Destinations
Choosing where to go and making the most of it, from matching a destination to your budget and season to planning a visit to a US national park.
Choosing where to go
Choosing where to go
The right destination makes a trip. Matching a place to your budget, the season and the kind of experience you want is the first and most important step in planning, and it affects every booking that follows.
How to choose your next vacation destination helps you narrow down options by budget, season, travel time and travel style, and compare the real cost of different places.
For one of America's best trips, see how to plan a visit to a US national park, covering choosing a park and season, entrance fees and passes, reservations, lodging and staying safe.
Once you've decided, how to plan a trip, step by step takes you through budget and bookings, and how to find cheap flights helps with the biggest cost. Driving instead? See how to plan a road trip.
Before you book international travel, check entry requirements and travel advisories on the State Department's website.
Common questions
Start with your budget, the time of year and the kind of trip you want, such as beaches, cities, nature or a road trip. Then compare total costs, including flights and lodging, and check the weather and crowds for your dates. Our destination guide walks you through it.
Shoulder season is the period just before and after a destination's peak season, often spring and fall. Prices are usually lower, crowds are smaller and the weather is often still good, which makes it a great time to travel.
Some popular parks require timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season, and lodges and campsites often book up months ahead. Check the park's page on nps.gov before you go, since rules change from year to year.