile for the experience and visitor enjoyment.

Most Overpriced vs. Most Reasonably Priced Tourist Attractions

Most Overpriced Tourist Attractions vs Most Reasonably Priced

When comparing the top two for both overpriced and reasonable attractions, both are well-known amusement parks. Disneyland is considered the most worth the expense due to its 4.4 out of 5 rating and 7.7 popularity score. More tourists attend the Californian park. Six Flags Great Adventure costs $39.00, compared to Disneyland’s $149.00. However, reviews mentioning ‘overpriced’ make up 4% of total reviews for Six Flags and 1.6% for Disneyland.

Methodology

Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are attraction specific data points. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each tourist attraction is then ranked on the value of their overall popularity and their ticket costs.

75 tourist attractions were analysed – all free attractions were then removed, along with Lake Mead, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and South Street Seaport which were then removed due to lack of data to leave 47 attractions.

Sources

Seed List – https://today.yougov.com/ratings/travel/popularity/tourist-attractions/all

Ticket Costs – Direct attraction sites

TikTok Posts – https://www.tiktok.com/

Instagram Posts – https://www.instagram.com/

Ratings, Number of Reviews and Reviews containing ‘overpriced’ – https://www.tripadvisor.com/

Popularity Score – Normalized score, combining the number of TikTok and Instagram hashtags, along with the YouGov ranking and TripAdvisor Rating.

Best Cities for U.S. Students to Study Abroad

Posted on by bgrossmanlocal

Ranking the Top Cities for U.S. Students to Study Abroad

Choosing the right college is an important decision for any student looking to continue into higher education and the options around the globe are endless. Based on a survey by Terra Dotta, there has been a rise in interest to study abroad for U.S. students, with 76% of American students hoping to study abroad in 2025.

Researchers at InsureMyTrip analyzed the best cities for studying abroad across 68 different cities, considering academic costs such as visas and tuition fees, along with living expenses like accommodation and the quality of life based on happiness and crime indexes.

Top 10 Best Cities for U.S. Students to Study Abroad

Top 10 Study Abroad Cities for US Students Map

The top ten best cities for U.S. students to study abroad are as follows:

  • 1. Kyoto, Japan with Kyoto University – Overall Score: 7.86
  • 2. Heidelberg, Germany with Universität Heidelberg – Overall Score: 7.81
  • 3. Bangi, Malaysia with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Overall Score: 7.66
  • 3. Leuven, Belgium with KU Leuven – Overall Score: 7.66
  • 5. Prague, Czechia with Charles University – Overall Score: 7.64
  • 6. Munich, Germany with Technical University of Munich – Overall Score: 7.68
  • 7. Vienna, Austria with University of Vienna – Overall Score: 7.53
  • 8. Tokyo, Japan with The University of Tokyo – Overall Score: 7.52
  • 9. Delft, Netherlands with Delft University of Technology – Overall Score: 7.48
  • 10. Warsaw, Poland with University of Warsaw – Overall Score: 7.47

In the top spot is Kyoto in Japan with an overall score of 7.86. Kyoto hosts its eponymous university which is ranked 57th in the world on Top University. The city has a low cost for a month’s rent in the city center with $576, along with a peace index of 1.53 and a low crime rating of 14.24.

Heidelberg in Germany is second with an overall score of 7.81, with an estimated student visa application cost of $88 and average flights costs of $600. The country also has a high score on the World Happiness Report with 6.75. For Universität Heidelberg, it is ranked 80th in the world and many of the courses are free for international students.

In joint third is Bangi, Malaysia with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Leuven in Belgium with KU Leuven, both with an overall score of 7.66. Bangi has a low cost of living with monthly rent for a one-bed apartment at $476, along with inexpensive meal only costing $3.33. Malaysia also has the cheapest cost student visa application out of the list at $12, while Belgium has high scores for quality of living with a happiness score of 6.91 and a low crime rating of 20.96.

Top 3 Best University Cities

From the overall research, alternate scores were calculated based on the academic focused metrics, the living costs, and the living quality of each city.

Best Cities to Study Abroad - Academics Table

In first is Munich, Germany, with the Technical University of Munich having no annual tuition fees for international students on select degrees such as Management and Data Science. The university was also ranked joint 22nd and has an estimated student visa application cost of $88 and achieved an overall score of 9.7 for academic related metrics.

Zürich, Switzerland is in second place with ETH Zurich which is ranked 7th globally on Top Universities with an overall academic score of 9.5. Enrolling here has an estimated cost of $5,520 per year for tuition fees and costs an estimated $102 to apply for a student visa. Switzerland is also in third with Lausanne and EPFL École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne with an overall academic score of 9.4 and is joint 22nd with Munich on Top University.

Best Cities to Study Abroad - Living Costs Table

With an overall living cost score of 9.2, Bogotá in Columbia is in first with Universidad de los Andes. Flight costs from the U.S. average at a low cost of $244 and the cost of a domestic beer is $1.18, while an inexpensive meal costs $5.41. Furthermore, the cost of one month’s rent in the city center is $476.

New Delhi, India is in second for living costs with an overall living cost score of 8.6, with one bottle of beer costing $1.82 and the cost of a month’s rent being only $230. Philippines’ Quezon City then follows in third with an overall living cost score of 8.5, with an inexpensive meal costing as little as $4.21.

Best Cities to Study Abroad - Living Quality Table

Finland’s Espoo is in first with a peace index of 1.47 and a high happiness score of 7.74. It also has a low crime rating at 20.19 to give it an overall living quality score of 9.2.

In joint second is Copenhagen, Denmark and Helsinki, Finland, with an overall living quality score of 8.9. Helsinki has a slightly higher crime rating than Espoo with 25.51, while Denmark has a slightly better peace index with 1.38, with a low crime rating of 25.66.

Methodology

Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are destination specific level data points. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each city is then ranked on their overall rating to find the best cities for U.S. students.

The seed list was created by using Top Universities to find the top two universities per country. Universities were primarily selected if they were located in different cities in the same country, but some are duplicated due to their top universities being located in the same city.

Sources

Seed list and number of international students – https://www.topuniversities.com/

Average Flight Costs – https://www.skyscanner.net/
– Used the top five major airports in the U.S. and the cost of flying to the most local airport to the university and find the average of these costs.

Annual International Fees – University sites (when applicable, used Business Undergraduate Fees)

Student Visa Costs – Government and embassy sites

Cost of Student Accommodation for a term – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
– 1 bed apartment in the City Center

Cost of Domestic Beer – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Cost of an Inexpensive Meal – https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Global Peace Index (to 2 decimal places and the lower number is considered more peaceful) – https://www.economicsandpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPI-2024-web.pdf

World Happiness Report (to 2 decimal places) – https://www.worldhappiness.report/
– These have been reduced to two digital places.

Crime Index – https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp

Best Beginner Hiking Trails

Posted on by bgrossmanlocal

Best Beginner Hiking Trails in the U.S.

As the weather begins to cool down and the days grow shorter, being able to enjoy the fall colors amid quiet natural reserves becomes more tempting. For those wanting to take their first hike or looking for a nice easy walk among breathtaking scenery, this list looks at the top beginner hiking trails in the U.S.

Researchers at InsureMyTrip analyzed a list of 50 popular hiking sites to highlight the best routes for beginner hikers, or those who want an easier route. The study investigated various metrics, such as the elevation, difficulty, average temperature, and the availability to find the overall best trek for beginners.

Top 10 Beginner Hiking Trails

Best Beginner Hiking Trails Map

California, Colorado, and Arizona all received two spots in the top 10. These states are known for their incredible natural vistas and multitude of trails for all levels of hiking. Many of the top 10 routes are also free to visit, while those located within certain national parks require the standard fee to access.

The top 10 beginner hiking trails are as follows:

  • 1. Ledges Trail, Ohio – 8.4 overall
  • 2. Horseshoe Bend Trail, Arizona – 7.1 overall
  • 3. Mount Tammany via Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail, New Jersey – 7 overall
  • 4. Red Rocks Trading Post Trail, Colorado – 6.9 overall
  • 5. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, California – 6.8 overall
  • 6. Lands End Trail, California – 6.6 overall
  • 7. Saint Mary’s Glacier, Colorado – 6.5 overall
  • 7. Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trailhead, Arizona – 6.5 overall
  • 7. Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop, Washington – 6.5 overall
  • 10. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, Utah – 6.4 overall

It’s important to check before you visit any hiking trails in case of any natural hazards or seasonal closures that may impact plans.

Best Beginner Hiking Trails

Ledges Trail Ohio - Best Beginner Hikes

In first place is the Ledges Trail, located in Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park with an overall score of 8.4. The trail is around 2.4 miles long with an estimated time of just under an hour at 55 minutes. It is also highly rated at 4.7 out of 5 and is free to wander at any time as the park is open 24 hours a day. In the fall months, the temperature averages at 52.5°F and it is 1.4 miles from the nearest town.

Horseshoe Bend Trail Arizona - Best Beginner Hikes

In second place is Horseshoe Bend Trail, found in Arizona with an overall score of 7.1. This trail is the shortest in the top 3 at 1.5 miles, taking just over half an hour. The average fall temperature is slightly warmer at 69.8°F and the visitor center is open between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., although it is recommended to visit here outside of busy times, either early morning or late afternoon. It also has a large number of reviews (21,860), establishing its popularity as a well-loved path.

Mount Tammany Trail New Jersey - Best Beginner Hikes

Mount Tammany via Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop Trail is in third place, found near Pahaquarry in New Jersey with an overall score of 7. While this trail is considered moderate, it is a perfect fit for those looking to challenge themselves for their hike as it is slightly longer than the first two at 3.6 miles. It is also rated 4.7 out of 5 and is accessible throughout the day for free. The average temperature during fall is 57.6°F and it located five miles away from the nearest town.

Methodology

Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are destination specific level data points. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each hiking trail is then ranked on their overall rating for the easier spectrum of the metrics to find the best beginner hiking trails.

Sources

Trail popularity (based on the number of Google Reviews) – https://www.google.com/maps

Hike Rating/Distance/Estimated Time – https://www.alltrails.com/

Difficulty (based on elevation calculations) – https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/how-to-determine-hiking-difficulty.htm

Average Fall Temperature (across September and October) – https://www.accuweather.com/

Distance from nearest town – https://www.google.com/maps

Opening times/Fee Costs – from relevant national park or location sites, such as https://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Best Destinations for Stargazing Travelers

Posted on by ewilmw

What is astro tourism?

Astro tourism is a growing trend, with travelers becoming increasingly interested in visiting destinations to stargaze and experience awe-inspiring astronomical events in clear skies.

Leaving the city dust and urban neighborhoods behind to explore the night sky is a perfect way to spend the summer months, especially with the upcoming astrological events. Stargazing has become a popular hobby for those seeking the most ideal spots to see the bright stars clearly in dark skies and there are plenty of places to recommend to find the best views.

Researchers at InsureMyTrip conducted a study into the best destinations to visit for upcoming astronomical events in 2025, including the Perseid and Draconid meteor showers, which can be seen from the U.S., along with the Lunar Eclipse which can be seen from many global locations. The study looked into specific peak times for each event, investigating the light pollution via Bortle scale, the percentage of nightly cloud coverage, local observatories, and air quality, while also factoring in tourism metrics such as accommodations and campsites where visitors can stay.

Top 5 U.S. Destinations for Astro Adventurers

Best Destinations for Viewing Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower is a well-documented annual shower that occurs from mid-July to late August. Its name comes from its estimated direction from the constellation Perseus.

The top U.S. destinations to see the Perseid meteor shower are:

  • 1. Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Oregon – 7.1 overall
  • 1. Watoga State Park, West Virginia – 7.1 overall
  • 3. Antelope, Oregon – 6.5 overall
  • 4. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Oregon – 6.2 overall
  • 5. Jonestown, Texas – 6.1 overall
  • 5. Blanco, Texas – 6.1 overall

Cottonwood Canyon State Park and Watoga State Park are tied as the best destinations to view the Perseid meteor shower.

Antelope is the smallest destination on the list with a size of 0.5 mi2 while Watoga State Park is the largest at 30.6 mi2. Jonestown and Blanco, both ranked 5th and both in Texas, have the highest number of properties to stay in with Jonestown having 1,986 properties available and Blanco having 2,465 properties available.

Best U.S. Destination for Perseid Meteor Shower

Top Destinations for Viewing Perseid Meteor Shower

In first, is Cottonwood Canyon State Park in Oregon and Watoga State Park in West Virginia, each with an overall score of 7.1.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park has a 2.6 rating on the Bortle scale for a ‘typical truly dark site’, with only 8% cloud coverage when the shower peaks so there will be clear views of the fiery shower. Along with seven properties, including hotels, there are also 21 campsites for those who prefer to sleep under the stars.

Watoga has a higher rating on the Bortle scale with 3.5 classed as a ‘rural sky’, but there is less chance of a cloudy night, with 3% cloud coverage predicted. It has four observatories within its vicinity for visitors who are keen to explore the science behind the stars.

Top 5 U.S. Destinations for Astro Adventurers

Best Destinations for Viewing Draconid Meteor Shower

The Draconid meteor shower, will take place in the Northern Hemisphere, peaking on October 8th. This shower is named after the constellation Draco which is the direction the meteors may have come from.

The top U.S. destinations to see the Draconid meteor shower are ranked below:

  • 1. Saguaro National Park, Arizona – 7.5 overall
  • 2. Watoga State Park, West Virginia – 7 overall
  • 3. Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona – 6.9 overall
  • 4. Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina – 6.7 overall
  • 4. Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Oregon – 6.7 overall

Saguaro National Park is the best destination to visit for the Draconid meteor shower, with an overall score of 7.5.

Watoga has also made it to the Draconid list, along with Cottonwood Canyon State Park, while Chiricahua National Monument makes its first appearance. Located in Arizona, the Chiricahua National Monument has a 2.4 score on the Bortle scale, with only 2% coverage on October 8th. Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina is joint fourth, with the best air quality (10/100) and a low average nightly cost of $151 across 619 available properties.

Best U.S. Destination for Draconid Meteor Shower

Top Destination for Viewing Draconid Meteor Shower

The best destination to visit to see the Draconid meteor shower is Saguaro National Park in Arizona, which achieved an overall score of 7.5. It has the highest number of observatories, with 26 in proximity. Kitt Peak is under an hour away which boasts 17 of them. Along with having 1,180 properties to choose from, or five campsites for a more rural stay, the average cost of a nightly stay is $124. The national park is spacious with a size of 142.7 mi2 so there is endless sky to spot the shower as it shoots through the sky.

Top 5 Global Destinations for Astro Tourism

Best Destinations for Viewing Lunar Eclipse

The Lunar Eclipse, where the Earth will pass between the sun and moon, will occur over September 7th and 8th , passing a red illumination across the full moon.

The top five best global destinations to see the lunar eclipse are:

  • 1. Palm Beach Headland, Australia – 7.6 overall
  • 2. Island of Anholt, Denmark – 7.2 overall
  • 3. North Ronaldsay Dark Sky Island, Scotland – 6.8 overall
  • 4. Spiekeroog Star Island, Germany – 6.4 overall
  • 4. Pellworm Star Island, Germany – 6.4 overall

Palm Beach Headland is in first position followed by Island of Anholt, just off the coast of Denmark. Island of Anholt has an overall score of 7.2 and has the largest number of campsites with seven, so those visiting have a choice of where to pitch a tent and watch the eclipse with low cloud coverage of only 6% on the night of September 7th.

In third position is North Ronaldsay Dark Sky Island in Scotland. It has an overall score of 6.8.

Germany has two destinations in joint fourth – Spiekeroog and Pellworm. Both have an overall score of 6.4 and are registered star islands so visitors have a great opportunity to visibly see the most incredible spectacles.

Best Global Destination for the Lunar Eclipse

Top Destination for Viewing Lunar Eclipse

In top spot for global locations is Palm Beach Headland in Australia – first designated as a dark sky location in 2024. It has all attractions of a beach vacation too. Despite it being right next to Sydney, the light pollution rating here is 2.6 with clear skies to peruse the stars, along with five observatories within proximity. It also has 300 properties available to stay, with an average nightly cost of $368. There are also three campsites located down the beach for an unobstructed view of the eclipse.

Methodology

For the list of U.S. and global locations in the study, they were selected according to their dark sky accreditation from DarkSky International. Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are city/town-specific level data points unless noted. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each destination is then ranked on their overall rating across all metrics to find which destination is the best for the coming celestial sights.

Sources

Bortle Scale (light pollution) – https://lightpollutionmap.app/

Air Quality – https://weather.com/

Dark Sky Location Size – https://darksky.org/

Percentage of Cloud Cover – https://www.accuweather.com/

  • Perseid destinations: Percentage on the night of the August 12th
  • Draconid destinations: Percentage on the night of October 8th
  • Global destinations: Percentage on the night of the September 7th

Number of Observatories (within 2 hours) – https://www.go-astronomy.com/observatories.htm

Number and Average Cost of Properties with ‘Outdoor Space’ – https://www.expedia.com/

  • Global Locations – Average nightly cost and number available between September 3rd and 9th (over the peak of the Lunar Eclipse)
  • U.S. Locations – Average nightly cost and number available between September 14th and 20th (midway between showers)

Number of Campsites – https://opencampingmap.org/

Best Destinations for Wild West Enthusiasts

Posted on by ewilmw

Top Destinations for Wild West Vacations

Interest in traveling to “cowboy towns” has grown thanks to popularity of TV shows Yellowstone and Beyonce’s award-winning album Cowboy Carter, with vacationers looking to add some Western flair to their travel plans. The appeal of this ‘cowboy core’ trend sees travelers looking to visit destinations where they can explore the great outdoors on horseback, with incredible natural vistas amongst the tranquillity of the prairie.

Where is the Wild West?

The “Wild West” refers to a region of the U.S. during the end of the 19th century that laid west of the Mississippi River, spanning states like Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

InsureMyTrip conducted a study across a list of 50 western towns, measuring the availability of horseback riding within hotel amenities, the cost and rating of ranch-style accommodations, and the number of local wildlife parks, to name a few, to create a list of the best old western towns to visit.

Best Destinations for Wild West Enthusiasts

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Wild West Destinations Steamboat Springs Colorado Rank 1

In first place, located in Yampa Valley in north Colorado, Steamboat Springs boasts nearly 20 nature and wildlife parks in its small town. Known for its ski spots as well as hot springs, it hosts 142 hotels that offer horseback riding, with a high rating of 9.2 out of 10 for its ranch-style accommodation. This accommodation on average costs $579 per night in high season and has an average summer temperature of 63.9 °F, which is within a healthy range for horses.

Durango, Colorado

Wild West Destinations Durango Colorado Rank 2

Southwest Colorado’s Durango is in second place with one of the longest journeys from an international airport at 218 miles, but it will be worth the trip to see the wilderness areas amongst scenic lakes and mountains, along with three wildlife parks. The ranch-style accommodation available is highly rated at 9.4 out of 10, along with an average cost of $227 for a stay. There are also 101 hotels with horseback riding to explore the numerous trails.

Wild West Filming Locations - Durango Colorado

Estes Park, Colorado

Wild West Destinations Estes Park Colorado Rank 3

Estes Park is in third, also located in Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park and this town has the highest rating out of the top three for its ranch-style accommodation with a rating of 9.5 out of 10. These accommodation options have an average cost of $298 per night, and the town has the one of the cooler average temperatures in the at 63 °F. For those looking to enjoy horseback riding, there are 58 hotels with this activity available. Estes Park is also the closest in the top three to an international airport with 81 miles.

Top Five Best Destinations for Wild West Enthusiasts

Best Destinations for Wild West Enthusiasts

Here is the list of the Best Destinations for Wild West Enthusiasts:

  • Steamboat Springs, Colorado – 7.2 overall
  • Durango, Colorado – 7.1 overall
  • Estes Park, Colorado – 6.3 overall
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado – 6.1 overall
  • West Yellowstone, Montana – 6.1 overall

Colorado Springs in fourth position joins the top three Colorado towns. West Yellowstone in Montana comes in fifth position and acts as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Both towns have an overall score of 6.1. Colorado Springs boasts one of the highest ratings for its ranch-style accommodation in the whole list with 9.7 out of 10 and West Yellowstone has an ideal summer temperature for horseback activities at 58.8 °F.

Methodology

For the list of cities/towns used in the study, they were selected according to popular ranches from Dude Ranchers Association. Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are city/town-specific level data points unless noted. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each destination is then ranked on their overall rating across all metrics to find which destination is the best for Wild West enthusiasts.

Sources

Original Seed List – https://duderanch.org/find-a-ranch/

Western Films – https://www.imdb.com

Number of Hotels with Horseback Riding – https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels

Average Cost/Review of Ranch-Style Accommodation – https://www.expedia.com

Distance from International Airport – https://duderanch.org/find-a-ranch/

Average Temperature – https://www.accuweather.com/

Number of Scenic Nature and Wildlife Parks – https://www.tripadvisor.com

Most Sustainable Travel Destinations

Posted on by ewilmw

Green Getaways: The World’s Most Eco-Friendly Cities

In recent years there has been a rise in travelers looking for more sustainable holidays. This comes hand in hand with an increasing number of destinations suffering from overtourism. However, a sustainable vacation isn’t just one that is less crowded, there are several metrics that can determine the sustainability of a destination.

Researchers at InsureMyTrip wanted to find out which destinations were the most sustainable, looking at a range of ecotourism and destination-specific sustainability metrics. This includes walking tours, the prevalence of sustainable hotels, pollution levels, and the walkability of a city.

The Most Sustainable Global Destinations

Most Sustainable Global Cities for Travel Ranked

At the top of our list is Helsinki, Finland, with an overall score of 7.4. The city performs well across all sustainability and ecotourism metrics. Seventeen percent of hotels are “Green Certified” on Booking.com and the average price is $143. There are 118 walking tours, and the population is around 1.4 million. For the destination sustainability metrics, the city has the second lowest carbon emission output per capita at 7.4 tons of CO2, a pollution score of 5.5, just above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 0-5, green space quality of 86%, and an average walking time of just 13 minutes to get to basic amenities from all over the city.

Most Sustainable Global Cities for Travel - Helsinki

In second place is Stockholm, Sweden with an overall score of 7.3, the city has more than 200 walking tours and 21% of the hotels are Green Certified. In third position is Copenhagen, Denmark with an overall score of 7.0. This city has the best walking time of just 7 minutes to reach all basic amenities.

Of the top 10, only two cities reside outside Europe, both of these are in Australia with Sydney in fifth position with an overall score of 6.2, and Melbourne in eighth position with an overall score of 6.1. Out of all cities in the top 10 the Australian destinations are the only ones to have a pollution level within WHO’s guidelines.

Most Sustainable U.S. Cities

Most Sustainable US Cities for Travel Ranked

Reviewing how cities in the U.S. perform against the global cities we can see that the top sustainable city is San Jose, CA with an overall score of 6.9. This city has the least expensive sustainable hotels at $164 a night and the shortest walking time between amenities – 19 minutes.

The second-best U.S. city is Portland, OR with an overall score of 6.7. This is the smallest city in our top five with a population of just 615k, and the best rated for green spaces at 85%. Following Portland is Boston with an overall score of 6.4. The city has 186 walking tours and 15% of the hotels on Booking.com are Green Certified. Following this is Raleigh, NC in fourth position with a score of 6.3 and Las Vegas in fifth position with a score of 6.3.

Conclusion

With travelers becoming more conscious of how their vacations can affect the environment, our data highlights the locations leading the way in sustainability. With many European cities offering both sustainable travel options and lower pollution levels.

Many U.S. cities are starting to become more sustainable, with a wide variety of walking tours and sustainable hotels. The cities fall slightly behind in walkability and pollution data points, areas that should be expanded to allow travelers a more sustainable trip.

Methodology

For the list of cities used in the study, they were selected according to the GDS-index by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement. Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are city-specific level data points, split into ecotourism metrics and destination specific sustainability metrics. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each destination is then ranked on their overall rating across all metrics to find which city is the best for sustainability.

Sources

Ecotourism Metrics:

Destination Sustainability Metrics:

Best Cities for Traveling with Pets

Posted on by ewilmw

Traveling with pets has become increasingly popular since the pandemic, with the pet population continuing to increase into 2025. Many pet owners would rather bring their furry friends along for the trip since pet daycare back home can get pricey. However, there is a lot to consider when traveling with a pet – like safety (do you have the right carrier?) and requirements (does your pet have an authenticated passport?).

InsureMyTrip conducted a study to identify the best pet-friendly travel destinations, evaluating cities based on the availability of pet-friendly hotels and activities, necessary pet travel documents, and ideal weather conditions. The goal? Helping travelers find the perfect vacation spots to enjoy with their pets.

Top 10 Best Cities for Traveling with Pets

Top 10 Best Cities for Traveling with Pets Map

Our top 10 cities for traveling with pets are as follows:

  1. Ottawa, Canada – 6.87 overall
  2. Rome, Italy – 6.21 overall
  3. Vienna, Austria – 5.67 overall
  4. Dodoma, Tanzania – 5.61 overall
  5. Warsaw, Poland – 5.41 overall
  6. Brasilia, Brazil – 5.41 overall
  7. Manila, Philippines – 5.33 overall
  8. New Delhi, India – 5.23 overall
  9. Berlin, Germany – 5.21 overall
  10. Bucharest, Romania – 5.17 overall

Top City for Traveling with Pets

Best City for Traveling with Pets Ottawa

Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is in top spot with an overall score of 6.87. With 51 pet-friendly activities available within the city, along with a high rating (4.55 out of 5) for their pet hospitals – the city provides some great options for pet owners. The city has an average hotel cost of $141, along with 50 options for pet-friendly hotels. For pet travel requirements, a Digital Endorsement is accepted which is issued by accredited veterinarians which can speed up the process when planning your trip.

As for the remaining top 10, Rome is in second place with the highest number of pet-friendly hotels (3,270 different options). Vienna, the capital of Austria, is in third with a high rating of B on the Animal Protection Index. Domoda of Tanzania is in fourth place, with the cheapest average cost of pet-friendly hotels at $28. In fifth place is Warsaw in Poland, with a high Green Space Index with 50% of the city recorded as urban green space.

Best Cities for Pet Care

Top 10 Best Cities for Traveling with Pets Table

Ottawa is in first place again, followed by Accra, the capital of Ghana which also requires a Digital Endorsement. The best temperature for cats and dogs is between 75 and 78 degrees. While Accra’s summer temperatures average slightly higher at 80.6°F, it remains a pet-friendly destination. In third place is Tirana, Albania, one of the four European countries on the list, with warmer temperatures at 82.4°F.

Algiers in Algeria also has the highest rating for their pet hospitals at 4.64 out of 5.

Lisbon has an average temperature of 75.2 °F while the average temperatures in Sofia and Bratislava are 75.2 °F and 77 °F respectively, which all fall within the parameters of the best temperatures for pets.

Four countries including Bulgaria, Slovakia, Algeria and Portugal require Original Ink Endorsement from an USDA Endorsement Office, so these will need further planning to ensure the documents are accepted upon travel.

Methodology

For the list of cities used in the study, they were selected according to the number of visitors in 2024 and checked against the U.S. Travel Advisories. Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are city-specific level data points unless noted. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each destination is then ranked on their overall rating across all metrics to find which city is the best for traveling with pets.

Sources

Green Space Index – https://hugsi.green/ranking

Average Summer Temperature – https://www.accuweather.com/

Number of Pet-Friendly Activities – https://www.bringfido.com/

Number of Pet-Friendly Hotels – https://www.booking.com/

Average Cost of Pet-Friendly Hotels – https://www.expedia.com/

Rating of Pet Hospitals – https://www.google.com/maps

Animal Protection Index (Country-wide) – https://api.worldanimalprotection.org/

Pet Travel Requirements (Country-wide) – https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export

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